Introduction to Sociology - Media and Communication - Part 1

NYU OpenED: Introduction to Sociology

[@Scientist287]

I went to college around the time these lectures were filmed. I’m from a very fundamentalist non-denominational Christian church, they emphasized to the high schoolers to steer away from these sorts of classes, as they commonly lead folks away from the faith. I followed suit, and I regret it so much now. I’m listening to this course now and it’s the most interesting things I’ve ever heard. Thanks NYU!

[@usenlim4379]

what is the most interesting thing in this video particularly?

[@Scientist287]

@@usenlim4379 it was a few months ago, but from what I remember, this video talks about how the organization of news outlets shapes the news we receive, as well as a desire for rigid explanations about news stories (and how this shapes the news we receive as well). I think we all have these ideas in our minds a bit before seeing this video, but the video really expands on it and gets into the gritty details about the specifics, and gives a million examples to prove every point. The real crazy part is when you combine the information discussed in this lecture with the other 20-30 lectures, you start seeing these particular patterns of behavior in humans appearing in a million places, that being that we will go to such long lengths to justify arbitrary organizations we make, that things could’ve been done a million different ways other than the way you see done in society, and that the “real” reason we have these organizations is because we want to keep things the same as they were yesterday and we want to conform to everyone else.

[@Sociotarian]

Merton's 1995 article, "The Thomas Theorem and The Matthew Effect," will fill in just a couple of pinprick holes in the more sociological theory as it is presented. Great lecture! I'll have to see more, really enjoyed it!

[@VyvienneEaux]

I feel like people act like bullies and drama queens due to "reality" TV, courtesy of the Thomas Theorem. I wore red lipstick to my sister's wedding because I didn't get the memo about her wanting the bridesmaids to have nude lips (she literally didn't tell me that day or any previous day), and six months later when she's visiting she says, "That was my ONE day. It was supposed to be about me, but YOU made it ALL ABOUT YOU! *mocks* 'Oh! I'm a scared little Viv and I like to cry about all my problems.'" This is an adult woman with a six figure income screaming at me for doing something I didn't know she didn't want me to do because she didn't tell me. It was really destructive, too, because I felt horrible even though I know there was no way for me to know, and now I'm even more afraid of her. It all became clear when I remembered visiting her house and observing her watch "The Bachelor." I don't think that humans are intrinsically destined to behave like this.

[@selingermann5599]

I agree! I think there is a stark difference between somebody who is angry at somebody else because of their assumptions about the world due to reality TV, versus somebody who might have picked up a lot of things from reality TV but on top of that is actually just narcissistic (somebody who struggles with empathy but refuses to change and grow). One would be initially being angry and then realizing that they did not see the full picture while the other is just yelling at somebody who is trying their best until that person naturally assumes that they must have fucked up I know this comment is two years old but I hope you're doing ok

[@kelitobrigante4338]

I like these lectures too!! My only critique of Professor Harv is that I wish he would be a wee bit more harsh - lol - I came to the media lecture hoping he dropkicks it to the modern mainstream

[@user-hp2mf4nj1i]

شكرا جزيلا

[@interwebzcrawler]

Thanks professor

[@Opeth1991]

Lecture 12: "Introduction to Sociology - Organizations, Institutions, and Rules - Part 2", is missing.

[@Opeth1991]

"What the fu*# do I care about the Lira!" Lol

[@SuperDebgirl]

If I counl only have a tiny piece of his knowledge , I would be so fulfilled. He's a sexy guy, with all that brain power.

[@mohdyusuffbinsharif3799]

+SuperDebgirl cant help to count on unprofessional deviance

[@jessicamccleary8963]

At 50minutes in he mentions that no-one would see police officers as "corrupt" ,"untouchable", " violent", "immoral". However, with the Black lives Matter movement police brutality has been brought to people attention (through the media) and the police do appear violent, somewhat less authoritive and certainly not moral. Does anyone have a possible explanation for the change?

[@clash382]

I would say the reason for the change in perception of the infallibility of the police is self evident in what you said. When differing viewpoints gain traction (based on whatever evidence or hearsay) they are going to affect public opinion, right?

[@annaolsen148]

Vi Rens no, that's a very narrow way of looking at it. The police have become more militarized and more violent. Just look at depictions of the police say, 50 years ago, and now. They were depicted at approachable friendly etc. Now they look imposing and soldier like.

[@annaolsen148]

Or rather not 50 years, you don't have to go back that far

[@willmpet]

I don't know! There has been a degradation of institutions such as schools in past decades and people have come to distrust them in past years when schools and teachers were once very trusted by the public. I personally think that so many of the institutions and functions that were once a province of the family were given to the schools and the population has come to be dissatisfied with the way schools fulfill those needs despite their inability to do so.

[@aarongreenberg159]

The particular social attitudes mentioned in this class are somewhat outdated, this was before the legalization of gay marriage, I think. The structure of mass media itself is still basically the same.

[@enoch327]

He said f*ck. Haha!

[@MonicalovesTAEMIN]

+Marvin Scott Edmonds Enoch .... Sociologists are like that. They do not have a filter, which is good. They are honest