ideology

Part 1: Media Magazine reading


Media Magazine issue 52 has two good articles on Ideology. You need to read those articles (our Media Magazine archive is here) and complete a few short tasks linked to them. 

Page 34: The World Of Mockingjay: Ideology, Dystopia And Propaganda

1) Read the article and summarise it in one sentence.
The Hunger Games series depicts a dystopian society where the Capitol controls the districts through fear, propaganda, and media manipulation, with Mockingjay Part 1 highlighting the power of media in both oppressing and empowering resistance, symbolized by Katniss Everdeen's transformation into the Mockingjay, a symbol of rebellion.

2) What view of capitalist ideology is presented in the Hunger Games films?
The Hunger Games films critique capitalist ideology by highlighting the exploitation and control of the oppressed districts by the wealthy Capitol, using fear, propaganda, and media manipulation to maintain power, while resistance symbolizes hope and the fight against systemic inequality.

3) What do the Hunger Games films suggest about the power of the media to shape and influence ideological beliefs?
The Hunger Games films show that the media can shape ideological beliefs by controlling public perception through propaganda, but it can also be used as a tool for resistance to challenge dominant power structures.

4) What is YOUR opinion on this topic? Do you think the media shapes our values and beliefs?
I think the media can influence our values and beliefs but not shape them. This is because there are other factors in life that make up our beliefs and values such as cultere, how we're raised, who we are surrounded by, education and experiences in life. as well as privileges.

Page 48: They Live - Understanding Ideology

1) What are the four accepted ideological beliefs in western societies highlighted by the article?
  • Good should overcome evil
  • law is better than disorder
  • Pleasure is a goal in life

2) What does Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggest about power and ideology in society?
It suggests they run our lives and creative freedom in order to keep peace in society.

3) What does French theorist Louis Althusser suggest about ideology and consumerism?
It controls us into repression and creates ideas but tricks us into thinking it's our own in order to buy things and consume things.

4) Do YOU agree with the idea behind They Live - that we are unthinkingly controlled by the media which is run in the interests of the economic elite? These are the big questions of A Level Media!
I think the media uses what we already think, know and believe but twists it to suit its very own wants and needs to make us conform to whatever is the dominant economic state allowing the audience to believe that it was their own original idea but in reality the only people benefiting are those in charge.


Part 2: The role of the media in democracy

Read this Constitution Unit blog on the importance of media in democracy. This brings together our work on ownership, public service broadcasting, regulation and ideology. Answer the following questions:

1) Why is the media important in a democracy? 
The media is central to democratic participation. It creates an arena for the exchange of opinion, discussion and deliberation – a space sometimes referred to as the ‘public sphere’. It provides a channel of communication between politicians and the public, allowing politicians to communicate their beliefs and proposals

2) What are the hallmarks of a free and healthy media landscape?
Requires several features, including media independence, pluralism, the existence of impartial outlets, and high journalistic standards.
  • Independence
  • pluralism
  • impartial media outlets
  • High standards from journalists
  • Regulation

3) What risks are identified that threaten a healthy media environment? 
  1. Threats to broadcaster impartiality
  2. Threats to media independence
  3. Polarising content
  4. Weekend local and investigatory reporting
  5. Disinformation and misinformation
  6. Monopolies

4) What is YOUR opinion on how the media can be safeguarded to protect democracy? You may want to think about ownership, regulation, technology or public service broadcasting here.
To protect democracy, the media should have diverse ownership, fair regulation, accountability for tech platforms, and strong public service broadcasting. This ensures unbiased, reliable information, combats misinformation, and prevents media monopolies.

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