Essay Questions

According to Adorno, are entertainers and advertisers manipulating the masses using mass-produced art products?

Adorno argues that omnipresence and mass entertainment are art-tailored products meant to manipulate people. The beneficiaries of mass-produced products are the entertainment joints, advertisers, and politicians. The modern art culture is capitalistic because it benefits few people, unlike in the past when art was linked to identity and heritage. For instance, products advertised by musicians and other prominent people are highly-priced for no good reason, and this disadvantage the people earning a low income.

What is the best way of regulating and manipulating market performance?

According to Adorno, culture is a force to reckon with when it comes to market control and regulation. The market fascinates entertainment art quickly, and it uses the artists to manipulate the market prices of various products. For instance, Adorno illustrates how artists are joining the market economy of entertainment to influence product pricing. A capitalist market will quickly absorb the art culture because people are eager to buy products linked to particular celebrities.

What is the satire of mass media, according to the author?

The primary goal of mass media is to pass information. Ethically, media is required to provide authentic information to the public. Ironically, the capitalist market and the entertainment industry are using media to mislead and manipulate the masses. The mass media is in the frontline advertising products endorsed by celebrities convincing people that such high prices are justifiable. However, low-income people are disadvantaged to access essential goods because of price hikes. Therefore, mass media is not serving its intended purpose of educating and uplifting society.