Television and Its Effects The extent of television's influence on American cultural values is, ironically, often portrayed on television shows. For example, in an episode of South Park, all the men and boys in town become "metrosexuals," after watching the popular series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Queer Eye for the Straight Guy shaped gender norms in the fictitious town of South Park, just as television shows like South Park in turn shape cultural values in real-world American culture. As Rushworth M. Kidder states in his article "Television, Values, and the American Way," "from what TV does show me, I would conclude that this is a nation of anguished gossips mesmerized by stocks, wrestling, and the weather. Nearly all must be unmarried, divorced, or gay." Animated shows like South Park in particular have the power to satirize television's powerful effect on molding the American mind because they are detached enough from reality. On the other hand, reality shows, which are the latest trend in programming, might have the most impact on shaping American cultural values for better or for worse because of their being supposedly "reality-based." As "reality shows" they purportedly mirror the average American. However, nothing could be...
As Michael Warren writes, "it is not our own image of our own selves coming from our center but rather a concocted imagined self, pasted together by others and then presented to us for our consumption." Television largely attempts to shape social values for commercial ends; a side-effect of the drive toward changing consumer behavior is a shift, either positive or negative, in social values and norms.
Food advertising is even worse, because while a parent might be able to avoid the toy store, in the grocery store he or she is subject to food masquerading as a toy. The only possible resistance is not taking the child shopping, which forces the parent to deprive the child of a parent-bonding experience where he or she could teach the child about budgeting and nutritional food. The AAP study
American culture and the consumption (patterns) of American youth in television, film, and other entertainment venues Mommy I want that!" When discussing how American culture 'corrupts' children, the first words to come to mind are usually four letter words, or words pertaining to highly sexualized scenarios. Yet the culture of American capitalist cultural consumption is if anything more omnipresent and equally damaging to American children. It has created a legacy of
African-American LITERATURE/MUSIC ON AMERICA/AMERICAN CULTURE Music is one of the most important elements among the African-American culture, through songs culture's history was revealed, pass information about events and activities to be done, evaluate and criticize a group effort or tell of some emotional apex. Music also played a significant role in comforting and healing. Africans in America used music in different situations such as; in their labor, sadness, happy moments,
However, in addition to being part of the Americanization process, this has also sparked hostility and anti-American sentiments as well, for some Canadians who believe Canadian culture is being lost to the United States. Demonstrations in front of American enterprises, boycotts of American iconic products like Coca-Cola, and even vandalizing McDonald's outlets have all been a part of this effort to not succumb to Americanization. Mechanisms Underlying America's Influence on
Another writer notes, "It is important to point out that the marketing/merchandising effort is not a haphazard or casual affair. Not only are licensees carefully selected, but the Disney company insists on coordinating all aspects of the design and marketing of the products" (Wasko, 2001, p. 56). Most American children grow up on a diet of Disney films, and that has continued for generations, really showing that good, high-quality
Essay Topic Examples 1.The Melting Pot: Exploring the Diverse Influences on American Culture: This essay could examine how various cultures from around the world have blended together to shape the unique aspects of American culture. It should discuss the contributions of Native American traditions, European colonization, African American heritage, and the impact of later immigration waves from Asia, Latin America, and other regions, all converging to create a multifaceted cultural landscape. 2.The Impact
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