Ideology

Part 1: BBC Question Time analysis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7i-JIw1zig

1) What examples of binary opposition can you suggest from watching this clip?

. Tradition Vs Modernism

. Rich vs Poor

. Socialism Vs Capitalism

2) What ideologies are on display in this clip?

. Right wing ideology 

. Negative look on immigration

Part 2: Media Magazine reading

1) Read the article and summarise it in one sentence.

The article introduces us to to a dystopian society ruled by capitalism and his dictatorship about embracing and finding the meaning of an ideology.

2) What view of capitalist ideology is presented in the Hunger Games films?

Punishment facilities are set up in the squares for anybody who disobeys the rule; this physical withdrawal of the means of survival, combined with the public abuse of those who are out of line, is a 'civic state apparatus.'

3) What do the Hunger Games films suggest about the power of the media to shape and influence ideological beliefs?

Mockingjay focuses on the media and the use of propaganda, making it the most fascinating to research as a media document. At the end of the day, the characters learn to use the media to help them, showing that the media is just one person's view of events.


Page 48: They Live - Understanding Ideology

1) Read the article and summarise it in one sentence.

Ideologies are changing rapidly as a result of constant discussions in the media and between individuals.

2) What are the four accepted ideological beliefs in western societies highlighted by the article?

. Family brings happiness

. People should work hard for money

. Pleasure is the goal in life

. Money brings happiness

3) What does Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggest about power and ideology in society?

Gramsci described hegemony as an important way for those in power to preserve influence through agreement rather than through the use of force. He argued that the influence of ideology arises primarily from ideas and institutions that promote, and therefore represent, the function of an elite social community capable of dominating ideas rather than militaristic strength or fear.

4) What does French theorist Louis Althusser suggest about ideology and consumerism?

The French Marxist theorist Louis Althusser provides a way of understanding how we are dominated by ideology. His belief was that ideology is the greatest material force, and that it governs our everyday lives.

5) Do YOU agree with the idea behind They Live - that we are unthinkingly controlled by the media which is run in the interests of the economic elite?

The media has also become more open, meaning that people can actually create their own content to reinforce/display their views on various ideologies. The media is such a large and powerful medium, and I think we are unconsciously influenced by the media, which is run in the interests of those in power. Being more mindful of this would make it possible for listeners to be more involved when reading the media, allowing them to read more deeply into the texts and to understand the messages behind them.