Well, it’s clear Mike is absolutely mortified to be a part of the MTV generation. But he is pretty indecisive with his stance on the channel itself. At times it’s like he’s trying to dismantle the program and everything it stands for, like it is the Great Wall of China separating society from individualism and free will, and the next he is admitting to its positive influence on his own character. I personally enjoyed his writing when he took a stab at how mind numbing shows like TRL and Next are. He used visual similes that grabbed the reader’s attention, and that showed his mutual disdain for all pop-culture (i.e. they have spread the programming thinner than Mary-Kate Olsen). I agree with most of his points; that music is turned into a ‘this is hip, so listen to it!’ kind of thing with this channel, and that advertisements are definitely a violent… obnoxious plague that grows by the second. MTV does have some diversity however, and he makes sure to recognize that. I think it’s safe to say Beavis and Butthead is not enjoyed by people who take shows like Parental Control seriously, but it found its place on the same channel. In all honesty, I don’t agree with Mike that any show can actually change a person’s personality or character, but I do believe that they bring certain types of people together. Beavis and Butthead can be viewed in the same aspect of “sheep herding” people into a specific category, just like TRL, but you don’t have to take television that seriously. Media is just a major form of people’s connection with each other in today’s world. Some people chose to conform to belonging in a certain group, and some choose to congregate as individuals with similar taste in shows. It’s just the way things are. So Mike can choose to blame MTV for society’s lack of individuality, but really it’s human nature to want to belong. This doesn’t change the fact that commercials annoy the hell out of me though.
3 comments:
Deanna, this is a very assertive claim, "I don’t agree with Mike that any show can actually change a person’s personality or character, but I do believe that they bring certain types of people together." I appreciate your opinion and feel that this could lead to a great discussion point for your 2nd paper.
wow i really loved your blog! talking about "it's human nature to belong" and that music (or television) is an avenue that people use to connect with each other. I think this is really profound to me; it's so true. Incredible how huge an aspect this is for MTV and individual artists as well.
i definitely agree with you about not taking t.v. so seriously. sometimes i think that's what gets our culture into so much trouble, by believing something that was purely meant for entertainment and transposing it into reality. because like michael jackson's face, somethings are just made up! (i'm sorry to any avid m.j. fans. i respect his work...)
okay, later!
You bring up a really good point. In the end it is our decision whether or not we "follow the crowd" or stand out. It's easier for us to blame big corporations like Mtv for our lack of individuality, but it is no one's choice but our own. Another point is that it's not wrong to belong or conform. It's looked down upon by most because little change or progress comes from conformity, however, if we view life as having one goal, to be happy, then conformity may just be another means to reach that goal. Saying something is good or bad is all relative and really depends on where your priorities are at. If you want to make a difference and stand out then Mtv might not be for you, but if you simply want to be happy and your happiness comes from possesions and status then it might be right.
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