Everywhere you look nowadays, political opinions are endlessly thrown back and forth as crises inflict the world.
In situations like these, entertainment is a fundamental avenue for escapism. Although some might say that escapism is largely responsible for today’s problems, all it can reasonably do is create messages and inspire others.
Entertainment needs to build trust and create reasons for an audience to care about whatever message the production is trying to convey, and political issues risk alienation in a medium seeking to create that escapism.
An example of what not to do when handling politics in media is constantly perceiving subjects as inherently political.
By boxing a character or story into a mindset where they must deal with an opposing view that defines them can lead to simplistic and played-out situations. For example, having one side being humiliated in an exaggerated takedown.
Creators must…