OPIATE OF THE PEOPLE
Violence in mainstream films has become entertainment’s nicotine.
Your “Sneaks ‘95” overview of this year’s forthcoming films (Jan. 22) reveals that 79 (36%) are heavily violence-dependent (a conservative estimate).
Responsible and sophisticated people, young and old, pay good money to see such films and then gibber away about their meaning. This is the ultimate degeneracy of art, entertainment and fun, a sign of diseased imaginations.
A whole generation of young adults has inhaled a steady supply of such violence and measures a film’s value by the extent and technical proficiency of its depiction of torture, carnage and mayhem. Some critical yardstick.
Let’s kick the habit. I propose a National Day of Nonviolent Entertainments, on the first day of spring each year. Any takers?
ROBERT CHIANESE
Department of English
Cal State Northridge
Only good movies
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