Vast Wasteland Essay

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Vast Wasteland What effect does media have on today’s society? This is a question frequently asked that has yet to be answered. In May of 1961, Newton Minow gave his famous address, “Vast Wasteland”, to the National Association of Broadcasters. In that speech Mr. minnow stated that today’s media “ is an awesome power” and “has limit less capabilities for good and for evil.” I agree with his theory. The two main stream media providers are the internet and television. Both forms are put to good use, especially for advertising and networking. Social networking websites such as Twitter and Facebook have thrived because of the positive feedback from its users. Many businesses have set up Facebook accounts to help promote the product and boost the cliental. Television is the most recognized form of advertising. Studies show that when businesses have set survey their customers and ask about how they heard about them over 25 percent has said television ads. These types of facts show the good in these media forms. However those two very important types of media also have a dark side. To every one good thing about the internet there are at least five bad things out weighing it. Facebook has become a known site for drama as well as networking .Cyber bullying is now at a greater rate than it has ever been. Beda news about celebrities and pop stars spreads faster across the internet faster than good news about our country’s economy. Television also has a dark side. Ignorant television shows that promote stereotypical and degrading behavior have become a big hit in today’s society. Shows such as South Park and Family Guy are just the tip of a huge deleterious iceberg. The saying “man behind the madness” is an appropriate phrase to describe the responsibilities that the people in our society have dealing with the good and evil in mainstream media.

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