What Is Entertaiment?

Entertaiment is a cultural activity with a broad scope. It may be anything from a single person choosing a private entertainment from a now enormous array of pre-recorded products; to an entire banquet adapted for the occasion; or a performance intended for a global audience. Traditionally, it has been regarded as playful, but many forms of entertainment have a serious purpose, for example ceremonies, celebrations, religious festivals and even satire.

According to Bates, “Entertaiment is understood objectively; it involves communication featuring external stimuli; it o ffers pleasure to some (not necessarily all) people; and it reaches a passive audience.” (What’s Entertainment? Notes Towards a Definition, 2000).