Media Representation and Social Inequality

Questions and Answers

What is the bibliographic info for the source referenced?

Kendall, Diana. 'Framing Class, Vicarious Living, and Conspicuous Consumption.' Rereading America. Ed. Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle. (correct)

Kendall, Diana. 'Media and Society.' Ed. Mark Smith.

Kendall, Diana. 'Cultural Perspectives in Media.' Boston Publishing.

Kendall, Diana. 'Understanding Media Influences.' New York Press.

The media trivializes serious topics such as class and social inequality.

True

How does the media shape cultural perceptions according to Kendall?

The media creates perspectives in our minds that reflect in our everyday life.

According to Kendall, the American Dream has shifted from ________ to achieving fortune.

hard work Signup and view all the answers

What do people in the media often view themselves as having relating to social status?

An equal right to purchase items to feel equal to those above them in social class hierarchy. Signup and view all the answers

The poor and homeless are always viewed in a positive light by the media.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are some societal problems that the media overlooks?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics of television shows with their portrayal:

Focus on dysfunctions in families = Shows conflicts that seem normal Portrayals of poverty = Often lack depth and realism Representation of social classes = Creates aspirations based on false equivalence Signup and view all the answers

According to Kendall, how does the media define the world for younger audiences?

It reaches younger audiences and shapes their perceptions as they grow. Signup and view all the answers

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.