Blog tasks: Ideology

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 Blog tasks: 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.

Represents a binary of rich vs poor, reproduces Marxist ideals that the upper class exploit and make sure that the lower classes are kept under control via state apparatuses.

2) What view of capitalist ideology is presented in the Hunger Games films?

Capitalist ideology is parodied throughout the films and held under a critical view.

3) What do the Hunger Games films suggest about the power of the media to shape and influence ideological beliefs?

4) What is YOUR opinion on this topic? Do you think the media shapes our values and beliefs?


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 
People should work hard
for their money..
2) What does Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggest about power and ideology in society?
Ideology is deep rooted in society and reinforced by those in power, those with less power having less influence and the lack of an ability to oppose said ideologies.
3) What does French theorist Louis Althusser suggest about ideology and consumerism?

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!


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? 
in a democracy, the media educates, informs and entertains. It is a key route through which the public hears about politics, and it plays an important role in shaping the public agenda and forming public opinion.

2) What are the hallmarks of a free and healthy media landscape?
Independence: Media should be independent and free from political or financial control 
Plurasim: Media should present a wide variety of ideals and viewpoints, free from monopolistic ownership
Impartial media outlets
Regulation
High standards from journalists
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. Weakened 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.

              The media can be kept safe for democracy by stopping one big group from owning everything, making fair rules, keeping public news strong, and fighting minsinformation with facts and regulation

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