Alfred Hitchcock: 'Seeing a murder on television can help work off one's antagonisms. And if you haven't any antagonisms, the commercials will give you some.'

Seeing a murder on television can help work off one's antagonisms. And if you haven't any antagonisms, the commercials will give you some.

In the realm of entertainment, Alfred Hitchcock is widely regarded as a master of suspense, known for his ability to captivate audiences with his thrilling narratives. Beyond his contributions to cinema, Hitchcock was a keen observer of human behavior and the impact that media consumption has on individuals. One of his notable quotes, "Seeing a murder on television can help work off one's antagonisms. And if you haven't any antagonisms, the commercials will give you some," reveals a thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between our emotions, media consumption, and advertising.At its core, this quote suggests that witnessing acts of violence on television can serve as a form of catharsis, allowing individuals to release their pent-up frustrations and negative emotions. The idea of "working off" antagonisms implies that by witnessing a murder on screen, individuals can vicariously experience the intensity of that act, providing a temporary outlet for their own feelings of hostility or anger. In a world that often encourages us to suppress our negative emotions, this perspective offers an intriguing alternative: the possibility of finding a release in the fictional realm.However, Hitchcock's statement takes a playful turn as he acknowledges that not everyone may have antagonisms to work off. In highlighting the role of commercials, he hints at the irony of our consumer-driven society, where advertisements constantly bombard us with messages intended to evoke desires, create new needs, and ultimately sow the seeds of antagonism within us. While Hitchcock's comment may carry a tone of humor, it also invites us to reflect on the power of media and advertising to shape our desires, and consequently, our emotional states.Interestingly, this quote by Hitchcock presents an opportune moment to delve into a philosophical concept known as hedonistic adaptation. This term refers to the tendency of humans to quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness or contentment after experiencing joyous or distressing events. In the context of media consumption, hedonistic adaptation suggests that the emotional impact of witnessing a murder or experiencing any intense media event may be fleeting.Understanding this concept, we can begin to question the long-term effects of utilizing violent or intense content for catharsis. Does it truly offer a lasting release of antagonisms, or does it merely provide momentary respite? Furthermore, we must consider the role of advertising in perpetuating these antagonistic emotions. By bombarding us with messages intended to create new wants and needs, commercials can potentially exacerbate our antagonisms and prevent us from achieving a true sense of emotional equilibrium.Contrasting Hitchcock's perspective with the concept of hedonistic adaptation offers a nuanced understanding of the potential drawbacks associated with seeking catharsis through media consumption. While it may provide temporary relief, relying solely on violent or intense content to work off antagonisms is an inherently limited and ephemeral solution. Furthermore, the influence of commercials reminds us of the manipulative power of advertising, which can generate antagonisms within us even when we initially lacked them.In the end, Hitchcock's quote speaks to the complex relationship between media, emotions, and consumer culture. It compels us to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of using intense content for catharsis while cautioning against the influence of advertising in perpetuating our antagonistic states. By engaging with these ideas, we can develop a more introspective approach to our media consumption, seeking a balance that not only allows for emotional release but also encourages a healthier and more authentic sense of well-being.