It is apparent that there is a distortion of values and understanding of maturity among prominent showbiz personalities. And this is well-endorsed by dominant and, well, infamous magazine FHM and a growing breed in the movie industry called independent (indie) films. The FHM and several indie films (note that by definition alone we cannot generalize indie films as a distorter of value, there are certainly good and truly artistic ones) are providing avenues for artists to project a negative image of their craft.
Let us first take into account indie films. Though by definition, this breed of films differs from mainstream films solely on the fact that they are not funded by commercial producers such as GMA or ABS-CBN, thus, the name independent. However, loud talk and general assessment attaches nudity, gay relationships, promiscuity, bad language among others to the cult of indie films. And this is bitter for viewing public and film enthusiasts has long been looking for films of substance which could have come from indie films. Note that serious directors, those who really want to convey a message and are either unfortunate or determined, steer away from certain control (Mahiwagang Kamiseta legend) and poor artistry haunting mainstream films.
The trouble now comes because most of the messages this serious directors want to convey is that of immoral characteristic. Do I need to give examples? Come on! Sexual immorality disguised as art is the name of the game. Poor craft, art is. People are using it wrongly, subconsciously, hopefully, as an excuse to show flesh and same-sex intimacy in their works. Sex topics has long been proven as a sure getter. I was amused by a poster in UP by an advertising organization. It has in the center "SEX" all characters in bold red. Underneath, in relatively minuscule font, "We need only one word to get your attention" (Forgive me if I quoted wrong, I am of poor memory and the poster has expired.) That poster epitomized the power of sex to attract attention both from those who approve of it (wishing to see some) and disapprove (wishing to attack it.) While I am sure many will purr against that by saying that their intention is true art and not profit or to attract attention, the cold fact lies that whether you intend it or not the nature of the act provokes a negative resonance and casts a shadow of doubt on your artistic brilliance. Bluntly, true artists will prove their worth if they can produce art that will grasp people's attention without the use of this sure-getters.
Now, let us turn to FHM. I will be direct on this one. Many a showbiz figures has considered posing for FHM as the indelible mark that they have matured. I am strongly tempted to give examples but a description should suffice: a former child star wants to destroy the child star image to open new roles for her. An interview, I quote, "Napagdesisyunan kong mag-pose for the FHM to show people na I have matured already." Huh? Last time we studied values, maturity consists of prudence and several other virtues but nowhere did I read that maturity consists of taking off your clothes (well, perhaps in showbiz columns). In fact, it contradicts maturity! A child, innocent yet of malice, can run around naked but as she grows, she realizes she has to put on some clothes. Would you call someone mature if she or he poses for a magazine knowing that men and, perhaps, women would ogle at it and fantasize at you making you an object of their pleasure (a great emphasis on this! we are human accorded with dignity completely opposed to an object)?
The same, if not worse, distortion exists in indie films. This one I have to cite: Walang Kawala. Of course, I have not watched it but Tempo columns' description of it is clear enough. Polo Ravales and Joseph Bitangcol is now being lauded for they 'have matured.' Acclamations such as this are completely illogical with the term mature. To mature means to perfect your human nature. And it is not human nature to copulate with the same sex, not even animal nature! Our nature is male to female, absolutely not male to male or female to female at that. What they do is a distortion of true maturity by posing daringness as an indicator of maturity not hinting immorality and imprudence in it as a sure sign of immaturity.
They have the media in their hands, may they wield it properly.
Let us first take into account indie films. Though by definition, this breed of films differs from mainstream films solely on the fact that they are not funded by commercial producers such as GMA or ABS-CBN, thus, the name independent. However, loud talk and general assessment attaches nudity, gay relationships, promiscuity, bad language among others to the cult of indie films. And this is bitter for viewing public and film enthusiasts has long been looking for films of substance which could have come from indie films. Note that serious directors, those who really want to convey a message and are either unfortunate or determined, steer away from certain control (Mahiwagang Kamiseta legend) and poor artistry haunting mainstream films.
The trouble now comes because most of the messages this serious directors want to convey is that of immoral characteristic. Do I need to give examples? Come on! Sexual immorality disguised as art is the name of the game. Poor craft, art is. People are using it wrongly, subconsciously, hopefully, as an excuse to show flesh and same-sex intimacy in their works. Sex topics has long been proven as a sure getter. I was amused by a poster in UP by an advertising organization. It has in the center "SEX" all characters in bold red. Underneath, in relatively minuscule font, "We need only one word to get your attention" (Forgive me if I quoted wrong, I am of poor memory and the poster has expired.) That poster epitomized the power of sex to attract attention both from those who approve of it (wishing to see some) and disapprove (wishing to attack it.) While I am sure many will purr against that by saying that their intention is true art and not profit or to attract attention, the cold fact lies that whether you intend it or not the nature of the act provokes a negative resonance and casts a shadow of doubt on your artistic brilliance. Bluntly, true artists will prove their worth if they can produce art that will grasp people's attention without the use of this sure-getters.
Now, let us turn to FHM. I will be direct on this one. Many a showbiz figures has considered posing for FHM as the indelible mark that they have matured. I am strongly tempted to give examples but a description should suffice: a former child star wants to destroy the child star image to open new roles for her. An interview, I quote, "Napagdesisyunan kong mag-pose for the FHM to show people na I have matured already." Huh? Last time we studied values, maturity consists of prudence and several other virtues but nowhere did I read that maturity consists of taking off your clothes (well, perhaps in showbiz columns). In fact, it contradicts maturity! A child, innocent yet of malice, can run around naked but as she grows, she realizes she has to put on some clothes. Would you call someone mature if she or he poses for a magazine knowing that men and, perhaps, women would ogle at it and fantasize at you making you an object of their pleasure (a great emphasis on this! we are human accorded with dignity completely opposed to an object)?
The same, if not worse, distortion exists in indie films. This one I have to cite: Walang Kawala. Of course, I have not watched it but Tempo columns' description of it is clear enough. Polo Ravales and Joseph Bitangcol is now being lauded for they 'have matured.' Acclamations such as this are completely illogical with the term mature. To mature means to perfect your human nature. And it is not human nature to copulate with the same sex, not even animal nature! Our nature is male to female, absolutely not male to male or female to female at that. What they do is a distortion of true maturity by posing daringness as an indicator of maturity not hinting immorality and imprudence in it as a sure sign of immaturity.
They have the media in their hands, may they wield it properly.
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