Ideology: further reading and tasks
- In terms of The Hunger Games films, a dominant view of capitalist ideology is presented in that capitalism means that a society exists where wealth is distributed amongst a select few at the top of the hierarchy while the majority suffer in poverty. Not only this, but this ideology is presented negatively in the sense that an extreme variant of it is presented with the fact that Panem is a dictatorship. Things like propaganda work to ensure that the people keep 'in line' of the control of the Capitol, and not be able to formulate free-thoughts - something greatly discouraged in our present society.
- The Hunger Games films suggest that the media have immense power in influencing ideological beliefs of the people. Particularly when looking at the propaganda in the films, it's seen that different forms of media can affect the way in which certain groups are portrayed to the people. For example, while it was used by the Capitol to help spread 'fear among the districts' to put off the idea of a revolution being staged, it was also used by Katniss and her team to help encourage rebellion - both of which were successfully done. The fact that the media could be used to perform these polar/binary opposites if intended, shows that the media has great power in informing not only people's actions, but also their beliefs/ideologies on certain things.
- Money - happiness
- Consumer goods - fulfilment
- Marriage/family/children - happiness
- Obedience/work - fulfilment
2.
- Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggests that ideology within society can help maintain control of the people since rather than use (aggressive) force against the people, it is given the consent or acceptance of the general public. So unlike the rule in The Hunger Games films where the element of fear is present within the people, ideas can be brought about by elites/those in charge of the media in a much more peaceful manner.
3.
- Louis Althusser suggests ideology is present throughout our everyday lives and that it also provides a great sense of power to whoever controls it. He says this is the case in not only major institutions within society such as the Government and police, but also more looser ones such as via the education system and media where norms are implemented which are subconsciously absorbed by the general public. This works hand-in-hand with the concept of consumerism which is commonly brought about in the media, and can be regarded as quite a prevalent/dominant ideology within society since material wealth is something endlessly being pursued as of now.
4.
- I personally agree with the general idea behind the 'They Live' article since I feel that the media subconsciously informs our decisions and controls the ideology that we develop on parts of everyday life whether it be immigration or how a family should be.
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