Comments | llynya_blue: Which came first?...Or The Evil Media is at it again!

llynya_blue

Which came first?...Or The Evil Media is at it again!

Mar 29, 2006 17:45

Not that I am really the bleeding heart type, but This article presents some interesting correlations between advertising and lifestyle/social class. So now my question is: Does the advertising really help to maintain socioeconomic and racial segregation or does it merely take advantage of an already present situation that is unlikely to be ( Read more... )

Comments 4

Who is in control axcyr March 29 2006, 21:03:50 UTC

If one lets the advertising just pour into their head and believe the cultural stereotypes they promote, then there is a strong connection between Madison Avenue and where our society goes. But, if one decides that they want to ignore the sea of media influence, then they definitely have more time to themselves...for better or worse.

Re: Who is in control llynya_blue March 30 2006, 07:40:31 UTC

Good point. Yet even ignoring the media requires you you to be aware of it. You have to actively ignore it. Can an awareness and active rejection of the constant bombardment still change your perceptions? You still see and hear the messages. You're just shaping your reaaction, not removing the stimulus altogether. On that bent, is the media morally correct when presenting messages that positively influence society, since the media is so entrenched in the environment already?

Re: Who is in control axcyr March 30 2006, 10:36:21 UTC

If one ignores it they are NOT aware of what they missed.
One's perceptions change based on what you allow in.
If one always watched horror movies, then that is in their head...but, if one always watched comedy movies, then that person would more fun to be with...laughter IS the best medicine!
I am in control of what stimulus gets in, I could let the stimulus of the depressing local news in or the uplifting insights of a great Sci-Fi book. One of these gives you insight to your environment, the other provokes your imagination.
Well, the media puts stuff out there, again it is up to the conscious individual to judge the morality of their messages.
Besides the media is like the universe, its not that it is right or wrong...it just exists...so deal with it!

Re: Who is in control llynya_blue March 30 2006, 14:03:25 UTC

Yeah, but the article deals primarily with billboards. You can't help but see them while driving, they're part of the environment you're supposed to pay close attention to while being a safe driver. You can close your mind to the message, but you still have to look at it. Choosing to not let it affect you helps, but even by choosing to ignore it you are still being affected by it. You saw something you didn't like and now have to devote attention to pushing it from your mind. That simple act causes you to remember it ( ... )