Media's Hold On the Norm

 Are we getting the best media content possible? With only a few (six to be exact) companies in the mix to give American's their news, print media, television and movies, is it possible we are falling pray to being brainwashed by the corporations in power? Perhaps. That is until the internet leveled the playing field. At one time the unpopular ideas were not brought to the attention of the public masses. At this day and time however the gap is shortening on what is traditionally considered cultural norm.

From the beginning the media has taught us how to walk, dress and how to speak. We were introduced to the Cleavers who molded in our heads the ideal of perfection in America. We watched commercials of anorexic girls eating low-fat yogurt to “watch their wight” and hard hitting football players running away with the hot cheerleader.

As the internet pushes deeper into our psyche we are exposed to a much wider realm of the world. It is allowing us the opportunity to access a much larger public forum an out from our so called white bread society. We struggle to find who we are in our new found environment. We can now watch overweight “Jersey Girls” cat fighting on a cable network and if by chance you miss the episode you can always watch it “On Demand”. However, through what seems to be the bliss of variety is the honest truth. The media for the most part is still mandating what you watch. Most of it comes in the form of editing.

When watching some programs that involve individuals who are heavily tattooed, pierced or are in love (like really in love) with inanimate objects, I realize the name of the show is Taboo. Why is it called that? Why is the media telling me this is wrong or outside the norm? I have never seen a television program about how the mass of society brushes their teeth. Do they start at the front and then brush the back or visa versa? Who knows. We love the freakish, the unnatural, the outsiders and to keep our interest the media gives it to us, snippets at a time.

The problem with some of these ethical issues is that the media feels it important to point out to you as you watch the “freakish” that there is something wrong with them for being that way. Many times they will air a segment about the individual and then follow it up with a “professional” who explains to you why this is NOT normal. They may give you what it is you want to see, what fascinates your senses all the while demeaning those who find it okay and acceptable.