Art and Entertainment are not the same anymore. Those two have long been powerful tools for storytelling, self-expression, and cultural reflection.
Whether it’s a painting, a film, a novel or a video game, creative works often carry messages–sometimes intentional, sometimes subconscious–about different things that can be boiled down to the following subjects: society, identity, power, and change. But does that make artistic expression inherently political?
“I do think there is some political messaging in art and entertainment. I think it has become opinionated over the years,” Lake Stevens High School president, Rashad Janjary said.
While some argue that every piece of art is shaped by the artist’s worldview and personal biases and the context in which it was created, others say that art can exist purely for entertainment, free from ideological influence.
Throughout history, artists have played a critical role in shaping political discourse. The works of George Orwell, Pablo Picasso, and Bob Dylan, for example, have left lasting impressions on their respective eras, influencing public opinion and policy alike.
Even modern blockbuster films and television series embed political themes, intentionally or not, sparking debates over representation, governance, and justice, and, intentionally or not, igniting entire culture wars that only divide communities more and more. Recent history shows that apolitical art is nearly impossible.
Not all politically-driven entertainment is well-received. Some productions have been criticized for prioritizing messaging over storytelling, leading to backlash from audiences. Recent examples include Velma (HBO Max), Amelia Perez, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Nubia: Real One, and Star Wars: the Acolyte.
These projects struggled with audience approval, reflected in their ratings–Velma holds a dismal 1.6/20 on IMDb, becoming the worst show in the start of 2024, while She-Hulk has a 32% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The Acolyte got a far worse audience score, sitting at a pitiful 19% on Rotten Tomatoes, becoming the worst Star Wars show ever made and killing off any respect or love for the brand. Disney’s latest reboot for Snow White went through many reshoots only to earn a 1.7/10 on IMDb. As of the time of writing this, the trailer got 1.4 million dislikes on YouTube, becoming the most hated movie trailer on the site.
Many viewers felt that these productions sacrificed character development and engaging narratives in favor of overt political messages, leading to accusations of pandering and alienation of broader audiences.
Yet, the intersection of politics and entertainment is often met with controversy. While some celebrate increased diversity and progressive themes, others criticize its execution, arguing that forced messaging can feel disingenuous or heavy-handed. The balance between artistic freedom and audience reception remains a challenge for many artists, highlighting the power of storytelling in shaping societal perspectives.
Ultimately, art and politics will always be linked to each other, reflecting the ever changing values and conflicts of humanity. Whether it’s for rebellion or reinforcement, creative expression remains one of the most powerful tools for engaging with the political landscape, ensuring that voices–whether dominant or marginalized–are heard.
