Monday, February 11, 2008

The power of the media

Television networks often cite the power of the media in influencing popular culture. But when held accountable for the distracting and mindless entertainment they peddle, they contradict themselves and reason that they are only giving the audiences what they want.

Simply satisfying the wants of the market is the excuse of pornographers and drug pushers.

The masses do not lack taste; folksy and bold does not equate to ugly and offensive. The masses do not lack intelligence; one needs to talk a different language instead of dumbing down content and talking down to audiences.

What is artistic and thought provoking need not be boring. What is exciting and fun need not be gratuitous and empty.

Value formation and entertainment are not separate. Child protection advocacies are not atonement for entertainment that objectifies women and causes truancy among children. Rather, entertainment can be a powerful medium for value formation and an inspiration for hard work.

The public deserves to be given healthy and uplifting choices, not the excuses of pornographers and drug pushers.

No comments: