“Meme-Spirited”. II. Illustrating the VAPUS Model for Ghost Narratives.

OKeeffe, Ciaran (2019) “Meme-Spirited”. II. Illustrating the VAPUS Model for Ghost Narratives. Australian Journal of Parapsychology, 19 (1). pp. 5-43. ISSN 1445-2308

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Abstract

We continue our integrative review of nearly 20 years of sociocultural research and popular trends on ghosts, haunted houses, and poltergeists (collectively termed “ghostly episodes”) that commenced in Part I (Hill, O’Keeffe, Laythe, Dagnall, Drinkwater, Ventola, & Houran, 2018). That analysis characterized the powerful brand personality of ghost narratives in terms of their Versatility, Adaptability, Participatory nature, Universality, and Scalability. This VAPUS model emphasizes that these narratives serve as cultural memes which, in part, reflect interpersonal or group dynamics. We illustrate these themes via three analyses that explore the role of the media, the use of technology to legitimatize amateur organizations, and the resulting conflict between popularized ghost-hunting groups, skeptic organizations, and parapsychology. Optimistically, we expect the VAPUS model can guide the development of new means or methods that aim to delineate and even bridge some of the competing social forces that shape or sustain these narratives in the popular culture and thereby constructively advance research in this domain.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Branding, Engagement, Ghost, Haunt, Media, Meme, Popular Culture
Depositing User:	RED Unit Admin
Date Deposited:	20 Feb 2019 10:53
Last Modified:	18 Feb 2020 11:09
URI:	https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17639

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