Is the Media Connecting or Disconnecting with "The Family"

Is the Media Connecting or Disconnecting with “The Family”

-Kyndall Jones

When you watch any given television show or movie, are you able to relate to the images portrayed? With images and characters such as “Snookie”, “The Housewives Franchise”, and “Will and Grace” (to name a few) can the average family member relate in any fashion to what is presented?  As the wave of “reality TV” flows through the media, it really is a challenge to decide what is truly reality and entertainment.  What impact do these images have on the family unit?

The Family Connection

The Media does serve as a source into society as a whole, and for that reason we should appreciate that the media provides a glimpse into worlds outside our own.  As we are all different and have different beliefs and customs; the media can showcase our individuality's.  I may never have the experience to speak personally with a person of another race but by using the media, I can discover their way of life.  For example, National Geographic is stellar at providing an in-depth look into international cultures and customs.  I may never travel to East Africa but I am able to tune into a National Geographic documentary and see the lifestyles of the East African people.  In other words, I connect to a culture outside of my own. 

The family portrayals in media also erase certain stereotypes and rushed judgments caused by ignorance or the lack of unbiased logic.  It is unfair to assume that certain groups of people behave in a singular manner or are in fact all the same.  In the case of African Americans, many negative images are associated with our race.  Often other cultures do not investigate and associate with African Americans to form their own opinions or assessments.  Television shows such as the Cosby Show and Family Matters dispelled the images that many had of African American families.  These shows in particular changed the faces of the African American family for many who held on to stereotypes and negative images which stem from slavery.

The Family Disconnect

While much is done to appeal to the changing face of society, the media is also creating a gap between reality and entertainment.  As a result, many children are confused with what is real and unreal.  Psychologists and Pediatricians have concluded that video games, movies, television shows and even cartoons have negatively affected children’s behaviors and attitudes.  Children are becoming more violent as the images portrayed to them are violent.  With cartoons such as South Park, The Simpson’s, and Dragon Ball Z, children are being exposed to violent images early and are associating these images as reality.  This creates a huge disconnect between families because what was considered innocent and pure is now over exposed and aggressive. 

For example, the characters in the sitcom “Leave It to Beaver” would have a difficult time relating to the characters in the sitcom “Married with Children”.  The characters are on opposite sides of the spectrum and the media does not have a medium between the two extremes.  What image can society accept as true?  Somehow, truth is replaced with entertainment and the family overall is affected by this media trend…