John Paul Tabakian, Ed.D.Political Science 1 – US Government

Spring 2017 / Fall 2017 – Power Point 4

Course Lecture Topics1. Condition Of America’s Masses2. Attitudes Of America’s Masses3. Intolerance Toward Unpopular Groups4. Elite – Mass Communication5. Political Functions Of Mass Media

Masses In AmericaCondition Of America’s Masses Is Increasingly Unequal• Growth in international trade is the principle cause of

increasing inequality in America.• Deunionization contributes to the mass condition of

inequality.• Wealth is even more unequally distributed than income.• Even though family income has been rising, real wages in

America have been declining.• Unskilled and semiskilled workers are suffering most.

Distrust & CynicismAmerican masses are increasingly distrusting and cynical.1. Caused by disrespect of governmental and political authority.2. The global economy has disrupted lives of many people.There are changes in the political process.1. Dealignment shows a decline in party loyalty.2. Television has replaced parties in politics.3. There is increasingly professional politics.4. There is negative media reporting.Mass distrust & cynicism diminished after terrorist attacks.1. There is mass confidence in the military.2. There is mass confidence in the non elected Supreme Court.

Intolerance Towards Unpopular Groups

There is an Increase in Intolerance toward unpopular groups.1. This is a reason why right and left counterelites have arisen in

American politics.2. Mass support for legal immigration has declined over the

years.3. Elite support for legal and illegal immigration has increased

over the years.4. Opinion Differences are explained by variations in level of

education.• The masses are ignorant.• The masses are politically inactive and apathetic.• These are the reasons why democracy survives.

Political MessageThis is the famous “This Land”cartoon. It is seen as a stronginfluential message during the2004 Presidential Election.What is the message behindthis cartoon? Was it themotivation of those behind itscreation to influence our politicalsystem or was the primarypurpose to produce publicity fortheir company?

This Land

Political MessageSnide TV produced a funny politicalcartoon during the PresidentialPrimary Election of 2008. “ObamaOn the Run” Hillary Clinton andBarack Obama musically argue itout over who is the better candidatein this song satirizing "Anything YouCan Do I Can Do Better." Thecartoon focuses on the narcissisticcharacteristics of both HillaryClinton and Barack Obama. Allcandidates are narcissists at heart.

I Can Do Better

Political MessageThe Republican NationalCommittee produced “JohnKerry: International Man OfMystery” during the 2004presidential election. Thiscampaign advertisement pokesfun at John Kerry’s assertion thathe is in contact with worldleaders who are not comfortablewith President George W. Bush.The theme is set to “AustinPowers”. Enjoy the video.

Man Of Mystery

Elite To Mass Communication

1. Mass Media are the Primary Channels ofCommunication between Elites and Masses.

2. Means of Communication• Television communicates emotions and

information.• News executives, reporters, editors,

anchors, and producers decide what will benews.

Elite Information Flow

Media Political FunctionsMass Media have Political Functions in Society.1. They have the power to set the agenda of issues.2. Their liberal bias is toward bad-news.3. Supreme Court decisions support mass media on no prior

restraint and absence of malice issues.4. The Federal Communications Commission supports mass

media on fairness issues.Mass media is the link between politicians and voters.1. Mass media emphasize the personal image of candidates.2. Political campaigning through mass media is very costly.3. Mass Media influence what people know and think.

Selling Issues To SocietyThe mass media’s greatestpower is the ability to decidewhat will be decided. How dointerest groups direct massopinion today? We will examinea marketing campaign led bythe “Consumers Union” thataddresses the issue ofprescription cost. Humor veryeffective in pulling on emotionalheartstrings. The ending directsviewers to a website that statesthe primary purpose of this clip.

Drugs

Selling Issues To Society

President Bill Clinton and FirstLady Hillary Clinton proposedcomprehensive healthcarelegislation to provide healthinsurance to millions ofuninsured citizens. The HealthInsurance Association ofAmerican (HIAA), a healthinsurance lobbying groupproduced “Harry and Louise”

Harry & Louise