Media Impact On American Culture In The 1970s

Media underwent changes in the 1970s that served as distractions from the government's scandals and increasing stagflation. All the “magazines promoted social reforms with a vigor they had lacked for several years[…]. The United States as a whole may have seems to linger a cultural and political malaise during the 1970s, but the media was more active than ever.”(The 1970s:Media:Overview para 1). Literary media has always existed, but is was in the 70’s that their embracement of the time periods changed and turned it into a positive light to give the people hope. The early 70’s revolved around young radicals creating their own magazines and newspapers that featured political issues, sex, drugs, and rock music. Rolling Stone is an example that …show more content…
Older generations began buying the rural AM stations from where they build into mainstream in hopes of bring back youth to the traditional American morals. The impact that radio was subte, due to other media outshining it with new advancements and regulations. Film became another influential factor to the culture of the decade as directors influenced the public through their movies. Director Francis Ford Coppola directed The Godfather, which had a $68 million box office success in 1972. The success was contributed to filming of drinking, gambling, and violence in more explicit methods asa rebellion to traditional morals and regulations.The movie additionally, mirrored events taking place such as the Watergate Scandal. Disaster movies were another success with the new special effects available in the 70’s. Justin Gustainis mentioned in his book, 1970s: Film and Theater that, “ although movie plots are often unrealistic [… they] generally offer a positive message-that through self belief and the right moral choices, people have the ability to save themselves” (Gustainis pg …show more content…
Not only did the war dominate US foreign policy, it visually controlled domestic climate too”(The 1970s-History Chanel para 4). Nixon’s promise to end the war early never happened causing deranged reactions from the country when he sent troops to move into Cambodia. By this time the country felt betrayed as drafting and death increased with one war ending and new disputes arising in other territories.Watergate confirmed their suspicions on the government's corruption and it was then they retreated from politics. The Watergate scandal when Nixon was elected and grew paranoid; had his committee sneak into the Democratic National Committee building in order to place microphones. By taking the parties strategies he won popular vote with about 60% and about 96% of the electoral vote(“The 1970s”-History Channel para 9-11). When the FBI investigated the reported ‘burglary’ Nixon ordered to stop them and formed cover up stories that did not match up. Before being impeached Nixon resigned and Gerald Ford pardoned him and continued with his presidential goals. After the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal the country was deranged and disillusioned in their government. They distrusted anything that had promoted Nixon including advertisements on television and any claim that they heard involving the presidency.