I attended a conference this past weekend and the keynote speaker got me thinking. BTW – this is what they are supposed to do.
Dr. Greenfield spoke on the connections between culture and values – how are changes in one area associated with changes in the other. A particular focus of Dr. Greenfield and the Children’s Digital Media Center with which she is affiliated sees media both as a manifestation of culture and a shaper of personal values. Hence, media represents a more manageable way to study culture and values.
Here is the problem (not all aspects of cultural change are problematic, but this aspect is), there has been a gradual shift over generations to an increase in narcissism and a greater desire for material goods. Over the same period of time, there has been a decline in empathy and respect for tradition. This sounds exactly like the kind of thing a curmudgeon would claim so I offer a citation (at end of post) in case you assume this is just the type of thinking someone who walked to school up hill (both ways) in the snow would say.
One of the studies traced over a period of 50 years the themes present in the most popular programs for tweens (study is linked below). Evidently, there are ways to locate a considerable amount of information on the focus of specific programs going way back (tv.com) – I watch little television, but I can admire the commitment to a web site that provides information in this depth. So, in 1967 the top tween shows were Andy Griffith and Lucy and in 2007 the top shows were American Idol and Hannah Montana. The characteristic showing the greatest change was “fame” – nearly last to first.
I admit I watched Andy (if that is Andy of Mayberry). Barney was my hero. I also watched Happy Days in 1977. After that, I can’t say I have much experience. What happened to MASH – guess that was not a tween show.
Is there anything wrong with seeking “fame”? The authors are concerned with two issues – the desire for fame may be associated with unrealistic goals eventually resulting in dissatisfaction; fame and material wealth are not associated with life satisfaction.
I wonder about one thing. The implication in this work is that our values are manipulated by media. We all know about correlation and causation, but it is so easy to speculate. What if our values are shaped in other ways and we seek entertainment consistent with our values? I wonder – what about all of the “real housewives” and “bachelor/bachelorette” shows my students watch. Are they the victims of the cheap to create pseudo-reality television or do these shows reflect their values?
It is back to CNN for me.