Abstract
This chapter considers an imaginative ecology to be the universe of the imagination supplied by the stories, memes, and themes that circulate in a culture. Screen stories are obviously not the sole source of this imaginative ecology, but they are among the most important sources. After a discussion of the nature and ground rules of the thought experiment, the chapter identifies key good- and bad-making features of screen stories. The dimensions of public values offered by screen stories are vast and diverse, ranging across inspirational, economic, religious, political, ecological, social, educational, therapeutic, and entertainment values. One principle of selection would obviously be to welcome screen stories that exhibit one or more of these good-making characteristics, while avoiding as many bad-making characteristics as possible. The chapter concludes with optimistic speculation about how individuals and institutions might work toward such a utopian imaginative ecology within the context of a constitutional democracy.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | A Companion to Motion Pictures and Public Value |
Editors | Mette Hjort, Ted Nannicelli |
Publisher | Wiley |
Chapter | Part II |
Pages | 109-112 |
Number of pages | 4 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781119677154 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781119677116 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 25 Feb 2022 |
Scopus Subject Areas
- Arts and Humanities(all)