Unit 2: Media Influences

 Introduction

Today our society is influenced by the constant bombardment of information through different media. This modifies our way of life, our habits, the consumption of some products or others, public opinion. The information that reaches us about different social, political or economic events can make people change our way of thinking about the reality that surrounds us.

The relationship between cinema and the media is complicated. The celluloid as such is a medium, differentiated by the artistic attribution it provides at a social level; it is an art that communicates ideas and real events seeking to provoke changes in the world. Because of this, it is surprising when we find negative portraits of the influence that the mass media have on people (of which there are many cinematographic examples) and which may feel inconclusive due to the format in which such stories are transmitted (a medium previously used as propaganda is not the best source of criticism about manipulation and its risks). Still, from the issue we have gotten great works that show both the positive and the negative in globalization and news. That is why I decided to make this month a compilation of tapes that deal with the subject and the perspective they offer us. I must recommend each of the films in advance, in the hope that at least one of them will be visited by you.

In general, the media has a great influence on people's minds. In this unit, we will explore how movies shape our perceptions and behaviours, focusing on whether superheroes are good role models. We will also analyse how movies convey notions of masculinity. It is crucial to reflect on how cinematic representations affect our way of thinking and to promote a critical view towards the media to achieve a more equitable and inclusive society.

Key Words

Behavior, role models, inspiration, character, influence, ideals, heroes, suggestions, career choices, movies, film genres, virtual reality, exposure to and empathetic.

• Behavior: the way in which a person acts or conducts themselves.

• Role models: people who serve as examples for others to follow.

• Inspiration: something or someone that stimulates creativity, motivation, or enthusiasm.

• Character: the mental and moral qualities that define an individual's identity and behavior.

• Influence: the power to affect or shape someone's beliefs, actions, or opinions.

• Ideals: principles or standards that are considered important or desirable.

• Hero: a person who is admired for their courage, noble qualities, or achievements.

• Suggestions: ideas or recommendations offered as possible courses of action.

• Career choices: the decisions individuals make regarding their professional paths.

• Movies: moving pictures that tell stories, typically shown in theaters or on screens.

• Film genres: categories or classifications that films can be grouped into based on common themes or styles.

• Virtual reality: an artificial, computer-generated environment that simulates a realistic experience.

• Exposure to: being subjected to or experiencing something.

• Empathetic: having the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

Grammar patterns

Relative clauses

Relative clauses are grammatical structures used to add additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. These clauses are composed of a relative pronoun and have the function of acting as an adjective, specifying, or modifying the noun to which they refer. Relative clauses allow you to avoid unnecessary repetitions and enrich the information in a sentence.

What are those relative pronouns?

To understand relative clauses, you need to master relative pronouns. These pronouns allow us to include a phrase with extra information about a person, object, or thing in a sentence. In English, the main relative pronouns are the following:

• That (object or person).
• Which (object).
• Who (person).
• Whose (indicates possession).
• When (time).
• Where (place).

Types of relative clauses

There are three types of relative clauses:

• Defining relative clauses
• Non-defining relative clauses
• Reduced relative clauses
• Defining relative clauses

Defining clauses are used to provide crucial information about the people or things mentioned. This information is essential to understand the meaning of the sentence since its purpose is to define the noun to which we refer. 

Example:

• He told me about the time when he met his favorite actor at a film festival.
• The car which I bought last week is brand new.
• The person who won the competition is my friend.
• The book that I'm reading is very interesting.
• I visited the country where my ancestors were born.

Non-defining relative clauses

Non-defining relative clauses are those that provide additional information about a person, thing, or idea, but are not essential to identify or define the noun to which they refer. Unlike defining relative clauses, commas are used to separate them from the main clause. In this type of clauses, we cannot use the relative pronoun “that”.

Example: 

• My sister, who is an artist, painted a beautiful landscape.
• The book, which was published last year, became a bestseller.
• My neighbor, whose son is a talented musician, invited us to a concert.
• London, where I spent my childhood, holds a special place in my heart.

Reduced relative clauses

Reduced relative clauses are grammatical structures in which the relative pronoun is omitted and a gerund (-ing) or past participle (-ed) of the corresponding verb is used instead. These clauses have the function of providing additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence in a more concise and fluid way.

Example: 

• The girl standing there is my sister.
• I saw a car coming towards us.
• The house damaged in the storm will need repairs.
• We watched a movie directed by Steven Spielberg.

Personal opinion about the unit

The media, especially movies, have a powerful impact on how we perceive the world and how we shape our opinions and behaviors. In this essay, I will give my opinion on the influence of the media, specifically on movies and on people's minds. In addition, I will discuss the question of whether superheroes are good role models and talk about how movies convey notions of masculinity. I will also reflect on the results of what I have learned from understanding this and how useful it has been.

Film, as an entertainment and art form, has the ability to captivate our attention and immerse us in fascinating stories and characters. To such an extent that we identify with the protagonists and are moved by their exploits, it is only natural that their actions and values influence our way of thinking. As for superheroes, who possess extraordinary abilities and face heroic challenges, the question arises: are they good role models?

On the one hand, superheroes can be seen as inspirational figures who embody values such as courage, justice and altruism. Through their heroic actions, they convey messages of hope and empowerment, fostering the idea that anyone can make a difference in the world. However, it is important to critically analyze these models, as they can also present unrealistic stereotypes and behaviors.

In terms of the portrayal of masculinity in film, male characters are often presented as personifying physical strength, bravery and aggressiveness. These stereotypes can influence how men perceive their own masculine identity and how women view the male role in society. There is a need to examine how films can help promote positive and equitable models of masculinity that transcend traditional stereotypes.

By understanding the influence of media on people's minds, I have learned to be more aware of how films can shape our perceptions and attitudes, and I have developed a more critical view towards media representations. I have found it useful to question the role models presented in film and consider their impact on the way I think and act.

The media and specifically cinema have a significant influence on how we perceive the world and how we behave. In reflecting on this influence, we must also question whether superheroes are good role models and consider how movies teach notions of masculinity. It is essential to develop a critical view towards media representations and to promote positive and equitable role models in our society. In doing so, we can contribute to a culture that is more diverse, inclusive and aware of the messages we receive through the media.