Character for Sale

Two of the past 4 movies I've rented were about men of character. Athletes that had internal strength that matched their physical prowess. Since I'm always on the lookout for irony, conundrum, and paradox, this presented an interesting opportunity.

Coach Carter and Cinderella Man glorify men with values and principles that used to be common in this country. Values and principles that Hollywood ridicules and undermines at almost every chance. Hollywood dispises honor, virtue and loyalty. Hollywood is corrupt. So corrupt that they will glorify values they personally scorn in order to make money.

On the screen they sell imitation character, they sell a product they don't actually believe in. They have values, but their values won't generate nearly as much revenue. People aren't inspired by selfishness. The road to glory is service and sacrifice.

It's too bad they don't learn anything from the parts they play. To them, virtue, honor and loyalty are just play acting. It's only skin deep. It comes off with the make-up as soon as the filming is over. Then it's back to the easy lie, the backstabbing deal, and the self-indulgent schedule.

This is not to say that there are no virtuous people in entertainment, but it sure feels that way sometimes.