In this day and age, mass media itself comes in many different forms. From traditional media comprising newspapers, radio and television programmes, to new media, such as blogging, forums and social medias. With various forms of media being so readily accessible to us, it is inevitable that we hear all about the discord, disputes and dilemmas in both our society and internationally. When media can sow the seeds of discord in society and/or propagate existing societal dilemmas, can we really blame it for the problems we see in today's world? I believe that mass media can only take partial blame as it is but a tool in the hands of people, used to create both discord and harmony.
First and foremost, mass media can be partly blamed when it is …show more content…
Critics may argue that entertainment media often portrays 'cool' characters engaging in vices, promiscuity or violent crimes. As such, impressionable and vulnerable individuals may follow these examples and engage in such undesirable activities. An example is how the television series 'Breaking Bad' seemingly promotes the usage of illegal and harmful drugs such as methamphetamines, as this is seen as 'cool'. However, this is rather far from the truth. The show may portray the production and usage of illegal drugs in addition to a slew of other undesirable activities. But we should not forget that it also shows us the many negative effects of these activities, such as torn familial relationships, death, psychological problems like paranoia, involvement with gangs and triads, and most importantly, the inability to escape from consequences. As such, media played a part in illustrating how harmful, dangerous and undesirable these activities are. Therefore, mass media can also be used to discourage people in society from contributing to current undesirable social issues, and should not take …show more content…
Mass media can be used to report the injustice and inequality in this world. Often times, media uses mediums such as photographs to depict the state of the world. As Eddie Adams, photojournalist for the Associated Press, once said, "Still photographs are the most powerful weapon in the world." This is true as photographs can immortalise the joy or agony of the moment, and evoke in the viewer, a variety of emotions, including, empathy, happiness and anger. Change comes from motivation, and motivation can be found between passion and fury. An example would be the photograph entitled "Federal Dead on the Field of Battle of First Day, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania" taken by Matthew Brady in 1863. The photograph depicts the aftermath of battle, with dead bodies littered around the field. It shows how the people suffer and pay the price of war. Though the photograph may be over a century old, it still serves as a reminder today of how devastating war can be, and reminds us to strive for peaceful resolutions. Mass media can be used to promote peace and harmony instead of war and discord, and thus, should not be
First and foremost, mass media can be partly blamed when it is …show more content…
Critics may argue that entertainment media often portrays 'cool' characters engaging in vices, promiscuity or violent crimes. As such, impressionable and vulnerable individuals may follow these examples and engage in such undesirable activities. An example is how the television series 'Breaking Bad' seemingly promotes the usage of illegal and harmful drugs such as methamphetamines, as this is seen as 'cool'. However, this is rather far from the truth. The show may portray the production and usage of illegal drugs in addition to a slew of other undesirable activities. But we should not forget that it also shows us the many negative effects of these activities, such as torn familial relationships, death, psychological problems like paranoia, involvement with gangs and triads, and most importantly, the inability to escape from consequences. As such, media played a part in illustrating how harmful, dangerous and undesirable these activities are. Therefore, mass media can also be used to discourage people in society from contributing to current undesirable social issues, and should not take …show more content…
Mass media can be used to report the injustice and inequality in this world. Often times, media uses mediums such as photographs to depict the state of the world. As Eddie Adams, photojournalist for the Associated Press, once said, "Still photographs are the most powerful weapon in the world." This is true as photographs can immortalise the joy or agony of the moment, and evoke in the viewer, a variety of emotions, including, empathy, happiness and anger. Change comes from motivation, and motivation can be found between passion and fury. An example would be the photograph entitled "Federal Dead on the Field of Battle of First Day, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania" taken by Matthew Brady in 1863. The photograph depicts the aftermath of battle, with dead bodies littered around the field. It shows how the people suffer and pay the price of war. Though the photograph may be over a century old, it still serves as a reminder today of how devastating war can be, and reminds us to strive for peaceful resolutions. Mass media can be used to promote peace and harmony instead of war and discord, and thus, should not be