The Hunger Games is a prime example of Marxism in pop culture. Throughout this popular movie series, a clear class structure and system of privileges are evident.
In The Hunger Games, there are 12 districts, and the farther back the district, the more poverty-stricken. Two people from each district are chosen to compete to the death in an event called the Hunger Games. The game is broadcast across each district and presented in a thrilling, enticing way. Those of higher class and extreme wealth live in a place known as the Capitol, where they are not required to participate in the games but rather find fun in betting on who they think will win. The movies, of course, have many ethical battles, and in the end, those who were once at the bottom of the social class have become the new leaders of the revolution and emerge victorious.
This relates to Marxism when discussing the differences in social class, which in turn come with advantages and disadvantages, as well as the role the media plays.
As explained in Sellnow's Marxist perspective, ideology is a "false set of ideas perpetuated by dominant political force[s]." The overwhelming influence of the Capitol in The Hunger Games is made apparent early on in the movies. This violent and unethical game is showcased as an opportunity to gain recognition from many and emerge as a hero for killing those in the game. The atmosphere around the Hunger Games is portrayed as the most important and influential event of the year.
Notably, those in the Capitol, the ones not able to participate, are the ones who find it most enticing and are most excited about watching it. This raises the question of how impactful the media is when it doesn't apply to a person. Thinking about today's society, how many news stories are overlooked and bypassed because they do not apply to a person's immediate needs? Or even reality TV shows such as Survivor, where contestants are pushed to the limits physically and mentally. How many viewers of this TV show are enticed, knowing they will never have to personally participate, but enjoy watching others be challenged?
Media and pop culture affect many of the social norms and what is culturally accepted. It is clear to see how important it is to recognize and create personal boundaries and ethics in today's society.
Now, to pose a question, at what point do you think entertainment stops distracting people and instead leads to social change, and do you think this is a plausible outcome of pop culture?
This is a very interesting read of the Hunger Games. Growing up reading the series and watching the movies, I realized that power and wealth play into the society's norms; however, considering it through a Marxism lens really sheds light on cultural ideologies that are accepted in making an interesting story. For those in the Capital, it really is just media! That is spot on. Even more so, using that to mirror our own society was very well thought out. Media demonstrates numerous concerning stories regularly, and yet when it doesn't touch us, it's easy to turn a blind eye. Even more so, dominant ideologies are further widely accepted within media as well demonstrating our own cultural identities and norms. Yet, when the dominant ideologies we consume disempower those who are marginalized, do we continue to turn a blind eye because it doesn't impact us. The question I posed within my own blog was similar to yours, as I had questioned at what point counter-hegemony shifts ideologies. When considering your question, it makes me realize that counter- hegemony may not be enough to shift ideologies within a culture that may be apathetic to unhealthy ideologies that are not directly impacting its population. Great points throughout!
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