Media consumption greatly impacts human behaviors. It is this power that perpetuates the conflicting perspectives towards syndicated entertainment’s local influence; with one side favoring cultural reforms, against those advocating for airing more native content. This essay shall examine both ideologies, before supporting the need to broadcast more local entertainment.
To begin with, some individuals maintain positive views towards international media because the cultural shifts align with their personal liking. These changes range from simple pleasures like experiencing fusion food or wearing Korean fashion to profound deviations in language-use or acquiring foreign philosophies. Thereby expanding one’s cultural capital. For example, my Chinese friend binged “Peaky Blinders”, a British TV series, attempting to master English collocations. This resulted in a band 8 in the IELTS speaking test, which galvanized his love for English crime shows, notwithstanding his previous disdain for sarcasm and gun violence.
However, naysayers are not swayed by the innocuous entertainment from foreign media, due to its propensity to corrupt minors. Consequently, they wish to publicize more local content, intending to preserve native customs and traditions. For instance, Indian-Singaporeans wrote petitions to their local station, detailing how replacing Bollywood shows with western TV dramas drove children towards cultural taboos like eating burgers Furthermore, local supporters believe their activism serves the local economy. By employing local talents, indirectly promoting national tourism, and using strategic product placements, mass media will be utilized in advertising domestic brands.
In conclusion, although imported TV shows and movies promote global understanding, it is necessary to moderate its consumption as it sometimes glorifies values misaligned with other nations. In my opinion, producing local entertainment not only augments the economy, but it also creates a bridge connecting the youth to ancestral traditions and histories. These stories can empower a generation capable of writing unprecedented plots, worth sharing on the global stage.