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Ideologies and Ideologies in Media

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Submitted By saniya10
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Media is one of the greatest influences on an individual of all time, using ideological messages that are interwoven into society. Many refer to ideology as the study of ideas, it is defined as a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy or a particular way of thinking and seeing the world that makes the existing organization of social relation appear natural and inevitable (Grossberg, 193). In more simple words, it is commonly referred to as “false consciousness,” originally from politics, ideology refers to the way people think about the world and their ideal concept of how to live in the world. A very board term that has different branches and can relate to many different parts of media; it is a system of values, attitudes and beliefs that are important to an individual, group or society. All forms of media can have a great ideological influence on their audience and most media portrays a dominant message that can define the values and beliefs of an individual or society whether in a positive or a negative way.
Dominant ideologies are ideologies that are used very commonly by the media that are sometimes mistaken for reality. They are always reflected in the media, and reflect dominate social relations and support dominant social groups. If those in charge of our society – politicians, corporate executives, and owners of press and television – can dominate our ideas, they will be secure in their power. They will not need soldiers patrolling the streets. We will control ourselves. (Zinn, 1991) Zinn’s understanding of ideology and how it dominates our world is true, we are controlled by what controls the media. The media shows us only what we need to know, people watch the news to stay informed and on top of what is happening in the world, but the news does not give us the full story. The news gives

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