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Examining the X-Files: an Integrative Conflict Model Adaptation for Contemporary Paranormal Thought

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Examining the X-Files: an Integrative Conflict Model Adaptation for Contemporary Paranormal Thought Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology Volume 33 No.2 November 2005 93 EXAMINING THE X-FILES: AN INTEGRATIVE CONFLICT MODEL ADAPTATION FOR CONTEMPORARY PARANORMAL THOUGHT Stan H. Hodges, Oklahoma State University, and Jason S. Uisperger, Arkansas Tech University ABSTRACT This is a study of perceptions of the television program the X-Files. Using a review of literary sources, descriptive statistics. and qualitative comments from on-line communities. it focuses on what makes the show popular and what people see as deeper meanings behind episodes. With the X-Files as a backdrop, it also applies an adaptation of the inlegralive conflict model to examine the increased presence of paranor­ mal thought currcnlly shaping public consciousness and influencing contested cultural ideologies. It builds on previous research using the integrative conflict model and studies of the X-Files as a cultural phenomenon. In a recent Rolling Stone article on pork­ work (1958) notes increased discourse on barrel politics and homeland security, the au­ the reality of UFOs and extraterrestrial be­ thors discuss government funding as "stuff ings and represents a political, social, philo­ right out of the X-Files" (Klinenberg & Frank sophical, and religious conflict of unprec­ 2005). The quote indicates the embedded edented proportions splitting the conscious­ nature of the X-Files in our cultural conscious­ ness of our age. It implies that an emerging ness. The article does not give background cultural divide started in the 1950s involving information on the show. The quote only ex­ scientific validity and the paranormal. Specif­ ists as a cognitive reference point for the ically, the idea exists that Western culture is reader. The article assumes we all know what currently experiencing a struggle between the X-Files concerned. It is probably on tar­ scientific logic and paranormal thought with get. The X-Fiies, a show following the work Jung's work being an early acknowledgment of government agents investigating conspira­ of the trend. Shklovskii and Sagan's research cies and the paranormal, still appears on (1966) extends Jung's work showing the be­ television. The X-Files, which premiered on lief of UFO myths represent a compromise the Fox network in 1993, was cancelled in between the need to believe in a traditional 2002. The show remains in syndication on God and contemporary pressures to accept cable networks such as WGN, TNT, and the declarations of science. Recent works apply Sci-Fi Channel (Randles 2000; Wikipedia these ideas to the X-Files. From a biochemi­ 2006). Some attribute the success of the X­ cal perspective, Simon (1999) analyzes the Files to its two stars ~ David Duchovny and scientific validity of X-File concepts. Goode Gillian Anderson. Duchovny plays Agent Fox (2000,2002) examines the allure of the show Mulder. He is on a quest to unearth govern­ at the crossroads of paranormal belief, con­ ment conspiracies covering up paranormal spiratorial thinking, and the public's struggle events and extraterrestrial life. Anderson against the ruling elite. Peterson (2002) re­ plays agent Dana Scully. With a background views the show in terms of religious connota­ in physics and medicine, she pulls her ex­ tions. Carter (2003) examines the influence planations of the unknown from the realms of episodes on the mood and feeling of view­ of science and rationality. While the show is ers. not a documentary, its producers indicate Though previous work focuses on impor­ they based episodes on true-life accounts. tant issues, it leaves us with several ques­ Skeptics believe episodes are too fantastical tions. Years after television executives pulled for most people to interpret as fact. Nonethe­ the X-Files from primetime, what do people less, the show continues to have millions of think leads to the initial and continued suc­ viewers interested in paranormal phenom­ cess of fhe show? Moreover, does the X-Files ena (Kurland 1999; Randles 2000; Goode extend beyond mere entertainment? Do 2002; Wikipedia 2006). people perceive a deeper meaning fo it? In relation to the cultural impact of paran· Does the show, along with the ideological ormal thought, various researchers have ex­ conflict between the lead characters, repre­ amined the impact of supernatural ideolo­ sent a wider cultural struggle between reli­ gies, popular culture, and the media. Jung's gious and scientific belief discussed by pre- 94 Volume 33 No.2 November 2005 Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology Figure 1: The Integrative Conflict Model STRUCTURAL FOUNDATIONS Structural Factors Cultural Factors ~Heterogeneity: race, ethnic, religious -Scientific Logic -Inequality: economic and political -Religious Beliefs -Economics: fiscal issues -Language -Music and Art -Technology PERCEPTION AND DEMANDS FOR INFORMATION Perceptions of the Paranormal Legitimation Deficits Prolonged Media Coverage Public Demands TRIGGERING EVENTS Sensationalized Events Reform Groups Media Trends Media Entrepreneurs Specialized Community Groups Political Activity COMPETING CULTURAL IDEOLOGY Note: Figure adapted from McGarrel1 and Castellano (1991). vious researchers? If so, has it acted as a ways. High levels of heterogeneity, inequal­ base of knowledge in a wider paradigm shift ity, and declining economic conditions influ­ leading to the increased acceptance of cul­ ence social conflict. The most powerfUl ac­ tural ideologies contesting traditional scien­ tors determine the dominant ideology. In rela­ tific logic? Using an integrative conflict theory, tion to cultural factors, conceptual assump­ this work examines these issues. tions influence perceptions of social phe­ nomena. This concerns trends in scientific THE INTEGRATIVE CONFLICT MODEL eVOlution, religious beliefs, language, mu­ Multiple factors form fhe integrative con­ sic, art, and technological advances. In this flict model. Originally formed to explain the study, all of these things shape values of a sociological tormation of law, it is modified culture. They also help to promote percep­ slightly in this research to apply to cultural tions of the paranormal. If the values indi­ ideologies. Figure 1 indicates that the model cate that a certain behavior is unexplainable, operates on three basic levels. They include the public will demand information from structural foundations, perception and pub­ those in power. This is especially true if they lic demands for information, and triggering believe knowledge is being restricted. If val­ events. To generate social change, it is not ues indicate issues surrounding the activity necessary that the levels occur in a sequen­ are explainable, people will tolerate the be­ tial order, just that all are present (McGarrell havior and official positions held by society's & Castellano 1991). elite (tor adaptations of this perspective see Structural foundations include structural Scheingold 1984; McGarrel1 & Castellano and cultural factors. Structural factors have 1991; Ulsperger 2003). an effect on cultural ideologies in numerous In terms of perceptions of the paranor- Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology Volume 33 NO.2 November 2005 95 mal, media exposure of a paranormal event De Poel-Knollnerus & Knottnerus 1994). In (Le. UFO sighting, alien contact, conspiracy) the first, the author develops a scope of liter­ creates an elevated sense of public aware­ ary sources. We examined sources by vari­ ness. This leads to public outcries for infor­ ous authors from 1900 to the present. This mation from those in power, which creates a included 25 works dealing with paranormal dilemma. If a dominant cultural ideology, ideologies and cultural perception. We con­ such as scientific reason, explains a phe­ sidered hundreds of sources, but the ones nomenon and few contradictory frames ex­ selected dealt most adequateiy with the topic ist, the demand for information will be mini­ af hand. Several of the 25 sources selected mal. If a contradictory trame is salient, the for in-depth analysis specifically concerned demand for information will be greater, and it the X-Files. The documents included scien­ is more likely that the validity of those in power tific studies, autobiographies, biographies, will be open to question. magazine articles, newspaper accounts, in­ Triggering events produce an intense de­ terviews, and books focusing on religion. mand for information and lead to the gaining The second stage of a literary ethnography popularity of an alternative ideology. Trigger­ involves the reading and interpretation of lit­ ing events, which can occur simultaneously, erature selected. We read our selected lit­ include information dissemination by spe­ erature and gained a beller understanding cialized community groups, the actions of of paranormal media presentations on cul­ media entrepreneurs, the general influence tural ideology. This helped us to gain an of media trends, and political activity. They awareness of subtle nuances, repeated in­ also involve sensationalized media events. formal phrases, and technical jargon in this Whereas media exposure sets the stage for tield of study. action, triggering events set the rise of a com­ The third step of a literary ethnography peting ideology into motion (for related ad­ involves the identification of textual themes. aptations see Galliher & Cross 1983; Cross In this work, these themes included issues 1991; McGarrell & Castellano 1991; Ulsperg­ on a wide range of topics. They dealt with er 2003). epistemology creation, worldviews, publish­ Analysts have neglected to focus on any ing, media
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