The Search for Male Identity within Modern Society
67
Once a set of linguistic devices has been established to which all group
members can relate, a fantasy theme is created through symbolic convergence of
consistent ideologies. “Fantasy,"" explains Sonja Foss in describing Bormann’s
method, “is not used in the popular sense-something imaginary and not
grounded in reality. Instead fantasy is ‘the creative and imaginative
interpretation of events’” (123, emphasis in original). The fantasies that groups
develop are based upon events of either the past or the future. Groups look to
either the historical events that led to creation of the group or to the future goals
toward which the group strives. Additionally, these events do not necessarily
even need to be feasible in their implementation to the members, because the
events are secondary to the participation that the fantasy creates.
The final facet of fantasy-theme analysis comes in the form of a
rhetorical vision that develops based upon a collection of the group’s fantasies.
Although these initial fantasies are generally meant for the small group itself,
the rhetorical vision can be extended to a larger audience by connecting to
mainstream societal problems or issues. Bormann writes, “If the group’s fantasy
themes contain motives to ‘go public’ and gain converts to their position they
often begin artistically to create messages for the mass media for public
speeches and so forth” (“Fantasy and Rhetorical Vision” 399).
The group essentially attempts to transform from a small group into a
larger social movement. These visions isolate emotions and messages that drive
those involved within the movement to action, not necessarily based on what is
said, but on the message’s interpretation. Bormann argues that “motives are in
the messages. The rhetorical vision of a group of people contains their drives to
action. People who generate, legitimate and participate in a public fantasy are ..
. ‘powerfully impaled to action’ by that process” (Bormann, “Fantasy and
Rhetorical Vision” 406). This vision then allows the group members to explain
the world’s problems and to find solutions based upon the precepts established
within their fantasies, ultimately bringing even more participants into their
rhetorical vision.
God’s Unwanted Children: Critical Analysis
Applying Bormann’s method to Fight Club reveals a series of fantasy
types and rhetorical visions. First, the fantasy types and symbolic convergence
take the form of promises that have been broken to Fight Club members;
specifically, the promise of a loving family, the promise of success within the
“Great America Dream,” and the promise of societal acceptance if one works
hard despite adversity. Second, as the members of Fight Club and Project
Mayhem realize these promises have been broken, they begin to search for
someone or something that can keep those promises. The members’ involvement
in a collective organization provides one means of fulfilling society’s promise.