摘要:The Uses and Gratifications Theory states that audiences are active and they seek satisfactions when selecting media. This theory redirects the typical theoretical emphasis on media content to an emphasis on the active audience. The present study focuses on this theory by evaluating the gratifications Chinese audiences receive when watching American films. It discovers gratifications Chinese audiences seek in films, in general, and how their gratifications may be fulfilled by watching American films. The preference for American films among a majority of Chinese audiences would likely affect Chinese audiences' understanding of the American culture. To be more precise, the study focuses on some misperceptions Chinese audiences have toward American culture. By studying these misperceptions, the researcher is able to determine the degree American films can mislead Chinese audiences' perceptions about American culture.
