Escapism in America | The Vampire Craze

Date: Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Doheny Intellectual Commons
More than ever before, people can escape into a world separate from the reality in which they exist. From superhero movies to virtual reality to role-playing games to vampires, what is it that makes people drawn to a world of fantasy beyond our immediate reality? How does today's environment encourage escapism?
The beloved Count Chocula may have been a popular cereal mascot, but Team Chocula wouldn't stand a chance against Team Edward. From squealing little girls to college students, the Twilight series, as well as other recently popular vampire shows like True Blood, have exploded onto the stage of 21st century pop culture. Vampires - whether you like it or not - have become a cultural phenomenon.
What about this blood-sucking monster has caught America in such a frenzy? What implications on relationships and gender in the real world does Twilight provide? How has this vampire craze changed cinema?
Interested? Check out our facebook page to RSVP:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=314988316931&ref=nf#!/event.php?eid=314988316931

---