Why does our popular culture seem so consistently hostile to the values that Americans hold dear? Why does the entertainment industry attack religion, glorify brutality, undermine the family, and deride patriotism? In this explosive book, one of the nation’s best known film critics examines how Hollywood has broken faith with its public, creating movies, television, and popular music that exacerbate every serious social problem we face, from teenage pregnancies to violence in the streets.
In hard-hitting chapters on “The Attack on Religion,” “The Addiction to Violence,” “Promoting Promiscuity,” “The Infatuation with Foul Language,” and other subjects, Medved outlines the underlying themes that turn up again and again in our popular culture.
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"This books opens your eyes to the way that Hollywood influences the culture of America, and how it tries to tear down the "old fashioned" values that America used to have. Once you read it, you will never look at Hollywood and television the same again."
— Lena (5 out of 5 stars)
" book club pick for the month - sept. He had some good points and things to think about. The book was written over 10 years ago so it would be interesting to know what he thinks now and how much of what he is talking about has affected people now. "
— Ashley, 12/2/2013" A valuable discussion of the decidant values of Hollywood and other entertainment establishments, how they are at odds with American values, and how they influence those values. "
— Michael, 9/12/2013" This book is ok, but I was a little disappointed. I thought that it was going to be about Hollywood trying to withdraw from the union. "
— Curteee, 8/13/2013" I picked this up mostly because I have a good friend who just moved to L.A. to work in the entertainment industry, and I once sat next to Michael Medved in an airport. I didn't know it was Michael Medved. Nathan told me. I didn't know who Michael Medved was. Nathan told me. "
— Alana, 12/28/2012" For anyone concerned about the effect popular culture has on our children, this book is a must read. "
— Shane, 12/18/2012" First rate review of how the values of the entertainment industry do not generally mirror those of the American population at large. "
— Richard, 10/31/2012Michael Medved, author and film critic, co-hosted PBS’ Sneak Previews for twelve years and was film critic for the New York Post for five years. He wrote Hospital, The Shadow Presidents, and, with co-writer with David Wallechinsky, What Really Happened to the Class of ‘65? An honors graduate of Yale, he also attended Yale Law School. He lives in Seattle with his wife and children.
Edward Lewis (a.k.a. David Hilder) is a stage, film, and television actor. He has narrated unabridged audiobooks for over eighteen years and has recorded more than two hundred titles, spanning works of fiction and nonfiction.