What’s the ‘perfect’ look? That is the million dollar question. Everybody wants to look presentable and beautiful, especially when they interact with other people. In the old days a gentleman or a lady would trust their tailor to give them a suitable ‘look’, as they were the people who made garments. Today, we have something called the fashion ‘industry’. Fashion magazines and even newspaper articles tell us what the ‘well-dressed’ man is wearing.
Media influences one’s personal identity or ‘self-image’in the following ways:
[1] Reinforcement of personal values: We look to the media for affirmation of our personal values. For example, we like certain films or serials because we agree with the ideology. People who have a liberal outlook will watch and discuss TV programmes, books or newspaper articles that reflect their value system. A TV serial such as ‘Modern family’ is appreciated by all who believe in equal rights for all, especially LGBT rights. ‘Masterchef Australia’ may be popular with guys who like to cook, because it ‘proves’ that it’s okay for men to become chefs if they want to.
[2] Finding models of Behaviour: The characters in TV series, films, books and celebrities whose lives and actions are reported in the newspapers and magazines, provide models of behaviour, which often influence the way we interact with each other and the world. It is often noticed that children and young persons may copy the way a particular character acts in a movie or television serial. Others may be inspired by a ‘role model’. Before Abdul Kalam became the President of India, few people knew about him. But when the press and the media made President Abdul Kalam a celebrity by reporting on his achievements as a scientist and a human being, there were several school children across India who declared that they wanted to be like Dr Abdul Kalam.
[3] Getting insight into ones’ self : There are several publications, magazines, talk shows, and TV programmes that discuss practical problems, psychological problems, family problems and many individuals seek them out to understand themselves in a better way. Even films and Television dramas can help a person introspect, and change his attitude and behaviour.
In conclusion:
Media constantly presents to us a barrage of images that are designed to influence our choices in the form of advertisements. One can view Lady Gaga’s bizarre costumes as an ongoing protest against the ‘fashion industry’. We should be aware and not become a victim of some hard selling advertisements that make us feel ‘small’, ‘left-out’ or inadequate just because we don’t own a particular brand of shoes, clothes, or television.
Media influences one’s personal identity or ‘self-image’in the following ways:
[1] Reinforcement of personal values: We look to the media for affirmation of our personal values. For example, we like certain films or serials because we agree with the ideology. People who have a liberal outlook will watch and discuss TV programmes, books or newspaper articles that reflect their value system. A TV serial such as ‘Modern family’ is appreciated by all who believe in equal rights for all, especially LGBT rights. ‘Masterchef Australia’ may be popular with guys who like to cook, because it ‘proves’ that it’s okay for men to become chefs if they want to.
[2] Finding models of Behaviour: The characters in TV series, films, books and celebrities whose lives and actions are reported in the newspapers and magazines, provide models of behaviour, which often influence the way we interact with each other and the world. It is often noticed that children and young persons may copy the way a particular character acts in a movie or television serial. Others may be inspired by a ‘role model’. Before Abdul Kalam became the President of India, few people knew about him. But when the press and the media made President Abdul Kalam a celebrity by reporting on his achievements as a scientist and a human being, there were several school children across India who declared that they wanted to be like Dr Abdul Kalam.
[3] Getting insight into ones’ self : There are several publications, magazines, talk shows, and TV programmes that discuss practical problems, psychological problems, family problems and many individuals seek them out to understand themselves in a better way. Even films and Television dramas can help a person introspect, and change his attitude and behaviour.
In conclusion:
Media constantly presents to us a barrage of images that are designed to influence our choices in the form of advertisements. One can view Lady Gaga’s bizarre costumes as an ongoing protest against the ‘fashion industry’. We should be aware and not become a victim of some hard selling advertisements that make us feel ‘small’, ‘left-out’ or inadequate just because we don’t own a particular brand of shoes, clothes, or television.
