Our Role Models

I feel that drama has been bred into us by entertainment. I believe that entertainment is in no way a reflection of who we are, but in fact an ideal we strive to reach. Even if the subject in our entertainment is flawed and illogical, it is always more interesting than our own lives; especially if you’re the type who consumes it in the first place. The resulting culture from entertainment consumption is one where satisfaction cannot be had without struggle and peace must be unnecessarily interrupted in the name of progress.

Because I am not the only person living in my apartment, I often find myself watching programs that I don’t particularly like. I use opportunities like those to observe rather than simply consume. The average episodic drama is character-driven, as opposed to plot-driven. This is a great model for longevity because all of the twists and turns come from the characters themselves rather than some series of events that compels them forward to an end. The drama comes from character interaction instead of a sense of impending closure. Because of this, the formula must be stocked with flawed characters that do stupid things and, in most cases, never learn from their mistakes.

Flawed characters create flawed ideals, but they still manage to become role models to the audiences watching them. The viewer manages to find some affinity with their small-screen icons. The characters are always forgiven for their shortcomings and we think we will be too. Life tries to imitate art, and that is where I start to get annoyed. When you meet someone new, don’t you ever think, “Haven’t I met you before?” That’s because you have, and you were sitting on your couch at the time.

This brings me back to the drama that we live with. Imagine the butterfly effect of attention-craving theatrics placed in a situation where calm level-headed patience should suffice. We don’t know how to remain calm because entertainment teaches us that drama is necessary to reach a peaceful conclusion. We are raised to believe that things must get worse before they get better because characters with the wit to solve problems without conflict do not sell advertising. We are pressured to believe that standing up for ourselves requires a heroic and decisive climax because pacifism doesn’t quite dilate your pupils.

One has to realize that the formula for a drama show requires a fictional character to have the emotional intelligence of a 9-year-old. Even this realization will not prevent people from subconsciously absorbing the childish lessons on display. If I were to wish for one simple thing to come out of expressing my opinion on this matter, it would be to have people realize the effect of entertainment on themselves and to have them reflect on how much of their personality and tact can be attributed to the made-up characters they feel they can identify with. I’ll settle for Gossip Girl getting canceled.