Abstract This paper discusses the media and society, including issues related to audience, representations and globalization in today's world. It specifically summarizes and discusses David Croteau and William Hoynes' book, "Media/ Society: Industries, Images and Audiences." The paper describes each of the five parts of the book and discusses their content.
Table of Contents:
Part I: Media/ Society Part II: Media Industry and the Social World
Part III: Media Representations of the Social World
Part IV: Audience
Part V: Globalization and the Future
From the Paper "Although 'the media' has always existed, in terms of word-of-mouth and folklore, the advent of print created something new: a mass media that could extend far beyond the borders of the places that produced it. This fundamentally changed the nature of human social relations. The media is both produced by human social relations and is changed by shifts in human social relations (16-18). For example, the modern American Civil Rights movement sought to end segregation. Negative media images of African-Americans had reinforced the values of racist society. However the images of nonviolent civil disobedience on the nation's television screens created a groundswell of political support to change the laws at the federal level, and thus changed all American society. A social movement was produced in part by the media changed society through the media (27)."
Abstract This paper analyzes the predictions and views of media guru Marshall McLuhan, who argued that all forms of media exert a compelling influence on humanity and society and not necessarily for the benefit of man. In one of his more well-known books, "The Medium is the Massage," McLuhan contends that people consume both medium and message as a total experience. The writer of this paper details the rapidly advancing technologies of the 21st century while examining their impact on humanity and society. This paper discusses the views of McLuhan, one of the founders of media ecology, who voiced his concerns that the media, especially television, brought the brutalities of war into our living rooms, while making the viewer numb to the negative happenings of the world. The author had many strong opinions regarding modern forms of media and communication, such as the telephone. McLuhan was concerned that phones made it possible for people to talk with one another without actually being together. This paper also delves into the various predictions and concerns McLuhan had regarding the emergence of electronic media, in which the author often stated that man's dependence on electronic forms of media would eventually spell the end of humanity as it it now known.
From the Paper "Of more concern, technology continues to expand the gap between the haves and have-nots. According to the International Telecommunication Union, 90 percent of Internet users come from industrialized countries and only 25 percent of people in developing countries have Internet access. A computer in Bangladesh costs eight years the country's annual salary. Similarly, in the United States, for example, technology, especially the Internet, is a class issue. Compare the number of the technology budget and wired PCs and laptops in the suburbs to that of the inner-cities and other poorer areas of the country. Information is power, and the power is located in similar pockets as the money."
Tags:media, society, technology, computers, internet, literature, communication
Abstract This paper looks into stereotypes, biases, and prejudices on television and in other media sources. The author looks at how television has changed over the past decade, and its impact on society, especially children.
From the Paper "In today's ever diversifying society one detrimental problem that remains is that of stereotypes and biases. Do the people in our country need to see more negative portrayals than they already are" Within certain types of media, minorities and women are often times portrayed negatively. Within this research paper, two television shows will be analyzed in terms of age, race, gender, target audiences, socioeconomic differences, stereotypes and biases, clothing and presentation, and the role of characters. Aside from the characters in the television shows, products being advertised will also be evaluated. Often times an advertising company will choose a target audience and present the goods in a specific style, meaning the company will choose different age brackets, background voices, and special effects. Most importantly, the effect these shows have on children will be discussed. Children look at television characters as role models, and this research paper will test these programs to see if integrity and proper moral standards are displayed.?
Abstract D. Croteau and H. Hoynes's 1997 "Media/Society: Industries, Images, and Audiences" reminds us of a number of truths by examining the institutional structures of mass media organizations, including the role that we as an audience serve. The paper shows that the book's goal is not to blame the mass media for every ill in society, nor to hold them up as bright shining beacons. Instead the goal of the book is to demystify the media, to remind us that television, no less or more than Congress or churches or rap music, is part of a cultural whole that is constantly changing. The paper shows that the authors continually argue for the importance of studying the mass media on the grounds that these are indeed fundamentally important institutions to our society and that no holistic or thorough understanding of contemporary American society is possible without an understanding of the structures and roles of the mass media.
From the Paper "And yet most Americans are also probably oblivious at some level to the ways in which their sources of entertainment are funded, possibly because we find all those ads annoying, possibly because we would all just rather not think about how much influence is being bought along with airtime or advertising space (Robinson and Kohut, 1988, p. 174). The relationship between people who produce the content of a mass medium ? writers, reporters, graphic artists, website designers ? and those who pay for it in terms of their advertising dollars is an uneasy one and reputable mass media fight constantly for editorial independence (Croteau and Hoynes, 1997, p. 61)."
Examines three articles regarding technology's impact on society today:
Neil Postman's "Science and the Story that We Need", V. Mosco and D. Foster's "Cyberspace and the End of Politics" and L. Winner's "Interview with Langdon Winner: Technology as Big M
Abstract The paper explores how the development and rise of mass media and mass communication has influenced our society. The paper looks at three texts that examine the promises, claims and the future of technology and information. This includes "Science and the Story that We Need" by Neil Postman, "Cyberspace and the End of Politics" by V. Mosco and D. Foster and "Interview with Langdon Winner: Technology as Big Magic and other Myths" by L. Winner. The paper compares these texts and argues that Winner's argument is most convincing, as he examines broader issues and potential problems that we may face in the future.
From the Paper "Neil Postman in his article "Science and the Story That We Need" claims that the technological advancements have solved the problem of information scarcity and the speed by which the information is exchanged. Our present technological level has managed to defeat the barriers of space, time and form. Indeed we all are aware how much the technological breakthroughs and media put emphasis on the speed and amount of information delivered. For example, the commercials for high speed Internet, for new computers, newspapers, TV news etc. are all based on the speed and amount of information delivered. However, Postman notes that this has created a new problem in that "our technological ingenuity transformed information into a form of garbage, and ourselves into garbage collectors." (Postman, 1997)"
Abstract This paper discusses the significance of Marshall McLuhan's theoretical models of media. It suggests that the theory can often be obscured by the aphoristic quality of McLuhan's language. This essay argues, through the application of McLuhan's theories to William Shaw's "In Helsinki Virtual Village" and Longford and Crow's "From the Electronic Cottage to the Silicon Sweatshop," the significance of McLuhan's theoretical models lies in their focus on the often unforeseen social implications of advances in media technologies.
From the Paper "The Social Implications of Media The significance of Marshall McLuhan's theoretical models of media can often be obscured by the aphoristic quality of McLuhan's language. However, as this essay will argue through the application of McLuhan's theories to William Shaw's "In Helsinki Virtual Village" and Longford and Crow's "From the Electronic Cottage to the Silicon Sweatshop," the significance of McLuhan's theoretical models lies in their focus on the often unforeseen social implications of advances in media technologies."
This paper discusses how the advancement of new technology is impacting our society and mankind. It looks at how technology shapes the way we live today, and how it will affect the way we live tommorow.
2,000 words (approx. 8 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 63.95
Abstract This paper attempts to identify why technology may no longer be just our slave, but our tyrant. Technology clearly shapes the way we live today, and is now no less of a significant influence than religion or the government for determining how we shall live tomorrow. We can perceive technology as the artificial enhancement of human power, which will be used to serve all of our needs within the twenty first century. However is our society learning that technology is potentially self-destructive, and would it be so welcomed if people really new how it will impact our life in the future, and the nature of mankind.
From the Paper "It appears that as technology advances, it will continue to play an increasingly significant role in the future and shape of mankind. We must remember that whatever technology does to our lives, technology in itself is not to blame, but rather how we use it. Humans should not become so dependant on technology that it dictates the way in which we live our lives, and the fundamental decisions we make. Technology is certainly a virtue of human intelligence, but we must be careful not to phase ourselves out, and create more wrong than good. In conclusion I would say that technology should be used to support our efforts, but not replace our efforts."
Abstract This paper focuses on the question of how are perspectives on human-nature relations (including our own) influenced by their social, economic, political, cultural, historical, physiological and bio-geographical contexts? According to the paper, the nature of a society will dictate how people in that society relate to nature. For example, it is common for Western societies to have an anthropocentric approach to the world - in other words, the assumption is that nature has been created for the use of humans, who are at the centre of all. This is mirrored in the Genesis creation story, in which God creates nature, including all the animals, to be used by Adam and Eve.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that in today's world, the mass media has an impact in almost all we do as people. The writer notes that media affects everything from what clothes we wear to what television programs we watch. The writer discusses that James Lull, in his book 'Media, Communication, Culture' explains how media interacts and affects the communication among people and how culture changes with advances in media and technology. The writer concludes that 'Media, Communication, and Culture' informs an audience of how the mass media and modern forms of communication have affected the development of culture and the ways of society. Further, the writer maintains that James Lull uses a distinctive style and a logical structure in order to properly educate his audience about the influence mass media has on today's world.
From the Paper "Within each chapter, he inserts an article on a real life example of events where mass media, human communication, and culture were involved and had an effect. Such events as the Chinese student rebellion at Tiananmen Square in 1989 and the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky scandal in the mid-1990's are included along with explanations of how media, communication, and culture had an effect on these historical events. Along with modern events, Lull includes historical changes in media and communication to emphasize his argument that mass media and technological advances have had major effects on societies across the world. His structure also allows for any member of his audience to follow and understand what he puts forth. Lull avoids implication and instead tells the audience what he wants them to know to avoid letting them infer it on their own. An informed audience will also understand an author's purpose more readily than an audience which inferred the author's intentions. Lull also tends to end discussions by putting more emphasis on his own ideas and support of others that follows what he believes about media, communication, and culture."
Abstract This paper discusses how the media whether it is books, the Internet, magazines, movies, music, newspapers, radio, television, or some other form, has tremendous power to impact both individuals and society as a whole, both negatively and positively. It reviews how the media promotes or curbs violence in numerous ways, both explicitly and implicitly and how it continues to seek to define, expand and modify the line between "art" and "offensiveness" when it comes to rap lyrics, movies, and other forms of expression that commonly include explicit and violent lyrics. It concludes with recommendations for balancing the relationship between the media's need for freedom of expression and society's desire for less violence.
From the Paper "While the media arguably condones and promotes violence and sexual behavior, it also curbs (or attempts to) violence in many ways. First, the media has continued to issue and abide by "parental warnings" for movies, music, video games, and television shows. Shows that contain events that individuals are likely to simulate (i.e., "Jackass" and "WWF Smackdown") have warnings before they air stating that individuals should not attempt to duplicate these stunts at home as they are highly dangerous. Next, the media has aired and publicize numerous public service announcements regarding drugs, sexually transmitted diseases, and violence and ways individuals may act in order to prevent becoming a victim of violence. "
An in-depth and thorough examination of the impact of technology and telecommunications advancements on the Arab world in general and on Islamic women in particular.
Abstract This thesis examines the impact of telecommunications improvements on the Islamic people. Specifically, the impact of these improvements on Saudi Arabia, an Arab state, and Iran, a Persian state. Although not "anti-technology" or opposed to modernization, the people in Saudi Arabia and Iran are adapting to telecommunications improvements in a method that is in accordance with their core beliefs. The belief in Islam accounts for the "non-Western" model of implementing telecommunications improvements for the citizens of these two countries.
The underpinning of this thesis is that telecommunications improvements will impact the Islamic world no less than any other region of the world experiencing the same improvements. In the case of Saudi Arabia, the CDLR(Committee for the Defense of Legitimate Rights) is an influential organization using facsimile machines to impact the domestic political environment. Iran, growing as fast in telephone line installations and satellite services as their economic peers, is moving towards privatization in telecommunication systems. Furthermore, Iran is using its capabilities to influence Central Asian neighbors and spread their Shi'i Islam belief.
With the growth and availability of telecommunications services, it is inevitable that current technology will allow unique opportunities to gain and disseminate information. The international community is unlikely to find a viable method to control the proliferation of telecommunications around the globe. Therefore, each society or nation is its own regulator of improving telecommunications systems. Each society, to include the Islamic people, must rely on their culture to determine the degree telecommunications will penetrate the fabric of their society.
Table of contents
List of Tables and Charts
Introduction
Literature Review
Social and Cultural Structures of Islam
Muhhammad: The Messenger
Islamic Cultures-Revolutionary Aspects
The Historical Influence of the West
Information Infrastructures
Electronically Influencing the Globe
Regulation in an Information World
Cultural and Societal Considerations of
Accessible Information
Images of the Middle East Through Western
Media
Saudi Arabia: Modernization and Adaptation for an Arab State
The Peninsula Prior to the Nineteenth Century
Oil Wealth: Modernizing Saudi Arabia
The Gulf War and Fundamentalism
Post Gulf War Islamist Movement
Telecommunication Trends in Saudi Arabia
Iran: An Islamic Republic and Communication Improvements
Shi'i Islam
Modernization and the Influence of the West
Current Telecommunication Trends in the Islamic Republic
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Ranging from the dynamic to the mundane, the improvement of global information systems crosses cultures, languages, and generations. With the information communication sector growing at twice the rate of the rest of the economy, the globalization of information infrastructures has just begun. The global distribution of telephone circuitry, although not as prevalent as television sets, constitutes the largest interconnected global public communications network. Furthermore, the telephone companies, while at the forefront of media providers, are at the leading edge of the digitalization process as a result of experience in providing service and maintenance communication systems to millions of customers."
Abstract The writer of this paper details the symptoms as well as the media's contribution to body dysmorphic disorder, also known as distorted body image. Body dysmorphic disorder has become a tremendous problem in today's society due to the barrage of negative messages sent to women by the media. This paper discusses the effect of the media, in all its forms - television, radio, print advertising, internet, etc., which has an enormous influence on what people deem as attractive in today's society. The unnecessary emphasis the media places on appearance tends to adversely affect the mental and physical health of those it comes in contact with. Body dysmorphic disorder can lead to damaged self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. This paper details the manner in which advertisers place heavy emphasis on physical appearance as a means of selling products. Too often in doing so, unnecessary pressure is placed on women to conform to unrealistic and oftentimes, unhealthy standards of beauty.
From the Paper "Women want someone they can relate to. The Body Shop, a supplier of natural beauty products, offered a much-needed change from the typical message provided by advertisers; "There are three billion women who don't look like supermodels, and only eight who do. The Australian magazine New Woman included a picture of a heavy-set model on its cover recently. This action produced a lot of positive comments from the magazine's female readers. Despite this fact, advertisers threatened to pull their sponsorship. This shows that advertisers know what they are doing when they include a woman whose body is unattainable to society at large."
Abstract This paper presents a review and evaluation of Ben Bagdikian's "The Media Monopoly". It looks at major themes and ideas and the dangers implicit in the control of all media by six corporations. The paper highlights the impact on a democratic society and the key role of advertising.
From the Paper "One of the most important books on the subject of the mass media-or more specifically what's wrong with the media-is Ben Bagdikian's The Media Monopoly first published ..."
Abstract During the fifties, America experienced tremendous growth in many aspects of society. As a result, technological advancements led to sophisticated aspects of American life. Media and advertising became mass media and the invention of the television paved the way to a new generation of communication. The paper shows that a result of this growth, which continues to have an impact on society, was the rise of the "popular" or mass culture - a movement that utilizes the imagery and techniques of consumerism?. This paper focuses on the negative aspects of popular culture on high culture (and therefore, on society), pointing out more than anything, that it devalues all the finer aspects of society.
From the Paper "Architecture has also been influenced by what is considered to be modern or pop movements. Buildings constructed in geometric forms "sheathed in glass and steel" startled people in the fifties. However, the most striking buildings earned ?a well-deserved reputation for innovation and beauty, such as the United Nations complex in New York City. Jackson Polluck, a painter who initially rejected the idea of abstract pop art, became famous for dripping and spattering paint on buildings as opposed to brushing them on. Examples of the outlandish types of buildings created in the name of popular art in the early fifties is a restaurant built in the shape of a hamburger and gas stations built to look like they were flying in the wind (Davidson 1150)."
Tags: Abstract, Expressionism, Edouard, M?trailler, MTV, A, Clockwork, Orange.
Abstract This paper examines the claim that children's repeated exposure to high levels of media violence negatively impacts their ability to resolve conflict peacefully. Research is presented that supports this view. The opposite perspective is also examined, with experts cited who believe violent behavior reflects the mores of society, not just what is seen through the media. Further statistics are evaluated, such as the degree of violence on television and the amount of time and exposure a child has to such programs. The author also explores the child's interpretation of consequences of violent behavior as viewed through the media. The paper concludes that violent programming negatively affects children, however it is not completely to blame when it comes to children and their responses to violence.
From the Paper "Despite Eron's research claims that media violence negatively affects young children and adolescents, other research conveys the exact opposite. According to Michael Males, the vast amount of complaints against media violence "are misdirected" and that research into the effects of media violence "is unreliable and proves only a minimal relationship between media violence and real-life aggression." Males supports his argument to a great extent by pointing out that youth violence has much more to do with the general violent tendencies of American society. According to the American Humane Association, "One million American children are violently injured, sexually abused or neglected every year by adults. . .one million children are raped every year. . ." facts which Males purports "have been roundly ignored by the same media outlets that never seem to be short of space to berate violent rap lyrics." "
