As long as societies exist, social problems will exist as well. Just as there is arguably no ‘perfect' human being, there is just as much reason to think that there is no such thing as a ‘perfect' society. It is a sobering fact that social problems are normal features of the society and country in which we live. That point aside, there are many ways in which people can deal with social problems. Many different methods have been devised for the resolution of what can be defined as social ailments.
[...] Although poverty is the main social problem focused on in this essay, it should be noted that the mass media and its use in solving social problems has been used by virtually every modern cause pushing for the legitimation of a social problem. No one source can both call attention to and popularize an idea or topic quite as quickly or as efficiently as the media, and it precisely this fact which makes it such a valuable tool in solving social problems. [...]
[...] However, it would not be unreasonable to say that Attempts to address the issue of poverty through the mass media have been fairly successful. Some, like the united way's campaign,(Web Source 2004) have only raised consciousness of the issue at hand, but if that was the original goal, then we may be right in deeming the undertaking effective. At the same time, many campaigns have increased awareness, legitimated the problem in question and actually moved towards a solution on a micro level scale. [...]
[...] The mass media plays a crucial role to this end. In her article, Elizabeth Thoman explains that: “Many extraordinary television productions have served at least to set the national agenda regarding many confusing social issues. No one can know or understand all the causes of teenage suicide or the mysterious progress of Alzheimer's disease. Yet both can touch lives suddenly and tragically. For many adult Americans, prime-time television is the only "continuing education" available to learn to cope with contemporary crises. [...]
[...] Whether it gains the recognition it needs to effect a wide sweeping change within society is hard to predict, but the success of the mass media in positively treating social problems and specifically poverty cannot be ignored. It had tremendous potential, and when properly harnessed, can work wonders for making society a better place. Sources Baker, P.M. Et, Al Intersections: Readings in Sociology, Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Publishing. Brown, Joan Poverty is not a Crime, Launceston: T.H.R.A. Handler, Joel F., Hasenfeld, Yeheskel The Moral Construction of Poverty, London: SAGE. [...]
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