Mass Communication
The Effect of the Mass Media on Bahamian Culture
My definition of culture is the thing that defines a community, it sets the community apart from any other, it is the peoples way of life, their language, beliefs, the way they dress, the products the create etc.. The culture of a community is important because it shapes the community and the individuals within it. During the group discussion on the impact of the mass media on Bahamian culture all members agreed that the culture of the Bahamas is a very important aspect of life here in the Bahamas. However, the mass media has now not only just affected how we live our lives but it has also pushed us away from our culture. One member even went as far as to say certain aspects of our culture will probably become extinct if within the next 50 years if something is not done.
During the discussion a number of cultural issues due to the mass media were brought up. One of the main issues mentioned was the way we dress. The way we dress is influenced by many cultures but what seems to have the most influence is the American culture. We seem to prefer to wear the type of clothing we see advertised on the television. Zephaniah Rolle, the only male member of the group hinted that our culture is one that has been affected by branding, “We also wear brands such as Nike instead of wearing traditional Bahamian dress.” Branding as we all know is a big deal in the media industry a large focus is put on advertising and as a result we like to buy these advertised products rather than our own cultural clothing.
Music one of the most popular forms of media used by countries worldwide. Bahamian music used to be very popular some Bahamians even made hits such as “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men. However, we now see fewer and fewer Bahamians willing to make or even listen to Bahamian music. Instead, we see young Bahamians boys and girls hoping to become rappers, pop artist and wanting to create music of different genres instead of Bahamian music. The group concluded that this was probably due to the fact that Bahamians are more exposed to music of other cultures than we are to Bahamian music. This is a very good example of how the media has been affecting our culture for so many years un-noticed. When we focus on the media, we realize that we hear and see more music and videos from other cultures than we do of our own culture. This in turn pushes us to pick up traits of other cultures. But why can’t we just see and hear without picking up traits from other cultures? I see this as us being hypnotized by the media we see and hear so much of these things in the media that it makes us think the clothes, music and other parts of other cultures are better than ours.
The group also discussed the effect of the mass media on cultural Bahamian dishes. Rather than wanting to prepare a traditional Bahamian meal, we prefer to go to these American fast food restaurants that we have allowed to come into our society. We have been so greatly influenced by the American culture of fast food, that not many Bahamians these days know how to prepare a real Bahamian meal. We not only like to have American fast food, but a number of different cultures have come in and opened restaurants and other eateries that we now go to rather than having a home cooked meal.
Socialization is another part of our culture that has been so greatly affected by the mass media. Bahamians these days prefer to sit inside watching the television, or using electronics like ipods, cell phones, laptops and other media devices rather than spending quality time with friends and family. During the group discussion we reminisced on the days when we used to go outside and do ring play, ride our bikes, now we hardly ever go outside. Teens these days prefer to talk to their friends via the various social networks such as Skype, Facebook, twitter and YouTube.
Overall, we can conclude from the discussion that the media is a prevailing factor in the the Bahamian society and as a result our culture is deteriorating. In addition to those mentioned above, the mass media has also affected Bahamian entertainment, Bahamian literacy, beliefs, recreation and a few others. Our culture, simply put is becoming non-existent. We are allowing other cultures to come in and take control. It is apparent that something should be done immediately to bring our culture back!