Escapism in the Media?
Aug 1, 2018 4:50:03 GMT 10
Post by al on Aug 1, 2018 4:50:03 GMT 10
Entertainment has largely existed as a means of distraction, though at some points, this has been especially true.
During the 1930's, the movie going experience was a crucial getaway for many. It was affordable during tough times, and the majority of films during this era were quite lighthearted, with Shirley Temple having been very popular. This offered a drastic break from the hardship of everyday life.
Even though the 1950's are known as a time of prosperity, they also were a period of intense fear, mainly of nuclear war and impeding social changes. The culture of the teenager began to develop, perhaps a product of Marketing, but also a means of distraction. Cars, records, lipstick; sales of these items surged. They were economically feasible, but also provided a world away from all the danger.
Based on these examples, it seems as though in economic hard times, we are more likely to escape via mass media. This is where our desire for "fluff" is sought. However in political hard times, we seem drawn to accumulating "stuff" to distract ourselves.
This pattern can be seen during the 2000's, when the economy boomed post 9/11. Big houses, big cars, designer clothes, etc had made their way into popular culture. However, during and immediately after the recession, hipster and minimalism took over as the popular styles. In the media however, we saw the Electropop era with its "lighter" music, and comedies like Step Brothers as the most popular films.
Anyway I'm just testing this theory, obviously there will be lots of exceptions. But as far as the public consciousness at large, it appears to me that we escape in different ways depending on what is presently affecting us.
Thoughts?
During the 1930's, the movie going experience was a crucial getaway for many. It was affordable during tough times, and the majority of films during this era were quite lighthearted, with Shirley Temple having been very popular. This offered a drastic break from the hardship of everyday life.
Even though the 1950's are known as a time of prosperity, they also were a period of intense fear, mainly of nuclear war and impeding social changes. The culture of the teenager began to develop, perhaps a product of Marketing, but also a means of distraction. Cars, records, lipstick; sales of these items surged. They were economically feasible, but also provided a world away from all the danger.
Based on these examples, it seems as though in economic hard times, we are more likely to escape via mass media. This is where our desire for "fluff" is sought. However in political hard times, we seem drawn to accumulating "stuff" to distract ourselves.
This pattern can be seen during the 2000's, when the economy boomed post 9/11. Big houses, big cars, designer clothes, etc had made their way into popular culture. However, during and immediately after the recession, hipster and minimalism took over as the popular styles. In the media however, we saw the Electropop era with its "lighter" music, and comedies like Step Brothers as the most popular films.
Anyway I'm just testing this theory, obviously there will be lots of exceptions. But as far as the public consciousness at large, it appears to me that we escape in different ways depending on what is presently affecting us.
Thoughts?
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