Affects of Media on Society
Walden University

HMNT-3001 November 23, 2013

Affects of Media on Society
As Americans, do we paint the reality of being lackluster human beings? Does the American personality reflect Kalle Lasn’s description that if one does not reach the feeling of satisfaction we “become shallow and meaningless,” (Lasn, 1999, pg.11)? I do not believe this to be a truth one bit. I do not believe that media’s effects on society make us homogenous. I believe we choose to view and take in media in our own ways. That we can pick and choose what we watch and read, and in turn make sound decisions of what we purchase and consume.
I disagree with Kalle Lasn’s view on the media megacorporation that they, “…control not only the daily newspapers and TV airwaves but the magazine, book publishing, motion picture, home video and music industries as well, information and cultural diversity both plummet, (Lasn, 1999, p. 25). Lasn makes consumers out to be almost zombie like. The truth is we have choices on what we watch and read. A republican may choose to watch Fox for all of their news information while a democrat may choose to watch CNN. There are biases that surround certain television networks that no one can change, but you can choose to watch something else.
Linda Holtzman stated, “Socialization teaches us the culture of norms of our society. It may teach us that honesty and hard work are valued in the U.S. society. But it can also lead to the misinformation that contributes to racism, sexism, homophobia, and class oppression,” (Holtzman, 2000, p.30). Living in a socialized arena one has to make an analysis of information received. Mass media reaches most people and everyone more than likely interprets in a different way. Holtzman goes on to speak of media literacy, and its importance for one to make sense of the messages they receive, (Holtzman, 2000).
In the end, I do believe that media affects society, but how we choose to let it affect us is up to our own interpretation. Modern popular culture in the media can give insight to issues that some may have never encountered on their lives. These issues can include views on race, gender and sexuality. Like me there are people that grew up in towns where they may have never encountered racism or homosexuality. Media outlets can give glimpses of these ideals, but its up to ones self to interpret.

References
Holtzman, L. (2000). Media messages: What film, television, and popular music teach us about race, class, gender, and sexual orientation. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe.
Lasn, K. (1999). Culture Jam. New York: Harper Collins.