Let me entertain you
The etymology and psychology of being entertained
I have been musing and pondering entertainment for a couple of weeks now.
It came to mind during a cardio session at the gym which is where some of my best thinking accours. I dont know if distracting my body gives my brain free rein or the other way around, but either way I get some good thoughts whilst my heart is beating fast!
I like to study words -lexicology and etymology are two of my favourite things to do.
So in my musing of entertainment and its place in history or keeping the masses occupied I decided to investigate.
So in true educational fashion here is the etymology of the word entertainment -
late 15c., "to keep up, maintain, to keep (someone) in a certain frame of mind," from Old French entretenir "hold together, stick together, support" (12c.), from entre- "among" (from Latin inter; see inter-) + tenir "to hold" (from Latin tenere, from PIE root *ten- "to stretch").
Sense of "have a guest" is late 15c.; that of "gratify, amuse" is 1620s. Meaning "to allow (something) to consideration, take into the mind" (of opinions, notions, etc.) is 1610s. Related: Entertained; entertaining.
I am intrigued by the earliest iteration that described entertainment as "to keep up, maintain, to keep (someone) in a certain frame of mind," as I do see that entertainment is used to promote and sustain certain mindsets. Think to how you have viewed entertainment and what some of the key messages are within it.
I also was considering the distraction element of it all as entertainment serves as a multifaceted experience, and its relationship with distraction is intriguing.
Purposeful Distraction: Entertainment often acts as a purposeful distraction from the challenges and stresses of life. When we immerse ourselves in a movie, a concert, or a gripping novel, it temporarily diverts our attention away from daily worries. It’s like a mental escape hatch—a way to hit pause on life’s demands.
Emotional Numbing: However, entertainment doesn’t necessarily address the deeper emotional needs within us. It doesn’t heal pain, emptiness, or feelings of inadequacy. Instead, it numbs these emotions during its duration.
Imagine it as a soothing balm applied to the surface, but not necessarily reaching the core.
Active Engagement: True entertainment isn’t passive; it demands our active participation. Consider a stand-up comedian—laughter arises when we actively listen to their witty observations. Singers, writers, and filmmakers all craft their art deliberately, aiming to engage our senses and emotions. They take us on journeys, whether through humour, music, or suspense.
This is why we cannot see any form of entertainment as being relaxing or a case of doing nothing.
There can be seen to be benefits to entertainment for both recipient and provider
Stress Relief: Entertainment releases tension and provides a mental breather. It’s like a mini holiday for our minds.
Escapism: It whisks us away from reality, allowing us to explore different worlds and forget our own troubles.
Mental Health: Access to the right kind of entertainment contributes to better mental health. Lack of it can adversely affect well-being.
There can be a dark side to entertainment - one which seeks to manipulate and manage.
Governments can employ various strategies to influence and control public perception through entertainment. While not all governments engage in these practices, some have been known to manipulate entertainment for their benefit.
Here are a few ways in which governments may use entertainment to exert control:
Propaganda and State-Sponsored Media:
Propaganda: Governments create and disseminate propaganda through media channels to shape public opinion. This can include films, TV shows, radio broadcasts, and social media campaigns. By controlling the narrative, they influence citizens’ beliefs and attitudes.
State-Sponsored Media: Some governments directly control media outlets, ensuring that news, entertainment, and cultural content align with their agenda. This control extends to censorship, favoring certain narratives, and suppressing dissenting voices.
Censorship and Content Regulation:
Censorship: Governments restrict or censor content that challenges their authority or promotes dissent. This can involve banning books, films, or music deemed politically sensitive.
Content Regulation: Through regulatory bodies, governments influence what content is permissible. For example, film certification boards may cut scenes or impose age restrictions.
Funding and Subsidies:
Financial Influence: Governments allocate funds to support specific forms of entertainment. By funding or subsidising certain projects, they indirectly shape content. For instance, tax breaks for filmmakers encourage specific themes or narratives.
Creative Freedom vs. State Interests: Artists and creators often face a trade-off between creative freedom and aligning with state interests to secure funding.
Nationalistic and Patriotic Themes:
Jingoistic Entertainment: Governments promote nationalistic and patriotic narratives through entertainment. Films, songs, and cultural events celebrate historical victories, heroes, and national identity. These narratives foster loyalty and pride.
Distraction and Diversion:
Bread and Circuses: The concept of “bread and circuses” refers to providing entertainment (circuses) and basic necessities (bread) to distract citizens from deeper issues. By keeping people engaged with entertainment, governments divert attention from political problems.
Surveillance and Control Mechanisms:
Mass Surveillance: Governments monitor citizens’ online activities, including entertainment preferences. This data helps them understand public sentiment and identify potential dissent.
Social Credit Systems: Some countries use entertainment consumption as part of social credit scoring systems. Citizens’ behavior, including media choices, affects their social standing and privileges.
Influencing Social Norms and Values:
Role Models and Stereotypes: Entertainment shapes societal norms by portraying certain behaviors as desirable or acceptable. Governments may encourage content that reinforces their preferred values.
Education and Historical Revisionism: Textbooks, documentaries, and historical dramas can be used to rewrite history or present a biased perspective.
Remember that not all entertainment is manipulated by governments, and many creators strive for artistic integrity. It can be hard for them though to have a voice or a platform. When there is evidence of only extreme voices being allowed (from either and/or both sides) it can evidential of a lack of democracy and mind control.
However, awareness of these tactics helps us critically evaluate the content we consume and recognise when entertainment serves political agendas.
The Science of Entertainment
At the heart of our fascination with entertainment lies the brain’s reward system. Our brains have evolved to reward us with pleasurable feelings when we engage in certain activities. These feelings are the result of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which play a key role in our feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
Dose of Dopamine: When we watch a thrilling movie, play a challenging video game, or read an engaging book, our brain’s reward system kicks into high gear. These activities stimulate the release of dopamine, creating a sense of pleasure and reward. It’s precisely this pleasurable experience that keeps us coming back for more entertainment.
Stress Relief: Entertainment provides crucial stress relief. When we engage in entertaining activities, our brain shifts its focus away from the stresses of daily life. This mental break not only refreshes our minds but also reduces the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in our bodies.
Cognitive Stimulation: Entertainment isn’t just about mindless relaxation; it also provides cognitive stimulation. Playing puzzles, solving mysteries, or strategising in a game enhances cognitive function. It’s like a workout for our brains, keeping them sharp and agile.
Connection and Empathy: Movies, books, and other forms of entertainment allow us to connect with characters and their experiences. We put ourselves in their shoes, trying to understand their emotions and motivations. This emotional connection fosters empathy, promoting social bonding and understanding.
It is all a balancing act
While entertainment is undoubtedly essential for our well-being, it’s crucial to strike a balance. Excessive time spent on entertainment can lead to addiction and negatively impact our lives.
Moderation is key—it allows us to reap the benefits of entertainment without falling into the trap of overindulgence.
It also supports our executive function if we question, debate and discuss why that particular form of entertainment is out there for us to ‘enjoy’.
Beware of the limbic system hijack for it may influence you more than you realise.
In a world where stress and mental fatigue are all too common, entertainment is our brain’s way of seeking pleasure, relief, and growth.
So in a roundabout way entertainment can be seen as both a boon and a curse in the 21st century and reflecting on the 15th century etymology it does not take a neuroscientist to see how we all are party to a ‘holding of the minds’.
The challenge is to ensure that our mind is being held in a kind, nurturing, expansive way!
The neuroscience behind entertainment is fascinating, demonstrating that just as our brains are wired to crave these rewarding experiences, we need to safeguard and be wary of just what that reward is.
Enjoy your favourite film, music or programme, or, immerse yourself in a good book—just remember to do so in moderation, keeping your brain happy and healthy! 🌟📺🧠
“Most of what passes for legitimate entertainment is inferior or foolish and only caters to or exploits people's weaknesses. Avoid being one of the mob who indulges in such pastimes. Your life is too short and you have important things to do. Be discriminating about what images and ideas you permit into your mind. If you yourself don't choose what thoughts and images you expose yourself to, someone else will, and their motives may not be the highest. It is the easiest thing in the world to slide imperceptibly into vulgarity. But there's no need for that to happen if you determine not to waste your time and attention on mindless pap.”