The popular and ever growing HBO hit series, "Entourage", glorifies the empire and the flashy lifestyle that is sought after with an empire state of mind. I viewed episode 2 of the second season titled, “My Maserati Does 185.” The show is about an actor, Vincent Chase, who comes out of rags in Queens, New York, and finds himself amongst the richest in Los Angeles. Vinny Chase and his three best friends (aka his entourage) live from one big check to the next entirely dependent upon Vincent’s acting success.
If I were told the basic premise of the show without ever having viewed the show, I would totally disagree with all its ethics and make a personal decision that this show was not for me. After viewing it, I still disagreed with the ethics, but it can become difficult to not throw on the next episode. "Entourage" is targeted mainly at young people. It promotes greed, objectifies women, and emphasizes getting as much pleasure out of this life. So, "Why in the world would I be attracted to this show?" I ask myself. This artifact relates with classroom content in a couple ways. This show has been created to consume. There is not much underlying meaning, but is made in a way to get viewers to watch as many episodes as fast as possible, stay caught up on the funny jokes, and to mimic the lifestyle they see on screen. This type of show contradicts what we are being taught in class to seek out as entertainment that can be examined, disputed, and contemplated. "Entourage" gives allegiance to the empire by making evil desirable and the Kingdom of God as something to be brushed under the rug. Redemption is seen as improving your social status in today’s society. It creates human purpose to be of this life by defining normal as getting rich or dying trying. "Entourage" uses well known music, absurd comedy, and a plush lifestyle to draw its viewers in. When I watch this show I know I would not actually want to live the Hollywood lifestyle, but I can’t help wonder what it might be like. "Entourage" really has no concern for the integrity of one’s soul. As viewers of the show we cannot encourage the the sinful, lavish lifestyle by desiring that life for ourselves. But, I do believe there is some value to this show. We learn that we have no choice in living in the empire (with the exception of an isolated life), the worldly life is desirable from the outside, (even to those who seek God's Kingdom) and we can better understand why God wants us to seek his Kingdom rather than the empire.
Discussion Questions:
1-Why does someone who honestly believes and tries to hold up the Kingdom of God still find a TV show that glorifies the empire so amusing? Can participating in a show like this lead to giving one's allegiance to something other than the Kingdom of God?
2-How can we live in the empire while participating in the empire without be consumed by the empire?
3-Why does God allow the empire to have more influence than his Kingdom on earth? In other words, why isn't his Kingdom larger than the empire in today's society?
Very interesting questions to raise, Drew. Why is this stuff so appealing? Check out my comment on Karlie's post about The Bachelor, because I think there's a connection in that shows like Entourage are so indulgent that they can function like pornography, powerfully tapping into things we don't want to want.
ReplyDeleteIt's good that you're seeing how broad and deep the influence of the empire is in today's society, but don't lose hope! Surround yourself with people who can help you remember the Kingdom IS indeed bigger and ultimately victorious, despite evidence to the contrary.
A quote from the "Empire's Sleepy Embrace" chapter we're reading for today's class, related to your third question:
ReplyDelete"Built into our worship, through text and liturgy, are powerful pointers to a God who is greater than any empire, and a savior who saved us from the bottom up. While these weekly worship times may seem small in number next to the barrage of news and media and nation building, they have on their side the truth that Jesus died not for the world's winners, but for us all."