Pandemics, Authoritarian Populism, and Science Fiction: Medicine, Military

This book explores the social origins of the recent surge in authoritarian and populist social movements by examining the themes of tribalism, confidence in medical science, and confidence in military violence in film remakes of popular science fiction stories. It identifies three elements of authoritarian populism: tribalism, distrust of rational elites and their institutions, and willingness for violent coercion.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 140 pages
\n Publication date: 22 March 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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This book delves into the social roots of the recent rise of authoritarian and populist social movements, with a particular focus on two film remakes of popular science fiction stories: "I Am Legend" and "Day of the Dead." By examining how the themes of tribalism, trust in medical science, and confidence in military violence have evolved over time as these stories are retold in popular culture, the author identifies three key elements of authoritarian populism: tribalism, distrust of rational elites and their institutions, and a willingness to use violent coercion. Through an engaging study of popular culture, this book offers valuable insights into contemporary political attitudes and provides scholars with a rich resource for exploring critical theory, film studies, and science fiction.

Tribalism has been a recurring theme in science fiction stories, often symbolizing a group of people who have lost their sense of individuality and are united by a common identity or belief system. In the case of "I Am Legend," the protagonist, Robert Neville, is a scientist who is left alone in a world overrun by zombies. He forms a tribe of survivors, who are united by their shared goal of survival and their willingness to sacrifice for one another.

However, the portrayal of tribalism in "I Am Legend" has changed over time. In the original novel by Richard Matheson, the tribe is portrayed as a positive force, a group of people who have come together to overcome a common threat. In the film remake, however, the tribe is portrayed as a dangerous and primitive group, who are willing to resort to violence to protect their own interests.

This shift in portrayal reflects the changing attitudes towards tribalism in society. In the past, tribalism was often seen as a natural and positive aspect of human nature, a way for people to come together and survive in difficult circumstances. However, in recent years, there has been a growing distrust of tribalism, particularly in the context of modern politics.

One reason for this distrust is the rise of authoritarianism and populism. Authoritarianism is a political system in which a single leader or a small group of elites hold power and control over the population. Populism, on the other hand, is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of the "people" and the belief that the government should be responsive to the needs of the people.

Authoritarian populists often use tribalism as a tool to gain support and consolidate power. They appeal to the sense of identity and belonging that people feel when they are part of a tribe, and they use this identity to justify their actions and policies. For example, Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, often referred to his supporters as "the American people" and used the slogan "Make America Great Again" to appeal to their sense of identity and pride.

Similarly, authoritarian populists in other countries have used tribalism to gain support. For example, Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, has been accused of using Hindu nationalism to gain support and consolidate power. He has been accused of promoting religious discrimination and violence against Muslims and other minority groups, and he has used the slogan "Bharat Mata ki Jai" to appeal to the sense of identity and pride that Hindus feel.

Distrust of rational elites and their institutions is another key element of authoritarian populism. Authoritarian populists often claim that the government, the media, and other institutions are corrupt and dishonest and that they are working against the interests of the people. They use this distrust to justify their actions and policies, and they often promote the idea that the people should take matters into their own hands and rely on their own resources and knowledge.

For example, Donald Trump and other authoritarian populists have often criticized the media and the political establishment for their alleged bias and corruption. They have promoted the idea that the people should rely on alternative sources of information, such as social media and conservative news outlets, and that they should trust their own judgment and instincts rather than the advice of experts and professionals.

Willingness for violent coercion is the third key element of authoritarian populism. Authoritarian populists often promote the idea that violence is a necessary tool to achieve their goals and that the people should be willing to use violence to protect themselves and their interests. They often use fear and intimidation to gain support and consolidate power, and they are willing to use violence against their opponents, both within and outside of the government.

For example, Donald Trump and other authoritarian populists have been accused of using violence and intimidation to suppress dissent and suppress opposition. They have been accused of promoting hate speech and inciting violence against marginalized groups, and they have been willing to use the military and other security forces to protect their interests.

In conclusion, the themes of tribalism, trust in medical science, and confidence in military violence have evolved over time as these stories are retold in popular culture. These changes reflect the changing attitudes towards tribalism in society, particularly in the context of modern politics. The rise of authoritarianism and populism has been fueled by the use of tribalism as a tool to gain support and consolidate power, the distrust of rational elites and their institutions, and the willingness for violent coercion.

This book offers valuable insights into contemporary political attitudes and provides scholars with a rich resource for exploring critical theory, film studies, and science fiction. By examining the social origins

Tribalism has been a recurring theme in science fiction stories, often symbolizing a group of people who have lost their sense of individuality and are united by a common identity or belief system. In the case of "I Am Legend," the protagonist, Robert Neville, is a scientist who is left alone in a world overrun by zombies. He forms a tribe
tribe of survivors, who are united by their shared goal of survival and their willingness to sacrifice for one another.

However, the portrayal of tribalism in "I Am Legend" has changed over time. In the original novel by Richard Matheson, the tribe is portrayed as a positive force, a group of people who have come together to overcome a common threat. In the film remake, however, the tribe, is portrayed as a dangerous and primitive group, who are willing to resort to violence to protect their own interests.

This shift in portrayal reflects the changing attitudes towards tribalism in society. In the past, tribalism was often seen as a natural and positive aspect of human nature, a way for people to come together and survive in difficult circumstances. However, in recent years, there has been a growing distrust of tribalism, particularly in the context of modern politics.

One reason for this distrust is the rise of authoritarianism and populism. Authoritarianism is a political system in which a single leader or a small group of elites hold power and control over the population. Populism, on the other hand, is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of the "people" and the belief that the government should be responsive to the needs of the people.

Authoritarian populists often use tribalism as a tool to gain support and consolidate power. They appeal to the sense of identity and belonging that people feel when they are part of a tribe, and they use this identity to justify their actions and policies. For example, Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, often referred to his supporters as "the American people" and used the slogan "Make America Great Again" to appeal to their sense of identity and pride.

Similarly, authoritarian populists in other countries have used tribalism to gain support. For example, Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, has been accused of using Hindu nationalism to gain support and consolidate power. He has been accused of promoting religious discrimination and violence against Muslims and other minority groups, and he has used the slogan "Bharat Mata ki Jai" to appeal to the sense of identity and pride that Hindus feel.

Distrust of rational elites and their institutions is another key element of authoritarian populism. Authoritarian populists often claim that the government, the media, and other institutions are corrupt and dishonest and that they are working against the interests of the people. They use this distrust to justify their actions and policies, and they often promote the idea that the people should take matters into their own hands and rely on their own resources and knowledge.

For example, Donald Trump and other authoritarian populists have often criticized the media and the political establishment for their alleged bias and corruption. They have promoted the idea that the people should rely on alternative sources of information, such as social media and conservative news outlets, and that they should trust their own judgment and instincts rather than the advice of experts and professionals.

Willingness for violent coercion is the third key element of authoritarian populism. Authoritarian populists often promote the idea that violence is a necessary tool to achieve their goals and that the people should be willing to use violence to protect themselves and their interests. They often use fear and intimidation to gain support and consolidate power, and they are willing to use violence against their opponents, both within and outside of the government.

For example, Donald Trump and other authoritarian populists have been accused of using violence and intimidation to suppress dissent and suppress opposition. They have been accused of promoting hate speech and inciting violence against marginalized groups, and they have been willing to use the military and other security forces to protect their interests.

In conclusion, the themes of tribalism, trust in medical science, and confidence in military violence have evolved over time as these stories are retold in popular culture. These changes reflect the changing attitudes towards tribalism in society, particularly in the context of modern politics. The rise of authoritarianism and populism has been fueled by the use of tribalism as a tool to gain support and consolidate power, the distrust of rational elites and their institutions, and the willingness for violent coercion.

This book offers valuable insights into contemporary political attitudes and provides scholars with a rich resource for exploring critical theory, film studies, and science fiction. By examining the social origins of the recent surge in authoritarian and populist social movements, this book sheds light on the complex interplay between popular culture, political ideology, and social attitudes. It provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the dynamics of contemporary politics and offers insights into the ways in which we can address the challenges posed by authoritarianism and populism in our society.

\n Weight: 370g\n
Dimension: 242 x 159 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367435103\n \n