The effect of mass communications on perceptions of America: A personal experience narrative

Immigration into the United States has for decades been either a topic of concern or celebration depending on the viewpoint of the critic. It is the mere foundation of the country corroborated by history. Likewise, the presence of United States media in Latin America, and particularly in Colombia, goes back to the advent of television and film, in the 1950s. The extent of mass media influenced on Latin American culture is explored through an immigrants' self-narrative.;Using The Social Construction of Reality Theory, The Meaning Theory of Media Portrayals, and The Social Expectations Theory, this self-narrative characterizes how mass media has influenced the perception of North America for a Colombian emigrant. This paper hopes to bring better understanding of the power of American mass media upon the decision to emigrate.