Are American values shaped by the Mass Media?

American values are being influenced by what the media decides to give to us. We do not shape our media, but the media finds ways to make us feel as if we are. I agree with Schiller much more than with Carey. Schiller does a good job in describing the effect the media plays on American values. Through my eyes Carey seemed to be reciting the definition for communication. The media picks and chooses what the American public sees. From news to crime dramas, companies voice their views and opinions to Americans, providing them with choice A, never mentioning there was also choice B and C. One example Schiller uses is that humans "act as they do but because they believe they are expected to act that way..." (Schiller 7). The entertainment industry plays a massive role on the values of Americans. Americans watch a large amount of tv and movies from a very early age. What they are shown are skinny flawless women, and bulky strong men mixed with sex and drugs. It is easy to see how profits can be made from these views. To list a few types of commercials you see, weight loss supplements, acne control, booze, deodorant, and fast "sexy" cars. While the values have had to have start somewhere, with someone, large companies and the media have taken them and have stretched and distorted them into their own, most profitable views.