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| No | 37% | 633 votes | Total: 1726 votes | |
| Yes | 63% | 1093 votes |
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Add to FavoritesHollywood is an entertainment industry. Keyword there being, entertainment. I'm so tired of this violence in the media equals violence in society equation. That's the biggest load of bull. I watch violent movies, I'm not out rapeing and killing people.
Violence aside, This article will focus on other arguements such as annorexia, etc. Even if Hollywood did not exsist, people would still feel the need to try to fit in with others. It is human nature. Even without anything else to look to for inspiration, we would look to each others around us to emulate them.
Hollywood is criticized as pressuring girls to fit some steretypical sense of beauty. But there are many unconventional successful actresses, such as the lead in the hugely successful movie, Hairspray. You do not have to be skinny and blonde to be a movie star or model.
It is not Hollywood's fault if that is what our human minds find attractive. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and personally there honestly are very few actors or actresses that I find beautiful.
Hollywood is also said to increase consumerism, but I think in all honesty we are a consumeristic nation anyways. There was once a commedian who said "Home is just a place to put your stuff while you're out buying more stuff". Americans always want things bigger, better, fancier, flashier, and more expensive. We also tire of things once we have had them for awhile and move on to ever bigger things after that. That's just how we are, and I don't think it's hollywood that makes us that way.
Once again it is just society; if your neighbor gets a shiney new sports car, you of course wish you had one too. If your friend spent 500 taking his family on a vaction, secretly you're hopeing to spend 600... It is some kind of sick ingrained mental problem that we have as a human being. We like things that are shiney.
Hollywood does alot of good things too let's not forget. They can call attention to and raise awareness of and sometimes money for great causes, cancer, parkinsons disease, aids, gay rights, starving children, hurricane relief, stemcell research, MS, all sorts of things. People watch because they're famous, people spend millions of dollars on stuff being auctioned off, the stars themselves donate money, make appearances, speeches, concerts, etc.
Hollywood also is just plain entertaining, making movies for all of us to enjoy. And for those normal human beings able to differenciate between real and fantasy, this is a wonderful thing. So many beautiful tales of romance, friendship, courage, faith. Funny tales to pick us up when we're down. Sad movies, scarey movies, action movies, and everything in between.
Also for those working in the industry it creates many jobs and a source of income. More jobs are *always* a good thing no matter what field they're in. And a job in such a field creates and inspires individuals with creativity, from acting, to writing, to set design, to advertising even. So much creativity. The arts are important and should always be preserved and there are some truely beautiful artistic movies out there.
All and all I think the benefits of the industry far outweigh the evils. Especially when no *direct correlation* to violence or annorexia and the media can be proven. Once again, that's like saying "Ok all these killers drank coffeee, ergo, coffee leads to violence" It's a silly stupid absurb assumption to make... and it just doesn't hold true or make sense in the real world.
Learn more about this author, Jenilee Dunson.
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Yes
Many believe that the growing rate of eating disorders, violence, and other social issues, can be attributed, in part, to Hollywood the media. Individuals in the Hollywood spotlight are regarded as role models to some fans, making it probable that these fans will mimic what these celebrities do. Although Hollywood and the elite individuals within it are entertaining, it contributes to eating disorders, drugs and alcohol, raising violence, and other social issues.
Recently it has become a trend in Hollywood among women to become unhealthily thin. The increased percentage of women and men with eating disorders can largely be blamed on the Hollywood and the media. The depiction of thin women in almost every add becomes brainwashing, instilling in women of all ages what they are "supposed" to look like. Actors and actresses have created an image of perfection, whether by means of plastic surgery, eating disorders, or the editing of photos to make them look spotless.
Hollywood's affect on society can also be seen through how people view drugs and alcohol. Through movies and on television, the media reveals a fun side of drugs and of drinking alcohol. The media portrays the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle of young celebrities who go to night clubs and participate in drugs and drinking alcohol.
Another negative influence of Hollywood is the rising violence. The once loved comedies and romantic movies have been replaced by gruesome violent thrillers. Many television shows are filled with fighting, murder, and frequent gun scenes. Kids and adults constantly view guns and murders in movies and on television, making them immune to the seriousness of this violence. Children can not decipher the differences between what they see on television and the reality of hurting themselves.
Hollywood and the media are responsible for many negative problems in society. Because the actors and actresses are regarded as role models, many people mimic their unhealthy behavior. This results in eating disorders, drugs and alcohol problems, and the rising violence issues. Hollywood and the individuals within it need to realize the affect they have on society and start becoming real role models.
Learn more about this author, Rivka Yankelewitz.
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