How we see Ourselves in Media | Chenyao Liu | TEDxCarmelHighSchool | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Fictional films like Top Gun, The Hunger Games, and Star Wars have a political impact on viewers, shaping their beliefs, opinions, and actions.

Key Insights

• 👍 Films like Top Gun can serve as government-approved propaganda, promoting trust in the military and influencing career choices.
• 🫵 Dystopian fiction films like The Hunger Games can make viewers more likely to support radical political action, highlighting the impact of fictional narratives on shaping perspectives.
• 🫵 Star Wars, despite being a critique of imperialism, fueled patriotism and shaped viewers' opinions on government and governance.
• 🎥 Fiction films, including Top Gun and Star Wars, have political undertones that contribute to their success and audience appeal.
• 🖐️ Media, including fiction films, plays a significant role in the socialization process, shaping political identities, beliefs, and opinions.
• ❓ Fictional narratives can reinforce racial stereotypes, influencing societal perceptions and attitudes.
• 🫵 Politics is inherently intertwined with popular culture, and stories often carry political messages intended to entertain and engage viewers.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How did Top Gun increase naval aviator applications?

According to the US Naval Institute, naval aviator applications rose by 500% after the release of Top Gun. The film's portrayal of elite fighter pilots and thrilling aviation scenes attracted viewers to consider a career in the military.

Q: Why do dystopian fiction films like The Hunger Games influence viewers' political beliefs?

Researchers found that consuming dystopian fiction makes viewers more likely to understand and justify radical political action. The settings and themes of oppression and rebellion in these films resonate with viewers and shape their perspectives on societal issues.

Q: How did Star Wars impact viewers' opinions on government?

Star Wars, particularly the original trilogy, portrays the rebellion against the evil Galactic Empire, which many viewers interpreted as a metaphor for the American Revolution. Some fans even considered the end of the Jedi order and the rise of the Empire to be justified, showcasing how fiction can shape political reasoning.

Q: What are the implications of fiction films on political beliefs and actions?

Fiction films have the power to shape and influence viewers' opinions, beliefs, and actions. They can affect trust in the government, political tolerance, empathy, and even voting criteria. Being aware of these influences can help viewers critically analyze the messages and themes presented in these films.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Top Gun, a film about naval aviators, was made with the help of the US military and intended to promote trust in the military. It led to a significant increase in naval aviator applications.

• Dystopian fiction like The Hunger Games can influence viewers to understand and justify radical political action.

• Star Wars, despite being a critique of American imperialism, fueled patriotism in the US and shaped viewers' opinions on government and governance.