Introduction

Art, entertainment, various forms of media, really, provide great insight into the human experience. While science is busy figuring out the physical aspects of reality, or, what things are made of and how they work, art deals with our interpretation of what's happening to us.

In one of his songs, the rapper Eminem says "I can't tell you what it really is, I can only tell you what it feels like." While I wouldn't recommend the rest of his lyrics in the song, this line is exemplary in describing one of the purposes of art. Sometimes we don't understand what's going on in our lives, so instead of a "diagnosis" for our problems, we can only describe the symptoms.

Artists must step outside the bounds of actual reality if they are to accurately describe what they really feel like. Art, in all its forms, becomes a way to communicate what words alone, limited to basic reality, could never get across.

In this sense, art and entertainment become a mirror for us to look in and see the interior workings of our lives. It allows us to better see how we feel and what we value. The purpose of this blog is to bring to light some of the ways the media we enjoy reflects the inner workings of our lives,  the way we think and the way we feel.

One reason we subscribe so much to the entertainment and art offered us is that we see our own feelings and experiences reflected back to us. When a character resolves conflicts that we are facing, it can bring  catharsis, and when we see others expressing the same frustrations and pains it creates a feeling of brotherhood.

For example, flipping through stations on the radio, you can hear:

"You're not alone. There is more to this, I know. You will make it out. You will live to tell."

"When all you have to keep is strong, move along, move along, like I know you do. And even when your hope is gone, move along, move along, just to make it through."

"Somehow, we'll keep moving on. There's so many wars we fought, there's so many things we're not, but with what we have, I promise you that, we're marching on."

"Yeah," you think. "That's what I'm feeling. They understand what I'm going through.  They hurt, too, but they're not going to give up. I'm not alone in what I'm feeling."

It makes it easier to recognize that these experiences are more universal than we thought. For popular music to be addressing issues relating to us, it must mean there's a market for such material, and thus we get a glimpse into the hidden realities of society. It is a way to see what we are unwilling to discuss, but which exists nonetheless. It becomes, in essence, a mirror for humanity.