The junkification of American life


‘Hollywood studios are laying off employees. The number of new scripted TV series is down. That’s because entertainment is being swallowed up by distraction,’ says Brooks. — ©2024 The New York Times Company

BACK in February, music historian Ted Gioia wrote an essay on the state of American culture. He argued that many creative people want to create art (work that puts demands on people), but all the commercial pressures push them to create entertainment (which gives audiences what they want).

As a result, for the past many years, entertainment (superhero movies) has been swallowing up art (literary novels and serious dramas).

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Focus

Teaching the world’s lost leaders
What to expect in 2026
At the centrestage of Asean�
#coldplaygate: Speaking out against the ritual shaming of the woman
The Epstein files: 'Truthful hyperbole'?
The movie I was afraid to see
What next for the high speed rail to Singapore?
Gateway to Sarawak: Such great heights
Dawn of the new age
Budgeting for ‘new youth’ transition

Others Also Read