Children of the Screen

                We are indeed children of the screen as Baylon writes. There is an inordinate amount of truth in the statement “the overwhelming influence in society is the media.” As seen in the reaction of society, many will believe whatever the media tells them to, and adapt the same beliefs of the media. Whether it is due to many unfortunately believing the media is unbiased, or just the sheer amount of media in our environment lambasting us relentlessly, the result is the same. We adopt the media’s beliefs as our own, just as a child does of their parents’. The key word in that statement is child, since it seems as though society automatically accepts what the media says as truth, much like a young child does of their parents, not, like children in adolescence or older who can form their own opinions, sometimes disagreeing with those who raised them. When people go away on vacation, it is not uncommon to hear of how they want to “get away from it all.” However, the moment they come home they indulge in all the offerings of the media such as the news and internet.

Baylon’s concern is just. With the immoderate amount of power the media wields over society in general, all individuality is lost. Just by showing the new hot celebrities wearing a new style of clothing can create a mass wave towards a new fashion line because it is the cool thing to do. Political matters can be decided solely by the producers of a network. If they so choose, they can air scathing reports of propositions and those behind them, and candidates, while praising others.
                As a race, our environment is completely mechanized and produced as Baylon says. No longer is it important for us to adapt to weather changes, all we need to do is sit inside with the thermostat set at 72. If food is running scarce we just import it from another area of the world. Our fight is no longer that of survival, but one of wealth, as we continually see on the screen (subliminally) the happiness that is supposedly brings.

                The photograph included at the end of the essay clearly states Baylon’s fears. The chain around her neck shows the strength of the bounds the screen (media) has us in. The duct tape over the mouth emulates that we have no voice, but must listen to that of the media’s. The neutral color of the gray makeup and the lack of hair, clothes, and colors show the individuality that is lost by someone when everyone conforms to the norms of the media. The blank screen in the background makes me think that nothing else is important to the individual other than the next program to come on.