Something I was thinking about in the car today, shuffling through songs that glorify The Hustle, talk about how money is all that matters…It got me wondering if there’s too much media that tells us that working ourselves to death is the only way to live.
Yes, I am of course aware that there’s plenty of media about living a life of leisure, rebelling against the grind, and so on. I’m am of course also aware that a solid work ethic is a generally positive trait.
So the question I guess comes down to balance. What do you see as the prevailing message in the media you see/hear/read? Is it, “Work as hard and amass as much money as you possibly can and nothing else matters?” Or do you see something different/better?
I see the message that anyone who is not rich is a loser. That’s what the problem is. All media characters are aspiring to be rich or they are totally miserable.
There is no respect for the middle class or working class people who are just happy.
Even characters that are presented as poor or middle class have homes, cars, and clothing that would well exceed their means in the real world.
You’ll have a show with a 20 something couple that are “just staring out”, he’s a mechanic at a small independent garage and she’s a struggling singer-songwriter. Without support from their parents they somehow have a 1200 square foot loft in a major city, brand new MacBooks, a top of the line TV, coordinated decor with no flatpack furniture, brand name clothing, and a late model crossover with all the options.
I know product placement is part of it, but it’s still bullshit and unrealistic.
the NU-MOVIES are pretty much that.
I was happy even when apparently far below the poverty line. Had everything I thought I needed.