I was waiting in the doctor’s surgery a few days ago (for my wife’s anti-natal appointment with the midwife) and I randomly picked up a magazine. On closer inspection this turned out to be Hello magazine which I’m sure most people will have heard of (myself included). I have no interest in this kind of publication normally and I rarely read a newspaper or pay much attention to celebrity in the media.
The first thing I saw was a picture of Brad and Angelina (who I’ve heard of, I’m not completely living in a bubble) and the first words out of my mouth were, “Blimey! She looks rough!”. Now as a Life Coach, I’m supposed to be programmed not to make judgments about people. Obviously, in reality I do so as instinctively and sub-consciously as the next person, however I’m probably better at spotting these judgments than most people.
In this particular case, the next remarks I made were, “Blimey! I can’t believe I just said that!”. It led me into a very interesting conversation with my wife about whether or not there’s a psychological trick that the media play on us to draw us into making judgements about the things we see or read in their publications.
What do you think? Is there something going on here that draws us into judging the people we see in the media? Or is it more subtle, in that we experience people who read such publications and they tend to voice their judgments and sensationalise the stars and celebrities who they read about to us?
So my public apologies to Angelina (I’m sure she reads my blog!!!) and I look forward to your thoughts about my momentary judgmental slip!
I think the media does lead us to make judgements about celebrities and other public figures. They create a public fascination with a person by portraying them as SUPERhuman – more talented, more gorgeous, more rich, more perfect than anyone could possibly be. In that way, then there is drama created when those same media outlets reveal their “imperfections” – which are generally things that wouldn’t seem shocking in a normal person.
For instance, most women would probably welcome looking like Angelina on a “rough” day. It’s only the media’s expectation they’ve built of her as SUPER GORGEOUS WOMAN that makes a very normal off day seem out of the ordinary.
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Dan O’Neil says… Thanks Melanie.
I feel that the media has conditioned us for years to be very judgmental especially about famous people that are always in the spotlight. Walk into any grocery store and look at all the tabloid magazines. Just makes me glad that I did not have to put up with any of that, I’m sure fam has its advantages and would be fun for a day or two I don’t think it is something that I would wish on my worst enemy.
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Dan O’Neil says… Is it any wonder that so many famous people live emotionally extreme lives? Thanks John
I don’t believe the media information but sometimes it can be very useful to watch some news on TV!
Dan O’Neil says… Mmm… seems like an excuse for a juicy link to me! My own opinion is that there is no use in me watching news on TV – I find out everything I need to know from other people who can’t help but tell me! I respect your opinion though.
I think they do, but only because lots of the media is so judgmental themselves. There are very few people who just put information out there and let us make our own decisions. Instead, they tell us what we should think and why, and some people don’t question it.
That leads to people who don’t agree with the media seem “weird” or “out of touch” because so many other people are so influenced by the media. Just my two cents.
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Dan O’Neil says… I love this comment!!! It’s really true that the vast majority of people seem happy to live their lives so influenced by the media and that’s ok if they understand that it is their choice. Personally, I’m happier being weird and out of touch!! Thanks Alex.
The media are powerful, and they tell us what to do and what to think and we don’t notice that.
Why the dictators want to control the media?
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Dan O’Neil says… Interesting point. I guess that it’s not only the dictators who want to control the media.
Definatley, when the media says it’s bad, the stupid public beleive them, the media have talked the UK into a recession and I speak to businesses who have never been busier!
It’s that darn Robert Peston from the News at 10!!!!!!!!
Dan O’Neil says… Is he the mastermind of all of this then…
I think it has more to do with the media helping us to objectify celebrities. When we do not consider some one a person but rather an object for our entertainment, it becomes easier to judge them.
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Dan O’Neil says… That’s an interesting point James. So by making them objects, rather than people we don’t feel bad about making judgements.
Yes they do, and how! Just check out few newspapers and you will see the different opinions on the same subject. Now, we do not read all newspapers out there, we read one or few of them. And thus the one opinion is created, all others are not acceptable.
Most people never check out what others are saying about the same thing. If they would, they would see it is all bunch of nonsense. Nobody is perfect. We all have strengths and weaknesses. But media doesn’t want you to know that. How could they earn their money then?
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Dan O’Neil says… Thanks for this Nina. Good points.
I think that media can really give us the wrong ideals. Many young people watch celebrities and think that’s the way I should look. For most people thats not realistic and the super thin models are no good ideals for people to follow.
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Dan O’Neil says… So not only do they help us to make judgements about other people, whom we know very little of the truth about, they also encourage us to apply these same judgements to ourselves. Thanks for your comment Johan.
I think media can make or break you. Some people do judge by media but they really shouldnt because you never know what the media is up to.
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Dan O’Neil says… Thanks
The media very much influences the way we react to just about everything. I feel your reaction was justified. Afterall the tabloid is painting a certain image for her.
Dan O’Neil says… Agreed, but that still doesn’t “justify” my reaction. My reaction is my choice and in this particular case, I feel that I made a poor reaction. It might be as a result of years of conditioning from my exposure to the media, but my acknowledgement of it gives me the responsibility to choose differently in the future.
Lighting, camera angles, and such all play a roll here too. The media has people wrapped around their fingers. And honestly the people seem to be brainwashed at times from info they hear through a media source.
I wish more people didn’t base their life around making judgments, so that more productive things in life were accomplished and focused upon. Great topic to post about!
Thanks!
Dan O’Neil says… I agree – although it seems to be that we are conditioned this way from being very small. For most people it seems it’s their only way to get through life – it helps them to justify their own beliefs about themselves.
Yes, media has made us very judgmental. You can’t even turn on VH1 or the TV Guide channel on without some talking head complaining about how ugly an actress looked at some award ceremony. The funny thing is that the talking head judging the celebrity is usually “ugly” and poorly dressed themselves. I can’t see this behavior not rubbing off on viewers.
Dan O’Neil says… Interesting comment – in judging the “talking head” you’ve proved your own point!
Of course media does it is what it is there for to make you think in a certain way!
Dan O’Neil says… And that way is…??
I think media mainly serves to magnify the judgmental view points that may have been instilled in us, though it does nothing to try and reverse those negative connotations.
Dan O’Neil says… That’s an interesting and different perspective! I suppose if we (society) continue to purchase these media, then we are a part of the problem!
Unfortunately we are all influenced by the media a lot more than we care to admit, just look at gift cards. It’s the media that has convinced us that it is acceptable to give money/cash as a gift which is what a gift card is.
Given enough time and money the media can change societies perception on almost any subject.
Dan O’Neil says… … as I’m sure has been proved time and time again throughout history!
I think the media wants us to have an opinion one way or another, hence the reason they like to shove the lives of celebrities down our throats. We think what they want us to think. It’s good for ratings.
Dan O’Neil says… Cheers John.
Many people think that the media is the most powerful thing. They can change the way of thinking of many people. Many media use their power (and the know about that) in a cruel way to get money. But you can choose what media you use, because you will get a lot of good informations too.
Dan O’Neil says… Thanks for your comment.
no question. When our sources of information want to make us think a certain way, we do. its that simple. Thats why most of the television stations in Russia is still owned by the government..
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Dan O’Neil says… Thanks John.
Not for me! I got rid of my cable TV package a few years back and I read and have old fashioned conversations more and more now – I highly suggest the change.
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Dan O’Neil says… Busy and successful people have very little time for the distraction of TV and invest their spare time in other things. Good for you!
I saw this Hello magazine while I was over in the UK. We have similar magazines in the US, but Hello seemed more trashy than the ones hear.
As the media is a medium which can potentially infulence our ideas and beliefs, it is a rational thing to say that the media can make us judgmental. You only have to look at studies linking media image to anorexia and bulimia to get an idea of this.
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Dan O’Neil says… I suppose the real question is whether there is any intent behind it all?
The media absolutely makes us judgmental. I think they (the media) need us to be so we keep “buying in” to whatever they are selling. Even if it’s only a new TV show. What I really think the bad part is is that the media makes us judgmental of people “in real life”; not just celebs. What about their car, their clothes, their style could be better? What would they have to do to fit the medias image; your image. The image that we are all striving for. Well, hopefully we’re not ALL striving for it.
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Dan O’Neil says… Quite! It’s wonderful to think that we have a choice in all of this!
The media is more caught up in what the “narrative” is that they are pushing for the day. For celebrities, it might be who’s too fat one day and then who’s too thin (sometimes even using the pictures of the same stars). It’s just as bad in the “real” news as reporters seem to only report what is in keeping with their own narrative. So a politician who is a crusader has more favorable stories written about him or her because it fits into the reporter’s own inclination to be a crusader.
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Dan O’Neil says… Nice points, thanks Ginny.
I think you have to be quite idealistic to think that you could find an objective source of information. Every single piece of news is chocen by someone and that someone has his own interest to represent the piece of news in his or her way.
Dan O’Neil says… True, the other factor is that if they don’t generate an article that people are going to read and talk about, then they won’t get more work.
It is my personal opinion, that the judgment, is just human nature. We all judge, everyone judges, with or without the tv.
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Dan O’Neil says… Jean, “Human nature” makes it sound like we don’t have a choice. We do have a choice!!
First of all, there is no doubt that Angelina is one of the fans of your blog
I feel that the mass media (like Newspapers and TV) are very judgmental. Probably because it makes it “interesting” for most people. As a society, I thing it is not good for us. Thanks for the post.
Dan O’Neil says… I’m pretty sure she is!!! If she has time to read blogs in her busy life, then obviously I’d recommend mine!!! Thanks for the comment.
I think that the media definitely picks out the photos that make us say, huh. I have seen some photos of celebrities that have definitely made me think differently of them.
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Dan O’Neil says… It’s a wonderful and dirty art!!!
I think we’re all guilty of snap judgements and a little prejudice from time to time. But as long as you recognize it on your part and not let it define you, you’re ahead of the game. I think Angelina will forgive you!
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Dan O’Neil says… Ah… eternal vigilance – so tiring! Thanks for the comments Charles – I’m hoping you know Angelina and I can have her acceptance of my apology in writing!!!
I am sure that some of the more sophisticated magazines make us think a certain way. The real big guys have years experience, and they have probably experimented a lot to find out just what ticks people to be interested in the article they write. It’s just basic stuff for them i guess. When you can be that interested in a regular celeb article, then they have done just what they intended.
Let me ask you a question: have you after this experience wanted to pick up another copy of ‘hello’?
Because that should be their ultimate goal.
Dan O’Neil says… I like your thinking! I’ve so far resisted the temptation! However, next time I’m somewhere waiting and there is a copy of such a magazine, I’ll be mindful of your comment!!
I’m not sure whether or not the media uses psychological tricks, but there is a good chance they do. I recently learned about some psychological tricks people can use in writing a sales letter. There is no reason why such tricks can’t be used in the media as well.
Dan O’Neil says… I’d suggest they do – it’s an art form!
I think the media definately intends to hype up a story and create a commotion about certain things and people – mostly through negative news rather than positve. It sells! these stories just creat judgements about people. The thing we need to do is not always believe the hype…Be aware of what the media is conveying for their own intentions. I’m sure we all judge, but let’s create more awareness through observation rather than judgement. Thanks for this post.
Dan O’Neil says… No problem!
I believe that publications like this carefully select the photos they use to try and control the kind of judgement you made. If the pictures reenforce the content of the article you’re more likely to agree with it and subsequantly read/buy it again? Just my thoughts.
Dan O’Neil says… Yes – and might I say that’s a brilliant use of keywords that you’re adding close to your do-follow link (intentionally or not)!!!!
That would be funny if angelina actually read your blog, she could probably use it. And yes, I am being judgemental on her
. I think the media definitely plays a part in how we look at others.
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Dan O’Neil says… I have to confess, I considered deleting this comment as it made me feel uncomfortable. Note to Pam, this says more about me than it does about you!
We might think that we choose what we think is right but media does plays a part on how we look at life and other people. Media tends to sensationalize meager information.
Dan O’Neil says… Thanks Jason.
Very interesting blog Dan. I do agree that the media influence our decisions because after all it’s humans who report the stories we read.
However, I don’t think you should chastise yourself for making an observation (like you did with Angelina Jolie’s appearance), because even newly born babies who have not yet been exposed to ‘hello magazine’ or ‘CNN’ make decisions about what they like or dislike instinctively.
This leads me to believe that it is just human nature to come to conclusions about things we observe or experience i.e.judge. It is what you do with your conclusions or observations that make a difference. The question is: Do we shove our observations or conclusions down other people’s throats or do we use them as an excuse to be prejudice? Thats when it becomes problematic.
Dan O’Neil says… You are right about babies – there is definitely an in-built survival mechanism that means that we are programmed to judge. To be honest, I was simply surprised about the strength of my judgement and as an adult I recognise that I can choose to think differently if I wish. Thanks for your comments.
Those women’s magazines are worst influence upon womens lives.
They give out ’2′ conflicting and dangerous messages.
- Natural Beauty. how to become beautiful, ‘real women’, staying natural. You know, the fake ‘we care about real women’ angle.
- Bitchiness.
These magazines write in a way that almost talks up for ‘normal’ women with ‘curves’ blah blah blah. But at the same time absolutely SLATE celebrities for having just a toe out of line, and naturally many mags also photoshop these celebs.
Its just a horrible mix of idolising, publically humilating, sympathising with the pubilc, yet also destroying women’s self esteem. They’re pathetic, and women should stop reading them just as people should stop smoking.
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Dan O’Neil says… I feel the strength of your conviction here! Wow, you really mean this!
I think every type of media has effect on people. Some are very one sided and both sides have thier own. I listen to what they say with a grain of salt most media tells what they want you to think so make sure not to listen to one side. Celebrities i could care less about local news i like best and financial news.
Dan O’Neil says… Thanks Ken.
I do think the media influences the judgment we craft and it could be our responsibility as well. The media is really only about sound bites or the visual impact (like your Angelina’s “rough” appearance). There is obviously a dozen reasons for her less-than-stellar appearance. It could have been bad lighting, she could have been feeling ill, and it could have been an editorial meeting where the goal “was to find something sensational that would invite inquiry and judgment.”
Sure the media causes us to be judgemental, remember 911? The media coverage was every where and yes it was an horrific thing to happen, but like everything it is usually the minority that spoil it for the rest. After 911, there was a noticed rise in physical attacks on Muslims.
The media only seem to be interested in promoting bad news, we never hear of businesses doing exceptionally well do we?
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This is a great topic to bring to our attention and I thank you for doing so, Dan. I don’t think we would like to feel judgmental “because” of media, yet we are surely more and more, easily influenced by the stories they choose to focus on as “important”.
I think more than ever, this raises key issues within each one of us such as:
How much attention and power to do I want to give to these media sources?
How do I keep my consciousness as free of judgment as possible?
After all is said and done, the media cannot make us judgmental if we focus on activities that cultivate a non-judgmental awareness within ourselves.
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