#3. Love and Romance

"That only happens in movies." is a phrase that is stated numerous times during a discussion of love and romance. But it is true in a way. Most of the love and romance shenanigans that are portrayed in the media are truly unrealistic and overdone. (But I'm really not saying that every single itty bitty portrayal of romance within the media is illogical, some portrayals actually do make sense). The vast love stories, the epic motives to win love and the super dejected personas of characters in unrequited love all are just ways to show the audience that, yeah, love is never really going to happen. Take the movie Dear John or even the recent movie The Vow for instance, the love stories are over-extravagantly lovable and epic that the audience is supposed to feel as if nothing that epic is every going to happen within their lives. And this is exactly how love and romance portrayed in the media affects society. The reason that there is a very high audience rate for the cheesy romantic comedies and dramas is because the people expect something "big" to happen and they then desire to feel the emotion that the characters within the film are feeling. And by watching love and romance through the media (or even by reading those cheesy novels) emotions are evoked and desire is increased. Overall, the love and romance within the media affects what we as a society think of love. In actual, the media has defined "love" for us, and what we expect of from romance and love. I have to admit, I truly am expecting a totally awesome love story in my life and it's all your fault, media!

#2. Women

Just last week, the academy awards passed by and boy, the audience saw a very wide variety of dresses worn by the women of the night! The viewers judged and complimented throughout the night, and this is one great example of how the media defines what is expected by women. What I mean by this is that the media has been portraying women in such a way that society has developed so many expectations from women. The way women dress, look, women's actions, and everything that surrounds a women has all been shaped by media; it has created a stereotype for women. From the beginning, women were always portrayed as pretty little human begins working in the kitchen at home with the children; in books, newspapers, and then in 50's during the rise of mass media. Hence, women are expected to stay at home, cook, etc. (But this is obviously getting better overtime, although there are still idiotic jokes based off of what women are expected to do). Alongside, media also portrays how women should dress and look like. Such as how comedian Tina Fey stated, "All Beyoncé and JLo have done is add to the laundry list of attributes women must have to qualify as beautiful", and this exactly explains how women are expected to look. Any "beautiful" women in the media is mostly always portrayed as a girl with a hot body and a perfect face, and now women are struggling to keep up with this type of expectation. Along with appearance, media has also set the standard for how women should dress and at what age, etc. (But I will discuss media and fashion in depth in another post). Makeup and fashion ads stereotype women the most, this is because of the way they portray that all women constantly care about their makeup and how they look, and hence women are stereotyped almost all the time by this. 
Overall, media has and will always determine what is expected within a women. 

#1. Politics

"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!" - The Wizard of Oz
This quote from the Wizard of Oz exactly explains how mass media plays a very important role in the political spectrum and public opinion, in any type of government. No matter what we watch, read, or hear, there is always a political factor shadowing it, and this is greatly influencing our political views. But why is there always a political shadow behind mass media? Well, universally, most of broadcast media, maybe even all, are owned by extremely wealthy figures, and hence, this means business. The most profitable way broadcasting companies gain profit is by endorsement for specific political campaigns, and therefore, covertly incorporate the endorsement within the "news", shows, advertisements, etc. And it is from these hidden campaigns that we, the public, choose our political views and opinions. How mass media portrays these political campaigns is what really influences our views. Every broadcasting company depicts the campaigns uniquely, and accordingly, public opinion is influenced by a variety of views, and inherits a variety of views.
This is my true interpretation of how the mass media influences our political views and how.

Oh, Media!

Mass Media. Mainstream Media. One absolutely enormous spectrum. From the day to day television we watch and the radio we listen to, to the newspapers and books we read. Yea yea, we all know what it is but what is it's function? The function of mass media can be seen as the invisible force that holds everything in place. Everything? Yes, the "everything" may seem a little ambiguous, but think about it: What shapes our personality? Our daily schedule? Our dreams, wishes, inspirations, everything? The answer is none other than the mass media that surrounds us, but it is always unnoticed. Mass media is an invisible force. It's a force that allows us to communicate and to be communicated with the factors that we have become so close to within ourselves but are so far away from, as if they are in a different dimension. But we humans rely on our mass media like a best friend; more than any other human.
But how exactly does mass media do it's thing? Well, this is what I'll be discussing in this blog. These are my interpretations and opinions of modern mass media and how we as a society are affected by it. These are not fact at all, and you may have a totally different view of the effect of modern mass media. Feel free to discuss by commenting!