MIGRAIN: Ideology final tasks

MM52
Page 34: The World Of Mockingjay: Ideology, Dystopia And Propaganda

1) Read the article and summarise it in one sentence.

It shows the use of propaganda in the media and what ideological views are created in the capitalist society.

2) What view of capitalist ideology is presented in the Hunger Games films?

It suggests that there is a social structure based on class and the upper class have the power and dominance to control the working class as the marxist theory shows how the
ruling class keep the poor under control through civic means; armies of‘Peacekeepers’ are sent to control each district and to punish anyone who tries to defy the authority.

3) What do the Hunger Games films suggest about the power of the media to shape and influence ideological beliefs?

Since Catching Fire, much has changed in regards to power, society and the media. The lines
between the powerful and powerless are more blurred than ever, and although the Capitol still holds most of the power, it is slowly crumbling as people in the Districts begin to stand together and respond to the need to fight against the society that has been set in stone for all these years.

Page 48: They Live - Understanding Ideology

1) Read the article and summarise it in one sentence.

It explores what is meant by ideology and how it changes, looking at the way it influences us and how we as consumers are controlled and manipulated by it.

2) What are the four accepted ideological beliefs in western societies highlighted by the article?

-Good should overcome evil
-Law is better than disorder
-Pleasure is a goal in life
-People should work hard for their money

3) What does Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggest about power and ideology in society?

Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci introduced the concept of hegemony, and its role in social control. Gransci defined hegemony as an important way in which those in power maintain their control through consent, rather than the use of force. He argued that the power of ideology derives primarily from ideas and structures which support, and thus serve the purpose of, an elite social group which is able to dominate through ideas, rather than militaristic strength or fear.

4) What does French theorist Louis Althusser suggest about ideology and consumerism?

1: Repressive State Control, also known as ‘Repressive State Apparatuses’ (RSAs) through the major institutions of society – the Government, Army, Police, Courts, etc. – which are dominated by the ruling elite. These state agencies regulate social behaviour and repress the masses through violence, punitive law, and fear.

2: ‘Ideological State Apparatuses’ (ISAs), such as the Church, the media, educational institutions, the family unit etc. These looser institutions control and dominate implicitly through ‘common sense’ acceptance and social norms, rather than through fear. This echoes Gramsci’s concept of hegemony, by which ideology’s power derives primarily from consent as opposed to the use of force.

5) Do YOU agree with the idea behind They Live - that we are unthinkingly controlled by the media which is run in the interests of the economic elite?

I agree as i think that they use the media as a distraction, leading us to believe that we are in control of our lives, when in fact we are performing the way they want us to as we have to work and earn everything that we have. The media is also used to reinforce different beliefs in order to shape and persuade our perspective.