Jason Parham explores the question of why people turn to TV for identity, with Jane Schoenbrun providing insight on the subject. Schoenbrun suggests that our cultural reliance on media for identity is linked to capitalism, as we are encouraged to define ourselves through the brands we align with and the media we consume. She notes that the rise of digital media, including TV and film, has further fueled this trend.
Schoenbrun also highlights the unique appeal of television as a medium that allows for ongoing identification with characters and storylines. She reflects on her own experience growing up watching beloved TV shows like “Buffy” and “The X-Files,” where she found a sense of solace and connection that was lacking in real life. This sense of connection, she explains, forms a parasocial relationship with the characters on screen, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
Furthermore, Schoenbrun discusses the current cultural shift towards extended universes and the idea of never-ending narratives, exemplified by the Marvel cinematic universe. She sees this trend as both sinister and infantilizing, as it reflects a desire to escape into a perpetual state of unreality and avoid confronting the alienation many feel in the real world.
When asked about the central themes of her film “I Saw the TV Glow,” Schoenbrun emphasizes that it is a personal exploration of obsession rather than a moralizing critique of media consumption. Drawing from her own experiences, she reflects on how fiction served as a coping mechanism and a way to hide from her true self, leading to a realization that repression can have negative consequences as one grows older.
Overall, Schoenbrun’s perspective offers a thoughtful examination of the complex relationship between identity, media, and escapism.
