Blog tasks: Ideology

 Part 1: Media Magazine reading

Media Magazine issue 52 has two good articles on Ideology. You need to read those articles (our Media Magazine archive is here) and complete a few short tasks linked to them. 

Page 34: The World Of Mockingjay: Ideology, Dystopia And Propaganda

1) Read the article and summarise it in one sentence.

  The Hunger Games films are a satirical commentary on celebrity culture presented through dystopian regimes. 

2) What view of capitalist ideology is presented in the Hunger Games films?

  The Districts work to provide resources and other means of production for the capitol and they reap none of the benefits for this. This aligns with Karl Marx's view that the Proletariat work tirelessly for the Bourgeoisie and in the end don't benefit from their hard work due to the oppressive selfishness of the upper classes. 

3) What do the Hunger Games films suggest about the power of the media to shape and influence ideological beliefs?

Soon enough Katniss learns to manipulate the media , she lets her stylists dress her as they pleases and says what they've written for her to say. So she can capture the hearts of the Capitol citizens and once she does she says what she truly thinks and feels, which then sparks rebellions across the Districts. Showing that as long as a celebrity is trusted or respected amongst those who consume media, those celebrities are able to meaningfully influence the consumers.  

4) What is YOUR opinion on this topic? Do you think the media shapes our values and beliefs?

I definitely believe that the media shapes our beliefs and values in moderate effect. As I think those who consume a lot of media either have "class consciousness" in the words of Karl Marx, or take in information like a sponge(hypodermic needle theory). I think to some degree audiences are able to come up with their own ideas but I do think that the media can either influence or deinfluence us into believing or own thoughts. 

Page 48: They Live - Understanding Ideology

1) What are the four accepted ideological beliefs in western societies highlighted by the article?

• People should put their families first.

• People should work hard

for their money.

• Women should behave in feminine

ways, and look after their appearance.

2) What does Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggest about power and ideology in society?

He argued that the power of ideology derives primarily from ideas and structures which support, and thus serve the purpose of, an elite social group which is able to dominate through ideas, rather than militaristic strength or fear. 

3) What does French theorist Louis Althusser suggest about ideology and consumerism?

His view was that ideology is the greatest material power and dominates our day to day lives through two key forms of control:

1: Repressive State Control, also known as ‘Repressive State Apparatuses’ (RSAs) through the major institutions of society – the Government, Army, Police, Courts, etc. –

which are dominated by the ruling elite. They regulate social behaviour and repress the masses through violence, punitive law, and fear.

‘Ideological State Apparatuses’ (ISAs), such as the Church, the media, educational institutions, the family unit etc. fear. This echoes Gramsci’s concept of hegemony, by which

ideology’s power derives primarily from consent as opposed to the use of force. 

4) Do YOU agree with the idea behind They Live - that we are unthinkingly controlled by the media which is run in the interests of the economic elite? These are the big questions of A Level Media!

I think the media is 100% controlled by the economic elite, that is who we see on our screens , that is who influence our media, our society and even our politics. If we take American politics for example, Elon Musk and his relationship in the American political system. For someone who has never been involved in politics and is not American born, it's questionable that the richest man in the world has influence over one of the most influential countries in the world. 

Part 2: The role of the media in democracy

Read this Constitution Unit blog on the importance of media in democracy. This brings together our work on ownership, public service broadcasting, regulation and ideology. Answer the following questions:

1) Why is the media important in a democracy? 

It holds everyone accountable to their actions, no matter who you are. This is also a reason why I believe freedom of press is very important. Democracy's meaning is applicable to everything in society, the media included. 

2) What are the hallmarks of a free and healthy media landscape?

It requires several features, including media independence, pluralism, the existence of impartial outlets, and high journalistic standards.

3) What risks are identified that threaten a healthy media environment? 

Threats to broadcast impartiality, threats to media independence, polarising content, weakened local and investigatory reporting, disinformation and misinformation, monopolies 

4) What is YOUR opinion on how the media can be safeguarded to protect democracy? You may want to think about ownership, regulation, technology or public service broadcasting here

I don't think we should have private companies owning news stations ect. as they push their own agendas.