Week 8 Freaks in the Matrix A Conclusion and an Invitation

Week 8 Freaks in the Matrix A Conclusion and an Invitation

1. Kidd cites two components that power the mass media matrix. What are these two components? How are consumers “harnessed” in to provide this power?

2. Consumers must be “plugged in” in order to power the mass media matrix. What are the various degrees to which a consumer can engage with pop culture? Can a consumer resist messages while partaking in media? Should we disengage entirely? Is there a middle ground?

3. Kidd provides a diagram on page 222. What are the four parts of the cultural diamond that must change in order to transform the mass media matrix? What parties are associated with each of the four categories (audience, production, content, etc.)? Have you noticed these changes in the pop culture that you consume? In what ways?

4. Revisit the term “freak.” Is the definition similar or different to your understanding at the start of the semester? What does it mean to be a “freak” in the matrix?