How the Media Frames Class Distinction: A Reading of the “Framing Class” Article
1. Introduction
The media has a great influence on how we see and understand the world around us. In particular, the way the media frames class distinction can have a profound effect on our perceptions of wealth, poverty and social mobility.
In this essay, I will discuss how the media frames class distinction and how this affects our reading experience for the “Framing Class” article. I will also argue that, despite the media’s influence, we can still make our own judgments about class distinction based on our own experiences and observations.
2. How the media frames class distinction
The media often portrays class distinctions as being very clear-cut and static. For example, we are often told that there are two distinct classes in society: the wealthy elite and the poor masses.
This portrayal of class distinctions is not accurate or helpful. In reality, class distinctions are much more complex and fluid. There are many different ways to measure wealth and poverty, and there is a lot of socio-economic mobility between different classes.
The way the media frames class distinction can have a number of negative effects. Firstly, it can lead us to believe that class distinctions are more fixed and permanent than they actually are. This can make us feel hopeless and trapped in our current social position.
Secondly, the media’s portrayal of class distinction can reinforce negative stereotypes about different social groups. For example, the wealthy elite are often portrayed as greedy and selfish, while the poor masses are often seen as lazy and worthless. These stereotypes are not only inaccurate, but they can also be damaging and harmful.
Thirdly, the media’s portrayal of class distinction can make it seem like social mobility is impossible. This is not true – people do move between different classes all the time. However, if we believe that social mobility is impossible, then we will be much less likely to strive for it.
3. The reading experience for the “Framing Class” article
Despite the media’s influence, we can still make our own judgments about class distinction based on our own experiences and observations. In fact, I would argue that it is even more important to do this when we are presented with a simplistic and distorted view of class distinctions by the media.
When reading the “Framing Class” article, I was struck by how accurately it described my own experiences of growing up in a working-class family. I could relate to many of the examples given in the article, such as feeling like an outsider at school or having to work hard to get ahead in life.
I found it very refreshing to read an article that did not portray working-class people as lazy or stupid, but instead showed them to be hardworking and aspirational. This is a much more accurate portrayal of my own experiences and those of people I know from similar backgrounds. It is important to remember that not all stories about class distinction fit into neat little boxes created by the media. Our own experiences and observations can often provide a more nuanced and realistic view of the world around us.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, the media has a great influence on how we see and understand class distinctions. However, we can still make our own judgments about class distinction based on our own experiences and observations.
When reading about class distinction, it is important to remember that not all stories fit into neat little boxes created by the media. Our own experiences and observations can often provide a more nuanced and realistic view of the world around us.