In psychology, there are many terms, the meaning of which is not always clear. One such is escapism. In English it means "to be saved", "to escape". Escapism is manifested by the desire to escape from reality and live in your imaginary world.
Escapism - what is it?
Escapism is a social phenomenon, which consists in the desire of an individual or a group of people to get rid of the generally accepted standards of life in society. The basis of escapism is the question of the correctness and rethinking of the norms accepted by society, converging in certain concepts. The main condition for the emergence of such a phenomenon is a highly developed public, in which asocialization does not lead to death, as in the past, when the punishment for grave crimes was exile and ostracism.
Escapism - Psychology
Escapism in psychology is not considered a separate disease. Medical terminology does not use this term, but in some cases this is manifested as mania. Until a person can control himself and not sink completely into a fictional world, he is not in danger. Escapism can be active or passive. In the active state, it manifests itself:
- work;
- study;
- games.
Passive escapism is manifested:
- meditation;
- reading books;
- watching movies.
Escapism - Causes
Escapism as a social phenomenon can manifest itself in different ways. More often it's a dream or a game of imagination or fantasy. In an effort to create a perfect world around them, people from ancient times have come up with religions or cults in which each takes his place. However, there are also more serious reasons for the manifestation of escapism. This can be psychological trauma or abuse of the imagination unnecessarily.
Such states are manifested in fans of the genre of fantasy, gamblers and moviegoers. These people are so immersed in their fictional world that it is very difficult to return to reality. In some cases, this condition can cause aggressive escapism. Among the "dependent" personalities, specialists distinguish abnormal escapists, whose withdrawal from reality ends with mental or mental disabilities, and the moderate ones, who can timely and independently "return" to reality.
What is dangerous escapism?
According to many authors of the medical literature, the signs of escapism and autism are somewhat similar. Autists are not able to socialize and establish a connection with the outside world. Escapism - a "disease" of a mental nature, in which "sick" can not return to the real world. The main distinguishing feature of these pathologies is that autistics , unlike escapists, do not have an inner world.
Escapism - how to get rid?
Since in official medicine to find the answer to the question: "Escapism - what is it?" Will not succeed, ways to get rid of it should be looked for independently. If you understand that your imagination prevents you from living, you need to try to get rid of the "rose-colored glasses" and return to reality. In order to find your method how to cope with escapism, you need to carefully analyze your life, forbid yourself to dive into your world. Determine for yourself a list of cases and the implementation of small fantasies. With their implementation in life you will not have time for illusion.
Escapism in the cinema
In today's world there are many examples of escapism. It can be seen not only in the state of real people, but also in literature and films. A few examples of how escapism is conveyed to films:
- "Lovers" (France, 1958) - a story about a secular lioness Jeanne Tournier, who does not suffer from material shortcomings and has everything for a happy life, but she lacks the raisins that can make her existence full.
- "Dad on a business trip" (Yugoslavia, 1985) - a film through the eyes of a six-year-old child, who in this way explains the frequent absence of a pope next to him.
- "Dreamers" (Great Britain-Italy-France, 2003) - three young people live in their world, watch films and do not pay attention to the demonstrations on the streets, barricades built.
- "Celestial creatures" (New Zealand, 1994) - a film about the "new" life of schoolgirl Polin, who changed after the appearance of classmate Juliet with her fantasy world.