I believe after watching both films Paradise lost and Bowling for Columbine it showcased just how people can judge solely off of appearance and label them based off of what society or the media thinks is not the "norm". In Paradise lost people had preconceived notions about the teenage boys who were being held at trial for murder. In the film they showcase the trial and kept bringing up their appearance, tastes in music and how they were said to believe in satan. All of these acussations were dragged through each interview to lead people to believe that just because you dress in all black or listen to a certain type of genre of music you are capable of murder or any type of crime.
I have to say that the media has a huge effect on this because they have formed people to believe that "Goth" or "Emo" kids are troubled kids. They put out in the world through movies and television shows that the kids who bully people or rebel are usually dressed a certain type of way and have interests that are different from the rest. The media influences the youth and what they believe. People watch these shows and think that it is cool to act a certain way and they end up mimicking the charters behavior.
I agree, the media gives us preconceived stereotypes however we learn in "Paradise Lost" that Damien's interest in Wicca grew from his strong Catholic background and the notion of love and goodness.
ReplyDeleteAnd like the Marilyn Manson interview, it is easy for the media to group Marilyn Manson and his fans and Damien who has a desire to learn Wicca in the same category. First, Damien and Marilyn Manson is like comparing apples to oranges. The latter based his entertainment on shock value, producing songs that involve masochism and bestiality. IT is pretty much the completely opposite of what Damien is interested in. The only striking similarities is the color black.
I do agree with you when it comes to media having an effect however I feel that media shouldn't be the only effect. We should also consider the environment and the way the person was raised/ how he or she acts. The media could show you but how a person interprets media is another thing. The goths for example, a person who doesn't understand it (like in the film) accuses it for being the influence that killed the kids. However, to the defendant, maybe it is consider as an escape from reality. As Jenkins states in his article: "Listen to our children. Don't fear them." If people took the time to listen instead of accusing and blaming media as a huge affect then we would have less problems.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the media is just one aspect that can effect the youth. People need to take into consideration the environment they surround themselves in because kids are easy influenced. I think if people at a young age instill certain beliefs or behavior that can change how someone perceives things or is brought up.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think a big proof of what you are saying is in the Marilyn Manson interview. Manson says that he sings rock music. The president can declare an air strike. The media depicts Manson as a bad role model and the President as a good one. I an not trying to say that the president is a bad role model but i think Manson has a point that the media depicts music as a stronger influence then the president of the united states
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