Do we copy things we see in the Media?
The first point I would like to make is, yes, I believe society does indeed copy the media. The form of media has taken many-a-turns and transformations in it's time, stemming from traditional media such as newspapers and magazines, developing into even more engrossing forms such as radio, video games, film/television and the internet. Due to these multiple forms of media, we can be influenced in multiple ways.
Firstly, there is no denying that we can't help but take in advertisement - it's everywhere, on our televisions, on our computers, playing in the background on the radio, even in the streets. One main piece of evidence that we are influenced by the media, is the fact that we obsess over advertisement. We can't help but watch it, and although nine times out of ten we don't take any notice of what is on offer, we do become interested in various products simply due to how they're advertised. Take perfume for example, perfume adverts often feature A-list celebrities in the hope that we will see ourselves within this person if we purchase and use this certain brand. Take a look at Beyonce, she's rich, powerful, beautiful and is greatly admired by men and women across the globe, I have to admit that when I saw her advert for 'Heat' (her own branded perfume) I did give it a go when I was perfume shopping last christmas - unfortunately it smelt awful but you can't win at everything - and needless to say I will probably try out her newest perfume this year.

Another form of solid evidence can be found when we look back at World War Two. During the war huge amounts of propaganda was being produced in order to sway the public, the Nazis created discriminating propaganda about the Jewish population in order for 'the master race' to push them out. Also England and America produced propaganda aimed at women to take up work on the land or in factories to keep the men supplied at war - all of this propaganda actually worked, and inspired people to co-operate with the media.
Becky, you've used personal experience and historical knowledge to answer the question - well done. You should really refer to theories, however, when answering, such as the two-step flow (Beyonce) or hypodermic model. You could find some contradictory evidence, which would prove the uses and gratifications theory. Your point regarding propaganda would have benefitted from discussing Laswell: "In order for propaganda to be effective, it must tap into the meanest and keenest of intelligences," or Cantril's idea of personal susceptibility.
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