Entertain Me

Entertainment used to be something you did somewhere else. But now, it happens in a device in your hand or home. Of course there are large venues such as "concerts", living room comfy movie houses and musical extravaganzas but most of our entertainment is us to them, not the other way around as it used to be. We make all the decisions now, with a tiny button called "off" or the other ones that scroll. Our power has increased exponentially as has the industry. They watch us. Those little side ads to which you have learned not to let your eye wander as you game or read or view your faves are there because you've already seen them. Somehow. When you shop on-line you are being scanned. Unwittingly, in those tiny warnings you x-out tell you they are going to stalk you,  you and I ignore them. These ghostly figures know a lot about us: what products we are into, their colours, types and styles. They are the daily spies that have no hearts, they are all tech. You can't yell at them or write them letters or tell your neighbours how bad they are. These were once called "big brother" and "brother" they are big and make millions, nay billions. Aside from all that, we, the vast world of viewers and users, are mild and gentle folk who seldom do much about the situation we have ourselves in this millenium, other than the odd letter-to-the-manager who never sees it anyway, but makes us feel we did do something about "it", continue to put up with the status quo. What we want is what we have always wanted, and that is to be entertained. Please. When I watch a show, that is my prime reason for turning the set or box on. I do not want anything else. No ads, no biogs, no intros, no subtitles. Just entertain me. Lately, on my big small screen, I have to roll through a plethora choice of films in which I have absolutely no interest. After a day of whatever I call work, I want to sit down with my drink of choice in hand and perhaps a snack, put my feet up and be entertained.  I don't want gory violence, deep evil or political strife. I want to feel happy, not sappy. I am not into teen angst so I scroll past the pretty little perfect faces. I am not into street politics or gun blood battles, car race antics or armor clad sword fights of yore. I like a nice psychological mystery or spy thriller without a team of wired up stunt folk flying through the air doing impossible things. Give me wit over schmaltz and great acting over done up youthful prettiness or gooped up monsters. I like a good story with an intelligent plot and generated or real scenery that means something. I am not sitting here, feet up, with popcorn in hand, needing to fix the colourful world or watch nasty show hosts pitting contestants against one another or stupid gangs killing each other for suitcases of cash or writhing naked bodies. I want to have good, clean, bright fun: laugh, cry, sigh and fly. I am one of the masses. Make me feel good. Just entertain me.