CMN 203 Mass Communication Structure and Process

Assignment 1

1. Indentify the role of Mass Media and substantiate your answer with slice
of life examples.

2. Narrate in your own words the effects of culture in our society.

Appropriate examples should be given to prove your answer.

ANSWERS:

Ans1) There are 4 Roles of Mass Media:

1. Surveillance – In this role we receive most of the current and daily

news/information. The sources for surveillance can be TV News
Channels, Newspapers etc. [Example] When the infamous serial killer
Ted Bundy had been caught and was having his trial, many people would
be able to watch it through news channels or attending the court room
and live too. But if it wasn’t for news channels and newspapers covering
it in the first place, no one would have known who he is and what he
did; or even worse he might have not even been caught!
2. Interpretation – In this role we get to see more facts and truth rather
than made up or exaggerated stories. [Example] In the year 2016 a
reporter who went by the name Xulhaz Mannan was hacked to death
because he was an activist towards LGBTQ rights in Bangladesh. Even
though it is not accepted in our country he would speak the truth and
whatever was on his mind. Due to Unfortunate circumstances he is no
more but I think him sharing his opinion and talking about controversial
matters was a very brave thing to do.
3. Socialization – This role encourages most of us to change our behavior,
our norms and values into how it’s portrayed on television or movies.
[Example] In the early 2000’s the fashion item of wearing Jeans with
almost everything was being followed sacredly. Whether it was baggy
jeans or just normal ones, they were super popular and I think it was due
to being portrayed so much on television those days.
4. Entertainment – In this role we get mostly satisfaction, whether it’s from
a book, magazine, radio show, tv series, movies or even reading the
CMN 203 Mass Communication Structure and Process
Assignment 1
newspaper. Entertainment has also 3 categories which are stimulation,
relaxation and release. [Example] For the past couple of years I have
been watching many Korean drama’s, even though many people say
they are sappy or repetitive, I find my happiness in them. Even though it
won’t be the same for everyone I feel as though entertainment is
necessary in everyone’s daily lives.

Ans2) There are 4 Effects of Culture in our Society:

1. Liberating Effects – This is when people try to fix how other people
perceive others and consider them to be bad or misunderstand them.
Trying to fix their bad misunderstandings and accept the “stereotypes”.
[Example] About 30-40 years ago or even more, love marriage was
frowned upon because a lot of people used to think that only parents
are allowed to choose the partner for their child. But nowadays love
marriage is considered normal because everyone has their rights and
many people have come to accept that.
2. Limiting Effects – This effect occurs when a country or culture is followed
by the majority. [Example] In western countries having a relationship
and introducing them to your family without any intention of marriage
or whatsoever is considered normal. In Asian countries or especially
Muslim-Desi communities, it is not accepted at all and can even be
considered offensive to many parents or family.
3. Uniting Effects – Different cultures, religions, languages coming together
for a special occasion or circumstance. [Example] In many western
countries Thanksgiving is a big occasion which is not only celebrated by
Christians but many people. Even if everyone does not have the same
intention as Christians they still celebrate it because it is a even filled
with delicious food and can be spent with family and friends.
4. Dividing Effects – People who are excluded completely from the culture.
[Example] Transgender people in Bangladesh are not accepted into our
society at all. Many people have considered them disgraceful and have
never involved them in any situation.