Category: Media Analysis

The issue of racism, privilege, and inequality fueled by long-existing stereotypes and prejudice remain topical in the society of the 21^st century. In spite of significant improvements over the recent years, there is still much progress to be made, as there remain entire communities that are underrepresented and even oppressed. Today’s human rights movements promote equality on all levels, which is reflected in the open-minded views of the youth. Nevertheless, some of the old stereotypes persist, having been embedded in society for too long. The purpose of this paper is to examine modern views on racial equality based on media representation.

The concept of race has been in the center of scientific debate for the past few centuries. In the past, the idea that each race was different on physiological level dominated, but, as the research progressed, opposing views prevailed. In fact, studies show that the DNA of any given human being is ninety-nine percent identical in comparison to the rest of the population, regardless of their origin (Desmond & Emirbayer, 2010). According to Desmon and Emirbayer (2010), this misconception has actually costed numerous lives due to the belief that organ transplantation can only be performed between people of the same race. In other words, all people are the same on the genetic level, as it has been proved by extensive research over the 20^th century. Therefore, the race is not a biological concept but a social construct instead.

This phenomenon can be described by the term symbolic category. As Desmond and Emirbayer (2010) say, a symbolic category is something that is “actively created and recreated by the human beings rather than pre-given” and “opposed to the realm of nature and biology” (p.15). According to them, the mere term Native Americans was created by Europeans upon coming to America and subsumed essentially different peoples with their own history and traditions (Desmond & Emirbayer, 2010). The racial taxonomies of the United States distinguish between five primary groups: Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, Asians and Pacific Islanders, African Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasians. Desmond and Emirbayer (2010) state that this division is used nationwide, including major governmental institutions, such as the U.S. Bureau of Census. However, the factors, according to which people are attributed to different categories of this kind, are not objective, as they do not have scientific grounds.

Nevertheless, the categories mentioned above, already being a social construct, are, in fact, distinct for the United States and do not apply in the rest of the world. For example, in South Africa, racial categories are white, black, and colored (Desmond & Emirbayer, 2010). The third category is the result of apartheid, which was a case of legalized segregation, but it remains in the country’s cultural space until nowadays. Meanwhile, there is no racial division in India, where different groups of people are distinguished upon their caste, i.e., family and occupation, rather than phenotype. These cases prove that racial inequality is a mere result of internal social processes and does not have any solid biological foundation.

In general, racial discrimination of any kind is based on a set of stereotypes and prejudices. While both concepts imply a conventional perception of one ethnic group by another, the first one is based on experience, even though exaggerated and extrapolated. On the other hand, prejudices are caused not by real facts but by an unjustified aggressive attitude. According to Dixon et al. (2019), “cultural stereotypes have significant implications for our psychology, social interactions, and policymaking” (para. 8). Once negative prejudices and stereotypes prevail in a society, it begins to discriminate against a certain group.

However, stereotyping may take different forms that, while not necessarily being negative, still harm relations between social groups. Desmond and Emirbayer (2010) say that there is a common opinion that people of African descent are naturally better at athletics than other ethnic groups, which is, however, not justified. Indeed, the majority of the most prominent NBA players are African Americans. Nevertheless, the best volleyball players are Caucasian, even though both sports require similar sets of attributes. In reality, there are complex factors that have led to the present situation and that are not always taken into account. Putting such labels diminishes a person’s input into their own success and limits their origin.

Stereotypes and prejudices are shaped according to the majority’s perception of the world. Caucasian people colonized North America and dominated other ethnic groups for several centuries. Consequently, they began to consider their ethnic identity the norm, whereas, naturally, other groups were perceived as abnormal. Desmond and Emirbayer (2010) call this phenomenon whiteness and add that it “is visible most clearly to those it definitely excludes and those, to whom it does violence” (p. 40). At the same time, the privileged group does not see any effect of the whiteness, as it does not cause any negative implications in their lives. Nevertheless, they benefit from the mere fact of belonging to the right group. The described concept is also known as White Privilege, which is “the collection of unearned cultural, political, economic, and social advantages and privileges possessed by people of Anglo-Saxon descent” (Desmond & Emirbayer, 2010, p. 40). Unearned is the keyword of the definition, as it implies that Caucasian people receive a generally better treatment than others do, which includes a better representation in the media.

Racial media representation has been the subject of many studies over the past few years. As Dixon et al. (2019) note, the way ethnic minorities portrayed in popular culture is closely connected to existing stereotypes. African American actresses frequently appear on prime-time television, but, in many cases, their roles are limited to situational comedies, where various racial stereotypes are exploited. As far as shows that are more serious are concerned, actors of African descent are more likely to be typecast as villains. In advertising, African American men are usually presented as athletic but unemployed, just as sports journalists emphasize their allegedly innate athleticism during competitions (Dixon et al., 2019). As for the news media outlets, Dixon et al. (2019) state that they tend to “overrepresent black criminality and exaggerate the notion that blacks belong to the undeserving poor class” (para. 3). Such kinds of representation do not reflect the reality and focus on prejudices instead.

People of Hispanic origin are another group that lacks proper representation in today’s media. In most cases, entertainment sources tend to oversexualize them, as well as to show them having low-occupation jobs in TV shows and films. Latino criminality is another stereotypical feature that is widely exploited by media outlets, along with Hispanic mass migration to the United States. In most cases, the stereotypes above demean the communities in question, dwelling on stereotypes that have little to do with the reality of the 21^st century.

Nevertheless, stereotypes persist in media representation patterns, and there are several reasons for that. Dixon et al. (2019) say that content creators aim at using mental shortcuts, playing along with the public’s stereotypes in order to facilitate the understanding of the content. To put it differently, media outlets respond to the viewers’ expectations, even though those expectations are based on racial prejudices. Dixon et al. (2019) state that there is a four-stage model of racial media representation. The first step is called invisibility, meaning that the ethnic group in question receives little to no representation. Stage 2, ridicule, has members of the community appear on the screen exclusively in stereotypical ways a means to entertain the audience. The third step is regulation, when an ethnic group is portrayed primarily in the roles of people that protect the order, such as police officers. The fourth stage, respect, is attained when members of the community receive due representation, and their roles are not limited by racial stereotypes (Dixon et al., 2019).

According to the fourth-stage system, it is possible to assume that the African American community representation is now around the third step with possible derivations towards the previous stage. At the same time, there have been many progressive projects that tend to depict underrepresented groups in a proper way, which brings them due recognition. All in all, racial media representation has made much progress over the past decades, but there is more ground to cover. However, as media outlets adjust to the public’s perception, it is vital to eradicate outdated stereotypes to achieve proper and equal representation.

References

Desmond, M, Emirbayer., M. (2010). Racial Domination, Racial Progress: The Sociology of Race in America. McGraw Hill.

Dixon, T. L., Weeks, K. R., & Smith, M. A. 2019). Media Constructions of Culture, Race, and Ethnicity. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication. Oxford University Press. Web.

Introduction

This paper will high light relations among media and the Injustice, discuss media in it’s past and current perspective and it’s possible role in future challenges by means of special importance on the media management in the Gay and Lesbian along with only some recommendations to strengthen the media injustice and to get better media’s performance in covering any future policy.

Most probable there has been a instant in our lives when disparity is experienced first hand. Whether it was triggered by sexual category, race, or any additional infinite option, there was a time in our life when society seemed to turn its reverse on us. In this mirror image of social inequality I’ll examine a personal experience communal by a woman we’ll name Susan, as well as my own individual encounter. By addressing the origin, stressors, and other procedure involved with disparity, we can better appreciate the needed interference and social events that must be in use to reduce and even get rid of inequality in our civilization

Media Injustice

In learning about media injustice in sexuality, our sexual category roles are very serious. Our gender roles tell us what behavior is suitable and it dictates what sexual impulses are suitable or apposite. Our sexual impulses are prearranged throughout sexual scripts. By definition sexual scripts are “the acts, rules, and prospect linked with an exacting role.” (Strong, DeVault, Sayad, 208) a script can be compared to a blueprint or roadmap where it gives all-purpose instructions in the form of a draft.

While a number of aspects of a new globe information and communication order would persuade augmented communication capabilities and extra information “voices”, other aspects supporter enlarged governmental controls more than information judged by governmental entities to be disturbed, false or unfinished. Giving a Government, or anyone else, the power to read aloud, what was “true” only offer excessive power to dictate. Defense lay, not in deciding reality, but in enabling as lots of voices as possible to chase truth and to report their findings to others. If the argument on a new globe information and communication order followed a path that prohibited the support of the whole developed globe that would only delay the changes so enthusiastically sought by the developing planet.

Another supposition often made regarding others scripts would be to believe lesbian or gay orientations “sinful, sick, or wicked” (strong, DeVault, Sayad, 212) modern thinking in sociology and psychology has “discarded those assumptions by absorbed on how and why people have move toward to recognize themselves as lesbian or gay.”

In short, in learning sexuality our sexual category roles tell us what performance is suitable and shapes our sexuality. Our sexual scripts are urbanized early on in teens when we are discovering sexuality from side to side relations with peers, namely, and the media. Our scripts changed all through our life, during relationships by means of partners as well as peers, media, and living experiences. Certain suppositions are made regarding others scripts during connections, biases and the media. But to understand one and others, we have to not rely on assumptions, but rather gain knowledge during learning, interface, and following on what we truthfully believe in.

Overview of Lesbian and Gay

This research focused on this truth that there are numerous misconceptions concerning gay and lesbian citizens. From a purely technical view, homosexuality is very usual. All animals, including humans, can act in response to homosexual stimuli(Brown v, 2005). There is proof of homosexuality occurring all through history. One anthropological learn showed that 64% of non-western cultures careful homosexuality to be socially satisfactory.

No one knows the truth concerning what causes dissimilar sexual orientations. There are a lot of theories that suggest homosexuality is reasons by something such as hormonal inequity, social conditioning, family dynamics, or bad experiences with the conflicting masculinity. When we inquire what causes homosexuality, implied in the question is the thought that present is amazing wrong with homosexuality and if we might find out what causes it, we might cure it. In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association determined that homosexuality is a method of existence and not a cerebral or moving illness. The association also takes the place that it would be unprincipled to try to change the sexual compass reading of a homosexual being. Many homosexual populaces know that they are paying notice to members of their own gender at a very near the beginning age, sometimes as youthful as 6 or 7. Others study much afterward in life. Some investigate indicates that sexual direction is determined stuck between delivery and age 3. This in sequence suggests that homosexuality is a way of existence and is perhaps genetic(DePoy, E., & Noble, S, 2003, 49-64).

Many people charge lesbian, gay and bisexual populace of pompous their sexuality when they talk about their associate, hold their partner’s hand in community, or kiss every other. These are behavior that heterosexual populace do all the occasion. Due to homophobic reactions, many homosexuals are compulsory to hide their sexuality in community. Heterosexuals have a lot of privileges that homosexuals do not. Heterosexual couples have the correct to legal marriages, combined tax returns, possessions purchases as a pair, inheritance without a determination, and take delivery of health cover for one’s husband or companion through their labor (Edwards, R. L, 2002). Why be supposed to heterosexual populace have more human rights to state themselves than homosexual people? Are they unsafe to society, or do populace fear they will dishonest their brood, friends or relations?

Social Injustice

Many uneducated populace consider that the majority of youngster molesters are gay men, lesbians and bisexuals. Actually, approximately all studies demonstrate that in excess of 90% of child molestation is dedicated by heterosexual men. Stereotypes such as this guide to domination and social injustices(Ring, Jennifer, 2001).

Sometimes domination based on sexual compass reading escalates into acts of bodily aggression next to homosexuals. In surveys of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual populace, 52-87% have been orally harassed, 21-27% have been pelted with substance, 13-38% have been chased or followed and 9-24% have been bodily assaulted (Winders, James A. Gender, 2004). These kinds of typecast have misshapen the minds of populace today. Many consider that all homosexuals are comparable and unsafe(Weir, Allison, 2001). There is no definable gay way of life, as there is no normal heterosexual way of life. Homosexuals fit in to all racial and racial groups and are members of all spiritual groups of people. They have an enormous range of cerebral capabilities, are of all ages and way of life. What is a standard lifestyle? A husband, companion and 2 brood? Less than 7% of all relations units in the United States consist of a companion, wife and 2 brood living jointly. Lesbian and gay people are dissimilar from every other just as heterosexual populace is dissimilar from one more. In “An Appeal for the Rights of Those Opposed to Open Appearance of Homosexuality” it is affirmed that open appearance of homosexuality on campus will consequence in exclusion(Nava, Michael, Robert Dawidoff, 2003, 144-157). The appeal does not describe any grounds for deciding if a big shot is gay. Would the supposition be based on corporeal acts of homosexuality, a big shot looking genderless, or a celebrity “acting” gay? Because the decision in the document is based on amazing that is so indistinct, it would be unjust to create a judgement on an important person (Cain, R, 2004, 195-201).

According to the expert analysis stipulation you open physically up to the homosexual inhabitants, you will be open physically up to an extra 10% of the world, and turn out to be less locked into sex role stereotypes. Taking human rights absent from homosexual populace is an iniquity dedicated by ignorant populace. Making a rash decision based on homophobia is incorrect and morally wrong. By giving gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual populace the human rights they merit, you will make the campus a improved place for everybody. Oppression on homosexuals is a social injustice, and as extended as it exists, everybody is impacted.

Marriages of Gay and Lesbian

Civilization in scene to homosexual marriage. This issue is a responsive one that lies shut to the spirit of a lot of Americans. Consequently, there are more than a few heated opinions on the topic. Many take the point of view that homosexuality is a divergence from strong, moral performance and feel that consummation of gay relations through marriage should carry on to be lawfully prohibited(Gambe, R., & Getzel, G. S, 2001, 172-179). Others feel that person sexuality is a private subject in which laws contain no put. Regardless of one’s individual estimation, same-sex marriage is a subject whose crash on society is surely worth bearing in mind (Coolidge 200). Marriage, as the majority populace in this state today would agree, is a attractive and rewarding organization.

Marriage has both straight legal and financial rewards, since both condition and central governments supply many human rights on the basis of wedded status (Vermont). Same-sex couples, on the other give do not enjoy the right to get married in America in the similar sense as heterosexual couples. Repeated attempts to alter the laws that protect this position quo contain all been blast down. It’s apparent after investigate that there are four major institutions causal to the oppression of homosexual marriage: usual law ethics, religion, community estimation and customary thoughts, and the U.S. administration itself (Nava 144). The traditional quarrel against gay marriage is the thought that gay individuals be supposed to not be allowable the freedom of marriage due to the sexual promiscuity in their subculture. Though it’s not factual that, as Oklahoma Representative Tom Coburn has affirmed, “There are studies to speak that in excess of 43 percent of all populace who admit homosexuality have better than 500 partners”, reliable sources do in fact indicate that gay males are additional sexually lively with a larger figure of partners than together single and wedded heterosexual males (Coolidge 230). However, it’s no justification for negative response of marriage rights. In end, it seems as if homosexuals are behind their self-respect as every day go by(Williams, Brackette F., eds, 2003).

Media Role to Eliminate this Injustice

Recommendation

The stance of normal America and its institutions today, although not of necessity anti-homosexual, is the majority surely pro-heterosexual. This irresistible non-payment heterosexuality makes it approximately not possible for gays to contain their voices heard and valued in the following arena. Not to mention, it makes it even harder for their influence to be heard loud sufficient to create a progressive alter in the system(Coolidge, David Orgon, 2001, 200-238). Currently, gays are encounter to contain their voices heard in the halls of administration. Since 1991, The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has invested in excess of $15 million dollars to hold up openly gay candidate organization for place of work. Present day, there are additional than 258 gay and lesbian community officials portion (Victory). In order to attain a society with unprejudiced opinions, normal America has to show that parity is as important as an subject as it promises.

Americans be supposed to be able of winning at the secret ballot box in spite of their sexual compass reading. Private matters shouldn’t be held next to individuals based on the populace they have selected to turn out to be (Buckingham, S. L, 2002, 69, 321).

To get ready social workers for this transformative position, social work journals have to increase the figure of articles on homosexuality and, furthermore, those articles have to address live out interventions with the heterosexist circumstances that keep down gay and lesbian customers. As Reamer (1993) noted, social work has a extended tradition of concurrent concern with person well-being and social justice(Cain, R, 2003, 344-352). More text is needed that focuses on power and addresses ways to attain social justice and to set up environments that are helpful and affirm for lesbian women and gay men if individual well-being for gay and lesbian populace is to be achieved.

Conclusion

Through these examples of individual experience, we can improved appreciate the impacts of social disparity and judgment of people we do not know. Although the social inequalities one may meet are infinite, the stressors that consequence is similar. They rob populace of the aptitude to be themselves, and make inferiority in our civilization. Even although self self-assurance and self worth are at first damaged, the optimistic social connections with friends and relations help to cure the wounds inflicted by individual disparity.

Homosexuals are weakened each day as they are refused human rights that

Heterosexuals get for decided. Based on the injustices bring upon homosexuals, a lot of are hostility for what they consider in. We as a country very much need to realize the basic injustices life form done to gays and lesbians so that we may quite approach solutions to these evils in arrange to have parity in America. The key to a

indefectible nation is yielding citizens come again? they have worked for and merit, their human rights

References

1. “About the Victory Fund.” Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund Leadership Institute. 2005.
2. “Brown v. Board of Education: 50th Anniversary” Constitutional Rights Amendment. 2005.
3. Coolidge, David Orgon. “The Question of Marriage.” In Homosexuality and American Public Life. Ed. Christopher Wolfe. (Dallas, TX: Spence, 2001). 200-238.
4. Buckingham, S. L. (2002). AIDS: Bridging the gap between information and practice [Editorial]. Social Casework, 69, 321.
5. Cain, R. (2003). Relational contexts and information management among gay men. Families in Society, 72, 344-352.
6. Cain, R. (2004). Stigma management and gay identity development. Social Work, 36, 67-73.
7. Cates, J. A., Graham, L., Boeglin, D., & Tielker, S. (1990). The effect of AIDS on the family system. Families in Society, 71, 195-201.
8. Council on Social Work Education. (2001). Curriculum policy statement. Alexandria, VA: Author.
9. Dempsey, C. L. (1994). Health and social issues of gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents. Families in Society, 75, 160-167.
10. DePoy, E., & Noble, S. (2003). The structure of lesbian relationships in response to oppression. Affilia, 7, 49-64.
11. Edwards, R. L. (Ed.-in-Chief). (2002). Encyclopedia of social work (19th ed.). Washington, DC: NASW Press.
12. Faria, G. (1994). Training for family preservation practice with lesbian families. Families in Society, 75, 416-422.
13. Gambe, R., & Getzel, G. S. (2001). Group work with gay men with AIDS. Social Casework, 70, 172-179.
14. Nava, Michael, Robert Dawidoff. “The Case for Gay Marriage”. In Created Equal: Why Gay Rights Matter to America. (New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2003). 144-157.
15. Haste, Helen. The Sexual Metaphor. Massachusets: Harvard, 2003.
16. Jonasdottir, Anna G. Why Women Are Oppressed. Philadelphia: Temple, 1994.
17. Ring, Jennifer. Modern Political Theory And Contemporary Feminism. Albany: New York, 2001.
18. Tuana, Nancy. The Less Noble Sex. Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana, 2002.
19. Weir, Allison. Sacrificial Logics: Feminist Theory And The Critique Of Identity. New York and London: Routledge. 2001.
20. Winders, James A. Gender, Theory, And The Canon. Madison and London: Wisconsin, 2001.
21. O’Barr, Jean F., Deborah Pope, and Mary Wyer. Eds. Ties That Bind: Essays On Mother And Patriarchy. Chicago and London: Chicago, 2004.
22. Williams, Brackette F., eds. Women Out of Place: The Gender of Agency and the Race of Nationality. New York and London: Routledge, 2003.

The law concerning protesting against a specific issue can be related to the principle known as the Tinker standard (Pember and Calvert 92). As the existing rules concerning protesting for veteran’s state, the protesters may voice their disagreement regarding a particular issue as long as the time, manner and venue chosen for protesting “are considered neutral” (Pember and Calvert 116).

The problem under consideration can be defined as a common law issue. According to the principles set in the First Amendment, the citizens of the Unite States have the right to voice their protests, as well as to hold the meetings during which they express their concern with the current state of political affairs within the country: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press” (Legal Information Institute para. 2).

This right for involvement into the political affairs of the United States was documented in the Constitution of the United States after the famous case concerning the protest against the War in Vietnam. Started by two students, Christopher Eckhardt and Mary Beth Tinker, the protest resulted in a major court case, which, in its turn, triggered the decision to allow public protesting as long as it did not disrupt the public life (Pember and Calvert 92).

Also known as the Tinker standard (Pember and Calvert 92), the case in point has set the principle, in accordance with which public protests can be hold once they comply with the basic principles of human rights. It should be born in mind, though, that the burning of the American flag, which was carried out by the veterans, can be viewed as a major obstacle to justifying the protest. Indeed, the existing regulations show that the specified action is defined as flag desecration can be interpreted as an affront of the citizen of the United States, as well as the disdain for the law.

It should be born in mind, though, that the process of flag burning, while admittedly bearing an extremely negative implication for the opponents of the protesters, is not viewed as a misdemeanor in the United States. Though the attempts to promote the flag desecration amendment in the present-day set of rules and regulations have taken place, the effects of these endeavors were futile. At present, the flag burning cannot be deemed as a crime.

While the protest itself did not bear any threat to the bystanders and did not presuppose any violent actions towards the opponents, it should still be born in mind that the embers of the protest burnt the American flag, which can be defined as the disdain for the law. The desecration of the flag is not viewed as a punishable offense, though; hence, the participants of the protest cannot be arrested. From the legal perspective, the veterans have not committed anything that can be interpreted as a crime.

The issue regarding the disclosure of information on the possible health risk and the restrictions imposed on the information carrier, described in the specified case, fall under the category of the common law. As far as the specific area of media law, which the problem in question can be related to, the privacy issue should be touched upon.

Indeed, according to the set of principles regarding privacy and the security of personal data, it is essential that the personal information of the people partaking in the event described in social media is not to be disclosed.

As Pember and Calvert state, the guarantees of the First Amendment are to be applied to social media, including the traditional and the modern ones: “Our Constitution has survived more than two centuries” (Pember and Calvert 43). Therefore, the principles listed in the Constitution are to be applicable in the specified case as well. After all, the student, who caught the disease, cannot be accused of being the carrier of a virus and, therefore, spreading the disease.

As Pember and Calvert claim, the contraction of a disease cannot be interpreted as a voluntary state: “Giving birth is a voluntary status: catching a disease is not” (Pember and Calvert 4). Thus, the case in point has to be assessed from a specific perspective. However, seeing that the personal information was retained, yet the article was still canceled, the basic idea of freedom of speech seems to have been violated. Moreover, the fact that people have the right to know about the threat to their health deserves to be mentioned.

Based on the principles listed above, the case regarding the ban of the article should be resolved in favor of the journalist. The latter has complied with the right or privacy, which the student, as a citizen of the United States, was entitled to. True, there has been a minor conflict, yet it was settled in an orderly and reasonable fashion. Hence, demanding that the journalist should pull the article from the newspaper is unreasonable. Seeing that publishing the article means providing essential information regarding public health, it is imperative that the article should be released.

Works Cited

Legal Information Institute. “The First Amendment.” Cornell University Law School. n. d. Web.

Pember, Don R. and Clay Calvert. Mass Media Law. 18th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2013. Print.

The sixth Chapter of D. Graber, D. McQuail and P. Norris’s work The Politics of News:The News of Politics is concerned with the role of the press in the Health Care Reform debate of 1993-1994. Its authors, K.H. Jamieson and J.N. Capella, claim that the press in 1993-1994 covered the health care reform debate with the same techniques that are applied to campaigns for public office (Jamieson and Capella, p. 110). The main arguments that the authors suggest are:

• Inconsistent use of labels for the alternative plans minimized the likelihood that the public would understand the details of any of them;
• The conflicts frame narrowed public focus to two plans, minimizing the abilities of the others;
• The reporters emphasized the Whitewater scandal over the substance of health care reform at a critical point in the debate’s progression;
• The reporters’ focus on the strategy of the players in the debate rather than on the substance deprived the public of useful information about health care reforms alternatives;
• The forces opposing reform received disproportionate coverage in print and broadcast media.

As reporters focused on some plans rather than on others, they made their elements more salient and increased the likelihood that polls would ask and citizens express approval or disapproval. Without a public airing, plans did not find popular support. The absence of coverage decreased the likelihood that a compromise would be fashioned out of the common features of the undiscussed plans.

The research under consideration has shown that “about two-thirds of the health-care reforms stories in both broadcast and print news focused on strategy or legislative process; only about a quarter of print stories and fewer that a fifth of broadcast stories focused on the issues of the health care debate.”

Going by the Jamieson and Cappella’s work, from September 1993 to August 1994, the public was subjected to the largest and the most sustained advertising campaign that shaped a public policy decision in the history of Republic. The advertising played the role of incentive to attack and of a surrogate for lobbying.

The authors conclude that “Press behaviors are making public deliberation more difficult at a time when the problems facing the country are increasingly complex.”

Martin Gilens’s work Why Americans Hate Welfare reveals myths and misconceptions about welfare policy, public opinion and the role of the media in them. Based on surveys of public attitudes and analysis of media stories on poverty the research shows that the public’s views on welfare are a complex mixture of cynicism and compassion. Chapters V and VI discuss in detail that public views on welfare are misinformed and racially charged. Here the author explains the role of racial stereotypes and misinformation about the true nature of American’s poor in forming public opinion. Gilens claims that public views on welfare reflect a distrust of welfare recipients and a wish to contribute to improve the life of the “deserving” poor as well. The author concludes that white Americans do not simply oppose welfare because they think it benefits blacks, but this happens because they think it benefits “undeserving” blacks who prefer live off the government instead of working, a stereotype powerfully fuelled by the media’s negative coverage of the black poor.

Works Cited

1. Gilens, M. Why Americans Hate Welfare. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 1999.
2. Jamieson, K. H., and Cappella, J. N. “The Role of the Press in the Health Care Reform Debate of 1993-1994.” The Politics of News: The News of Politics Eds.D. Graber, D. McQuail, P. Norris. Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly Press, 1998. pp. 110-131.

Introduction

Otitis occurs when the ear is inflamed (Nair & Peate, 2015, p. 157). When this inflammation affects the middle ear, then it is termed as otitis media, which is classified either as acute otitis media, or otitis media with effusion. Diagnosis and management of otitis media are continually undergoing reassessment due to contentious issues that are always emerging. Currently, there is the escalating concern of antibiotic resistance. In addition, there is increased understanding of the inflammation of the tympanic membrane among healthcare workers. This paper will focus on the current protocol for diagnosing and managing otitis media, and how culture prevails as an influential factor.

Epidemiology

Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is the most diagnosed pediatric bacterial illness in the United States. More than 12.8 million children below the age of 12 years suffer from otitis media on an annual basis. The three main causing bacteria are Streptococcus pneumonia, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Haemophilus influenza. Boys, more than girls, are affected by AOM.

Pathophysiology

The onset of bacterial AOM is 3 to 7 days after the presentation of a viral respiratory infection (Bope, Kellerman & Rakel, 2011). Invasion of the middle earpiece occurs when fluid and pathogens move upward from the nasopharyngeal area. The pathophysiology of acute otitis media involves damage to the Eustachian tube (ET) due to anatomic, genetic, and immune system factors. The ET connects the nasopharynx to the middle ear space. The horizontal anatomy of the ET makes it difficult to drain the fluid. Subsequently, pathogens also find their way into the ET, where they multiply and damage the mucosa. The high prevalence of otitis media among children is due to an immature ET, as well as an immature immune system (Rosen, 2012). During this time, patients experience acute fevers and pain. Perforation of the tympanic membrane results due to increased pressure, and when this happens, the condition changes to otitis media with effusion associated with little pain and it may resolve on its own.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of AOM is very important to distinguish it from otitis media with effusion. A careful and thorough assessment of the tympanic membrane mobility diagnoses AOM (Perry, Hockenberry, Lowdermilk & Wilson, 2014). Affirmation of a diagnosis occurs when upon inspection, purulent discolored effusion is observable. In addition, there is a membrane that is bulging, opacified, or reddened (Perry et al., 2014, p. 1206). In addition, there is an acute onset of ear pain that has prevailed for not more than 48 hours (Perry et al., 2014).

Influence of Culture

The peak of acute ear infections, which precedes otitis media, is prior to the age of 2 years, and during school entry. According to Blijham (2011), there have been correlations between attendance of daycare and atopic allergy and high prevalence rates of otitis media. Therefore, in cultures where daycare centers are the norm, there tends to be a high prevalence of otitis media. Allergy, in this case, arises due to the use of dummies and the presence of cigarette smoke as a passive smoker. Continued exposure to the cultural factors discussed above interferes with the management of AOM.

Treatment and Management

For a long time now, acute otitis media has been managed through the use of antibiotics. However, with the growing concern of drug-resistant, there has been a review of the antibiotics administered. Perry et al. (2014) highlight the following recommendations in the therapeutic management of AOM:

• Antibiotics are effective for children with severe signs or symptoms of AOM, for example, persistent otalgia or a temperature of more than 39⁰C. This regimen, however, is not ideal for children less than 6 months.
• Antibiotics should be given to children less than two years without severe signs or symptoms
• Children from the age of 6 months without severe signs or symptoms receive either antibiotics or observation and close monitoring.

Analgesic-antipyretic drugs, for example, ibuprofen and acetaminophen manage fever and any arising discomfort associated with otitis media (Perry et al., 2014). Topical Pain should be managed using pain relief drops like benzocaine. Narcotic analgesia is effective in the case of severe pain.

Myringotomy is important in the alleviation of severe pain and helps to drain fluid from the infected middle ear in the case of complications. Drainage flow should be maintained. Emptying drainage is achieved by placing sterile cotton in the external ear. Consistently changing the cotton prevents infection by preventing dampness. During follow-up, the clinician may suggest alternative ways of relieving pain, for example, use of heat. Treatment of recurrent chronic AOM requires tympanostomy tube placement and adenoidectomy.

The pneumococcal vaccine prevents infections that can cause respiratory and aural infections. Parents should wash children’s toys, practice frequent hand washing and replace the use of pacifiers with breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Acute Otitis Media is a major disease that occurs in childhood, and its occurrence decreases with age as the Eustachian tube and pharynx mature. However, factors associated with culture such as smoking and use of allergic elements increase a child’s chance of getting the disease. Antibiotics and both surgical and non-surgical procedures are paramount in managing the disease to prevent progression to more chronic and severe forms of the disease.

References

Blijham, J. (2011). NHG Clinical Practice Guidelines M09-Acute Otitis Media (AOM) En M29 Feverish Illness in Children. Houten: Bohn Stafleu van Loghum.

Bope, E., Kellerman, R., & Rakel, R. (2011). Conn’s Current Therapy 2011: Expert Consult (CONNS CURRENT THERAPY). Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders.

Kyle, T., & Carman, S. (2013). Essentials of Pediatric Nursing (2^nd ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Nair, M., & Peate, I. (2015). Pathophysiology for Nurses at a Glance. West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons.

Perry, S., Hockenberry, M., Lowdermilk, D., & Wilson, D. (2014). Maternal Child Nursing Care (5^th ed.). Missouri: Elsevier Mosby.

Rosen, L. (2012). Otitis Media. In D. Rakel (Ed.), Integrative Medicine (3^rd ed.) (pp. 132- 135). Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders.

Media Bias Fact Check has the best approach for reviewing information for accuracy. The website has an integrated system consisting of objective measures and subjective analyses (Media Bias Fact Check, 2021). It recognizes that there exists no single perfect formula for determining the bias of media and information sources. Most measures use some level of subjective judgment at some point to substantiate the accuracy of the information source. Blending objective and subjective techniques enables the website to leverage each approach’s strengths and reduce its inherent weaknesses.

Each of these websites has some gaps in its respective methodology. For instance, Fact Check relies on the evidence provided by the person or organization making a claim to substantiate the accuracy of the source. The use of such supporting materials may lead to inaccurate or misleading evaluation. This concern illuminates the need to rely on legitimate authority and several pinions when determining if the information is factual. Similarly, Media Bias Fact Check’s reliance on page views data from third-party sources to determine a source’s traffic compromises the credibility of the organization’s evaluation criteria. If such information is unavailable, the organization uses an estimation method that is prone to subjective bias. In Snopes.com, an entry is assigned to a sign editor for primary research, consequently raising objectivity, accuracy, and reliability concerns. The organization can generate more reliable fact-check by giving a source to multiple editors instead of one.

Every person needs to evaluate information to become a wiser consumer of information. After reviewing the three websites, it became apparent that not all media and information sources are accurate and reliable. There are many instances at school and work when people have to make decisions based on information. Knowing how to evaluate and determine the accuracy, credibility, timeliness, coverage, and authority of sources can enable a person to overcome the risk of deception and make better-informed decisions in life.

References

Media Bias Fact Check. (2021). Methodology. Web.

Introduction

Mass media is a key factor in the life of a modern person. Today it forms a broad problem field, in which each of the aspects needs detailed analytical comprehension and discussion. Research in the field of mass media is always relevant and in demand by society since today not only human practices are rapidly changing but also the person who appeals to the media in search of truths. This work is devoted to a range of problems related to mass media practices and their way of producing and distributing meanings, as exemplified by the series 13 Reasons Why.

Fictional TV shows and series are an important component of modern mass culture. They represent a phenomenon that arose in the 20th century, occupying a significant place in terms of content, time, and function. Their importance in popular culture is associated with several reasons. Their social significance is great since they allow one to carry out certain worldview guidelines, and postulates, and thereby influence the consciousness of viewers. TV series are objectively multifunctional since they allow to convey quasi-communication values. Behavioral models and visual images represented in them are transferred into everyday life. One example of such a modern Netflix show is 13 Reasons Why, a detective drama series based on the novel of the same name by American writer Jay Asher (Cruikshank & Sevigny, 2020). This paper aims to analyze 13 Reasons Why, its social significance and argues that it raises the most important modern problems such as school bullying, psychological and physical abuse, homophobia, and others.

The Specific Features of the Plot

13 Reasons Why differs from other series primarily in that it has not put a single character in the foreground, nor an immediate development of the plot, but problems and topics that are difficult to discuss. The mysterious suicide of 17-year-old Hannah Baker is central and the starting point for the whole story. No one knows why she committed suicide until they listen to the cassettes, on which the girl has dictated all the reasons and carefully explained which people should be blamed for her death. It is possible to listen to them only on an old player, without any acceleration, computers, or Google maps (13 Reasons Why). Instead of the latter, there is an ordinary paper map, according to which the recipients of the cassettes must search for the places that Hannah talks about.

At the very beginning of the first episode, the box of cassettes is found by Clay, a friend of the protagonist who was in love with her. Then it turns out that he is not alone in the game. According to the laws of the genre, the atmosphere is intensified, the pace accelerates, and the turns in the plot become more and more abrupt. With each new side of the tape, Clay seems to be losing his mind. The events of the past life go in parallel with what happens in the life of the school where Hannah studied, after her death (13 Reasons Why). It is worth noting that there are no good and evil, kind and bad heroes, as is often the case in teenage cinema. Causal relationships are revealed gradually, and until the end, it will not be clear what happened and who is to blame, and, most importantly, what will happen to everyone.

The Discussion of Important Social Issues

The main feature of these series is that having watched the first episode, the viewer cannot help but watch the second, and so on. With each new show, the viewer is increasingly forced to ask a question about the toxicity of relationships, pressure on each other, and aggression. 13 Reasons Why took all of these questions and showed where they can lead in the worst-case scenario (Cruikshank & Sevigny, 2020). In terms of education, the show has sorted out how bullying, rumors, insults, fights, and banter can affect a person’s emotional state.

The second issue on which the series stands is sexual violence in all its forms. 13 Reasons Why slowly leads the viewer to the idea that unskillful harassment on the first date and compiling the top of the hottest girls in school are the bells of social tolerance too much bigger problems. The culture of rape begins with such small things, in which the victim becomes the accused, and the rapist is perceived as the winner (13 Reasons Why). Sexual violence is presented here from different positions: victims who are ready to fight, those who deny what happened to them, and bystanders of the violence.

The third main topic in the series is suicide. For the entire first season, the creators tell the story from the perspective of Hannah, who has already killed herself. The viewer knows what happened and gradually discovers the reasons for the tragedy. In the series, Hannah does not just retell the events but connects them, letting those who listen to the tapes understand how she felt and what hurt her. Moreover, drug addiction, stalking, acceptance of one’s sexual orientation, first sex, relationships with parents and other adults, life with anxiety and panic attacks, and many other topics are added (Cruikshank & Sevigny, 2020). As a result, the show’s goal is to start a dialogue about what worries millions of young people.

Controversial Effect of the Media

13 Reasons Why started a dialogue but not quite the one they hoped for. For the first time, there has been such persistent discussion of how exactly the media, TV series, and shows should show suicide. While the creators hoped that the series would become a safe place for teenagers and adults who have experienced sexual abuse or have suicidal thoughts, it turned out the opposite. In April 2017, that is, the month of the release of the first season, the suicide rate among adolescents in the United States increased by 30% (Bridge et al., 2020). The reason is that the creators showed a detailed scene of Hannah’s suicide. After the reaction of viewers and the media, producers, and streaming, it was decided to issue a warning from the actors that 13 Reasons Why talks about difficult topics. For the release of the third season, they completely cut out the scene of the suicide (Bridge et al., 2020). However, removing just one scene is not the solution to the problem. The depiction of the method of suicide and its preparation, focusing on grieving relatives and loved ones, as well as distributing a suicide note played a negative role on young people.

Another controversial thing is how Hannah’s relationship with adults is shown. This particular moment seems to be her communication with a school psychologist, to whom she reports sexual abuse and does not receive any help in return (Cruikshank & Sevigny, 2020). The series generally suffers from the fact that all children in it exclude the role of parents and adults from their lives and do not turn to them for help in situations where this would be a logical decision.

One of the authors of the series, Nick Sheff, explained that the realism and detail of the story can turn teenagers away from the idea of killing themselves. The authors believe that the series aims to tell the most truthful story possible (Bridge et al., 2020). The fact is that no matter how tense some scenes are, no matter how strong the reaction is, this does not come close to the pain that people go through in such situations. Of course, this is a controversial issue, but the media has a big influence on spectators, especially adolescents.

The Role of Series on the Culture of Harassment

Despite the controversy of the depiction of suicide in the first season, the series does a useful job: it talks about the culture of rape. This concept speaks not only of directly committing sexual violence but also how the environment, media, culture, education system, and other things that shape society encourage the behavior of a sexual predator. 13 Reasons Why is filled with the scenes designed to convey to the victims that they can get through it, they support their struggle. Among them is the trial scene in Season 2, where several female characters talk about their experiences (13 Reasons Why). There is also another episode in the third season, in which female students stand up in front of everyone and admit that they have experienced sexual abuse. Scenes like these are inspiring and supportive; they tell the viewers that they are not alone and do more value than the portrayal of violence.

Throughout two seasons, the image of the main bad guy Bryce Walker is formed. The audience learns step by step how he soldered and forced girls to have sex, some of whom were not even conscious. This image is twisted to the absolute, showing his cynicism during his trial. Thus, the series gives an idea that rapists do not deserve to be heard and understood. One of the characters, Casey, who reflects this position is a feminist and a sexually assaulted girl. However, there is also an alternative position that can be noticed in the series. According to her, people like Bryce are entitled to a second chance if they repented, started going to therapy, and treat their problems (Cruikshank & Sevigny, 2020). Somewhere this position is shared by Hannah who even begins a romantic relationship with Bryce. This alternative opinion causes a strong dissonance in the season.

Conclusion

TV series are a phenomenon of mass culture and the instrument of influencing real life. The values that are broadcast there smoothly flow into everyday life. Each series is framed as an independent unit of a large story with its continuation. Groups of heroes appear from week to week, allowing the story to be broadcast as multiple parallel adventures with many variations. Serial production seems to fit into the way of life since it discusses serious issues and a strong social message runs throughout the series. This is the danger of bullying in school, sexual abuse, and even sexism. In 13 Reasons Why, the problem is presented not directly but through the prism of a detective story, but the authors dug deep enough and approach the culmination as delicately as possible. There is no impression that the viewer is being obsessively lectured or read moral all the time, but the main message is understandable. That is why the series is designed not only for the audience of teenagers but for adults as well.

References

Bridge, J. A., Greenhouse, J. B., Ruch, D., Stevens, J., Ackerman, J., Sheftall, A. H.,… & Campo, J. V. (2020). Association between the release of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why and suicide rates in the United States: An interrupted time series analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 59(2), 236-243.

Cruikshank, E. C., & Sevigny, P. R. (2020). Reasons why not: A critical review of the television series 13 reasons why. Canadian Journal of Counselling & Psychotherapy/Revue Canadienne de Counseling et de Psychothérapie, 54(4), 803-818.

Incaprera, J. (Producer). (2017-2020). 13 reasons why [TV series]. Web.

This study will focus on two different forms of media. The first one is a television news program popularly known as CNN or Cable News Network and the second is a website of FoxNews.com, a site delivering online news content.

Although the first one uses television and the second uses the Internet and the World-Wide-Web to deliver content to consumers it must be pointed out that these two are rivals and basically has the same goals. They also share the same passion which is to be in the business of delivering news to people all over the world.

It is therefore interesting to find out that even though CNN and FoxNews.com were both created to deliver news content there is now an emerging pattern that can be easily observed by merely looking at the programming at CNN and the layout of FoxNews.com’s website. Their programming and content is based on the need to increase their ratings and to ensure the profitability of their respective organizations.

CNN has a reputation for delivering news coming from all corners of the planet and one can still see the dominance of that type of content in their programming. A regular 24-hour schedule is usually taken up by what CNN calls “World Report”, current events reporting from all over the globe. However, one can also see the “Larry King Live” show and Larry King does not always interview politicians or even CEOs.

He is also known to interview celebrities such as movie stars, artists, athletes, and those who gained fame through controversial means. Aside from this type of show CNN devotes at least two hours a day to talk about sports on “World Sport.” On weekends there is a show called “Revealed” and again celebrities and pop icons are featured there.

A pattern is beginning to emerge. CNN was made popular by daring delivery of hard-hitting news but now it seems content to dish out light topics for a good reason. And it has something to do with ratings and advertising money. The same thing can be said about FoxNews.com.

A mere glance at their website will reveal that there are twelve major tabs that users can click in order to access content and these twelve tabs are revealing because five of these should have been more at home in a magazine’s website rather than in a news website.

These five tabs are labeled as follows:

1. Entertainment;
2. Leisure;
3. Health;
4. SciTech; and
5. Sports.

Another tab named “Opinion” can be misleading because it is not strictly about political opinion – for instance there is an article making fun of Donald Trump’s hair (FoxNews.com, p.2). It is “infotainment” at its best.

Bottom-Line

It can be simply explained as the consequence of the law of supply and demand. Viewers and consumers of online content will tune in a lot longer and click more web pages if the content has the right mix of “infotainment” and not just straight and plain news. This is a new mentality that news companies such as CNN and Fox has to deal with.

The reason of course is the need to increase ratings for CNN and online traffic to FoxNews.com. This was clearly explained by one researcher who said that in the minds of executives without good ratings there are no good profits (Anderson, p.156). The delivery of news has now been reduced to a numbers game direly related to advertisers and investors needs as well as the demand of the general public.

This is nothing new as early as the 1990s, researchers discovered that new stories were being framed to be dramatic and entertaining and thus the policy-relevant aspects of the news were often overshadowed (Thussu, p. 27). This is not a good thing considering the ability of mass media to influence policy-making and its power to move people to action by simply focusing the spotlight on certain issues.

This new phenomenon was succinctly explained by one researcher who said, “Over the past two decades the content of new in daily papers, television newscasts, and magazines has shifted from substantial levels of reporting on government activities and policy problems to an increasing proportion of soft news features that resemble entertainment formulas more than the kind of hard information that citizens might use in grasping the political events that affect their lives” (Kaid, p.283). But again, the eyes of the executives are on the bottom-line.

Infotainment

A few months ago CNN and Larry King Live went to Akron, Ohio to interview not the mayor, the governor or even the biggest employer in that corner of the globe. Instead, the resources of Larry King Live and CNN were needed to interview a basketball player. He is no ordinary basketball player though, he is a super-athlete named Lebron James.

However, he was not on the verge of retiring, did not commit a heinous crime or announced the discovery of something that was earth-shaking that he deserved that level of attention especially from someone with the caliber of Larry King. And yet they went.

There were other more important topics to discuss. Larry King’s talent could have been used to increase awareness of a particular issue. Since the host of the show had to go to all the trouble of leaving the comfort of his home and travel long distance to a town in Ohio it would have been better if the purpose of the visit was to help the poor children of Ohio or the homeless families forced to live on the streets or even the need for more funding to improve education in the said city but that was not the main goal and the main result of the interview. Nevertheless, the people who watched the show were entertained and they knew more about Lebron James.

In the FoxNews website one can see the words “news” and “fair and balanced” emblazoned in the logo. Thus, it is interesting what one can find if they would click the “entertainment” tab – will there be news-worthy material in it? But those who did click on this tab will discover the headline: “Oprah Gives Entire Studio Audience 8-Day Australian Vacation.”

It is clear that this is not news and so what is it doing in a website that was supposed to deliver substantial news that will help in policy-making and help in discussing crucial issues faced by the nation today? This is a good argument but at the same it has to be pointed out that many will want to read why Oprah gave them eight days of vacation to Australia.

In the middle portion of the website there is a series of images containing the faces of celebrities like Lady Gaga with her bright-colored hair and Ana Kournikova in a swim suit. This is already interesting because Fox News.com is now on the verge of copying a formula usually reserved for tabloids.

But FoxNews.com is not yet finished on the far right of the said picture gallery one can find the images of Jesse James the ex-husband of Sandra Bullock and TV star David Duchovny with the title “The Guide to Sex Addiction.” It is easy to understand why it was placed there, the organization knew that people will click on these images to know more.

Conclusion

CNN and FoxNews.com it seems are lost when it comes to long held standards about journalism and the need to bring out relevant and important information to the general public. This may have been the case when CNN aired a one-hour special featuring Lebron James and why FoxNews.com is increasingly moving towards tabloid type of reporting.

CNN and FoxNews.com did evolve but it is not because they have forgotten the standards. These media conglomerates had to change because they knew what was at stake. They are driven by the need to make money because if they cannot produce it then they will have to disappear. There is a need to discuss more important issues but investors and advertising money coming in, CNN and FoxNews will cease to exist.

Works Cited

Anderson, Bonnie. Journalism, Infotainment, and the Bottom-Line business of Broadcast News. CA: Jossey-Bass, 2004.

FoxNews.com. “Final Round: GOP Establishment, Tea Party Go Head-to-Head.”. Web.

Kaid, Lynda. Handbook of Political Communication Research. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., 2004.

Thussu, Daya. News as Entertainment: The Rise of Global Infotainment. CA: Sage Publications, 2007.

Despite an increase in the number of elderly persons, traditional anti-aging attitudes persist in society. Brodmerkel and Barker (2019) argue that advertising and those who cater to the “young market” are guilty of ageism. The advertising business ignores or caricatures older people, which not only breaches its ethical obligations to this group but also misses out on the commercial potential given by the rising generation of older consumers. This paper analyzes two adverts: E-trade’s commercial “I’m 85, and I Want to Go Home!” and SuperBowl’s famous “Boomer &Charli” commercial popularly labeled “OK Boomer.” Focusing on the two ads, old people are depicted as old-fashioned individuals who seem misplaced in this generation.

A: E-trades “I’m 85 and I want to go home! Advert

The E-trade’s commercial targeted old people from 50 years and above who are employed. It featured a man in his 80s working at several sites, including working out with the young. The commercial’s purpose was to sensitize elderly employees on the need to save for their retirement (Scalcione 2018). The old man is shown engaged in activities that would be considered too hard for an employee of his age. Working among him are relatively younger people who tend to do activities much faster and more efficiently.

The ad humorously conveyed the message on retirement and savings. It violates social norms that require the elderly to be retired or, if working, be engaged in less tedious jobs. Although Scalcione’s (2018) ad was educative, it showed old people as old-fashioned employees who do not save for their retirement despite working hard for many years. The ad shows how the old man working as a firefighter at some point gets caught up in the fire. This indicates that at the age of 85, a person is not strong enough to work, an element that goes against social norms since there are many elderly people who perform their duties effectively.

In addition to the idea of saving communicated in E-trade’s ad, the commercial also seems to convey the hope of work among the old population. The fact that a person can be working at 85 gives hope to those searching for jobs. It also shows that age does not limit one from enjoying the things common among young people, such as exercising. The old man is seen enjoying the run and seems to be keeping pace with his fellow runners, who are almost half his age.

B: Sabra Hummus | Boomer & Charli Advert

Age has often been associated with old-fashioned characters who seem to be rather trapped in a vibrant generation. The advert by Sabra Hummus was designed to show the differences between young and old people in regard to their eating habits. The ad shows a man eating with his hands while making sounds and a teenage girl who seems bewildered and exclaims, “OK Boomer!”(Hummus 2020). The man, however, appears to be enjoying his meal, unbothered by the girl’s reaction. The ad targets young people showing them how they are expected to display good behavior according to the current trends.

The Boomer & Charli advert violates social norms in regard to society’s expectations of the relationship between young and old and food. In society, people are expected to value and respect each other’s attributes, which in this case is violated by the teenager. Again, people are allowed to follow their choices of food without discrimination on the basis of age. The advert has been used by many young people to refer to any old-fashioned behavior as belonging to boomers, as shown by Chasteen, Horhota, and Crumley-Branyon (2020). The ad seems to be suggesting that old-fashioned eating is associated with old age, which is false since there are many young people behaving in a similar way.

In addition to old age and feeding habits, the ad seems to be showing that eating less promotes fitness. The teenage girl is portrayed as a young, vibrant, and fit person who eats small healthy quantities (Hummus 2020). This ad has created a different perspective of age among the young generation who now use the term “OK Boomer!” to tell off everyone behaving in an awkward manner.

Similarities and differences between the two ads

The two ads used different elements to show ageism in advertisements. They are similar in that both portray old people as old-fashioned and unaware of the current trends in society. They are seen as individuals stuck in their age-old behavior in a world that is evolving fast. The main difference between them is that while Scalcione’s (2018) ad shows old people as hardworking and determined despite their age, Hummus (2020) only focuses on old-fashioned behavior without showing a positive side of old age.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ageism has been existent in society for centuries. Although the old population is increasing rapidly, there are still negative perspectives regarding old age. This can be attributed to the obsession with youthfulness and the notion that young people dominate the market. The E-trade advert showed how old people who are about to retire have no savings and therefore keep laboring against societal expectations. The Boomer & Charli ad depicts old people as old-fashioned individuals stuck in their old habits. Essentially, both reveal that ageism is still rampant in society.

References

Brodmerkel, Sven, and Richie Barker. 2019. “Hitting the ‘Glass Wall’: Investigating Everyday Ageism in the Advertising Industry.” The Sociological Review 67(6):1383-1399.

Chasteen, Alison L, Michelle Horhota, and Jessica J Crumley-Branyon. 2020. “Overlooked And Underestimated: Experiences Of Ageism In Young, Middle-Aged, And Older Adults.” The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 76(7):1323-1328.

Hummus, Sabra. 2020. Sabra Hummus | Boomer & Charli | #Superbowlliv.

Scalcione, Dominic. 2018. I’m 85, and I Want to Go Home!

The question of whether media has any benefits in learning has been made and substantiated many times in the past. This has attracted a great debate, with some responders, such as Richard Clark, holding that instructional teaching methods influence learning and not media directly under any conditions. Similarly, the antagonists hold that media is molded into certain attributes of media, which instead influence learning (Clark, 1994).

Various students apply these attributes of media as they are thought to enhance their cognitive process development. At the same time, protagonists such as Robert Kozma hold that media will influence learning through the application of technologies such as computers, telephones, and television in teaching and learning (Kozma, 1994). This paper, therefore, will explore Kozma’s perspective on the great media debate and provide the rationale for why Kozma’s viewpoint is favorable.

An instruction method links and enhances cognitive processes that are essential in achieving learning. Clark (1994) mentions that instructional technology seeks to evaluate the necessity and type of instructional method that is vital in providing psychological support to learners in the learning process. Clark’s argument on whether media contributes positively to learning introduces the economic perspective of media and its attributes.

According to Clark (1994), on the replaceability challenge, Clark asserts that if various media or their attributes lead to the achievement of the same learning outcome, then the cheapest instructional method should be employed. Clark (1994) proceeds to argue that the replaceability test explains the ability to replace a different set of media or attributes with another that is less expensive, although it leads to the attainment of similar learning results. Therefore, Clark’s argument that media has no effect on students’ learning outcomes can be justified.

Kozma’s argument in the media debate brings about the concept of learning as a constructive, cognitive and social process. According to Kozma (1994), learning encompasses where learners utilize available materials to come up with new knowledge through interaction with the surroundings and integrating the new knowledge with that already in the memory. From this viewpoint, learning is perceived to be a result of integrating learners’ cognitive resources with their surrounding resources. Consequently, this brings up the concept of media and learning as the interacting force that fosters the relationship between learners’ cognitive resources and environmental resources.

Media and media attributes have exemplary capabilities that enable learners to achieve cognitive resources. According to Clark vs. Kozma (2018), two pieces of research pieces of evidence came up to demonstrate the effects of media on learning. These include the thinker tools and the Jasper Woodbury Series pieces of evidence. Clark (1994) explains that the Thinker Tools are used to teach force and motion problem solutions while the Jasper Woodbury Series are used to solve mathematically related problems. The Thinker Tools, which is a computer-based learning media according to Kozma (1994), introduces four phases; motivation, evolution, formalization, and transfer phases.

The motivation phase asks the learners to predict the outcomes of forces acting upon objects in the real world, while the evolution phase pairs up the learners to solve problems presented in the motivation phase. In the formalization phase, the learners have to come up with a law that explains the occurrence of their results. The transfer phase requires the learners to answer the questions asked in the motivation phase using the formulated law. The outcome of the interaction with thinker tools was compared with a control experiment of students using textbooks and traditional teaching methods (Kozma, 1994). Students who used Thinker Tools on evaluation had higher scores and significant improvement.

Kozma’s argument on the Thinker Tools demonstrates the influence media has on learning. The computer presented dynamic elements that created representations of real-world objects (Kozma, 1994) and this helped the learners create a cognitive model of the objects. Similarly, the interaction with the computer, as it took learners’ input and processed it through moving the objects about, gave them the power to manipulate environmental resources with cognitive resources hence comprehending learning more.

The Jasper Woodbury Series is another piece of evidence used to justify Kozma’s argument on the media debate. It is a videodisk-based mathematics problem solver used by one group in the classroom using the analogy of a boat episode and the control group uses ordinary problem-solving to the same boat episode (Kozma, 1994). Clark vs. Kozma (2018) ascertains that the video story problem group performed better in tests probing the boast episode. From the research evidence, Kozma concedes that careful integration of media in learning has positive implications as the learners can connect social contexts with real-world situations.

The use of media in learning leads to the achievement of positive outcomes if the medium used is interrelated and confounding. Clark vs. Kozma (2018) avers that for media to influence learning effectively, the embedded instructional method must be appropriate to the educational media. The Thinker Tools and Jasper Woodbury Series projects observed significant learning outcomes as the computer’s capabilities and the video disk created mental representations. This enabled the integration of external resources into the cognitive processes, resulting in better problem-solving skills, retention, and knowledge comprehension.

References

Clark, R. E. (1994). Media will never influence learning. Educational technology research and development, 42(2), 21-29.

Dabae Lee. (2018). Clark vs. Kozma. Web.

Kozma, R. B. (1994). Will media influence learning? Reframing the debate. Educational technology research and development, 42(2), 7-19.