"Mass Media"

I must begin this lovely literary interlude by admitting that I had no idea what I wished to write about, especially after my somewhat discouraging previous grades on this blog posts. But for this specific post I have decided to take a broader look at media itself and take a look into a concept of media that I have found to be an interesting avenue of observation. I must admit that objective observation is not an easy endeavor to undertake, but in the following handful of paragraphs I hope to remain on this specific plane.
     As one goes through life they tend to notice that the media has found a way to become part of an individual’s every day life. No matter where one looks or what they engage in a form of media happens to be nearly constantly present enticing them to purchase and item, view a perspective of the outside world, or engage in a part of popular culture. Naturally, this view depends on the definition of “media”. According to the Merriam Webster online dictionary of the English Language, media is a “medium of cultivation, conveyance, or expression”; however today the “mass media” has taken great liberties with this vague definition. Merriam Webster defines mass media as “a medium of communication (as newspapers, radio, or television) that is designed to reach the mass of the people -- usually used in plural”, making things a little more specific.
     However neither of these definitions entirely encompasses the multitude of ways that the media affects the everyday lives of people whether you are a retired and in your later years, a college student, or a young child the mass media has always been a part of your life. Besides the more obvious displays of mass media, such as newspapers, radio, or television and movie several others have found their way into everyday pop culture.
     For example many teens advertise every day as they walk to class without even noticing it for they bear the coveted crest of popular name brand clothing such as American Eagle, Abercombie and Fitch, Hollister, and others. In this intentional manner these people are advertising for their chosen clothing company, even though to them it only seems to be a part of fashion.
     Another such example would be the fairly recent emergence of commercials at movie theatres even before the previews begin. For in the earlier years of film a simple cartoon short was shown prior to the advertised movie’s showing while now one must sit through thirty plus minutes of previews before they can get to what they have come to see. Continuing along the same thread as commercial advertising, as one drives down the highway they are frequently assaulted with multitudes of advertising through signs and billboards. Also, as one is driving they frequently listen to the radio or to a CD, once again exposing themselves to a form of mass media.
     Today’s culture has become completely saturated in the mass media and all of the things that it has to offer also to a point of dependence. Hopefully this lifestyle will not lead to a drastic influx of mass media, such as in Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451 where the television set has become the center of the home and, ultimately, or society. Who knows- maybe one day we will be assaulted with media from the moment we wake in the morning until we force ourselves to go to sleep.
With the advent of the internet and modern technology, anything has become possible.