Effect of Media Freedom on the African Culture

Effect of the Influx of Foreign Cultures exposing our youth negatively

Foreign television shows in Ghana, primarily originating from Latin America, have gained immense popularity in many African countries, including Ghana. These television dramas often portray themes of love, betrayal, family dynamics, and social issues. The influx of foreign cultures through these shows can significantly impact the perceptions and behaviors of Ghanaian children.

Nudity on the rise

Cultural Influence and Identity Formation: Children are particularly susceptible to cultural influences as they are in a critical stage of identity formation. Exposure to foreign cultures through explicit contents can lead to a blending or clash of cultural values. For instance, children can adopt behaviors, language, and social norms depicted in these shows that differ from traditional Ghanaian values. This create confusion on their cultural identity and lead to a sense of alienation from their own heritage.

Behavioral Changes: Relationships and social interactions on these television shows centers on dramatic fights and resolutions that does not portray real-life situations in Africa.

Children learn aggressive or confrontational behaviors seen on screen, believing such actions are acceptable or normal in resolving disputes. This lead to increased instances of bullying or conflict among peers as children mimic what they see.

Perception of Gender Roles television programs mostly depict exaggerated gender roles that can influence children’s understanding of masculinity and femininity. For example, male characters are portrayed as dominant or aggressive while female characters are shown as overly emotional. representations as such reinforce harmful stereotypes of gender roles within Ghanaian societies. This leads to issues like misogyny or unrealistic expectations in relationships.

Consumerism and Materialism Many telenovela glamorize wealth and material possessions, which can foster a sense of consumerism among young viewers. Children develop obsession for luxury items. lifestyles portrayed in these dramas, leading them to crave for material wealth over education or personal development. This shift in values can have long-term implications for their aspirations and life choices.

Mental Health Implications The emotional content presented in telenovelas—often involving trauma, heartbreak, and intense drama—can also affect children’s mental health. Regular exposure to such themes may normalize distressing emotions like anxiety or depression without providing healthy coping mechanisms. Children struggle with understanding their feelings or managing stress effectively due to the unrealistic portrayals they consume.

Socialization Impact: As children engage with peers who share similar interests in telenovelas, they both learn positive and negative socialization effects.

This foster friendships based on shared viewing experiences; This lead to exclusionary behavior towards those who do not participate in this cultural phenomenon. This dynamic can create divisions among children based on their media consumption preferences.

1. Prostitution Among Students: Investigations suggest that notable percentage of female students engage in prostitution for means of financial support. Approximately 50% of students from our universities are involved in what is termed “Professional Prostitution.”
2. This statistic is a worrying trend where economic pressures will lead to the normalization of such behavior among educated individuals.
3. Public Indecency: Alarming report of public displays of indecency, including instances where students participated in events while nude or engaged in sexual acts openly on campuses. Such behaviors not only reflect personal choices but also raise questions about societal values and the effectiveness of moral education within academic institutions.
4. Substance Abuse and Sexual Behavior: Reports from various polytechnic institutions reveal incidents involving substance abuse, sexual orgies during social gatherings, and general disregard for moral standards. For example, seventy-one students were dismissed from Takoradi Polytechnic for offenses ranging from rape to poor academic performance linked to their involvement in sexually explicit activities.
5. Cultural Context: The cultural backdrop plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of morality and decency. Traditional values are often at odds with modern influences that may promote more liberal attitudes towards sexuality and public behavior. This clash can lead to confusion among young people regarding acceptable conduct.
6. Legal Framework: The Criminal Code (Act 29/60) addresses various offenses against public morals, including solicitation for immoral purposes, trading in prostitution, and publication or sale of obscene materials. However, enforcement remains a challenge as societal norms evolve and new forms of immorality emerge.

GOVERNMENT, has a responsibility to regulate the media through content circulation as done in some countries

In summary, the rate of immorality and indecency among certain segments of the Ghanaian population—particularly youth—is perceived to be high based on anecdotal evidence from educational institutions and media reports. This situation calls for concerted efforts from educational authorities, parents, religious organizations, and government bodies to address these issues through effective moral education and community engagement. This is because, the rate of information consumed by this generation is the same magnitude of threat which surrounds their doom. Our future is at risk, our tomorrow is shaky as doom lingers and is boldly written on the faces of this current generation. Its sad to see smiley faces with death threats all over. Word play has now become a norm. Prostitution has graduated from its stage to HOOKUP. A professional way of young women selling themselves without public attention. God bless our home land Ghana.

Story by Nana Owusu Emmanuel .

A.K.A Nana Bachelor