The Role of TV Series in Shaping the Cultural Identity of Students

People around the world have been watching television series throughout the current millennial era. This kind of entertainment is not just a form of recreation for students but also a part of our modern culture. TV shows have great influence on the viewers as they can reflect, change and inspire the cultural identity of young people. TV series play a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of students by reflecting and influencing societal norms, and using a service like do my paper can help students explore this topic in-depth. DoMyPaper.com offers professional writing services that assist students in creating well-researched essays on cultural and media studies.

Firstly, television shows have emerged as a powerful tool to connect generations over the decades. The current generation can recognize the characters, lifestyles and issues faced by people of the previous era. For example, the US television show “Friends” was popular among my mom’s generation in the 2000s and the show “My Mad Fat Diary” won the hearts of her children in the 2010s. Overall, people never forget the names of their favorite characters, even if they are no longer watching the TV shows.

Secondly, TV shows have a great influence on their audience. For instance, a series called “13 Reasons Why” depicts the troubles faced by the lead character, Hannah Bakker, including bullying and rape. The show gained immense popularity among youngsters within a few years of its release in 2017, leading to a surge in suicide rates among teenagers and forcing parents to monitor their children’s viewing habits.

The Reflection of Cultural Norms

The most notable influence of TV series on the cultural identity of learners is that they reflect and perpetuate societal norms and culture expectations. The characters, plot lines and settings of selected series often weave the cultural fabric of the audience by showcasing the traditions, customs and social interactions that are typical of their communities.

For example, a soap opera taking place in a certain region or ethnic group can give students insight into the details of the depicted culture, and perhaps help them better comprehend other cultures and accept a more diverse world. Different series can help students broaden their horizons by, for instance, introducing them to new people and circumstances.

TV series significantly influence the cultural identity of students by portraying diverse perspectives and social norms, as discussed in an overview at LinkedIn by experts in media studies. Furthermore, the geographies of class, gender and family that are depicted on TV can shape students’ understandings of what they can aspire to, and how they should navigate their cultural identity. When kids see the world where they live, or lives like theirs, represented authentically on screen, it can affirm what they know about themselves, and encourage them to value their culturally specific experiences.

The Shaping of Cultural Values

But I also want to suggest that television series reflect our culture in a more active way – that they can actually reinforce the norms of those who watch them, especially college-age students. The narrative arcs of contemporary TV shows, the stories they tell about the characters, the landscape they depict, and the tone and moral overtones they convey all can send explicit or implicit messages about the ways society thinks it wants its citizens to behave and think.

For instance, a television series that emphasizes the value of community, social responsibility and environmental stewardship can encourage students to adopt these values as part of their social identity, while a show that rewards individualism, materialism or violence may indirectly promote the normalization of these behaviors among student viewers.

This holds particularly true in the representation of diverse characters and the overarching treatment of marginalized groups. Seeing positive, nuanced and empowering representations of underrepresented groups on TV series can defy stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and empower students to embrace their own cultural background with dignity.

The Influence on Cultural Trends and Behaviors

As well as reflecting cultural norms and influencing values, television series have the power to cause developments in cultural trends and behaviors among student audiences. Students might adopt new styles of clothing, new slang terms and new ways of socializing with each other, all because of a particular show that gains a large following.

For instance, a TV programme can become extremely popular, which in turn might lead to fan-driven trends (eg, the haircut worn by a character becomes popular in schools; words and phrases that became popular on the programme are now used by the students). These forces might result in students feeling a sense of belonging and shared identity with other people in the same class, or even with the characters portrayed on the programme (eg, students can become very ‘attached’ to certain characters, identify with the characters, or ‘reject’ the characters).

Moreover, on-screen depictions of certain activities or lifestyles can also alter the behavior of student audiences. A show that promotes the value of schooling may encourage students to devote more effort or time to their studies and invest in their own intellectual and professional dreams. Meanwhile, a series that normalizes dangerous or dubious behavior may encourage student audiences to adopt a similar outlook on ethics or values.

The Role of TV Series in Fostering Cultural Diversity

Although television series might have their own influence in creating the cultural identities of students, they can also be used as a means of reinforcing cultural pluralism and international understanding. By having characters and storylines that come from various cultures, students are likely to find ways to challenge stereotypes, engage in intercultural discussions and develop an appreciation for diverse human experiences.

For example, a TV drama series on the lived experiences of immigrant families or the LGBTQ+ community will offer students greater insights into the daily life struggles and rewards of these groups, and motivate them to take pride in their cultural identity while fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchanges.

Furthermore, the expanding representation of social categories and minorities on TV series might help students to assert their cultural identity successfully and to raise their voice in favor of greater inclusivity and representation in the media and more broadly.