R1

After reading Littlejohn’s “On Cultivation Theory” reading and the corresponding info in this week’s Lecture Post, answer the following questions in 100 words or more:

Do you agree with the basic premise of Gerbner’s cultivation theory? In other words, does the entertainment media shape or “cultivate” how people view the world? At times, can there be a link between the media’s content and the beliefs, actions, and/or behavior of the viewers?

Is television, as Gerbner believed, our most persuasive entertainment medium?

Finally, do you think the media, specifically fictionalized programming, can still create what Gerbner called the “mean world syndrome” in 2021?

Cite examples of television programming to support your opinions. Also, be sure to reinforce your views by going deeper and answering "why?" or "why not?"