So long... Farwell....

So, for this final blog we have a choice of the assignment from Soc or the media prompt. Personally, I really did not like the Soc class which means I'll be blogging about the media consumer.

The main question focused on looking into the future for the media consumer. Through this we were asked if we had to buy shares from a particular list and keep those shares for 10 years, what would it be and why. After looking through the list, I didn't really find anything that really jumped out at me... until, all the way at the end. 10 Shares of Apple. Now, I don't understand the stock market in the least, but I do understand technology, the media, and popular trends.
Apple has been coming with new technology and media for quite a while now. For example, they are the creators of Mac and QuickTime. But even more impressive than that, Apple is home to the iPod and iTunes.
iPod's are all the rage these days and being the savvy business people they are, Apple keeps coming out with new versions of the iPod. There was the first iPod, and then Nano came along. Now, they've come out with the iPod shuffle, which I have to admit.. I have one myself. If those options weren't enough for you, iPod's are also in color. So girlie girls, never fear... they come in pink too.

But now that you have your iPod... you need something to go with it, right? Apple also sells iPod accessories. Now, you can connect your iPod to your car, to the radio stations...

With the cell phones on the high rise, Apple has even joined in that bandwagon as well. They've come out with the iPhone. This means that Apple is now connected through a variety of media. Apple has their hands in television, music, communication, and computers.

Now, you might be asking... why is she telling me this. I know this already. Think about it this way. If Apple keeps on this track for the next decade, and i buy 10 shares of their stock... I'm guessing I'll make money too.

"Once I was blind, but now I see."

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a disability or physical handicap?
If so then this documentary will answer many of your unanswered questions.

"Believing without Seeing," produced by LEJJ, brings to light the life the story of one extraordinary Westminster College student living without sight.

Where you might ask? McKelvey Theater, Westminster Campus. The time is to be announced.

Hyperreality

"The simulation of something which never really existed."

- Jean Baudrillard

Theorists, such as Jean Baudrillard, have long studied hyperreality and it's effects. He would argue that hyperreality is created and maintained by the media. Also, he would state that the media is able to do so because it has control over the norms of society and popular culture. For example, the media defines what music and fashion are popular along with establishing the ideal of beauty. Also along those lines, Baudrillard would state that the media blurs the line between what is real and unreal and with that the general public begins to see the unreal as truth.

We can find many examples of this, those being:
-Pictures of models that have been digitally altered
-Sports superstars depicted as a normal human body
-Television shows and films
-Las Vegas and gambling
-Economic status based on the brands a person buys
-and even, unfortunately, within the news.


We've heard in class about the Cultivation Theory, which is the idea that television and the media have long terms affects on a persons thoughts or mindset. This can also lead to, what is called, "Mean World Syndrome," which affects the elderly, youth, and viewers that watch alone more so than other viewers. This "Syndrome" states that the viewer is influenced to believe that the world is more violent than it actually is. This ties very closely to Baudrillard's theory of hyperreality. Viewers blur the line between real and unreal. We've also heard that "If it bleeds, it's news." This is really unfortunate, however, it plays into both theories.



This goes to show that these theories are not as far fetched as they may seem to be. For example, according to the media and the news, most Americans would believe that the War on Terror, or the American occupancy in Iraq, is much more dangerous than it actually is. But why is that? The media shows only the events of the war that are guaranteed to get them ratings. This leads to the constant display of violence, bombings, and insurgents. The media does not show any of the progress that might be made during our time there. In that affect, hyperreality and "Mean World Syndrome" seem very plausible.

American Idol?

To be honest, this is probably going to be one of my most difficult blogs. Why? I don't watch tv shows. Really the only time I turn my television on... is for background noise, you know just so these dorm rooms don't feel entirely creepy and lonesome.

Why did I choose American Idol? Well, my parents are big fans and frankly I don't get it. According to most surveys, such as the Nielson Ratings and USA Today, the show is not only in the top slot but the top two (one for each day it airs.) Also, if you look at the USA Today's rating list, you'll also see something interesting in the side bar. Under the TV section, you'll find a link entitled "Idol Chatter." From there, you can not only read blogs about Idol, you can find links to practically anything American Idol related.

So why all the hype? American Idol has it's highest ratings in the 18-49 Category, which is a huge chunk of the population. It also has a prime time slot, when most people are at home relaxing. I've also heard, several times, that the show has more voters, than a typical presidential election.

But I still don't understand it. Think about it, only two of the American Idol winners have gone on to be truly successful. For example, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have both gone on to be a success in the music industry and we're starting to see bits from last year's runner up. What about those other "Idols." Why is it that they were able to win and yet since have practically disappeared from the spot light? There is absolutely no limit on how many times a person can vote! So really, there aren't a ton of people voting. There are just people out there voting until their fingers fall off from dialing the phone!

So, to finish my rant. I don't get it, why is it number one... and apparently number two.

Documentary Update

I believe our group is doing really well. So far, we've done that majority of our taping and interviews. Kayla's mom is send us some pictures so that we'll have more than just video of people talking. We have some really good ideas about how to put it all together.. so really, that's all we have to do. Just put it all together and fill in any gaps that we might encounter.

"Before there was Romeo and Juliet..."

Looking for that perfect date movie? Something that she's sure to love but still enough battle scenes to make you still feel like a man? Here a movie that's garunteed to leave her teary eyed and you begging for more. Don't believe me? Watch the trailer.

Tristan and Isolde is quoted as being, "...a sweeping tale of love and loss, myth and fate, based on the timeless Celtic myth of star crossed passion." In the midst of a war Tristan (James Franco) and Isolde (Sophie Myles) find love with in one another but unable to be with each other. Even in peace, these two lovers are bound to be within the same walls but decicated to another. It truly is a tale of the forbiden love, one which treatens to bring down a nation.

"Crash" in review

"Look around! You couldn't find a whiter, safer or better lit part of this city. But this white woman sees two black guys, who look like UCLA students, strolling down the sidewalk and her reaction is blind fear. I mean, look at us! Are we dressed like gangbangers? Do we look threatening? No. Fact, if anybody should be scared, it's us: the only two black faces surrounded by a sea of over-caffeinated white people, patrolled by the triggerhappy LAPD. So, why aren't we scared?" Anthony (Played by Ludacris)

The movie "Crash", written and dirceted by Paul Haggins, is a mixture of irony and stereotypes. It takes the viewer through the lives of several different main characters, each having differnent backrounds and upbringings, that just so happen to be involoved one way or another with the other main characters lives.

Throughout "Crash" we find one major, and obvious, theme, being racism. Haggins uses characters and irony to show that each person, be it subtle or obvious, has some bit of prejudice or racist thoughts. Lippman would say that we have preconcieved pictures in our heads of they ways in which people of a certain race or gender are to act. We, finding out the opposite is also true, tend to be shocked and awed. Although Haggins does show racism in a few scenes subtly, most of the time his tactics are a bit over the top. This, among other things, makes the movie most unblievable.

That is probably the biggest downfall of the movie. Something like this should be able to send a message, really make the viewer feel it and want to act, or atleast think, differently after having watched it. It should be powerful, not poking fun or over the top.

I'm not saying I've wasted part of my life by viewing the movie, but I wouldn't take the time to watch it again.

Think I've crashed and burned? Read this...

"The Bluest Eye", By Toni Morrison

While this book is primarily meant to be read by African American women, it is an important read for most everyone else in society. Through out this novel, the read follows through the life of a young, colored girl named Pecola Breedlove and her obsession with beauty. While looking at the tragic life of this young girl, we also learn about the community and culture in which she lives. When looking at the culture we begin to see the many different people and objects that only nurture Pecola’s want for blue eyes and the ideal of American beauty. For exmple, we learn that both Pecola and her mother Pauline have a great interest in the movies or picture films. At the time of the novel, the actresses were all represented the ideal of American beauty which consisted of pale white skin, blonde curly hair, and of course blue eyes. Pecola is haunted with these thoughts and images throughout the entire book, ultimately leading to her self-hatred. Not all of the women of color in The Bluest Eye, feel the need to meet this social ideal.

Claudia, Pecola’s friend, shows the reader that it is perfectly acceptable and almost better for a person to be an individual who is not pressured by the social norms. Claudia helps Morrison to clearly show her purpose in writing this, which is to make women of color realize that they should not feel pressured to achieve the ideal social status that the media portrays. She wants women of color to be strong and confident in what and who they are. Morrison achieves this through the actions of Pecola, showing that if you soul purpose in life is achieving the ideal social status it will ultimately lead to your own destruction.

Throughout the book, you cannot help but to think of yourself and your place in society. Each person, or at least many of people, can see a little bit of Pecola within themselves. I couldn’t help but to think of the affect of media upon many young people in today’s society while reading about Pecola’s struggles. This is what makes The Bluest Eye such an important read for anyone feeling the pressure from the media or the culture in which they live. It brings the reader to the realization that a person cannot reach this ideal status with out some sort of damage, and that in the end that status is not worth your happiness.

Define a Documentary

How do you define a documentary?

This has a very broad range that it can cover. To me, a documentary is a film that depicts a person or particular person. Not a biography of a particular person, but something that tells their story or usually a struggle. It can also be an informational film on an event or new technology. For example, I found a documentary on the Bulletin Board System and the changes that have occured due to the rise of the internet.















Recently, many Americans have become aware of Documentary Director Michael Moore. He's been known for documentaries such as Farhenheit 9/11, Bowling for Columbine, Roger and Me, and Canadian Bacon. He's shed light, or at least his opinion, on events such as September 11th and the tragic school shooting in Columbine.

Roger and Me, however is not based on a particular event but the decline of a city. This documentary is based on Flint, Michigan and the decline of the economy. Through out the film, Moore attempts to interview Roger Smith, CEO of the Flint branch of General Motors. The GM plant had been a major source of income for the city, until it began to outsource jobs.

In reality, I guess a documentary can be an informational or persuasive film on almost any topic.

30 Day's in regards to Stereotypes etc.

The 30 Days program did show many stereotypes of immigrants. For instance, Rigo does hard jobs for very low wages. It also shows the conditions that many Mexican immigrants are attempting to leave. Even though they are under or close to the poverty level in the United States, they are still better situated here than their former home in Mexico. Finally, it shows the sadness they feel because they are unable to return to their families in Mexico. For example, Pati was unable to see either of her parents before they passed away and it was clearly an emotional topic for her.

Armida represents the quest for the “American Dream,” or that which most Americans (and immigrants too) want to strive for. She breaks many of these stereotypes, or preconceived pictures in our heads, about illegal immigrants. She is very successful in school and an accomplished golfer. Armida has dreams to become the first in her family to attend a college and has high hopes of attending Princeton.

By airing this episode, producers were able to shed light on both sides of the illegal immigration controversy. They did not, however, show bias toward either side. Both were represented equally with valid arguments. I think that it was important to air this because illegal immigration is such a controversial topic right now in the media and politics.

30's Days, Immigration in Review

Illegal immigration has become an important topic in current news and politics. This controversial subject was featured in FX’s “30 Days” program. It begins when a Frank George, radical minuteman from the border, moves in with an illegal immigrant family in East L.A. This family of seven lives in tight quarters which become even smaller when another person comes to live there.

The Gonzalez family consists of Rigoberto (father), Pati (mother), and 5 children. The two youngest of the children were born in the United States, thus making them citizens. The other three however, are still in the States illegally. The most outspoken of them all was oldest daughter Armida.

Frank must leave all of his identification papers behind, do manual labor, and live in their home for 30 days. He himself was an immigrant from Cuba, however he and his family did so legally. Upon his arrival to his new temporary home, he is instantly reminded of Cuba. Frank is immediately put to work with Rigoberto, who works for low wages as a handyman. This consisted of many strenuous jobs and chores. Rigoberto says that he is “doing the jobs that Americans don’t want to do.”

Frank also spends time with the rest of the family and really begins to become a part of their family and lives. He is genuinely touched by the family and feels a bond of kinship between them. During his time there he states, “…we really start to appreciate life.” But was that enough to change his radical ways?

This is not meant to persuade the viewer in either direction. If anything else, the producers of this episode were attempting to inform the viewer. Both sides of the argument are shown, one through Frank and the other through the family and their friends. It informs the viewers of the conditions that immigrants are leaving behind and their dreams of the future yet to come. It is most defiantly an episode worth watching.

Blogmania #2

Defining stereotype… this really shouldn’t be difficult, but I’m finding that it is actually hard to think of what the word actually means. So I decided to look it up in the dictionary, seemed like a good idea at the time.

According to Webster’s Dictionary:
Stereotype
(Noun): A conventional or formulaic conception or image: "regional stereotypes have been part of America since its founding.”
(Verb): Treat or classify according to a mental stereotype; "I was stereotyped as a lazy Southern European".

This didn’t make things much clearer for me. So I turned to Lippman. From what I understood, he explained Stereotypes almost as a predisposition based on a person’s life experiences and that we cannot fully understand why they perceive those stereotypes until we’ve seen experiences through their eyes. I’ve always thought of Stereotype as a derogatory word, like all stereotypes were a bad thing. I think that’s mainly because I was always faced with them growing up. However, the more I read and the more I listen in class I find myself thinking that stereotypes are not necessarily a derogatory outlook on someone unlike your self but this predisposition based on your own experiences. Especially since no one is going to think of or believe the same stereotypes about certain types of people.

Blogmania #1

So, for the super blog assignment for this week, part 1 of the topic is to research your favorite media. I know I chose my cell as my favorite, and in class we decided that it was a point-to-point rather than a mass media. This got me thinking about Andy’s phone and how he uses it.

Let me start by saying that we both use the same company, Verizon. Which we all know is now getting into television and the internet. Now I know that when I use my phone it really is just a point-to-point, however Andy is very different. I like to call his phone the mini computer. It really is almost like a small computer. For instance, he can play games, keep track of his schedule, check his email, even surf the net… all from the palm of his hand. So, how exactly do we classify that? Could that be considered a mass media being that he’s all over the web, or is it the internet on his phone that is the mass media?

This just shows how far these corporations are reaching. They are constantly merging to combine cable with the internet and wireless providers. It makes me think of these commercials that are almost like one stop shopping. So many companies offer all three of these in a package deal.

"Pictures in my head"... I wonder if they hear voices too....

For this week, I didn't know exactly where to go for this blog. So I began reading a few others and found that I wasn't alone in this, but I'll give it a shot.

Everyone has a limited reality, mainly because I find it highly impossible to travel all over the world to scope out different cultures or "realities." However, lets say (hypothetically) someone really could go to every different culture or society. Is it really possible to learn from each and everyone of them, I would hope so but I don't think that it would really be possible. I know that many people try to stay open minded, but there is always going to be a slight part of them that is set in their ways and unable to change. To sum this little ramble up, I think everyone has a limited reality to begin with.

I think that if I were to engage in more media, for example the news or the papers, that it would enlarge my "reality." I think this is very important, since many of the global happenings are very influential to local communities. If I were more aware of this, I think it would enable me to better influence those around me.

It's very important to analyze the messages that you are recieving, mainly due to the impact of the gate keeper. The source of the message will determine the bias and influences that the message is supposed to convey. These can be very persuasive, as they are often meant to be. It's important to not let yourself be persuaded by an unjust influence.

I'm not one to just accept something that I read or hear. I've learned from a young age that it's very important not to be naive. I think that if you just accept the messages that people are giving you that you can be easily lead astray and molded into whatever it is they want. And that's not such a good thing.

What is your favorite media?

I would have to say, my cell phone is my favorite. I don't leave home without it. If I would have to give it up, I'm not sure how I would react. I guess I would just be lost and disconnected. It's the easiest way for me to keep in touch with people, especially since I'm always on the go. I would probably resort to sending emails to everyone, but they feel so emotionless and empty to me. Think about it. Right now you really have no idea what state of mind I'm in. I could be happy, sad, angry... anything. The only clues you get to my state of mind are the words I choose to use, which can often times be very vague. I guess what I'm saying, is I would miss the human interaction the most. Now I know, talking on the phone isn't the same as seeing them in person, but it's pretty darn close. Also, it's an immediate form of communication. Unlike and email or a letter, it could take that person and where from minutes to days to get your message (depending on how often they check their email).
The other thing is, even if I can't physically speak to them at that moment for some reason, I'll text message them. Texting is also a fast way to get in touch with someone, even if it's just to say "Hi, have a nice day." I enjoy the random messages that let me know that people are thinking about me, even if it's only for a minute.

Media Checklist

How often do you use the phone? Who do you call most often?
I'd say I'm on the phone for atleast an hour or two a day. Never more than 20 mins. on one call. I generally call 4 people, being Andy (my Fiancee), my Mom, Rachael (my Sister), and Summer (My bestfriend). Other than that, there's a random call to someone in my sorority that needs to find some sort of answer.

When's the last time you listened to a speech or public speaker where you were physically in the audience (not required for class)? What was is and why?
I generally find myself bored when I listen to a public speaker, so I attempt to avoid those types of situations. The last public speaker I listen to would probably be about a year ago. She was giving a workshop on team leadership, and I was required to go for SAAC.

How often do you IM? Name two people on you buddy list or people you frequently chat with?
I'm never really in my room long enough to actually IM someone. When I do, it's mainly just to say hey I'm leaving now/coming over. Something to that effect when I'm heading over to Summer's or Andy's room.

How often do you use email?
I send about 15 emails everyday. I generally reply to sorority sisters, coaches, and professors.

When's the last time you paid for music to listen to? What was it? CD? iTunes? Concert?
I'm not sure if this counts, but a few summer's ago someone bought me tickets for Maroon 5. I usually share music with my sister and Andy, so I always have a good variety to upload on my mp3 or ipod.

What's the most recent thing you've watched on TV? Why?
Let's see... the last time I watched TV was the last night of break. It was QVC, 24-hr Gem special.... I like anything that sparkles.

When's the last time you recorded a movie or television program? What was it?
To be honest, I don't think I've ever recorded a movie or tv show. I don't watch enough TV to care if I miss something.

Name the most recent movie you watched for fun at the theater? DVD?
Ummmm... Andy and I rented the Lakehouse over break.

Name the type of radio station you last listened to & why?
I generally listen to 105.9 or Rock 104. I really don't enjoy rap or hip hop, I'd much rather listen to some good rock/alt. rock.

Name the most recent book you read for YOU (not a class)? Why?
The last time I had enough free time to read something, other than class, was sadly over the summer. I read Promise Me by Coblan. It's part of a series that my Mom had been reading. She thought I would really enjoy it, so she gave it to me.

When was the last time you read a newspaper? Name it? Why were you reading it?
I try to pick up a USA Today and New Castle News everyday... mainly for the sudoku's. But everyonce in a while an article will strike my attention. The last time I picked up the paper with the intentions of reading it? Again, over break. I wanted to read the sports section.

When's the last time you paid for a magazine? What was it?
I have a sub. to Glamour, so I get that monthly. Everyonce in a while, I'll pick up Cosmo in Giant Eagle as I'm checking out.

When's the last time you wrote a letter and sent it?
Sadly, it's been quite a while since I've wrote a letter. Through high school I had a friend who lived in Erie. We'd send letter's back and forth. We recently began talking again through emails though.

Name a Web site you frequently or have bookmarked on your browser? When's the last time you visited? Why?
I actually have quite a few bookmarks on my browser. Including a few grad. schools, the website for my employer (if you ever need some quality wooden furniture, I'm your girl), facebook, myspace, ECAC, and Raceberry Jam. I visit the last two the most to keep updated on the track standings and times.

Do you have a Myspace or Facebook or blog? Why?
I do have a myspace and a facebook. I use them mainly to keep intouch with people in someway other than email.