Media Influence - Mass Media
Completion requirements
UNIT 1
MASS MEDIA
We are not only influenced by the people around us, but we are also influenced by our environment. Social media and mass media pepper us with messaging every day. What makes someone attractive? Which celebrities are popular and why? Do these images affect what you buy? Do they affect how you relate to those around you?
Consider Abercrombie and Fitch’s refusal to make clothes for women of all sizes. Back in 2006, its Chief Executive Officer, Michael Jeffries, admitted his store intends to exclude those who do not fit their image of "cool". Years later, his comments are still being debated, because they have made good on their word—they still don’t make clothes for larger women. Other celebrities, like Ellen DeGeneres, have spoken strongly against this choice, saying it is sending the wrong message around what is cool and what body image people should aspire to achieve.
Compare this same theme to the messaging around how “cool” men are portrayed in movies or in video games. How many people do you know look like Robert Pattinson or Zac Efron? How is it possible that Chris Brown has over 12 000 000 (yes, that’s twelve million) followers on twitter? Are these images of the “cool guy” setting realistic standards? Mass media has targeted teens as customers for big business. They want to earn your loyalty while you are young and “impressionable”. In essence, they want to brand you as one of their own. How do you feel about that? What is important to note here is that, as a consumer, you have more influence than you realize.
Consider Abercrombie and Fitch’s refusal to make clothes for women of all sizes. Back in 2006, its Chief Executive Officer, Michael Jeffries, admitted his store intends to exclude those who do not fit their image of "cool". Years later, his comments are still being debated, because they have made good on their word—they still don’t make clothes for larger women. Other celebrities, like Ellen DeGeneres, have spoken strongly against this choice, saying it is sending the wrong message around what is cool and what body image people should aspire to achieve.
Compare this same theme to the messaging around how “cool” men are portrayed in movies or in video games. How many people do you know look like Robert Pattinson or Zac Efron? How is it possible that Chris Brown has over 12 000 000 (yes, that’s twelve million) followers on twitter? Are these images of the “cool guy” setting realistic standards? Mass media has targeted teens as customers for big business. They want to earn your loyalty while you are young and “impressionable”. In essence, they want to brand you as one of their own. How do you feel about that? What is important to note here is that, as a consumer, you have more influence than you realize.
NOTES: UNIT 1, MASS MEDIA
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DEEP DIVE REFLECTION |
Once you have completed your notes , reflect and discuss your responses with peers, family members, &/or educators. *These reflections allow you to generate discussions with others, sharing opinions , thoughts, and experiences. This will be helpful when completing course assignments. |