MIGRAIN: Ideology - final tasks

MM52Page 34: The World Of Mockingjay: Ideology, Dystopia And Propaganda

1) This article analysis the dystopian representation of capitalist society in the latest Hunger Games film and the series as a whole, drawing attention to elements where media theory can be most usefully applied.

2) Those in power control ideas, as well as, resources. Panem is under dictatorship, President Snow runs everything. 13 districts exists in Panem; all the people that live there are poor. They have to serve 'The Capitol' (where the rich live). Using Marxist theory, we can see how the ruling class keep the poor under control through civic means, armies called 'peacekeepers' are sent to each district to punish anyone who tries to defy the authority. 

3) The Hunger Games film suggests that the media are very powerful as they are able to influence and shape ideological beliefs. This is shown when President Snow deals with rebels by spreading fear among the districts, and his main source is propaganda and the media. He does this by using constant repeats of previous ‘Hunger Games’ and airing the current ones on live TV to distract the masses from organising a revolution. Additionally, the media can be seen as influential and shape ideological beliefs because we can see how Katniss makes propaganda videos which informs the districts of the existence of District 13. One of the videos is hacked and we can see how the content was powerful because it encouraged more people to rebel; the video contained a bombing of a hospital.

Page 48: They Live - Understanding Ideology
 

1)      This article discusses the concept of ideology; it explores key theorists and illustrates ways in which we are controlled and manipulated by the ideology of consumption. It will explore the meaning of the term and its related concept of hegemony.

2)The four accepted ideological beliefs in western societies:

•  Money=Happiness
• Consumer goods=Fulfilment
• Marriage/Family/Children=Happiness
• Obedience=Fulfilment

3) Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci introduced the concept of hegemony , and its role in social control. He suggested that hegemony is used by those in power to maintain their control through consent, rather than force. Gramsci argues that the power of ideology mainly derives from ideas and structures, which support an elite social group. E.g. banks benefit from the elite people in society, however the economic crash of 2008 challenges this assumption.

4) The French Marxists theorist Louis Althusser offers a way of understanding how we are controlled through ideology. His view was that ideology is the greatest material power and dominates our lives in two forms;

1. Repressive State Control through major institutions, such as the government, army, police, courts etc. These are dominated by the ruling elite. These state agencies regulate social behaviour and repress the masses through violence, punitive law, and fear.
2. Ideological State Apparatus, such as the Church, the media, educational institutions, the family unit etc. These institutions control and dominate implicitly through common sense acceptance and social norms, rather than fear.

5) I agree to a large extent with the idea behind 'They Live'. We are unthinkingly controlled by the media and constantly manipulated by the interests which target the economic elite. People like us are fooled into thinking that they have full control of their lives, when in reality it's the media who is controlling us by enforcing societal beliefs.