Every attempted definition of it since the 19th century, whether by a dictionary or a court, presupposes the intentions of the maker and the response of the consumer. Kendrick's most provocative assertion in the book, however, is that images by themselves aren't inherently dangerous. Yet the idea that images somehow compel behavior, which dates back to Plato, is nearly unshakable. They are all huge problems. But to say that simply by setting fire to a few books and videotapes that these problems are going to go away is absurd.
People are so eager to find quick answers to very difficult questions.
Like pornography, horror is often assumed to have a baleful influence on its readers and viewers. Its violence and gore, some say, warp young minds. Not surprisingly, Kendrick doesn't think so. Instead, film gore has become a carnival of technology, and its aficionados are likely to be experts in the manipulation of latex and computerized puppets. And its no wonder we're afraid to do that.