There is no question, times are tough. In the midst of a global pandemic, people are feeling the fear of a virus that we still know so little about. There is also the pressure of economic hardship and the unknown of the future. While dealing with all of this uncertainty, people are turning entertainment as a tried-and-true method of escape, which is exactly what they should do.
Like every other business in the world, the entertainment business is experiencing some pretty dramatic changes. Entertainment is increasingly moving to a virtual space, specifically through streaming.
Not a New Part of Who We Are
However, even though the entertainment space is looking really different, it is still so important for surviving these difficult times. When America first entered World War II, scared Americans turned to comic books, specifically Superman, Captain America, and Wonder Woman, to help get them through those troubling times.
Now we have a much wider variety of entertainment options at our fingertips to distract and comfort us. From reality television to deep an emotional dramas to funny podcasts, there is something to provide an escape from reality for every taste and interest.
Binge-Watching in Times of Trouble
It’s no coincidence that Tiger King took over everyone’s consciousness as this crisis broke out. While Tiger King in no way shape or form provides the same hope that comic books gave readers in the time of World War II, it does provide the same entertaining escape from the troubles taking place outside the front door.
It might not always feel responsible to curl up on the couch and binge-watch your favorite show or to let the kids have a little extra screen time. That being said, it is a completely natural response to the collective trauma we are currently experiencing. TV, movies, podcasts, and books are essential for keeping us all sane while everything seems so dark and scary.
This is something to embrace in our American cultural zeitgeist and history; the shared joy in entertainment that helps guide us through these difficult times. It’s something that brings us together and unites us in the face of hardship. There isn’t much we can agree on as a country. However, we can all agree on our love of binge-watching and entertainment as a whole.
