Media Factsheet 147 - Issues and Debates

1)Write a one-sentence answer to the initial questions in the factsheet:
  • Do fashion magazines contribute to the occurrence of eating disorders?
To an extent, as some images of women who appear to be ''skinny'' may provoke readers to do things that may make them believe that having an extreme eating habit can make them skinnier. 
  • Do games make people behave violently?
Not necessarily, as this type of behaviour is only provoked by social factors, such as their upbringing and attitude towards specific social groups.
  • Does advertising work?
Yes, as they are able to convince the target audience that they cannot live without consuming that specific product.
  • Does social media generate misogyny?
In some cases,as people feel as if they are free to spread misogynistic ideas expressively with no restrictions, and also these could lead to the indoctrination of these extreme ideas to various individuals online .

2) Having read the two sides to the discussion, what is your opinion on the effects debate? 
I believe that the second argument is accurate when explaining how the media effects the audience and how this relationship is not necessarily related. I believe that the representation of something is solely based on the viewer's perspective and judgement on that particular topic. For example, if a student sees a news story on how grades have decreased over the past years, they would argue that there are several factors as to why this might have happened e.g the quality of lessons , or the ability of teachers. Whereas, a parent might consume this information directly and immediately assume it is true. The difference between these two points of views, therefore relies on the person's perspective and their experience with the topic- since the students know what an average school day is really like, they are more informed, and are able to challenge something they can see in the media. 

3) Summarise the two sides of the example issues and debates on page 2 of the factsheet:
  • Twitter's influence on the news
Since news providers source information from social media sites such as Twitter, the information may not be accurate. However the ''cheapness of Twitter sourced content is more appealing as it helps increase profit margins.  
  • New technology, privacy and Wikileaks
New technology allows anyone to publish their ideas and opinions freely, which therefore contributes to the democratisation of the internet and social media sites. However,sites such as Wikileaks have claimed that this information can be tracked and published (even if it claims to be secure).
  • Social media and racism, sexism or threats online
Social media has allowed people to comment on topics such as gender and race more explicitly. 
4) What is your opinion on the growth of transgender issues in media debates?
The growth of transgender issues has certainly increased as it has become a more ''open'' topic, since the emergence of certain celebrities and their ''movement'' against this type of discrimination. For example, Caitlyn Jenner.  

5) Complete the MIGRAIN table below (also on page 4 of the factsheet) linking media products to issues and debates. For each question, you need to write two or three specific media products (e.g. a film, TV programme, a particular newspaper or news story, a certain music video etc.) that you could use when discussing that media debate.

Media language
How is digital technology changing the media language of moving image products?
Media products: Tangerine (award winning movie shot entirely on iPhone), news coverage of London Bridge attacks - citizen journalism.

Does the language used in tabloid and broadsheet news media shape the meaning of news stories differently?
Media products: The Guardian, The Sun, Daily Mail

Ideology
Does the political persuasion of the news media have an impact on the politics of a culture?
Media products: CNN Coverage of Trump Presidency, BBC impact of recent General election

Do ‘twitter storms’ reflect dominant cultural values?
Media products: Twitter comments about general election, 

Genre
After 100 years, is it possible for horror films to generate fear?
Media products: 

How real is ‘reality TV’? 
Media products: The Only way is Essex, Love Island

Representation
Do marginalised groups have the power to self-represent?
Media products: Kendrick Lamar album- DAMN, Beyonce lemonade

Are mainstream media representations of marginalised groups reinforcing or challenging traditional stereotypes?
Media products: The Get Down

Audience
What gratifications does interaction provide for an audience? 
Media products:  Ill Manors Campaign Tag London

What relationships do audiences have with media institutions?
Media products: Reviews on Imdb

Institution
What are institutions doing to offset ‘the culture of free’?
Media products: 

Do streaming and on demand services alter audience behaviours?
Media products: Netflix, Amazon Prime

Narrative
Why do some modern films and broadcast fictions use non-linear narratives?
Media products: Memento, Usual Suspects

Does it matter that newspapers structure stories using narrative roles such as ‘heroes’ and ‘villains’?
Media products: Theresa May vs Jeremy Corbyn, Donald Trump 

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