We understand
through the functionalist theory how the media works. Their function is: to
help, relate, play, inform and influence. Although these entirely serve a good
purpose they also divert our attention, avoid social action and increases
passivity. Within all this there exists bias in the media whether it is Mainstream
or Alternative/Independent media. The mainstream media are more concern with
garnering profits whereas independent media focuses more on issues and how to
deal with them. Atton (2002) stated that there is controversy to exactly what alternative
media is since they operate like mainstream working under the guise of
independent media. Some see it also as a replacement or complementing mass
media
I mentioned this
since sometimes it isn’t easy to know who exactly stands where. As mentioned in
the last presentation in class “today’s independent may become tomorrow’s mainstream”.
However, it is wise that we become media literate so we as consumers can think
on our own and know what to look out for when we view or listen to media put out
there, as well as, question and make sense of it.
In Andrew Blau’s
“Deep Focus” a study on the future of independent media we see the different
changes and range in which technology operates to enhance the experience of
independent media and provide new ways of seeing and talking through these
devices and upgrades. Consideration must be placed though on how we use them.
As put out by our lecturer we need to move away from our dependency on Facebook
since our time spent on it allows us to procrastinate or not prioritize
properly.
The question put
forth is what are we going to do? Yes we can continue blogging but what else. I
think it firstly begins with being educated. We must be aware of how something
works in order to deal with it. We can start by being critical consumers of
media messages.
·
Learn
how media works-understand the construction and production of media, how it
distorts reality and know the difference between information and persuasion and
what truth is and what isn’t.
·
Ensure
that your usage of media is extensive in terms of variety.
·
Check
the media’s credibility
·
Exercise
critical thinking-beware of stereotypes, know that there is always more to be
said on a topic and look at how the media generalizes things.
AFTER THIS WHAT
IS OUR STAND AND WHERE DO WE STAND.ARE WE GOING TO BE SILENCED BY INJUSTICE OR
LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD.WE ARE NEXT IN LINE, SO LET THE BUCK START WITH US AND
HOPEFULLY WE CAN MAKE THE CHANGE WE DESIRE.
