Media Response

Question 1.

Neoliberalism is a hallmark of freedom in the American media. Neoliberalism relates to a free market, a concept that ensures profit maximization in the spirit of businesses to thrive in the best way available to them. Neoliberalism is both a political and economic concept that defines a free market in a way that affects the societal worldview on what it means to organize all dimensions of human life. In the media, it has led to the deregulation of broadcasting and the privatization of the industry to include a free market that is keen on profit generation. It is a perspective that attaches good governance to a free market for people to thrive in their endeavors.

Question 2.

Asian or Asian-American characters in media are presented as the model minority because they possess all of the superior qualities expected of an individual while remaining fairly “un-American” in the way of their cultural practices. They are viewed as technically proficient and robotic performers in reality shows. The American reality scene works well to ensure representation of racial minorities, yet adheres to racialized narratives and stereotypes through depicting real people as having the said qualities. In their attainment of the American Dream, the main idea is to show how an Asian-American immigrant’s (model minority) journey to success is through gratitude, maintenance of their cultural heritage, hard work, and humility.

Question 3.

Hegemony is a representation of ideas, especially those that dominate over others and over an entire community in connection to relationships structured by power. For hegemony to be complete, it must be downright unnoticeable. It can also be seen as a tool that the ruling elite uses to perpetuate more power and status by pushing forward their own agenda and philosophy. For example, the idea of the nuclear family is used as a measure of success for women, even where the society still advances a picture of an independent woman. In such an instance, hegemony, and the idea of an independent woman is suppressed by a countering idea that holds more power over a society.

Question 4.

The Western Beauty Myth is a homogenization of the sought after appearance, including looks, race, sexual orientation, economic class, and physical appearance. Physical beauty is not the only component for the ideal female. Instead, the complete picture is made up of young, thin, attractive, heterosexual, wealthy, and White women. This form of beauty is presented as superior to any other racial form. To non-Western cultures, such media representation can be disempowering leading to crisis on self-identity, behavior, and national pride. For example, women from non-Western cultures will attempt to appear western by using product that Westernize their appearance including cosmetic surgeries and other procedures.