Write an essay, argue what consequences, if any, are there when Americans sympathize and identify with deeply flawed especially illegal and psychopathic) behavior on the part of a fictional protagonist who shapes the viewers’ emotional responses.

Antiheros (see SOL chp.4) and “The Thematic Paradigm” essay) are “effectively ‘heroes’ in that the audience is expected to sympathize with them. These are not clearcut heroes of the past such as Superman. Write an essay, argue what consequences, if any, are there when Americans sympathize and identify with deeply flawed especially illegal and psychopathic) behavior on the part of a fictional protagonist who shapes the viewers’ emotional responses. This doesn’t mean viewers will literally commit the acts the antiheroes do, but, for example, might it desensitize people to violence in our culture? Use specific examples of antiheroes to support your thesis. Remember, these are lead characters who often do heinous things, so ask yourself, why do we sympathize with them and why do we want to see this type of “hero” rather than the usual “good” hero?

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