This class has had a huge impact on the way I view media as it spreads its stories and influence societies’ democracy not only in America, but around the world as well. In general, I will focus on some of the media effects means that have been employed by giant media conglomerates to affect democracy within the American and or global culture.
From my studies of the text book, lecture, and the clips from various media effects played in class during lecture, it is obvious that the media industry is an oligopoly. This means that only a few giant companies or media conglomerates own and control the content produced and distributed to media consumers in the American and global arena. This only raises one question in my mind. If these fewer industries control the consumer market, doesn’t this pose in some ways vertical integration (control of production, distribution and exhibition.) and if so limit the number of viewpoints from individuals? On the other hand, the stories these media artifacts sell or tell could fall on unsuspecting consumers, especially in struggling global cultures and be bought without second thoughts. This is where this class has really had an impact on me, that I should not be readily receptive on face value the stories that media puts on my face or ears, instead practice diligence over these stories and myths.
However, far from the somewhat unacceptable control on media by major conglomerates that I think discourages a vast majority of viewpoints paramount to democracy is the internet. Perhaps the internet is one of the most revolutionary media effect tool. Today’s society is geared towards making more and more personal choices rather than be fed information through controlled media. The internet as a tool is perhaps one of the key to unlocking the democratic mind of individuals. To conclude, on a personal level I feel as though am savvy concerning matters of media than I was before this class.
No comments:
Post a Comment