Haunting In Dexter

Haunting has been defined as an anachronism that is the resurfacing of a culturally repressed “other”. Through applying Edward Said’s idea of “formal instability” in States as a framework to the television show Dexter, I define haunting as a force that is able to control our emotions and actions throughout time. After using Christiana Gregoriou Times like these, I wish there was a real Dexter as framework towards understanding the informal stability that was present in Dexter I can conclude that my definition of haunting is shown in Dexter. I will argue how my definition of haunting defines what causes haunting, and the effects haunting is capable of having on individuals. I will also argue how my definition adds on to who the culturally repressed …show more content…
Gregoriou states “The rebroadcasting of Dexter episodes on CBS in 2008 attracted significant opposition from such groups as the Parents Television Council, who objected to the way in which Dexter encourages its viewers to sympathize with Dexter” (2). This idea of how despite it being a fictional show people have tried objectify Dexter, displays how haunting is the resurfacing of a culturally repressed other. This statement by Gregoriou also led me to understanding the significant impact the fear haunting has on our society. Through the Parents Television Council objectifying a fictional TV show we are shown the impact possible future haunting is capable of …show more content…
In the episode Dexter is currently holding a police officer in hiding and is debating on whether or not he should kill him because he knows that he is a serial killer. After being held by Dexter for a period of time the police officer finds out Dexter’s dad, a former highly regarded police officer taught Dexter to control his killing urges by developing a system in which he could kill criminals and get away with. After a look of disgust on his face the police officer stated “your old man must have been proud, he really was a wack job” in an angry and disbelieved state. Dexter then furious at what he has been told responds “My dad was a legend on the force”. This defensive response by Dexter showcases the importance his father had on his life, and how he believes that what his father taught is not criminally wrong. After defending his father the police officer snidely replies, "They never told you..." as he passes out. This scene in Dexter demonstrates how Dexter for the first time is receiving criticism for his actions which he believes are