Blog Post 1

Student’s Name:Nianfei Li

Professor: Brent Smith-Casanueva

Class:CCS313 
  
            Spigel (84) argues that television studies have incorporated new concepts which are conventionally known to be incorporated in the studies. Technological innovations which are present in the contemporary society have seen convergence of new media which has seen the studies of media also converge. That is aimed at ensuring that an understanding of the trends in the modern society is created to ensure that efficient, effective, and sustainable solutions are developed and implemented for identified complex and dynamic problems.

According to Spigel (85) in his opinion, the study of television which is known in the modern society as the study of media has several deficits which need to be addressed for desired outcomes to be achieved in terms of understanding. Incorporating the concept of culture in the studies has always been a challenge and that it has seen rigidity become part and parcel of the whole process. Television studies have taken up new trends which are challenged in their approach and also in incorporating representation on the aspects present in the society.

Lotz (1) also points out that television studies has given attention to women neglecting men making it difficult for a clear understanding to be developed. The concentration of women in television studies came into practice as a concern for the widening gap in gender representation in the conventional society. However, with women empowered, the trends have not been reversed. Hence, men are lurking in the shadows with women taking a center stage. As much as television studies have achieved transformation over the years, there are still underlying issues which have relatively remained constant hence the need for comprehensive change.

The article TSHC (37) explains that the perception which is developed by members of the society with regards to television is gender based and that has also been transferred to television studies. For instance, a woman at home is perceived to be thinking of going to the cinemas to watch a movie while a husband on the way home is imagining spending his night watching sports on the television. Television has therefore played a significant role in bringing drift between the gender divide instead of bringing the genders together as previously envisioned. 

The complexities of television studies cannot be understated but an understanding needs to be created to solve the identified existing problems. Conventionally women were underrepresented in television industry according to studies which were carried out and they were given subordinate roles. However, that changed with time as women were empowered and represented in different forms which have over the years weakened the position of men in television industry.

Spigel (86) states that “television historians are rethinking the ‘discursive series’ into which television might be placed so that TV history may be explored in relation to historical events and cultural practices that previously seemed separate and distinct” (Spigel 86). That is exactly what is being experienced in television representation and studies in the contemporary society. Women experienced limited representation conventionally with men taking up all the limelight. The trends have changed and what was historically perceived to be normal has changed with men bearing the brunt of limited representation. Convergence of new or digital media has made it impossible for reference to be made on the issue because there are more pressing matters which are incorporated in television studies.

Works Cited

Lotz, Amanda D. Gender Studies, Masculinity and Television. UTNE, 2014 September.

Spigel, Lynn. TV’s Next Season? Cinema Journal 45.1 (2005): 83-90.

The Suburban Home Companion: Television and the Neighborhood Ideal in Postwar America. (n.d): 31-59.