Introduction
Television and films have profoundly influenced American culture for the last forty years. These two forms of media have become the foundation of the society we see today. Since 1970, movies and television have provided Americans with sources of information as well as an opportunity to participate in the community. The rise of blockbuster movies to the proliferation of reality television has shaped how Americans think, feel, and interact with the World around them.
The Impact of Television
In the 1970s, the rise of cable television created a new form of entertainment, allowing people to watch various shows from different networks and countries. This was a “game changer” regarding how people consumed media. It allowed them to watch shows they would not usually have access to, such as Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, and The Wire. These shows offered a unique perspective on life, often exploring complex topics such as crime, addiction, and mental health issues. This marked a significant shift in how Americans perceived television, paving the way for more diverse and thought-provoking shows.
TV has shaped public opinion and provided information about different events. Through news programs, documentaries, and other forms of media, television has been a powerful tool for educating people about the World around them. In addition to its educational and cultural benefits, television has also played a significant role in creating a sense of shared culture in the United States (M. Keith Booker, 2021). Popular shows like M*A*S*H and The Simpsons have become an integral part of the national consciousness, connecting people from diverse backgrounds and regions through a shared experience.
Two of American culture’s most iconic TV shows are The Cosby Show and Friends. The Cosby Show, which aired from 1984 to 1992, was a groundbreaking sitcom that depicted an upper-class African-American family living in a suburban neighborhood (M. Keith Booker, 2021). The show addressed severe topics like racism and education while also showcasing the comedic talents of Bill Cosby.
Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004, was an iconic sitcom that focused on the lives of six friends living in New York City. It was one of the most popular shows of the 1990s and early 2000s, helping to define the modern sitcom genre. It was also one of the first shows to feature an ensemble cast of attractive young actors.
The Impact of Movies
Movies have had a profound influence on American culture since 1970. The emergence of blockbuster films in the late 1970s revolutionized the movie industry, making it one of the most profitable industries in the world. In the 1970s, the rise of the movie industry significantly altered how Americans consumed movies (Crace, 2022). These movies have had a lasting impact on American culture, providing us with the visual language and imagery that have become part of our collective experience.
Movies like Star Wars and Jaws could draw in huge audiences, shaping people’s thoughts about going to the movies. Another influential film of the 1970s was The Godfather (1972). This film was a milestone in American cinema, both in terms of its level of artistic quality and its cultural impact. The story of the Corleones, their struggles to maintain power, and their eventual downfall resonated with audiences, helping to redefine the gangster genre. The film’s influence is evident in numerous films and television shows that have been produced since its release.
The 1970s also saw the emergence of the home video revolution with the introduction of the VHS format. This allowed people to watch films at home and opened up a new world of movie-watching possibilities. With the rise of the home video market, people could watch films whenever and wherever they wanted. This revolutionized the movie industry, as studios began to produce films specifically for the home video market.
Today, movies have significantly impacted American culture by representing different cultures and perspectives. Films like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians have provided a window into the lives of people from diverse backgrounds, enabling viewers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for cultures that differ from their own (M. Keith Booker, 2021). This has significantly impacted how Americans think about diversity and inclusivity and has opened the door for more diverse stories to be told in the film.
Conclusion
In conclusion, television and film have played a pivotal role in shaping American culture since the 1970s. They have provided Americans with new ideas and principles that have helped them to understand and accept the world around them. Thus, television and film have helped shape American culture into what it is today. For example, movies have had a significant impact, providing a window into different cultures and perspectives. Television and films have helped people better understand and value cultures different from their own, positively influencing Americans’ views on diversity and inclusion.
References
Crace, B. (2022). The American Blockbuster: Movies that Defined their Generations. ABC-CLIO.
M. Keith Booker. (2021). Historical Dictionary of American Cinema. Rowman & Littlefield.