The media is something we see every day. It is in our TV, our radio, our music and all the commercial images that are constantly being thrown at us. The modern media constantly bashes us over the head with messages - both subliminal and obvious - that cause us to act like brainwashed slaves.

     There are many situations in everyday life where mind control is utilized. Department stores have been said to use mind control to ensure the loyalty of their employees. In order to prevent stealing, they play soothing music with hidden messages which subconsciously tells the employees and costomers not to steal. Media is all around us and plays a large role in the decisions we make and how we perceive things. Television is the most obvious form of media that has an extreme impact on American society. It is able to alter the opinions of individuals in various ways.

     The fashion industry plays a big role in media controlling our minds; especially the minds of teenagers. There are constant reminders on the television telling teenagers to look a certain way and dress a certain way. In the society we live in, television is an extremely dominant form of entertainment, so it is being viewed constantly. Since teenagers are like sponges, and soak up everything they hear, they begin to act like brainwashed slaves.

This artwork displays the negative effects of media on today's youth.

          In the past, children used to spend their childhood outdoors; exploring nature and participating in physical activity. However, the most common form of recreation for kids nowadays is watching tv. Stastics show:

Hours per year the average American youth spends in school: 900 hours

Hours per year the average American youth watches television: 1500

There are not only negative messages being placed into the brains of these kids, but obesity is a large issue as well.

          

     The photo above is a poster for Chris Rock's new film titled "Good Hair". The media plays a huge role in the reason African American women feel that their hair is not beautiful. They will go to extreme measures such as use harmful, painful chemicals to make their hair straight like a white woman's. The media puts emphasis on white womens' hair being good hair, and black women should change their hair to look more "white". This is having a negative effect on black women and giving them a reason to not feel comfortable in their own race.

 

          The photo on the cover of "Good Hair" is of a young black girl getting her hair chemically straightened. The mothers of these children feel through the media that in order for their child to be beautiful, her hair must be a lot looser and less course. In order to achieve this, however, extremely painful chemicals must be used (as shown). Mothers on the Tyra banks show have encouraged and even forced their children to have their hair chemically straightened. These children ranged from ages three to nine. Is stereotypical "beauty" a good reason to inflict pain on your child? Many would argue that these women are not good mothers, but if we look at the effect the media has on society, that is not exactly true. Is it the mothers' fault? Or is it the fault of the corrupt media brainwashing these women into these decisions?  

By: Tijana Gasic