How Entertainment Erodes Moral Values
Sylvanus Maria Mgbechukwu, Researcher, Poet, Author, Activist, Administrator and Writer, is the founder of Direction Initiative (D.I.), and BestAdviceForAll.Com,a forum and platform dedicated and committed to Rectitude and Truth, where people could find Illumination, Direction, Sound Advice, Guidance, Inspiration, Tips, Assistance, Support Or Help, to guide them in this “modern” world that have become a dark jungle and forest of dangerous ideas, philosophies, learning, lies, propaganda and miseducation that sink or ruin unenlightened people.
Entertainment, in its various forms such as movies, television shows, music, and video games, has the power to shape societal norms, attitudes, and values. While entertainment can reflect and reinforce positive moral messages, it can also erode moral values in several ways:
1. Portrayal of Violence and Aggression:
Many forms of entertainment, particularly action movies, video games, and certain music genres, glorify violence and aggression as means of conflict resolution or personal empowerment. Constant exposure to violent imagery can desensitize individuals to the consequences of violence, normalize aggressive behavior, and undermine empathy and compassion towards others.
2. Normalization of Immoral Behavior:
Some forms of entertainment normalize immoral behavior, such as lying, cheating, stealing, and manipulation, by depicting them as acceptable or even admirable actions. Characters who engage in unethical conduct without facing consequences may lead audiences to believe that such behavior is justified or without repercussions, eroding moral integrity and fostering a culture of moral relativism.
3. Objectification and Exploitation:
Entertainment media often objectifies and exploits individuals, particularly women and marginalized groups, by reducing them to stereotypes or sexualized objects for the gratification of viewers. Portrayals of objectification and exploitation in entertainment can perpetuate harmful attitudes towards gender, sexuality, and human dignity, contributing to the erosion of moral values such as respect, empathy, and equality.
4. Promotion of Materialism and Consumerism:
Many forms of entertainment promote materialism and consumerism as symbols of success, happiness, and self-worth. Advertisements, product placements, and celebrity endorsements in entertainment media often promote conspicuous consumption and the pursuit of wealth and status as primary goals, leading individuals to prioritize material possessions over intrinsic values such as integrity, compassion, and altruism.
5. Degradation of Family Values:
Some forms of entertainment depict dysfunctional family dynamics, breakdowns in communication, and conflicts between generations, undermining traditional family values such as love, respect, and unity. Portrayals of infidelity, divorce, and parental neglect can contribute to a sense of disillusionment and instability within families, eroding the foundation of moral values and social cohesion.
6. Desensitization to Morally Ambiguous Content:
Entertainment media may present morally ambiguous content, such as morally flawed protagonists, ambiguous ethical dilemmas, or morally gray situations, without providing clear moral guidance or resolution. Exposure to such content can desensitize individuals to moral complexity and ambiguity, leading to moral relativism and a lack of clarity in ethical decision-making.
In summary, while entertainment has the potential to entertain, educate, and inspire, it can also erode moral values when it promotes violence, immorality, objectification, materialism, and dysfunction. As consumers of entertainment media, it is important to critically evaluate the messages and values conveyed in entertainment content and to actively seek out media that promotes positive moral messages and ethical behavior. Additionally, parents, educators, and policymakers play a crucial role in promoting media literacy, ethical awareness, and responsible consumption of entertainment media to mitigate the negative impacts on moral values in society.
