I really enjoy the way the author ties in movies, broadway shows, and other things of that nature as a way of hooking the readers attention. This makes it easy to relate to and apply to the outside world as well. One of my favorite concepts in this chapter is the way the author, Em Griffin, describes fantasy. Many people think of fantasy as something unreal or false. The way Griffin describes it paints a clear picture when he says, "In a small-group setting, this defi nition includes any reference to events in the group’s past, speculation about what might happen in the future, and any talk about the world outside the group. The term does not cover comments about actions taking place “here and now” within the group" (Griffin, 28).
If you think about it, when you are daydreaming or "fantasizing," you are not present in this moment, you are somewhere else. It makes complete sense that the term "fantasy" be about the past or the future, but not about right "here and now" (28). I can easily apply that theory in my own daily life. I can tend to regret the past or be anxious or fearful about the future, but then I am not present nor am I experiencing life as it is happening all around me. There is a time and a place to use "fantasy," for instance in small group settings, but it can also be an obstruction in daily life and happiness.
I like how the author writes as well, and although not all his examples resonate with me, he does a good job of making theory more engaging and approachable. Chapter 3's discussion of fantasy theme analysis not only presents a useful example of how to critique a theory, the author also chose an engaging theory. When I teach small group communication, fantasy theme analysis is a popular topic.
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