Gilligan Unbound: Pop Culture in the Age of Globalization (Hardcover)

~ Paul Cantor (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Thanks to cultural studies, television was never more interesting. Here Gilligan's Island that most insipid of 1960s sitcoms is "a patriotic show, celebrating America and its democratic way of life," and The X-Files "reflects a growing cynicism in the American people about their government." Cantor, a contributor to the Weekly Standard, looks at how The Simpsons, Star Trek, Gilligan's Island and The X-Files reflect the impact of increasing globalization on U.S. culture. At his best (as when Cantor discusses the meaning of Shakespearean quotes in Star Trek), he resembles cultural studies guru Margery Garber (Academic Instincts), but too often Cantor's conservative political bent prevents him from accurately interpreting his material. After attacking what he sees as television's neglecting "the importance of the nuclear family," he praises The Simpsons as "the return of the nuclear family" that "celebrates the spirit of small time America" a curious assertion given that most of the show can, and usually is, read as the opposite. He is better with The X-Files, when he delineates how the show reflects the position of the nation-state at this historical moment. Cantor's traditionalist interpretation of U.S. history forces readers to question his judgments, as when he asserts (in a discussion of Gilligan's Island) that "issues such as civil rights and the counterculture created bitter divisions in American society" rather then the other way around. While Cantor's overriding theme provides a fascinating frame for discussions of popular culture, his examples fall short of his grand thesis.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Popular television shows are commonly a reflection of national principles. Shakespeare scholar Cantor (English, Univ. of Virginia) here analyzes four of the most famous prime-time series in the history of television with particular attention to how these shows portrayed American ideals and influences. Cantor shows us how the castaways of Gilligan's Island re-created America in their isolation and how Star Trek reflected Cold War fears and sensibilities. He also speculates about the post-Cold War, cynical, introspective Springfield of The Simpsons and how society's distrust of Washington is evident in the skepticism that characterizes The X-Files. Perhaps a little too cerebral for average TV viewers, this book is an upbeat if scholarly treatise on nationalism in popular culture. Recommended for academic media and communications collections. David M. Lisa, Wayne P.L., NJ
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. (November 25, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0742507785
• ISBN-13: 978-0742507784
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,419,144 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best work of literary criticism in the 21st century, December 9, 2002

By A Customer

Every fan of the Simpsons or X-files should own this book. Paul Cantor is a true genius and perhaps the best at placing American pop culture in the context of our literary, historical, and political tradition.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good summer read, October 15, 2004

By	Barty Simpson - See all my reviews

I really liked this book, perhaps it is my love for the simpsons and gilligan's island that made me feel this way.

Now when i have heavy philosophical discussions with my friends, i won't feel so insecure when applying simpson's references to them...thanks

1.0 out of 5 stars Falls short on so many levels, October 5, 2009

By	Prufrock6731 (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gilligan Unbound: Pop Culture in the Age of Globalization (Paperback)

While one can appreciate the idea that Mr. Cantor puts forward in the sort of thesis of this book, his ideas of what causes this cynical outlook is sadly skewed by political ideology. While I was very much enthralled by the catchy title and wonderful cover art, I was disappointed that Mr. Cantor was just another standard bearer of the culture wars. I wouldn't recommend this book. Try Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic (Bk Currents) if you are looking for a better social critique on modern pop culture.