Television and Cinema as an Agent of Development and Social Change

Abstract

Television and cinema have had an immense influence on society and culture universally. They have not only provided a global platform for the exchange of information but have also provided space for interaction between cultures. In a world of globalization, beyond their primary aim of entertainment, television and cinema have become important means of communication among different communities while also gaining commercial value along the way. Where on one hand they have been used for communal and/or political propaganda, terrorism, religious preaching, coercion, cultural assimilation and as a means of making a profit, they have also represented social activism, promotion of various cultures and traditional practices and art. Television and cinema, as a visual medium, provide diverse possibilities to society. From its conception as a black-and-white medium, it has evolved into a popular form of applications such as Netflix and Amazon Prime videos which has resulted in a much wider reach. For instance, the giant franchise of the Bond films promotes a particular political agenda with the backdrop of the Cold War and September 11 and the most popular cartoon show Tom and Jerry describes the relationship of predator-prey or oppressor-oppressed transcends the primary purpose of entertainment. The Charlie Chaplin films that offer a critique of the new progressing society and the various fairy tales that outline the gender and societal roles of individuals further expand the purpose and approach of the visual medium. Television and cinema take on a didactic role that not only aims at education but also contributes to the creation and/or destruction of conventions. This paper focuses on the evolution of television and cinema on a global platform while discussing its role in development and social change.