Audience perceptions of explicit content in Nigerian movies: A study of shanty town
Abstract
This study examines audience perceptions of explicit content in Nigerian movies in Shanty Town. The objectives of this study are to examine the knowledge of audiences on explicit content showcased in Shanty Town, to ascertain the attitude of audiences towards explicit content portrayed in Shanty Town, and to find out the perception of audiences on explicit content showcased in Shanty Town. The Cultivation theory was employed in the study to ascertain how television may influence the majority of individuals in society and create the cultural mainstream. The study employed the survey research method. 399 respondents were selected from the population using Taro Yamane’s formula. Data was collected using a questionnaire as a research instrument. The results showed that many of the respondents had knowledge of the explicit content showcased in Shanty Town; they had a positive attitude towards the explicit content showcased in Shanty Town, and they also agreed that the explicit content was necessary in the plot and theme of Shanty Town. The study concluded that most of the Nigerian audience does not have a negative perception about explicit content showcased in Nigerian movies, especially when the explicit content is relevant to the movie. Nigerian filmmakers are adopting foreign ideas to gratify the interests of audiences at large. A lot of movies are now available for entertainment, and they can now be viewed by audiences whether on television or on their phones. The study recommends that there should be advocacy for the establishment of industry-wide guidelines or a self-regulatory body that sets standards for explicit content in Nigerian movies.
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