Mass Media and Popular Culture Paper Narrative Essay Example

share a mutually dependent relationship, where advertising plays a significant role in shaping these values. In the late 1980s, major television networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC targeted primarily the largest (often white) audience in order to maximize profits (Wilson, 001).

The support of ethnic minorities, who formed an urban niche, contributed to the increased ratings of younger networks such as Fox, WB, and I-JPN. These communities related to the shows and believed they authentically represented their culture. This had a significant impact on television programming and has the potential to shape future portrayals of minorities. Until President Barack Obama's election in 2008, the idea of having a black president was only present in movies, books, and TV shows.

Celebrities, actors, and comedians have portrayed a black president on screen, creating parodies that explore the cultural gap. For instance, in 1983, Eddie Murphy performed a stand-up routine in "Eddie Murphy Delirious" where he parodied a black president. Similarly, in 2009, Gilbert Arenas appeared as a black president in an advertisement for the Adidas sneaker he designed, called the "Black President." Through these fictional portrayals, the growing popularity of a black president was examined (Carter, 2009).

The concepts of Americanization, Westernization, and globalization have been employed to depict the cultural supremacy of America worldwide (Pells, 2000). The internet, along with the progress in microprocessors, is regarded as a crucial technological breakthrough that has greatly fueled globalization. Interpersonal communication has been significantly improved by the internet and globalization through enhanced efficiency and speed. Nevertheless, these advancements also bring about limitations in relationships due to their technological nature.

According to Renato Ruggiero, director general of the World Trade

Organization, the Internet provides a more affordable, faster, and more convenient method of communication. However, this advantage in technology comes at the cost of personal connections formed through shared experiences. As a result, as technology rapidly progresses, interpersonal relationships are often compromised and replaced by quick chats, texts, and emails.

Instead of directly facing problems, people now tend to use the internet as a means of avoidance. This can be observed in how many Americans choose to end relationships or engagements by sending a text or using social networking sites. Although this behavior has become common in American culture, it creates a sense of detachment from the consequences of hurting someone or addressing long-term commitments.

Reference Wilson, J. R. & Wilson, S. R. (2001). Mass media, mass culture: An introduction (5th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Retrieved on August 10, 2010 from the University of Phoenix course-material.
Pells, Richard (2000) "American Popular culture and its impact on the world." Retrieved on August 25, 2010 ; Database used: Internet Explorer
Ruggiero, Ranato (2000) "Global Audiences: Director of the world trade organization" Retrieved on: August 26, 2010; Database used: Internet Explorer
Carter, M. (2009, January 19). Online guide to the inauguration. Retrieved August 28, 2010, from thestar.com: http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/571818