Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Infinite Exceptionalism: The Role of the Divine in American Exceptionalism and its Implications in American Politics

Bentley, Mark L.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1406659269

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Arts (M.A.), University of Dayton, Communication.
This thesis analyzes BioShock Infinite to explore how videogames serve as a uniquely persuasive platform through which political and religious narratives can be forwarded to a segment of the population that typically is not receptive to, or interested in, such messages. BioShock Infinite utilizes the cultural myths of American Exceptionalism and the Frontier Myth to communicate messages regarding the infusion of religion into political and civic life. The messages contained within the narrative world of BioShock Infinite are analyzed, while exploring the implications of such an approach with regard to the cultural views of its players. Analysis suggests that BioShock Infinite presents a narrative world where religious interventionist politics serve as a metaphor for the disease at the heart of America, where the only possible antidote is secular libertarianism. This message likely resonates with the majority of videogame players who tend to oppose religion in politics.
Joseph Valenzano III, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Samuel Wallace, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Ronda Scantlin, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Communication; Mass Media; Rhetoric
videogame; video game; religion; politics; American Exceptionalism; Frontier Myth; BioShock Infinite

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Bentley, M. L. (2014). Infinite Exceptionalism: The Role of the Divine in American Exceptionalism and its Implications in American Politics [Master's thesis, University of Dayton]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1406659269

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Bentley, Mark. Infinite Exceptionalism: The Role of the Divine in American Exceptionalism and its Implications in American Politics. 2014. University of Dayton, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1406659269.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Bentley, Mark. "Infinite Exceptionalism: The Role of the Divine in American Exceptionalism and its Implications in American Politics." Master's thesis, University of Dayton, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1406659269

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

dayton1406659269
2,272
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Dayton and OhioLINK.