Chapter 1: Cultural Studies, Multiculturalism, and Media Culture

            In Chapter 1 of Gender, Race, and Class in Media, there is an article written by Douglas Kellner, Cultural Studies, Multiculturalism, and Media Culture. This article discusses various ideologies regarding gender, race, and multiculturalism and how these ideas relate to the media. Media influences the minds of a large audience and Kellner touches upon the effects music, movies, shows, and the internet have on social classes. He starts by discussing how media controls how we dress, what we say, and how we act. For example, teenage girls are easily influenced by shows like Gossip Girl that revolve around the young upper class living extravagant lives in Manhattan. Although there are female independent protagonists in many current television shows, the multicultural or LGBT representation in mainstream media could receive more attention. 

         Kellner also discusses how media relates to the modern day economy. Shows, music, and other forms of entertainment are dependent upon large corporations and profits.  He explains that everything from the length of a song to the content constraints on media sharing sites is all managed by large businesses looking for profits. This highlights one of the main reasons media cannot be easily manipulated abruptly, but the change to increased equality in shows, music, and other content will take time. 

           Another interesting point made in the article is about pop culture icons including Beyonce, Madonna, and Lady Gaga. Although their claim to fame is the entertainment industry, their success is far from limited. These stars are leading icons in beauty, fashion, and sexuality. Their fame influences a large population which would enable them to promote messages with great ease. If these stars were on the forefront of change and equality for gender and multiculturalism, would they hold the power to make lasting changes? I believe they have the power to combat stereotypes and improve society especially due to their success and inspiration to fans out there.

           In conclusion, Kellner highlighted many interesting points about media and its influence on society. There are so many media outlets that are currently being used to influence the public. Although the shift to more equal media representation for different races, cultures, and social classes will take time, the effects would be long-lived.