Entertainment is often regarded as the most frivolous of human endeavors. Entertainers, such as musicians, artists, writers, and actors, are viewed as less important than professionals whose work involves science, politics, or improving society. However, in many ways entertainment is one of the cornerstones upon which civilization rests. Without entertainment, the heavy burden of religious, social, environmental, and political pressures would weigh us down to the point where we would begin to suffer from mental illnesses such as depression. So join in celebrating entertainment!

Entertainment also has another important function in society, and that is informing and educating people on everything from current affairs topics to complex social issues. Explaining the conflicting viewpoints of two cultures, such as Israel's and Palestine's, in an academic way will touch far fewer people than a book like The Kite Runner. Stories, music, movies, and art offer a way for people to express themselves and be understood by others on a much more visceral level than simple explanations. This gut-deep understanding of another person or group can make people think twice about violence, including wars, bullying, and ethnic repression.

There are many different forms of entertainment. Visual arts, such as painting, are so old that they are the first permanent records of human existence. Music and dance are two of the most universal forms of entertainment. They have been around for millennia - much longer than there have been recording devices or even musical instruments. Drama, which includes plays and movies, is another very old form of entertainment. Long ago, before written language, people would use plays and songs to pass on important information about their culture. Writing is one of the newest forms of entertainment, but books and stories have caught on everywhere.

Each culture has its own special forms of entertainment, and it is though these forms of entertainment that they are best able to connect with people of other cultures. Think, for example, of a visit to the Middle East. Without knowing Arabic, you couldn't get much out of a conversation with a local. Attend a play or concert, however, and you can understand the concepts and emotions without the words and begin to understand the people themselves. As a result, entertainment mediums such as art museums, plays, and concerts are the most attractive aspects of international travel.

In some cultures, certain forms of entertainment are forbidden, but here at HDZRA, we believe that everyone should have access to entertainment. We encourage anyone with a spark of interest in one of the entertainment mediums to explore these pages, which contain a wealth of information on the purpose of entertainment, its popular forms, and how to pursue your goal of a career in entertainment. Simply use the navigation bar at the top of the page to access a list of articles we have on various topics. More are added daily, so bookmark us for future reference.