Creepy & Paranormal As Cultural Control

These historical patterns show us it is entirely human to turn to the supernatural, conspiracy, spiritualism and the occult in our effort to make sense of how new technology and media might change us, both individually and collectively. It is one big cope, to regain a sense of control in a time of uncertainty and difficulty.

#1: ON SURREALISM

Why does lunacy and irreverence feel so resonant right now? One of the principles of surrealism is an expression of the absurd in order to question power and I’ve similarly noticed Gen Z quietly raging against the madness of the world with content that is surreal, weird and oft-uncomfortable.

our spectrum of leveraged surrealism: there’s the shadowy and ominous, the whacky and frivolous, and the nonsensical and untethered. Twin Peaks, The Eric Andre Show, and Tiger King, all surreal, reflect back unique, convoluted stories. To deal with our moment, there’s no discrimination in the dreams.