Abstract
ABSTRACT A recurring narrative in popular culture is imminent global catastrophe. Contextualizing the cultural phenomenon of disaster porn, I discuss the Anthropocene and explore Gregory Bateson’s ecosystemic theoretical lens and how errors in epistemology precipitate and perpetuate global climate problems. Next I discuss the pros and cons, and intended and unintended consequences, of disaster porn’s propagation in its three main forms. I then apply themes and concepts of ecosystemic theory and disaster porn to an analysis of the 2019 TV series Swamp Thing, sifting the algae-filled waters for explicit and implicit messaging about the current ecological crisis. I conclude with reflections about cultural consciousness regarding climate change, and how the urgency and gravity of this global crisis is subverted, commodified and neutralized as audiences sit back and watch it all happen, consuming apocalyptic ‘entertainment’.
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