Ideology Further Reading Task

MM52 Page 34
(Hunger Games)

The view of capitalists ideology presented in the Hunger Games films: 

1)

The view of capitalism is seen to be unfriendly to society. There have been many rebellions in the past due to the change in the 'Capitols' ruling system and this lead to stricter rules being put in place in order for society to be kept in line. This is apparent in the line, "The Games serve to keep the districts under control, as punishment for previous rebellions, and to warn them to stay in line". This quotation accentuates the fact that the Capitol has created new punishment systems in order to keep each district in line of obeying the law. The use of a powerful phrase 'under control' suggests that only the powerful can make the decisions of how the districts should be run. Furthermore, it suggests that previous actions were near to success and that the current government are frightened that one day rebellion will occur and may become successful. 

Another view of capitalism seen in the Hunger Games is the fear of the people. The article suggests that the people have rebelled many times and this form of activity shows that the capitol are using the districts as objects and ways of gaining more resources for themselves rather than sharing across the community. This is apparent in the line, "Every district is poor; people struggle to survive on small amounts of food and minimum wages, while they work to provide coal, technology, food, power and other services to the Capitol". This quotation illustrates the fact that society are treated as slaves as they have to work many hours and put all efforts into ensuring that the capitol got the power and resources they needed and they would receive low pay in exchange for the great hours of work they did. 

The power of the media and the shaping of ideological beliefs:

2)

The Hunger Games show how the power of propaganda can change societies mind as the actions and events that have taken place all act like a way to show who is in power and to spread awareness of the Capitols power and influence, which is what propaganda clearly does. This apparent in the line, "Each year two children between the ages of 11-18 are sent from each district to partake in The Hunger Games, an annual event that involves forcing each child to kill one another until only one is remaining". This quotation conveys the fact that the Capitol government that the districts are under control have placed these cruel and evil punishments in order to restore their power amongst the districts. This form of action can act as propaganda as the people are forced to believe that the Capitol is the strongest and are powerful. The use of a powerful word 'forcing' suggests that they hold the most power in the hierarchy and that they can d whatever they want to do whether that is arresting citizens or even killing them as they hold the most power in society.

MM52 Page 48

(They Live)

Accepted ideological beliefs in western society:

1)

• Realise your true potential
• Be yourself
• Lead a satisfying life
• People should put their families first

Gramci's Theory

2) Gramci's theory suggests that the use of power is not used with force but is used through consent. This means that people allow some sort of power to be placed amongst them rather than just being forced on them. This is one way in which those in power maintain their control through consent, otherwise placing force on someone allows them to lost their control. He argued that the power of ideology comes primarily from ideas and strictures which support an elite social group. 

3) Louis Althusser delivers an understanding of how we, the consumers, are controlled through ideology. His view point was he believed that ideology was 'the greatest material of power' and dominates our day-to-day lives. This occurs through two key forms of control: 

Repressive State Control: This is primarily about those who have the most power such as, Government, Army, Police and Courts etc.- which are dominated by the ruling elite. These 'state agencies' deliver their masses through violence and fear. 

Idealogical State Apparatuses: Church, the media, educational institutions etc.- these institutions control and dominate implicitly through common sense rather than through fear. This links in with Gramci's theory, that power can be used though consent rather than through force.