Abstract This paper analyzes the origins of language and its relationship to human societies and media. The paper argues the thesis that language is not simply a vehicle for communication but also a means for the control of the world around us and its social orders. The paper then looks at contemporary mass media, popular culture and their employment for political purposes. The paper explains that the complex structures of signification of language texts in mass media is essential to understand and resist their deployment as vehicles of power and control. In conclusion, the paper shows that as political culture draws upon popular culture to achieve its mythologizing effects, it becomes imperative that media literacy be achieved in order that the mass media audience at least has the possibility of interrogating media messages and asserting their identities as citizens rather than consumers.
Outline:
Introduction
Language and the Earliest Human Societies
Language, Media and the Construction of Human Societies
Visual Mass Media and Multi-textual Communication
Conclusion
From the Paper "This insight is critical to understand the structural convergence of media and language in human civilization. Language is more than simply a system whereby particular vocal utterances contain socially-agreed meanings. From this perspective, the origins of language and media of communication have been recognized as being key determining factors in the construction of human societies from earliest times. Whether in oral, literate or digital societies the manner by which language is used to communicate thoughts and ideas has played a major role in the design and workings of those societies. While most people use the term language in reference to the various spoken languages developed in societies around the world, in reality language is much more complex. It is a system of signs - communicated usually through vocal speech - which are commonly agreed to have an "objective" reference (Berger and Luckmann 36)."
Abstract This paper explains that Robert W. McChesney's book "The Problem of the Media," deals with inadequate journalism, hyper-commercialism and overwhelming mediapower in the United States. The author reports that the points out how the various issues in the media problem are inter-connected.
From the Paper "Robert W McChesney's book "The Problem of the Media" takes an in-depth look at how politics and government policies have shaped the media in the United States and debunks long-standing myths regarding the media. McChesney also addresses ..."
Tags: McChesney, The Problem of the Media, journalism, politics, commercialism, conglomerate, media policies, media reform, public media, monopoly
This paper discusses Ben H. Bagdikian's "The Media Monopoly", which describes the problems of the concentration of giant companies in the mass media industry in the U. S..
Abstract This paper explains that the companies which dominate the mass media have dominant influence over the public's news, information, public ideas, popular culture and political attitudes because they not only control the media but also have influence on government because of this ability to manipulate the public. The author points out that this also affects advertising because large newspapers target the big retailers and advertisers with their big budgets; leaving corner grocery stores' advertising to the dwindling small neighborhood papers. The paper relates that Bagdikian proposes (1) an international convention whose role it would be to examine anti-trust in the mass media and (2) corporations be socially responsible in order to prevent "giantism" in the media.
From the Paper "Commercial TV does have a foe, though, that of noncommercial TV. First, the noncommercial TV steals members of the audience away from commercial TV. Second, noncommercial TV reminds people that there is a choice in viewing and "an alternative to the heavy doses of sex-and-violence, fantasy advertising, and programs designed to create a 'buying mood'." Third, noncommercial TV can be honest. The author points out that this also effects advertising because large newspapers target the big retailers and advertisers with the big budgets; leaving corner grocery stores' advertising to the dwindling small neighborhood papers. They are able to deal with the issues affecting the public, as well as the controversies "in ways avoided by commercial broadcasters whose advertisers, understandably, do not wish their products associated with public controversy." "
Abstract This paper explains that it is not uncommon to question the accuracy of the content of news reports, especially in light of recent cases of fraudulent news reporting. The author points out the potential problem of mediapower and inequality representation as seen in the Michael Jackson molestation case. The paper exaimes news stories regarding the Jackson case including CTV News, "Maclean's Magazine", "The Toronto Star" and the UPI News Service.
From the Paper "It is not uncommon to question the accuracy of the content of news reports, especially in light of recent cases of fraudulent news reporting. Not long ago New York Times reporter Jayson Blair was accused of repeatedly concocting specifics while covering the D.C. sniper story. How can a trusted professional make up information and publish it as fact? Public complaints regarding bias in the news has become a hot topic as one story after the other is found to be fraudulent (i.e. Janet Cooke of the Washington Post)."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that print media has a great influence on the policy making process because it is the link between those that make policies and the beneficiaries of those policies, namely the general public. The writer notes that the media, printed media included, plays a very important role in American society. Its main role is that of informing the public, and for this alone it has the power to reach as many as possible. The writer points out that print media, unlike other types of media, is consumed by those interested in the issues revealed by a specific publication. Those that follow political print media are clearly individuals that are interested in the issues raised and so political information and investigations reach an interested public. The writer concludes that the media is not entirely fair or just and it sometimes fails to cover both sides of a story, thus taking advantage of its power. Even considering these disadvantages, one can conclude that the media has a great influence in politics and policy-making.
From the Paper "Print media, because of its daily or periodic reporting, has the ability to bring to the public attention all types of political issues, even exposing some problems and be the first to draw attention on a specific topic. This kind of power of influencing policy making and even dictating what subject must be discussed in political circles makes print media the most powerful organism in a state. Print media draws attention on a subject that attracts public interest and because of the public interest generated by a media story, politicians are forced to consider the subject and even create their policies around the interest shown by the media public. Considering that we are all media consumers, political issues reach every one of us and so we are aware of what is going on at the highest political level."
Abstract The writer examines the power of language in showing cause and effect in literature. For example, the writer shows how, through silence, Shakespeare is able to portray just as much, and sometimes more, than during dialogue. The paper includes many direct quotes from both plays.
Contents
Language and Power in Othello
Iago and the Addiction of Equivocation
Othello: Contagious Profanity and Failing Syntax
Speech, Paradox, and Fleeing Destiny/Identity
Conclusion on Othello
Magic Words and the Equivocation of Witchery
The Characterization of Macbeth: The Contagion of Power and Prophesy
Language and Prophecy in Macbeth
Lady Macbeth: Language for Self-definition and Self-destruction
Conclusion on Macbeth
Conclusion
From the Paper "Othello and Macbeth stand out as two important works among a small handful of Shakespeare's best plays. They have remained among the most popular and powerful of his works in no small part because of their profound emotional content and strong dramatic story. In these works, as in Hamlet or King Lear, Shakespeare seems to transcend the merely theatrical, presenting his audience with a work of such mythical intensity that one might almost consider it revelation. In Shakespeare's finest works, one has a sense of mythological import -- it is for this reason that subsequent generations of writers have held Shakespearian allusions on par with references to ancient Grecian mythologies or even biblical symbolism, and that his work has truly shaped the course of literature since his time."
Abstract This paper discusses the current age of global media in which we are living. Though smaller factions of media do still exist, a select few massive companies currently maintain control over most of the world's newspapers and television stations. The paper further discusses how these corporations, like all mass media, have the power and access to affect trends and advance their own corporate agendas in all areas around the globe. It is imperative, then, that individuals living in this age not only know the range and possibilities within global media but understand the channels and powers at work.
Abstract This paper examines how the media world is well-supplied with instances of uncivilized behavior and general indecency and how name-calling, foul language, and character assassination have become regular things that are justified in the name of truth and freedom of speech. It discusses how media needs to understand its role in promoting healthy social and moral values and how it is our responsibility to make sure that rudeness and incivility are not justified on the grounds of freedom of speech.
From the Paper "Civility is so important that it should be protected by law. However so far we do not have any laws to ensure civility in the media and any attempt to enforce one is met with stiff opposition on grounds of freedom of speech and Fourth Amendment rights. It is believed here in the United States that people should be allowed to say anything in any manner they like, without much regard for other people's sentiments. For some people, this is actually considered "cool". However now it appears that our coolness has gone a little too far and we do actually needs laws to protect us from a truly uncivil media."
This paper states that, since nearly every sector of our lives is affected by modern media, the media has a profound and ubiquitous influence on public opinion.
Abstract This paper explains that bias is an endemic and unavoidable part of the newsgathering and reportage process, especially in the area of racial bias. The author points out that advertising, another area in which the media can have a profound influence on public opinion, has achieved the status of a carefully crafted art form whose message can have a negative effect on individuals and society because of selected bias. The paper relates that some of the ways in which bias is influencing public opinion are (1) disguising opinions as news by using loaded language and well-portioned adverbs or adjectives and (2) providing selective content by failing to give proper context and full background information, which distorts the true picture.
From the Paper "While the most extreme form of media bias in shaping public opinion is propaganda, the most infamous use of the media influencing public opinion was no doubt the way in which the Nazis influenced the German public. However, there are many instances in the contemporary world where media bias, which tends towards propaganda, is prevalent. The political manipulation of pubic onion is known as propaganda. An example of the way in which the media can influence public perception through suggesting a sense of legitimacy is through polling and a constant stream of subjective media reports. The method of influencing the public is termed self-fulfilling polling."
This paper explores whether the media in the United States, Canada and Mexico are effective in investigating government and sustaining democratic values in their societies.
Abstract The paper provides a comparison and contrast of the societies and political cultures of the United States, Canada and Mexico as well as the media operations in each culture. The paper argues that while the U.S. model is influential in both Canada and Mexico, the similarities are closest between the U.S. and Canada in that corporate power blocks systemic media criticism of government. The paper contrasts this to Mexico where a more authoritarian political structure has historically resulted in more direct political control of media by government and political authority as opposed to corporate entities. The paper clearly shows how in neither of the three countries does the media - albeit in different respects - foster democratic values.
Outline:
Introduction
Media in the United States - Personality over Politics
Media in Canada - Politics and Culture
Media in Mexico - Absolute Convergence
Conclusion
From the Paper "Political and media critics in the United States have argued that one of the defining features of American media's representation of government is its tendency to focus on personality over politics. This can be seen most clearly in presidents, as the recent presidencies of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have revealed an extraordinary level of focus on one individual personality rather than the complex processes of government itself. In fact, this was a process that began with the era of television in the 1950s, when politicians became celebrities and their political power was closely intertwined with their media images (Schickel 201). Since that time, American political campaigns have been oriented towards television and the importance of the thirty second "sound bite" (Jackson et al. 129)."
Tags: corporate, power, political, control, television
Abstract This is an opinion paper which argues that the impact of the American media has politicized a pluralist democracy among the majority by creating a marginalized society, leaving the corporations, including the media, and the American politicians at the top of the pinnacle concerning political decisions and elite power.
From the Paper "This bacama avidantly claar whan Richard Barlin, tha prasidant and chiaf axacutiva officar of tha Haarst Corporation in Naw York, askad Prasidant Richard Nixon to grant him immunity from tha antimonopoly law that had in pravious yaars sant othar corporata axacutivas to jail. Tha Haarst Corporation "ownad nina nawspapars, tan broadcasting stations, twanty-six magazinas, and a book publishing housa" (Adalstain). Nixon knaw that if ha did not axampt Barlin from tha law, his actions would ba ramambarad, coma tha naxt alaction. This illustratas that tha govarnmant naads tha madia mora than tha madia naads tha govarnmant dua to tha fact tha madia has tha ability to shapa and form political discoursa. It is also capabla of disrupting tha astablishad paradigm, tharafora thraataning thair dominant status."
Abstract The paper scrutinizes how mass media affects the public perception of heroes and heroism. The paper first describes immense power of mass media through the example of the American television being regarded as a powerful force strengthening the presidential system. The paper argues that mass media enables public opinion to spread over wider geographic area. The paper demonstrates the popularity of sports heroes and explains the correlation the entertainment media has with fictional heroes in literature.
From the Paper "What is a hero? And what has one got to do with television? The answer to that question ? which is really the question of how the mass media influence popular perceptions of the heroic and the Hero ? is a complex one as are any significant questions that examine the relationship between mass media and the culture that produces, absorbs, reflects and reifies them."
Abstract This paper compares the way that female and male characters or individuals speak in films or on T.V. The writer uses examples and statistics to support the fact that the difference not only exists but possibly perpetuates gender stereotypes. Examples including male and female voice overs and the choice of language are used in this paper. The writer contends that the media wants to keep women in a powerless role.
From the Paper "The portrayal of gender in media especially in films and on television has received considerable interest in the past two decades by people from academics to parents, hoping to encourage their sons and daughters to prepare for a more egalitarian world. Although great strides have been made from the stereotypical housewives, Lucy Ethel and Donna it is still clear that traces of sexism in the language provided by scriptwriters in advertising and films remain. The purpose of this paper is to compare the way ... "
Abstract The paper refers to Naomi Wolf's assertion in "The Beauty Myth" that the media is creating a particular image of women with the goal of keeping them in a less powerful role within the patriarchal system. The paper discusses the popular image of thin, beautiful women that forces women to concentrate all their energy and time on trying to become thin instead of attaining more power.
From the Paper "Naomi Wolf has published a book entitled The Beauty Myth. This book argues that the mass media deliberately creates and disseminates a particular image of women. The mass media creates an ideal of female beauty. Wolf believes that this ideal is a method of keeping women in a less powerful role within the patriarchal system. Wolf argues that the media pushes this image so hard because of a backlash against the feminist movement. She believes that this image encourages women to use up all their time and energy on diet and exercise, to try and look like the ideal. If they cannot succeed (and most women cannot match up to this ideal), then they will be filled with anxiety. In either case, they will have no energy and confidence for business and politics."
Abstract The following paper examines how the news media has been changed from a brave, controversy-seeking faction to a community of self-censoring, congress-fearing puppets of whom the politically powerful are the puppeteers. The writer argues that the media is not the same establishment that once looked for the extra, but it is merely a reserved, timid society, a society that has ignored its once unquenchable thirst for the truth in order to satisfy its hunger for the more material things, money and power.
From the Paper "It is a calm, cold morning in Maine and the news is blaring in one household. The family hears that there has been another violent plane crash. Little Jimmy is quaking in his shoes, because he knows that the story will be covered constantly for most of the week, if not longer. Violent images will be shown on the television that his parents bought for Jimmy's favorite educational television shows. Jimmy decides to change the channel, but almost all of the channels are covering the same information about the plane crash. Then, an image of a man who died in the crash appears on television. Little Jimmy bursts into tears. Jimmy grows up to detest the news, and to hate plane crashes. Why must the news cover tragedies so extensively?"
