Group Two was given the topic of the individual in History.   What is the individual's role?  Is society affected by the individual, or does society affect the individual?  As we discussed our topic, we decided that we would divide our project into sections.  Each one of us would look at a different aspect of society and choose individuals that we felt could be seen as affecting history and society today.  Some of the individuals are well known, others are relatively unknown.   We felt that while an individual in the spotlight may be seen to influence society, there are countless others who work behind the scenes.

I chose to look at the entertainment industry.  Our group felt that this was an important aspect of society to represent for a number of reasons.   First, entertainers serve as role models and idols to much of society.  Most of us have a favorite singer, actor, actress, or sports figure.  We model our behavior after theirs, we see them as our friends.  When one of them experiences a tragedy we feel their pain, and when they disappoint us with their behavior we are deeply offended.  We envy their lifestyles and criticize them at the same time.   Their presence is constantly in our lives, it is inevitable that they would affect our behavior.  Second, many individuals in the entertainment industry work behind the scenes.  There are very few famous directors or producers that are known to the general public.  What about record promoters or songwriters?  These people influence what we see and hear, and we usually have no idea who they are. 

I wanted to take a look at some of these aspects.  I chose John Ford, a director, Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, and Marilyn Monroe, an actress.  John Ford represents a figure that many people know of, but just as many do not.  He made hugely influential films, and yet is unknown by much of society.   Berry Gordy is a figure who promotes stars, choosing who will be famous and creating their images, while most people are unaware of his existence.  Marilyn Monroe represents the star who was cut down in her prime.  Marilyn represents everything that is good and bad about the "Hollywood life".  She will always be remembered as young and beautiful.  She is known to most members of society.

While writing about these individuals I came to realize that there is no way to really evaluate which one had the most influence.  They are all influential, but in different ways.  The entertainment industry influences the way we dress, the way we act, the language we use, the way we view the world.  Right now in America, many people are blaming the entertainment industry with the increase of violence in children.  Parents claim that television, movies, and video games have the ability to override the words and lessons of teachers and parents concerning violence.  This is an interesting idea.  Entertainment is the most powerful force in America?