1. Media Ideologies

2. What is an Ideology? “…system of meaning that helps define and explain the world and that makes value judgments about the world.” (p. 152) A guaranteed accurate reflection of reality? May included common sense or taken-for-granted views Example: Gender Roles – What do we (society) believe? How has media helped impacted and/or reinforced those ideas? Dominant Ideologies Why are we concerned? Arguments from production side

3. Ideological Analysis ‘What do these ideologies communicate about ourselves and our society?’ (p. 153) Theoretical Roots  Marxists Ideology = Powerful tool of social control; used by ruling class “False Consciousness” if subordinate class accepted ideologies Push for “Revolutionary Consciousness” Shared concepts with past and present: Role of ideologies in system of power? Issues of domination; how groups fight for their interests to be included Ideological struggles; do people accept, negotiate, oppose ideologies?

4. Ideological Analysis Things to consider: Time period Recurring patterns (in media; not a specific example of content) What is included? What isn’t included? Hegemony (exploring issues of domination and common sense assumptions) Media defining reality (Hall); fictional and nonfictional? Active audiences Consider multiple readings Dr. G’s Example: Black Female Sexuality in Reality Television Docusoaps

5. Disney and Ideologies Appearance (beauty, colorism, other features) Good vs. Evil Sexuality; search for a good man Hero Damsel in Distress Maleficient A “mother’s” love Power of a man vs. Power of a woman Appearance A Woman Scorned Greed (and consequences)

6. Common Ideologies (and Critiques?) The American Family Definition of family Current portrayals; difference from past? Consider target audience, new generation, etc. The Real Housewives Franchise RHOCRHOC, RHOA, RHOBH RHOARHOBH RHOCRHOARHOBH The All-American Hero Patriotism Beauty Standards Ugly Betty Ugly Betty Drop Dead Diva

7. Advertising Consumer Culture and Meaning Behind the Products

10. Other Considerations Socialization process Social Construction of Reality (Berger and Luckmann) Role of sensationalism Stereotypes Media literacy