From the responses I read to my first post, "The Influence of Media", it seems to be widely accepted that the media does exert a high amount of influence on people. With this being said, the next thought that comes to me is, "Who controls what we hear on the radio and what we see on TV?” Some of you stated that individuals have the ability to control what they allow themselves to be exposed to. A person can simply change the channel. I agree, to some extent.
The average, moral, adult probably does try to make good choices in regard to what they allow themselves to be exposed to. If there is a song playing on the radio that uses the "F-word" as every other word, and they find this offensive, then they can choose to listen to something else.
What about all those people out there, though, that don't fall into the "average, moral, adult" category? There are children, teenagers, and adults with little or no moral integrity. I don't think it is safe to assume that the media will utilize only that which is in the best interest of these people, and I don't think it is safe to assume that parents can control everything their children are exposed to through the media.
The responsibility falls on society as a whole to dictate what is appropriate in the media. That being stated, I would hope then that the numbers and influence of the "average, moral, adult" would outweigh the influence of the others to the point that, on the whole, we wouldn't have to worry much about what was on TV or what songs were playing on the radio. But that isn't the case. Whatever happened to "majority rule"? Has our society really slipped so far down the moral integrity scale that what is played on TV and on the radio is actually widely accepted? Or has society put aside their responsibility?
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5 comments:
Great Topic!!
I believe this is a very important issue. Who controls the media, and more specifically the news? and how do they control it. The reason that it is so important is because the news is suppose to be a uncensored and a pure source of non-slanted information that citizens can rely on. However, as we see in present day that this certainly not the case. For those that often rely on the news for accurate information often receive half baked truths, smoke and mirrors, more opinion then facts and more perception then actual reality. It is sad because many individuals actually believe that they are getting substantial good and reliable information and on the contrary they are really getting what the news and whoever has a handle on thinks you should and shouldn’t get. Sometimes it is just good to turn off your TV, and just read a book. Although, I do believe that there are good stations and media outlets that do give out reliable information and etc. The Wallstreet Journal(Newspaper), FoxNews&ABC(better then most,), TalkRadio and many internet news suppliers.
All any of us wants to know is that we are getting the truth and the actual facts, about things that affect our lives and lifestyles. I mean is that too much to ask!? I don’t think so, I believe it is necessary to give us at least that much; instead of just telling us what the interest groups, corporations, and some political “leaders” want us to hear through the media.
-nathanG
I certainly believe society has a responsibility in media. We improve media by innovative technologies and participate in it daily whether we are watching T.V., listening to the radio, sending an e-mail, or having a discussion about current events. We all play a role in the media. However, I don’t totally believe we depend on the media to administer accurate results, especially when reporters (in general) and gossipers do whatever they can to twist a story an make it more appealing.
News in the media is one thing. It is not reliable like people expect it to be.
Those below the FCC, who control censorship over the airwaves have a huge responsibility. They have to take into account their audience and the information they may be sending out. Even if a child or someone of morals is able to change the station after realizing they heard something innappropriate to them, they were still exposed to something they didn't directly choose to be subjected to. The people listening have the responsibility as well that they may hear something they don't want to. It's consideration on both sides. Generally, radio stations are trying to please their target audience. An adult rock station is not targeted for children. The parents of any children listening should be accountable before the radio station. People are not as ignorant as they say they are. Ignorance is a quick way to avoid accountability.
I don’t think that our society has put aside our responsibility of what is played on the radio or television, nor have we slipped down the moral integrity scale. It seems there is no such thing as a “majority rule” now. We as individuals have very different views—some strongly conflict with others. This country is based on the freedom of choice. We can change the television/radio station if we find something offensive, but as you have said, it all depends on a person’s moral character. It all boils down to what exactly is being taught at home to prepare the children for what goes on outside the home. Are we teaching them how to look out for what is right and what is wrong? Are we teaching them what type of people they would benefit from hanging around? Are we teaching them to look at their past mistakes—as well as those around who influence them—and analyze and modify those behaviors to profit in their life. A person’s environment is not the sole epitome of their behavioral traits; but, it does play a VERY large role.
I think the media does take a lot of things out of context. The reason they keep publicizing things is because the people in society are humoring everything they have to say. But, I do agree with we do have the choice what to hear or see. We can turn the T.V. off or turn the radio station. We don't necessarily have to continue listening to whats going on. We have to realize that they won't change what's going on the world today just because what most think. But we do have a choice what we and our children can be exposed to.
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