Re: Violent Fantasy

Some egocentric people who work, and spend time with their families, may do so in a way that is "responsible" but not very pleasant to those around them. They could be doing what is necessary to avoid complications, but they may secretly yearn for selfish goals that life denies them. Their subsequent fantasies of frustrated aggression may not lead to overtly destructive behavior, but there are many subtle ways to get even with other people for not feeding one's vanity. Feeling "powerless" is frequently a self-intoxicating "crouch" that stimluates a subsequent "justified" leap into a comforting illusion of power.

If one is willing to cooperate, and improve a situation for the benefit of all concerned, many difficult situations are not so impossible to solve, especially if one is able to elicit the cooperation of others. The "hesitating atttitude" usually occurs when one is uncertain about realizing a socially exploitive end, that other might resist. Fantasy is the only way to guarantee a personal triumph at the expense of others.

Many fantasies of violence that appear as entertainment in games, televison, and film, reflect the common attitudes of self-pampering adults and children who can throw an "internal temper tanturm" whenever their self-serving wishes are denied. Adler claimed that one big difference between the neurotic and criminal was the level of activity -- both want to be pampered. Perhaps, the popularity of television shows and films that feature criminals, is due to the vicarious appeal of a charismatic character who "takes what he wants" rather than passively waiting and hoping that it will be given to him.

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