How Horror Movies Taught Me Empathy | Mark Gunnells | TEDxFurmanU

Do you love horror movies? Find out how Mark learned to be empathetic from watching horror movies as a child. Mark Allan Gunnells loves to tell stories. He has since he was a kid, penning one-page spooky tales that were Twilight Zone knockoffs. He likes to think he has gotten a little better since then. A self-described horror-hound, he lives in Greer, SC, with his husband Craig A. Metcalf. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Wickedmama]

This was a beautiful speech! I can relate to this story and feel like Horror films (and books) have also taught me many vital lessons. Shared this with the Horror community on Twitter yesterday!

[@peterfrazier-tripp3676]

Thank you for sharing your story of learning empathy.

[@LisaKeysgoodgriefcook]

fascinating and heartfelt

[@johangreybe5552]

Fantastic Mark. I'm in my mid-60's (you look incongruously young at mid-40's). I'm straight but also grew up with an alcoholic father and share your childhood terrors to a 't'. And also loved the horror movies you did. And yes, I'm quite empathetic by nature. I DID - over the years - lose my love for that genre, as I gravitated towards art movies. So be warned: you might land up similar? But in the meanwhile may you thrive; a pity your very insightful talk didn't attract more views? Maybe empaths of our like are scarce?

[@MarkGunnells]

Thank you for the compliments on my talk and for saying I look incongruously young. ha ha My taste in film and literature is vast, but I will never lose my love of horror. More discerning now? Yes, but when done right there's nothing better for me. :p

[@GAIJINGUY]

I also started into R-rated horror flicks at an inappropriately young age and am also hyper-empathetic. I'm always looking for reasons to add to my "Why everyone should read horror" list and this is a good one.

[@AlanPostScript]

Good job Mark!

[@MarkGunnells]

Thanks.

[@molestedmango]

Lol most people dress nicely for their Ted talk

[@MarkGunnells]

I always prefer to dress in what is comfortable to me. :p

[@holdmyshoesbitch]

Clothes have nothing to do with inspirational words. If you look past clothing, you'll get further in life. :]