Look at the three photos of television shows, one from back
in the 1950s and the other two from today. What messages
about social standing, and how we get there, does each
show convey?
Extracted text: In The Millionaire, a popular television show that ran from 1955 until 1960, a very rich man (who was never fully shown on camera) had the curious hobby of giving away $1 million to other people he had never even met. Each week, he gave his personal assistant, Michael Anthony, a check to pass along to “the next millionaire." Anthony tracked down the person and handed over the money, and the story went on to reveal how such great wealth from out of nowhere changed someone's life for better (or sometimes for worse). What does this story line seem to suggest about social class position? In the TV show The Bachelor, first aired in 2002, a young bachelor works his way through a collection of twenty-five attractive young women, beginning with group dates, moving on to overnight visits with three "finalists," and (in most cases) proposing to his "final selection." Much of the interaction takes place in a lavish, 7,500-square-foot home somewhere in southern California. What does this show suggest is the key to social position? What message does this show promote about the importance of marriage for women?
Extracted text: Project Runway, which began in 2004, places twelve or more fashion designers in competi- tion, gradually eliminating them until only one "winner" remains. What messages about social position and achieving success does this show present to young people?