People need to start to think about the messages that they send

In the vast theater of human existence, stories have always played a pivotal role in shaping the way we understand the world, our place in it, and the forces that move us. Morgan Freeman, in his words, "People need to start to think about the messages that they send in the movies," speaks to the profound responsibility that comes with the art of storytelling. Films, as the modern-day myths, carry tremendous power to influence, educate, and inspire—but also to mislead, manipulate, and distort. Freeman’s call for mindfulness in what we convey through the medium of cinema is not merely a plea for better entertainment, but a deep reflection on the moral and social responsibility we hold when we craft the narratives that shape our collective consciousness.

From the beginning of time, storytellers have been revered as the bearers of truth, the seers who conveyed the lessons of life and human nature. In ancient Greece, the great playwright Sophocles penned works like Oedipus Rex and Antigone, exploring themes of fate, hubris, and moral responsibility. These plays were more than mere performances—they were tools for reflection, urging the audience to confront the consequences of their actions and the choices they made in life. Like those ancient stories, modern films have the same power to influence the hearts and minds of those who watch them. Yet, as Freeman suggests, we must be conscious of the messages embedded in the stories we tell, for they can either guide humanity toward wisdom or lead it into moral darkness.

Consider the influence of Rome, where the ruling class understood the power of public spectacle and entertainment. The gladiatorial games and public events, while offering entertainment, were also a means of instilling certain values—bravery, honor, loyalty, and above all, the power of the empire. These events were powerful tools for shaping public perception, often reinforcing the empire’s dominance and the subjugation of the people. In the same way, the modern film industry holds the power to shape societal values, for better or worse. What messages do we send when violence is glorified, or when stereotypes are perpetuated? What does it mean for society when films depict women, minorities, or the marginalized in limited, harmful ways? Just as Rome’s spectacles reflected and reinforced imperial values, modern cinema can reflect and reinforce contemporary ideologies.

Freeman’s message calls us to the responsibility of recognizing how the stories we share in our films shape the world’s values. A striking example is the civil rights movement in America, which saw profound changes in how African Americans were portrayed in film and media. Before the movement, films often depicted African Americans in demeaning or stereotypical roles, perpetuating false narratives about race. However, with the rise of films like "Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner" and "To Kill a Mockingbird," filmmakers began to challenge societal views on race, portraying African Americans in more nuanced, respectful, and empowered roles. These films became powerful instruments of change, shaping public perception and advancing the cause of civil rights. They were messages of progress, urging the audience to reflect on their biases and consider the humanity of every individual, regardless of skin color.

The lesson in Freeman’s statement is one of accountability—to recognize that the stories we tell through film have consequences that extend far beyond the theater. Every narrative, every character, every message contributes to the collective psyche of society. To craft films that offer more than mere entertainment is to offer a vision of the world as it could be: a world where justice, compassion, and equality reign, a world where the media is used to raise the human spirit and inspire change rather than perpetuate harm. Filmmakers, like the great storytellers of ancient times, must ask themselves: What message are we sending? Are we teaching wisdom or fostering division? Are we elevating the human condition, or diminishing it?

To follow this call to action, we must first question the media we consume and the messages it imparts. Are the films we watch reinforcing the values we hold dear? Do they challenge us to become better, to think more deeply about the world and our place in it? We must also demand more from those who create these stories, urging them to craft narratives that reflect the best of human nature—stories that promote understanding, unity, and hope. By embracing this responsibility, we become active participants in shaping the world, not just passive consumers of entertainment.

The true power of storytelling lies not in what is merely seen on the screen, but in what lingers in the heart long after the credits roll. Films have the power to inspire, to change minds, and to guide the future. It is through thoughtful storytelling that we can create a world that reflects the highest values of humanity, a world where love, respect, and justice are the messages we send to the generations to come. As Freeman suggests, we must all become guardians of the messages we share—carefully crafting them, and using the power of film as a force for good, a force that leads us toward a brighter and more just future.