The subject of media and culture is one that is very fascinating. The introduction of media and culture helps us understand this by using examples from the movie Blade Runner (which I have yet to see... it sounds interesting from Griffin's description!) But something interesting that Griffin brings up is the concept of hyper-reality: that recurring media images are more real than real. "Our mental pictures of the perfect body, house, meal, vacation, and sexual relationship have been created through exposure to constantly recycled media depictions that have no basis in fact--but it is these images that create our expectations" (p. 309). This is something that unfortunately so true... I think the media portrays very unrealistic images that people strive to attain.... and it's not reflective of what is real, or should be real. Baudrillard stated that "it's not TV as a mirror of society but just the reverse: it's society as the mirror of television" (p. 310). Which is what is exactly happening.... all these shows that have created 'reality' for our impressionable young generations via MTV and all the other garbage reality tv shows. It's crazy how much people believe these shows to be the truth or actual reality.
In closing, Griffin says for postmodernists, it's not an issue of whether the media distorts reality. "In today's world, the media have become reality---the only one we have" (p. 310)
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2 comments:
I agree with you that our society is a reflection of what the media portrays. I also think that it has taken off the way it has because of the interest the general public has shown. Reality television is interesting and dramatic. It's often easier for people to watch and judge other people's lives than it is to stop and take a good look at their own lives and problems within them. I must admit. I am a reality show junky. And I think it's partially to numb my brain, after a long day at work or school, right before I crash out for the night. It's my one and only addiction. Alright, alright...I'll admit I also have an addiction to shoes. But that's it. I swear. Those are my only two addictions. haha
I've seen Blade Runner four or five times and each time I see it I notice something I've missed before. Although it's categorized as a sci-fi film, it's much more complex than that, addressing questions about what constitutes humanness. It's definitely worth renting.
What researchers often ask about media and culture is: Do media reflect culture or create it? Of course it's both because the media are part of the cultures in which they function. They do reflect society (to some extent), but they also shape values, beliefs, and attitudes. For example, U.S. television shows provide insight into American culture while at the same time impact how viewers perceive themselves. The postmodernists make a good point, especially with the popularity of "reality" shows--media have become reality. But also remember that our ability to participate is now greater than it's ever been with blogs and sites like YouTube.
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