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.

In this world, ideology of the people is seen to be controlled by those in power. 

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

It presents the capitalist view as greedy as the Hunger Games shows the significant difference between the poor and rich which overall presents the capitalist ideology as negative.

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

It suggests that the media can embed fear or any ideologies into the audiences as in the films they record executions to maintain fear in the people.  

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

I believe that the media can shape our values and beliefs as we have seen in the past with propaganda. Furthermore, the fact that the media can have a diverse range of people allows us to identify with someone which can ultimately result in our ideologies changing to be like them.

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

- Woman should look and behave in a feminine manner

- Law is better than disorder

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

That people with power are the ones who create a common and natural ideology.

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

Ideology is always present and shapes our identities unconsciously and the consumerism operates through the mass media to reinforce capitalist ideologies.

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 believe that we are unconsciously controlled by the media to an extent as if their was only one ideology present in the media then we would be but now we have our own resources and other ideologies to explore rather than the capitalist ideology that media institutions try to implement.

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? 

The media allows audiences to be educated, informed and entertained whether is comedy or politics. It allows people to create their own opinions over important events without being influenced by the government. 

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

Independence, pluralism, impartial media outlets, high standards from journalists, regulation.

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

Impartial broadcasters being accused of bias, threats to independence, polarising content, weakened local reporting, misinformation and disinformation, monopolies within the industry.

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 believe that regulation for companies merging and horizontal integration should be more strict as the media industry is close to becoming a monopoly which prevents smaller companies from being able to have a greater reach, especially if they provide better, impartial media.