#12: Media Constructs Reality

I think the most important way media constructs reality is through manipulating the way we see each other.  The media affects the way we see each other by creating and reinforcing stereotypes.  In this class, already we have discussed gender and race-based stereotypes, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.  We also view violence and sexuality different that we have in the past, and this is partly simply due to the evolution of our society, but the  spike in media consumption certainly has a lot to due with it also.  As we discussed, people right now feel like there are in danger of violence more than ever before, but in actuality crime rate has dropped.  This is simply because the media highlights violence almost more than anything else.  Gender stereotypes are constantly being reinforced.  Just look at the way men and women are portrayed differently in Nikki Minaj's latest hit (hint- the only male figure in that video is Drake).