28 September 2012

Can Negative Stereotypes in the Media Be Reduced?

Negative stereotypes are used everyday by nearly everyone. The uses range from serious to joking matters that are aimed towards a shock-reaction factor...to make people feel as though they're part of the "in crowd." The only way to proactively eliminate these derogatory uses would be to start from the source - media itself. They are "powerful sources of information that help us understand ourselves and others in society. They define what are normal and acceptable behaviors...who are to be admired and...to be ridiculed." While these negative stereotypes are still widely used throughout the media, I do believe that the usage of such terms can be reduced.

"Don't Litter...Save Our Streams." - University of Missouri

I believe that we've come a long way since the times of segregation and extreme racism; however, there's still the inkling in the back of our minds that tells us that there's a gap. In order to overcome the gap, we need to start with the place of most power...the media. Media is something that everyone in the world turns to in order to obtain information. They influence our lives and end up being the source of many negative stereotypes that are used. Media "teach us who are of a higher status and who are of a lower status...they subtly inform us about why status and power differences exist in society." From the media, we understand who's who in society and how they're to be treated. They create all sorts of names for all kinds of people. I believe that the media should be held accountable for all that they say - even more so than they probably already are - so that today's generation can have a respect and understanding of all people. "It is important that the media paint as accurate a picture of both sides...as is possible"..."Media plays an important role in both perpetuating and in breaking down stereotypes. If they emphasize the positive aspects of groups that contradict prevalent stereotypes, they can have a significant role in building mutual understanding." I believe that it is possible - a less negatively stereotyped media...for starters, there should just be rules implanted for media companies and they should be strictly followed. Producers of companies just have to be willing enough to take steps in the right direction in order to positively portray the citizens of the world.

Storm clouds over Jesse Hall. - University of Missouri

Often times, radio talk shows, TV comedy shows, etc. use such stereotypes because they are "eager" and "like being in the in crowd" (Kosova***), but when does fitting in equate to putting other people down? The media should realize this and show "that there is hope" and to help "people visualize a better life in a better world." Broadcasters understand this concept, I think, but I feel like it's hard for them to comply with the standard of society when they're always going for higher rating. I feel like such broadcasts should focus less on ratings and more on content - that's what we all really want anyways...good content. In order to truly achieve a better media system in which there are rarely negative stereotypes used, all of the media outlets would have to join together. Granted, this would be a difficult task, seeing as "racism [and negative stereotypes still] remain a central issue in our national life" (Kosova***), but it is achievable. Just like everything else in this world, it will take time...though it is entirely possible to overcome.

***Kosova, Weston. "Issue 8: Can Negative Stereotypes in the Media Be Reduced?" Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Race and Ethnicity. 8th Ed. N. p.: Contemporary Learning Series, n.d. 140-145. Print.***

23 September 2012

Tiger Plaza & Jesse Hall. - University of Missouri

Adjustments are hard. Especially when you're left somewhere that you're not familiar with. When you know no one, don't know where anything is and feel lost, you end up learning a lot about yourself. Starting over isn't always easy, but it can be done nonetheless. Nothing is impossible. Fresh starts are a good thing - like new opportunities. Lots of people, me included, don't always see the good in moments as they pass. At first we have negative attitudes toward these things - we think that they won't work out and that there's no point. I think it's easier to just keep an open mind and live in the moment. It happens that more often than not, we look back and are happy with everything that's happened - it all happens for a reason. There may be little things that get us down from day to day but in the grand scheme of things, what's really the difference? I like to go with the flow of life and see where it leads. You never truly know something until you give it a try. It's moments like these that help pull us together. No one can really understand an experience unless they've experienced it themselves. There's so much misunderstanding in life, and most of it is fueled by false preconceptions.

The sun set in Columbia, MO. - Penthouse of Hatch Hall

Each day I learn a little more about how life works in general. I see how people interact and how we choose who we want to be in life. Those of us who're left out at first are the ones who figure ourselves out faster. It's difficult to say that we're one thing when we're not even completely sure about it to begin with. What better way to go through life than to just let whatever happens happen and be content in knowing that we're headed in the right direction.