Understanding Mass Media and Popular Culture: The Role, Influence, and Sociological Theories

 
Mass Media and Popular
Culture
 
IB Language and Literature 2
Mr. Marusevich
 
The Role and Influence of Mass Media
 
Mass media
 is communication—whether written, broadcast, or
spoken—that reaches a large audience. This includes television,
radio, advertising, movies, the Internet, newspapers, magazines,
and so forth.
Mediated culture
 = where media reflects and creates the culture.
Mass media makes possible the concept of celebrity: without the
ability of movies, magazines, and news media to reach across
thousands of miles, people could not become famous. In fact, only
political and business leaders, as well as the few notorious
outlaws, were famous in the past. Only recently, have actors,
singers, and other social elites become celebrities or “stars.”
 
Sociological Theories on the Role of Mass
Media (prior to the Information Age)
 
Limited Effects Theory
Limited Effects Theory
: People generally choose what to watch or
: People generally choose what to watch or
read based on what they 
read based on what they 
already
already
 believe; media exerts a negligible
 believe; media exerts a negligible
influence.  This concept was theorized when the availability and
influence.  This concept was theorized when the availability and
dominance of media was far less widespread.
dominance of media was far less widespread.
Class-Dominant Theory
Class-Dominant Theory
: Media reflects and projects the view of a
: Media reflects and projects the view of a
minority elite, which controls it.  The owners of corporations that
minority elite, which controls it.  The owners of corporations that
produce media comprise this elite.  Many experts are concerned that
produce media comprise this elite.  Many experts are concerned that
a few people in society have the ability to manipulate what people
a few people in society have the ability to manipulate what people
can see or hear.
can see or hear.
Advertising also plays a huge role in what a media outlet will air,
Advertising also plays a huge role in what a media outlet will air,
so this can reflect the ideals/agenda of a sponsor.  If something is
so this can reflect the ideals/agenda of a sponsor.  If something is
broadcast that goes against a sponsor’s agenda, the media outlet
broadcast that goes against a sponsor’s agenda, the media outlet
can lose a considerable amount of advertising funds.
can lose a considerable amount of advertising funds.
 
Sociological Theories on the Role of Mass
Media - Continued
 
Culturist Theory
Culturist Theory
: This theory was developed in the late 80s and
: This theory was developed in the late 80s and
early 90s.  It combines the previous two theories and claims that
early 90s.  It combines the previous two theories and claims that
people interact with media to create their own meanings out of
people interact with media to create their own meanings out of
the images/messages that are broadcast.
the images/messages that are broadcast.
Audiences play a more active role in relation with mass media.
Audiences play a more active role in relation with mass media.
Researchers theorize that people approach media texts and
Researchers theorize that people approach media texts and
interpret them based on their own knowledge and experience.
interpret them based on their own knowledge and experience.
Therefore, culturalist theorists claim that, while a few elite
Therefore, culturalist theorists claim that, while a few elite
people may exert significant control over what information
people may exert significant control over what information
media outlets produce, personal perspectives play a very
media outlets produce, personal perspectives play a very
important role in how audiences interpret media.
important role in how audiences interpret media.
 
What is Pop Culture?
 
According to Ashley Crossman, “Popular culture (or "pop culture")
According to Ashley Crossman, “Popular culture (or "pop culture")
refers in general to the traditions and material culture of a particular
refers in general to the traditions and material culture of a particular
society. Pop culture refers to cultural products such as music, art,
society. Pop culture refers to cultural products such as music, art,
literature, fashion, dance, film, cyber culture, television, and radio
literature, fashion, dance, film, cyber culture, television, and radio
that are consumed by the majority of a society's population.
that are consumed by the majority of a society's population.
The term "popular culture" was coined in the mid-19th century, and it
The term "popular culture" was coined in the mid-19th century, and it
referred to the cultural traditions of the people, in contrast to the
referred to the cultural traditions of the people, in contrast to the
"official culture" of the state or governing classes. Pop culture is
"official culture" of the state or governing classes. Pop culture is
often considered a more superficial or lesser type of artistic
often considered a more superficial or lesser type of artistic
expression.
expression.
Zeitgeist
Zeitgeist
: a concept in German philosophy, meaning "spirit of the
: a concept in German philosophy, meaning "spirit of the
age" or "spirit of the times".
age" or "spirit of the times".
 
What are Pop Culture Texts ?
 
Movies – 
Titanic, Star Wars, Harry Potter
Music – The Beatles, “Baby Shark,” and “Gangnam Style”
Books – 
I am Malala
, 
The Hunger Games
Television – 
Game of Thrones
, 
Friends, The Office
Sports – Loss of Kobe Bryant, Super Bowl
Social Media – The dress, memes, TikTok
Video Games – 
Call of Duty, GTA V
Corporate Brands – Coca Cola, McDonald’s
 
Fads, Trends, and Icons in Popular Culture
 
Fad
Fad
: An intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something,
: An intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something,
especially one that is short-lived and without basis in the object's
especially one that is short-lived and without basis in the object's
qualities; a craze. Example - YOLO
qualities; a craze. Example - YOLO
Trend
Trend
: A trend is a general direction into which something is
: A trend is a general direction into which something is
changing, developing, or veering toward.  A fad can develop into a
changing, developing, or veering toward.  A fad can develop into a
trend, but not all fads become trends.  Trends last longer than
trend, but not all fads become trends.  Trends last longer than
fads. Example – iPhones in the latter 2000s
fads. Example – iPhones in the latter 2000s
Icon
Icon
:  A cultural icon can be a symbol, logo, picture, name, face,
:  A cultural icon can be a symbol, logo, picture, name, face,
person, building, or other image. It is easily recognized and
person, building, or other image. It is easily recognized and
generally represents an object or idea with great cultural
generally represents an object or idea with great cultural
significance to a wide cultural group.
significance to a wide cultural group.
What are some fads, trends, and icons that you can think from the past ten
What are some fads, trends, and icons that you can think from the past ten
years?
years?
 
Understanding Humor in Pop Culture
 
Once something enters the “pop culture” pantheon, it is often made fun
Once something enters the “pop culture” pantheon, it is often made fun
of using certain humorous techniques.  
of using certain humorous techniques.  
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live
 is a prime
 is a prime
example of poking fun at timely and relevant pop culture moments.
example of poking fun at timely and relevant pop culture moments.
Because the show is live and produced within a week, it is a perfect
Because the show is live and produced within a week, it is a perfect
vehicle to mock pop culture trends before they fade from public
vehicle to mock pop culture trends before they fade from public
consciousness.  This can be done through satire, parody, or spoof.
consciousness.  This can be done through satire, parody, or spoof.
Satire
Satire
: the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose
: the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose
and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of
and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of
contemporary politics and other topical issues. (Please see the two
contemporary politics and other topical issues. (Please see the two
major forms of satire.)
major forms of satire.)
Parody
Parody
: An imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or
: An imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or
genre with 
genre with 
deliberate
deliberate
 
 
exaggeration
exaggeration
 for comic effect.
 for comic effect.
Try to find an example of a satire and a parody and how they differ.
Try to find an example of a satire and a parody and how they differ.
 
A Tale of Two Satires
 
Horatian satire
--After the Roman satirist Horace:  Satire in which
the voice is indulgent, tolerant, amused, and witty.  The speaker
playfully ridicules the absurdities and follies of human beings,
government bureaucracy, current societal issues. The overall point
is to be humorous (not bitter and angry).
Juvenalian satire
--After the Roman satirist Juvenal:  Formal satire
in which the speaker attacks the vices and errors of society with
contempt and indignation.  Juvenalian satire strongly contrasts to
Horatian satire.  It sets out to rile feathers and incite outrage at
current societal trends.
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Mass media encompasses various forms of communication that reach a broad audience, influencing culture and shaping perceptions of celebrity. Sociological theories, such as Limited Effects Theory and Culturist Theory, explain how media interacts with society. Popular culture refers to widely consumed cultural products reflecting the spirit of the times. Explore the dynamics of media and its impact on society.


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  1. Mass Media and Popular Culture IB Language and Literature 2 Mr. Marusevich

  2. The Role and Influence of Mass Media Mass media is communication whether written, broadcast, or spoken that reaches a large audience. This includes television, radio, advertising, movies, the Internet, newspapers, magazines, and so forth. Mediated culture = where media reflects and creates the culture. Mass media makes possible the concept of celebrity: without the ability of movies, magazines, and news media to reach across thousands of miles, people could not become famous. In fact, only political and business leaders, as well as the few notorious outlaws, were famous in the past. Only recently, have actors, singers, and other social elites become celebrities or stars.

  3. Sociological Theories on the Role of Mass Media (prior to the Information Age) Limited Effects Theory: People generally choose what to watch or read based on what they already believe; media exerts a negligible influence. This concept was theorized when the availability and dominance of media was far less widespread. Class-Dominant Theory: Media reflects and projects the view of a minority elite, which controls it. produce media comprise this elite. Many experts are concerned that a few people in society have the ability to manipulate what people can see or hear. Advertising also plays a huge role in what a media outlet will air, so this can reflect the ideals/agenda of a sponsor. If something is broadcast that goes against a sponsor s agenda, the media outlet can lose a considerable amount of advertising funds. The owners of corporations that

  4. Sociological Theories on the Role of Mass Media - Continued Culturist Theory: This theory was developed in the late 80s and early 90s. It combines the previous two theories and claims that people interact with media to create their own meanings out of the images/messages that are broadcast. Audiences play a more active role in relation with mass media. Researchers theorize that people approach media texts and interpret them based on their own knowledge and experience. Therefore, culturalist theorists claim that, while a few elite people may exert significant control over what information media outlets produce, personal perspectives play a very important role in how audiences interpret media.

  5. What is Pop Culture? According to Ashley Crossman, Popular culture (or "pop culture") refers in general to the traditions and material culture of a particular society. Pop culture refers to cultural products such as music, art, literature, fashion, dance, film, cyber culture, television, and radio that are consumed by the majority of a society's population. The term "popular culture" was coined in the mid-19th century, and it referred to the cultural traditions of the people, in contrast to the "official culture" of the state or governing classes. Pop culture is often considered a more superficial or lesser type of artistic expression. Zeitgeist: a concept in German philosophy, meaning "spirit of the age" or "spirit of the times".

  6. What are Pop Culture Texts ? Movies Titanic, Star Wars, Harry Potter Music The Beatles, Baby Shark, and Gangnam Style Books I am Malala, The Hunger Games Television Game of Thrones, Friends, The Office Sports Loss of Kobe Bryant, Super Bowl Social Media The dress, memes, TikTok Video Games Call of Duty, GTA V Corporate Brands Coca Cola, McDonald s

  7. Fads, Trends, and Icons in Popular Culture Fad: An intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short-lived and without basis in the object's qualities; a craze. Example - YOLO Trend: A trend is a general direction into which something is changing, developing, or veering toward. A fad can develop into a trend, but not all fads become trends. Trends last longer than fads. Example iPhones in the latter 2000s Icon: A cultural icon can be a symbol, logo, picture, name, face, person, building, or other image. It is easily recognized and generally represents an object or idea with great cultural significance to a wide cultural group. What are some fads, trends, and icons that you can think from the past ten years?

  8. Understanding Humor in Pop Culture Once something enters the pop culture pantheon, it is often made fun of using certain humorous techniques. Saturday Night Live is a prime example of poking fun at timely and relevant pop culture moments. Because the show is live and produced within a week, it is a perfect vehicle to mock pop culture trends before they fade from public consciousness. This can be done through satire, parody, or spoof. Satire: the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues. (Please see the two major forms of satire.) Parody: An imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect. Try to find an example of a satire and a parody and how they differ.

  9. A Tale of Two Satires Horatian satire--After the Roman satirist Horace: Satire in which the voice is indulgent, tolerant, amused, and witty. The speaker playfully ridicules the absurdities and follies of human beings, government bureaucracy, current societal issues. The overall point is to be humorous (not bitter and angry). Juvenalian satire--After the Roman satirist Juvenal: Formal satire in which the speaker attacks the vices and errors of society with contempt and indignation. Juvenalian satire strongly contrasts to Horatian satire. It sets out to rile feathers and incite outrage at current societal trends.

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