1F25 Blog Response 1: Media Impact on Others

Class Creates Confidence

     

     In my last post, I stated that my opinion of the media was that it had dominating control over our thoughts and behaviours.  I also encouraged my readers to act freely, and not rely on the media for their sense of direction.  As I began reading through the blogs of my classmates, it was apparent to me that many of us have the same beliefs about the media - that it has impacted everybody both positively and negatively.  In Patrick's blog, he discusses how the media can have a positive affect on our everyday living (1).  He suggests that the media is inspiring people to live a healthier lifestyle and influencing them through shows like "The Biggest Loser" (1).  People who have a desire to lose weight are encouraged through television programs like this one and can begin to change their own bodies for the better.  This is one of the few times that I think the media is helping society.  Obesity is a very prevalent issue in North America and should be addressed.  I agree that this area can be beneficial, but there are more important issues to discuss.  On the topic of body image, the media also has assembled their own version of what a perfect woman looks like.  This can sometimes force women to a point of serious tribulations, such as bulimia or anorexia.  Karley writes in her post that if women today don't look or behave like the women the media portrays, the woman may look at herself with disgust (2).  Every woman is special, and should not feel compelled to fit into a false ideal portrayed by the media.  Speaking from a man's perspective, women who starve themselves are not attractive.  Therefore, the girls seen in shows like, "America's Next Top Model", do not appeal to me, and should not be publicized as perfection.  Finally, in Jada's blog, the concept of media's constant appearance is clearly expressed.  Jada feels like the media provides a voice for anyone who may be lost or confused, and also establishes guidelines for us to follow (3).  I personally don't agree with this.  I think that the media does provide guidelines, but we should not necessarily agree with every rule they establish.  I believe that everyone should be allowed the follow their own beliefs, to some degree, and that the media should not be in complete control of our beliefs.  In conclusion, I was encouraged by the blogs that I read.  Most people seemed to have common ideas about the media and its power.  What I did not see what the need to be aware of this power and be careful about what we allow to control our actions.  While some may be motivated to lose weight due to shows like "The Biggest Loser", they should not feel compelled to fit a certain form.  Everybody should be allowed to be themselves, so that we don't have a nation of identical robots.

(1)http://patrickn0112.blogspot.ca/2013/09/patricks-blog.html
(2) http://karleymclean.wordpress.com
(3) http://jayl95.wordpress.com