There is no doubt that the Media is our main source of information. Its when we turn on the news in the morning, drive by a billboard or read the newspaper. Recently, a lot of my teachers have been warning us about the Media and its negative affects. I'd like to look at the other side of it as well.
How much do we even trust the media? As time goes by we seem to realize how slanted and subtlety opinionated all media is. It is extremely difficult to look at things from an objective point of view. Those that can truly do it have an exponential amount of willpower and self-control. If we see a picture of a girl on a magazine where her bones are sticking out most of us know that is not healthy and that girl needs help. We might even find it repulsive. If someone very liberal is bashing someone very conservative or vice versa we know its not the most reliable resource.
My second argument is that people hear what they want to hear. We see what we want to see. For example, an unpleasant threat being ignored. A hardcore republican that refusing to watch anything but Fox news. The media doesn't influence us because we only pay attention to the things we want to anyway.
OK, so maybe these are a bit extreme. In reality nothing is this clear cut. I actually believe that while the media does influence us greatly it does not control our lives. The important thing is you hear both sides before forming a strong opinion.
Click here to read another view on this topic. It is by Mats and its quite interesting.
Thanks for reading!
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I hope you will enjoy my take on your topic, your slant on it definitely opens up for discussion.
ReplyDeleteHere is my post..
http://chapterandverse.theguild.se/2009/10/chapter-139-media-influence-or-control.html
That is a very interesting thing to talk about. Unfortunately, not everybody has the time or knowledge to objectively look at every single issue, and they rely on others to make their opinions for them...
ReplyDeleteHope you get to read and comment on this latest post of mine:
http://dannysignifyingnothing.blogspot.com/2009/10/short-story-1-google-yahoo-merger.html
Thanks again for commenting danny! Its so true that when we don't have the time to form our own opinions we use others to do so!
ReplyDeleteI think that as a society we successfully identified many ways that we are influenced by the media but are likely still affected in ways we aren't aware of yet.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with T's comment: many folks don't even realize that many of their opinions of the world are formed by those of the popular media. I sincerely hope that we, as a conscionable society, can realize that we ourselves have the power to make our world a better one.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I gave you an award on my blog about a week ago. The post for it can be found here: http://lajenno.blogspot.com/2009/10/requisites-for-acceptance.html
I don't trust much of what the media tells us (generally speaking). I definitely agree that many form opinions, they think are their own, from the media.
ReplyDeleteGood post.
I think the media has its purpose, but we can't just relax and let it think for us. When we're watching something, no matter the source, we must question what we hear.
ReplyDeleteDoes the argument presented make sense? Is the information being presented logically and objectively, or slanted to support one point of view (or oppose another)? It doesn't take time to think for ourselves - it takes effort.
Yep the media controls the world not the government - they really can make or break a person and there are enough people out there that think 'celebrity' is real life and that if it's in print then it must be true. Fickle world.
ReplyDeleteAgree with lifechick, the media is so powerful. But we must be careful not to be manipulated by the media. Btw, anyone interested to exchange link with me? I just started my first blog.
ReplyDeleteNova,
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hello I think this is going to be my first post comment i ever made on your page and for that. I do apologize but I am not the greatest on the spelling or grammar. Now, everything will change. Finally. I get a hold of a program that allows me to dictate straight to my computer goes in the ring English is not my first language I speak it better than I write. Anyway the reason I am giving you this posting is because i wanted to invite you to my blog and read my latest post, as well as wish you a very happy new year in a late Christmas for you and all your loved ones. Sincerely yours Armando.
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Thank you for the link to your blog I will enjoy your posts. I have a blog also
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The media today is no more than a propaganda tool used by the powerful people in Washington.Not to be trusted.
ReplyDeleteThe media is scary! The power can be quite subtle - even a women's magazine is controlled by the main advertisers. I always say to believe only half of what you see and even less of what you read - but it's not easy!
ReplyDelete