Blame It ON The MEdia

@winterose (39887)
Canada
May 27, 2007 8:15pm CST
There is an on going debate about the media and what it portrays. The media especially tv and movies are said to reflect what is happening into society, showing us movies about real life. But do they also make this life more normal like than it really is and thus create the society as well? there were always gangster movies in america because the media portrayed or showed that segment of society. But by showing the gangsters have we created the gangsters as well? Look how many copy cat crimes are committed after someone reads a book, watches a tv series or a movie about a certain crime? so does the media reflect society or create the society? please support your answers I will reveal my own after my friend susan asks me lol. In the beginning I don't want to influence anybody's decision.
5 people like this
5 responses
@el_jeffo (750)
• Philippines
28 May 07
About the copycat crimes, I think the crimes portrayed in works of fiction were first seen in real life, perhaps exactly the same, or a variant of. I have this book about crimes of the past and present and they depict everything, even the most gruesome of crimes. However, despite my previous point, I do agree that the media has increased instances of said behavior, especially among younger people and people who don't know better. In the case of the former, it isn't much the media's fault as it is the respective parents'--had they brought the children up to understand that what they see in TV, movies, and videogames aren't supposed to be emulated in real life, or at least tell them to take those things lightly, things like blaming the media for real-life violence would be nonexistent. I think what happens is that the media tries to reflect certain aspects of society, but society in general tries to reflect what is shown in the media.
5 people like this
• India
28 May 07
Media does not reflect the society. It tries to mold it. U see here in India When riots are caused by certain religious segments it is claimed all people have done it. But when it is done by Hindus. The media says it's done by heartless Hindus. This was the Hindus get subdued & don't make any noise . People are afraid to do the right things bcoz media may screw their life just to get the TRP (ratings)! I do have lots to say on the subject but now since my hands are aching i'll stop here
3 people like this
@RebeccaLynn (2256)
• United States
29 May 07
It goes both ways. We have all of the "true life" programs that depict certain segments of society. Then we have the fictional shows that make it all seem a little worse. My major problem with the media is that I feel it helps to desensitize our children to violence. They don't have to get out in the world to see rape, murder, robbery and every other sadistic crime that man is capable of. All they have to do is watch TV. It has become the norm. Parents have to be a lot more vigilant with what their kids watch now.
• United States
31 May 07
Thanks for the br!
@RobinJ (2501)
• Canada
28 May 07
Hi Winterose, I think that the media has a huge influence over our younger population particularly, We as a bit or lot older have experienced real life but our children have been kept out of society unless accompanied by a person who keeps a good eye on them . As a child I grew up in a small town and we went out side to play and came home when the street lights came on. no one asked where we were because although it was a small town and no phones you can trust me that any thing you might have done that broke a rule was at home waiting for you, Every one looked out for everyone else. Now our neighbors are strangers and you remember that old adage do not talk to strangers. well it is still taught. As for the media we of course had a radio and when I was 10 we got TV. but by then we were already been trained to play outside and find our own friends and to amuse ourselves with out getting in trouble. Today our kids spend all their spare time in the home in front of the TV or Computer and you bet your last dime that they have an influence over their minds, because it is at the point that they can not tell reality from the games they play. There was a Young fellow from the east and he killed some one and then himself. On youtube he was ranting on about dying and all sorts of stuff, but it was like it was a game and he would be coming back for a new game, So sad.
11 Jun 07
I think it's partly to do with a lot of things not just the media although they do promote it. It starts with those who make the rules and lead country's and local councils and move along to most of the general public and the media is mixed in there.. ~Joey
1 person likes this