Response to Shelley's Questions

I very much agree with Shelley’s statement that it is difficult to break out of a stereotype. Once people know you to be a certain way, it is hard to alter their thoughts about you.

Parry-Giles points out this significance in the image-making process in the media. Though what is presented about an individual in the media can be manipulated, not with ease, I think that it’s possible for the audiences to see the “realness” of that person. Not everyone believes what they see on TV or what they read in papers or the internet. I also think that a lot of people rely on the credibility of the type of source they resort to. For instance, I don’t really rely on gossip magazines to know what my favorite celebrity has been up to. Instead, I read the magazine where an actual interview has taken place. If they have their own official website, I’d check that out as well. Granted, there are some instances when those sources too could be inaccurate but it is closer to the truth since the actual person was involved in the communication process.

As for it being harmful if people are unaware, it could be due to lack of knowing the truth and in politics-- could result to corruption. But I think that the majority of people nowadays are more opinionated and therefore are more aware of what is being manipulated in the media. It is just a matter trusting our own instincts and what we choose to believe.