Turning Points 1- Media and Idealogy

           Media and ideology is something that is closely related.  This reading discussed the scope of influence that ideology has on media and likewise the relationship between the media and the public.  According to this text, media outlets help to define the world and are models for appropriate behaviors and attitudes.

            The high influence of the media on the world is something that is difficult to argue against.  People growing up today have more forms of media around them than any other generation.   This reading discussed the scope of influence that ideology has on media and likewise the relationship between the media and the public.  According to this text, media outlets help to define the world and are models for appropriate behaviors and attitudes.

            The high influence of the media on the world is something that is difficult to argue against.  People growing up today have more forms of media around them than any other generation.  We have access to news stories in seconds.  It is interesting reading this article that was written in the early 2000’s how much technology has advanced since then especially with facebook and youtube.

              This reading suggests that the creators of the media market are spreading dominant ideology through there means.  Reading this I thought of the Disney Channel image.  From the girl who is a normal teenager by day and a rock star at night to shows about teenagers living on a cruise ship, the media is presenting an image of the teenagers.   There is not much minorities on these shows and it looks like most characters are well off.  These actors are treated as ideal role models by parents and when they do something wrong and breaking the Disney mode they are almost vilified.

            On the opposite end we have shows like Jersey Shore, marked to the 18-24 age groups that show young adults partying and having a lot of sex.  It is almost like this form of media is presenting this age group as partiers and not really caring about real world stuff.  Thinking about it teenagers and young adults are not just seeing images of what they should be but what adults perceive them to be.  They are either virginal or innocent, or out of control and sexualized. 

            The idea of different groups of population ruling through the media is interesting.  I think in this moment it is very interesting to see what is happening.  I am a big fan of Glee and it is interesting to see a show that has different cultural groups, body types, gay characters, and characters with disabilities.  It displays these characters in a realistic light as outcasts trying to fit in.  This kind of thing is apparent in music too with Lady Gaga and Pink creating anthems for the outcast.  It is showing that there are challenges to this power and there are victories.  Thinking about the influence of ideology and the media is interesting and raises a lot of discussions.