THE IMPACT OF TRAUMATIC EVENTS ON INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE MEMORY: THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE TV SERIES “GASSAL”
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Abstract
This study aims to examine the multifaceted effects of traumatic events, particularly death and grief experiences, on individual and collective memory from the perspective of the Turkish television series "Gassal."
Based on a literature review, this article employs qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis methods to analyze the (hypothetical) psychological states of the characters in the series, their coping strategies with traumatic pasts, their ways of confronting death, their grieving processes, and the psychological reflections of the gassal (body washer for Islamic burial rites) identity.
The theoretical framework of the study is grounded in fundamental concepts from thanatology, psychodynamic approaches, and trauma and grief literature. (Hypothetical) Findings indicate that the main character Baki's early traumas and the secondary traumas stemming from his profession have profound effects on his personality structure, defense mechanisms, and relationships. It has been determined that death rituals fulfill significant functions in the individual grieving process and social solidarity, and that the gassal identity entails both psychological challenges and the potential for meaning-making. It is concluded that the manner in which popular culture products address complex issues such as trauma and memory can have significant impacts on audience awareness and social discourse. The study offers a cultural perspective to trauma and memory research and emphasizes the role of popular culture in psychological processes.
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