Shock value
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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| + | [[Image:The Bitter Potion.jpg|200px|thumb|left|This page '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is part of the ''[[disgust]]'' series.<br> <small>Illustration: ''[[The Bitter Potion]]'' (c. 1635) by Adriaen Brouwer</small>]]'' | ||
| + | [[Image:Callot, miseries of war.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''[[The Miseries and Disasters of War]]'' ([[1633]]) by [[Jacques Callot]]]] | ||
| {{Template}} | {{Template}} | ||
| - | '''Shock value''' is the potential of an image, text or other form of communication to provoke a reaction of [[disgust]], [[shock]],{{dn}} [[anger]], [[fear]], or similar negative emotion. Examples of [[shock site|websites]] using images with high shock value are [[Tubgirl.com]] and [[Goatse.cx]]. | + | |
| - | [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/{{PAGENAMEE}}] [May 2007] | + | '''Shock value''' is the potential of an [[action]] (as a [[public execution]]), [[image]], [[text]], or other form of [[communication]] to provoke a reaction of sharp [[disgust]], [[acute stress reaction|shock]], [[anger]], [[fear]], or similar negative emotions. |
| ==Shock value as humor== | ==Shock value as humor== | ||
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| The humor used in "[[The Aristocrats (joke)|The Aristocrats]]" depends heavily on shock value. | The humor used in "[[The Aristocrats (joke)|The Aristocrats]]" depends heavily on shock value. | ||
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| + | ==Shock value as humor== | ||
| + | :''[[Off-color humor]], [[Shock humour]]'' | ||
| + | The term '''off-color humor''' (also known as '''dirty jokes''') is an [[American English|Americanism]] used to describe [[jokes]], [[prose]], [[poem]]s, [[black comedy]], [[blue comedy]] and [[Sketch comedy|skits]] that deal with topics considered to be in poor taste or overly vulgar by the prevailing [[morality]] of a [[culture]]. Most commonly labeled as "off-color" are acts concerned with a particular [[Racism|ethnic group]] or [[Sexism|gender]]. Other off-color topics include [[violence]], particularly [[Spousal abuse|domestic abuse]]; excessive swearing or [[profanity]]; "[[toilet humor]]"; [[Nationalism|national superiority]] or [[Xenophobia|inferiority]]; "dead baby" jokes; and other topics generally considered [[Taboo|impolite]] or [[indecent]]. Generally, the intent of off-color humor is to induce laughter by evoking a feeling of shock and surprise in the comedian's audience. In this way, off-color humor is related to other forms of [[postmodern]] [[humor]], such as the [[anti-joke]]. | ||
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| + | In the 1990s and modern era, comedians such as [[George Carlin]] and [[Dave Chappelle]] use shocking content to draw attention to their criticism of social issues, especially [[censorship]] and the socioeconomic divide. The highly-praised television show ''[[South Park]]'' also popularized the use of offensive humor, for which the show has become infamous. [[The Aristocrats (joke)|The Aristocrats]] is perhaps the most famous dirty joke in the US due to its high shock value and is certainly one of the best-known and most oft-repeated among comedians themselves. | ||
| ==Shock value in advertising== | ==Shock value in advertising== | ||
| - | Shock value is often used in the world of [[advertising|commercials]] in order to gain attention for the product or service in offer. | + | :''[[Shock advertising]]'' |
| + | '''Shock advertising''' or '''Shockvertising''' is a type of [[advertising]] generally regarded as one that “deliberately, rather than inadvertently, startles and offends its audience by violating norms for social values and personal ideals.” It is the employment in [[advertising]] or [[public relations]] of "graphic imagery and blunt slogans to highlight" a [[public policy]] issue, goods, or services. Shock advertising is designed principally to break through the advertising “clutter” to capture attention and create [[Marketing buzz|buzz]], and also to attract an audience to a certain brand or bring awareness to a certain public service issue, health issue, or cause (e.g., urging drivers to use their seatbelts, promoting STD prevention, bringing awareness of racism and other injustices, or discouraging smoking among teens). | ||
| + | |||
| + | The [[Benetton Group]] has come under particular scrutiny for the use of shock advertisements in its campaigns, leading to public outrage and consumer complaints. However, several of Benetton’s advertisements have also been the subject of much praise for heightening awareness of significant social issues and for “taking a stand” against infringements on human rights, civil liberties, and environmental rights. Benetton’s advertisements have featured images of portions of men’s and women’s bodies with tattoos that say “[[HIV]] Positive”, a Black woman breastfeeding a White infant (which could be celebrated as a championing image of racial diversity or raising awareness of racial issues yet was also denounced for its historical connotations when Black women, during slavery, were often required to become caretakers for White children), a priest and a nun leaning to kiss each other, as well as a group of real death row inmates (alluding to issues concerning capital punishment). Other shocking advertisements released by Benetton include an image of a duck covered in oil (addressing issues of oil spillage and the cleanliness of oceans), a man dying of [[AIDS]], a soldier holding a human bone, as well as a newborn infant still attached to its umbilical cord, which "was intended as an anthem to life, but was one of the most censured visuals in the history of Benetton ads." [[Oliviero Toscani]], a photographer for Benetton who contributed to many of its shocking advertisements, said, regarding the advertisement he created of a man dying from AIDS, that he wanted "to use the forum of poster advertising to make people aware of this [AIDS] tragedy at a time when no-one dared to show AIDS patients." | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Shock value in music== | ||
| + | :''[[Shock rock]]'' | ||
| + | Shock rock is a wide umbrella term for artists who combine rock music with elements of theatrical shock value in live performances. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Screamin' Jay Hawkins]] was arguably the first shock rocker. After the success of his 1957 hit "[[I Put a Spell on You]]", Hawkins began to perform a recurring stunt at many of his live shows: he would emerge from a coffin, sing into a skull-shaped microphone and set off smoke bombs. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Marilyn Manson]] is perhaps the most notable act in the [[shock rock]] scene. Known for his controversial stage persona, Manson and his [[Marilyn Manson (band)|band]] dress in outlandish makeup and costumes, and have engaged in intentionally shocking behavior both onstage and off. In the past, their lyrics often received criticism for their anti-religious sentiment and references to sex, violence and drugs. Manson's live shows are known for their uniquely theatrical stage presence, which has included Manson burning the [[Flag of the United States|American]] flag, ripping and burning the [[Bible]] and tossing it into the crowd, singing at a podium, cutting himself on stage, being pulled onto stage in a Roman chariot being pulled by naked women, wearing outrageous costumes and so on. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Other notable acts include [[Alice Cooper]], [[Rammstein]], [[Iggy Pop]], [[W.A.S.P]], [[GWAR]], [[Twisted Sister]], [[GG Allin]], [[Christian Death]] and the [[Misfits (band)|Misfits]]. | ||
| - | For example, the [[Benetton Group]] is infamously known for using shocking material in their ads (such as a newborn baby still covered in blood and with an [[umbilical cord]]). The baby has no connection with the brand or its products, but people still remember the ad and the brand. [[Häagen-Dazs]] uses a milder version of this tactic - its ice cream products are combined with the element of [[sex]] to produce shock value. | + | ==Shock value in television and movies== |
| + | Shock value is a common way to show people graphically how dangerous a situation is, by depicting the death of a minor character, or the serious injury or near death of a character. A frequently referenced example is the deaths of [[Redshirt (character)|redshirts]] in [[Star Trek]]. [[Near miss]]es on major characters are commonly used, such as in [[Star Wars]], [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]], etc. | ||
| - | Although this type of advertising may be found offensive to some viewers, it has proven effective in the past. The initial shock invariably burns the accompanying brand name into the viewer's memory. | + | This can also involve the occurrence or performance of disturbing or horrifying phenomena or actions to draw the attention of viewers, or to force them to consider the events depicted at a personal level. Examples would include a scene of a [[military hospital]] with patients with horrible or disgusting wounds, a shot of a battlefield covered in corpses, or the depiction of [[emotional abuse]]. |
| - | ==Modern shock value== | ||
| - | Modern day shock value can come in many different forms. As things that were once shocking, like [[Mohawk hairstyle|Mohawks]] and [[body piercing|piercings]] (see:[[Punk fashion]]), are becoming more commonplace, shock value can sometimes be found in clothing from the 1890-1930's, such as [[top hat]]s, [[spats]], [[monocle]]s, and [[walking stick]]s. | ||
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| *[[Exploitation film]] | *[[Exploitation film]] | ||
| *[[Gross-out film]] | *[[Gross-out film]] | ||
| + | *[[Mondo film]] | ||
| *[[Shock jock]] | *[[Shock jock]] | ||
| *[[Shock rock]] | *[[Shock rock]] | ||
| + | *[[Shock site]] | ||
| *[[Shockumentary]] | *[[Shockumentary]] | ||
| + | *[[Succès de scandale]] | ||
| + | {{GFDL}} | ||
Current revision
Illustration: The Bitter Potion (c. 1635) by Adriaen Brouwer
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Featured: |
Shock value is the potential of an action (as a public execution), image, text, or other form of communication to provoke a reaction of sharp disgust, shock, anger, fear, or similar negative emotions.
Contents |
Shock value as humor
There are many extremely lewd jokes circulating that use shock value as humor. The idea is that if something is extremely offensive it begins to become funny. Infant mortality, cannibalism, incest, racism, sexism, child molestation, and other taboo subjects are common elements of shock value jokes.
The humor used in "The Aristocrats" depends heavily on shock value.
Shock value as humor
The term off-color humor (also known as dirty jokes) is an Americanism used to describe jokes, prose, poems, black comedy, blue comedy and skits that deal with topics considered to be in poor taste or overly vulgar by the prevailing morality of a culture. Most commonly labeled as "off-color" are acts concerned with a particular ethnic group or gender. Other off-color topics include violence, particularly domestic abuse; excessive swearing or profanity; "toilet humor"; national superiority or inferiority; "dead baby" jokes; and other topics generally considered impolite or indecent. Generally, the intent of off-color humor is to induce laughter by evoking a feeling of shock and surprise in the comedian's audience. In this way, off-color humor is related to other forms of postmodern humor, such as the anti-joke.
In the 1990s and modern era, comedians such as George Carlin and Dave Chappelle use shocking content to draw attention to their criticism of social issues, especially censorship and the socioeconomic divide. The highly-praised television show South Park also popularized the use of offensive humor, for which the show has become infamous. The Aristocrats is perhaps the most famous dirty joke in the US due to its high shock value and is certainly one of the best-known and most oft-repeated among comedians themselves.
Shock value in advertising
Shock advertising or Shockvertising is a type of advertising generally regarded as one that “deliberately, rather than inadvertently, startles and offends its audience by violating norms for social values and personal ideals.” It is the employment in advertising or public relations of "graphic imagery and blunt slogans to highlight" a public policy issue, goods, or services. Shock advertising is designed principally to break through the advertising “clutter” to capture attention and create buzz, and also to attract an audience to a certain brand or bring awareness to a certain public service issue, health issue, or cause (e.g., urging drivers to use their seatbelts, promoting STD prevention, bringing awareness of racism and other injustices, or discouraging smoking among teens).
The Benetton Group has come under particular scrutiny for the use of shock advertisements in its campaigns, leading to public outrage and consumer complaints. However, several of Benetton’s advertisements have also been the subject of much praise for heightening awareness of significant social issues and for “taking a stand” against infringements on human rights, civil liberties, and environmental rights. Benetton’s advertisements have featured images of portions of men’s and women’s bodies with tattoos that say “HIV Positive”, a Black woman breastfeeding a White infant (which could be celebrated as a championing image of racial diversity or raising awareness of racial issues yet was also denounced for its historical connotations when Black women, during slavery, were often required to become caretakers for White children), a priest and a nun leaning to kiss each other, as well as a group of real death row inmates (alluding to issues concerning capital punishment). Other shocking advertisements released by Benetton include an image of a duck covered in oil (addressing issues of oil spillage and the cleanliness of oceans), a man dying of AIDS, a soldier holding a human bone, as well as a newborn infant still attached to its umbilical cord, which "was intended as an anthem to life, but was one of the most censured visuals in the history of Benetton ads." Oliviero Toscani, a photographer for Benetton who contributed to many of its shocking advertisements, said, regarding the advertisement he created of a man dying from AIDS, that he wanted "to use the forum of poster advertising to make people aware of this [AIDS] tragedy at a time when no-one dared to show AIDS patients."
Shock value in music
Shock rock is a wide umbrella term for artists who combine rock music with elements of theatrical shock value in live performances.
Screamin' Jay Hawkins was arguably the first shock rocker. After the success of his 1957 hit "I Put a Spell on You", Hawkins began to perform a recurring stunt at many of his live shows: he would emerge from a coffin, sing into a skull-shaped microphone and set off smoke bombs.
Marilyn Manson is perhaps the most notable act in the shock rock scene. Known for his controversial stage persona, Manson and his band dress in outlandish makeup and costumes, and have engaged in intentionally shocking behavior both onstage and off. In the past, their lyrics often received criticism for their anti-religious sentiment and references to sex, violence and drugs. Manson's live shows are known for their uniquely theatrical stage presence, which has included Manson burning the American flag, ripping and burning the Bible and tossing it into the crowd, singing at a podium, cutting himself on stage, being pulled onto stage in a Roman chariot being pulled by naked women, wearing outrageous costumes and so on.
Other notable acts include Alice Cooper, Rammstein, Iggy Pop, W.A.S.P, GWAR, Twisted Sister, GG Allin, Christian Death and the Misfits.
Shock value in television and movies
Shock value is a common way to show people graphically how dangerous a situation is, by depicting the death of a minor character, or the serious injury or near death of a character. A frequently referenced example is the deaths of redshirts in Star Trek. Near misses on major characters are commonly used, such as in Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, etc.
This can also involve the occurrence or performance of disturbing or horrifying phenomena or actions to draw the attention of viewers, or to force them to consider the events depicted at a personal level. Examples would include a scene of a military hospital with patients with horrible or disgusting wounds, a shot of a battlefield covered in corpses, or the depiction of emotional abuse.
See also
- Exploitation film
- Gross-out film
- Mondo film
- Shock jock
- Shock rock
- Shock site
- Shockumentary
- Succès de scandale
