Kyle Noblitt
Entertainment has a huge role in this society. Whether it’s the point someone tries to make with it, or the display of an event to make the viewer feel as tho they are witnessing it first hand.
The evolution of entertainment has changed over the many years that we’ve had movies and videogames. The industry has more tricks up their sleeves to bring things feeling closer to reality. But does that make it okay to show things like bloody battles and wars.
The impact it can have on a society is great and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Two modern day displays of accurate wars from the past are “Call of Duty WWII” and “Saving Private Ryan”. In both of these we see what people are saying as an accurate interpretations of the D-Day event on June 6, 1944. You are able to see the many many men storm the beaches of Normandy and fight for their lives to secure the safety of not only the US but the world.
Watching the movie and playing the game you see the violence of people catching on fire and people getting shot and killed. Is this okay for people to be seeing? Is this justified? Entertainment is not only here to “entertain” it’s here to help us learn.
There are documentaries about these events that talk about and examine what happened so people can better understand the circumstances and just learn out of respect for the fallen soldiers. They did not die to be forgotten.
The movie and the videogame give you an upfront and personal view of the event and shows you what some of those people had to go through and see. This gives people a way to learn about what happened and try to understand that people died for their freedom and the only reason they are doing what they are doing now is because of what happened.
Mr. Hardin believes, “If the content stays accurate it is a very good source of education for those who choose to view it that way”. Is it okay for kids to be seeing and playing these things? That is up for the parent to decide. It is not up to a massive group of people whether or not a child is supposed to see it.
Hiding history isn’t something to be taken lightly. When people are ready they are ready. If they aren’t they aren’t. It is up to you as the reader to decide if you want to see something like this.
Our very own History teacher Mr. Turner said, “I do have concerns that by glorifying violence we become more accepting of it or by romanticizing war we don’t find it as reprehensible as we should, but at the same time I enjoy the entertainment those games and movies provide. It’s not a question that can be answered by one person for everyone. It’s up to the individual to decide what they think is ethically and morally acceptable to them”. This is a good opportunity to learn and have a front row seat to experiencing history. Meant for anyone if they so choose.
