Module 4: Final Reflections
Culture is the comprising factors that collectively makes us a unique community. According to Terry Dugan, it is a set of traditions, lifestyles, and shared experiences learned and passed down by individuals of a group. While family values were once at the root of culture, there has been a steady decline and rise in “media as the storyteller”. The mass media display many cultural beliefs, particularly western ideals. Some of the ideals on the vast spectrum include hypersexuality, violence and the grapple between good versus evil, the hero or the villain. On the subject of the villain, upon careful examination, can we assume that the villain is in fact the media and not the Green Goblin? I would argue that the matter is far more complex. I agree with Dugan that the media is “a convenient villain”, an easy scapegoat that springs up when children reject the cultural belief systems instilled by their families and instead turn to outside sources (Dugan, 2010, YouTube). However, I also believe that media plays a significant role in the continuous evolution of our culture, flaws and all. Where do media and culture intersect? Can one exist without the other?
A major facet of our culture is sexuality. Our media is saturated with sexual suggestion as it’s been proven that sex does indeed sell. As promiscuity in the media is more prevalent than ever, parents are growing increasingly concerned about the influence on their children. Is it encouraging sexual exploration at a tender age? While Karen Sternheimer states that “we live in a time when virtually nothing is off-limits in pop culture,” sex included, she argues that “young people are not nearly as sexually active as many fear” (Sternheimer, 2015, p. 146). She explains that while our attitudes regarding sexual expression have changed, the behaviors have not altered on a drastic scale. She continues to say the root of the problem lies within the social structure, not popular culture. Societal issues such as poverty are propelling the sexual culture in youth forward, not a viewing of Last Tango In Paris. Instead of condemning media representations of sexuality, I agree with Sternheimer’s stance that they “provide [helpful insight] about power and privilege and can launch greater exploration” of gender issues and cultural trends (Sternheimer, 2015, p. 166).
In Module 4, we were introduced to the media’s relationship with health. In our guest lecture facilitated by Dr. Christina Pabers, she explained the importance of yin and yang and society’s innate need for balance. The mass media taps into consumer desires for more by selling the extremes. For instance, energy drinks such as Monster provide people with boundless amounts of energy. These products result in a heightened sense of yang and creates imbalance. The goal is to reach a calm state of excitement, a state in which our external and internal needs are in harmonious balance. Unfortunately, we live in a society that does not place emphasis on these values and it can be seen in our cultural patterns. In chapter 8 of our text, Karen Sternheimer explores beauty image, obesity and eating disorders and discusses whether or not this is a media hazard throwing our society off balance. The media often ejects material of a questionable nature and content that stirs controversy. The most controversial is undoubtedly the media’s representation of health or lack thereof. Magazines featuring outrageously slender celebrities are being blamed for poor body image. Excessive intake of television and movies are also being vilified as the reason young adults have such poor self image. Sternheimer’s constructivist view on the issue is this, there are astounding factors explaining the connection between media and health and its effects on the younger generation. It is not a matter of laziness; these are issues that go far deeper. Social issues such as socioeconomic status and ethnic background are two key factors in unhealthy media consumption. Sternheimer concludes that instead of confronting the structural conditions behind anorexia, bulimia, obesity and so forth, we opt for the easier route of blaming popular culture for our poor health.
After viewing the Terry Dungan videos and “The Story of Stuff” series, I have come to the realization that we live in a culture of our own creation. The imbalance that can be seen all throughout our society is one that we created, not the media. While the media is notorious for manipulation and exploitation, I do not believe it is fair to blame changing values on media representations. If anything, the media highlights the evolution of new ideas and sparks discussion of important subjects. In order to be truly media literate individuals, we must understand our role and take responsibility for our choices and their effects on our culture. In regards to the effects of media on our health, I feel it is a conversation we must have with ourselves in order to better understand the impact.
