How Mainstream Culture Shapes Our Values and Beliefs

Introduction

Mainstream culture refers to the dominant culture that is widely accepted and embraced by the majority of people in a society. It encompasses various aspects of our lives such as music, fashion, art, media, technology, and even politics. Through these various mediums, mainstream culture shapes our values and beliefs in numerous ways. This article delves deeper into how mainstream culture influences our behavior, attitudes, and worldview.

The Power of Mainstream Culture

Mainstream culture is incredibly powerful. It has the ability to influence and shape our behavior and attitudes without us even realizing it. For instance, the clothes we wear, the music we listen to, and the books we read can all be influenced by the dominant culture of our society.

Moreover, mainstream culture has a significant impact on our worldview and values. It can shape our beliefs about what is right and wrong, affect our political beliefs and even our religious beliefs. For example, the rise of social media has allowed mainstream culture to spread even faster across the globe. Popular social media influencers, celebrities, and politicians have an enormous impact on people’s opinions and beliefs.

The Link between Mainstream Culture and Society

As mainstream culture shapes our values and beliefs, it eventually starts affecting the broader society as well. For instance, media’s portrayal of beauty standards has led to a societal pressure to conform to those standards. This pressure has negatively affected many individuals and even caused eating disorders. In another example, mainstream culture influenced the acceptance of gay marriage in many parts of the world by portraying it positively in the media and entertainment industry.

The Limits of Mainstream Culture

While mainstream culture is incredibly powerful, it has its limits. It does not necessarily control every aspect of our lives or shape every opinion we hold. Individual beliefs and personal experiences often challenge or contradict mainstream culture. People’s background, upbringing, and education also play a role in shaping their values and beliefs.

Furthermore, mainstream culture is not monolithic. It is diverse and constantly evolving. As a result, it is impossible for it to dictate the values and beliefs of every individual in society.

The Role of Critical Thinking

In conclusion, the influence of mainstream culture on a person’s values and beliefs cannot be overlooked. Its power is evident in the way it shapes our behavior, attitudes, and worldview. However, we must also recognize the limits of mainstream culture and the role of critical thinking in shaping our own opinions and beliefs. By being conscious of our values and beliefs, we can make informed choices about what we believe in and how we want to live our lives.

References

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– Kellner, D. (2010). Cultural studies, multiculturalism, and media culture. In F. Pajares Torres (Ed.), International Encyclopedia of Education (pp. 472-477). Elsevier.
– Storey, J. (2012). Cultural theory and popular culture: An introduction. Routledge.