Imitating Life?

I note with curiosity this story about a drop-in scene being filmed for an episode of EastEnders to be broadcast on Friday, after the UK’s general election result is known. With my media v. psychology hat on, I’m interested in the motive for such topical referencing within a fictional TV programme, which otherwise makes very [...]

Dis/Respectful Laughter

A challenging article today on the use of disability in humour, with some interesting comments beneath it. Humour and society is of course a debate that goes back as far as people have been making jokes – and those who have been the subject or target of comedians have always (I imagine) had something to [...]

Harmless Fun? The Dangerous World of Cartoon Violence

I will admit to ambivalent feelings about a news story today which suggests that the violence portrayed on children’s television can be having an adverse affect on the children who watch it.In particular, the suggestion is that by witnessing such a volume of unrealistic representations of violence and its effects, children are failing to learn [...]