Quality in Entertainment
Discussing the concept of quality in relation to the entertainment industry is difficult. Whereas a business has a clear aim; it must make money and as long as it does so, then it is fulfilling the demands of quality. In the medical profession as long as the patient gets better, then, the demands of quality have been similarly fulfilled. But what is quality in the entertainment industry? There are so many different directions that quality can go in. Is entertainment a business? Of course it is, but does that mean that its ability to make a profit is the sole criterion on which to assess its quality. Artistic value that enriches the recipient is an equally valid way to judge quality, as is empowerment.
Profit is the most obvious definition of quality in the entertainment media and such a definition has value. When entertainment media products make a profit it leads to jobs, associated products and even international commerce is improved. Careers in the arts, fashion, journalism, advertising, sports can all flourish from profit-making entertainment media. But of course such an approach has many drawbacks. First, if profits are the measure of quality, then there will inevitably be much of the same in terms of material. One of the overwhelming rules of profit is, "if it works once, let's do it again." Hence "Lion King 2", "Speed 2", and so on. Moreover, the effect of a profit-making definition can also be seen in cheap but very non-artistic productions. Profit-making, as a definition of quality, stands in opposition to art because the most important element in creating art is the freedom to fail, both artistically and financially. In a profit-making environment, failure is an unacceptable reality that means you will probably not get a second chance.
Enrichment is another way to measure quality. Unfortunately, it is not easy to define enrichment. It is easier to say what it is not, rather than what it is. It is also important to bear in mind that entertainment does not necessarily mean enrichment. Highly formulaic films, or television programs might entertain us, but they do not offer enriching experiences. A romantic film, or anything with Tom Cruise in it may be fun to watch, but on the whole these movies do not enrich; instead they can be considered pleasant pastimes. In order for a movie to be considered enriching, it should provoke thought. That is not to say that is has to be Shakespeare. For those who enjoy the master playwright that is fine, but this is not the only form of enrichment, for not all popular culture is mindless.
Popular entertainment is enriching when it makes us think about our lives and reassess how we regard the world. Films such as "The Fisher King" or "Awakening" show us people struggling with real problems. The issues are often painful and do not involve the prescribed fairy tale ending where everyone lives happily ever after. On the contrary instead of standing up and dusting off the trauma and grief with a wry smile or a funny comment, which are the typical responses in the superficial popular movies, we see characters struggle to come to terms with life-changing events and that struggle is not always successful.
Yet another aspect that could pertain to quality in the entertainment industry is empowerment. Instances of empowerment used to be few and far between, but they are slowly increasing. Empowerment is when the public is involved to become an active part of a societal problem. "America's Most Wanted" is an example of a show that empowers. Instead of just reporting the news in a way that leaves people feeling fear but no control, people are actively involved. They are asked to help find the "bad guys" and are given a number where they can phone so that they can participate. There was a similar moment of empowerment during the coverage of September 11, 2001. The constant reporting led to volunteers coming forward to help the emergency services or provide blood or food. These positive and participating actions were an empowering experience in the face of a disaster where no one felt they had any control. The gathering together of mourners, victims and volunteers comforting each other spontaneously, gave power and hope to those who watched all over the globe.
It is impossible to separate the profit motive from quality, but as long as we, the viewers, let the entertainment media executives know that we want the enriching and empowering experiences then that is what we stand a chance of getting. We cannot allow ourselves to just sit by and watch passively what they choose to give us. We have to watch the shows that are not always comfortable, the shows that make us confront painful issues such as, drugs, grief, pain etc. or the shows that ask us to do something to change the situation. And as long as we watch these shows they will bring in a profit and we will get more of them and our lives will be further enriched and empowered. And we will no longer be merely passive receptacles being filled with what those in power want to give us.
Copyright: Academic Reading
Profit is the most obvious definition of quality in the entertainment media and such a definition has value. When entertainment media products make a profit it leads to jobs, associated products and even international commerce is improved. Careers in the arts, fashion, journalism, advertising, sports can all flourish from profit-making entertainment media. But of course such an approach has many drawbacks. First, if profits are the measure of quality, then there will inevitably be much of the same in terms of material. One of the overwhelming rules of profit is, "if it works once, let's do it again." Hence "Lion King 2", "Speed 2", and so on. Moreover, the effect of a profit-making definition can also be seen in cheap but very non-artistic productions. Profit-making, as a definition of quality, stands in opposition to art because the most important element in creating art is the freedom to fail, both artistically and financially. In a profit-making environment, failure is an unacceptable reality that means you will probably not get a second chance.
Enrichment is another way to measure quality. Unfortunately, it is not easy to define enrichment. It is easier to say what it is not, rather than what it is. It is also important to bear in mind that entertainment does not necessarily mean enrichment. Highly formulaic films, or television programs might entertain us, but they do not offer enriching experiences. A romantic film, or anything with Tom Cruise in it may be fun to watch, but on the whole these movies do not enrich; instead they can be considered pleasant pastimes. In order for a movie to be considered enriching, it should provoke thought. That is not to say that is has to be Shakespeare. For those who enjoy the master playwright that is fine, but this is not the only form of enrichment, for not all popular culture is mindless.
Popular entertainment is enriching when it makes us think about our lives and reassess how we regard the world. Films such as "The Fisher King" or "Awakening" show us people struggling with real problems. The issues are often painful and do not involve the prescribed fairy tale ending where everyone lives happily ever after. On the contrary instead of standing up and dusting off the trauma and grief with a wry smile or a funny comment, which are the typical responses in the superficial popular movies, we see characters struggle to come to terms with life-changing events and that struggle is not always successful.
Yet another aspect that could pertain to quality in the entertainment industry is empowerment. Instances of empowerment used to be few and far between, but they are slowly increasing. Empowerment is when the public is involved to become an active part of a societal problem. "America's Most Wanted" is an example of a show that empowers. Instead of just reporting the news in a way that leaves people feeling fear but no control, people are actively involved. They are asked to help find the "bad guys" and are given a number where they can phone so that they can participate. There was a similar moment of empowerment during the coverage of September 11, 2001. The constant reporting led to volunteers coming forward to help the emergency services or provide blood or food. These positive and participating actions were an empowering experience in the face of a disaster where no one felt they had any control. The gathering together of mourners, victims and volunteers comforting each other spontaneously, gave power and hope to those who watched all over the globe.
It is impossible to separate the profit motive from quality, but as long as we, the viewers, let the entertainment media executives know that we want the enriching and empowering experiences then that is what we stand a chance of getting. We cannot allow ourselves to just sit by and watch passively what they choose to give us. We have to watch the shows that are not always comfortable, the shows that make us confront painful issues such as, drugs, grief, pain etc. or the shows that ask us to do something to change the situation. And as long as we watch these shows they will bring in a profit and we will get more of them and our lives will be further enriched and empowered. And we will no longer be merely passive receptacles being filled with what those in power want to give us.
Copyright: Academic Reading
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