Friday, February 25, 2011
TV Shows and Politics
In this course, we often talk about how the media- journalism, radio and TV news - affect politics and politicians. However, what about TV Shows, that is, fictional stories. Do these affect politics? When Obama was elected, I had this sneaking suspicion (and I'm sure I'm not that only one) that the show '24,' had something to do with it. For it's first 3(?) seasons, '24' featured a black president (who, by the way, would make a great president in the real world). How much do you think shows like '24' and 'The West Wing' affect the people who watch them? Do you think it alters their opinions on social and governmental issues? How much do you think it affects their views on real-life politics?
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I think people are profoundly affected by the messages displayed by TV shows. It is a way for people to subtly pick up on the values that are offered. The things that people watch shape their opinions. I have no doubt that after watching Modern Family, viewers will find themselves feeling more kindly to gay couples.
ReplyDeleteThere's no denying the effect that popular culture has on popular opinion, the question is if it is good. A movie like the Hurt Locker can sway public opinion on the war in Iraq, but some media representation of political issues can be a distraction from the real issues. For example, during the 2008 election, the SNL versions of the various politicians involved became more famous at times than the politicians themselves.
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