The discussion in class yesterday about television shows and
meanings behind such made me think about shows I enjoy and have watched
throughout my life. When Dr. McKinney mentioned the basis and ideas associated
with the Andy Griffith show and Gomer Pyle (to name a few) that surprised me to
say the least.
It was
intriguing to me because I never had realized that all the characters were
white among other things mentioned in class about the show. I cannot articulate
as to why that is that I never noticed such. Some may argue it’s privilege,
racism, stupidity, obliviousness, or whatever word associated with not noticing
the obvious especially with something related to race. I grew up from as early
as I can remember watching these two shows and others that my dad and grandpa
enjoyed watching. I still continue to watch these shows to this day, I actually am watching such while writing this post. These shows seemed fitting because my parents wanted me to be
a virtuous and respectful child with the hopes that it blossomed further
throughout the rest of my life. I knew they grew up watching the show, but I never
questioned as to why I enjoyed the show or was drawn to it.
Thinking
about such now I realize that I was drawn to it because it was familiar and a
show that many people I knew could relate to. This show contained things I enjoyed:
police officers, comedy, family time, fishing with your father, and other
things the show resembled. I don’t think this show made me feel superior or
better than others, but rather it made me have something to strive for. It was
a way for me to see what a virtuous person was like based on media, rather than
just how my father portrayed being virtuous (which was extremely similar).
It’s
amazing how much media plays a role in our lives, especially now a day. We have
instant access to anything and everything due to the little device in our pockets
that we always carry around or are on. Whether that information be true or
false, we truly have no way of knowing without some function of trust and faith
that we believe what is being discussed. This belief comes from our past
experiences and backgrounds that have molded and shaped us into who we are and what
we believe is right. Media pulls on these strings to manipulate us to think
certain ways about situations and make us question ourselves. It’s sad that
this is how it is, it truly is and I wish it was different because we should
never question ourselves. We should believe in ourselves and what we think is
right and affects change positively and efficiently all while considering
others.
Austin Henyon
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