Living in a world where information and knowledge are at the center of success, it can be very difficult not to interact with the media. However, my own personal interactions with the media can be better described as a choice. I choose daily to get on the internet and send e-mails; read my blogs; read the news; and even to check MySpace and facebook. I also read the newspaper, watch TV, and thoroughly enjoy the entertainment I receive from watching a good movie. I believe most people are aware of our constant interactions with different mediums. But, I often wonder if we are all as aware of what we are actually receiving from the media. For me, media is more than just a source of information for the masses. Media is entertainment, and it is an essential aspect of my intelligence. Whenever I hear something of interest, or want to learn something I do not already know I look to the media for knowledge. For some people, the media is simply entertainment, an escape from daily life. These people fail to notice all the information the media is responsible for portraying. Our ideals about race and gender can be seen in advertisements, and television programs. The media is often responsible for reinforcing what our nation believes to be the “status quo.” The relevance of the information we are receiving daily is so important, that as citizens we need to be intelligent. I do not mean intelligence like you would obtain from reading a textbook. I mean the kind of intelligence that comes with responsibility. With the presidential election directly around the corner it is more important than ever to pay attention to the media. Therefore I believe right now, we as citizens need to take responsibility for the information we receive from the media. I believe the media does the best it can to remain neutral on the subject, but if we as individuals do not attempt to learn both sides of this election we are not being intelligent citizens. As a Media and Communication Studies major, the media will hopefully one day be my career. I have many interests within the communications realm, however I am most interested in Public Relations. I believe the media is one of the most influential aspects of our society, and as such should be understood to the best of our ability.
7 comments:
A Media and Communications Studies major seems very appropriate for someone as connected and interested in the media as you! It's interesting that you believe the media generally takes a neutral stance towards issues in the news. Are you talking about mainstream media only? Blogs, talk radio, and cable television are often unashamedly biased.
At any rate, I look forward to reading your blog over this semester!
I actually was referring specifically to mainstream news media. I believe they try to remain neutral. However, I completely agree with you regarding the prevalence of bias in all of these mediums. Thanks for your feedback !
I completely agree with you that the media has a huge impact through out the general public! It really does hold a responsibility in catering information to the masses, whether its breaking news of entertainment. I also agree that learning both sides of a topic is necessary to become more aware, but do you really think that the news media is unbiased? In any case, you bring about really important points!
Hey Jacelyn. I’m Courtney and I choose to comment on your blog as my second comment. I enjoyed learning about your very strong opinions about the media. I really liked your comment about how it is difficult not to interact with the media but they way in which you interact with it is your own personal choice. I also like how you pointed out that most people are aware of their media interaction but then questioned whether they are always aware of what they are receiving from the media. I don’t believe that people are always aware of what they are taking in. I enjoyed reading your blog!
See you in class!
Courtney
I wholeheartedly agree about being intelligent citizens in today's society. We need to be astute and aware of the current issues, while also being able to vindicate our own beliefs. As well the media is a form of transporting information to the general public, but to be honest I think a great deal of that information is wasted and either unheard or ignored.
I also agree that the media has a lot of hidden meaning that many people miss and that it's our responsibility to follow the media. Since something like the presidential election is just around the corner, and the outcome of that has a huge impact on all our lives. Good job with your analysis, I look forward to read more of what you have to say!
You have hit on a really important problem in this election season. Candidates rely heavily on the media to communicate their message. These efforts are complicated by the media's fixation on sensational issues of little import. Responsible election media should be persistent in developing information relevant to the candidates' ability to lead the nation. Who knows, we might actually be able to elect the best candidate. Thanks for raising this concern. Hope others will listen.
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