"Why Write for the Masses?"

Michelle Ruszat
#WFMM
“Why Write for the Masses?”
April 26, 2012

Wait, Who am I?!

Without the media, life would be drastically different. So much of our identity relies on social media presence and those without certain forms of media are considered “strange” or “outcasts” by the majority. This doesn’t only apply to society today. Media in various forms has always influenced the general public. It is easy to allow the media to shape and mold our lives. By understanding the history of mass media and the influence it has created upon our lives, we are better equipped to form our personal identities and definitions of being human.

Identity is so important because it gives one a sense of “being.” When someone goes through an identity crisis or a loss of personal definition it is devastating. What is the point of life if we do not feel as if we belong?

In the past, identities were formed predominantly by various cultural groups. Even before the written word, masses were sharing amongst themselves in the very foundation of media. The oral tradition was used predominantly to share stories about a group’s past or beliefs. Immeasurable respect was given to the story-tellers and orators of tribes because they laid the foundation of culture and created a sense of pride. Group identities were formed because of the oral tradition and the stories told to the mass. Often, these tales would be long and expressive with many details and require an incredible use of the memory to recall.

When the written word was put into practice, it was easier for various groups of people to share and remember their traditions, practices, and beliefs. Take for example, the Sofers who were upheld to the strictest standards when it came to writing and preserving the word of the Torah. This wasn’t just a job, it was (and is) a lifestyle and an identity. So much importance is placed upon the Sofers because they are insuring that the Torah will live and be respected for years to come. Records of any culture are highly significant to keeping said culture alive. Even if a person doesn’t belong to this group, information is available for increasing a cultural knowledge base.

As technology advanced it became easier and easier to share messages, ideas, and thoughts. The printing press could mass-produce books filled with new content that challenged the thoughts and beliefs of peoples cross-culturally. When people realized words could be used to persuade and change ideas of others, the creation of (or coining of the term) propaganda took place. Edward Bernays revealed his ideas of propaganda in 1928 which is using mass media to influence the present and the future. Newspapers, books, magazines, movies, radio, and television all spread multiple messages around the world. Advertisements were created to influence customers to purchase a particular brand. The brands people buy help to shape and create the identity of the consumer. Pepsi portrays the idea of youth by appealing to younger consumers. New cars are status symbols. Purchasing lattes from a certain coffee shop gives the image of being sleek and professional. Mass media has shaped the way people identify with themselves and with others.

In today’s world, media is more used and more popular than ever. The popular social media website, Facebook, has over 900,000,000 users world-wide and Twitter boasts a grand number of 175,000,000 users. We use social media to create our identity and share it with the world. By simply liking a band or sharing a controversial post, perceptions are formed and an image is created about each and every one of us. Buying a certain brand or product still shapes our perceived character but now with the addition of social media, we can actively demonstrate how deep these brands or products influence our lives by liking their page, re-tweeting, commenting, or checking-in and almost brag to those in our social circles about our personal experiences with said brand.

It is arguable that we are more in control of our identities now than ever before. Though there are some exceptions, we have the power to decide what is displayed to the World Wide Web. Our culture is becoming more global and instead of having to sit and listen to a story teller recount histories we can instantly search a video, find the transcript, or just ask a Yahoo question to anyone around the world. We no longer depend on creating a group identity, but strive for a strong, influential, and individualized persona.

In conclusion, mass media and the history behind it have lead to the creation of more personalized identities. While cultural identification still plays a role in many lives, we are moving toward a “me” society. We want people to see us as the one –in-a-million, not just one-in-a-million. Mass media has given us the tools to create our personal identity and fulfill the human need of belonging.