Effects of Visual Media
Effects of Visual Media
Your Name
HUM/176
June 2, 2013
Instructor
Effects of Visual Media As film technology has advanced through the years of development to the media outlet it is today, films have shaped culture and attitudes through stories and other content. As more movies are produced, views and values of society continue to alter based on the images portrayed. These changes in society occur because moviegoers absorb the styles and attitudes of idolized characters from films. For example, in the late 1960s, several movies were released depicting rebellion and violence. Movies such as “The Wild Bunch” and “Bonnie and Clyde” let to more liberal attitudes toward social order as well as an acceptance of violence and sex on-screen (Lule, 2012). More films were produced to specifically shape the viewpoints of the audience once filmmakers took notice. The movie “Super-Size Me” is one example of a movie produced specifically to alter perceptions of society. Television provided a source of at home visual entertainment beginning in the 1950s. Initially, television was a family oriented activity with programming such as “Leave it to Beaver” featuring white families living in suburban communities with a focus on issues of family life but not on issues of society. These types of shows depicted the ideals of the time. As society events began to create stress in everyday lives during the 1960s, shows like “Bewitched” provided a world of fantasy and escape, but still avoided discussing the issues of the time. Between the 70s and today, shows began appearing discussing social issues such as single parent households, gender roles, and sexual orientation. Some shows such as “Murphy Brown” and “Ellen” airing during this timeframe were quite controversial for their roles in shaping society’s views on sexuality and the family unit. New forms of technologies have changed how we view film and television. Our culture has changed from one that goes out to movies and stays home
Your Name
HUM/176
June 2, 2013
Instructor
Effects of Visual Media As film technology has advanced through the years of development to the media outlet it is today, films have shaped culture and attitudes through stories and other content. As more movies are produced, views and values of society continue to alter based on the images portrayed. These changes in society occur because moviegoers absorb the styles and attitudes of idolized characters from films. For example, in the late 1960s, several movies were released depicting rebellion and violence. Movies such as “The Wild Bunch” and “Bonnie and Clyde” let to more liberal attitudes toward social order as well as an acceptance of violence and sex on-screen (Lule, 2012). More films were produced to specifically shape the viewpoints of the audience once filmmakers took notice. The movie “Super-Size Me” is one example of a movie produced specifically to alter perceptions of society. Television provided a source of at home visual entertainment beginning in the 1950s. Initially, television was a family oriented activity with programming such as “Leave it to Beaver” featuring white families living in suburban communities with a focus on issues of family life but not on issues of society. These types of shows depicted the ideals of the time. As society events began to create stress in everyday lives during the 1960s, shows like “Bewitched” provided a world of fantasy and escape, but still avoided discussing the issues of the time. Between the 70s and today, shows began appearing discussing social issues such as single parent households, gender roles, and sexual orientation. Some shows such as “Murphy Brown” and “Ellen” airing during this timeframe were quite controversial for their roles in shaping society’s views on sexuality and the family unit. New forms of technologies have changed how we view film and television. Our culture has changed from one that goes out to movies and stays home
References: Duminica, D., & Popescu, G. (2012). The relationship between media and violence. Revista de Stiinte Politice(35), 421-428. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1346868613?accountid=35812 Lule, J. (2012). Exploring media and culture (1st ed.). Irvington, NY: Flat Word Knowledge, Inc..