Personal Response Paper Date: November 13th, 2023

Mediating America (BA) Session: 9

Name of Student: Nayrick Francisca

Title: Television, Texts, Audiences: Class and Poverty in American Photography, Film and Television

Personal Reflection Paper Week 9

According to Kendall, media representation is a constructed narrative that frames events,

influencing audience interpretations (qtd in. Goffman). This framing concept emphasizes how
media selectively presents information, impacting both news and entertainment. However, we can
also say that “audiences, aware of a range of political views and presentational style within the
media, choose to buy or watch that which they already agree with” (Barker 238).

Stereotypes are reinforced by the media, which also shapes how different identity groups are
viewed. The passage emphasizes how viewers' perceptions of wealth and poverty can be influenced
by how class is portrayed in the media. Barker's point of view adds another level of complexity by
implying that viewers have some choice in selecting content that supports their preexisting
opinions. Furthermore, the media has a big influence on public opinion and helps shape societal
norms and values. Public perceptions and collective awareness are shaped by news reports,
documentaries, and fictional depictions.

Sensationalism, errors in fact, and biases provide problems for media representation. A lack of
diversity in media ownership is a factor in the distorted representations. In order to guarantee
truthful and inclusive media representations, critical analysis is necessary. It is understood that there
are obstacles to accurate and inclusive depictions, including prejudices, inaccuracies,
sensationalism, and a lack of diversity in ownership. These challenges call for critical study.
Barker's viewpoint, on the other hand, shows that viewers can still select information that supports
their values in spite of these obstacles.

Media representation influences not only societal views but also individual behavior. The
"infotainment society" concept reflects how media blurs reality and fiction, impacting people's
aspirations and values. For example, shows like, The Real Housewives, Keeping Up With The
Kardashians or even nonfictional shows like Stranger Things all play a major role in this notion.

In summary, media portrayal has a strong influence on how we perceive the world. Recognizing its
strengths and weaknesses is essential to creating a media environment that values diversity, truth,
and complex interpretations. Critical thinking and media literacy are vital skills for navigating this
significant facet of modern culture. Barker offers a nuanced perspective by introducing the idea of
audience agency in selecting content that is in line with preexisting views, even though there are
shared perspectives on framing, stereotypes, the impact on public opinion, challenges in media
representation, and the influence on individual behavior.
 Bibliography

Barker, Chris. "Television, Texts, and Audiences," Cultural Studies, 2012 (325-360)

Kendall, Diana. Framing Class. Media Representations of Wealth and Poverty in America. New
York: ROWMAN & LITTLEFIELD PUBLISHERS, 2011. (1-20)