by Parvenu

Created on: July 03, 2007

This is a ridiculous idea that Hollywood could possibly have a negative impact on the world. Since it began, Hollywood has served but one purpose for mankind, escapism. Goodness, throughout it's history Hollywood has served as a means to take the average ordinary joe away from his/her morbid existence. Let's face it, it's bigger than life. Take for example the Great Depression. During this time period when the world was having trouble finding work, or food or even just daily subsistence, Hollywood provided a means of escape. In the movies during this period you'll find that most characters depict that high society way of life. There are millionaires on every corner with money falling from their pockets. There are flappers and glitz. All of this was to take people away from their troublesome lives. Hollywood, like most art serves mankind. It's purpose is one of catharsis, enabling man to purge him/herself. It takes us to a higher plain. What we see on the silver screen, is what we require. If you think Hollywood is negative, you must first look at yourself, because Hollywood reflects what we project. Hollywood is determined by the masses. If we didn't go to see the pictures, then the pictures wouldn't be made. The purpose of Hollywood is to serve mankind...not the other way around. I think Hollywood gives the world hope. Where else but on the silver screen can a poor boy rise through ordinary means or even extraordinary means to the head of the company? Where else but Hollywood do we find true love. Hollywood makes us laugh, cry and feel. When we stop feeling, well that's when we're truly in trouble. Hollywood, if it gives us one gift, one great gift, that gift is this, it gives us our humanity. In Phillip Dick's book, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" he writes about a future world in which Androids are so human they impersonate us. The one thing that they can't do, is truly feel. When we stop feeling; when we become like robots, this is when Man's inhumanity to man will triumph and the breeding ground for terrorism will ignite to cataclysmic proportions. Thank Heaven for Hollywood, as it may be our last and only saving grace in the times both good and bad that we face ahead. It's taken us through so many wars and hard times. It's given us hope and much needed respite. If the world can't handle it, they need to get on board. We need this willful suspension of disbelief - to function and to survive. Escapism in humankind is as natural as breathing air. Hats off to Hollywood. And I'd like at this time to give a polite nod to Mr. Singer!

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