​Why Do People Romanticize the Psychopath in Television/Film?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

​Why Do People Romanticize the Psychopath in Television/Film?

What is so special about a villain?

1101
​Why Do People Romanticize the Psychopath in Television/Film?
youtube.com

In society today, there tends to be an infatuation with the villain of a television show or film. For example, Tate Langdon in American Horror Story, Dexter in the hit series “Dexter,” The Joker in Suicide Squad, Ian Somerhalder in The Vampire Diaries and Katherine Pierce who is also in The Vampire Diaries. There are more villains in shows and films who are romanticized in today's society than heroes.

So the question is: why do people tend to romanticize the psychopath?

No one will ever have a definitive answer to this. I’m sure everyone has a different reason. But in my opinion, people romanticize the psychopath because it appeals to our ID.

Sigmund Freud came up with the structural model of the psyche. Freud believed the personality had more than one aspect. He saw the psyche as something structured into three parts the ID, ego and superego. The ID is the pleasure principle the first stage developed in the psyche according to Freud. It is the dark side of our personality the part of us that wants what we want, when we want it.

The next stage is the ego . “The ego develops in order to mediate between the unrealistic ID and the external real world. It is the decision making component of personality.” And the last stage was the super ego. The superego considers the values and morals of society while making a decision. “The superego’s function is to control the id’s impulses”

It is my personal belief that the reason why we romanticize with the psychopath is because the psychopath resonates and appeals to our ID. Sometimes our ID may feel that we can relate to how the psychopath is feeling and understand why they did what they did.

Sometimes it is because it is so out of the ordinary. Something that is not safe or practical or something that happens every day appeals to the people who are bored with their lives and get a thrill out of seeing this fictional yet entertaining reality of watching a psychopath on television and entering their minds.

Another theory of mine is--well...how could you not?

The villain of a television show or film is usually very attractive, with a very smart brain and usually someone who has been hurt before. People romanticize the villain because they love to hate him or her.

But once you see the villains soft side and weakness or weaknesses it's even harder to hate the villain at all.

A person usually starts to feel as if they connect with the villain.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Content Inspiration

Top 3 Response Articles of This Week

See what's trending in our creator community!

423
Top 3 Response Articles of This Week
gouletballet.files.wordpress.com

Welcome to post-spring break week on Odyssey! Our creators have a fresh batch of articles to inspire you as you hit the books again. Here are the top three response articles of last week:

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

5 high paying jobs don't need a college degree

Trade School Graduates Make Lucrative Careers Without College Debt

2790
5 high paying jobs don't need a college degree

The common belief that a college degree is a prerequisite for a high-paying job is no longer as accurate as it once was. In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, many lucrative career opportunities do not require a traditional four-year degree. As an expert in career development and workforce trends.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

The Enduring Legacy of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon

Its the 50 year anniversary

3669
The Enduring Legacy of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon

Since its release on March, 1973, Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic and influential albums in the history of rock music. Combining thought-provoking lyrics, innovative production techniques, and a captivating album cover, it captured the imagination of millions of listeners and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. In this article, we delve into the making, themes, and enduring influence of this groundbreaking album.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

Dear Los Angeles...With Love,

After packing two oversized suitcases and two carryons with all the boho chic clothes I thought I needed to travel across the country for my dream internship, I quickly realized that although I may look like I belong out in the entertainment capital of the world there was a lot more to it than Free People dresses and fanny packs.

2952
Dear Los Angeles...With Love,
September: Los Angeles

Ever since I was younger I dreamed of moving out to California. There was something so amusing about being in the hub of it all that bursts with passion and artistry wherever you look. After a trip to LA when I was a sophomore in high school for dance, I fell even more in love with this utopia of a city and from that moment on, Los Angeles was that light at the end of the tunnel.

Keep Reading... Show less
Sports

The Madness of March Madness

Paying students is not the fundamental problem.

3193
DesktopImages

It is March and with it comes madness, and with that madness comes the exhausting debate on whether or not college athletes should get paid.

Keep Reading... Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments