Michael Ryan's "Ideologies"

 

In the field of Cultural Studies, the term "ideology" carries multiple meanings. Firstly, it refers to a collection of ideas that authorize, enable, and guide social actions. For instance, racism serves as an ideology with a coherent set of beliefs that justify social or physical violence against a particular ethnic group. It portrays the targeted group as lacking qualities that would make them worthy, qualities that the racist group claims to possess.

 

Secondly, ideology can denote a distorted way of thinking that hinders us from perceiving reality accurately. In this context, it describes how social groups with substantial economic power maintain their dominance by imposing particular perspectives and understandings on society. For instance, in American culture, we are encouraged to view ourselves as individuals rather than as members of economic classes, which makes it challenging to see societal dynamics in terms of economic group relations. This allows the excessive accumulation of wealth by a small group to be portrayed as a result of individual initiative rather than a product of a class-based structure. Attempts to shed light on these realities are often labeled as "class warfare" and criticized by right-wing media as inappropriate speech that deviates from the mainstream.

Ideology also includes what are known as "ruling ideas." These are beliefs that powerful social groups promote and emphasize in a culture. These ideas serve to strengthen the authority of the dominant group by making their rule and their claim to social wealth appear natural, rightful, and beyond question. For many centuries, groups that have controlled significant social resources have used concepts like freedom and liberty to justify existing inequalities. More recently, this ideology of freedom has led to a widespread belief that markets should be free from government regulation. This is akin to entering a playground where a small group of unruly individuals had been restrained by rules, only to announce, "Anything goes, it's a free-for-all." In such a scenario, the weaker individuals would suffer, as the stronger ones would use their physical advantage to dominate. However, the way the ideology of freedom actually played out differed from this exact scenario. Many people worldwide embraced it and prospered economically, but often at the expense of others who were economically disadvantaged.

 

Ideologies are typically held by groups of people with a specific interest that benefits from the ideology. They provide explanations that make the world appear more easily understandable, and these explanations often serve the interests of the group holding the ideology. Ideologies are often inaccurate and not based on scientific evidence. They often blend non-rational forms of thinking with incorrect interpretations of the world.

 

In the case of the racist ideology held by some conservative White individuals towards African Americans, the mistake lies in viewing an effect or result of racism as a justification for racism itself. This process involves transforming effects into causes. For example, racial discrimination has over time limited African Americans' access to economic opportunities. This has led many African Americans in the US to experience poverty, which, when persistent over generations, can lead to a sense of disillusionment and disconnection. This feeling of disconnection may decrease motivation because effort may not seem to guarantee positive outcomes. However, instead of recognizing this lack of motivation as a result of racism, it is seen as the cause of economic struggles. This then justifies the claim that African Americans lack the talents and abilities necessary for financial success. Effects of discrimination, such as disconnection or a lack of motivation, are thus viewed as reasons or causes for discrimination in the minds of conservatives. This group justifies their own greater access to economic resources by portraying others as less deserving.

Ideology also involves mistaken ways of thinking that contribute to the control of economically disadvantaged individuals by a wealthy and politically influential elite. This elite group, as part of their economic power, oversee the channels of cultural production, such as television and newspapers, which shape how many people see and understand the world.

 

Cultural ideas are not just abstract concepts; they have a tangible impact and can influence how we perceive reality. Our thoughts aren't entirely our own; we acquire them from various sources like school, family, peers, books, and media. These cultural influences flow through our minds, appearing as thoughts in our consciousness. While some thoughts originate from our own experiences, others follow patterns and structures provided by our culture. These ideas can shape our perspective on the world.