Communicating Unreality Modern Media and the Reconstruction of Reality [Paperback]

Reviewing the images and meanings of the mass-mediated world, Gabriel Weimann examines the symbolic environment, where reality and fiction are almost inseparable. Through discussion of mass-mediated images of people, cultures, war, love, sex, death, community, and identity, he demonstrates that there is often a large gap between reality and the reconstruction of "realities" as communicated by the mass media.

Reviewing the images and meanings of the mass-mediated world, Gabriel Weimann examines the symbolic environment, where reality and fiction are almost inseparable. Through discussion of mass-mediated images of people, cultures, war, love, sex, death, community, and identity, he demonstrates that there is often a large gap between reality and the reconstruction of "realities" as communicated by the mass media.

"Clearly written and interesting to read, this book makes good use of the history of famous studies and scholars, covers the waterfront of mass communication topics, and is backed up by a large number of references. . . I would use this text in my Sociology of Mass Communication course." 

Preface
PART ONE: THE RECONSTRUCTION OF REALITY
Living in a Mediated World
The Debate Over Media Effects
Cultivation and Mainstreaming
The Psychology of Cultivation
PART TWO: MEDIATED REALITIES
The Mean and Scary World
Sex and Sexuality
Death and Suicide
The World According to MTV
Portrayal of Groups
Images of America
The Unreal War
PART THREE: CONCLUSIONS
Virtual Reality:
Virtual or Real?
Communicating Unreality