The erosion of Hollywood

 

“We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable. So did the divine right of Kings”

This quote written by Ursula K. Le Guin reminds us that no system of power is immune to change. The divine right of kings once symbolized an eternal authority only to be dismantled by shifts in political and social consciousness. Similarly, Hollywood for a long time was an uncontested cultural juggernaut of the United States, finds itself at a pivotal moment. Its influence, once unshakable, now faces different challenges in an increasingly multipolar world. The emergence of new cultural hubs, a backlash against progressive values and the waning of American cultural hegemony reflects the new dynamic of global storytelling and, in the end, of global power.

First of all, for much of the 20^th century, Hollywood symbolized American soft power.  Films like Casablanca, Forrest Gump or ET have embodied values of democracy, justice and freedom, thereby projecting a vision of the American dream to global audiences. However, Hollywood’s dominance has begun to fade challenged by the rise of multilateralism in media and the shift of consumer preferences.

One significant factor in this decline is the emergence of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Primer or HBO. Despite these platforms are rooted in the USA, they showcase non-American stories. For example, Netflix Korean hit Squid Game and Spain’s Money heist have gained international acclaim, thereby, proving that audiences are eager for diverse narratives that portray other cultures and experiences. American stories do not monopolize the global imagination anymore.

Social media plays an important role in reshaping preferences. Platforms like Tik Tok, recently banned in the USA, or Youtube, allow new creators from around the world to share stories and challenge traditional media. This change brings a democratization of cultural production. The Oscars or the Golden Globes are proof of the declining prestige of Hollywood. Once considered touchstone of culture, these ceremonies are now criticized as out of touch, losing viewership and causing lack of interest in their narratives.

Multilateralism affects global cultures as well. Nations are no longer reliant on American exports to define their aspirations, instead of that, they are creating and celebrating their own. The moral is: No dominant narrative in global storytelling, therefore, no hegemony in global power. The competition for cultural influence has become fierce and America will no longer have the same ability to share its values of “American dream”.

On the other hand, Hollywood has traditionally aligned with progressive values, advocating for different causes such as LGBT rights, racial equality or criticism of sexual harassment. Now the cultural landscape reflects a growing polarization inside the USA and internationally.

The upcoming Trump administration is already marking a turning point in Hollywood’s relationship with politics, as a rise in anti-woke rhetoric, largely promoted by Trump, amplifies cultural divisions. New films like Emilia Pérez, which are meant to advocate for identity rights, end up losing their way and, ultimately, slipping into oblivion. Furthermore, due to controversial statements made by the director and lead actor, the film faces backlash from global audiences who find it offensive and racially insensitive toward Mexican culture and women. In this context, Hollywood embraces 'woke' ideas at the expense of addressing other important issues, such as racism or sexism, leading audiences to reject its influence and the 'values' promoted in its ceremonies. This is why viewership continues to decline year after year.

This polarization goes beyond America. In Europe, debates about immigration, women’s rights or minority’s rights have echoed the ideological clash in Hollywood. The cultural export, once an asset of American software now faces resistance from conservative movements. For example, Hungary has passed a law limiting LGBT content in schools. In the UK, cultural debates have arisen around figures like J.K. Rowling, whose progressive views on gender issues have sparked discussion on the balance between women’s rights and transgender's ones.

The growing backlash against these values risks new regressive policies and more social tensions. Additionally, the rise of cancel cultures, where public figures are ostracized or “cancelled” for expressing unacceptable opinions, goes beyond the free of speech. For instance, there have been calls to burn Harry Potter’s books or to ban Gone with the wind. However, the solution is not censorship or erasure. It lies in fostering an open dialogue, analyzing and understanding, especially in a more polarized society.

In conclusion, Hollywood’s crossroads are a sign of broader transformations that shape our world. However, these changes present not only challenges but also opportunities.

In this shifting landscape, other nations have the chance to share their culture with the world. Taking Spain as example, it can offer a window into its rich heritage and vibrant arts through artist like Alejandro Amenábar, Javier Bardem or Carla Simón.

Multilateralism has arrived not only in politics and economics but also culture. Traditional values must now coexist with progressive ideals and vice versa. 

As Ursula K. Le Guin wisely reminds us: no power is everlasting. Just as the divine right of kings was eventually undone, Hollywood must face the inevitable winds of change, embracing the possibilities it brings.