Young People’s Problems

First. I should state I am no expert on the problems young people in the US face although I have three married children and thirteen grandchildren. These observations will be from a limited viewpoint and someone detached from the intimate knowledge of the mind of young people.

In general, young people in the US face the same problems as young people in other developed and semi-developed countries. Learning to make one’s own decisions, separation from and influence of parents, sexual desires, what career to follow, finding a life mate, etc. However, young people in the US do face these and other concerns.

Although the United States is a large country, people and specially young people are very mobile. Thus they travel throughout the country, go long distances to attend colleges and universities, visit friends in cities away from their home, etc. This opportunity to be mobile gives an independence to the young and opportunity to explore nature, develop new interests away from their home location. In general auto and air transportation is readily available and cheap. This mobility applies to visits, education and careers and job location.

Many have financial resources to follow their interests and desires as listed above. Travel is easy, cheap and safe. Thus financial and travel restrictions that may be present in some other countries are not a hindrance in the US. However, this excess of money can be good and bad. It can lead to excessive freedom and lessened influence of the parents when the young people may need direction and discipline from their parents.

Mass Media

Mass media could be defined in several ways, but I consider it to be all forms of public communication, such as, newspapers, radio, television, mail, meetings, etc. There is a large growing and very influential communication in semi-private internet via, blogs, Facebook, etc. In fact, people and businesses are using the email on internet as a means of communicating rather than telephone or mail. Of course, businesses, organizations, politicians, etc. also use this method to influence people. Although not mass media it is still a new way to telling ones story.

Returning to the original definition of mass media, this industry is very influential and powerful in the United States. Newspapers are readily available and read by a majority of the people. Also, since a number of young people do not subscribe to a newspaper, many receive this same information via TV since the newspapers all have “web” sites where most of the info in the newspapers is repeated. Newspaper editors and owners have traditionally taken a position on civic and political controversies through their editorials in an attempt to sway the opinion of its readers. The radio and television to do not attempt in editorials to announce a position because the time limitations is not conducive to expressing an opinion.

Since readers and listeners are influenced by newspapers, radio and TV, the politicians use these media to publicize their position on various issues. Hence, a news conference, or position statements, or one-on-one interviews to announce or argue a position or rebut an argument by someone holding a contrary view. This is a normal action.

The mass media holds a powerful position in the United States, because people are and want to be informed, listen or read extensively and because of this widespread reception politicians are very attuned to the market as represented by the media. Another reason for the power to the media is that it is free from restriction and censorship. We have longed talked about the “freedom of the press” and media people and the general public fight a real or imagined attempt to coerce or hinder anyone from publishing or airing a story about a government action, politician errs or civic cover-ups. Knowing of this freedom gives credence to the validity of the news reports and statements.

Although not really considered “mass media,” talk shows and call-in programs are very influential in the radio and television scene. These programs can have their focus to be political, sports, women interests, etc. In sports programming several experts, usually former players will express opinions and then listeners will call the station, be “on the air” and express a thought which may or may not be in agreement with the opinions of the experts. This can make for a lively program. Leaders of the political talk shows will have a bias that is generally well-known to this program’s audience. The discussions will usually concern the current political “hot” topic with the leader expressing an opinion and the listeners will add to or disagree with the stated viewpoint.

One program, the “Oprah Winfrey Program” was on the television for twenty five years with a large listening audience primarily women since the show was aired in the morning. She dealt with current social problems, new ideas, recommended books to read, invited celebrates to be interviewed by her. Except for social or racial issues, she generally avoided political issues. Her influence and audience was exceptionally large and although not mass media, her influence on issues was great.

Although not as widespread or prevalent, religious programming usually by radio is very effective to the audience the religious organizations are trying to reach. In Chicago, the evangelical Christians have radio stations featuring Bible studies, talks by Christian leaders, and, of course, call in talk shows. Christians will listen to this station and receive encouragement, teaching and advice on raising children, work problems, etc. The Catholic church has a similar outreach as do others.

The use of TV, radio and newspapers during elections is very interesting. Ads prepared and sponsored by organizations representing a particular candidate with run these ads showing the candidate is the best possible light and conversely, may contain information detrimental to the opposing candidate. It is called negative advertising. Since the content of the ads is not regulated the opposing camp can say anything within reason and although “slanted” truthful. These 30 to 60 second ads can be very effective.

The newspapers during election times are used to present more lengthy, reasoned arguments in favor of a candidate. These generally will be ads not interviews and press conferences. Newspaper reporters are intelligent enough as to not be taken in by candidate’s words without backup information.

Radio is also used by in a different manner. There is little negative ads but mostly extolling the virtues of the candidate sponsoring the ads. TV advertising is very expensive, so many people running for office will use the radio to get their message across. Of course, talk shows are very vital because it gives the candidate an audience to express his views, but also, those opposing the candidate can voice their opinion also. It makes for an interesting program.