2024, Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A
Rethinking media’s understanding of individual differences: A progressive idealist perspective
Author(s): Chris-Biriowu Belema Theresa and Amadi Fred Azubuike
Abstract: This paper reports on how a two-pronged approach has been predominantly used to settle the tension on differences and the parameters of determining differences. The biological essentialist and the social constructionist approaches consider differences as a function of biology and social role assignments respectively. The media in their role as culture transmitters propagate individual differences on the basis of sex and gender, encapsulating the dichotomy of what makes us different as a reflection of the dominant approaches. In today’s fast-changing society however, the purview within which differences is understood has widened because changes in rhetoric, phenotypic and social differentiations have resulted in confusions about where to fit what. Existing perspectives can no longer sufficiently determine individual differences. This paper argued therefore that a third perspective for determining differences is apt. The progressive idealist perspective as a contemporary means of understanding identity as a difference marker was proposed and discussed. The paper concluded by advocating for media’s renewed understanding of differences within a framework that propagates open-mindedness, continuous learning, inclusivity and tolerance which are the principles of the progressive idealist perspective on what makes us different.
Pages: 36-42 | Views: 373 | Downloads: 136
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How to cite this article:
Chris-Biriowu Belema Theresa and Amadi Fred Azubuike. Rethinking media’s understanding of individual differences: A progressive idealist perspective. International Journal of Advanced Mass Communication and Journalism. 2024; 5(1): 36-42.
