Family as portrayed in mass media Essay

Through the years, the role played by media generated socially relevant and noteworthy impacts to society. Because of exposes and investigative reports, several high-profiled and ranking individuals or personalities were forced to exit the limelight. The scandals and controversies that they went through were simply too much to bear. Whether such situations were intentional or unintentional, still it cannot be denied that media’s appeal and effects cannot be easily dismissed. On the other hand, media channels are also responsible for providing much needed information to the public. Every single day, it has been a habit for many to enjoy their favorite news programs. Others, who do not have the luxury of time, rely on newspapers and online news sites to keep on track and remain aware of the important issues of their respective communities. In recent years, being informed is a necessity rather than a mere caprice of one’s intellectual vanity. As information channels, there is no doubt that mass media has also assume the role of educating and indoctrinating many. However, if there is one thing wherein media is readily recognized—it is its capacity to bring pleasure and entertainment right in the very portals or domain’s of one’s house. While this may sound too superficial or critical about media’s function and importance, providing momentary relaxation and enjoyment is one of the fundamental reasons behind the continuous survival of different media institutions. Mass media are not created out of a vacuum. Aside from man’s desire to communicate and express himself, mass media also serve as the bread and butter of various business tycoons. Yes, it cannot be denied the fact that media are also business establishments or organizations that are aiming towards corporate-related goals and attributions, rather than maintaining its role as the public’s herald and opinion platforms. This also best explains why different media establishments use mass appeal as one of the most important factors to consider in producing various kinds of media content. As a result, various kinds of media-related products are often characterized by their mediocrity and artificiality. There are instances wherein media representations of reality are way to exaggerated or romanticized. The situations and events that are presented seem be too imaginary and does not really articulate the happenings of the real world. Like plain pictures, reality, as shown in mass media channels, such as the newspapers, radio and most especially in films and television programs are often sanitized. The situations and events that are actually happening in the real world are readily modified to capture the public’s attention and therefore garner high ratings and a pool of advertisers. On one hand, this aspect is something that commonly occurs. One should not be surprised with this system. However, since mass media are pretty influential, somehow it also affects the views and behaviors of their respective audiences. If the media is expected to become harbingers of knowledge and information, then clearly, this scenario defeats such purpose. Reality’s portrayal and depiction in mass media is yet one of the most important issues and areas of concern that should be attended and carefully addressed. This stems from the fact that media is the so-called â€Å"fourth estate† which means that these organizations are influential. It can shape and mould the opinions and views of many, which in return, are essential in creating necessary public decisions. In a sense, their notion of reality as portrayed by media can affect the manner wherein an individual generates action and responses towards his or her environment. One of the most popular themes that are often shown in the media, to be more specific in television shows and programs, revolve around family matters. Basically, there are some reasons that can explain the proliferation and promotion of such media content. First of all, filial concerns are generic and encompassing. It is generic since every human being belongs to a family. Regardless of whether a person grew up in a â€Å"foster family,† still the notion of belonging to a highly reliable and trusted group is still apparent. Perhaps the only difference is that, in such a scenario, the biological connections are absent. But then again, in terms of having a primary foundation for one’s identity and members who are always there throughout the time are evident. The kind of â€Å"togetherness† and â€Å"identification† that other groups cannot possibly provide can be seen in the family. Tackling topics and themes regarding the family provides a common ground for many viewers. The problems and experiences that are shown in family oriented shows are reflective of the daily undertakings of an individual. It is easier for the audience to relate and connect to such themes. Understanding the concepts that are being shown does not generate much difficulty compared to other television programs. Despite of the fact that there are episodes which may dwell on heavy themes, the complexity may not be as intense as those of highly-customized shows such as documentaries for example or even in television programs that specifically deals with scientific-related issues and concerns. Given this aspect at hand, family oriented shows can capture the attention and interest of the viewer’s majority in a household. Within a family of five, there is a big chance for a family-oriented program to control these audiences. One can just imagine how many viewers a family oriented show can accumulate in just a single episode. This of course does not include patrons who are outside of the United States. Lastly, it can be also argued that family television programs or shows have less possibilities of being subject to censorship by media regulation boards and groups. Family alone as a concept means that children are involved. Therefore, the producers of these shows should be wary about the language that they use. This is already given regardless of whether minor audiences are really involved or not. Being tactful is strictly observed. What does this mean? This means that the show can somehow avoid the pitfalls and repercussions of being suspended and paying large amounts or sums of fines. The operations are maintained and somehow the program is able to enjoy a considerably high rating and at the same time retain its most loyal viewers or audiences. There is indeed a market for family-oriented shows and programs. However, the more pressing issues and concerns that should be given focus in here is the manner wherein mass media portrays and depict the overall picture of family life. One of the most immediate matters that should be addressed is whether the actual reality of what is happening within the lives of many families is â€Å"truly† shown in television shows and sitcoms. More often than not, while it is true that mass media seeks for objectivity and unbiased representation of reality, it is still affected by the politics, culture and orientation that surrounds it. These forces cannot be really excluded in the whole discussion since these have effects and impacts when it comes to media content. Yet, one should be wary of the fact that focusing on how family life is being shown in mass media channels covers a wide scope. Therefore, in order to make the study more specific and maintain clarity, the explanations and arguments presented in this paper shall provide emphasis on how gender roles are being contextualized in family-oriented programs or shows. In lieu to this, power relations and class struggles shall be touched and analyzed in the whole discussion. The whole concept and meaning of the term â€Å"family† connotes and convey â€Å"oneness, togetherness and belongingness. † However, the divisions that are brought upon by gender and sexual orientations somehow affect the three notions. At the same time, this also have an impact on how the overall picture of being family is being created right in front of the public’s eyes. If mass media has the power to reflect the multi-faceted aspects of reality, then the shows and programs that are shown by these institutions is expected to bring reality—as close as possible to its specific set of audience and viewers. The overall system that dictates society is still patriarchal. The governing rule that is practiced and adhered to is still male-oriented. But then again, it can be seen that the so-called â€Å"girl empowerment† is now making its presence felt. Women are no longer seen as the weaker sex. However, many have been familiar with the â€Å"male system—† that totally asserting women’s voices and opinions becomes a complicated task. In this context, whether equality and justice is already achieved, shall be answered in the succeeding parts of the discussion.