The social and ethical responsibility of artists

In recent days, news of a number of prominent figures in the showbiz industry facing legal troubles for using banned substances has caused a public uproar. The incident has become so heated that it has fueled widespread skepticism among the public, leading some artists to proactively undergo drug tests to avoid speculation and protect their personal image.

Singer Long Nhật, along with Sơn Ngọc Minh and 69 other individuals, were arrested. (Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police)

The aforementioned situation not only raises an alarm about the unrestrained and deviant lifestyles of a segment within the showbiz industry but also reflects a decline in audience trust in the entertainment industry. This is especially concerning given the recent spate of cases involving singers, models, actors, and designers being prosecuted for lifestyle issues and drug use. This reality prompts much reflection on the current cultural environment of Vietnamese showbiz.

It's easy to see that when public figures in the arts are involved in scandals, they always attract more public attention. This is because they possess considerable influence on the perceptions and lifestyles of their fans, especially young audiences. A single statement, a style of dress, or an attitude can impact the views and lifestyles of young people.

Therefore, when a celebrity falls from grace, the consequences extend beyond the individual's wrongdoing; they also lead to certain deviations in the perceptions of a segment of the audience who admired, or even idolized, them. And what provokes such strong public reaction is not only the celebrity's disregard for the law, but also the collapse of a beloved role model.

Some argue that the entertainment industry is inherently full of pressure and temptations. Those working in this environment frequently face crises, competition, and the fear of being left behind, making it easy to lose themselves. However, this cannot be a justification for crossing the line.

Regardless of who they are, every individual in society must face legal responsibility and social consequences for their actions. Once they are involved in violating the law, the glamour of the stage and fame can no longer become a "shield" to protect them from the law.

To create a healthy environment for artistic activities, it's time for strong sanctions and effective monitoring mechanisms to prevent a few bad apples from spoiling the bunch. Looking at some Asian countries, especially China, many celebrities involved with banned substances have almost no way to return to their profession.

Meanwhile, in our country, there are still no specific regulations for penalizing professional misconduct related to these cases. Ethical issues and the responsibilities of artists are mostly only mentioned in codes of conduct or prohibitions in performance activities.

Therefore, a more comprehensive mechanism is needed, ranging from improving management regulations and addressing violations to tightening the roles of organizing and media units, enhancing the professional responsibility of artists, and promoting the public's right to boycott...

Depending on the severity of the violation, appropriate penalties should be applied, especially for serious violations involving banned substances. In addition to legal penalties similar to those applied to drug users in general, specific professional sanctions should be implemented, such as broadcasting bans, restrictions, or complete prohibitions on participation in performances, advertisements, game shows, etc.

No one denies celebrities the right to correct their mistakes after a fall, but their opportunity to start over needs to be accompanied by a period of trial, genuine change, a proactive attitude, and valuable contributions to the community.

Ultimately, a healthy entertainment industry can only be built from a combination of talent, dedication, ethical responsibility, professional standards of artists, and a transparent, law-abiding, humane operating environment that is not lenient or tolerant of deviant behavior. This is also the foundation for cultivating and preserving society's trust in art and artists.

DAC LINH

Source: https://nhandan.vn/trach-nhiem-xa-hoi-va-dao-duc-cua-nghe-si-post965991.html