Understanding the Concept of Agenda Setting Theory
As a Communication student, Agenda Setting Theory is a communication theory that explains how the media influences what people think is important.
Simply put, this theory explains how media can indirectly influence policy, opinion, and action.
Introduction
“If you no get money hide your face (I hide my face), make another man pikin run my race,” the lyrics to Davido’s 2017 hit song, ‘FIA’, read. One of the most interesting songs in the late 2010s, however, the meaning sank deep into the hearts of several young Nigerians who sang along. It could be considered harmless lyrics, but the song would eventually ruin several relationships and other romantic ventures. Several young men began to feel they were incompetent and unable to love due to a lack of funds or the unavailability of financial resources. A hard knock not only on the head but in the heart.
As for the women, most began to feel entitled, hence, they withdrew and decided to monkeybranch to another man who could provide financial support and give them the life they dream about while they lay awake at night.
A cruel world, but here we are.
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The Entertainment Industry and Nigerians
The entertainment industry in Nigeria is one of the biggest. The industry has some of the biggest exports across the globe- according to Wikipedia, the Nollywood movie is the third highest movie distribution company in the world, only behind Bollywood (Indian movie industry) and Hollywood (the American movie industry), an impressive feat.
Meanwhile, the music industry has some of the biggest musicians such as Wizkid, Davido, Tems and Burna Boy who have some of the bestselling music projects in recent times and have been able to propagate the “Afrobeats to the world” aspirations from the streets of Ikeja, Lagos state to the hills of Bakersfield in Los Angeles, California. Nigeria’s entertainment industry is huge, and the impressive achievements in the last two decades can only be applauded and honored.
Since we’ve mentioned that, it’s impossible to deny that the entertainment has influenced the perception and ideology of some Nigerians. An example is the aforementioned lyrics to Davido’s 2017 hit song, ‘FIA’.
Nigerian youths spend a lot of time on their cellphones and scroll through social media, they listen to their favorite celebrities and follow their statements religiously without trying to fine-tune them or sift through what is wrong from what is right.
An example would be a statement made by a social media user known as Ada La Pinky, a voluptuous skitmaker and content creator.
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‘Women Are Entitled to Man’s Money…’- La Pinky
Speaking in a 2022 interview, Ada La Pinky said paying a makeup artist to get her ready, and also trying out different dresses, wearing an expensive wig, and then going to the venue.
The social media influencer said it’s only proper that the date gives her some money to appreciate her efforts.
“I always expect, ‘oh, it was nice meeting you o, just take’,” Ada La Pinky said.
The host then asked if this means that women now go on dates just to make money, and the other lady responded that being fine requires money.
“No, it’s not about making money. Do you know the cost of being a fine girl in Lagos? It’s expensive,” the lady said.
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A time to call out the movie industry for promoting ‘gimme gimme’ mentality
Nigerian movies should desist from interpreting love as going shopping and buying houses for the mother of a girl, who an actor initiates his interest in a lady in a scene prior.
The extrapolating storylines of a village girl from a poor background meeting a wealthy man from Lagos State and Abuja have become stale, boring, and nonsensical.
There is an unwritten law in Nollywood that states should if you meet a babe in scene 1, by scene 2, you are taking her shopping and showing her you’re the ‘real man’.
It is time for these storylines to take a break.
This ideology should be defenestrated with immediate effect.
These storylines have done more harm than good; as a matter of fact, these storylines are a gauntlet to the Nigerian society.
First, we read stories about men who have taken their lives due to heartbreak after investing heavily in women whom they perceive as potential life partners.
We have seen men get double-crossed by bringing up children who are not their own.
Also, we have read about women killing sugar daddies or their sponsors out of greed. Despite buying them the world, sponsoring their Dubai trips, gifting them new vehicles, and whatnot.
This is callous and deceptive; cruel if you ask me.
How Nollywood Influences Human Characteristics
A lot of men cross oceans for women who never jump a ditch for them.
Due to the beauty of a woman, men sell their spirit, soul, and body to get into a lady’s skin.
This is an apparent ripple effect of Nollywood ‘romance’ themes; the indoctrination of spending your life plans to maintain a relationship and to sweep a woman off her feet.
I am not a love doctor or some relationship expert, whatsoever; I don’t care; but I believe there should be more to relationships; I mean, there should be contributions from the parties involved in the expressionism. A couple of days ago, Nigerian reality star, KimOprah, demeaned cab drivers for showing romantic interest in her.
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Conclusion: ‘You can’t negotiate genuine desire…’
Abscond from hypertension; why should you be building a mansion or acquire a ride for a girl’s mother simply because you are attracted to her?
We should not be brainwashed with Tony Umez’s balderdash; don’t live the entirety of your life seeking validation for love, someone who doesn’t like you, just doesn’t like you.
True affection, emotional conviviality, and loyalty cannot be acquired by squandering funds and investment on someone who treats you like an afterthought.
Sugar daddies who have been gifting the world with wonder women keep losing their lives daily.
Read the news; check the statistics, you will hurt yourself deeply if you think you can buy loyalty.
Nollywood moviemakers need to make funds; hence, they make storylines that soothe our insecurities and the nebulous feelings of loneliness due to the absence of a particular person.
You are not going to die from staying far away from people who only see you as a walking human ATM; there is more to life than coercing love from other people.
