Social norms with tv - Essay Example

Running head: SOCIAL NORMS Social Norms with TV I do not think that media provides a very accurate representation of diverse groups in the United States. In recent decades, media became more diversified than it used to be, however, I still think it is primarily driven by the majority culture. Majority culture can be defined differently depending on the type of TV show or TV program, it can be religious, political, cultural, racial, socio-economic or combination of several. The message or plot of any TV show is driven by the social norm.

This means that depending on the type of the program, or the location where is it broadcasted or even where is it shot or who produces it, the message adheres to the values and beliefs of the creator or the audience of the program. Sometimes this adherence can be based on stereotypes, especially if it concerns minority groups. In worse scenarios, the stereotypes may lead to prejudice, which in return can cause discrimination of certain groups of people. For example, the topic of terrorism has become very popular on TV.

Everyday new anchors broadcast about the thread of Islamic terrorism. This topic has become especially hot after the events on 9/11. Combined with the fear of the public following this horrible event on TV, and the constant message of the thread of Islamic terrorism, it almost became a social norm to blame any Muslim in any cataclysm or tragedy that happens in the world. The recent events in Norway are a good example. The people in the world are so terrified of Islamic terrorism that when the horrible shootings and bombing happened in Norway, the major news channels in the United Stated already suspected Islamic terrorists in planning the events in Norway.

However, it turned out that it was a native Norwegian who planned and organized the terror in his own country. At the same time media has caused its influence and left a mark in people’s consciousness. The message that was delivered was: “Muslims are terrorists and we should be careful and protect ourselves from them”. Unfortunately, for many people this is the only message they receive and the only message they will listen to, because of the social situation they are in. It might be the only opinion they hear around them, they might be surrounded by people who strongly believe this opinion, and it can be a social norm for some people to express views similar to those of certain media.

By questioning those views, people will stand out and thus might be scolded or receive negative attention. Based on the example above, I think Muslim culture has a lot to offer and we cannot make generalizations about all the people of the group based on the behavior of only few representatives of the group. Unfortunately, our media falls in that trap. I wish the American public can be more educated through media, and not only about horrible events that attract so much attention, but also about different customs and traditions and beliefs of various groups of people in this country.

I think it would make us all more tolerant and may lead to less prejudice and discrimination.