How would a symbolic interactionist respond to television and music producers who say that they only giving the public what the public wants?
A symbolic interactionist would approach the question by examining the social interaction and interpretation of television and music, rather than solely focusing on the intentions and claims of producers. Here's how a symbolic interactionist might respond:
1. Understanding symbols: Symbolic interactionists study how people assign meaning to symbols and communicate with each other through these symbols. In the context of television and music, symbols include the content, messages, and narratives depicted in these mediums.
2. Interpretation and meaning-making: Symbolic interactionists argue that meaning is not inherent in symbols themselves but is constructed through social interaction. Therefore, what audiences want from television and music is not predetermined but is influenced by various social factors, such as cultural norms, personal experiences, and socialization processes.
3. Audience influence: Rather than passively consuming media, symbolic interactionists emphasize that audiences actively engage with television and music, interpreting the content based on their own backgrounds and sociocultural context. Therefore, the argument that producers only provide what the public wants may oversimplify the complexity of audience preferences and overlook the dynamic nature of how media messages are received and interpreted.
4. Power dynamics: Symbolic interactionists recognize that media producers hold significant power in shaping public discourse and constructing societal narratives. They would highlight how producers' decisions regarding which shows or songs to produce, promote, or suppress can influence audience preferences and shape what is considered popular or desirable.
5. Social construction of reality: Symbolic interactionists would argue that media, including television and music, are not simply a reflection of public demand but actively contribute to shaping public perceptions, attitudes, and values. They would emphasize the reciprocal relationship between media and society, where media both influence and are influenced by societal beliefs and behaviors.
In conclusion, a symbolic interactionist would respond to television and music producers by emphasizing the role of social interaction, interpretation, and power dynamics in shaping audience preferences. They would argue against a one-sided view that suggests producers are solely giving the public what they want, while highlighting the complex interplay between media, producers, and audiences in the construction of meaning.