This site is kind of my social network right now, so forgive me.

A concept I've stumbled on a few times mainly in relation to media is consumption vs production. That consuming media without producing it is bad, pathetic, something one shouldn't do. That one shouldn't be passionate about being entertained and produce more than one consumes.

I guess I can't make sense of it, and am a bit scared. I have no creative talents, but I consume constantly. How does this even work out: I can't draw, act, or direct, so I'm not allowed to watch movies or TV? I can't play music or sing so I'm not allowed to listen to music (which I do all the time)? Or, how does the ratio work - like, write a book for every 50 books you read? Or, you've listened to 20 hours of music, now you need to make something music of your own in order to nor be a leech? Why is consumption by those who can't produce so wrong?

Or maybe this is just another iteration of the "get off your butt and get come constructive hobbies" line I've been hearing so much lately. Could someone explain this to me?