Tag Archives: Stephen King

Why We Fear Clowns

By Robin Bates | Published: October 16, 2016

The recent outbreak of criminal clowns can be explained by combining Freud’s essay on the uncanny and Stephen King’s IT.

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King’s Clown Rampaged in Orlando

By Robin Bates | Published: June 16, 2016

Perhaps more than any other American writer, Stephen King understands such incidents as the Orlando massacre. The famous horror writer dreams America’s nightmares and appears prescient when they come true.

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British and American Fantasy Contrasted

By Robin Bates | Published: January 12, 2016

An “Atlantic” article argues that British fantasy is richer than American fantasy. I agree that they are different and that there are interesting reasons for those differences–but that American fantasy is vibrant as well.

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Stephen King & the War for America’s Soul

By Robin Bates | Published: May 22, 2015

In “The Stand,” Stephen King sees the dark and the light fighting for control of America’s soul. His book had the Vietnam War in mind but it is also applicable to future policy in the Middle East.

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A Fantasy about U.S. Thirst for War

By Robin Bates | Published: April 7, 2015

Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods” understands the thirst of those Americans that want to go to war with Iran.

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When American Fantasies Are Dangerous

By Robin Bates | Published: March 23, 2015

The denial of reality that has taken over certain segments of the GOP is well described by Neil Gaiman in “American Gods.” America has a long tradition of such fantasizing.

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King Looks to Children for Hope

By Robin Bates | Published: March 2, 2015

Despite the horrors he describes, Stephen King’s vision is ultimately a hopeful one. The key, as he sees it, is plugging into childhood hopes and imagination.

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King’s Vision of Environmental Devastation

By Robin Bates | Published: February 26, 2015

Stephen King, drawing on William Carlos Williams’ “Paterson,” warns about the destructiveness brought on by America’s acquisitive side.

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Unlike Oklahoma, King Wants Real History

By Robin Bates | Published: February 24, 2015

The Oklahoma legislature wants to whitewash American history. Stephen King’s horror fiction is all about such whitewashing attempts.

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