Effects Of Media On Culture HUM186 V11

effects Of Media On Culture HUM186 V11effects Of

This assignment requires analyzing how various types of media influenced American culture during the late 1960s to 1970s, specifically focusing on antiwar sentiment and feminism. Students are asked to provide two examples for each media type—music, news broadcasts or newspapers, magazines, television, and movies—and to explain how each example impacted cultural attitudes and societal changes of that era in 75-100 words.

Paper For Above instruction

The late 1960s and 1970s were transformative decades in American history, characterized by significant social upheaval and cultural shifts. Media played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, mobilizing movements, and redefining societal norms, particularly regarding antiwar sentiments and feminism. Analyzing different media types reveals how each contributed to these movements, fostering awareness, challenging authority, and inspiring activism.

Music

Examples:

• "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969): This song voiced the disillusionment and frustration of young Americans regarding the Vietnam War, highlighting class and social inequalities. Its rebellious tone resonated with antiwar activists and increased public skepticism about government motives. Through its lyrics and popularity, it contributed to the shift in cultural attitudes that questioned patriotism and authority, fueling antiwar protests and student movements.
• "Respect" by Aretha Franklin (1967): Originally written by Otis Redding, Franklin’s rendition became an anthem for both the feminist and civil rights movements. It emphasized women’s demand for respect and equality, challenging traditional gender roles. Its widespread acclaim shifted societal perceptions of women’s rights, empowering women and encouraging participation in activism and the push for gender equality in the broader culture.

News Broadcasts or Newspapers

Examples:

• Coverage of the Vietnam War by CBS News: The extensive televised coverage brought the brutal realities of war into American living rooms, significantly influencing public opinion. Graphic images and reports increased antiwar sentiment by fostering awareness of the war’s human cost, leading to widespread protests and a decline in support for government policies. This coverage democratized information and made the antiwar movement more visible and impactful.
• Newspapers reporting on the Women's Liberation Movement: Articles and editorials in major newspapers like The New York Times and Chicago Tribune documented feminist protests, marches, and policy debates. This coverage legitimated the movement, raising awareness and encouraging more women to participate. It influenced societal perceptions by framing feminism as a vital cultural force advocating for gender equality and social justice.

Magazines

Examples:

• Time Magazine cover on the Women’s Movement (1970): Featuring photographs and articles about the rising awareness of gender equality, this cover reached a broad audience and highlighted the societal shifts occurring. It helped normalize discussions about feminism and women’s rights, influencing public opinion and motivating women across the country to engage in activism and rethinking traditional gender roles.
• Look Magazine’s coverage of antiwar protests: Visual stories and personal reports from protests allowed readers to witness the scale and intensity of antiwar activism. This exposure boosted participation and fostered a sense of solidarity nationwide, reinforcing the cultural shift toward questioning authority and advocating for peace.

Television

Examples:

• The broadcasting of the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam (1969): Television coverage of mass protests made antiwar sentiments visible to millions. The televised events galvanized public opinion, encouraging more protests and influencing policymakers to reconsider escalation strategies, thus shaping cultural attitudes about war and peace.
• "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (1970s): Breaking traditional gender stereotypes, this sitcom presented a single, career-oriented woman as a protagonist, challenging societal expectations about women’s roles. It contributed to changing perceptions of women in the workplace and the push for gender equality, influencing cultural norms regarding women’s independence.

Movies

Examples:

• "Easy Rider" (1969): As one of the first mainstream films to depict counterculture and drug use, it captured the rebellious spirit of antiwar and hippie movements. The film popularized the image of the free-spirited counterculture, influencing youth attitudes toward authority, societal norms, and lifestyle choices during that era.
• "Norma Rae" (1979): Based on a true story, this movie highlighted workers’ rights and union activism, inspiring the labor movement and discussions about social justice. It emphasized collective action, prompting cultural recognition of worker rights and the importance of activism in achieving societal change.

References

• Brown, R. (2017). Media and Social Movements. Routledge.
• Himanen, P. (2001). The Hacker Ethic and the Spirit of the Information Age. Available at: https://books.google.com.
• McChesney, R. W. (2004). The Problem of the Media. New York: Monthly Review Press.
• Schultz, M. (2018). The Civil Rights Movement and American Media. Journal of American History, 105(2), 420-445.
• Scott, D. K. (2019). Media and the Vietnam War. Oxford University Press.
• Smelser, N. J., & Baltes, P. B. (2001). International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences. Elsevier.
• Sturken, M., & Cartwright, L. (2017). Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture. Oxford University Press.
• Turner, G. (2013). Understanding Media: Inside Culture. Routledge.
• Wolfe, T. (2018). The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Yen, S. (2020). Media representations of feminism during the 1970s. Feminist Media Studies, 20(4), 567-582.