I think that mass media, especially television, both reflects and changes social values. A television show cannot succeed if it reflects view that are not popular with the public, therefore, television is influenced by the viewers. But television can also affect the viewers opinions, either positively or negatively. A television show may take one or two controversial topics, and present their view on it. They will usually do so in a quiet way so that those viewers who do not agree with it will continue to watch.
One television show that makes this really obvious is Glee. Many of the issues that come up in the show are influenced by the viewers and big issues in our culture today. Last weeks episode brought up a lot of high school issues such as drinking, sex, and getting into a bar with a fake ID. They wouldn't have even brought up these issues if they weren't prevalent in today's society. But Glee also influences the audience by asserting their own opinions. The main topic of last week's episode was sex. By the end of the episode, I don't think anyone on the show was a virgin anymore. Glee supported these decisions because non of the characters received any consequences for their actions.
Another issue the show addressed was underage drinking. The first instance of it wasn't even brought to the attention of the viewers. When Rachel and Finn were eating together at Finn's house, they casually had some wine with dinner. They didn't mention it, they just did it as if it was normal. I had to stop, rewind, and watch it again. How many people caught that? I didn't think so. The second time the characters drank was when Kurt and Blaine went to a bar. Blaine had a few beers and by the end, he was drunk. Glee influenced the audience again by not giving any serious consequences for the characters actions. Although Kurt and Blaine did get into a fight while Blaine was drunk, nobody got caught, and in the end everyone was happy again.
The last issue the show addressed was fake ID's. Kurt and Blaine were pressured into getting fake ID's and going to a bar. Glee supported this decision by not mentioning any of the consequences of getting caught with a fake ID. This is influencing the audience by subconciously convincing them that fake IDs are normal and that people can get away with having them. Did you know that getting caught with a fake ID is a misdemeanor? You can be sent to jail, have your license suspended, and be forced to pay a fine.
If you haven't noticed yet, I don't exactly agree with the message Glee supported in its episode last week. The audience of this show includes many high school and even middle school students. I don't think it should be promoting sex, drinking, and getting fake IDs with such a young audience. I realize that just watching this episode isn't going to make kids start drinking, but I don't think that it is a good message to send. But my opinion doesn't matter. Glee has such a wide audience that it can get away with saying what it wants because in a week, nobody is going to remember any anger they felt towards the show. Glee probably won't mention it very much in next weeks episode, and they will go on as if nothing happened. That is the power of mass media.
ALSO: Please read my last blog post!!!!!!! I spent 4 hours on it, but it didn't show up until yesterday on Mrs. Cardona's webpage!!!! Its all about soundtrack music, so if you feel the need to procrastinate, and love listening to music on youtube click here!!!!!!!!http://golb-eh.blogspot.com/2011/11/dont-click-on-this-i-know-you-want-to.html
(In response to x2 pg. 119)
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