It’s been a long day, you just got home and decided to take a
break on the couch and watch TV. A music video is playing and you can’t help but
be mesmerized by the shifting images. But have you ever wondered why after a
long day most people opt for entertainment content rather than say hard news?
For centuries man has dedicated his free time to social engaging
activities, be it going to watch plays, acts, sports, cinemas or gathering
around a camp fire to listen to elders tell stories of glorious times in the
past. It was a way to escape the mundane and relax the mind from heavy
thoughts. But have you ever considered the immense power that the entertainment
industry has?
In 2007 the Writers Guild of America almost brought the
American movie industry to its knees; an industry that generates billions of
dollars for the American government. They staged a strike that had not only local
but globally financial ramifications. However, that’s just looking at one
aspect of the power the entertainment industry has.
Let’s take for example India as a case study. Bollywood, has
had a profound effect not only on the economic but social development of
India as a country. Economically the movie industry creates jobs as the local
demand for better quality movies arise. Socially, Bollywood stars and movies
have helped to shape the beliefs and behaviors of the nation. Now, studying and
refining oneself as a global citizen yet staying true to traditional values, has
become the in thing. There are more educated men and women in India than they
were in the 1950’s thanks in part to the movie portrayals of educated stars who
travel back from the west to reinvest in their country.
If we for a second reconsidered reinvesting heavily in our
entertainment industry not only would we be creating new avenues for jobs, but
use the medium to export our culture, and influence nations around us. We have
seen how through Hollywood America has been able to shape the world's
perception about them as the best and most democratic nation. But I pose this
last question to you, name one American artist who’s known worldwide and I will
describe to you the power they have.
So instead of undermining that actor or musicians source of income;
let them grow and change the world.
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