From Hollywood to Anime: Why Modern American Entertainment is Garbage

The American youth of today have become captivated by Japanese art, with anime emerging as the most popular genre of entertainment for Gen Z. This medium enthralls audiences with its unique blend of artistic storytelling, cultural depth, and emotional resonance. Unlike traditional Western animation, anime caters to a broad spectrum of viewers, offering genres and themes ranging from action-packed adventures and heartwarming romances to philosophical explorations and dark thrillers. Its rise in popularity can be attributed to factors such as increased accessibility through streaming platforms, the global influence of Japanese pop culture, and the visually striking art style and complex characters. This cultural phenomenon has transcended entertainment, becoming a significant aspect of American pop culture and a bridge to exploring Japanese traditions and modern society.

The meteoric rise of anime in the United States also underscores a subtle yet deeply rooted dissatisfaction with modern American entertainment. Hollywood movies, sitcoms, and cartoons have faced mounting criticism for failing to resonate with audiences, particularly younger viewers. Modern Disney films, for instance, are losing millions of dollars on nearly every new release, signaling a disconnect between content creators and their intended audience.

One of the primary grievances with modern American entertainment is the overemphasis on characters’ emotions at the expense of action and plot. For example, in the Disney+ series She-Hulk, the titular character spends nearly seven episodes focusing on personal issues without fully embracing her superhero identity. This results in a narrative where, despite the series’ title, the central character rarely embodies the action and stakes associated with being the Hulk. The issue isn’t the character’s gender but rather the lack of engaging storytelling and meaningful action. Modern American art often reveals a deeper truth about its creators: an aversion to risk and a preference for introspection over dynamism.

Additionally, there is a growing cultural disconnect between the characters in modern American entertainment and the audiences they aim to represent. Characters are often portrayed as facing trivial difficulties that are easily overcome, failing to reflect the real struggles and sacrifices many viewers experience. Traditional storytelling tropes, such as the hero’s journey, are often ignored. Historically, superheroes would face minor challenges in Act 1, followed by a significant defeat in Act 2, forcing them to overcome adversity at great personal cost before ultimately triumphing in Act 3. These stories resonated because they mirrored the struggles of real life, where success often requires sacrifice and perseverance.

However, modern entertainment frequently bypasses these traditional arcs. Instead of compelling narratives, audiences are presented with characters who rarely face significant adversity or make meaningful sacrifices. This disconnect leaves viewers feeling unfulfilled and alienated, as the stories no longer reflect their values or experiences. Take, for instance, the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot, which replaced the original male leads with women. The film was widely criticized, not because of the gender swap but because it lacked depth and compelling storytelling. Support for the film often seemed driven by political agendas rather than genuine appreciation for its content, further alienating audiences.

This phenomenon is not limited to film but extends to literature as well. For decades, identity politics has infiltrated the publishing industry. While genre fiction by authors like Stephen King and J.K. Rowling continues to thrive, much of what is considered “serious” literature struggles to find an audience. Many readers question the purpose of identity politics in entertainment, as it often prioritizes representation over substance.

The portrayal of “diverse” characters in modern American media often exacerbates the problem. Characters from minority groups—whether Black, Hispanic, or LGBTQ+—are frequently depicted as facing either insurmountable challenges, such as systemic oppression, or trivial ones that require no real effort to overcome. Moreover, these characters often lack depth, focusing excessively on their identity rather than engaging with broader conflicts or narratives. For example, the 2023 series Velma reimagined the classic Scooby-Doo characters but shifted the focus to discussions about race and ethnicity, sidelining the mystery-solving that defined the original series. This approach alienates audiences who seek meaningful stories rather than overt political messaging.

Writers and filmmakers who attempt to address real-world struggles often face suppression from major studios and publishers. The gatekeepers of American entertainment, shaped by academic ideologies, prioritize identity politics over relatable and compelling storytelling. This has led to a shrinking market for American entertainment, as audiences increasingly turn to international media for narratives that resonate with them. Diverse characters in American films and shows are often portrayed as infallible, with minimal obstacles to overcome. They are rarely challenged by other characters, and their victories are framed as personal rather than tied to broader narratives. This lack of stakes and growth leaves audiences disengaged.

The root issue lies in how modern American entertainment avoids addressing the realities of the human experience. In life, good often loses in the short term, and victory comes only through immense sacrifice and effort. By shielding characters from real adversity, creators betray a desire to escape the challenges of the real world. Yet, this escapism fails to connect with viewers who understand that hardship and struggle are intrinsic to meaningful storytelling.

A bitter conclusion emerges: the creators of modern American entertainment do not respect the minorities they claim to champion. Those who oppose identity politics view individuals as unique, valuing the content of their character rather than reducing them to stereotypes. In contrast, identity politics often portrays minorities as monolithic groups defined solely by their struggles, rather than as complex individuals with diverse experiences. This patronizing approach diminishes the authenticity of their stories and reinforces negative stereotypes.

For instance, in many modern narratives, white characters are often the only ones depicted as facing significant adversity, while minority characters are protected from meaningful challenges. This dynamic reinforces the idea that minorities are incapable of overcoming obstacles, an idea that is both insulting and untrue. Audiences who value individuality and meritocracy reject these portrayals, seeking stories that celebrate universal human struggles rather than dividing people into identity groups.

This is why modern American entertainment struggles to resonate. It prioritizes political messaging over authentic storytelling, leaving audiences yearning for narratives that reflect the complexity and depth of real life. In contrast, international media like anime thrives because it embraces universal themes, compelling characters, and dynamic storytelling. By focusing on the human experience rather than identity politics, anime and other international entertainment mediums offer audiences the connection and inspiration they crave.

Ultimately, the decline of modern American entertainment serves as a wake-up call for creators. To regain the trust and attention of audiences, they must return to the fundamentals of storytelling: compelling characters, meaningful adversity, and universal themes. Only by respecting the intelligence and individuality of their viewers can they hope to create art that truly resonates. Until then, the American youth will continue to look abroad for the stories that speak to their hearts and minds.

AUTHOR

Antonio Ancaya

©2025 . All rights reserved.

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