Mass Media, Alcohol and Drugs: A New Trend

Abstract

While alcohol and other drugs have similar physiological effects, they are defined very differently by society. Alcohol is generally approved, other drugs are generally disapproved. The mass media of communication reflect this definition. A recent shift, however, has been noted. Several televised situation comedies have presented marijuana in a new way—as a humorous plaything, a relatively harmless escape from the cares and boredom of life. Examples are given and the cases are analyzed. No implication of a concerted plan is assumed. It is speculated that continuation of such a trend would have an impact on public attitudes toward marijuana, and perhaps on other drugs as well.