Monday, November 06, 2006
Marxism!
Karl Marx's social theory which states that in capitalism the bourgeoisie (upper classes) exploit the proletariat (workers). In terms of the media, media texts produced within the capitalist society maintain social divides between the bourgeoisie and proletariat. 'Culture Industries' want to attract large audiences due to the profit motive and therefore dumb down their output. Mass media is seen to entertain the masses whilst subconciously enforcing ideologies of the hegemony.
In terms of the general theory I wouldn't consider myself to be a Marxist. The idea of a utopian society created by equality doesn't appeal to me. This is because no matter how hard you worked you couldn't be any better off then you are already- there'd nothing to aspire to. Everyone would be the same. I suppose what comes into it is greed in a way, I just wouldn't be content with getting the same as everyone else.
However in terms of Marxism and media I think that most of the points have an element of truth in them, especially the idea of the audience being entertained whilst being 'drip fed' ideologies.
a_moran at 9:06 pm