I Got No Strings: Pinocchio & Ideology

We’ve all got strings. We can all be influenced and persuaded and, here’s the rub, we don’t always know when it’s happening.

The Meaning of ‘Alone’ – (Discovery Channel)

‘Alone’ is a reality television survival show where contestants are sent to isolated locations in the wilderness to see who can last longest living alone, exposed to the elements and separated from society. Yet, what the show really wants to talk about is the viability of the American socio-economic project.

The Social Commentary Embedded in ‘House Hunters’ (HGTV)

In HOUSE HUNTERS, the choice of casting demographics suggests an intentional signaling of progressive values and a tweak to the stereotypical vision of the American Dream.

The Karate Kid & the Meritocracy Myth

The most obvious narrative arc in The Karate Kid (1984) is Daniel’s ascension from a novice martial arts student to a regional champion. This rise is paralleled on a slightly more subtle level by Daniel’s elevation on the ladder of social status.

Critical Discourse Analysis

Critical discourse analysis (CDA) is one branch of cultural criticism. CDA can be described as a particular way of looking at cultural products like books, movies and television shows.