Greg Demetriou
After this weeks readings the effects media has on a
national identity seem like a symptom of a larger societal problem. I feel the
term “authentic identity” is an impossible reality because of the modern
tendencies of media. As I was reading the article I constantly thought of the
show Saturday Night Live. Because this is a very popular television
program, evident by the success of the actors individually and the longevity of
the program, its representations of people are extremely relevant to this
reading. A perfect example is its effects on politics. When the show does its
segments “Weekend Update” the representation of political figures has to be
examined. Many Americans have more allegiance to this comedy show than to the
news so the images projected by Saturday Night Live are often the only
representations of these individuals consumed. Because this is a comedy many of
the portrayals exaggerate real issues through a sensationalized identity of
individuals. A specific segment on
Saddam Hussein immediately comes to mind. In the skit Will Ferrell plays
Hussein. His portrayal provides a lighthearted spin on a man that has to be
considered an evil dictator. His
cordial conversation with then president Bill Clinton played by another actor
presents the man in a manner that is both funny and charming. If that is the
only image of Hussein consumed then this man is seen completely different than
he actually is. This practice by a television show truly shapes the perception
of a real individual in the minds of many Americans. I have taken a few
liberties to make these assumptions, as they are not the result of real
research. They are merely the manifestation of my inquiries towards the affects
media has on identity constructions. As this is part of a larger National
identity this practice can be seen in many other pieces of media.
The
most damaging aspect of media dictation of national identity is its limitation
of options. People in all public spheres become the product of media as opposed
to actual people. That is to say, who a person with fame is has become the
product of their representation in media, which is often based on very little
actuality. Who our citizens have become is more based on their portrayal in
media. The problem with this diluted identity has to have a significant impact
on international perceptions. The most dangerous example of this practice has
to be its effects on American presidents. So few people actually know the
American president so his identity becomes the product of media representation.
This places an enormous responsibility on American media. Essentially, our News
programs have become the authors of history, as these men materialize as a
combination of their political policies and their representations in media. The
defining problem of this practice is the news is more influenced on
entertainment then fact.
As
there are two sides to every argument I will take the time to acknowledge the
importance of media. Being able to view press conferences and public addresses
does promote a society more connected to those in power. Because of media
candidates become more visible to voters and a level of tangibility has to be
acknowledged. Additionally, modern technology allows all Americans to hear news
as soon as it happens which makes a more united country. However, the positives
of this practice loose significance when considering the negatives. As America
approaches another presidential election so much money and time is spend on campaigning.
Candidates spend countless dollars on commercials and other forms of advertisements
that is has taken on a quality of a popularity contest. The money spent on this
practice could be better spent on many other things in America. Media’s
influence on identities has to be a necessary evil of modern technology.
As
the globe is becoming more modern this practice has the potential to take place
in all countries where televisions are available. The important thing to take
away from this has to be the articulation of medias responsibility. These outlets have to be held to a
higher standard then the one currently in place. I am not attempting to sound
holier than though when analyzing the media through this lens. Admittedly my
narrative definitely can be seen as narcissistic, but I feel this standard is
impossible to compromise. Until media becomes based more on fact then
entertainment the citizens of the world will be victimized by the limitations
of media.
I think the most clear-cut example of what you are getting at is represented by the study we looked at on Fijian women who were virtually unexposed to media until the introduction of TV. Women's attitudes towards body image changed drastically because of the image of "Western" women they were watching. Ironically, western women in general do not look like the image Fijian women try to imitate.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is definitely a social and moral responsibility that has always been kind of side-stepped by media moguls for profit. But what about the Lagaan article which described how South Asian cultures were becoming more and more prevalent, and that they had the potential to eventually "take over" airwaves, given the sheer numerical majority of South Asian populations? What would it mean if suddenly these Fijian girls were watching Bollywood movies, and not Ally McBeal?
ReplyDelete- Kena
DeleteI liked what you said about the SNL skit, "Weekend Update." I think that you are right in thinking that many people who watch the show and that segment do not keep themselves up to date on current events with other sources. So, the impact the SNL writers have on some American's perception of events is large, when their intention is solely to get a laugh. But it reminds me Tomlinson's article about the show Dallas, the conculsion of which was that people bring their agency into their interpretations of media more than we would think. It is easy to say that for a person who only watches SNL for their world news, would mimic the show in his/her opinions. But really their background and personal beliefs shape their opinions just as much as media (if not more).
ReplyDeleteI really like your mention of Saturday Night Live. I felt the same way when doing the readings for this week - people become exaggerated versions of themselves for the benefit of consumers instead of genuine people. And I think that in order to make an impact their personalities have to be that big. I especially thought about this when reading about the Masaai and how their culture is Americanized and then presented back to the Americans.
ReplyDeleteOops! That was Rachel.
Delete