As someone who loves film and TV, I’ve been increasingly frustrated with how wokeism and political correctness have taken over the industry in recent years. I’m all for representation and inclusivity when it’s done well, but lately, it feels like many creators are more concerned with checking ideological boxes than telling great stories. Since 2020, this trend has become more pronounced, and I believe it’s starting to damage the quality of entertainment.
What’s Wrong With Wokeism in Media?
Wokeism originally came from a place of wanting fairness and equality, which is admirable. But in entertainment, it’s often turned into a rigid set of guidelines that overshadow creativity. It feels like every movie or show now must have a diverse cast, avoid offending anyone, and deliver a social or political message—regardless of whether it fits the story.
For me, the problem is that these elements often feel forced or superficial. Instead of enhancing storytelling, they dilute it, resulting in unconvincing characters and uninspired narratives.
Post-2020 Films That Fell Victim
Marvel’s Phase 4 Struggles
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been a juggernaut in the industry, but since 2020, it’s lost the focus and depth that made it so successful. Movies like Eternals (2021) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) are prime examples.
Eternals introduced a groundbreaking level of diversity, including Marvel’s first openly homosexual superhero and a deaf character. While I appreciated the effort, the film itself felt hollow. The characters lacked depth, the story was disjointed, and the pacing dragged. For me, it seemed like Marvel was more interested in celebrating the diversity of the cast than ensuring the movie itself was compelling.
Thor: Love and Thunder took another approach, leaning heavily on humor and subverting established character dynamics. But instead of enhancing the story, it came across as unfocused and over-the-top. The inclusion of Valkyrie as an openly queer character, while notable, felt underdeveloped—like a checkbox rather than an integral part of the narrative. (I enjoyed the movie personally but as a guilty pleasure)
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid sparked a lot of conversation, mainly because of its casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel. While I haven’t watched the film, the debates surrounding it were hard to miss. Some praised the choice of a Black actress for the iconic role as a step toward inclusivity, while others argued it felt more like a marketing decision than a creative one.
To me, the controversy highlights a broader issue in modern entertainment: representation often feels like a political move instead of an organic part of storytelling. It’s not about whether Halle Bailey is talented (by all accounts, she is) but whether the focus on identity overshadows the story itself.
The Impact on Television
Velma (2023)
HBO’s Velma, a reimagining of the classic Scooby-Doo character, was one of the most talked-about series of the year—but for all the wrong reasons. The show flipped the script on its characters, with Velma portrayed as South Asian, Shaggy reimagined as Norville, and Daphne given a backstory tied to her Asian heritage. While diversity in beloved franchises can be refreshing, Velma seemed more interested in provoking audiences than entertaining them.
The writing leaned heavily on self-aware humor and overtly political commentary, often at the expense of the characters and plot. Instead of being funny or engaging, the show alienated fans of the original series, who felt that the changes were unnecessary and disconnected from the spirit of Scooby-Doo.
Rings of Power (2022)
Amazon’s The Rings of Power, set in the world of The Lord of the Rings, was one of the most expensive TV shows ever made. However, it became a lightning rod for criticism, especially regarding its approach to diversity and storytelling.
The series introduced a multicultural cast, which I appreciated in theory. However, I felt that it clashed with the established lore of Tolkien’s world. Instead of feeling like a natural evolution of Middle-earth, it seemed like an attempt to modernize the franchise in ways that didn’t always align with the source material. The result was a series that, while visually stunning, felt hollow and unfaithful to the spirit of Tolkien’s work.
Audience Backlash and Declining Quality
The entertainment industry’s shift toward wokeism and political correctness hasn’t gone unnoticed by audiences, many of whom are pushing back. One clear sign of this is the growing divide between critic and audience scores on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes. Movies and shows often receive glowing reviews from critics for their progressive elements, only to be panned by viewers for their lack of substance.
A good example is She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022). The series was praised by some for its feminist themes and commentary on sexism, but I found that it leaned too heavily on these ideas, often at the expense of humor and plot. Instead of being a fun addition to the Marvel universe, it felt preachy and self-congratulatory, which turned off many fans.
The Way Forward
I’m not saying that diversity or representation is inherently bad—it’s not. In fact, some of my favorite shows and films feature diverse casts and tackle important social issues. The key, though, is balance. Representation works best when it’s woven naturally into the story, not when it feels forced or performative.
For example, shows like The Mandalorian (2020–present) manage to incorporate a wide range of characters without losing sight of what makes the story engaging. The series prioritizes strong storytelling and character development, which makes its diverse cast feel like a natural part of the narrative rather than an afterthought.
Final Thoughts
I argue that wokeism and political correctness are damaging modern film and TV because they often prioritize ideology over artistry. While the intentions behind these movements are good, the execution frequently falls short, leaving audiences like me frustrated.
If the entertainment industry wants to win back viewers, it needs to focus on what made storytelling great in the first place: authentic characters, compelling narratives, and a genuine connection to the audience. Until then, I fear that more franchises and original works will continue to suffer from this misguided approach.
Kathan’s lifelong love affair with cinema began when his father introduced him to the magic of the silver screen at an early age. Ever since that first flicker of light in the darkened theater, he has been captivated by the power of storytelling through moving pictures. A deep thinker at heart, Kathan is particularly drawn to films that explore the complexities of grief with nuance and depth. This is why Arrival stands as his all-time favorite—a film that resonates with him on a profound level, merging science fiction with an emotional narrative that delves into loss, love, and the human condition.