Analyse how Collins uses the conventions of a dystopian society to critique the power of the media in our world today
Media is one of the most influential tools for communication in modern society. Throughout history, it has assisted in the transmission of information, whether it be regarding highly provocative topics, or lesser, more modest topics. However, media has the power to regulate and alter the truth behind information, by modifying evidence to manipulate how consumers perceive it. In Suzanne Collins’ 2008 book, The Hunger Games, the ramifications of the media’s presence throughout the novel is clearly distinguished to the reader. Collins’ use of dystopian conventions in the book allows for the denunciation of the media in our modern …show more content…
With social media outlets like Facebook having over hundreds of million users, their effect on societies show that we are constantly connected and observed. Likewise, in The Hunger Games, citizens of Panem are under rigorous surveillance without escape. Throughout the novel, it is noted that people are constantly being watched from the games themselves, to the people of District 12. “”Have you been on the roof yet?” I shake my head. “Cinna showed me. You can practically see the whole city. The wind’s a bit loud though.” I translate this into “No one will overhear us talking” in my head. You do have the sense that we might be under surveillance here” (Collins 2008.) The similar threat of constant surveillance in our modern lives is prevalent. The technological and corporate control of firms such as Facebook and Google, show that we are being constantly tracked. “Progressive migration online raises concerns over surveillance and exposure. Even casual Facebook users develop a presence that matters” (Trottier 2012.) Social media has the power to track everything that one may connect or have to do with it. This compares with the constant surveillance of the citizens of Panem, to the observation of anyone who uses the internet, specifically social media. This power gives the opportunity for anyone to access data with the intent to do whatever wish to do with it. Along with this ability, it shows that media and social media hold power over all of society as they not only have data on our personal lives, but are also a platform to transmit this information with news media to and from various counterparts
Media is one of the most influential tools for communication in modern society. Throughout history, it has assisted in the transmission of information, whether it be regarding highly provocative topics, or lesser, more modest topics. However, media has the power to regulate and alter the truth behind information, by modifying evidence to manipulate how consumers perceive it. In Suzanne Collins’ 2008 book, The Hunger Games, the ramifications of the media’s presence throughout the novel is clearly distinguished to the reader. Collins’ use of dystopian conventions in the book allows for the denunciation of the media in our modern …show more content…
With social media outlets like Facebook having over hundreds of million users, their effect on societies show that we are constantly connected and observed. Likewise, in The Hunger Games, citizens of Panem are under rigorous surveillance without escape. Throughout the novel, it is noted that people are constantly being watched from the games themselves, to the people of District 12. “”Have you been on the roof yet?” I shake my head. “Cinna showed me. You can practically see the whole city. The wind’s a bit loud though.” I translate this into “No one will overhear us talking” in my head. You do have the sense that we might be under surveillance here” (Collins 2008.) The similar threat of constant surveillance in our modern lives is prevalent. The technological and corporate control of firms such as Facebook and Google, show that we are being constantly tracked. “Progressive migration online raises concerns over surveillance and exposure. Even casual Facebook users develop a presence that matters” (Trottier 2012.) Social media has the power to track everything that one may connect or have to do with it. This compares with the constant surveillance of the citizens of Panem, to the observation of anyone who uses the internet, specifically social media. This power gives the opportunity for anyone to access data with the intent to do whatever wish to do with it. Along with this ability, it shows that media and social media hold power over all of society as they not only have data on our personal lives, but are also a platform to transmit this information with news media to and from various counterparts