Creating Content in a Modern World
One of the toughest things when creating content is how much you want the beliefs, and truths you hold to show without becoming preachy. Certainly, you will never be able to satisfy everyone, but some authors would argue that if you can curb the message to fit the contemporary trend of acceptability then that is enough. I find this attitude disappointing due to the shallowness of the current stereotypes.
A common theme nowadays is blaming men and masculinity for most of the world's problems. While many would argue this assumption is not completely false, it generalizes an entire gender for the mistakes of some of its members. Mistrust, disrespect, and abuse of power have stigmatized all men in America. In turn, some women bitterly resent masculinity as a whole. Sadly, in the last few years, the men who are trying to be virtuous are mocked and ridiculed by society. A true heroine realizes this instead of belittling men, by downplaying them constantly. She supports them in their good decisions and should not be dissuaded to put her trust in those who have proven to be trustworthy. If a man is indeed behaving wrongly or trying to take advantage of her, she will not just let him use her, but bravely admonish him, not out of a spiteful power trip but a genuine spirit of fortitude.
Most modern writing experts will quickly point out that you should do what works. Keep feeding the masses with progressive entertainment regardless of how useful or important it is to society. I disagree with this on every level. If writers spent more time focusing on what people need vs what they want, the world would be a far different place. On a commerce level, it might seem counterproductive. After all, if they don't like it, they won't come back for more. In fact, I have heard many so-called 'traditional conservative-minded people" say things like. "Films and books should be for fun and entertainment, not to push an agenda." Nothing could be farther from the truth. I understand why they might be making comments like this due to the complete liberal takeover of the film industry, yet it is a weak argument. In recent times both sides have turned many things into "political issues" when in reality politics have almost nothing to do with it. Do not be mistaken, this is a war that goes far beyond Democrats and Republicans. Everything, especially entertainment has become about morality these days." Books and films should have an agenda. An agenda of building up goodness and promoting virtue. Pop culture has now become a war ground of infighting over how to throw off all decency and make evil good and good evil.
For many Americans, action films are now simply good if they ride the fence and don't send a message. Entertainment, particularly games and TV give eye-catching action, violence, and sex. As long as the adventure is fun, entertains the crowds, and makes a lot of money that is all that matters. This does not leave a legacy that I want to be remembered by. I never want my books to have battles or violence for the sake of a fun adventure or romance for a sensual thrill. Violence should not be in a book or film unless it adds to the overall development of the story as a whole. Romantic love should not be in the story to entertain the readers. I am not saying that you should never read anything about violent conflict or war. But you should definitely ask yourself if it will teach you something, make you a better person. or motivate you in some way. If it does not do any of these things, then in my opinion it is probably not worth reading, especially as things in this world are growing darker, and the separation between fantasy and reality seems to be disappearing. Because of the shallowness of modern content, horrific things are happening all over this country. When graphic violence and promiscuous sex are the main forms of entertainment then it is not surprising that tragedies like school shootings and sexual exploitation and harassment are commonplace.