ISBN:
9780691267234
Language:
English
Pages:
1 Online-Ressource (Seiten) :
,
Illustrationen.
Series Statement:
Princeton studies in political behavior
Parallel Title:
Erscheint auch als
Keywords:
Reality television programs / Social aspects / United States
;
American Dream on television
;
Social mobility / United States
;
Individualism / United States
;
Mass media and culture / United States
;
Income distribution / United States
;
Television and politics / United States
;
Informational works
;
Instructional and educational works
;
Documents d'information
;
Matériel d'éducation et de formation
Abstract:
"In an age of growing wealth disparities, politicians on both sides of the aisle are sounding the alarm about the fading American Dream. Yet despite all evidence to the contrary, many still view the United States as the land of opportunity. The American Mirage addresses this puzzle by exposing the stark reality of today's media landscape, revealing how popular entertainment media shapes politics and public opinion in an increasingly news-avoiding nation. Drawing on an eclectic array of original data, Eunji Kim demonstrates how, amid a dazzling array of media choices, many Americans simply are not consuming the news. Instead, millions flock to entertainment programs that showcase real-life success stories, such as American Idol, Shark Tank, and MasterChef. Kim examines how shows like these leave viewers confoundingly optimistic about the prospects of upward mobility, promoting a false narrative of rugged individualism and meritocracy that contradicts what is being reported in the news. By taking seriously what people casually watch every day, The American Mirage shows how rags-to-riches programs perpetuate the myth of the American Dream, glorifying the economic winners, fostering tolerance for income inequality, and dampening support for redistributive policies that could improve people's lives." --
