Wise Citizens or Just Consumers for Entertainment?

I admit that we all need some entertainment now and then. But has this all gone too far?

By Tuula Pere

March 20^th, 2019

Wise Citizens or Just Consumers for Entertainment?

I admit that we all need some entertainment now and then. But has this all gone too far? Even the lives of small children are packed with amusement served in numerous compelling packages – often with noise pollution and glinting lights. The saddest thing is that these kinds of activities are often without words. No one needs to talk or listen; it’s all about action.

We, as parents and adults have to ask ourselves a serious question: Are we educating the next generations to become wise citizens and loving human beings or just consumers for entertainment?

I have recently been preparing a presentation for a Human Rights Seminar about the history of civil rights in Finland. Looking into the legal literature and historical picture archives makes me worried. The more turbulent times we are going through as a society, the more it takes from the citizens.

The role of the individuals in a democratic state cannot be outsourced, never mind how stable and reliable the representatives of that power are. People ought to understand enough of what is going on. Not just look at the political developments from the media as some show and give applause for the most entertaining performances.

It’s not enough that we are experts in our own life. Actually, we ought to understand much more! Sounds too demanding? I think not.

One solution might be to give our offspring a wise and balanced picture of human life. That should include knowledge about the rights and responsibilities on various levels in society. Dull, too serious, you might say. But as a children’s writer and a Ph.D. in Law, I dare to say this could be possible. With enough knowledge of the facts – morals, ethics, history, law – combined with a human touch we can do wonders.

I don’t mean to attack entertainment. Also, we, adults, need our free time and fill it in different ways. Some of us love films with action, war, or intriguing plots. We have to remember that in real-life drama in society and politics, there is a risk of uncontrollable developments that cannot be stopped by pushing a button.