post-it, 3/26

Marx brings up a relevant topic in today’s economic transition from a culture that sought the most luxurious to a culture that is digressing to a renewed belief in practicality and utility. Wasting money in today’s economic climate is irrational, everything that a consumer is not. This is creating a media attitude of “less is more” and segments are being featured about renewing one’s spirit and enjoying the important things in life. That the media must remind us of these basic ideas and activities to spend our time demonstrates the American reliance on the media to tell us what to do and how to do it.

Althusser’s ideas on the Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses give names to the ideas that Marx had. The ISA’s are at work in Western culture. Media is included on this list of things that operates as a way to keep us from total rebellion. Media calms us and educates us on the topics that we are allowed to understand. Power is withheld from the public through the information that the media does not publicize.

Learning about these theories during this period in American history is allowing our class a lens to truly see the implications of these theories at work. On days when the media share the ideas of the economy that are positive, the stock market goes up. On days that information is shared about the lasting effects that the poor economy will have on our society, special segments are offered to help those in an economic pinch cope with the situation. Coupons are also making a comeback although they have been available online for years. The way that we are changing our living habits is also leading to a more conscientious society that is learning to think about the impact of their actions upon those around them. The theories that Marx and Althusser had about the world are taking shape as necessity and cultural changes expose the system that has controlled our emotions to make us believe that we need more to be happy.