Response Paper 4

Chelsea Billek

September 29, 2011

SOC 1000 (15)

Response Paper 4

Considering the vast diversity of the United State’s culture, it is extremely difficult to capture all of the numerous cultural groups. I have grown up in what is believed to be the boom of social media. I started with Myspace, and progressed to Face-book and Twitter. With every change in the social media, I have grown to adapt as well. There are many aspects of a person’s life that is put on display on most social media sites. Therefore, stereotypes and misnomers about different races and cultures is also very prevalent.

Although these stereotypes produced still exist, I believe through the different social media sites one can prove these theories to be either true or false. Sites such as Face-book and twitter allow individuals to voice their views and opinions on anything they wish. It also gives them the opportunity to share their knowledge with others. In doing so, they are able to show the world what they are all about. Instead of being grouped into an image that might not suit them.

Another form of social media that I follow would be through television. Even though I do not follow many news programs that depict many aspects of society, I do watch MTV regularly. MTV has gotten many negative reviews in the past, yet it has turned into somewhat of an educational and informative channel for teens and young adults. Instead of airing music videos as it has been known for, it know broadcasts series about regular adolescence going through common adversities. It teaches viewers the consequences of the decisions they make and how people cope with them. Shows such as “Teen Mom” and “True Life” do just this.

“Teen Mom” is a show that’s name basically explains it’s nature. It follows several young adults who have been faced with a child at a very young age. Each episode  follows these individuals through the struggles they face trying to deal with a new baby. In doing so, it teaches those of us who can not relate, the consequences of unprotected sex. Those who might be going through the same issue see how others cope with it and possibly learn how to get through their tough times as well. The show can instill hope and knowledge to other young moms and even those who do not have children and are interested in the process these kids are going through.

“True Life” is a very dynamic and diverse show. Each show deals with a few individuals who face different dilemmas. There have been episodes on drug abuse, financial issues, sexual topics, and various social behaviors. All things someone in my age group may face throughout life. Similar to “Teen Mom,” it brings light to the consequences and adversities these teens face. It helps us to realize that we are not alone in facing these hardships and educates us on different ways to deal with the problem at hand.

In conclusion, my awareness of the vast number of different types of social media may be small. But, the types I am aware of do capture the diversity of the United State’s culture. Through the variety of social broadcasting that I observe, stereotypes are both challenged and constructed. I believe most stereotypes have some truth behind them, but it is up to the individual to either follow or stray from them.