Why I Alternate to Classic Entertainment and Diminish Modern Entertainment
Classic works were primarily crafted for entertainment and artistry, while modern media often prioritizes profitability and exploitation.
Recently, I’ve shifted back to traditional media, reigniting my passion for reading. Seeking substance over spectacle, I’ve turned to classic Japanese literature, shunning hyper-fantasy for humble tales of ordinary individuals. I’m drawn to humble narratives about individuals, finding them deeply inspiring.
These stories focused on the simple yet profound experiences of men and women, offering insights into the human condition. By immersing myself in these timeless tales, I’m not only reconnecting with the joy of reading but also gaining a deeper appreciation for the richness of human existence.
I listen to Tchaikovsky to accompany me while I work and am still discovering more from the Russian classical music scene.
Every evening, my fiance and I immerse ourselves in the enjoyment and nostalgia offered by classic sitcoms from yesteryears. Our nightly routine includes cherished shows like Mind Your Language (1977), Angel (1960), and The Cara Williams Show (1964).
While I still appreciate some modern movies and series, I find solace in the simplicity and charm of these timeless classics. Gradually, I’ve withdrawn from the frenzy of contemporary entertainment, preferring the nostalgia and familiarity of bygone eras. This retreat into the past offers a comforting escape, allowing me to savor the enduring appeal of music and television from a different era; back then when everything seemed simpler.
Through this newfound routine, I’ve come to appreciate how old media not only brings me peace but also entertains me. Classic works were primarily crafted for entertainment and artistry, offering a timeless appeal. In contrast, modern media often prioritizes profitability and exploitation over genuine creativity and expression.
By immersing myself in the simplicity and authenticity of old media, I find refuge from the relentless commercialism of the contemporary entertainment industry. This realization underscores the enduring value of classic works in fostering a sense of tranquility and genuine enjoyment amidst the chaos of modern life.
Tchaikovsky never released teasers or merchandise during premieres, nor did Osamu Dazai sell keychains alongside his novels. In contrast, today’s culture is saturated with exploitation, distraction, and consumerism. The relentless push for profit has transformed entertainment into a commercial spectacle, inundating us with advertisements and merchandise.
This constant barrage of marketing can be overwhelming and time-consuming, detracting from the pure enjoyment of the actual subject of entertainment.
On a larger scale, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the way the industry promotes and markets its movies, music, and TV shows. However, the overwhelming nature of it all can be off-putting, despite my appreciation for and following of some of them. The sheer number of trailers released for a single movie nowadays, ranging from the initial teaser to the final trailer, each spanning 1 to 3 minutes, is excessive in my opinion. Don’t get me started on the proliferation of multiple variations of posters and character posters only adds to the saturation.
Back in the day, there was a time when my favorite musicians would announce the release of a new album. They would release the single with a music video, followed by the album, prompting me to rush to the nearest store to purchase it. These days, there’s a different approach; teasers featuring clips of the first few seconds of the song, visualizer videos, lyric videos, and the actual music video.
And classic movies like Jaws (1975) or The Exorcist (1973) only had one iconic poster. I understand that the intention is to build hype for the release, but isn’t it a little overwhelming and distracting?
I’ll be in the middle of my work and suddenly get a notification of the third trailer from the upcoming movie, Dune.
Or Taylor Swift releasing the tracklist for her upcoming album after yesterday’s announcement with the album cover and cryptic poem. And it’s only February, while the initial release would be in April, what else they will be releasing for the rest of February, March, to April? The anticipation distracts us.
Some artist even planned out a whole month for their promotional campaign and released the schedule for us, the fans, to keep an eye on them. As I might like to check on the actual movies, series, or music, I’m not fond of this new trend of marketing and promoting modern entertainment.
This is Blade Runner 2049, Cyberpunk 2077, where multiple upcoming songs are floating around while you’re doing your laundry. Snacks you pick from a vending machine are collaborations featuring a cute virtual anime girl from the internet, and the deodorant you use is inspired by the Slytherin dorm from Harry Potter.
In a world where everything seems geared toward profit and distraction, it’s refreshing to retreat to the simplicity and authenticity of classic works, free from the commercial pressure of modern society.
