How much of our understanding of foreign cultures is shaped by the media we consume, and how much is truly our own perception? Media and other social variables greatly affect our perceptions of reality and warp how we perceive certain cultures. Our world is built up of different countries, languages, religions, and traditions, all fluctuating in this ever-changing world, resulting in a global mindset that melds these cultures. This global mindset is the cornerstone of our community on Earth, yet the dividing factor between these countries is the media in which they are digested. The media influences us in two ways: directly, on an individual level, and indirectly, through social interaction. Both of these avenues are integral to human perception of reality and how foreign cultures are received. The 21st century has been ingrained with the overstimulation of social media, news outlets, and television, all of which play a pivotal role in shaping our perceptions. To illustrate this, let’s explore how these social variables influence our views of the Middle East and North Korea.
From children’s movies such as Aladdin to family favorites like The Father of the Bride Part II, Hollywood has long since been crafting a specific and inaccurate narrative of “what an Arab looks and acts like.” Western media in general has relied on the stereotype of a “bad Arab” to create a villain, creating a character everyone can rally against. This is a pervasive image; regardless of where one grew up, it is likely that the image of a “bad Arab” was inherited to some degree. This can most clearly be seen in the opening sequence of the children’s classic, Aladdin. Throughout the opening song, there are plenty of recycled stereotypes that are used as a platform for the rest of the movie. From the narrator’s tales of fabled magic carpets, snake charmers, and belly dancers–to the lyrics “It’s barbaric, but hey, it’s home”–Hollywood imposes an image of destitution on this area of the world and perpetuates an inaccurate stereotype of the Middle East as a region of impoverished people in need of being saved. Movies as trivial as Aladdin have played large roles in the reputation and image of the Middle East. In addition, Americans are constantly being fed these inaccurate images through ads, television, and social media. On platforms such as Instagram, images of exotic landscapes and violent headlines often dominate posts about the Middle East. For example, sponsored ads or viral posts may showcase images of conflict or depictions of Middle Eastern people in traditional attire, reinforcing the stereotype of an impoverished, war-torn region. This visual portrayal, paired with sensational headlines, perpetuates a narrow and distorted view of the Middle East, often neglecting the rich cultural diversity and complexity of the region. These avenues are the perpetrators of this cycle, allowing for the misrepresentation of cultures.
Similar to their skewed representation of the Middle East, Western media has been criticized for its biased coverage of North Korea for years. Stories about North Korea are often popular, as the public views the country as a form of entertainment. As a result, journalists are strongly tempted to derive quick, provocative conclusions. Western media often applies sensationalism when approaching the country of North Korea as compared to its coverage of other nations. As a result, in the process of producing content tailored toward maximizing the number of clicks and gasps, accuracy no longer takes priority, and false or unfounded information is published. This style of news coverage is prominent in influencing our perceptions of North Korean culture. News outlets often depict the country as a repressive, isolated regime led by a ruthless dictator, with headlines focusing on missile tests, oppressive government control, and extreme poverty. Though I cannot say for certain that these news sources are not credible, their interpretations greatly affect the country’s reputation, reinforcing the image of North Korea as a threatening, enigmatic state rather than offering a more nuanced understanding of its people and culture.
Looking at the case studies of North Korea and the Middle East, it is apparent that our environment has an immense impact on our worldview. It can affect how news and research are conducted as well as cause preconceived notions and stereotypes to occur. Referring back to the question above, are our thoughts truly our own? I believe that, to a large degree, our thoughts and preconceived notions are fabricated from outside variables that we consume, such as the media. It is undeniable that our environment has a guiding effect; however, it is also important to consider for yourself just how much of your worldview is shaped by these external influences and how much remains a product of your own experiences and critical thinking.
Edited by Lilya Elchahal
