Effectiveness

The most effective types of media (in my opinion) in getting their point across are documentaries. These are often so effective in reaching their target audience because the documentaries focus on real life issues.

Below are documentaries that really moved me:

"National Geographic: China's Lost Girls"

How I felt after viewing: More people should adopt girls from China.

"An Inconvenient Truth"

How I felt after viewing: Scared. Doomed. Must stop global warming.

"Willowbrook: The Last Great Disgrace"

How I felt after viewing: Never let this happen again. Advocate for individuals with special needs.

Image / Character

Characters in the media have personality traits and characteristics similar to those of real people in society. Even the characters in cartoons like "Winnie the Pooh" have a certain image that is portrayed.

The Canadian Medical Assosiation Journal made some interesting distinctions about the characters in Winnie the Pooh in this journal article: Pathology in the Hundred Acre Wood

Genre

Movies are often categorized into genre's (categories). Whenever I am looking for a movie to rent, I search by genre. This will ensure that I will find the type of movie I am looking for.

During Halloween time I often find myself watching horror movies

When I'm having a girls night in I often look for a romantic comedy

When I'm hanging out with my grandparents we love to watch historical fiction movies

What is your favorite movie genre?

Function / Purpose

When analyzing media it is important to identify the function and purpose of the piece. Is the auteur (author, producer, director, etc.) trying to inform, persuade, or entertain their audience?

Watch the following montage of televisions clips and decide if each was made to inform, persuade, or entertain…

Hypodermic Needle Theory

This theory suggests we are defenseless against the power of the media.

Check out the following presentation to expand your knowledge of the Hypodermic Needle Theory…

Demystification Theory

The media has the power to tear someone down and ruin their reputation.

When thinking of a particular celebrity that embodies the concept of the demystification theory, I can't help but think of Michael Jackson. The King of Pop was one of the most talented artists of our time. His career started as a little boy in The Jackson 5 and evolved into a solo act as he grew into is teen and adult years.

The media is insanely critical of anyone in the public eye. They seemed to be especially hard on Michael Jackson. Jackson was already very insecure and critical of himself, so the media scrutiny really broke him down. In the 90's Michael was accused of child molestation and his image took a severe beating from the media and never truly recovered.

The Jackson 5

Michael Jackson - Thriller

Michael Jackson - You Rock My World

Mystification Theory

The media has the power to turn ANYONE into a celebrity.


Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian became famous for simply being rich. Their sex tapes helped a bit too! Many people criticize both Hilton and Kardashian for having virtually no talent, yet they are plastered all over our television screens, magazines, the internet, etc. Both have "written" books, released perfume lines, etc. They have made millions off of the media's obsession with their lives.

Kim Kardashian

Paris Hilton