Cultural Studies, Media, Power, and the Truly Educated Person

Hello, 

This blog is part of thinking activity on Cultural Studies, Media, Power, and the Truly Educated Person given by Dilip Barad sir. Department of English, MKBU.

here you can visit Teacher's blog

  Media and Power: 

Media—whether in print, TV, or on social platforms—plays an important role in spreading messages that benefit those in power, such as governments and big companies. For example, during political campaigns, ads and social media are used to shape how voters think and influence their decisions. By controlling what people see and hear, powerful groups can influence how we understand and respond to events, giving them an advantage in shaping public opinion.

Eric Liu explains that power is always changing and growing, and media helps those in power increase their influence. For instance, if a politician gains popularity on social media, more people will support them, which can eventually lead to changes in policies. Media doesn’t just show power; it can also make it stronger. 

it shows how media and power are connected in today’s society by highlighting that those in power use media to control and influence people's thoughts and opinions. Media becomes a tool for power to spread messages that support their goals, whether through news, social media, or advertisements.

For example, political leaders or large companies use television, social platforms, or newspapers to present their ideas in ways that make them look favorable. This affects how people view issues like elections, policies, or social matters. In everyday life, we see this when a trending topic on social media changes how people react to a particular event or when certain voices dominate the news, shaping our perception of what's important.

Additionally, media allows power to grow and accumulate, as discussed by Eric Liu, because it constantly shifts and reinforces who is influential at a given moment. Understanding how media operates can help us become more aware of how power is being used to affect our opinions and decisions.

How Media and Power Intersect in Shaping Modern Culture

Media and power are closely linked in shaping modern culture. Powerful groups—like governments, corporations, and elite organizations—often control or influence media outlets. They use media to promote certain ideas, values, or products that align with their interests. For instance, governments may use news media to push political agendas, while corporations use advertisements to encourage consumerism. This intersection of media and power shapes what we consider normal, desirable, or even "truthful."

In modern culture, the media doesn’t just reflect what’s happening; it shapes how we think about the world. News channels, movies, TV shows, and social media platforms all play a role in reinforcing certain views and silencing others. For example, mainstream media often focuses on topics that benefit those in power, while underrepresenting marginalized voices. This influences what we view as important and how we understand social issues, politics, or global events. 

 Role of Education:

. Traditional education often emphasizes covering a set curriculum, learning established facts, and adhering to standardized knowledge. In contrast, this idea of true education stresses the importance of cultivating curiosity, questioning the status quo, and engaging in constructive inquiry. A truly educated person is not simply one who has mastered the content of various disciplines, but someone who can think deeply, form original ideas, and approach learning as an ongoing, self-directed process.

What It Means to Be a "Truly Educated Person" in Today’s Media-Saturated World

In today’s world, being "truly educated" means more than just acquiring knowledge from books or classrooms. It involves developing the ability to navigate the constant flow of information we receive from the media. A truly educated person is someone who:

Thinks critically: They don’t just accept information at face value but analyze it, question it, and seek out different viewpoints.

Understands media’s influence: They recognize that media shapes how we see the world, and they are aware of the power dynamics behind media content.

Is open-minded: A truly educated person is willing to change their opinions based on new information and diverse perspectives.

Is media literate: They can distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources, understand how messages are constructed, and spot biases or misinformation.

This concept aligns with Noam Chomsky’s view that true education opens the door to intellectual freedom and autonomy. He argues that the most important quality of education is not what is taught in the classroom but what a person discovers on their own. It encourages individuals to go beyond the information given, to ask serious and thoughtful questions, and to question even established doctrines when necessary. This stands in contrast to traditional education systems, which can sometimes stifle creativity by focusing too much on rote learning, exams, and following a set structure without encouraging students to think for themselves or challenge accepted knowledge.

In today’s world, the idea of being a truly educated person takes on special importance, particularly in relation to media literacy. The modern information landscape is dominated by media—whether through news, social platforms, or digital content—where vast amounts of information are constantly being produced. 

Furthermore, in a world where misinformation and "fake news" are common, the ability to question and independently verify information is crucial. A truly educated person is resourceful in seeking out the truth, not relying solely on mainstream media but exploring alternative viewpoints and using diverse sources of information. This ability to “find your own way,” as Chomsky puts it, becomes essential in maintaining intellectual independence in a media-saturated society.

 Cultural Practices:

Chomsky’s argument about how mass media operates as a propaganda machine—by manufacturing consent and creating enemies—highlights the immense power media holds in shaping cultural norms and practices. Media representation plays a critical role in influencing how cultural identities are perceived, especially for marginalized groups. By controlling the narratives around certain groups, media often reinforces stereotypes, perpetuates biases, and shapes public perceptions in ways that can either uphold or challenge existing social hierarchies.

For marginalized groups, the way they are portrayed in the media can deeply affect their cultural identity and how they are viewed by society. For example, when media consistently portrays certain groups—such as immigrants, racial minorities, or LGBTQ+ individuals—in a negative or stereotypical light, it reinforces harmful cultural narratives. These portrayals can marginalize these groups further, shaping public attitudes that lead to discrimination, exclusion, or even violence. 

However, media can also act as a tool for resistance against dominant power structures. In recent years, the rise of alternative media platforms and social media has provided marginalized groups with spaces to challenge dominant narratives and reclaim their identities. Through these platforms, they can create and share their own stories, build solidarity, and push back against mainstream portrayals. For example, movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo have gained traction by using social media to amplify voices and challenge the systemic racism and sexism perpetuated by traditional media outlets.

Additionally, independent journalism and grassroots media organizations often offer counter-narratives to the dominant messages pushed by large media corporations. These outlets can spotlight issues affecting marginalized communities and provide critical perspectives that challenge the status quo. By giving voice to those often excluded from mainstream discourse, media can become a powerful tool for resistance, helping to disrupt the concentration of power and encourage social change.

Critical Media Consumption:

In today’s media-saturated world, critical media literacy is essential. It means being able to analyze and evaluate media content, rather than passively consuming it. Critical media literacy helps people understand the hidden messages in what they see, hear, and read. It’s about asking questions like:

• Who created this message?
• What is the purpose of this message?
• How is this message influencing me?

Incorporating media literacy into education teaches how to spot biases, understand how power structures influence media, and recognize misinformation. This is crucial, especially with the rise of social media, where false information can spread quickly. Critical media literacy empowers individuals to make informed decisions and avoid being manipulated by those who control media narratives.

Educating people to critically engage with media helps them become more aware of the world around them, encourages independent thinking, and promotes informed participation in society. It equips individuals to see through propaganda, question dominant narratives, and seek out diverse perspectives.

In recent years, this problem has gotten worse due to several factors:

• Social media: Platforms like Facebook Instagram or Twitter often show users content they already agree with. This creates an echo chamber where people are surrounded by information that supports their existing views, making it harder to accept differing opinions.
• Misinformation: There is more misinformation (false or misleading information) circulating, especially from biased news sources, which strengthens people's attachment to their beliefs, even if those beliefs are incorrect.

Jay Van Bavel’s Strategies to Reduce Cognitive Dissonance Van Bavel offers a few strategies to help people overcome cognitive dissonance:

1. Remember personal bias: Everyone has their own biases. Acknowledging that we all see the world through a certain lens makes it easier to be open to new information.
2. Question assumptions: Instead of automatically accepting what we hear, we should challenge our own beliefs and the sources of information. This helps us think critically.
3. Warn others about misinformation: Telling people about the dangers of misinformation encourages them to fact-check and be more critical of what they see or hear

How Media Affects Worldview and Daily Choices
Media plays a huge role in shaping how we see the world. Every day, we are influenced by news, TV shows, social media posts, and even advertisements. For example, the news can affect our understanding of politics, while social media can influence what we think is popular or important. Media also shapes our decisions—what products we buy, what we think is cool, or how we perceive certain issues.

For example, if someone only watches news from one political perspective, they might begin to adopt that perspective in all their thinking, without even realizing it. Similarly, social media influencers might affect how we dress or what we consider trendy.