Question: Movies and television strongly influence the way people behave. Do you agree or disagree? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
Essay:
Movies and television are two of the most popular forms of entertainment around the world. They have a significant influence on our lives and can shape our attitudes, values, and behaviors. In this essay, I will examine whether movies and television strongly influence the way people behave, and present my reasons and examples to support my answer.
Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that movies and television have the potential to influence the way we behave, both positively and negatively. For example, movies and television shows can expose us to new ideas and experiences, and help us to understand and appreciate different cultures and perspectives. They can also provide us with role models and inspire us to be kind, brave, and empathetic.
However, it is also true that movies and television can have a negative impact on our behavior, particularly when it comes to issues such as violence, substance abuse, and unhealthy relationships. For example, research has shown that exposure to violent content in movies and television can increase aggressive behavior and desensitize viewers to violence. Similarly, depictions of substance abuse and unhealthy relationships can normalize and even glamorize these behaviors, making them seem like acceptable choices.
In addition to these concerns, there is also a growing recognition of the impact that movies and television can have on body image and self-esteem. The portrayal of unrealistic body types and beauty standards can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, particularly among young people who are more susceptible to these influences.
Despite these concerns, it is important to recognize that the impact of movies and television on our behavior is not absolute. People have the agency and ability to make their own choices and decisions, and to resist negative influences. Moreover, many people watch movies and television shows purely for entertainment and do not take them as a source of guidance or influence on their behaviors.
That being said, there are certainly examples of movies and television shows that have had a profound influence on the way people behave. For example, shows like “Breaking Bad” and “The Sopranos” have been criticized for glorifying criminal behavior and contributing to the normalization of violence and drug use. Similarly, movies like “Fifty Shades of Grey” and “Twilight” have been criticized for romanticizing abusive relationships and promoting unhealthy relationship dynamics.
On the other hand, there are also examples of movies and television shows that have had a positive impact on behavior. For example, shows like “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” have been praised for promoting positive workplace values such as teamwork, collaboration, and leadership. Similarly, movies like “The Blind Side” and “Hidden Figures” have been praised for inspiring viewers with stories of kindness, compassion, and perseverance.
In conclusion, while movies and television do have the potential to influence the way people behave, it is important to recognize that this influence is not absolute. People have the ability to make their own choices and decisions, and to resist negative influences. At the same time, it is important to be mindful of the messages and values that are being conveyed in movies and television shows, and to seek out positive examples that inspire and uplift us. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how they want to be influenced by movies and television, and to make choices that align with their own values and goals.
Word List:
- Influence: The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
- Attitudes: A settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior.
- Values: Principles or standards of behavior; one’s judgment of what is important in life.
- Behaviors: The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others.
- Desensitize: To make someone less sensitive to something, usually as a result of repeated exposure to it.
- Glamorize: To make something seem more attractive or exciting than it really is, especially in a misleading way.
- Inadequacy: The state of being insufficient or inadequate.
- Normalization: The process of making something seem normal or usual, especially when it is not.
- Profound: Very great or intense; having a deep or significant effect.
- Perseverance: Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Useful writing sentence structures:
- “In this essay, I will examine whether movies and television strongly influence the way people behave…”
- “Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that movies and television have the potential to influence the way we behave, both positively and negatively.”
- “However, it is also true that movies and television can have a negative impact on our behavior, particularly when it comes to issues such as violence, substance abuse, and unhealthy relationships.”
- “For example, research has shown that exposure to violent content in movies and television can increase aggressive behavior and desensitize viewers to violence.”
- “Despite these concerns, it is important to recognize that the impact of movies and television on our behavior is not absolute.”
- “People have the agency and ability to make their own choices and decisions, and to resist negative influences.”
- “On the other hand, there are also examples of movies and television shows that have had a positive impact on behavior.”
- “For example, shows like ‘The Office’ and ‘Parks and Recreation’ have been praised for promoting positive workplace values such as teamwork, collaboration, and leadership.”
- “Similarly, movies like ‘The Blind Side’ and ‘Hidden Figures’ have been praised for inspiring viewers with stories of kindness, compassion, and perseverance.”
- “Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how they want to be influenced by movies and television, and to make choices that align with their own values and goals.”
