Kyrat brought up something that is both an interest and an irritation to me.
"A generation that has turned to the film industry for a moral guide and quotes the sayings of franchise science fiction for motivation and decision making guidance.
Would we call that "religion" if we were on a forum that had the purpose of dealing with ethics?"
In point of fact, several movies, books, etc. have spawned outright religions. Star Wars is a major example. Lucas was a "disciple" of Joseph Campbell, an American mythologist who died in 1987. Lucas was not unhappy that Star Wars spawned a religion. The movie, by Lucas' own admission was based on the thoughts of Campbell.
The practice of quoting popular culture and celebrities as sources of expertise, wisdom, and roll models bothers me. It seems to be an extension of "if it's in print, it must be true." If a person is famous and they say something, they must know what they're talking about.
Well, no. If Russell Crowe expresses his political opinion, I'm interested, but only as an interest in an uneducated opinion. "Where did he get that idea from? Is there any basis?" But if Anthony Hopkins makes a statement about a modern composer, I'm likely to attach a good bit more importance to it because he happens to also be a concert pianist, composer, and musicologist - along with being an excellent actor.
But is popular culture unimportant? Does it say nothing?
I wouldn't think so. It is a window into the thoughts and impressions of different segments of the community. Elements of movies, books, etc. may not be "fact" (I don't even put that much stock into nonfiction) but it certainly gives an indicator of the "pulse" of certain societies - what they think and what they feel. That's important from a sociological viewpoint and, I suspect, it's pretty darned important from a survivalist viewpoint because what people think and feel drive what they do, and what they do around you is rather important to their survival.
Bookmarks