INTRODUCTIONA decade into the 21st century, the United States is still plagued by the prejudice, oppression, and discrimination that have dominated since its founding. Despite advances in technology and education, there remains an archaic practice of communication and interpersonal relationships. In fact, the prejudice, oppression, and discrimination practiced today are far worse than in years past due to advances in technology and education. People have learned to disguise their ideas with plausible excuses, infusing these ideals into news, movies, music, and publications. These negative ideas fester like a wound that serves as a catalyst for injustices perpetrated against diverse members of American culture. TELEVISION Never before has society been so “connected” and overloaded with information. At any time of the day, we have access to what is happening in the United States or on the other side of the world. There are six major media conglomerates (General Electric, Walt Disney, News Corp., TimeWarner, VIACOM and CBS) in the United States that own more than 90% of television and radio broadcasts and programs; entertainment film studios; publishing companies, integrated telecommunications; and funds online, thereby controlling most of the information we receive. (Free Press Action Fund) According to Nielsen, the average American spends 20 percent of their day watching television and nearly a third of their time online. (The Nielsen Company) (The Nielsen Company, 2010) Whether intentional or unintentional, many messages are an extension of hatred and the desire for uniformity. Television is by far one of the most influential forms of media due to its availability and combi... middle of paper ...... partnership / graphic / mainKrajicek, D. (nd). The missing in America: 2,300 per day. Retrieved January 31, 2012, from trutv.com: http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/criminal_mind/forensics/americas_missing/2.html Osunsami, S. (January 18, 2012). Getting more people to care about missing black women. Retrieved January 31, 2012, from abcnews.go.com: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/01/getting-more-to-care-about-missing-black-women/The Nielsen Company. (nd). Television measurement. Retrieved February 5, 2012 from nielsen.com: http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/measurement/television-measurement.htmlThe Nielsen Company. (August 2, 2010). What Americans do online: Social media and gaming dominate activity. Retrieved January 20, 2012 from blog.nielsen.com: http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/what-americans-do-online-social-media-and-games-dominate-activity/