The idea that art can be truly neutral is a bit of a myth because every creative choice, from the characters we choose to highlight to the conflicts we decide are worth resolving, reflects the creator's underlying values and worldview. Even a story that claims to be purely for entertainment is still reinforcing the status quo or expressing a specific perspective on human nature, which is inherently political in its own right. While I agree that constant analysis can sometimes take the joy out of watching a film, being more critical of the hidden messages we consume is a healthy practice that helps us understand our own biases. Ultimately, instead of demanding that creators be objective, it is perhaps more valuable for us to recognize that all storytelling is a subjective conversation, and our role as audience members is to decide whether we agree with the values being presented.

The question of whether art can ever be truly neutral is a classic debate, but most theorists would argue that absolute objectivity in storytelling is practically impossible. Every creative choice, from the characters we choose to highlight to the conflicts that drive a plot, is shaped by a writer’s lived experience and subconscious values. While some might prefer entertainment to remain a pure escape, even the most traditional narratives reinforce certain status quos, which is a political stance in its own right. I think it is less about creators needing to be objective and more about us as an audience being media literate enough to engage with the themes being presented. Ultimately, recognizing that all art carries a perspective allows us to have a much more meaningful conversation about the stories we consume rather than simply labeling them as propaganda or objective truth.