Media Representation and Social Inequality

Study Notes

Bibliographic Information

Reference: Kendall, Diana. "Framing Class, Vicarious Living, and Conspicuous Consumption." From Rereading America, Edited by Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle, 10th Edition, Bedford/St. Martins, 2016, pp. 424-442.

Media often trivializes significant issues like class and social inequality, portraying racial stereotypes and reinforcing societal hierarchies.
Television often depicts dark-skinned individuals as lower class and white individuals as leaders, perpetuating racial jokes that diminish serious topics.

Perception Shaping through Media

Media does not accurately reflect reality; instead, it shapes perceptions, leading individuals to form distorted understandings of societal functioning.
Our learning is heavily influenced by media portrayals, affecting daily perspectives and interactions.

Changing Definitions of the American Dream

The concept of the American Dream has shifted from hard work to the pursuit of fame and wealth.
Ordinary individuals often believe that taking loans or indulging in purchases equates to happiness, a misunderstanding propagated by media messages.

Consumerism and Class Aspirations

Media encourages individuals to see themselves as capable of rising in social status through consumption, leading them to emulate wealthy individuals by shopping or dining at the same places.
This behavior often results in financial strain, as people prioritize spending to feel socially equal.

Sympathy for the Underprivileged

The portrayal of the poor and homeless is often limited to stereotypes around holidays or disasters, fostering a superficial understanding of their struggles.
Common perceptions, influenced by media, contribute to judgment against the homeless, overlooking their complex realities.

Ignoring Societal Problems

Media neglects to address prevalent societal issues, such as inadequate education and low-wage jobs, focusing instead on entertaining narratives.
Conflict-related themes are often downplayed in favor of humor, while the impact of real societal issues remains ignored.

Normalization of Dysfunctional Relationships

Television frequently showcases dysfunctional middle-class family dynamics, normalizing conflict and unhealthy interactions among family members.
This portrayal can lead to individuals internalizing these patterns as acceptable behavior in their own relationships, deviating from respectful communication and problem-solving.

Symbolic Power of Media

Media possesses a symbolic capacity to define societal realities for viewers, especially younger audiences.
Emotional engagement by media content influences the way children perceive and navigate their world, leading them to behave as though they are always under surveillance.

Description

Explore the impact of media on perceptions of class and race in American society. This quiz delves into how media representations shape our understanding of social issues and contribute to the reinforcement of stereotypes and societal hierarchies. Discover the changing definitions of the American Dream and the role media plays in its portrayal.