Mass Media and Its Influence on Foreign Nations

Altamar Knighton

Literature Review

The topic of "Mass Media and its influence on foreign nations" can be approached in many ways, rather positively or negatively influencing the views we all have towards the world we live in." Regardless of increasingly global economy, introduction of modern technology, the immense majority of people in the world do not travel internationally; media plays an influential role in portraying other countries images in a striking way."(Saleem:130) Mass media works as a communication tool, rather television, radio, advertising, all the way down to the movies we view daily. Researchers have conducted theories as well as using societies' norms to define the ongoing role media plays in our everyday lives. For example, we do not see live broadcasts at all times which would be significantly difficult. Is there a reason for such? Truthfully spoken there is a undefined answer. Nonetheless, we rely on the information given to us rather than knowing the actual facts along with being taught the different ways to criticize and judge other nations.

Social Effect Of Mass Media on foreign nations

"The class-dominant theory argues that the media reflects and projects the view of a minority elite, which controls it." There are exclusive institutions that are of existence, while the others are completely blind to the ongoing conflicts that are taking place. "Why do these countries hate America so much, if we are the land of freedom and democracy?" That was a usual question that occurred in my search for the reasoning of the backlash of foreign countries. "Owners can easily avoid or silence stories that expose unethical corporate behavior or hold corporations responsible for their actions." "911" for example, was arguably the most unfortunate event of the 21st century up to date. The entire coverage was of comparison to the "Operation Mockingbird" experiment which was developed by the CIA to influence foreign media." By the early 1950s, Wisner 'owned' respected members of The New York Times, Newsweek, CBS and other communications vehicles."(1979:Deborah Davis)Similar to the "Mockingbird" operations the media's coverage of 911 shaped our views on Afghanistan and other Arab countries for the worst. There was unedited footage released from an anonymous source showing the planes crashing into the Twin Towers, which showed the building collapsing from what looked to be a example of a demolition project rather than a sudden crash. Another great example is the media coverage on the ongoing issues of the Somalia government and the "Pirates" that have been broadcasted as a sudden conflict. Yet, we need to step outside the "Box" for a second and consider the thought process of a few