Ideology

 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.

The Hunger Games shows a dystopian society where the Capitol controls districts through fear, propaganda and the media. Mockingjay Part 1 shows the power of media in oppressing and empowering resistance, symbolised by Katniss Everdeen's transformation into the Mockingjay, a symbol of rebellion.

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

The Hunger Games films critiscise capitalist ideology by showing the exploitation and control of the oppressed districts by the wealthy Capitol, using fear, propaganda, and media manipulation to maintain power, while resistance symbolises hope and the fight against inequality.

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

the media can shape ideological beliefs by controlling public perception through propaganda.

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

The media definitely shapes our ideologies and valued even if we dont think so, it subconsciously works

Page 48: They Live - Understanding Ideology

1) What are the four accepted ideological beliefs in western societies highlighted by the article?

• People should put their families first.

• People should work hard

for their money.

• Women should behave in feminine

ways, and look after their appearance.

2) What does Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggest about power and ideology in society?

It suggests they run our lives and creative freedom in order to keep peace in society.

3) What does French theorist Louis Althusser suggest about ideology and consumerism?

It controls us into repression and creates ideas but tricks us into thinking it's our own in order to buy things and consume things.

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!

Yes

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? 

The media is central to democratic participation. It creates an arena for the exchange of opinion, discussion and deliberation – a space sometimes referred to as the ‘public sphere’. It provides a channel of communication between politicians and the public, allowing politicians to communicate their beliefs and proposals, giving the public the information that they need in order to participate, and allowing the voices of the public to be heard by politicians. The media also assists in holding politicians to account – through reporting, and direct scrutiny such as interviews.

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? 

Threats to broadcaster impartiality

Threats to media independence

Polarising content

Weekend local and investigatory reporting

Disinformation and misinformation

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 should be regulated regularly to manage all content,