The Interrelationship Between Entertainment Media and Culture

The United States is racially diverse nation, rich in various traditions and customs. The American culture is highly identifiable based on their music, dress code and religion among other aspects. Their culture has been influenced over the years by entertainment media and it has continued to shape the American culture. The most notable forms of media that has brought too much influence in the society include mass media, concerts, and social media among others. Each form of media supports different kinds of expressions. For instance, the hip-hop music which has become part of American urban culture has been promoted by mass media. In this music genre, the art is usually portrayed in the video clips and art is usually showcased whenever there is music event. Also, artists have continued to showcase some arts in gospel music as a way of expressing their religious views in respect to American culture (Christianity). Such gospels songs mentions God as the supreme creator and depicts various Christian values (Mirrlees, 2013).

Technological advancement has revolutionized entertainment media thus promoting interrelationship with the American culture. Prior to the advent of the internet, Television, and radio, the society depended on newspapers as the only source of information. The discovery of radio enabled people to receive timely information. Also, it expanded information coverage to many people especially those who could not read. The TV which was introduced some few years later enabled people to receive information and other forms of entertainment contents. Technological advancement presented people with alternative means of accessing information. Entertainment media has become a basic necessity in American culture which has since shaped its values.

Entertainment media has continued to shape American culture and values in various ways. TV which is a form of entertainment media has influenced Americans to envy and fantasize about living a better life based on the programs which are being aired. For example, some programs which shows couples owning expensive cars and big houses has influenced many people to work hard in real life to better their lives. TV and radio has both positive and negative ramifications on American culture and its values. Some of the news being aired on the media elicits different reactions from the listeners or the viewers. News about accidents, natural calamities and terrorism at times can be depressing and heartbreaking. TV and radio provides entertainment to many people who listen to different music. Music has brought too much influence to American culture and its values. For instance, hip-hop and country music has influence the manner in which Americans dress and behave. Hip-hop fanatics are renowned for their street wears which include baggy pants and sports shoes. Likewise, those who subscribe to country music wear cowboy hats and boots as their form of identity. Music has also changed the manner in which people express various messages be it political or social. For instance, Hip-hop has been used as a platform to express the conditions of living in urban areas, police brutality and other ills in the society. Other music genres educate the youth and promote positive behaviors in the society. Some of the messages that are promoted through music have modified American culture and its values.

Social influences of the entertainment media have negative ramifications on American society. The degree of influence depends on the culture which is being associated with. Music has been utilized as an expression platform whereby artists highlight various issues in the society. For instance, love songs expresses ones affections towards his or her partner or family. The expression of love is positive to American culture and its values but there are other forms of music expression which has negative effect. Some of the music genre promotes violence, drug abuse and other criminal activities (Giroux, 2016). For instance, hardcore hip-hop music has been linked with gang-related violence which is associated with most of their followers. In addition, most hip-hop music videos have explicit contents or scenes which have eroded American culture. Most music videos do not provide educative and informative messages but rather portray negative culture and lifestyles which may influence youths to mimic the behaviors they see on TV. As a consequence, the society would face a difficult challenge in eradicating some social behaviors which threatens socio-economic progress.

In conclusion, entertainment media has brought both positive and negative contribution on American culture and its values. Technological advancement has enabled Americans to access timely information and access various entertainment contents. Music has become an effective media which is used to inform and educate the masses. Despite its contributions in influencing the society, there are some music genres which promote negative behaviors in American society (Giroux, 2016). Some of the videos aired on TV has explicit scene and it involves use of foul languages. Also, the use of nude models in hip-hop discredits women in the society. Therefore, it’s beyond the Americans to make decisions on the kinds of media they should access. I do recommend that parents should monitor the kinds of music that their children access because some of the contents have negative ramifications on their behaviors.