Clooney’s “Good night & Good luck”
Tracie and I just finished watching “Good night & Good Luck.” Its a film I have been wanting to watch for a while, not just because I really like George Clooney, but because I was really interested to hear the story around the MacArthur hearings in the 50s.
A couple of very clear messages rung clear. Firstly, as Clooney himself suggests, the reminder of journalistic responsibility: That journalists must tell it like it is, keeping the powers that be at bay, performing the duties of a nation’s citizens and reporting on all events, so that the important ones are not neglected. This is a dual responsibility that also includes a commitment to truth at any cost.
Secondly, there is a message that is applicable to the US even more so today: there is too much focus on entertainment. “News doesn’t sell,” every claims. Having spent 4 years here in the states, and watched TV the past two years or so, I have been appalled at the content of network TV. Its mostly junk with the odd good program here and there. There is a growing list of programs that I appreciate and of those those that regard news and commentary are scheduled at such inane times such as 7 or 8am on a weekend morning. Why must this content be hidden at such strange times.
I subscribe to George Stefanopolis’ (forgive me if the spelling is off) This Week podcast just so that I can get some editorial on what is going on. It is a podcast that I enjoy very much and brings rich insight into not only the goings on of the nation, but also into the characters and personalities that are shaping this nation’s future.
America must move away from this entertainment mentality - it will *kill* us! Do I think our culture is becoming dumber? I would say yes. Try reading any of the founding father’s letters and books: you practically need a thesaurus to understand most of it, and this was a level that most educated people were accustomed to. We must stop lowering our standards, and we must stop catering to the lowest denominator, and continually challenge our citizens.
As citzens we must realise that this call begins with us. Let us stop subscribing to the low, and begin to look to the high. Let us let go of the easy, and start tackling the difficult. Let us leave our current entertainment crazy, materialistic reputation behind and spent time growing, learning, developing, and finally ensuring that America is not left behind, becoming the dunce in the global corner.
April 10th, 2006 at 12:30 am
Stop watching “Scrubs” Mr. Bonjour, and flip your channel to PBS/BBC America and rewatch “Red Dwarf” reruns. Your brain will thank you. But if you really need a dose of asinine comedy (and to quell any homesickness you may be feeling) watch (gag) “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”.