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How do television shows reflect and shape society's values and beliefs?

Marietta MacCallum

Television shows play a crucial role in reflecting and shaping society's values and beliefs. As an avid viewer myself, I have observed how TV shows can greatly influence our perception of the world around us.

First of all, it's important to acknowledge that television shows are created by writers, producers, and directors who are members of society. They are individuals who have their own biases, experiences, and beliefs. As such, their perspectives inevitably seep into the content they create. Thus, it's no wonder that when we watch a television show, we are exposed to a particular perspective on society.

For instance, take the portrayal of gender roles in TV shows. In the past, women were often relegated to the roles of housewives or secretaries, while men were the breadwinners and leaders. However, as society became more progressive, so did the representation of gender roles on TV shows. These days, we see more women in positions of power, men as caregivers, and a more fluid view of gender in general. In this way, television has reflected society's changing views on gender roles and helped shape them further.

Another example is the way different races and ethnicities are depicted on TV shows. Although there is still a long way to go, we can see that there has been an increased effort in recent years to improve representation and inclusion on TV. We now see more shows featuring diverse casts and storylines that tackle issues of race and inequality. Through these shows, we learn more about cultures and perspectives that are different from our own, and we can begin to broaden our understanding of the society around us.

However, it's important to note that television shows also have the power to shape society's values and beliefs. Through entertainment, TV shows have the ability to influence our views on politics, social justice, religion, and more. Often, TV shows will tackle controversial issues in a way that is accessible and easy to understand, making it more likely that their views will be accepted by viewers.

For example, the rise of reality TV shows has helped shape our views on popular culture and fame. Many reality shows promote the idea that you can achieve success and happiness by becoming famous, even if it means sacrificing your privacy and integrity. While this may not reflect the values of everyone in society, it's hard to deny the influence of these shows on our collective psyche.

In conclusion, the relationship between television shows and society's values and beliefs is a complex one. While TV shows often reflect the views and biases of those who create them, they also have the power to shape our perceptions of the world around us. As viewers, it's important to critically analyze the content we consume and consider how it may be impacting our beliefs and attitudes.