In journalism, the terms we use to describe the arts matter. In American media, the cultural section of newspapers is often labeled as Entertainment, whereas in European journalism, this same section is commonly called Culture or Arts & Culture. Though it may seem like a minor difference, this choice of terminology reflects deeper distinctions in how each society views the role of the arts in public life. Here, we’ll explore how the term Entertainment impoverishes the concept of Culture, reducing its social significance.

From Culture to Entertainment: A Shift in Perception

The shift from Culture to Entertainment represents more than just a change in terminology; it marks a shift in how we perceive and value the arts. Entertainment suggests the focus on ideas that appeal to an audience and are often commercially motivated. This contrasts with the European tradition, where Culture encompasses not only enjoyment but also critical reflection and intellectual enrichment. By narrowing this broad, multidimensional concept into the simpler term Entertainment, we risk overlooking the depth and societal relevance that the arts have long embodied.

Susan Sontag’s Perspective on Art’s Deeper Role

In her seminal essay Against Interpretation, Susan Sontag argued for a richer, more immersive experience of art, one that goes beyond quick interpretations or entertainment. “In place of a hermeneutics,” she wrote, “we need an erotics of art,” Sontag suggests that reducing art to simple interpretations or, in this case, to mere entertainment strips away its essence, robbing it of the emotional, aesthetic, and intellectual impact it can have on its audience. For her, an “erotics of art” means engaging with art on a profound level, allowing it to resonate deeply rather than entertain. In reducing Culture to Entertainment, we risk undermining this deeper engagement. Sontag’s vision of an “erotics” of art urges us to experience the arts in their fullness by connecting emotionally, intellectually, and even spiritually with cultural works. She champions the artistic engagement that values the nuances and depth of the arts, not just their immediate amusement value.

Losing Depth: The Consequences of Labeling Culture as Entertainment

When cultural works are presented primarily as Entertainment, there’s a tendency to prioritize what is instantly appealing, marketable, or easily understood. This approach can overshadow art forms that are more challenging, experimental, or intellectually demanding, such as avant-garde theater, philosophical literature, or abstract visual art. The aesthetic richness and intellectual value of these works risk being lost, as they don’t fit neatly into the mold of conventional Entertainment. Furthermore, Entertainment implies a focus on the here and now, often tied to trends and immediate gratification. Meanwhile, the cultural arts are built upon a foundation of history, tradition, and continuity dimensions that lose their significance when reduced to mere amusement.

Erosion of Social Discourse

Art has always been a mirror to society, reflecting and critiquing the human condition, societal structures, and the world around us. When we label the arts as Entertainment, this critical role may be minimized, with audiences primed to see cultural works as diversions rather than reflections of societal concerns. Culture, in the traditional sense, often invites viewers and readers to engage with complex issues like social justice, identity, and ethics. These themes are less visible through an Entertainment lens, which leans toward pleasure and often avoids discomforting truths. In a Culture section, a film review on systemic inequality might spark discussions on societal issues, inviting readers to consider the film’s broader social relevance. In an Entertainment section, however, that same review might focus on star performances or box office lists, sidestepping the film’s critical message. By reframing cultural works as mere entertainment, we risk losing this essential dialogue and diminishing art’s potential to catalyze societal reflection and change.

Losing Cultural Heritage to Commercial Interests

Art is an essential link between past and present, carrying forward the aesthetics, philosophies, and stories of earlier eras. When culture is seen merely as Entertainment, we risk devaluing these historical art forms, dismissing them as outdated or elitist because they don’t always align with modern tastes. In many American media outlets, for example, traditional forms like opera, classical music, or ballet receive limited attention because they’re less profitable or “entertaining” by today’s standards. European publications, by contrast, may emphasize the cultural and historical significance of these forms, seeing them as an important part of national identity and heritage. Labeling such forms as Culture acknowledges their intrinsic value beyond the immediate pleasure they might provide. By recognizing them as cultural treasures, society places a collective importance on preserving these traditions, viewing them as enduring aspects of our shared history.

The Cost of Commercialization

Finally, there’s a commercial dimension to the shift toward Entertainment. With growing pressure to capture attention and increase revenue, mainstream media prioritizes content with high entertainment value, often sidelining culturally significant but less commercially viable works. The result is a diluted representation of Culture, with space given primarily to what sells. Independent films, experimental art, or thought-provoking performances often fall by the wayside in favor of what’s popular or profitable. In this environment, Culture as a concept is stripped down, losing its rich intellectual and aesthetic scope. We end up with a marketplace of cultural content rather than a well-rounded exploration of the arts.

Reclaiming Culture’s Role

Understanding the difference between Culture and Entertainment helps us recognize what’s at stake when we oversimplify how we present the arts. Culture goes beyond entertainment it’s a profound part of the human experience, offering insights into history, society, and the self. While entertainment is a valuable aspect of culture, it’s only one dimension. By re-embracing culture in all its depths, we can preserve the arts’ role as both a source of enjoyment and a reflection of the human condition. As Sontag argued, “In place of a hermeneutics we need an erotics of art.” When we engage with art as something more than entertainment, we enrich our experience, allowing it to resonate with us on intellectual, emotional, and societal levels. Framing the arts as Culture helps us honor this fuller experience, ensuring that the arts remain a platform for intellectual engagement, social reflection, and preservation of our cultural heritage.