Mar
Entertaining?
Entertainment is a curious thing. In our current society, entertainers are among the most highly-paid and esteemed people. That includes actors, sports figures and musicians. They have more visibility than any other sector of society.
I find it equally curious that people heed the opinions of entertainers on many subjects. Actors and musicians are quick to give their opinions on everything from politics to social activism. They promote their various causes loudly. We have to ask what qualifies them to give advice on subjects other than entertainment. After all, an actor’s work is to portray someone other than himself for entertainment purposes. A musician’s work is to make music, and a sportsman’s role is to play well.
Entertainers entertain the public through their various specialties. Being a good actor or football player is not a mark of character. Musical talents are no indicator of wisdom. Many an actor’s personal life is fraught with misadventure. Many a sportsman is a selfish brat off the field. Many a musician is a raging drug addict when he is offstage. They might not represent the majority of their profession, but there are enough faulty entertainers to make their foibles notable.
The work of entertainers is to entertain. That is there specialty and the subject on which they can speak most authoritatively. They are not role models, nor are they qualified to advise on how to conduct our lives. Certainly, the incidents in the lives of entertainers do not deserve all the attention they get. The ups and downs of entertainers’ lives are trivial compared to the real issues of life.
I am quite concerned for young people who are seeking role models. Too many parents are willing to leave that to the schools, television and whatever else is out there. Entertainers are among the worst pool of role models. People cannot be content to leave their children’s education to the school system. School has its limits. Parents need to take charge and provide the education that no classroom can give. They need to guide their children toward positive role models, and guide them toward productive activities. Parents need to minimize the importance of entertainment and focus on the things that really count. Life skills are far more essential than doting on the latest faux pas of whatever young actress is in the headlines.
