[ORDER SOLUTION] The Role of Media in Religion and Politics

Personal values and beliefs are shaped by experience and influenced by the information that is presented by people in authority and reported through the media. The power of the media to shape thinking and behavior is very important to understand. The media may contribute to creating and shaping a person’s religious conviction. For example, in 2010 there was a major debate in New York City about the building of an Islamic center near the site of the 9/11 attack. The media reported that Muslims were building a mosque. The idea of a mosque angered some people and there was major controversy. In fact, the building was a community center, 15 stories tall, that included a worship space (a mosque). The way the story was presented influenced the thinking and emotion of many people. Another example of the influence of media was during the build–up to the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. Bill Moyers DVD presentation titled Buying the War illustrates the way the Bush administration used the media to present the urgency of war with Iraq. Many religious leaders (including the Pope) tried to persuade the administration not to engage in warfare. The media and religion were engaged in this political situation.

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Illustrate the role of the media by using YouTube clips of media presentations that voice opinions about particular religious issues. In what way does this media presentation influence a person’s thinking? Why do you think the media is so powerful in shaping people’s opinions and decision making? Analyze the media presentations you selected. Use the link on Media Literacy: How to Analyze the News (the COPS strategy: Content, Opinion, Perspectives, Sources) as a guiding tool http://lionelingram.com/403W_PITNER_How%20to%20Analyze%20the%20News_%20COPS.PDF.

Write a two– to three–page essay illustrating the role of the media in influencing the decision making of people around a religious/political event. For example, the Presbyterian Church’s debate on financial divestment regarding the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.