The first thing that I like about my newfound media literacy is learning how to use new software programs. I think the ones I am the happiest I learned how to use were adobe photo shop and illustrator. For my major and minor these are two programs that I need be very efficient in, but before this class I barely knew how to format the page.
The second thing I like is that I learned how to be more critical of media. I don’t just watch television and let it pass me by anymore. I realize that news, advertisements and even tv shows all have agenda setting. For example. Before this class how news sites can convey their political views through their portrayal of candidates. I used to think all the news was the same; there was no bias. However, after taking this class I realized that through pictures and text, there is almost always a hidden agenda or bias.
The third thing that I like about media literacy is simply having a new way of looking at media. I used to just look and an ad and appreciate is for a good picture or a good advertisement, but that’s where my thinking stopped. But now, I really examine advertisements and try to understand a deeper meaning. I think the best example of this is the calvin klein ad. I would originally probably look at it, think it’s a racey ad and move on. But because of this class I took it a step further. I had to look to see what message the advertisers were sending and truly examine the picture. Thanks to this class I learned about our collective desires and how it relates to advertisements and targets customers well.
3 years ago
Usually, you can pick and choose what media you are exposed to ( on some level)..but with technological advances, media and advertising is now being forced upon us. “Pop-ups” are all over the internet now. As annoying as they are for the consumer, it is a great way for advertisers to get out their information. Some pop ups are ok but others arent too friendly. There are often invisinble Xes and I often waste my time trying to get rid of them. Recently, a Gossip Girl has been persistant on my computer. “OMFG Gossip Girl is back!”. As obnoxious as that pop up was, it was a great form of media to remind viewers that the show will be airing again.
3 years ago
After giving a presentation in comm principles, I began to think about how our media reflects us in the eyes of other countries. One group pointed out that because of our media we are definitely seen in a negative light. Our rap artists singing about “throwing up their mom’s spaghetti” or “knocking a bitch out” does not help our identity. We are seen to be violent, profane and lazy. Artist’s such as Eminimen are far from an accurate representation of our country and it’s too bad this is what other coutnries think of us.
3 years ago
In fashion today, we viewed a video examining Wal-Mart. I found it amazing how much propaganda was used in the short twenty minute film. The video was filled people complaining about Wal-Mart, employees confession unethical/corrupt tasks that must be done, and women stating how they were treating unfairly. As I watched the film I began to grow angry toward Wal-Mart, however when it was done, I realized that’s how media works. Only one side the story was present and I almost fell into the trap of propaganda. I almost believed exactly what media told me without examining the other issues.
3 years ago
The book “Skinny Bitch” has swept that nation with its foul sense of humor and hope of becoming skinny. I find it amazing how everyone is giving up meat and even animal products all together if it means being healthier and skinnier. The book is a perfect example of America’s ideology revolving around docile bodies. Americans quickly hop on the band wagon for the latest fad diet; anything to mold your body to perfection. This diet advocated an almost anorexic diet and yet people are still following simplybecause it was co written by a doctor.
3 years ago
This ad for pilates shows how much emphasis we put o nsocially trained bodies. Crazes come and go in an attempy to have the perfect body. THe 80s was jazzersize, the 90s was step, and today it’s pilates. As soon as the public gets word that they can have a sexy lean body in only 30 min a day, they jump at the opportunity. It suggests that we hold the power to reshape our bodies and change our form and sizes.
3 years ago
This weight loss ad is only one of many on the market today. We are obsessed with having perfect bodies and will do whatever it takes to get one. This product offers less than perfect people hope to improve their identity. By using the before and after pictures the company is saying that you are less than adequete if you do not have a perfect body…but with the help of the product your body will be perfect.
3 years ago
This is an ad for the latest MP3 player. I think this is. the perfect example of how american society looks to docile bodies. Not only are they using a “sexy brunette” as their spokesperson but their subtitle is also promoting conformity and self-control. The slogan “how will the world see us” shows how much we care about other people’s opionions. We are no longer concerned with pleasing ourself, but instead pleasing othe people.
3 years ago
In today’s society there are so many different visions of glamour. According to our book, glamour is seen as perfection and unattainable qualities. This can be flawless bodies, faces, or even professions. Advertising uses this definition of glamour to tell their product. By using a perfectly “glamorous” model, they hope society will want to obtain those perfections.
The movie “How to Get A Head in Advertising” has several different depictions of glamour. The first, and most obvious, is the main characters lifestyle. He has a beautiful wife and perfect home. No matter what the situation (whether it is a fancy dinner or just waking up) his wife’s face always looks flawless and she has on beautiful attire. Also, his home is very big and clean. The majority is white;symbolizing perfection and thus, glamour.
Glamour however, is not always so obvious, or real for that matter. The main character’s job is sell his product at any price. He openly admits he doesn’t want to cure bad breathe or boils, he only wants to give hope. In other words, he isn’t giving people a glamorous lifestyle, he is merely giving them hope of having one.
Even more than the product, his job entails glamour. Even though the stress drives him to insanity, it is his job that lets him live his glamorous lifestyle. He boss reminds him that his job will one day bring him wealth and more success (vacations and long lunches). These leisurely things define glamour.
3 years ago
1. a door stop
2. a step stool
3. a seat
4. a weight
5. to throw at someone if you’re mad :)
3 years ago
