Killing Monsters Our Children's Need For Fantasy, Heroism, and Make-Believe Violence

by Jones, Gerard

• ISBN13: 9780465036967
• ISBN10: 0465036961
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-05-06
• Publisher: BASIC BOOKS

Summary

Children choose their heroes more carefully than we think. From Pokemon to the rapper Eminem, pop culture icons are not simply commercial pied pipers who practice mass hypnosis on our youth. Indeed, even the most violent games and TV shows can help children conquer fears and develop a bold sense of self, argues Gerard Jones, author of this lively and persuasive paean to the power of popular culture. Drawing on true stories from his work with children, Jones calls on parents, teachers and everyone who cares about the next generation to learn why make-believe violence plays an essential role in children's development. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Gerard Jones is a writer whose credits include the New York Times, Harper's, Batman and Spider-Man comics, and Pokémon cartoons. Recently, he has developed the Art & Story Workshops for children and spoken on fantasy, aggression, and the media at institutions around the country. He is the author of Honey, I'm Home: Sitcoms Selling the American Dream and The Comic Book Heroes. He lives in San Francisco with his wife and son.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. vi
Acknowledgments	p. viii
Being Strong	p. 1
Seeing What We're Prepared to See	p. 23
The Magic Wand	p. 45
The Good Fight	p. 65
Girl Power	p. 77
Calming the Storm	p. 97
Fantasy and Reality	p. 113
The Courage to Change	p. 129
Vampire Slayers	p. 149
Shooters	p. 165
Model, Mirror, and Mentor	p. 183
Not So Alone	p. 205
Growing Up	p. 219
Notes	p. 233
Index	p. 251
Table of Contents provided by Rittenhouse. All Rights Reserved.