In the same fashion of the radio, television became a unifying force across America. Wealthy families in the city would be watching the same programs as those who lived on a farm. Television brought together American citizens regardless of region or social class. The most popular shows were Gunsmoke, I Love Lucy, The Ed Sullivan Show, and Father Knows Best. Television provided a way for people of all ages to relax and laugh together, just as it does today.
Companies quickly learned to take advantage of the new television culture. In 1949, the amount of money spent on advertisements was $58 million; by 1969, that number jumped to $1.5 billion. The increase in television commercials largely contributed to consumerism. People were anxious to buy any new product that was advertised on the television screen.
Beyond advertising and entertainment, television was also used to spread propaganda. The film Duck and Cover (1952) featured Bert the Turtle, who taught children what to do in the case of a nuclear explosion. Meet King Joe was another form of capitalist propaganda. This film portrayed an average young man who enjoyed life in the American workforce. Joe enjoyed decent wages, advanced technology, and a high standard of living due to the effects of capitalism. From a young age, children watched these cartoons and were indoctrinated by American values.
http://www.softschools.com/timelines/television_timeline/31/
https://livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe50s/life_17.html
https://www.filmpreservation.org/sponsored-films/screening-room/meet-king-joe-1949
Companies quickly learned to take advantage of the new television culture. In 1949, the amount of money spent on advertisements was $58 million; by 1969, that number jumped to $1.5 billion. The increase in television commercials largely contributed to consumerism. People were anxious to buy any new product that was advertised on the television screen.
Beyond advertising and entertainment, television was also used to spread propaganda. The film Duck and Cover (1952) featured Bert the Turtle, who taught children what to do in the case of a nuclear explosion. Meet King Joe was another form of capitalist propaganda. This film portrayed an average young man who enjoyed life in the American workforce. Joe enjoyed decent wages, advanced technology, and a high standard of living due to the effects of capitalism. From a young age, children watched these cartoons and were indoctrinated by American values.
http://www.softschools.com/timelines/television_timeline/31/
https://livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe50s/life_17.html
https://www.filmpreservation.org/sponsored-films/screening-room/meet-king-joe-1949
It's interesting how TV has both shaped and been shaped by American values. 50's TV was much more innocent than today's, with shows about love and families rather than the modern era's gravitation to violence and drugs. News has changed too, desensitizing us to bombings and crime. It can be argued that society shapes what goes on TV and that TV shapes society. In fact, there are many theories as to how various genres vent human emotions. For example, zombies in horror movies are theorized to represent the subconscious fear of the inevitability of death. TV will continue to shape society as it has for decades, and if you want to take a look into America's deeper thoughts and opinions, just turn on the TV and see what's on.
ReplyDeletehttp://annotationproject.blogspot.com/2012/04/television-shows-1950s-vs-present.html
https://www.buffalo.edu/home/feature_story/monster-culture.html