#3 - Theory and Television

The Grand Illusion
When it comes to discussing theories about mass media, especially relating to television, the one that makes the most sense to me is technological determinism and Everett Rogers' assumption that there are other factors that shape society besides technology. Technology is nothing without people to work it. Now when I break this theory down, I find it quite disturbing. We have discussed how mass media is controlled by a handful of mega-media companies such as GE, Viacom, News Corp, Disney, and Time Warner which makes a person like me wonder if the information transmitted through media is actually serving the public interests. I doubt it. Call me a skeptic but I don't understand that what society needs in a world that seems to be getting crazier and crazier is more dumbing-down reality shows and constant updates of celebrities and their facebook and twitter posts! All media seems nearly monolithic with a certain single-view of the world. So I am right on board with Rogers' interpretation, but I'll add that I want to know why are these corporations continually dumbing-down America? It is manipulation in all its glory. When the "owners" of the media are meeting with other "leaders" in politics and the banks in secretive groups like Bilderberg Group, Trilateral Commission, and Council on Foreign Relations, there is no doubt that there is no free press for the mainstream population. Now this is kind of my theory which in no way can be more or less accepted than the other theories which have been discussed because, in fact they are just theories as well.
As for television, things seem like they are only going to get worse. The more stations that the mega companies seize, the more of the same programming we will see. We have seen the rules change to where companies are without limits on ownerships. I'm not necessarily saying television is bad or evil, but to untrained minds and eyes it is a very effective manipulative weapon that is used to shaped society's views, morals, and standards. I've heard the term that people say that they are "addicted" to TV,  or I've seen the "glazed-over" look on people's faces when they are watching TV and I can't help but wonder what their brain is absorbing. Very few people know that brain activity switches from the left to the right and goes into an alpha wave state when watching TV about 5 minutes into viewing which makes the brain susceptible subliminal messaging. Of course the left side of the brain is the seat logic thought. The right side however, processes information in whole leading to emotional rather than logical responses. Then we also have the lower region of the brain (the reptile brain) showing increased activity during viewing which is unable to distinguish between reality and simulated reality.  This isn't to say that everything on TV is geared towards brainwashing, but it makes sense to me when I noticed how slanted and warped the news is. Edward Bernays said in his 1928 book Propaganda that, "The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country." Television will continue with new and "innovative" ways to control society because it is the "Ultimate Revelation".