Reviewing_Hollywood_vs._America

Br2 Kerwin Davis Eng.30 McBride May 5, 2010 Book Report 2 Reviewing Hollywood versus America Hollywood versus America, by Author, Michael Medved, published by Harper Collins publishers 1992. A unique expression of thoughts, observing moral virtues or the lack thereof that encompasses Hollywood. Destined to be viewed with controversy the author attempts to persuade the reader of an increasingly larger separation of values between the general public and Hollywood’s latest releases. Through countless references, census polls, and quotes we are encouraged to believe that Hollywood has lost touch with society and the general public. This book is very compelling and extremely interesting, a must read for psychology, sociology, and theology students. I found within the first 3-4 chapters that the content was somewhat repetitive yet I found myself waiting for the next chapter. Although I don’t particularly agree with the context 100% I can however appreciate the attempt of persuasion the author originates. Factoring in the Religious quotations and spiritual references given I find myself feeling as if I’m attending Sunday morning services without the praise and worship music. Suddenly there’s a quotation of grave disgust and I realize this isn’t Sunday school anymore! The Author comments about how Hollywood has attacked all forms and divisions of religion barring none which in turn has ruffled more than just a few feathers of clergyman. A huge protest concerning a new release of a film portraying Jesus during his life is referenced to cement the idea to the reader of how out of touch Hollywood is to the general public. Midway through the book I find myself feeling depressed and giving accolades’ to myself for not being a movie buff I’m wondering if society is going to self destruct at any moment. The gloom and doom portrayed could be very convincing to a simple mind, I ask myself do I ever want to go see a movie again. At this point I relinquish my personal belief because I am not here to debate the context or the theory of this book. So personal feelings put aside lets carry on. The next few chapters portray the family values of which the movie industry has brought to the media table. The Author describes how the industry brings promiscuity, illegitimacy, bad marriages, and kid’s dominance in the family unit in turn inflicting these values upon society. There are several unique passages that are convincing to the point that your interest is held captive and you are compelled to keep reading for further enlightenment. Next in sequence the Author delves in to the movie rating system and the use of profanity, as well as the use of all human vices deemed legal and illegal. He points out that one movie that’s family oriented has the same rating as another movie of the horror genre. To exemplify his point he also encapsulates all media forms as well. From here on through to the end I feel a redundancy to his writing. I feel that the author is on a soapbox and is dragging out for effect his contentions that the movie industry has failed to recognize their responsibility to the general public. As if to state that all moral values learned by humans are the direct responsibility of the industry, removing the parents from this responsibility and appearing to state that all of the world’s problems are a direct result from watching movie entertainment media. Summary: I thoroughly agree that there is a decline in moral values in society today, however to blame the media is preposterous. As for the writing of this book I do believe it was well written and quite an interesting read I would recommend it to my friends. Despite the fact that I disagree with certain reasoning’s the Author depicts, I believe he brought a multitude of quality facts to the table for consideration and expressed his opinion quite well. I feel this book is warranted and useful and a great contribution to American literature due to the fact that it allows the reader to experience another view from a different prospective. My hope would be that if parents were to read this that they might take a bit more responsibility in raising their children with proper perspective on the movie industry and inform proper viewing reflections with common sense and reality. .