Customer Reviews

Alien Abductions: Creating a Modern Phenomenon

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There are aspects of Terry Matheson's approach that are a touch disingenuous. For example, early on the author claims that he is less concerned with the physical reality or unreality of the individual accounts that make up the abduction phenomenon than he is with the thematic development of these accounts over time. In a sense, this is accurate, in that the major thrust of this book is that the abduction phenomenon represents a modern form of mythmaking, and that by documenting the history of these accounts as they emerge we can gain insight into myth and folklore in general. In another sense, however, such a thrust seems to go hand-in-hand with an assumption that there is no physical reality to abduction phenomena, and that abductees and the well-meaning (or perhaps just self-aggrandizing) popular writers who disseminate the legend are participants in a grand game of make-believe. That Matheson makes just such an assumption is, I think, obvious throughout the book. The hemming and hawing that goes on, to the effect that we may need to "discard" our notions of what is real and what is not, amounts to little more than a fey attempt at postmodernist baloney.

The text itself involves analyses of the works of Raymond Fowler, Whitley Strieber, Budd Hopkins, John Mack, and others who have taken the lead in popularizing the abduction phenomenon. Matheson deconstructs the narratives of each of these writers quite well; the effect is much the same as has been accomplished by deconstructions of biblical texts. I imagine that Matheson's efforts will have about as much of an influence on true believers, however, as those who have pointed out the blatant inconsistencies in the bible have had on Christian fundamentalists. For those straddling the fence, however, this is a valuable book that can in all likelihood substitute for reading the actual source material.

While "Alien Abductions" probably qualifies as a debunking effort, Matheson often shows restraint in his criticisms; somehow, while never degenerating into name-calling or other nastiness, Matheson effectively conveys the level of delusion embodied by both the abductees and the abduction "researchers." The book makes for a quick read and I highly recommend it.

Matheson's analysis of the meaning of abduction myths is the most interesting aspect of the book. His tracing the history and development of the myths is fascinating. I was reminded of the very interesting analysis that has been done of the phenomenon of urban legends. The text was only disappointing when he related the details of individual abduction stories. Rather than wishing that he had abreviated these sections, I wish he would have elaborated more, and provided more direct quotation of the texts he was analyzing. I suspect some publisher told him to avoid burdening the reader with too much information -- but his analysis needed to move more slowly in those areas. Still, this is a minor complaint since the thesis is fascinating. The human capacity for myth-making is a lot more interesting (not to mention, a lot more credible) than aliens who buzz around in search of human reproductive tissue.