The public sphere as we see it is extremely askew, in terms of importance and interest at least. After sitting in class today listening to the half concocted ideas of many of you, I realized that not only is the average perception of the current American society idiotic, but also foolish. To think that we are the way we are because the government can't be trusted, famous people make too much money, or health care isn't free is utterly ridiculous. The media gives us what we want, if you don't want to hear about Tiger Woods and his cheating scandals then don't tune in. Obviously this is what the general public desires, there should be no mistake in understanding that. With my own personal experience, I have seen that the media in the public sphere is only corrupt to the point in which I let myself see it as such. I know facts, I understand the difference between free healthcare (socialism...cough...) and the reality of how a real government run system will inevitably end up like (4 hour lines at the DMV for a address change). I guess I'm just ranting about how ridiculous the public sphere, but it is what we have created. Until people and society as a whole learn to align importance and interest in the correct format we will be forever doomed to hearing of hair extensions by kate from jon and kate plus 8 and sex scandals by Tiger Woods or Kobe Bryant. I guess to display the irony of the statements heard in class, this sums it up
I agree the media is truly giving us what we want. I walk into the breakroom of my work and all I find are copies of People Magazine and U.S. Weekly. They like to look at the celebrity gossip, who is pregnant next, and who is dating whom this week. That seems trivial to me. But there is a reason why those are the only magazines that appear at the checkout stands at the supermarket. I think that what it comes down to is a post-modernist view of such matters. People are only concerned by matters that directly affect themselves. A woman may choose not to voice an opinion about abortion because she’s never had one nor does she plan to have one. Is she negligent to an important topic? No, it may just not affect that person unless that particular situation presents itself. I agree the obsession with Jon and Kate + 8 and other forms of entertainment are out of control. It might be fun to follow such matters, but at a cost of discussing serious issues? I understand people have different levels of importance, but it’s good to talk about the big issues as well. One may not need to be educated on everything, but to be passionate about something other than who is on the cover of People magazine can be an enlightening experience because it relates directly to that person and how they live their life.
ReplyDeleteI agree but also disagree, media gives us topic or shows because lets not forget what TV is. . . Entertainment. Thats why we have so many. . who wants to be. . . american idol, next top model, love of ray j, rock of love, cook. The list goes on and on. Yes i totally agree that these topics are not important. I think that Charles Barkley said it best in a commerical, "Im not a role model," I agree that celebrities are not role models or shouldnt be. Role models should be people that you can touch, people that you can talk too. Charles that the role models should be parents, teacher, doctors, firefighters. People that you see everyday. We celebrities on top of this mountain, just try to knock them off. . . but it always makes us realize that this people are human too, just like me and you.
ReplyDelete