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The Effects Of Media Introduction The Role Of The Mediaparticularly Film And ...

The Effects of Media
Introduction
The role of the mediaparticularly film and televisionin today's society is one of grave importance. The images we see and the words we hear, whether on the big screen in theaters, or on the smaller television screens in our own homes, have a great impact on the way we view the world. From the daily news broadcasts to the dramatic world of cinema, we cannot remain untouched by the ubiquitous presence of the media in our lives. Because of this, it is not possible for us to witness daily events without being on some level influenced by what we see and hear in various forms of media, all of which play a powerful and complicated role in our lives.
This paper will examine the ways in which our perceptions are affected by film and television, both the ways in which our views are enhanced, and those in which they are manipulated. By drawing on the work of reputable scholars, researchers, and other experts on the media, it will explore the complex relationship between reality and perceptions of reality, as well as the more difficult task of sifting through the various layers to seek the truth about serious current events in our world, such as threats of terrorism. It will then explore the role the media have on our perceptions of the self in society, examining the ways in which film and television force us to judge ourselves so harshly that we feel the need to attain physical perfection through extreme measures.
Part I. Terrorism
Terrorism is an issue that affects all of us in modern times. It can be a difficult term to define because it can mean different things to different people. Webster's Unabridged Dictionary defines terrorism as 'the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes'. This seems like a straightforward definition, but in today's society, the word 'terrorism' itself is tinged with a number of nuances, all of which have become part of our daily life because of the media. Members of the media use the term 'terrorism' with such frequency, and to describe such a variety of dangerous situations, that it has become commonplace.
It is apparent that assigning a definition to the word terrorism is not a simple task, and neither is it a straightforward one. According to scholar Robert Fisk, '"terrorism" no longer means terrorism. It is not a definition; it is a political contrivance'.
In Fisk's estimation, 'terrorists' are 'those who use violence against the side that is using the word' (Fisk, 1990: 441). And, as scholar Aijaz Ahmad points out, 'there were no Islamic terrorists in Afghanistan before the Americans created them as a counterweight against the secular left' (2003: 20). With such confusing and conflicting uses of this word by different members of the media, it is no wonder that the very word itself is enough to cause alarm.
The Media's Responsibility
Clearly, the media must take responsibility for their actions.

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