Security positionality in popular culture is a fascinating area of study because it reveals how society perceives, understands, and interacts with the concept of security, particularly in the digital age. Popular culture—including movies, television shows, books, and even video games—often mirrors societal anxieties and attitudes towards security. These narratives contribute to the shaping of public perception and policy discourse on cyber security.
For example, in many cyber-noir films and series, hackers are depicted as either anti-heroes or villains, reflecting societal fears of cyber threats and the ambiguous morality of hacking. These portrayals can influence how the public perceives cyber security threats and the measures necessary to combat them. Similarly, the glorification of certain security practices or the demonization of others can impact public opinion and even policy-making.
James Shires’ Examination of Cyber Security in Popular Culture
James Shires, a notable security scholar, has extensively examined how cyber security is portrayed in popular culture. His paper, titled “Cyber-noir: Cybersecurity and popular culture,” published in Contemporary Security Policy (Volume 41, Issue 1, 2020, pages 82-107), provides a critical analysis of these portrayals.
In his paper, Shires discusses the genre of “cyber-noir,” a subset of noir fiction that blends elements of traditional noir with cyber security themes. He argues that this genre reflects and shapes public understanding of cyber security by embedding security concerns within narratives that are often dystopian, highlighting the ambiguities and complexities of digital security.
The paper delves into how cyber-noir stories convey various positions on security, illustrating the tension between surveillance and privacy, the ethics of hacking, and the portrayal of state versus non-state actors in cyber conflicts. Shires’ analysis provides insights into how these cultural products can influence not only public perception but also the development of cyber security policies.
Further Exploration
For those interested in exploring this topic further, I recommend reading James Shires’ full article. You can access it through academic databases like JSTOR, or directly via the publisher’s website. Additionally, exploring other scholarly works that discuss the intersection of security, culture, and media would provide a more comprehensive understanding of how cyber security is positioned within popular culture.
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