Ideology

 Part 1: Media Magazine reading

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

1) Read the article and summarise it in one sentence.
The article suggests that the people in power who are powerless are controlled by the ones who are in power by controlling and manipulating them. 

2) What view of capitalist ideology is presented in the Hunger Games films?
Hunger Games portrays capitalism in a negative light by showing the juxstapostion between the elite and the power districts. 

3) What do the Hunger Games films suggest about the power of the media to shape and influence ideological beliefs?
It shows that the media can be weaponised to change people's beliefs for example Katniss having to fit the role of the symbol of the revolution. 

4) What is YOUR opinion on this topic? Do you think the media shapes our values and beliefs?
Yes, I think the media does shape our values and beliefs because the people creating it will always have a meaning behind what they make and it can resonate with anyone and shape their values.

Page 48: They Live - Understanding Ideology

1) What are the four accepted ideological beliefs in western societies highlighted by the article?
• Money = Happiness
• Consumer goods = Fulfilment
• Marriage/Family/Children = Happiness
• Obedience/Work= Fulfilment

2) What does Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggest about power and ideology in society?
In our Western democracy, the hegemonic view is that money will bring happiness and a fulfilled life.

3) What does French theorist Louis Althusser suggest about ideology and consumerism?
He suggested that we are controlled through our ideologies. Through Repressive state Apparatus and Ideological state Apparatus.

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 that the majority of people are subconsciously changed by the media and it's hard to not be in a society where the economic elite want to stay high up in the chain and don't want to change society's standards of living in a capitalistic world.

Part 2: The role of the media in democracy

1) Why is the media important in a democracy? 
In a democracy, the media educates, informs and entertains – including through news, opinion, analysis, satire and drama. 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?
A free and healthy media requires several features, including media independence, pluralism, the existence of impartial outlets, and high journalistic standards.

3) What risks are identified that threaten a healthy media environment? 
The responsibility for maintaining a healthy media rests with both politicians and the media directly. Experts have identified risks from both quarters: Threats to broadcaster impartiality, Threats to media independence, Polarising content, Weakened local and investigatory reporting, Disinformation and misinformation and 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 industries behind some media companies need to be unbiased so audiences can be educated and make informed decisions when it comes to democracy.

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