Post Blog Bourdieu -RS

Pierre Bordieu takes a critical stance on the TV industry in particular. As he states, TV is "making everything ordinary" and two-dimensional so that there is a lack of depth on mainstream media. In addition, this is especially dangerous with news circulation, as this is a main medium in which people are informed on politics, state affairs, global events, etc. He makes a large statement in saying that TV only confirms what we already know, thus being a form of confirmation bias. Major TV networks are ruled by capital interests as they are largely owned by companies and joint corporations. One of the reasons why I have always loved and stuck by the media site, Democracy Now!, is because they are fully funded by the public and individual donations. In addition, I have come to trust and appreciate groups or public figures based upon their sources of funding. For example, Bernie Sanders receives a large majority of his campaign funding from personal and public donors. Many other Democratic candidates have found this tactic to be beneficial as well. I think that showing how feasible this tactic is helps the public better question and support methods related to financial backing. I think that a lot can be revealed about a figure or organization based upon their corporate affiliations and sources of funding, in the same way that a lot can be revealed about an individual by looking at their shopping history/habits.

In addition, we noted in class that the middle-class is under a lot of pressure to do the "right" thing or make the moral and conscious choice. The middle-class is also very exhausted and drained from their constant work. I think work very accurately defines and characterizes the middle-class, after all. Although I and other students or individuals in my circle are always constantly trying to make the conscious decision (buying organic, not using straws or plastic bags, attending marches, staying informed on candidates etc.), I've come to realize how unfair the system is and how much pressure and exhaustion is put on me and the everyday middle-class. With having to balance jobs, academics, a social life, personal matters, etc. there is a lot of task and moral responsibility put on people who are already working full days. Making informed and conscious choices or upholding civic duty shouldn't be so tasking or laborious. We shouldn't have to go out of our way to have these options. Yes, there is a certain degree of responsibility and initiative for the everyday citizen to take, however, I think that is troubling that such efforts should be so difficult and challenging to access. For example, the U.S. does not give the day off for Voting day, unlike many other nations. Obviously it is a civic duty for each citizen to partake in this process if they are able, yet, it is made harder for people who have a full work day, family obligations, school, etc. I think a large "fix" can be made by holding major corporations accountable. For example, in matters of the environment everyday people are urged to eat organic (more expensive), use reusable containers, stop driving, save water, etc. Yes, one individual's actions make a contribution, but large corporations can make MUCH larger of an impact. Electing leaders and figures who have the power to make more executive and widespread decisions over corporate control is one way in making more effective change. The ones in power are the ones who should be held accountable. I think it's dangerous to blame individual people and that it is more effective to look at the (oftentimes faulty) systems that govern them.


On my honor, I have not given, nor received, nor witnessed any unauthorized assistance on this work. -Renee sang