question of the week!

2023 September 29

Hey. Hi. Hello!

I’m here and happy to share the topic for this week’s #QOTW discussion with you all.

Do you enjoy realism in the media you consume or do you prefer the media you watch to simply be a complete form of escapism?

For me, personally, when depictions are too far out of reality it can take me out of the story completely. For example: when things aren’t proportionate in action scenes/sequences the unrealistic nature tends to damper my opinion and viewing. However, I can be more lenient depending on the genre of the show, for instance with the fantasy genre—with fantasy, it’s expected for fantastical and other-worldly things to take place.

Of course, I know this is all a matter of preference, but I would love to read other people’s opinions and inclinations. Maybe you have reasons that are different from mine—I’d love to hear them.

What’s your proclivity? Do you consume media solely for escapism, or do you like your media to be grounded in realism? Maybe a bit of both? Please share your thoughts in the comment section!

Also, feel free to suggest topics for weekly discussions under the comment labeled ’Topic Suggestions’!

Likes (62)

Like 62

Comments (12)

➵ L [h]

While I do watch both, I watch dramas that give me that form of escapism more often than the ones with realism. I couldn't have watched too many of the realistic ones back when I wasn't well mentally so the ones that helped me escape distracted me from real life ^^. Now it depends, sometimes I get also annoyed when they're too unrealistic and too bright and just want a realistic one and others times it doesn't really bother me - it just depends on my mood but the unrealistic ones are easier to watch for sure

1 Reply 10/02/23

sonsee (!!!) Author

I can totally understand. I growing that’s why I loved reading books so much because I could emerge myself in an imaginary, fictional world and escape reality for a bit. Life can be hard and sometimes it’s good to watch media that doesn’t have to be just as hard as real life.

And yes, I’d say mood plays a big role too! As you said, if my mental state is unstable, too much realism can make things worse.

0 Reply 10/02/23

jazzyboops

I LOVE REALISM and most of my favorite content revolves around realism. while i can understand the appeal of escapism, i personally never find much escapism through less realistic stories. stories and characters i can personally relate to have always had the largest impact on me. it's rewarding to learn life lessons or overcome realistic struggles with the characters in order to apply it to your own life in some way. or even just experiencing a healing journey with a found family is enough escapism for me.

as for unrealistic behavior, those usually take me out of stories as well. and honestly give me more frustration or cringe than anything else

1 Reply 09/30/23

sonsee (!!!) Author

“it's rewarding to learn life lessons or overcome realistic struggles with the characters in order to apply it to your own life in some way.” <— Yes! This line summarizes exactly why I prefer realism to pure escapism. :heartpulse:

When things or characters feel unrealistic or make unrealistic choices, I can’t relate to the characters or story which ultimately makes it hard for me to connect and ultimately “escape” through the media.

1 Reply 09/30/23

dhritae

Although I do consume media as a means of escapism, throughout the years of constantly consuming fiction mostly in the form of anime and kdrama, I've learned that I rely on these media to actually deal with my reality and not always to run away from it. The reason I mostly consume Asian media is because I'm an emotionally driven person and as an Asian, these characters and their stories are more relatable. They allow me to process my emotions and look at my experiences from a third person's view, and therefore help me navigate through my own personal life.

That being said, I have used fiction to run away from facing my life, but I often ended up watching things that are still realistic, just not too sad. I recently noticed that when it comes to Kdrama or fiction with real people, I tend to get more critical if they're not realistic. As you mentioned, especially with action, I go "meh" if the action feels awkward or not realistically based or when there are characters without much thought given to their individual personality, that's a let-down too. But luckily, I'm more tolerant with unrealistic aspects when it comes to anime. Again, not with everything.

This turned out too long but the point is— yes, I lean more towards realism, but through escapism. Also, some non-realistic aspects are alright and welcome depending on my state of mind at that point and the kind of media I'm consuming.

1 Reply 09/30/23

sonsee (!!!) Author

No, it is never too long. :heartpulse: It’s exactly what I’m happy to see! I want and love to read others’ perspective and opinions.

I share a lot of the same sentiments. As I got older, the way I consume media and the media I chose to consume has changed. I like characters that I can relate to myself or personal experiences - like you said, it also allows me to process things through that third person POV and that’s always very cathartic for me. And that cathartic experience in a way is my own different form of escapism. I’m allowed to escape my own reality by experiencing things vicariously but only when things are presented realistically do I feel like I can escape… it’s odd and interesting to me.

1 Reply 09/30/23

dhritae

Reply to: sonsee :rainbow:

You worded it so well and I relate to you! Something that I've been thinking about a lot lately is how the world around me is a reflection of my own world within myself. (Maybe this got a little philosophical?) So, maybe, even when I'm trying to escape, I'm still looking for something that will reflect my inner world, my own imaginations too in some way? And that could be why some deviations from realism work and some don't?

This got more abstract than I intended it to, but yes :')

Also- I also love reading others' perspectives so I loved reading what you had to say too :purple_heart:

1 Reply 10/01/23

L****

realistic because it just pisses me of when things don't make sense in dramas. i don't mind fantasies and stuff but as soon as the story gets too unrealistic or it doesn't make sense i'm just like 'no' i can't watch this anymore and just drop.

1 Reply 09/30/23

sonsee (!!!) Author

Yeah! I’m similar in that regard - when the story gets too unrealistic I’m now just like: “No.” And I save my time and drop it, otherwise I know I’ll spend the whole time frustrated about it. I’ve learned my lesson after one too many times.

1 Reply 09/30/23

⎯⎯ reibear :tm:

I actually enjoy both. I like realism when talking about important topics, but I love romance dramas and wuxia dramas because they’re like a little treat and a way to escape

4 Reply 09/29/23

sonsee (!!!) Author

I used to love the romance genre as a form of escapism, but nowadays it’s hard for me to do so because the relationship conflicts that the writers like to throw in the plot feel too unrealistic. Like, some of the misunderstandings and miscommunication that goes on just doesn’t make sense and it makes me so frustrated. :punch: 🏽 :sob:

So nowadays, if I want escapism, I just watch anime or read some manga/manhwa!

2 Reply 09/30/23

More Comments

question of the week!

Likes (62)

Comments (12)

can you guess the drama from just a screenshot? | giveaway quiz