The television is one of the most widely used forms of communication technology. With nearly a 97 percent market saturation, it is hard to find a home in the United States that is without one, and even harder to find a person in the United States without some sort of access to one. With such a large rate of market saturation, TV is the ideal medium for information sharing, product marketing and entertainment.
Like any new technology, when TVs first came out they were expensive, and therefore only the wealthy classes could afford the luxury of having them, primarily white households. Consequently, programming was directed towards the wealthier, white audience that had direct access to a television. Now, TVs are very affordable, so the middle and lower class households own at least one. Since the spectrum of viewers has broadened so has the target audiences for broadcasters. On TV now, racial minorities are represented almost equally with the white population in news, reality shows and sitcoms.
The representation of racial minorities has both pros and cons.Of course one of the main pros is the implication that minority representation mirrors an evolving society, with less tolerance for racism. Another positive aspect includes exposure for young children to different types of people and ways of life. Also, with a broader range of people represented, there are more sitcom characters and media personalities for people to identify with.
Along with the positive aspects of racial representation, the growth also has negative effects. The number racial minorities being represented on television, just like with their white counterparts. directly influence the society of viewers to whom they market themselves. The ideas about about suitable behavior come across in their actions, and can effect young minds. In 2002, as study done on teen girls showed that the more television exposure a young girl had, the larger her unhappiness with her own body. (Groesz, 2002) In a 2004 study about eating disorders among racial groups (Nicholls, 2004) and a study showing a direct correlation between minority based media consumption and body dissatisfaction (Ruiz, 2004) a sharp spike in eating disorders among racial minorities has become apparent. What used to be once a problem primarily among white teenage girls has become a notable problem for hispanic and black girls as well.
The “thin ideal” has crossed racial boarders and now targets all females. (Moriarty, 2008) Since ideas about beauty are typically defined by society, and a common societal mode of information and communication is television, it is obvious that this epidemic is spreading across races because TV programming and ads includes a broader racial spectrum. (Moriarty, 2008)
In conclusion, TV has made many things possible in our society. We have a steady source of information and entertainment twenty-four hours a day. This technology has mirrored our society by representing minorities in a positive manor and broadening its target audience. But with a constant source of information, we must be wary of what information we are putting out into society, because the negative effects are becoming more and more apparent.
Groesz, L. M., Levine, M. P., & Murnen, S. K. (2002). The effect of experimental presentation
of thin media images on body satisfaction: A meta-analytic review. International Journal of
Eating Disorders, 31, 1–16.
Ruiz, S. Y., Pepper, A., & Wilfley, D. E. (2004). Obesity and body image among ethnically
diverse children and adolescents. In J. K. Thompson (Ed.), Handbook of eating disorders
and obesity (pp. 656–678). New York: John Wiley & Sons.
6 comments:
I think that this is a great topic to talk about because TV can influence people in both positive and negative ways. I also believe that that TV has the greatest impact on young females. It’s sad that such an amazing technology that is so useful can have negative thoughts on young females. This article brought attention to minority groups, which I had no idea that it affected young Hispanic and African American females as much as it does. It’s great that television has had positive impacts on expanding the target audience, but we really do need to be aware of the messages that are being conveyed through this technology
sizelove.2
TV and the media are mostly responsible for eating disorders. Sadly most women believe they have to look like the majority of the population on the television to be accepted. I'm glad that the article specified how the television also effects minority groups such as African Americans and Hispanics. It's good to show to everyone that everyone can be effected by eating disorders. Hopefully television can be used positively in the future to avoid eating disorders and reassure viewers that everyone does not have to look the same.
wetzel.67@osu.edu
I know I'm off on the statistic, but children today watch an average of 4-6 hours of TV a day. That's 4-6 hours a day children and other impressionable youth are being exposed to Hollywood's ideal of beauty and family among other ideals. This is combined off of the TV as well. Other media outlets including the Internet and magazines promote unhealthy ideals as well. It seems like such a shame that something as widely accessable as TV isn't promoting more positive, attainable images. Representing minorities is a huge milestone, but how many minority groups still aren't represented? There is also the question of how these minorities are represented. Just because they are represented, doesn't always mean they are immune to stereotyping.
Kori Upp
upp.11@osu.edu
It is horrible to think that such an entertaining vessel can also be the reason for so many individuals unhappiness. It is ridiculous how this device has the ability to dictate and rule the minds of people, especially young ladies and how they personally feel about their bodies. With so many ladies wanting to emulate the stars that are on tv, who are typically very thin, and too thin if you ask me, there is not much else to strive for and wish to become when all you see are these thin women. Wouldnt it be great if we start a new movement and burn our tv's! lol.
Jalise Humphrey
humphrey.128@osu.edu
jalise87.blogspot
Television has been one of the best new communication technologies of the last century. It's unfortunate that it has brought along negative influences on society as well. However, I have a younger sister who is 9 and I totally agree with this article. Fortunately for her she has older siblings to somewhat look up to and is somewhat of a tomboy, so she really hasn't been affected yet. However, it worries me that someday she could begin to think that way as well.
Yes, television is the cause of quick information flow to the public and yes, it has become more and more racially equal in it's programs. However, not only may TV be causing eating disorders because of it's content, but someone else posted that kids spend 4-6 hours in front of the televison each day. The content may cause eating disorders, but the actual televsion may be causing obesity. Is technology helping or hindering us? Kids, go outside and play!
Posted by gysin.1
You really thought outside the box on this topic and it brings up a great point! The body image represented on shows such as America's Next Top Model and the Victoria Secret Fashion Show does have a direct influence on their primary viewers: women. These unrealistic expectations are constantly bombarding our daily life with these images and skewed perceptions. These perceptions are even more so justified through television, which can send out mass media messages throughout the world. Whether subliminally, or blatantly, everything from commercials for the next diet fad to shows like the Biggest Looser, those who watch television more frequently tend to think about these issues more and more. The effects are more apparent when in comparison to other countries that weren’t previously exposed to such television shows. For example, there are now studies being done on a correlation between those people in developing nations who now have American TV available to them, and a higher level of cases of anorexia where there previously was NO presence of such behavior.
Ramunno.3
Post a Comment