Final Credits

I would just like to add that I received my paper back from Mark today and got 84%. I was very happy with this mark. I worked hard throughout the class and got involved in what I was learning about. I did extra research and readings, and really feel that I have changed.

I went over my older blogs and feel that I have matured, or grown up in a way. I am more knowledgeable and aware. The class was very unique and brought a lot of different perspectives and interesting information.

Overall, I look back and reflect on a good time, an educational and fun learning experience. I feel that I have grown and developed as a citizen and member of society. I want to thank everyone in the class, Mark Lipton and Ian Reilly. It was a great show guys, and even though the curtain has closed for the semester, I walk away with great satisfaction and new confidence.

Goodnight, and thank you for listening.

That's All Folks

Today was the final class of mass communications. We had a small final exam and handed in our last word. Mark then, for the first time, gave us a 10 minute break! We were given the choice to come back and ask questions or to leave and be done for the semester. I chose to return to class and listen to the conversation. I greatly enjoyed learning more about Mark and his ideas.

It was amusing to see the faces of students when Mark mentioned a final exam. I hate having to self evaluate myself, so I actually found the exam challenging. I tried my best to evaluate appropriately, however I am often too hard or too soft.

Moreover, we handed in our last word assignments. During class however, I came up with so many more things to write about. We discussed the blogs and if we liked the process of having to write in blogs or if we would prefer writing in microsoft and then printing it all out. I felt that the blogs were an interesting and new experience for myself, and most likely other students too. It also forces students to think about the message they are writing. Issues of plagiarism, and liability come into play when putting your work on the web for millions to see. Furthermore, it also gives students a chance to experience first hand, what individuals behind the media are doing. We are given the chance to portray a message to viewers, to an audience and be the ones in control.

The last day of class was great and I felt it ended on a really good note. Thank you to all.

Film/Video Production

For our final task in mass communications, Sam, Stephanie and I decided to create a small film about the Humber Residence washrooms on R4. R4 is our floor, and the washroom is co-ed.Residents on our floor are often complaining about the state of cleanliness the washrooms are kept in. We intended for our film to be a short, inside look at the state of the washrooms. Perhaps to show our RA or other residents and raise awareness about the issue at hand.

In the process, I did most of the camera work, Sam was the narrator and Stephanie wrote out the script and assisted in camera work. We began with a description of the place and the problem we had. Sam then led us into the washroom to get a first hand look at the mess. Furthermore, we interviewed individuals in the washroom and asked them their opinion on the washrooms tidiness. We concluded by asking those using the washroom to clean up after themselves and be respectful of the other individuals using the washroom. We were unable to load the video on to our blogs, however we captured some images that were used in the video.

From this experience I learned that hygiene and cleanliness is a very personal and self-interpreting matter. Some residents felt that the washrooms were in fine condition, while others were disgusted. This may be because the washroom is co-ed and it is typical of boys and girls to have different expectations regarding the washroom's appearance and condition. I personally feel that the washrooms are cleaned well, and very often, it is simply the people who are using them that chose to mistreat them.

One of the reasons we chose to focus on health, cleanliness and the washroom was due to the issue of germs and health. We were influenced by this topic, as it is a prevalent and important topic within society. Especially with winter approaching and so many people interacting at Christmas, some people become paranoid about germs. In society today, it is not unusual to see individuals carrying around small bottles of Purell, or wipes, to wash their hands or face after coming in contact with another person, or a 'dirty' surface. Stores and offices are also installing small sanitation stations for customers and clients to use. Numerous commercials warn about the flu, HPV, and encourage washing your hands. We mention these issues within the video and hope to influence some people to take necessary precautions.

Within our production we wanted to simply illustrate and depict the truth about the state of the washroom, and about the benefits and consequences of keeping it clean. We make suggestions such as always washing your hands, wearing proper footwear, keeping the place orderly, cleaning up after yourself and flushing. We stated a few facts and figures to attract attention and give the film some authority.

Overall, I feel that the film was a success and a funny experience. We all agree that a lot goes into the creation of a film; angles, sound, images, background noise, lighting. It was fun and educational.

LIES!! DAMN LIES!!

I completely agree that J. Stauber and S. Rampton’s Toxic Sludge Is Good For You: Lies, Damn Lies, and the Public Relation Industry, “blows the lid off of today’s multi-billion-dollar propaganda-for-hire PR industry”. From start to finish I was amazed, boggled, outraged and thrilled. The book was an endless tale of secrets and hidden agendas. It really is an eye opener. Who would have thought that there was so much going on behind the backs of citizens across the continent?

I am very shocked at the number of people willing to participate in such an industry all for money. PR workers are placing people in danger at times, through the lies and propaganda they sell. Do they not know that this is wrong? Or do they at least feel a little guilty? The book was quite depressing in this manner.

Furthermore, the methods and risks these employees are willing to take is ridiculous! They pose as fake people, destroy evidence, harass people, cancel tours and manipulate the words of others! I was completely amazed. All of this is going on and no one knows!

It is amusing to see how completely oblivious people, including myself, are to the PR industry. I feel like I can’t trust any company without first looking into its background and motives now. Money really has become the soul of America. It is all the PR industry is about.
The novel was a great read with witty comments, amazing statistics and mind-blowing examples. I feel that the novel would speak to people more because it is comical, and easy to read. It speaks of recognizable companies and institutions and best of all, it speaks to the reader, not the PR industry.

Recently, I have found out that facebook may have been created by individuals connected to the CIA and the Information Awareness Organization (IAO), developing an easy, orderly system to keep tabs on people. This reminded me of the novel and the comment you made stating, “how much of what we think of as independent, unbiased news and information has its origins in the boardrooms of the public relations companies”. This is completely true. Facebook appears to be a simple, fun way of keeping in touch with family and friends, when in actuality the PR industry has done its job in hiding the boardroom secrets of the CIA and IAO.

I greatly enjoyed reading this book, and have looked into reading more of Stauber and Rampton’s work.


Stauber, John and Rampton, Sheldon. Toxic Sludge Is Good For You: Lies, Damn lies and the Public Relations Industry. Monroe MA, Common Courage Press, 1995.


Lipton, Mark. "Required Books: Lipton's Notes and Rationales."
University of GuelphHumber. Toronto. 7 September 2007.

For Information related to Facebook please visit:
http://www.albumoftheday.com/facebook/

Typographic entertainment

Here I have the final five novels for my bibliography. These I found at random at Indigo and felt that they would provide a beneficial and intriguing read. These books are more focused on culture, and how society operates.



1- Animal Farm
By: George Orwell
I greatly enjoyed 1984 and found the plotline for this novel rather odd. It was also recommended to me by a friend, as an “interesting perspective on culture”.
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Animal-Farm-Orwell-George/9780451526342-item.html?ref=Books%3a+Search+Top+Sellers


2- Lord of the Flies
By: William Golding
I read this in grade nine, and loved it. However, I feel that with the knowledge I have gained over the past 4 years, the book will take on a different read.
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Lord-Of-The-Flies-William-Golding/9780571084838-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527Lord+of+the+Flies%2527


3- Culture Matters
Editor: Lawerence E. Harrison
This novel investigates Western culture and how we are so drastically divided into the rich and poor, the free and oppressed.
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Culture-Matters-Lawrence-E-Harrison/9780465031764-item.html


4- No Logo
By: Naomi Klein
No Logo, looks into our ‘branded’ society, how it operates, and where it is going.
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/No-Logo-Taking-Aim-Brand-Naomi-Klein/9780676972825-item.html?ref=Books%3aSocial+and+Cultural+Studies%3aCurrent+Events


5- Uses of Television
By: John Hartley
Hartley’s novel takes on a different perspective of the usually talked down television. It suggests that television is not all bad, and has various other uses than simply a program supplier.
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Uses-of-Television-John-Hartley/9780415085090-item.html?ref=Books%3aSocial+and+Cultural+Studies%3aCurrent+Events

A Timeline of Social/Media/History

For this particular project, Samantha, Stephanie and I used our image curation slideshow to illustrate the key technological inventions we felt were important. The slideshow displayed the Evolution of Media, and so it began with the development of the phonetic alphabet all the way to the Internet and present day communication technologies. Each of us had our own interpretation of inventions that were key to the development of culture. For the most part, we did agree that the phonetic alphabet and printing press were of significant impact. I felt that the development of the phonetic alphabet, the printing press, the camera and the television were key instruments in social movements and influencing their environment.

We did have a small discussion on media ecology and the idea that technology plays a significant role in human affairs and development. In each of the following examples of media inventions, I also illustrated how the media provides structure and direction to its given society. Communication media has significant impacts on the people that surround it. I begin with the development of the phonetic alphabet;

The development of the phonetic alphabet led to the strengthening and development of small bureaucracies. Authority over land was firmly established with the written word. Records created documents, laws and permanence of a leader. People were able to communicate ideas and concepts on a new level. Memory was stronger, and history solid.

Secondly, the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1445, can be attributed to the spread of knowledge and propaganda. Large-scale productions of books and newspapers could be printed and distributed. People challenged those in power as new ideas and concepts floated around. This invention also added to the impact of the Renaissance. It significantly contributed to the many ideas and new abstract thoughts already being spread. The protestant reformation began, initiating a number of issues regarding the church and social class. The demand for books grew. The printing press greatly impacted people on a social level.

The third key media invention I chose was the camera. The first photographic image was taken in 1826, taking eight long hours to process. Today camera’s are digital and can be captured and printed in mere seconds. Since 1826, the camera has had many purposes, including simple self-portraits, family portraits and artistic endeavours. However, I feel that the camera is an important cultural invention. The camera has been used to create many social movements. Images of war brought home caused outrage and protests such as in Vietnam. Images of poverty stricken families within the American culture have shocked citizens living comfortably and well off, initiating actions to improve the quality of life for Americans. The camera was responsible for creating a whole new form of art. The art of painting was pushed aside as photographs came to be the new artistic delight.
Images captured of war, disease, far off countries and other cultures have all influenced society. Moreover, it gave way to the advertising business. Photographs have become part of everyday life. It is hard not to see a photograph or advertisement when out in public. The camera has become an important figure in Western culture.

Lastly, I feel that the media invention of the television is significant in the Civil Rights movement. In the early 1950’s, television broadcasting was improved and it became the dominant mass media throughout the 50’s. Moreover, the Civil Rights movement had its peaking moment between 1955 and 1965. I feel that this is because the growing popularity in television allowed viewers at home to witness what was happening. Speeches by Martin Luther King Jr. were aired; riots and protests were also publicized on the television. The growing influence of Martin Luther King Jr, was spread across the country with the help of television. This media invention brought these civil right issues into the home of all citizens.

In conclusion, these are four key media inventions, each having their own significant impact on society.

Kingwood College Library. American Cultural History. 1998. 27 Nov. 2007 < http://kclibrary.nhmccd.edu/decade50.html#tv>.

Media Ecology Association. What is Media Ecology? 2007. 27 Nov. 2007 < http://www.media-ecology.org/media_ecology/>.

Annaberg Media. Renaissance. 2005. 27 Nov. 2007 < http://www.learner.org/interactives/renaissance/printing.html>.

The University of Texas. The First Photograph. 2007. 27 Nov. 2007 < http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/permanent/wfp/>.

Thank You for Smoking

(Yahoo Movies. Thank You for Smoking. 26 Nov. 2007 <http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808723698/photo/606727>.

I love watching documentary films! I absolutely adore them. For our group documentary film, we watched Thank You for Smoking. The plot essentially follows Nick Taylor, vice-president of the Academy of Tobacco Studies through his public relations campaign convincing society that smoking is not all bad. His best friends are the leaders of the alcohol and gun control industry. The three of them meet regularly and call themselves the ‘Merchants of Death’, as they argue over who has killed more people. The movie follows Mr. Taylor through his PR business tour, until he finds himself in trouble with a beautiful news reporter.

I feel that the video is an excellent demonstration of how the public relations industry functions, and how easily they manipulate facts to benefit their company, and convince people to buy their product. Focus on the smoking industry is even more intriguing as it is a large, controversial issue within society. Public relations goes hand in hand with the study of media. What the media delivers to viewers is often manipulated, edited and twisted to some form of bias, even if minimal. This documentary illustrates just how this can be done, in a funny and satirical film.

After watching the movie, Sam, Stephanie and I discussed our thoughts and opinions. I felt the movie was well done, as far as entertainment goes. The main character was well played and delivered, the dialogue was quick and witty, issues were brought up directly, and both sides of the public relations industry were shown. How the industry and its employers work, along with how society reacts, and opposition takes action, is all seen within the film. For such a serious topic, they did a good job of making it an energized and stimulating film.

Despite these great qualities, I felt that the movie never really came to a conclusion. It illustrated both the good and bad sides of public relations, and the tobacco industry yet, never concluded or took a specific position. I suppose they may have intended this in hopes of allowing the viewer to make up their own opinion, instead of being told, once again, what to believe.

I felt that the discussion was important because I was able to witness how other individuals take in, and are affected by public relations propaganda. We all had similar ideas, in regards to the video’s content and output however, some people took a difference stance on the PR business. For instance, a fellow student at residence decided that the public relations industry was doing a good job and that they should not be blamed for following their career instructions, whereas I feel that following instructions is no excuse if they are misleading innocent people to potentially deadly products.

I think that the class would get a good laugh out of the video, as it is light-hearted and witty for such a touchy subject. The main character, Nick Taylor, is very sleek and smooth in his presentation of the tobacco industry, almost to the point where you may agree or not argue as much with some of his points. Moreover, it allows the class to witness public relations from the inside. We have studied what we think they are doing, and what we can take from their hidden messages in advertisements but the documentary allows for the actual inside story to be seen.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed the video and feel it was an adequate and sufficient documentary for such a controversial issue.
To see the film's trailer visit: http://youtube.com/watch?v=iBELC_vxqhI

Podcasting in the Castle??

For our podcasting project, Sam, Stephanie and I reunited once again to explore Casa Loma castle. We decided on Casa Loma castle because we wanted something fascinating, yet long enough and detailed enough to provide good material for a script. Moreover, I have a huge love for history, and so I was quite excited to visit the historical landmark.

I learned quite a lot from the tour we took and the items we saw. Casa Loma was envisioned by Sir Henry Pallett, to be his “house on a hill” or Casa Loma. A very wealthy man, he hired architect E.J. Lennox to assist in the castle’s design. Pallett was inspired by the designs from Europe and also his love of the military. At the time, he had a fortune of $17 million to create the castle. It was completed in 3 years and cost $3.5 million to build. Pallett completed the castle by filling it with beautiful pieces of artwork.

Sir Henry Pallett was a prominent businessman and community figure. Casa Loma provided the perfect place to host large-scale events and occasions. Moreover, his wife held prominent status also, and the two of them led a busy social schedule within the castle.

However, debt caught up to Pallett and he was forced to auction off his possessions and sadly, his beloved castle. When the couple moved out, the castle sat vacate for a short period of time. It was used as a hotel for a little while, as well as a place for musical entertainment. During the depression it remained vacate and suggestions such as a schoolhouse, museum, art gallery, veteran’s home and also a permanent residence for the Dionne quintuplets were considered for its use. In 1936, it was agreed upon to make it a tourist attraction and in 1937, it was refurbished and opened to the public by the Kiwanis Club.

The three of us toured the castle, each taking pictures and notes. Stephanie chose to write the script, as she had previous experience in such tasks.
I feel that if I had written it, I would make it a bit longer, and also a little livelier. I understand that it is an old historical landmark and one cannot stray from fact, but perhaps a cheerier style of writing could be used.

Our intention for the script was to be something that intrigued audiences, and caught their attention. Perhaps they would want to visit the lovely site.

While wandering around the area I attempted to relate what I saw to media’s influence. I thought about the various styles in the house, and the items of furniture. Why were they purchased? Were they advertised? Did everyone have this style? Moreover, I noticed that there was a lot of artwork. Today, people do not have such drastic pieces of art. Perhaps this is because with the television and computer, we can see different images from all across the world whenever we want. Back then, they did not have such an option and artwork was a way to view the world.

Our Work:

INT. CASA LOMA – GREAT HALL – CONTINUOUS
The narrator moves into the Great Hall.
NARRATOR
As we enter the Great Hall, notice the hanging chandeliers hanging from the 60 foot ceiling. The pillars supporting the ceiling are all richly adorned with sculpture work of mythical Greek heroes.
The Pellatts were known for their large collection of Chippendale, Elizabethan, and Louis XIV furniture. Pieces from their collection are found throughout the hall and the rest of the castle.
Also from the same periods are their collections of paintings and wall hangings. Most of the artworks displayed in the Great Hall are reproductions. To pay off debts in the early 30s, the Pellatts auctioned off the majority of their art collection for a fraction of their value.
Also of interest in the Great Hall is the pipe organ in front of the main floor to ceiling window across from the entrance. It is the largest Wurlitzer pipe organ in Canada. Originally used in a Bay Street theatre, it has been restored and displayed in Casa Loma since 1964.
INT. CASA LOMA – OAK ROOM – CONTINUOUS
The narrator moves into the Oak Room.
NARRATOR
To the side of the Great Hall is the Oak Room, Henry Pellatt’s private drawing room. The room takes its name from the French oak panels lining the walls. The panels took three years to be carved by hand by foreign artisans.
Here, he devised all of his business plans. Pellatt was the owner and manager of Pellatt and Pellatt, a company he started with his father. His empire was built on the new technology of electricity.
During the height of his career, he controlled 25% of Canada’s money. Although wealthy, Pellatt was recognized as a good-humoured and generous man, who paid his 40 household staff members well. Each permanent staff member was given a private room, furnished similarly to a dorm room in a college residence. Additionally, Pellatt built an outdoor skating rink for exclusive use by his staff

Overall, it was a fun activity and I recommend taking the tour.
For more information visit: http://www.casaloma.org/Visitor/

View **Mary**'s map

Taken in (See more photos here)

(Casa Loma, http://www.casaloma.org)

Marshall McLuhan: The Three Fundamental innovations of Technology

Written Thursday, November 21st 2007

Marshall McLuhan: The Three Fundamental innovations of Technology
In the reading The Three Fundamental Innovations of Technology, McLuhan determines the three most fundamental technological innovations to be, the invention of the phonetic alphabet, Gutenberg’s moveable type and the invention of electric media. This blog explores the readings content, by going in-depth as to how exactly these three technologies have helped shape culture.

“The invention of writing and of a convenient system of records on paper has had the greatest influence on uplifting the human race than any other intellectual achievement in the career of man. Carlyle, Kant, Mirabel and Renan believed that writing was the beginning of civilization.” (McLuhan and Logan)
The creation of the phonetic alphabet:

• Developed a new medium of communication
• Developed the intellectual side of man
• Is associated with the “beginning of civilization”
• Created a verifiable and extended form of memory
• Enhanced the capacity of abstract thinking
• Created a new form of power, as men extended their power through the use of written records
• Gave command over time
The creation of the phonetic alphabet also led to the creation of bureaucracies. Records were made and saved over time, also developing a sense of time and distance. Power from these bureaucracies could be extended through the delivering of letters and messages to various distant areas and regions. Command over time was achieved through the permanence of records.

The second most fundamental innovation as determined by McLuhan is moveable type. Impacts of Gutenberg’s printing press:

• Information could be produced on a large scale
• Led to the efficient production of newspapers
• Through the spread of ideas shaped the political process of many nations towards accountable government and revolutions
• Could be used for propaganda
• Libraries could have larger quantities of books
• Initiated an “information” revolution
• Stimulated the literacy of lay people
• Spread of religious, business, and philosophical ideas
The printing press has proved to have an immensely significant impact on history and where humans are today, often associated with the Protestant Reformation. The printing press pioneered mass production and production time. Moreover, these items could be published and sold to everyone, across the continent. Knowledge swept throughout the countries. People could print their own opinions and ideas for record and distribution. It also allowed this process to be done quicker then ever.

Lastly, the electric media is so prevalent in society that it is nearly impossible to go a day without seeing or hearing it. Moreover, we have become dependent upon it! Some of the uses for electric media include:

• Journalism
• Advertising
• Marketing
• Education
• Science
• Engineering
• Photography
• Film
• Commerce
• Business
• Telecommuting
• Entertainment
• Government
• Military
And more…
Computers, laptops, televisions and the radio, are all electric mediums part of many people’s daily routine. They have become common and taken for granted parts of daily life. Electric mediums are the largest sources of information for people within society. News and images from around the world are shared through the television, radio and computer. Television has assisted in the creation of an image-based culture. For more detail on this ‘image-based culture’, I recommend works by Marshall McLuhan and Neil Postman.

Clearly, these items have been of huge significance to the development of human life and society today. From each have these have sprung other important inventions and innovations also popular within society.

McLuhan, Marshall and R.K. Logan. Et Cetera. Dec 1977. 22 Nov. 2007
<http://members.shaw.ca/competitivenessofnations/Anno%20McLuhan%20Alphabet.htm>.

Hirji, Mohamed. The Printing Press. Jan 2000. 22 Nov. 2007
<http://www.ualberta.ca/~hirji/MH/home.htm>.


Kreis, Steven. The Printing Press. 2000. 22 Nov. 2007
<http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/press.html>.

Wikipedia. Electronic Media. May 2004. 22 Nov. 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Media>.

Every teenager's nightmare....

Written Wednesday, November 20th 2007

For the past two days I have been in North Bay, visiting my very ill grandfather. He is in a nursing home located within a small town called Powasson, however my Grandmother lives farther out in the boonies. Upon arrival I expected to be able to use their computer and Internet for homework, however I arrived to find that their computer was slightly malfunctioning. Moreover they said the word….. dial-up!! DUN DUN DUUUUUUN! Yes, it was a dial-up connection. My attempt to get online was slow and painful. From this experience I began to realize my taken for granted and accustomed life involving the wireless Internet and cable.

Furthermore, my cellphone is dying and I forgot my charger at home. Sadly, I am quite upset by this. Firstly, because I have no way to contact my friends now and secondly, because I realize how attached to my cellphone I have become; so much that without it I feel incomplete. This is the world we live in, a world where we are dependent upon the Internet and the tools of technology to comfort us. I have been sucked in! I am one of the many individuals reliant on technology. I am unable to check my mail when I want to, or to scan through Facebook. I feel pathetic! Although, I will say, that this upsets me mainly because I need to be in contact with people. I have to email my teachers, and group partners in regards to school. Perhaps that makes me a little less depressive?

Anyways, thought I would share this insight with you. However will I survive?

Surrounded!

Written Wednesday, November 20th 2007

Reflecting on what we have learned in Mass Communications, I gain the impression that it is almost impossible to escape any form of media.

For this reflection piece, I have chosen to reflect specifically on how much I come in contact with the media through various mediums in an entire day. It begins;

I wake to an alarm from my cellphone (1). I then proceed to turn on my computer (2), and head to the washroom, where in the hallways I see various ads and flyers for school events (3). Before I leave for class, I check the weather on the Internet and my email (4). At school students wear various brand names and logos (5), while again more advertisements fill the hallways (6). I am consistently checking the clock on my cellphone to make sure I am on time (7). In class and between classes I visit various websites on my laptop including Facebook, Hotmail, the Globe and Mail and other sites that catch my attention (8). People in class listen to Ipods (9), and discuss last night’s television programs (10). During break I usually head to William’s Coffee Pub to get a bite to eat. There, I view images of my choices and decide what looks best (11). On my way back to residence, I pick up the Toronto Star from the front and continue upstairs (12). I usually work on my computer for a few hours, encountering various ads, logos, brands, news stories and websites (13). On Tuesday nights I watch House on television (14), here I am again subjected to various commercials and advertisements (15). Lastly, I work on my computer a little before bed (16). Throughout the day I have also been text messaging various individuals, a bad habit I have developed. A typical day of text messaging involves at least 10 text messages (17-27).

From this description of a fairly typical day, I involve myself with various forms of media approximately 27 times a day and this is only done within residence, the parking lot and GuelphHumber! Moreover, that number is generalizing advertisements and commericals. If I were to specifically name the various brands I witness I am sure it would be much more. I did not include the cars in the parking lot, which could be considered advertisements also.

I was unable to find and exact number, but the number of advertisements witnessed in a lifetime would be enormous. I think that children in the western culture would be subjected to more commercials and advertisements then other areas of the world. A day without them would be considered odd. Perhaps people would not be as decisive, without advertisements telling them what is best. It is a weird thought to consider.

Toodles for now.

They're all in CAHOOTS!!!

Written November 17th, 2007
For our group Media Hegemony project, we decided to look at the corporation Viacom. Viacom is one of the six major media corporations also including Disney, Times Warner, News Corp, CBS, and General Electric.

For the project we created a poster illustrating Viacom’s numerous media outlets, including all forms of media, print, Internet, film and other outlets they own. I was the main designer of the poster, while the other girls contributed information and suggestions.
Viacom currently owns:
Publishing Broadcast Internet
Nickelodeon MTV SpikeTv.com
Famous Music Publishing Co. VH1 ComedyCentral.com
The Extreme Music Library TV Land Neopets.Inc
Famous Players BET ifilm.com
Xfire Paramount Comedy BET on Blast
MTV Mobile iFilm Corp. Sonicnet.com
Director’s Cut Production Music Nick Gas Nick.com
The Box Gametrailers.com
Viva GT.tv
CMT Cmt.com
The Colbert Report
The Daily Show
Dreamworks
AND MANY MORE!!!

Media conglomerates are large media corporations that join with other companies to control a larger amount of media activities. The problem with media conglomerates is that ownership can affect the information being covered. “Stories can end up being biased or omitted so as not to offend advertisers or owners. The ability for citizens to make informed decisions is crucial for a free and functioning democracy, but now becomes threatened by such concentration in ownership” (Global Issues).

Diversity of message and information is threatened when companies are all owned by the same corporation and subsequently produce the same message. This creates a bias and one-minded society.

Some may say that the point of owning a business is to become the biggest, the best and the richest, so what is wrong with what these companies are doing? (I myself was one of these people) However, although it is good to have competition, the competition produced by these conglomerates relies on sensationalism to attract viewers, not quality information or good reporting (Global Issues). Many media outputs have similar aspect to others and only hope to attract viewers through dramatics and aesthetics.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CTRC) has expressed concern regarding the “diversity of voices” being aired in the media. A review will be done very soon, regarding media diversity within Canada. This was sparked by “three deals [that] have dramatically altered the shape of Canada's media industry. In addition to the CHUM acquisition, CanWest MediaWorks Inc. and Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc. have joined forces, as have Astral Media Inc. and Standard Radio Inc” (Tuck).

The Canadian government is furthermore looking to implement limitations to media ownership by firstly, regulating cross-media ownership of radio, television and newspaper assets, limiting companies to two of these 3 types of media. Secondly, they plan on preventing companies from owning more than 25 to 33 per cent of the country's cable channels and lastly, a limitation on the growth of cable companies, preventing them from owning multiple cable and satellite TV services (Robertson).

This is the media situation we face right now as a society, Are we getting the proper information? Or are media hegemonies controlling and editing the information we see, and the media outlets we have, to illustrate their own personal ideals? Become informed!

Viacom. “Media Networks”. Our Brands. 2007. 17 Nov. 2007 <http://www.viacom.com/OUR%20BRANDS/MEDIA%20NETWORKS/default.aspx>.

Robertson, Grant. “CRTC airs idea of media limits”. The Globe and Mail, 17 Sept. 2007. 17 Nov. 2007 <http://www.yourmedia.ca/news/2007/070917_crtc_media.html>.

Tuck, Simon. “CRTC concerned about ‘diversity of voices”. The Globe and Mail. 14 March 2007. 17 Nov. 2007 < http://www.yourmedia.ca/news/2007/070314_concen_review.html>.

Shah, Anup. “Media Conglomerates, Mergers, Concentration of Ownership”. Global Issues. 29 Apr. 2007. 17 Nov. 2007 <http://www.globalissues.org/HumanRights/Media/Corporations/Owners.asp>.

No dice...

Today’s Mass Communication class was one of the least enjoyable classes we have had. It was interesting and the topic of technologies that caused cultural revolutions was fascinating, but I really did not enjoy it all that much.

I enjoyed the small clip of the Zeitgeist movie we watched and plan on watching the rest of it soon.

The group work we did was not all that exciting. I tend to enjoy working more independently, and so that may be why I did not enjoy it as much. The task was straightforward though, allowing the group to move through it and successfully complete it with ease.

It was hard to pin point the most important technology, or the one that led to the creation of others. So many inventions have had their own form of impact on some part of the world, and on a group of people somewhere. While completing the task, I thought of Neil Postman, and his explanation that “with every tool we create, there is an idea embedded beyond the original function” (Postman, 14). This makes me ponder the idea of the internet, or the printing press, and if the inventor had a different idea or reason for their creation other than what it has become used for.

It is also said that technology and tools, are made as extensions of mankind. We create items to better ourselves, to enhance our abilities, and senses to an even greater level. Is this a good thing? It has its benefits, but also its downfalls.

In conclusion, class was weird today. I look forward to next week.

Postman, Neil. Amusing Ourselves to Death. New York: Penguin, 1985.

Culture Jamming

Culture Jamming: Hacking, Slashing and Sniping in the Empire of Signs

Culture Jamming is a fun and amusing concept to me. I say, it really does have the power to catch people’s perception, and perhaps awaken the dulled senses of relentless ad consumers.

Various statements made in the article caught my attention. Firstly, the acknowledgement that people are CHOOSING to watch television over reading books. All the greatest books, newspapers and magazines are available for purchase or rent at local bookstores and libraries, yet citizens choose to watch the information, opposed to reading it for themselves. I myself fall into this category of individuals and question why I do such a thing? I suppose it has to do with society’s development of time within a day. Television produces information faster, with easier access, and less activity on the part of the viewer. In the busy Western culture, “time is money” and greatly dictates our actions. Is this why we are choosing to watch television over reading books? I believe so. Only if we are looking for specific information or a narrative on a particular topic will we turn to books as a resource.

The second statement I agree with is that “the theatricalization of American life is the major cultural transformation of this century”. I find that Canada and the United States largely, play up to this statement. Everything within society has some form of theatre or drama presented with it. Whether, it is telling someone they act or look like an actress, the continuous quoting of favourite television shows, or presenting news as a form of entertainment, opposed to objective information about the world, society has become a theatre of entertainment.
I also agree that our culture has become predominantly image oriented and yet we have no education on how to deal with such a society. In a typographic culture, people were able to comprehend and live within the culture because reading and writing were the two main focuses within education. Western culture has shifted to focus on a new basis being images, and we have done nothing to prepare or explain this transformation.

This would be directly related to television and advertisements abusing its viewers. If people are uninformed of how to cope and deal with a new techonology of course it will be abused, along with it abusing the user.

Although I had heard of Culture Jamming before, I was unaware of the numerous activities and actions it included. I have seen billboard banditry and the Disney Video on copyright, shown in class, is kind of Audio Agitrop, but is simply used to explain copyright. While at the subway station this past weekend, I also witnessed subvertising. The toilet paper dispensers used Kleenex as their paper brand, and the dispensers were all stickered saying, "Kleercut WARNING! Contains clearcut ancient forests"

http://www.raisemyvoice.com/jamming.html

I looked up other Culture Jamming examples, and found that so many people are involved in this activity, it is almost a way of life for some. I was able to find some videos of culture jamming, involving media hoaxing, and numerous subvertisements, and billboard banditry. Here are a few examples I found: (Abrupt, 1996)
(English, Ron. 2000-2007)
(English,Ron. 2000-2007)

This link, leads you to a CNN news story regarding the culture jamming ads the Chevy Tahoe recieved during an ad campaign, http://youtube.com/watch?v=O59clqhoszc

I enjoy the concept of culture jamming and feel that it is a peaceful, yet efficient way of getting a message across.
The people of society, must become informed and knowledgeable about what is happening. It is only through their education can we assist them in seeing the truth.

English, Ron. "Billboards." The Art and Crime of Ron English. 2007. 14 Nov. 2007 < http://www.popaganda.com/billboards/index_2.shtml>.

Abrupt. Culture Jamming. 1996. 14 Nov. 2007 <http://www.abrupt.org/CJ/CJ.html>.

Dery, Mark. "Culture Jamming: Hacking, Slashing and Sniping in the Empire of Signs." Pyrotechnic Insanitarium.unknown date. 14 Nov. 2007 <http://www.levity.com/markdery/culturjam.html>.

Books?? I remember those....

Last weekend I was in Toronto, and had the chance to visit the World's Largest Bookstore, Chapters, located just off of Queen Street W. While there, I looked through the various books and came across a few that I feel would be a beneficial read within Media Studies. A few of them are related to the authors we have read in class. I have greatly enjoyed the books we have read in class, and therefore feel that I will similarly enjoy these ones.

Lies We Live By; Defeating Doubletalk and Deception in Advertising, Politics, and the Media
By: Carl Hausmen
This novel looks into the issue of media deception within society. It examines how people carry on day after day, unaware of the lies they are being sold, and the misrepresentation that is taking place within advertisements, magazines and other such media. Moreover, it illustrates how these lies and deceptions have come to form the rules and laws we live by everyday.

Trust Us We're Experts
By: John Stauber
From the author of Toxic Sludge is Good for You comes the novel, Trust Us We're Experts. In this book, author John Stauber discusses the "third-party technique". This involves placing facts, statistics or opinions into the mouths of prominent figures such as doctors, professors or "experts". I am interested in reading this book because similar to Stauber's Toxic Sludge is Good for You, I feel I will gain a large insight, into the issue discussed. I want to make myself aware and knowledgeable about what is being told to me through the media.

Technopoly
By: Neil Postman
Amusing Ourselves to Death, by Neil Postman, was one of my favourite Mass Communications readings. Technopoly has a similar basis to Amusing Ourselves to Death, however I hope that it will elaborate are some ideas. It explains the influence of technology on many aspects of society, such as arts, religion, politics, education and truth.

Diet for a Poisoned Planet
By: David Steinman
I heard about this book in Toxic Sludge is Good For You and it remained in my mind. David Steinman, is a well-known environmental author and consumer advocate. I myself, am a large environmentalist and am interested in what Steinman has to say. I am already knowledgeable on the meat industry, and the events that go on behind closed doors there. I wish to further this knowledge and become informed of what exactly I am digesting.

That is all for now.


Chapters.Indigo.Lies We Live By; Defeating Doubletalk and Deception in Advertising, Politics, and the Media. 2007. Nov. 2007
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search?keywords=Lies%20we%20Live%20by&pageSize=10

Chapters.Indigo.Technopoly. 2007. Nov. 2007
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search?keywords=Technopoly&pageSize=10

Chapters.Indigo. Trust Us- We're Experts. 2007. Nov. 2007
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search?keywords=Trust%20Us%20Were%20Experts&pageSize=10

Chapters.Indigo. Diet For a Poisoned Planet. 2007. Nov. 2007
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search?keywords=diet%20for%20a%20poisoned%20planet&pageSize=10

Mise en Abyme

The day has come!

Semiotic papers have all been handed in to Mark and Ian, and out of the hands of worried students. Although, there was quite a few individuals missing in class today. Hehe.
Today in class we discussed the process of our writing. Mise en Abyme - reflective writing where you write about what writing was like. This is my blog:

Analyzing my advertisement was an educational experience. I learned just how much effort goes into the creation of endorsement ads- and it is a lot!

I have always known that advertisements have more than just their face value to be considered, however, it never really hits you just how much is said until you sit down and stare at the image for a few days. After much analysis and contemplation, I feel I was able to produce a respectable semiotic essay.

While studying my image I began to think of my analysis and how I argued that particular items showed discrimination, and how other public viewers wrote in arguing their own personal concerns with the image. This lead to the question, what do people expect? All I hear about is people being dissatisfied or insulted by commercial advertisements, no one ever compliments them or writes in to say this is a wonderful promotion. So I am asking, what do people want? If a blonde woman is put in an advertisement, woman may write in saying how this is stereotypical or discriminatory. However, if a brunette was placed in the ad, couldn’t a blonde write in saying the same thing? This confuses me. I feel that no matter what, someone somewhere is going to have a problem.

This has led me to the conclusion that perhaps the advertisements considered racist or sexist are not all bad. I pose the question, what makes viewers automatically think of these racist and sexist ideals? I feel that sometimes people are over analyzing things, or looking at things only in the negative light. If a man is smiling at a woman, why can’t it just be that he is happy? Or that he likes the woman? Usually, it is suggested that the male is trying to hit on the woman. Similarly, why do large breasts on a woman automatically mean she is “skanky”? Some woman have large breasts! I am aware that often these features are exaggerated and there in is why people complain, but I feel that sometimes people need to relax.

I also feel that it is silly of woman to say they are objectified, and preyed on, if they live up to it! If woman do not want to be illustrated as sluts, than don’t act like them. Again, I understand that some girls do not mind the classification and other do because they are not part of it, but do not contradict yourself.

Moreover, I feel that it is rather silly of people to assume everyone is the same. Through daily life experience, it is easy to tell that people have very different styles, personalities and ways of life. I agree that advertisements can be bad, and at times are truly insulting and over the top. However, I also feel that there is something wrong with our society, if people are led to fully believe these images. Alcohol will not give you sexual powers, cigarettes will not earn you friends and clothes do not make you a better person! Why do people believe these naïve ideologies?

The way individuals are raised will have a lot to do with this. I therefore suggest, that students begin at a young age, looking at the concept of media and media education. The advertising business is by no means going to end, or stop their cruel ads anytime soon, and so we must approach the situation from a different route. Let us begin to raise a society that is aware, and knowledgeable about the media’s influence, one willing to change the current standards.

Moreover, we also discussed in class today, culture jamming. I was fascinated by Ron English’s work. I wish I was able to be part of something like that, perhaps one day I will. I feel he presents a good idea and reflection on how people are so use to advertising and desensitized to its power. I hope people take notice of it and reflect on their media awareness.

Overall, class was marvelous. Its November 7th!!! One month left!

I own you!

This blog is in response to class on Wednesday October 31st.

Class today was very fun and very interesting. I really enjoyed Mark’s lecture, not that I don’t usually. My main interest was the discussion on media hegemonies and learning about the different corporations that own various companies. I was really fascinated to learn how it was all interconnected.

I am shocked to learn that Disney owns Us magazine and the history and biography channel. I found this very amusing. Similarly, with other major companies owning corporations. I think this is most shocking because a particular image is given to each channel, separate from the other corporations and channels owned under the same name. People expect the two to be related or similar in nature. For example, if Disney owns Us magazine, it is an odd thought because Disney is widely recognized as a child’s company.

I also find it fascinating how such ownerships affect what individual channels produce and publicize. This is interesting because it takes place without viewers knowing. It really reinforces the idea that the medium is the message and that everything we hear has some form of bias. It is never the exact message or idea, but a modified version to fit a particular image.
The website Mark showed us called www.theyrule.net was very neat. It best illustrates the entangled mess of large corporations and how everything is connected.

I am trying to decide how I feel about corporations being related, or in business with other corporations so much that it alters what I am seeing. How does this affect me? How does Disney owning Miramax and the ESPNZone affect me? Why should I care?
Each company seems so distinct, and separate, that it is hard to tell that they are owned by the same corporation.

I suppose all I can do in regards to this situation is to be aware of who owns what and which companies are in control of the message I am being feed. This allows me to eliminate any potential bias the stations may have.

I never understood why businesses were always frowned upon if they owned a large amount of smaller corporations. The object of opening a business is to become rich and successful no? And when they do, people get upset at them. I can see now that it is important to have variety and diversity to achieve different influences. I am also aware that smaller companies often flounder quickly if larger corporations own everything, that the smaller company has a right to attempt to be successful. I still feel sometimes it is selfish somehow. I should look into it more.

The rest of Mark’s lecture really spoke to me about being aware and knowledgeable about what I do. Everything I do affects someone, or something and ignorance is no excuse for harmful actions. Before I engage in something I should know about what I am doing, that is common sense and yet, there is so much that I do and do not really investigate. I do not want to be a crazy, cautious person, never partaking in anything, but I can still inform myself about things.

I need to learn more about things in my life! People take so much for granted!

Lost in the Media Waves!!

This is a reflection on my work so far this semester in Mass Communications. I was doing really well at first, keeping on top of everything and having it all done tip top, but lately it has been a little hectic. I finally have a topic for my semiotics paper, and today I am developing a thesis. I chose to do an advertisement regarding alcohol because it has been a prominent topic, as I live in a college residence and all. I was talking with a friend about beer advertisements and how they are always associated with young, "hot" girls. I was shocked by a statement he made, that if young girls were not in the advertisements he most likely would not buy as much beer, or pay as much attention to the ad. Now this is either, just a lonely guy looking for girls, or a serious statement on the advertising industry. Do they really have such a powerful affect on individuals? Is it because of the deeper meanings and hidden suggestions within the image? I feel that by looking at the advertisement I have chosen I will perhaps come to some understand as to why this boy is so affected by it. What do advertisers strategically put into these advertisements that make young male adults want to buy the product?

I feel better now that I have a concrete image to deconstruct and analyze. It is a little late but I work better under pressure. It has been non-stop essays and papers for the past month and it's only half over. I feel that I am gaining a better understanding of media within our society though. Mass communications has opened my eyes to the media. I find myself analyzing images I see, or read in magazines and thinking why myself or others think a particular way. I am noticing how conditioned we are to think a select way.

I hope to get back on track and manage things a little better. Wish me luck!


Skyy Vodka Ad
May 2000
http://www.gallup-robinson.com/essayimages/82skyyvodka.jpg

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Show your support!

For the second time in mass communication history, the infamous Samantha Stevens, Stephanie Butler and Darrylynn McDonald have teamed up to create a mass communications masterpiece. This time we were focused on an activist project of our own personal choice. There were so many issues that our group could have discussed and spoke about, our group is fairly opinionated. After tossing around numerous events, special days, important issues, justice issues and fun issues, we agreed upon Breast Cancer Awareness, largely promoted in the month of October. Being females, breast cancer is a disease that we are at risk of. We looked at a few facts and stories regarding the issue and agreed that it was an important topic for which we could promote awareness about.

Now that we had a topic, we had to decide how we could speak out against it. The famous symbol for the Breast Cancer Association is the pink ribbon. From this we drew the idea of a pink party. Using the colour of the recognizable pink ribbon, we would throw a party in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Immediately we began to make plans and chose a day. We also required, decorations, food, entertainment and people! It was a party after all. Stephanie created invitations and we decorated them with pink highlighter. The day would be Thursday October 18th, 2007 at 7:30pm in the R4 common room. I folded invitations, inserted a mint and tied them with some pretty pink ribbon. It was more strenuous then it sounds. Stephanie and I then delivered them to random doors in residence, and put up posters for extra advertising.

The three of us then arranged a time and day to go shopping and to purchase various decorations and food. Out to Dollarama we ventured on a warm afternoon to gather our supplies. We bought prizes, decorations, food, treats, and more, all in pink of course. Stephanie found various facts on Breast Cancer and printed them off to use as decoration also. For entertainment, we agreed upon showing the movie Pretty In Pink, a classic movie from the eighties.

The big day came, and it was time to decorate. Stephanie and I decorated the commonroom, cutting out the printed facts and placing them on fancy pink bristol board. Balloons, streamers and pink rose petals were scattered throughout the room. The treat table was set up in the corner with cookies, candies, icing and drinks. Everything had a pink aspect of course, from pink icing and candies to pink beverages. A small station was set up for painting fingernails also. We bought a variety of pink nail polish with numerous shades for those interested in sporting, and supporting the pink ribbon.

At 7:30 we saw a few people arrive, mostly from our floor. We started the movie at 8:00 and gathered more and more viewers. People wandered the room looking at the various facts and munching on a few treats. We even got a few boys to paint their fingernails. Overall, I feel that the event was successful. I am a little disappointed at the number of people that turned out, but I enjoyed myself just the same and created awareness in even just a few individuals.
From this activist project, I have learned a great deal about Breast Cancer. Although I was aware of the disease before and have had family members experience it, I did not know many of the statistics. I was shocked to learn that one in nine woman will develop breast cancer within their lifetime and that one in 27 will die from it! These were the main facts that surprised me. I also learned about self -breast exams, which should be done at least monthly, that if a family member has had breast cancer than their children are at a higher risk of having it also. Lastly, I was shocked to find that 415 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer every week! These are astounding statistics and facts that many are not aware of. I feel that it is important for woman to be aware of their risk and how to get help if anything should happen.

This issue is very important, as it appears to be an increasing risk for women. Breast cancer can be deadly unless detected at its early stages, and before it can spread throughout the body. If detected, and of a serious nature, than chemotherapy treatments may be required or removal of the breast. This often leaves women feeling incomplete and self-conscious. Here I feel is a relation to the media. Our culture and society has become so obsessed with image, that those who fail to have the perfect body outlined by society, feel inadequate. Breasts have always been a sign of a woman’s femininity; society has placed them in high regard with the development of plastic surgery and breast enlargements. A possible essay topic? Breasts: more than just female anatomy? What the does the media have to say about them?
Overall, it was a great project. Another successful job for Sam, Steph and Dee.

Breast Cancer Society of Canada. Facts on Breast Cancer. Oct 2007. 22 Oct. 2007 . http://www.bcsc.ca/breasthealth.html

Tons of Tricky Topics to Try and Test out....But what to choose!?

Today’s class in Mass Communication was quite enjoyable. Despite numerous technical difficulties that were encountered, discussion was lively and important. Conversation about the final essay and blogs was helpful and encouraging. I am now aware that there are so many topics I can chose from. Before, I was limiting myself to mainly advertisements. I also met with Ian Reilly today. He was helpful and reassuring. Both Mark and Ian said to review my blogs and find what I have been passionate about, what intrigues me. I definitely have some reviewing to do. Today in class though I came up with a possible topic for my essay being, television and how it is not simply a means of communication, but a way of life. I still have to work out the fine detailing but I drew a small web link with ideas. It goes something like this:

Television
→ not just a form of communication, but has created a way of life? An alternate society
→ life has grown around TV, into a televison
-commericals & advertising everywhere
- entertainment is incorporated into everything i.e. halftime shows?
- people have become addicted to it, its lighting is mimicked on other products, ipods, cellphones, street lights? That glowing light.
→it has turned into so much more than just a form of communication
→ has created a need for consistent knowledge
- is being put on buses and trains
- has created an alternate time, schedule for people
→ has taken away silence
→ what we wear- similar to that on tv, we judge by what we see and can relate to what was on the television
→reality vs. not, fantasy
- cloning! We are cloning things. Why? Because we are able to accept this non-reality world based on what we have learned from television?
→We are a living TV show?
- much of what people do, say, how they act, can be related to television
- PR people attempt to show the good, create the ultimate happy place, similar to televsion, live in perfect societies? Unreal scenarios are created, we hide the truth, do not face reality

This is basically what my web looked like. It makes sense to me. I have to do a little background checking on when particular times items were invented, this was just a bunch of my random ideas.

Mark and Ian said to write about what interested me, so that is firstly what I have to acknowledge. I am also interested in the idea of photographs and political cartoons. These are just a few things that interest me and that I feel are an important part of society.

Digital photographs for example are leading civilization into a completely false world, one where humans cannot always trust what they see. For this topic, perhaps I could look at the motives behind photographs. Are they simply for communication purposes? Or has society developed them into brainwashing tools? Within almost every type of photography there includes the possibility of photo manipulation. It is very hard to trust any image you see now a days. Within glamour, politics, economy, elections, sports, world wonders, space etc, it could all be a lie. I am not sure if this would actually make a valid topic or if it would be more of an opinion/conspiracy type situation. I do feel that there is so much more to photography though. Perhaps to write about a subject like this I would have to use a photograph and analyze it, illustrating the image’s fabrication and the message behind it, why it is false, the reasons it is bad or good, etc.

The other topic that is of interest to me right now is political cartoons. I feel that a political cartoon would have lots to expand on and many secret meanings and messages behind them. Like television ads and commercials, a lot of thought goes into them to get across a particular message. A lot of the time people simply take them as comic relief and at face value. However, there is so much more put into them.

Those are my ideas right now. I hope to narrow them down very soon!!!

Do you see what I see??

Ways of Seeing by John Berger was a strong change in writing style compared to Neil Postman’s Amusing Ourselves to Death. Berger focused largely are pure comparison and explanation, while I found Postman to be a little more personal and conversational. Moreover, despite Berger’s various artistic outlooks and theories regarding the evolution of art, which I found fascinating, I agree that it was a little old fashion.

I greatly enjoyed the comparison of being nude and being naked, and how women are surveyed and men simply spectators. After reading that women were viewed to “feed an appetite”(Berger 55), my perception of the images changed from an artistic, beautiful woman in heavenly scenery to more of a sexual being. These images were made to satisfy the male spectators, to look at the female body and cause sexual arousal. This almost suits the definition of pornography. I am by no means, calling the work of these artists like Tintoretto or Lely porn, but I did not think that the main purpose of these beautiful images would be to “feed [the] appetite” of men (Berger, 55).

Despite the novel’s old-fashioned images and content, I was able to make a connection to modern day images, art and ads closer to the end of the book. I liked that Berger connected older images to newer images of today and showed how they still portray the same image and ideal. Society has simply intensified these ideals and advertised them relentlessly.

I found it fascinating that people place a lot of value on what an image is, over what the image shows. Having a reproduction of an image-such as the Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo Da Vinci- makes the original piece of value because it is RARE, IT IS THE original; not because it depicts the Virgin Mary and Christ the Child (Berger, 21).

The photo essays were fascinating, however I really did not understand them all that well. I caught some minor themes within them, but was confused by the end. My perspective on art has changed slightly, in that I take into consideration the purpose of the drawing or painting to a larger degree. Ways of Seeing was a decent read with some interesting points, but I found the bulk of the material somewhat dry.

Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. Toronto: Penguin, 1972.

A Brand New Feature

It was nice to finally read an article with a different point of view. I felt like I was beginning to be the only one with a few questions. Many people argue that media does not have that strong of an impact on society, any counter argument will state that the individual is simply not aware of the influence. The article by David Gauntlett is a refreshing read. It argues that media affects are simply not as bad we think, and that the studies we hear of are not as valid as we hold them to be. Why do companies want to convince society that television is bad? Everything can be bad for you. How the item is used will determine its productivity.

Different mediums and their affect on humans, is a very tricky topic to study and research because everyone perceives media differently. What one individual observes may not have the same message or affect on his friend. I personally believe that we are affected by television. If you watch a violent program, you can become immune to such violent activity, similarly if you watch soap operas, you may be more likely to pick out the drama in your own life. I feel that some researchers however have underestimated human intelligence and think of humans as nothing but drones, absorbing all media information without question. They think people have no personal opinion or ideology. I understand that there are many secret messages and symbols hidden within the media world that everyday viewers are not aware of, but I still feel that we are underestimated. Perhaps this feeling stems from what I have been learning in Mass Communications, but if I am watching something I do not like, I change the channel. Similarly, if something is said about a strong news issue, just because the television argues one side, it does not mean that the rest of society is going to abide by that position.

I think that perhaps television is simply too advance for humans as of yet. People have not grasped full control or proper use of the TV. Its affects and functions are not fully understood and it does not help the situation if people are conducting useless experiments. As David Gauntlett argues, many of the studies being conducted are bias and unreliable. Scientists need to start fresh and reassess the situation. As a result of the article I feel that experiments are being carried out based on too many assumptions. Furthermore, the results are being misconstrued and manipulated to fit a particular idea. I understand that the study of media effects is not an easy topic because as mentioned before everyone perceives the media differently. I feel that David Gauntlett has made some very interesting and valid points. His work does not deny media influence, but simply challenges the way we are coming to the conclusions of media affects.

It is hard to say just how much of an impact the media has on a society or the world as a whole. As the people of society, we have to be dependable judges as to how exactly we are being affected by growing technology.

Gauntlett, David. “Ten Things Wrong With the Media ‘Effects’ Model.” 1998. 3 Oct. 2007
http://www.theory.org.uk/david/effects.html

Image Curation- The Evolution of Media

Sam, Stephanie and Darrylynn….the infamous media trio. Yes, the three of us joined together to create the ultimate Image Curation show. Our process began with simply tossing around a few ideas here and there. We wanted to create something showing evolution, and how far we have come in the world of media. One of our original ideas was to illustrate, within a slide show, the role of women in television. We came out with the idea of showing the evolution of media.

We collected and gathered information starting at the very beginning of time, with cave drawings. These we felt were one of the very first forms of communication and the creation of a medium. From these drawings we moved onto stone carvings and Egyptian writing, the use of pictures and images to form a language. The phonetic alphabet came next. A few quotes were incorporated here and there regarding media and its development throughout history. After the Rosetta stone and different forms of writing, we quoted Carol Burnett saying, “Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own”. This quote led into the development of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1450. Famous writer William Shakespeare was also shown, for he also gave words a life of their own.
After the printing press we sped along to images of the first telegraph, typewriter, camera and early newspapers, all in proper chronological sequence. The radio and television were our next main focus, showing early versions of the two mediums, and also influential people on the mediums such as Orson Wells, Charlie Chaplin, the American Bandstand, I Love Lucy and Marilyn Monroe. The slide show slowly came to a close as we displayed images of newspapers, magazines, televisions, cameras and radios evolving into the products we have today. Overall, it was a well-organized and well-put together sequence of events throughout media history.

I was responsible for quotes and decoration within the slide show. We all searched for and chose the images collectively, and arranged them in chronological order. Everyone shared their own ideas and input as to what the slide show should look like. It really was a group effort. Everyone came up with particular prominent figures or technologies to include.

From this experience I have learned more about the evolution of media. It was interesting to see the chronological order of different mediums because you could see what people were thinking and how they used the technology they had to advance into something else. For example, going from writing with ink, to creating a printing press, or from silent films to sound films. I found it an interesting evolution, very logical yet abstract also. The inventions all seem easy enough to society now, but when they first came about they were great ideas and wondrous inventions. Furthermore, I have learned more about the influence of technology and media. It has been an ever present and growing field of work. Slowly and slowly the media became more and more part of everyday life, and it continues to do so. From books and newspapers to television screens and radios, these mediums provide consistent news updates and daily commentary. Today I look around and I am witness to mediums always being in affect. Right now as I type this article, I have music playing. At school students listen to ipods, have magazines in their hands, television shows to watch at home and advertisements are everywhere. As we evolved our slide show, I wondered what it would have been like back when there was no consistent advertising or form of broadcasting. I imagine it would have been a very quite place.

As I look through the pictures of our final slide show I notice that all the images collected are illustrating the medium being used for entertainment purposes; Orson Wells is seen reading from War of the Worlds, American Bandstand is seen on the television, Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe were prominent figures of entertainment, the newspapers show comics or headlines of drastic events, while magazines show celebrities. As we put these images together we focused on the evolution of media and the creation of technology, I did not take into consideration why the technology was created. In our class notes, it states under “Some laws of communications media”, that “Media arises as attempts of humans to solve problems of information” (Lipton). From the images in our slide show it clearly illustrates that these mediums have been used to communicate entertainment more than anything else. They are more than just the evolution of mediums, but also of the development of a world of entertainment.

As the evolution process continues, the media world will work to form better means of communication, while also advancing entertainment. Are we using these mediums for the right purposes? I suppose only time will tell.

Lipton, Mark. “Some laws of communications media.” Mass Communications. The University of GuelphHumber, Toronto, ON. 26 September 2007.