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| Russell Greim is a senior business major and writes 'The Temporal Front' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper. |
I've always looked at Hollywood with disdain.
I've seen the establishment on the left coast produce movies that make every segment of life look crooked and bad. From "Wall Street" to "Dark Blue," every segment has had mud thrown at it by Hollywood. I've always hated that perception of America.
I know I am not alone.
For months, Americans have been trying to determine why so many people around the world hate us. People who oppose American activities and principles have tried to claim imperialism, arrogance or religion to explain the current state of affairs.
Now, almost 18 months after Sept. 11, we are starting to get a better idea of how the world thinks about us, and why they see us the way they do.
It isn't imperialism. It isn't American military power. It isn't oil or war.
The way Hollywood portrays American life is one of the true culprits.
A new study out of Boston University has shown that in nations where exposure to American television and media is prevalent, the opinion of America decreases. Nations which are rarely exposed to Hollywood products have a far higher opinion.
Those polled in twelve different nations were analyzed only to discover that Holly-wood, and the image of America it depicts, is brewing a "culture of hate" in foreign lands.
Those who oppose capitalism say it is the problem. I challenge such pessimists to provide proof.
Hollywood claims that by producing violence and sex filled movies and television, they are simply giving the consumer what they seek. The facts say otherwise.
Of the top 10 movies for the year 2002, each and every one of these movies was rated PG or PG-13. The top grossing movie of the year, "Spider-Man," had the highest opening weekend in history. There was no gratuitous violence, bloodshed, or overt sex.
Hollywood insists consumers want these things. Perhaps they should review their own numbers.
I am in no way advocating the restriction of Hollywood products or any other voice in America.
Simply put, the left-wing leaders in Hollywood need to recognize that producing such movies as "Gangs of New York" and "Jackass" along with television programs such as "The Sopranos" and "Kingpin," have consequences.
Unfortunately, Hollywood keeps producing these products. Youth in foreign nations keep watching these movies and questioning American values and integrity.
A statement from Paul Bond of The Hollywood Reporter sums up the situation nicely: "Hollywood filmmakers do have a fairly low opinion of the U.S. and they don't mind portraying that on film."
With the challenges that face America from now into the future, we have a lot of obstacles to overcome. The way that American life really is, whether it is in Muncie or New Jersey, is being distorted by Hollywood.
America's struggle to end terrorism and free repressed people doesn't really need any more hurdles. Hollywood should take note. Your products serve as America's voice; the world is listening.
Somehow, I think they know that, and like America's image just the way it is.
Write to Russell at rlg@temporalfront.com
Visit www.temporalfront.com.
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