How I Can Love Hollywood, Even When I Hate It

Look, I support independent media. I do. I love indie comics and books, music and film. As a writer and reviewer carving a name out for myself in the vast indie publishing landscape, I know firsthand why you have to support smart, innovative independent work when and where you find it. It’s important and it doesn’t just happen in a vacuum. Every single penny counts, and I can tell you that this is the gospel truth. Without the growing support for indie publishing, I probably wouldn’t have any work out there, and you wouldn’t be sitting in your pajamas reading this blog post.

But let’s be real for a minute: I love my entertainment comfort food. I read my superhero comic books every month, and I watch their Sunday morning cartoon tie-in shows on DisneyXD. Big budget Hollywood spectacles put my ass in the theater every summer without fail, 3D glasses perched on my face, a tank of Cherry Coke sweating between my hands. I have deep and complicated feelings about the Star Trek franchise, starting at The Original Series and concluding in J.J. Abrams’ frustrating contributions, which I will blurt out to strangers with little to no prompting. In short, I’m a soft entertainment junkie, indulging in popular culture’s endless feast of bright, shiny, and corporate-owned distractions.

Yeah, I’m that guy. My DVD collection consists of equal parts gut-wrenching independent films and schlock-and-awe blockbusters. My television viewing habits consist of groundbreaking cable dramas and terrible, terrible network dribble. I believe in supporting indie filmmakers, musicians and publishers vigorously and often, as well as throwing my hard-earned dollars at the massive soulless behemoths behind the film, television and publishing industries at large. I have action (sorry, I mean collectible) figures. I keep yelling at strangers on the internet about how much I love Pacific Rim. I go to Comic Con. I’ve even been known to wear costumes in my day. (No, there is no shame in my game.)

And, you know what? That’s okay. My love for independent media doesn’t have to cancel out my franchise loyalties. Fans don’t have to choose between indie street cred and the warm comfort of their favorite shows and comics, and their allegiances to Big Corporate and Little Guy don’t have to nullify each other. Feel free to support what you support, and enjoy whatever it is you enjoy. Just do yourself (and your fellow man) a favor and be smart about what you support. That’s what being an informed media consumer is all about.

Be aware of the messages your corporate-funded media contains, and be prepared to critique a lot of what you see. Don’t just think of it in terms of “Is this a good story?” although that’s important to bear in mind. Is this soulless schlock really worth your time and money? If not, keep moving, and stop rewarding bad behavior and lazy writing. But, more than that, consider questions like, “Does this perpetuate negative stereotypes?” and, “Does this contain harmful or offensive social agendas?” This is important: Not only are we the products of the media we consume, but our media is a product of the types of ideas and values we choose to propagate. It’s a big cycle, and as a consumer of media, you play a part in it, too.

So ask yourself: Is your favorite TV show or book series doing a really crappy job of representing characters of color? Then voice your opinion. Does your favorite comic book reinforces misogynistic clichés? Does your favorite movie franchise dehumanize specific religious groups, or your favorite video game use hateful language against LGBT folk? Then do something about it. Hit the internet, talk to other fans, Tweet your ass off. If you feel this issue is far too problematic for your comfort level, bail out. Take your money and your time elsewhere. Screw them anyway. Put your love into something you can feel good about.

Yes, of course, there are alternatives. You’re likely going to get better content in films and books, comics and music from independent creators. These outlets are typically less restrained by heavy-breathing corporate overlords and market-watching, and have more freedom to push their own agendas. (Not every indie media concern is more socially aware, but, in general, they are far less beholden to gross conventions and social platitudes.) Yes, Hollywood is going to keep churning out the same repetitive garbage as long as they keep getting away with it. But, as a media consumer, shouldn’t you demand more from popular media in general? Shouldn’t popular media be a healthier reflection of our everyday values and experiences? Shouldn’t you feel good about the pop culture you consume once in a while?

As a comic book reviewer, it’s something that I constantly struggle with. Do I, the hapless consumer, just accept that the industry isn’t generally interested in advancing the types of issues I care about? Do I continue to demand better content, stronger stories, and more identifiable characters, even when most people view superheroes as mindless entertainment? Do I applaud creators for the work they are able to produce within the constraints of the industry, or do I hold them to a higher standard than that? Do I give up fighting back on all of these issues and simply give up to enjoy the largely brainless enjoyment superhero comic books offer, or do I just move on to better content? At point is enough enough for me?

Let me put it another way: I love Captain America, right? I’m pretty sure everybody knows this by now. But, as much as I love Cap, even I have to admit he’s a pretty faulty character. He’s been reworked and rehashed in dozens of (not very productive) ways over the decades, and he’s been used as a vehicle to tell fairly brainless action-adventure stories. Yeah, there have been some really good runs, but there’s also been a lot of crap. So do I want Captain America to be a stronger, more complex character? Absolutely. Do I want to see him in better stories? Of course. Will that happen tomorrow? Probably not, but I’m allowed to be critical and demand more from my pop culture. Hell, I have to be. So in all my reviews I try to be analytical but fair, and to very clearly lay out my grievances as well as my praise. I may not get what I want every time, but if I say nothing, I let the bastards win. (And you can never, ever let the bastards win.)

So, yes, gobble up your candy-coated television shows and your sugary-delicious video games. Enjoy what you enjoy, but always be aware of what you’re consuming. Always be critical, always be conscious, and always demand more from these mainstream media publishers and content creators. And, more importantly, be sure to give a fair share of your love, money, time and support to indie creators as well. They’re just as valuable as corporate concerns, and often publish better content. With enough support a lot of little presses and studios can make the jump to mainstream recognition. With any luck, some of them can take that culture of forward-thinking with them into the spotlight, too.

And if Little Guy can make it to Big Corporate-status, isn’t that a win for everybody?