The role of media in promoting competence

Shows like Burn Notice, Suits and White Collar foster a culture of hope and resilience through competent characters. We need this to return now more than ever.

In the nihilistic world of modern media, where stories of disaster, scandal, and cynicism dominate (and bureaucrats are weirdly in charge of creativity) the necessity for uplifting narrative — close to reality, not superhero/sequel nostalgia drivel — is desperately apparent. We badly need more creative work to counter the doomerism spreading across the world (I’m hoping this has recently peaked, but who knows). If we do better here, it might even help offset the “rot” happening across other sectors.

The histrionic news cycles of events that mostly don’t affect your life and negative portrayals of humanity in cinema saturate our screens, contributing to a culture of despair. There’s a big need for narrative in both fiction and reality that highlights competent individuals in positive, inspiring roles. Such narratives done well not only entertain but elevate our spirits and set a standard for human potential and excellence.

With religion plummeting and political leadership comprised of a checked out gerontocracy, the media industry now wields immense and unique power in shaping attitudes and behaviors, extending far beyond immediate commercial pursuits. I’m convinced the broader societal uplift created through positive narratives contributes significantly to the economy, improving social well-being, productivity and ultimately creates a ‘lift’ to GDP that’s orders of magnitude above what any single media company can profit. But no one really thinks about it this way.

Media can also help align the right values with status. As society becomes more atomized, with people feeling increasingly isolated, the role of media institutions deepens. They become not just purveyors of entertainment but also pillars of cohesion. I have a real concern these institutions do not embrace this responsibility, prioritizing sensationalism, negativity and pessimism over narratives any sane person would aspire to. It’s not entirely their fault, they were thrust into this position, but it is their responsibility to take this call to action to do better. So it’s critical more media entities recognize their influence here and contribute more thoughtfully to our collective consciousness.

While pop music is dead and irredeemable (this one is fine, there’s so much more now anyway via indie artists) there is still some relatively recent TV worth watching. So today I thought I’d share a few shows I was turned onto and recommend. I also hope any media execs reading this will consider as a blueprint: Burn Notice, Suits and White Collar—each of which provides a different lens on the transformative power of competence in shaping a stronger societal ethos. Of note: I know Suits has new Episodes on Netflix now, which I haven’t seen, but hope they return to the style of the original few seasons (still, why not net new concepts?). No episode plot spoilers in the remainder of this post, I promise.

Burn Notice and the heroism of noble acts

Being a native South Floridian, Burn Notice is a personal favorite of mine and takes us through a few chapters in the life of Michael Westen, a spy who has been (unjustly) disavowed by his own agency. Stripped of his status, Michael uses his skills to help those in need, basically becoming a modern Robin Hood. This series shows the impact of channeling one’s talents towards selfless goals, regardless of circumstance and how busy you might be with your professional life. Michael’s ingenuity and dedication to justice serve as a beacon of hope, particularly for those who are often overlooked by society. The narrative reinforces the notion heroism can emerge from unlikely places, and that competence + compassion can combine as a force for good.

As my friend Julie put succinctly:

Suits and the redemption of the legal profession

Suits offers a (glamorized) look into the high-stakes world of corporate law, an area often characterized by greed and ethical compromises. The show transcends this stereotype through the character of Harvey Specter, whose journey from a slick, self-assured closer to a mentor and a figure of integrity for his protégé, Mike Ross, is engaging and motivating. Harvey's blend of legal skill and growing moral consciousness throughout the series highlights excellence in one's profession need not come at the cost of ethical principles. The show’s emphasis on mentorship, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice within a competitive environment is a reminder that competence coupled with integrity can drive positive change, even in the most challenging of sectors.

The internet also liked this brief description of Suits I made last year when I discovered the show.

White Collar and the virtue of reformed talent

I recently discovered White Collar and am only on Season 2, but am enjoying it so far. The show explores the dynamic between crime and redemption through Neal Caffrey, a master con artist turned FBI consultant. Neal’s evolution from a life of crime to one of service shows the transformative potential within all of us and I love this because I believe we’re all capable of change (myself included). The relationship between Neal and FBI agent Peter Burke highlights the power of trust and mentorship in personal growth, even between unlikely allies. As Neal employs his skills in tandem with Peter to solve crimes and recover stolen art, the show provides a compelling case for the reintegration of reformed individuals into society and taking young/lost talent under our wing.

Wrapping up…

By celebrating competent characters making contributions to society, these shows promote positive virtues and inspire us to build a better world. Such narratives reconnect us with the deeper, more meaningful aspects of our humanity, offering not just entertainment, but a vision of what we might become. It’s never too late for media organizations to recognize their increasingly important role as the fourth estate and do better — we need more of this and less of the constant lecturing by nihilistic and depressed people.