Media & Society
Media sometimes presents itself as a guardian of healing, and
healing is always occurring in society.
Ubiquitous media though never stops in playing its part with far-reaching
implications. As objects of attention media
has profound influences on our perceptions, the healing of mind, body, and
spirit. This is because the mass media
is the central nervous system of the world.
Media lives up to the description of Henri Nouwen (1932–1996),
a Dutch-born Catholic priest, and professor who asked, “Did I offer peace
today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s
face? Did I say words of healing? Did I forgive? Did I love?
These are some real questions. I
must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits,
here in this world and the life to come.”
Nouwen’s views on social responsibility could be likened to
the role of the media in society. If media
succeeds, or fails it’s for us to decide.
Media has definitely been an instrument of healing of social issues
e.g., wars, natural disasters, and racial conflicts.
Media’s Message
The media covers stories of diverse religious faith
traditions, cultures, and ethnic groups, via newspapers, magazines, books,
radio, cable, TV, and the Internet.
Although limited in some cultures it’s sobering
that people are able to find commonalities in media. It’s clear that in faith
traditions believers worship the same God, who is called different names. Many are able to attribute some degree of healing,
peace, prosperity, and personal well-being because of media’s professionals.
A message that comes through loud and clear is best captured
by Joseph Addision (1672–1719), an English essayist, and
playwright, who said, “If you want to succeed in life, make perseverance your
bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother, and
hope your guardian genius.” This
statement means putting one’s trust in media’s attempt to
be fair. Undoubtedly these beliefs are
seen in faith traditions of different editorial approaches.
Secular & Non-secular Media
It’s unwise to think that readers
and viewers will respond the same way to media’s role in
healing. Some critics argue the media
does nothing more than promote sensational stories. It’s commonly believed, “If it
bleeds it leads.” But readers could
focus on the discussions and analyses in media.
And taking shape though is the edification of the public that bring wholeness
to the viewers’ perceptions of what they comprehend. Media does a lot to allay fears. When news is from the secular or non-secular press
there are good results. People are aware
of media’s role to alleviate suffering.
Healing might not necessarily be physical, but it could bring
emotional stability to communities torn apart by strive. Radio and TV also serve as instruments in
promoting charitable works in times of natural disasters, by raising aid for
those affected by drought, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and forest
fires. So the next time you read a
magazine, or flip through the pages of a newspaper, and laugh at a situation
comedy, be sure to remember to volunteer for causes presented by media. For it’s good to remember that the mass media
does play a role of healing in American society.
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