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Education and Entertainment in Western Culture Today
Sophia Dawson
Liberty University
CSTU 101: Western Culture (C01)
Professor Rawls
3/23/2023
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Modern society faces a significant and complex challenge in appreciating Western
culture. While classic works of art and literature are awe-inspiring and beautiful, they demand
our time, intelligence, attention, seriousness, and sincerity to appreciate genuinely.
Unfortunately, the demands of contemporary schools often leave students overworked and
exhausted, causing them to take the easy way out and miss out on thoroughly learning and
enjoying the richness of Western culture.
Education and other forms of entertainment have made a profound and enduring impact
on the development of Western culture, including America. The first universities in Europe
emerged in the 1100s, and since then, education and entertainment have played a significant role
in shaping the minds of people in America and beyond. These developments have led to
substantial advancements in technology and knowledge. Additionally, art has tremendously
influenced society, allowing individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and religions to
express their emotions and showcase their talents through painting, sculpting, music, and
literature. Art has become a powerful medium of communication for people across the globe.
Despite being viewed as distinct domains, entertainment, and education are intertwined in
numerous ways when it comes to imparting the values of Western culture. Western culture is
shaped in large part by education and the arts. Within both spheres, there is an emphasis on
learning about the connection between society and the individual and the responsibilities of just
rulers. In addition to conveying ideas and promoting cultural values, the performing arts also
play an essential role. Along with fostering empathy and understanding, they bring people
together. While artists and entertainers are often argued to be part of the solution for eradicating
negative stereotypes and promoting positive values, it is also important to acknowledge their
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negative aspects. Media portrayals reinforce negative stereotypes and biases about women,
people of color, and marginalized groups, leading to prejudice and discrimination.
