In what capacity does the media - specifically television, music, and film - figure into the construction of American culture? Are Americans the way they are due to what's portrayed in the media, or is the media dictated by the cultural values of Americans?
As time goes on, and society matures and changes, the media does as well. That is because consumers would much rather watch a program on television that they can relate to. However, society is most definitely influenced by the media. For example: the show South Park. This television show airs late at night and is directed towards teenagers. The show is filled with quotationalism, referencing other raunchy and questionable tv shows and movies, as well as poking fun at celebrities and famous icons. Because teens are sucked into the program, they end up thinking swearing and underage drinking is acceptable. After all, it is being broadcasted on television.
ReplyDeleteThe media, especially television constructs American culture in almost any way possible. Most Americans do the things they do because of what is seen on television. The way the dress, run a home, and what they buy is mainly based on what is seen through television. The latest technologies and fashion styles are mostly seen through television. It can even be seen at a young age because media influences children as well. During the commercials of a child's favorite cartoon you may hear them say "I want that!" The child is referring the the latest toys that he or she has to have. This is only seen because of television, the child would not have known about the toy if it weren't for the advertisement. The culture is then affected, just simply by what is bought, and what is bought is influenced by television.
ReplyDeleteI agree with stephanys response. The media is sneaky in the way that it influences people, especially children. Television networks plan out when to broadcast certain products for certain age groups. Since the media has been influencing us since the time we are born, we grow up thinking we have to look and act a certain way. For example Barbie dolls were huge when we were little and they still are today. The problem is that these dolls are icons for little girls who start to think that to be socially accepted and popular you need to be pale, blonde and skinny. Even adults still feel this way. Look at Heidi Montag, who had ten plastic surgeries in order to look like a real life Barbie doll. This is the type of impact the media is presenting in American culture and will continue to.
ReplyDeleteI feel that american media takes a huge role in peoples lives, and it will only increase as technology becomes more advanced. I feel that many people are what they watch and it really affects them physically and emotionally. Media gives people the wrong ideas about life, not everything is perfect like the media portrays in television shows. I am not saying that all Americans change because of the media, but a good portion, like teenagers my age are trying to lose weight in a horrible way, that will eventually break them down if nothing is done. We rely on the media to much, and without it i don't know how the American society would react.
ReplyDeleteI think that the media is definitely dictated by the cultural values of America. Take for example South Park. If something big happens in American culture, such as a new president being elected or even a controversy with Kanye West, there will be an episode about it the next week. Also music is greatly influenced by American Culture. Many musicians will sing about their real life experiences and things going on in the world. For example Jay-Z's song Empire State of Mind talks about New York and even the struggles the city has went through.
ReplyDeleteThe American media plays a huge role in the cultural values of society. What is every American doing when they have down time? Watching television, a movie, or listening to music. People buy things from what they see on the t.v. and movies. People will start to act like their favorite musical artist because they want to live the life they live, the famous life. If the media world would ever one day disappear, the world would go into a state of panic.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the media influences Americans to believe what they want to promote. This is especially true with news channels. It is very easy to see what news channels are liberal or conservative just by what they report and how they report it. The media promotes whatever message or messages they want to no matter what the American people want. The media uses what people want to hear and disguises their message withing what they promote to please the people.
ReplyDeleteAs the years go on, the influence of the media on American culture is becoming a lot stronger. Nowadays people are turning to the media for ideas on how to dress, how to speak, and how to act in general. It is becoming more and more of an obsession because of how easily accessible it is. A lot of peoples free time goes to watching tv, reading magazines, browsing the internet, and using their cell phones. There are all media resources that can influence the people of America. Younger and younger generations are being pulled in by the media and the attraction keeps growing.
ReplyDeleteI beleive America is sculpted by what they see and hear in all the various media outlets. From idolizing pop stars to stealing quotes from movies, all of our society is molded and sculpted by what they see all around them.
ReplyDeleteThe media is very important to American culture. People are following the example set by television and music. Whether it is watching reality shows or listening to current songs, peoples views are shaped. Viewers may be influenced by the media through the commercials shown and the clothes their favorite characters wear. People want to be like their favorite stars in every way possible.
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ReplyDeleteI feel that the media shapes America in show ways, but it is not the ultimate thing that shapes American culture. When people take the media more seriously then they should, it definitely influences their lives. But, many people are able to realize what is acceptable and what is not.
ReplyDeleteI believe that media shapes America in shows now a days through reality television. Reality television has become such a big hit, that people are trying to portray the people on the show to be just like them. Such as some trends you may see on the show, or appearences.
ReplyDeleteMichael Matzen
I feel that America and Americans are both influenced by and influence the media. American culture is not a separate organism of and on its own. What Americans read and view dictates the types of opinions that they form (whether for or against or indifference of the subject presented). These opinions are then heard by the media and formulate what the media shows (as to gain viewership, ratings etc.). American culture is greatly formed by what the masses view and digest in relation to the media. To think that the media is an entity of its own is misleading as the power of the masses dictates the majority.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I agree this is a two way street, and that both the media and Americans influence each other, I feel that the media has a greater influence on Americans. Though they may find their source material from certain stars and celebrities, this material has the main influence on the population. People flip through magazines and television shows constantly, being struck by images of perfection and beauty. Many people feel that if they don't attain this image, than they're nothing. This is an unhealthy attitude for Americans to have, because many do not realize that these pictures are photoshopped and editied so that they look perfect, when they may actually not be. The media greatly influences Americans in the images they display.
ReplyDeleteAs Cassie, said I believe that both the media influences Americans, as well as Americans influence the media. I do believe that the media has a greater influence on Americans. What is portrayed in the media, whether it be an item to by or a certain way to look, affects the viewers. I believe that it especially affects the younger audience. They are easier to grab the attention of and influence the way they think. It could be the behavior of certain characters on television shows, such as South Park or The Simpsons, that could alter the viewers' behavior. They may believe that it is okay to cuss, insult others, or use violence as a way to get their point across because characters, that are around the same age group, are able to do so with little repercussion. Along with the media influencing behavior, it also influences self image. The images that are portrayed in the media seem almost impossible to acheive, but many are influenced by these images and strive to acheive this "perfect" image. Because of these images, mostly women, have turned to drastic ways to be seen as a perfect woman to be idolized by men. If it is a known fact to most of the American population that the media has a major influence on Americans, then I would think that we should use this to our advantage to send out positive messages so viewers are influenced in a positive way, instead of in a negative way.
ReplyDeletePeople have their own ideas as to what Americans are really like. These notions derive, in large measure, from the distribution of U.S. television and films. The media has the biggest impact on the construction of American culture. Most Americans act the way they do from what is being shown on TV and in magazine ads. Media is not a reflection of society but instead contorts reality. It has the ability to change the way people act and dress just by showing certain items in ways that looks appealing. The media has had and will continue to have a huge impact on society.
ReplyDeleteThe mainstream media, mainly TV, music, and film, have a direct effect on American culture. Everyday people are linked to technology, and watch their favorite shows or movies. Even children are being affected by what they watch. How many young children dress up and try to act like their favorite superhero? How many times do you walk through Cortland and see someone that thinks they’re Pauley D or one of the other Jersey Shore boys? Everyday people reflect what they watch and hear on TV. This makes people think it’s ok to do what the TV stars do, even if it’s detrimental to their health.
ReplyDeleteI believe that American Society is based around what we see in the media. What people see in movies and TV is what they want to be, they want to be that superhero, or the guy that gets the girl. Media sculpts our society, it makes us who we are because when a popular television like the Jersey Shore comes on, people change to be like the show because the show is what is in style.
ReplyDeleteI think both, the media constructs society and society constructs the media. Technology is constantly improving and changing, like society. For example, reality shows. Reality shows are about peoples lives in societys. This results in a change in cultures who idolize these people which changes society. Then the media see this and makes more reality shows based on the reviews of the others by the people. It is a constant cycle, like the chicken or egg senario.
ReplyDeletei think that American Society is based around what is presented throughout the media. Individuals base their life style around this media. For example, if a television show demonstrates how a household should be held, most parents will try to mimic it. Also when viewers see on television an advertisement fort an item that might make them skinny, they automatically think to buy it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tyler in saying that not only are Americans influenced by the media, they influence it as well. I believe that Americans are consturcted based upon the meadia. What they see on tv is who they want to be. Characters on television shows or in music videos are America's role models. However, they are not always good role models. I also agree with Justin and Ryane when they give the example of Jersey Shore in their comments. It is very obvious how much of an effect the MTV show has had on young viewers. Anywhere you go you can hear someone quoting the characters or trying to dress like them.
ReplyDeleteThe media has a strong effect on the way Americans and and what they value. Many people act and say what they see on t.v. no matter how ridiculous it may sound or look like. The media influences Americans way to much and is almost a cancer to society. T.V. is meant to be enjoyed and not brought into real life, to many people see shows and want to emulate them and look stupid doing so. They use the language they hear and see things that at certain ages they shouldn't see. it is crazy what little kids know these days and so many people are oblivious to the fact that they shouldn't know this stuff at certain ages.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the media (television, music, and film) has a big influence on American culture. Media has become a big part of daily life in the American culture. Types of television like the news, sports, and entertainment channels are the source of American identity. Shows like "South Park" and "The Simpsons" influence our humor. Politcal channels influce our political point of view. Entertainment channels and film occupy us when we are bored and influence how we like to be entertained.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that the media is the biggest factor in constructing what the culutural identity of America is. By seeing what we do through all the various media outlets we start to form ideas and opinions on what is acceptable to make a part of our cultural identity. Whether this is idolizing being rich, being a singer, girls dressing skimpy, or being a hero, media determines what shapes our cultural identity.
ReplyDeleteI believe that in today's American culture the media has a huge influence on how the American culture acts and what they do as a people. Media constructs the way people act and how they go about their everyday life. Since everyone is watching TV and listening to music it has an influence on the way you act. Like in political televisions shows if you like how one guy is acting and not the other you are probably going to vote for him or if a TV show tells you how to build something then you are going to build it that way, it shows us how to act and almost controls us. Media has a large effect on the way we act and how Americans are portrayed.
ReplyDeleteThe media does have an impact on American culture. The media portrays that certain people should act one way and do specific things such as women dressing the way they do or acting the way they do. The media makes it seem if you are not acting the way they tell you then you will be an outcast in society. People acting and dressing the way they do because of the media gives outsiders an idea of the type of country we are or at least how they see it.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I argue the fact that the media dictates the American Society. I feel as if American culture revolves around what they hear or see. I think that we are the only country that lets the media phaze us. In other countries people don't let society get shifted and molded due to the media, atleast it wasn't like that when i went to Armenia and the other foreign places I've been. Sometimes letting the media dictate society isn't a bad thing but when people follow the wrongs about the media and let the media make them do negatvie actions isn't good at all. Negative actions can be seen to act differently like a famous celebrity or speaking like someone, basically changing who you are. Television also shows a lot of negative movies and shows witch can alter the society.
ReplyDeleteI think that american society and media actually effect eachother. if something big were to happen in the real world, the media takes that and uses it in their shows to entertain their audience and keep them interested. on the other hand us as a society take what we see from the media and make it part of our every day lives. everything we consider "cool" in today's society comes from what we see famous people doing. so i think you cant just lean one way or another. they both have their effect off eachother.
ReplyDeleteI think that the media has a major influence on American culture. The media portrays certain people and how they should act, dress, etc. For instance, several women in magazines are shown as dressed in high fashion clothes and they are often very thin and beautiful. When Americans see this, they want to be just like the women they see in magazines. Everything about American culture revolves around the media. Music also has an influence on American culture. In many rap songs rappers talk a lot about violence. Many young teenagers today listen to this music and often carry out the actions that they hear in the songs they listen to. Some of the media that influences Americans is negative.
ReplyDeleteI believe that people on society are directly affected by the media. People depend on the media to shape them as a person, which is why many people do not become their own unique individuals. I feel that without the media, society would feel lost. I also believe that the media is influenced by society because they need to please the viewers. Some shows define typical American families, and some singers relate their songs to their lives. Without one, the other would be lost.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the media does have an impact on American culture. I agree with what erin durgin says about the idea of how South Park influences society. This show is clearly meant for adults to watch because of the language and the topics that are presented in the show. Most young kids are attracted to this show for the reason that these cartoon characters are around the same age as young children. South Park influences mostly young children due to the lack of knowledge children have about ideas going on in the world today. Most kids don’t understand the idea of irony which is presented throughout the show, which makes them think everything is serious and copy the acts of these characters.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the media has a very powerful impact on how our society changes throughout the years. We begin watching television at an early age and from those shows to the adult shows now we learn new things everytime we watch them. People follow what the media says and it alters the way we act. America listens to the media and trusts what they say is true so they change their lives to be apart of something that seems so wonderful. Shows as simple as "The Simpsons" can change someones life in the smallest way. We see that they have the perfect family and subconciously we lean more towards the way they live their lives so that we can have what they have. For women, they are portrayed through media as sex object with incredible/impossible bodies. When women across America see them rising up and becoming successful they think they have to change their whole persona to do the same. Everything about the culture of Americans revolves around what goes on in the media.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Americans are the way they are due to what is portrayed in the media. When teenagers watch such shows as South Park, Family Guy, and The Jersey shore, they are learning and carrying out the same ideas, lessons, and values that these shows portray; weather those lessons are positive or negative.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Media has an immense influence in constructing society. I believe that the morals of American culture are portrayed in the media. People make the media and they pick and choose what to put on the air. Television companies choose what to put on their channel and radio stations choose what to put on their stations. Since people make the media the morals that they follow are therefor instilled in the media. People are greatly affected by the media and I do believe that they are the way they are from media. Everyday people see things on television or hear new ideas on the radio and they say to themselves that sounds great, I think I'm going to try this. People do learn from the media and they do change because of it. Although this is true, they are this way because the morals of American culture are portrayed in the media and that is what they see and hear.
ReplyDeleteThe media dictates how Americans think about our culture. This is true especially in political news shows. If a person turns on a random political news channel, without knowing what political party the host is apart of, they will be influenced to believe the politics that are being preached. The people that host political news shows are very good at making their point of view appear to be the correct way of thinking. The person that is watching is being influenced to believe that point of view.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the media has a huge influence on the American culture and that Americans influence the media. For example, just look at the MTV television show, Jersey Shore. The media knows that people, especially teens, are entertained by the drama and the partying that the stars of the show act upon. The show sends a message to its viewers that it's okay to party, curse, and that it's okay to drink underage. The show portrays of how young Americans act and what they do. Jersey Shore demonstrates the stereotype that Americans like to party by excessive drinking and going out to clubs late at night.
ReplyDeleteAmericans are definatly the way they are due to what is seen in the media. The media shapes the culture of todays media in almost every aspect of our lives. Many times trends are set forward that when looked at from a moral standpoint, dont seem right. However, media desensitizes us to it to the point of not caring. Things like women being seen as sex toys, or having to have a man to take care of them and not being able to live independently are just a few cases of what the media depicts pushing through into real life.
ReplyDeleteI think the media shapes America because men in their rap songs degrade women through song lyrics, music videos, and cd covers. They often refer to women in derogatory names such as whore, bitch, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe media has a huge impact on American society. The media tells society what is "in" and "cool." People turn on the television or look in magazines to see what styles are in, how they should do their hair, and what is popular within our culture. Media glamorizes certain things like the pop star life style as well as the thug culture. The highlight the money, the girls, the bling, the fame, and the cars they have but they never show the negative side like the drug use or violence that is involved. Media has a huge influence over society and they way people think and live their lives
ReplyDeleteAmericans mimic the environment they see in today’s media. From clothing to the way individuals talk on television and on the radio, Americans of today directly reflect what they view and hear through the media. American culture is consequently affected by both the positives and the negatives in the media which can include the positives of respect and honor to the negatives of violence and profanity. Through the media, American culture is directly influenced causing a reflection of media in American society.
ReplyDeletePeople believe that in America, people tend to act the way they do based on what they see. I believe that Americans dont act the way they due based on the media, but on the way they were brought up.
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