Sometimes I feel that I’m still in my Sociology class during COM11. Terms such as cultural studies, false consciousness reminds me of it. In the cultural studies of communication it is said that there’s a class struggle between the elite and the working force of a nation, if you notice this isn’t just in communication because since time immemorial people coming from the lower class had always been looked down upon compared to people who belong to a higher social status. Everyone got used to the idea that people who are powerful and rich are on top while everyone else should be “contented” on the bottom, which is called “false consciousness”. People start accepting that this is the “natural” way of life and that they shouldn’t do anything about it. Maybe it’s wrong to say that it’s not necessarily a bad thing to have this because we too, have been used to this way of living.
The sad thing in this is, a majority of people choose not to improve their lives ‘simply because they think that they’re already settled with their current status and because of this system, which also forms a social pyramid, the powerful and prestigious people control everyone, the working class have no other option but to follow. Eventhough a system like this exists, the media which is aware of this tries to change the way people think, they try to instill on the minds of people that they have a choice to improve and not accept the things that are happening now.
I get the feeling every time too :)
TumugonBurahinTheories like media hegemony enforce the ideas of society. It gives us a false consciousness and idea of what should be. Stereotypes presented by the media are now dominant in the minds of people and sometimes does harm to images of others. It is true that we have accepted life to be this way. But we choose to accept it cause we choose to enforce it.
I also think that there is an injustice when it comes to the use of media.It's really unfair that only those who're elite or rich,even powerful gatekeep the media.I'm really wondering how people at the bottom hierarchy can really rise to the top so they can also change the way media is disseminated.Social stratification and inequality can be discussed here too,in fact,I think Marx or Weber said that when the bourgeoisie overcome their false consciousness,they'll be able to overthrow the capitalists.Anyway,there are so many things I have yet to learn both in sociology and comm class!:D
TumugonBurahinI feel the same way too :))
TumugonBurahinThe media more often than not always presents some kind stereotype against social classes. Like in your explanation that is the typical thought that runs through the minds of the people. Some have actually argued about turning the pyramid upside down or other words a revolution so that those that are at the bottom of the food chain will instead be on top.
totally. Media plays a big part in how people perceive themselves to be. It somewhat dictates what is right from wrong. However, it does not necessarily mean they are right. It's scary how media has a way of twisting the truth for whoever's benefit.
TumugonBurahin