Writing has lost major importance throughout society. Today, tabloids and “How-to” articles are more prominent than professional journalism. Even the use of muckraking is altered to describe journalism that uncovers scandals and gossip rather than writing that leads to reform. Americans know more about celebrity drama such as the “Brad and Jen breakup” and the “Kobe Bryant
scandal” than news about the latest political policy or even the winners of the latest primary. In the past, important events that affect the nation were written from onsite journalists, posted in the local newspapers and distributed to the public. The old fashion method of mass distribution takes weeks, whereas, through the use of television important events are broadcast live. As a result, written accounts which were vital to the development of the American identity are now worthless. In today’s educational systems, schools require first year basic level courses in grammar and composition to meet graduation requirements. On the other hand, the science and mathematics graduation requirements are successful completion of several upper level courses. The lack of writing requirements in the school system is evident in youths’ inabilities to construct simple sentences and express proper grammar. As more teenagers are able to graduate high school without the proper appreciation and knowledge for writing, the importance of writing in creating our nation’s identity will continue to diminish.
Today, media overwhelms everyday activities of all Americans; men and women of all age groups and ethnicities are affected by the media. Individuals spend up to 17 hours or more consuming media in a variety of forms. Most media exposures occur through the hours spent watching television or on the Internet. These media mediums construct the nation’s identity by creating the stereotypes and core values that are deemed important in society. Then media constantly reinforces such images and values through advertisements, websites, movies
and television shows that are broadcasted daily. The nation’s identity is created and altered through media and the ability to mass distribute efficiently.
The movement from writing to other forms of media resulted from the development of new technology, during the age of the Information Society. Impacting events such as the September 11th attacks and the war on terrorism were first broadcast on television. Various major events affect how individuals perceive the nation’s identity. The media is able to censor and frame events to create and alter society’s identity. New and faster technology has taken over the role of writing in developing our nation’s identity.
