Michael Medved Part 2

Medved argues against Hollywood’s claim that they only entertain and don’t influence. He had a lot of sound and valid points.  For example, he related an event that occurred in 1982, Where the surgeon general of the United States released volumes of data showing that prolongedviolence on Tv promoted more hostile and aggressive behavior and attitudes of those viewing it. “ABC TV,” Medved said, “Trotted out one of their vice presidents who said “Unfortunately,

there is no conclusive scientific evidence to suggest that media imagery impacts world behavior in any way.”” I concur with everything Medved has claimed, however I believe that his argument would have benefited by talking about the positive aspects of media reflected on society.  Because although he was pretty justified in not agreeing that the short clip in “Lethal Weapon” was promoting safety and affected “thousands of lives”, there are also inspiring and things seen in cinema that really do affect for the better.  For example, in the film “Mr.

Smith goes to Washington”, courage and faith are portrayed along with steadfastness and honesty as Mr. Smith stands up to evil men that would corrupt America.  There are many otherinspiring films that have the opposite effect on people. 

          In response to Hollywood’s statement that they only reflect society, Medved makes a moving and vivid point.  He talks about the reflection and false portrayal of murders, crime rate, cheating on your spouse and the lack of church goers on TV.  All of those categories are greatly dramatized in C.S.I shows and are often shown quite contrary to reality.  He referenced one of the few times prayer was even included on TV, and it was in a Simpson episode where they prayed to God only to say “thanks for

nothing”.  He goes on to discuss the fact that Hollywood is showing society in a way that is not how the world really is.  People watching those shows however, feel inadequate and think that maybe they are the odd one out.  

          Next, in response to Hollywood’s assertion that they if you“don’t like this stuff” then you can just turn it off, Medved uses an example of Madonna.  He asks the audience how many of them had ever gone to a Madonna concert. Few hands were raised, but nearly every person in the audience knew who Madonna was when he asked for his last question.  In accordance with this, was his quote of saying that “If you don’t like the smog, just stop breathing”, is the same as saying that we can just ‘turn off’ the media.  


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