The Mass-Media Pygmalion

Paper Summary:

The author studies the give and take relationship between the media and our society to determine which is the cause and which is the effect. The author continues by showing a connection between the main icons of Western culture and the effects of the media. The fast food industry is highlighted and the author shows the great effects it has had on our trends and ideals, with conformity a notable outcome. After studying the diverse effects of our fast food culture today, the author concludes that only a corrupt society can allow the mass media such power.

From the Paper:

"In the Classical Greco-Roman era, it was believed that Pygmalion, a sculptor, brought Galatea to life. However, today it seems to be a more common belief that Galatea creates Pygmalion. The question of whether members of our society create the media, or if the media influences members of the society to such a degree that it essentially creates the society, is a prominent one in the study of modern anthropology. Pop culture artifacts reveal a great deal about the modern society, including social trends, values, ideals, and more. The relationship between consumers and the mass media is a complex one that may not be simple enough to evaluate as a directional give-and-take diagram. There are many issues relating to social responsibility and the often clashing pursuits of individual wealth and greater good that come to play when discussing popular media, culture, and society."

More papers on The Mass-Media Pygmalion:

• Research Paper # 71591 : "Violence and the Mass Media"
• Essay # 90920 : "Politics and the Mass Media"
• Analytical Essay # 136260 : "Racism and the Mass Media"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: