The Influence of Television in Politics - 2006 Words

The Influence of Television in Politics Kendra Harris Brigham Young University- Idaho Author Note This paper was prepared for Professor Kiersten Lee’s FDENG 201 class. The Influence of Television in Politics â€Å"Americans are the best entertained and quite likely the least-informed people in the Western world.† (Postman, 1984, p. 2) While this statement is painfully ominous, its message is one that has been debated tirelessly since the dawn of technology. The influence of television in politics is one with strong advocates and opponents. There have been many studies and investigations into the effects of technology on the political world, and yet no conclusive evidence has come forth. (Rannay, 1985, p. 3) Despite this, it is no†¦show more content†¦Instead, they just skim over politics, taking in a few stories here and there (mostly the more controversial stories that get more media coverage) and make their decision as to who will be president. Despite the accomplishments of television and the media â€Å"[†¦] their news departments tend to operate as [a] show-business.† (Goodman, 1994, n.p.) Just like in show business , anything slow and detailed is boring in television, and so Americans greedily gobble up light dishes of insignificant facts, leaving the heavier business of issue concerns to others. This â€Å"[†¦] condition is chronic and has become painfully evident in the late political season [†¦] A medium that has shown it can bring information and even ideas effectively to millions is reduced every two years to a tool for stirring up emotions and shutting down minds.† (Goodman, 1994, n.p.) But enough of this depressing business for a moment; let us discuss why we are allowing ourselves to become so politically lazy. The social stigma of a lazy American is common but is not necessarily true. So why do so many Americans allow themselves to be swept up in political frenzy, eventually making bad decisions that lead to bad government? The answer is in the way we think. As Americans become exposed to more and more information the ability to think deeply and comprehensively is los t. In modern times, â€Å"the advantages of having immediate access to such an incredibly rich store of information are many, andShow MoreRelatedThe Influence of Television on American Society and Politics1709 Words   |  7 Pagesnewspapers, televisions and the internet, has any media had enough of an impact to alter the conclusion of a war. As the industry of newspapers and posters started to boom during the Second World War, reporters and media companies began exaggerating the story or even exacerbating the story because this fabrication made money quickly and easily. The lies and exaggerations of the media bring fear and strike panic across the nation. 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