As most political
information is now disseminated by television, radio, newspapers and magazines,
much of modern debate about socialization focuses on the role of mass media. In
a formally controlled communication system, the media becomes something more than
a propaganda machine.
In a democratic system,
media is free to display everything that is bound under its vast boundaries. It
may disseminate information in a deliberate attempt to shape ideas and
opinions. This may prove to be dreadful. Media plays a strong role in
propagation of hatred among people. For example western media displays a single
attack by the Hamas on Israel in such a way that it has more impact on the
neutrals than when they show several Israeli attacks on Palestinians. And this
way, it shapes the political mind of people and propagates political
socialization.
Same case is for
Pakistani media. Every channel portrays the same news in such different manners
that they may be contradicting themselves. They may also prioritize the
importance of news themselves. In case of mass killings of Muslims in Burma in
2013, no news was telecast on any channel in Pakistan.
The FRAMING EFFECT used
by the media has profound impact on the political thinking of an individual and
groups.
In the world of technological advances, i agree with you that media plays a key role in shaping views of the people and manipulating them to suit their interests.
ReplyDeleteWith on-going war on terror in the country, Pakistan has become nothing less than a graveyard. Yet, the Pakistan national channel, PTV, would not address the sensitivity of the situations and portrays Pakistan as a peaceful state. On the other end, other tv channels are engaged in debating and switching sides with regards to political leaders as recently witnessed during the elections in Pakistan.
I agree. In fact I think that white supremacy in America causes crimes committed by the white to appear as petty/of less significance and those committed by blacks or Muslims to be shown as unforgivable.
ReplyDelete