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Guilty Pleasures

Should you really feel guilty about the stuff you watch?


(Disclaimer: This is not a religious blog or post, but the subject may bring up Christianity/Catholicism and may also be applied to other religions. This in no way should be interpreted as “go to church” or “don’t do to church.” If this post is at all offensive to any group or individual, please know that was not my or this blog’s intention.)


I watch a lot of shows and movies. Honestly, I’ve probably watched at least one episode from (close to) 200 shows. And probably watched that many movies, if not more. It should come as no surprise that I watch a variety of different genres, however it may surprise you to know that until recently I’ve been feeling guilty over the content I watch or am considering watching.


A Little Backstory


I was raised Catholic and currently practice non-denominational Christianity. But Catholic guilt still (about 5 years after leaving that specific faith) dictates my life and my choices. I make this joke that I feel guilty about breathing which isn’t exactly an exaggeration, but is neither here nor there.


When I was younger (probably 8 - 10 years old) I was watching shows like Criminal Minds, How I Met Your Mother, and Dance Moms or movies like Charlie’s Angels (2000) while these shows and movies may not have been the most inappropriate, there were a lot of sexual innuendos. Back then I just thought they were funny or in the care of Criminal Minds slightly scary. Now, thinking back I laugh at how I was even allowed to watch these things.


Back to Present Day


Currently, I’m watching shows like Shameless and Succession and Sex Education. These shows are critically acclaimed, so why do I feel guilty for watching them?


It all comes down to general perceptions from the people in my life. And to be fair to the people in my life, not everyone dislikes these shows, but most of the people in my life are somewhat religious and these shows don’t exactly preach morality. However, recently when I’ve been going to church and the Pastor has been saying that pop culture (not specifically, but implied) is immoral, I’ve been feeling. But after analyzing these feelings of guilt I realized, I haven’t been looking at these shows as guidelines for how to live my life. I don’t watch It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and think ‘I can’t wait to treat someone like that’ in fact It’s the exact opposite.


A few days ago, I came to the realization that while shows and movies may not be religiously/morally better for society I’ve been watching them from a lens of cinematic excellence and somewhat educational. For example, a few months ago I was watching a show on Netflix called The Society. One of the main characters told her sister she thought she had a UTI, her sister asked her if she had sex and if she used the bathroom after because if you don’t go to the bathroom right after you’d get a UTI. This is a fact I was genuinely surprised to learn because I don’t remember my school teaching me this.


I suppose the point of this essay is not to feel bad about what you are and aren’t watching because that is your prerogative. Art and interests are in the eye of the beholder and people or institutions shouldn’t make you feel bad about what you are consuming content-wise. Everything is good and everything is bad, it’s for you to decide.


Now, if you'll excuse me I’m going to watch Dance Moms.




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