How Media Influences Our Lives

How Media Influences Our Lives

“Purchase this model of car, you will love it! Vote for this politician since he will be the answer to all our troubles. Go green! It is the suave thing to do”. Media is everywhere, and quite influential; from the newest clothing trends to wear or follow, to the politician one should vote for. It is rather a liberal media and gives much positive feedback on any liberal issues, and much more negative comments toward conservative matters. If the television or magazine says something is “in”, then it must be true. Many individuals (men, women, young or old) feed off of what the media says and feel the need to take notice of everything. Though many individuals have been taught morals, it seems as though the media has more of a say in how one acts and does things. Many companies have had much success thanks to magazines and others advertising them, and many politicians have become increasingly popular due to the magazines, news, and others praising them. Like a Venus flytrap, the media lures their prey (the average person) with the intoxicating scent of persuasion. There are steps that can be taken in order not to fall into the trap of the media, but it is up to the individual to take action. The media can be an influential object, but the chains can be broken.

In Leading Men: Looking at Presidential Contenders Through a Hollywood Lens by Stephen Hunter speaks of how then Senator Barack Obama and John McCain were seen as two actors: Will Smith and John Wayne. It can be seen as the “old star/young star” competition and who will “get a starring role in ‘The Next Four Years’” (355). McCain is similar to John Wayne or Harrison Ford, in a sense that he is the older candidate but many individuals know his “values, strengths, and weaknesses” and has been around for quite some time (356). Obama is the newer candidate who can bring fresh ideas even though he many not be as experienced. Hunter goes on to describe how both m……………………………………………