Deck 17: B: Mass Media

Question 1

Explain what Baudrillard means by simulation and give an example.

Answer 1

Simulation is Baudrillard's term for how media create what we see as real by reinforcing certain images and signs.Media convey to us the fashions we should like,the music we should listen to,and the art we should find appealing.Media do not represent social life as it truly exists but,rather,as it is manufactured.The news media in particular present stories as theatre,whereby glorified,manipulated,and censored events are packaged and displayed.Baudrillard argued that,dominated as we are by simulated experience and feelings,we have lost the ability to comprehend reality as it truly exists.What we see as "real" on television,for example,is the result of editing and simplification for distribution to the masses.Baudrillard did not suggest that what we perceive as reality is simply an illusion;instead,he argued that the illusion has become the reality.The line between what is real and what is simulated is blurred,and it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between the two.

Question 2

Using examples,discuss one of the political consequences of YouTube.

Answer 2

It has played a role in challenging oppressive political regimes by showing video clips of abusive or repressive actions committed by persons in power,such as government representatives,military soldiers,or police officers.The political uprisings in Africa and the Middle East in early 2011 confirmed YouTube's ability to disseminate images of political corruption and military atrocities around the world in minutes and were a game-changer for the revolutionary movements.

Question 3

Describe what Herman and Chomsky refer to as the "propaganda model" and give an example.

Answer 3

The propaganda model asserts that,since the dominant media are commercial enterprises,their content will reflect the interests of the rich and powerful.Propaganda can be defined as the large-scale use of messages or images designed to influence the opinions and/or behaviours of the majority of the population.Propaganda isn't simply providing information but,rather,actively creating content that appears to be truthful and accurate but is instead an intentional manipulation of the facts to promote a particular position or worldview.Examples will vary.

Question 4

From a symbolic interactionist perspective,briefly explain how the media influences our perceptions of social life.Give an example using media portrayals of the ideal body type.

Question 5

Compare traditional mass communication with new technologies in terms of their push/pull capabilities.

Question 6

Explain why we should be concerned about multinational media corporations;why do they "present a significant challenge to the world's community?"

Question 7

Briefly outline the CanCon debate.Do you agree with these guidelines? Why or why not?

Question 8

Using examples,explain what Tremblay means by "cybriety."

Question 9

Explain why Naomi Klein argues that brands are much more than just symbols used to market products.Give an example of the power of brands in today's modern society.

Question 10

Explain the tremendous influence of Gutenberg's printing press on human social development.What made it so revolutionary and what social changes resulted?

Question 11

Is Internet addiction a new social problem? Provide examples as support for your answer.

Question 12

Using examples,discuss the differences between hot and cool media.

Question 13

Discuss which of the mass media today you actively engage with.How do you think this has effected your level of social interaction with others?

Question 14

Discuss the two strategies feminists have proposed to diminish the effects of pornography on society.Do you think they will be effective? Why or why not?

Question 15

What would a conflict theorist say about advertisement images? Give an example.