Dear Self,
Upon leaving this class you will look at the world much differently. You will be better prepared for uncomfortable situations and you will also have a better understanding of other individuals (put that sociological imagination to use!). You are well aware that you are a white, middle-class, male, and so automatically people are going to assume you have been handed everything. You know that your values and views can be challenged, but in the end it is up to you to make the final decision. It is important to continue participating in philanthropic activities and working with those who are less fortunate. It is also important to be more critical of the media, and not to take it to heart. You are also aware that you can choose to change the station on the television, surf the web at your own free will and also read whatever you would like. Oh and last but not least, you are extremely happy to be done with college! So from the words of the children in the Sound of Music- So long, farewell, adeiu, adeiu adeiu...
-CJ
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Monday, May 7, 2007
public opinion
I would say that ‘Public Opinion’ by Walter Lippmann is a very difficult read, but one that has a clear objective. Lippmann feels that consumers of media are controlled by a small group of elite people. This small group could be referred to as ‘gatekeepers’ because they control the medium. Lippmann attacks democracy and has a negative outlook on messages that are being received through media. He feels that democracy cannot exist, because this small group is controlling the consumers and that consumers have no choice of the messages they receive. This is where I think Lippmann is wrong.
If Lippmann’s theory was true then democracy would have fallen by now. I also think that Lippmann would have a hard time explaining the internet. Consumers of media can find anything they want on the internet and there is no group that is controlling those messages. With news channels and newspapers using the web to broadcast news on their sites, people can pick and choice what they want to take in. Also sites like Youtube.com allow consumers to create their own videos. People are able to search the web and find exactly what they are looking for with little or no difficulty. Consumers become gatekeepers.
I think back to Pecola and her fascination with Shirley Temple. She drove herself mad because the gatekeepers fed into her own insecurities. Pecola felt that she was not beautiful, but rather beauty looked more like Shirley Temple. People create pictures in their head from media, as we learned in class, and take the message to be fact. Lippmann felt that democracy wouldn’t work because the average citizen was not informed enough to make certain decisions. Overall, Lippmann makes sense, but he is pessimistic. If he were to consider today’s society, he may change his views a little bit.
If Lippmann’s theory was true then democracy would have fallen by now. I also think that Lippmann would have a hard time explaining the internet. Consumers of media can find anything they want on the internet and there is no group that is controlling those messages. With news channels and newspapers using the web to broadcast news on their sites, people can pick and choice what they want to take in. Also sites like Youtube.com allow consumers to create their own videos. People are able to search the web and find exactly what they are looking for with little or no difficulty. Consumers become gatekeepers.
I think back to Pecola and her fascination with Shirley Temple. She drove herself mad because the gatekeepers fed into her own insecurities. Pecola felt that she was not beautiful, but rather beauty looked more like Shirley Temple. People create pictures in their head from media, as we learned in class, and take the message to be fact. Lippmann felt that democracy wouldn’t work because the average citizen was not informed enough to make certain decisions. Overall, Lippmann makes sense, but he is pessimistic. If he were to consider today’s society, he may change his views a little bit.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
money, fame and nice rides...hyperreality
After reading the Baudrillard article I started to think about images that I have in my head. Where did I come up with them? Why do I value certain things and other things not so much? I feel that I do gather some of my values from media and other values from my family, my upbringing, and my dramatic life thus far. However, it was not until I read a quote from the article that made me realize how reality can be manipulated. The article reads:
“Wherein previous periods, the news would present the facts and leave the viewer/reader to come to their own conclusion, nowadays the facts, which are chosen to be shown, are carefully selected and manipulated so as to create a story.” (http://journal.ilovephilosophy.com)
I would have to agree that a great deal of my knowledge comes from the messages that I have received through a particular gatekeeper. In the case of the article Baudrillard is referring to media, such as television or newspapers, but I thought it is also related to teachers, parents and other role models. All of these people are gatekeepers and they too have the ability to chose which facts (or even which part of facts) they are going to present to their audience(s).
Even though political/ personal values are not always appropriate for a class, I have noticed that some of the professors at Westminster let their values creep into the classroom by the information that is presented. I remember one particular class I left so irritated because only one side of a debate was covered and the other side was never addressed. Without having any other knowledge than what was presented in class, some students may have accepted that information as the complete story.
Media does a great job at only telling one side of a story and covering what is best to get the biggest paycheck. That is how images can be created in our heads and stereotypes can be carried forward. I know that many people live sheltered lives and take what they see on television as reality, but in actuality it is just an “illusion”, as Baudrillard might suggest.
I considered the television shows that I watch. I know that in real life cancer isn’t cured in one episode of House or that it isn’t normal for an 18 year old to drive a shiny new BMW convertible. I laughed after thinking of this because I am always complaining that I need a new car because my “old” 2002 model is out of date and not sporty enough, but it is only Lauren and her friends from Laguna Beach that live that lifestyle.
The next thought that I had was the massacre at Virginia Tech. I do not know any of these students, but I felt a connection to them. I felt horrible and I just kept watching the news to see if there was any more information presented. I found myself extremely depressed after watching this footage.
I was checking my email earlier today and found a message from Babs Quincy the school counselor. She gave a list of suggestions to help cope with all the new information. Number four on the list suggests that students should, “limit the amount of time that you watch details about the tragedy on TV”. I thought it was interesting and related to our class because students may find themselves more and more confused by the images they are watching on the television. It is probably just best to wait and let the real detail emerge.
The Baudrillard article closes with this a key statement:
“The belief of ordinary people in tremendously exaggerated stories rather than in their reality, and the way these narratives/stories/images are used, is the arena of hyperreality for Baudrillard.” (http://journal.ilovephilosophy.com)
This statement sums up the whole idea of hyperreality and that situations are exaggerated to create better stories. As we learned in class today, it is easier to get these exaggerated stories with the use of radio (and now television/internet) that creates easy access to a story for a much larger audience. I feel that it is important that people become aware the information they are digesting and maybe even second guess some of the “facts”.
*note the class that I discuss in the blog is not one associated with our cluster...just for clarification purposes :) *
“Wherein previous periods, the news would present the facts and leave the viewer/reader to come to their own conclusion, nowadays the facts, which are chosen to be shown, are carefully selected and manipulated so as to create a story.” (http://journal.ilovephilosophy.com)
I would have to agree that a great deal of my knowledge comes from the messages that I have received through a particular gatekeeper. In the case of the article Baudrillard is referring to media, such as television or newspapers, but I thought it is also related to teachers, parents and other role models. All of these people are gatekeepers and they too have the ability to chose which facts (or even which part of facts) they are going to present to their audience(s).
Even though political/ personal values are not always appropriate for a class, I have noticed that some of the professors at Westminster let their values creep into the classroom by the information that is presented. I remember one particular class I left so irritated because only one side of a debate was covered and the other side was never addressed. Without having any other knowledge than what was presented in class, some students may have accepted that information as the complete story.
Media does a great job at only telling one side of a story and covering what is best to get the biggest paycheck. That is how images can be created in our heads and stereotypes can be carried forward. I know that many people live sheltered lives and take what they see on television as reality, but in actuality it is just an “illusion”, as Baudrillard might suggest.
I considered the television shows that I watch. I know that in real life cancer isn’t cured in one episode of House or that it isn’t normal for an 18 year old to drive a shiny new BMW convertible. I laughed after thinking of this because I am always complaining that I need a new car because my “old” 2002 model is out of date and not sporty enough, but it is only Lauren and her friends from Laguna Beach that live that lifestyle.
The next thought that I had was the massacre at Virginia Tech. I do not know any of these students, but I felt a connection to them. I felt horrible and I just kept watching the news to see if there was any more information presented. I found myself extremely depressed after watching this footage.
I was checking my email earlier today and found a message from Babs Quincy the school counselor. She gave a list of suggestions to help cope with all the new information. Number four on the list suggests that students should, “limit the amount of time that you watch details about the tragedy on TV”. I thought it was interesting and related to our class because students may find themselves more and more confused by the images they are watching on the television. It is probably just best to wait and let the real detail emerge.
The Baudrillard article closes with this a key statement:
“The belief of ordinary people in tremendously exaggerated stories rather than in their reality, and the way these narratives/stories/images are used, is the arena of hyperreality for Baudrillard.” (http://journal.ilovephilosophy.com)
This statement sums up the whole idea of hyperreality and that situations are exaggerated to create better stories. As we learned in class today, it is easier to get these exaggerated stories with the use of radio (and now television/internet) that creates easy access to a story for a much larger audience. I feel that it is important that people become aware the information they are digesting and maybe even second guess some of the “facts”.
*note the class that I discuss in the blog is not one associated with our cluster...just for clarification purposes :) *
Monday, April 16, 2007
Poetic Justice
I feel very confident that our project is coming together nicely. We have had a few different meetings with Joselyn and we have also filmed a poetry slam. Our interview went well, but the only thing that I am worried about is how the actual footage turned out. I know that we moved the camera around while filming and it may not look too smooth.
The project has been a learning experience and I am really enjoying making this documentary. Joselyn even said that she is excited about our project and that it would be enough to inspire her for a new poem. I think that she feels comfortable enough to talk with us and she is not holding anything back. “Poetic Justice” should be a hit!
The project has been a learning experience and I am really enjoying making this documentary. Joselyn even said that she is excited about our project and that it would be enough to inspire her for a new poem. I think that she feels comfortable enough to talk with us and she is not holding anything back. “Poetic Justice” should be a hit!
Monday, April 2, 2007
American Idol
The only show that I watch on a regular basis is American Idol. “American Idol” is a friendly competition that people enjoy watching. The proof is in the ratings. “American Idol” is so popular that it is number one and number two on the Nielson Charts because it airs on two separate nights. This past Tuesday approximately 29 million viewers tuned in to see the performances. The next day on Wednesday it dropped down to 27 million viewers. I guess Gwen just wasn’t keeping the Idol fans on the edge of their seats.
The show is so popular that the other shows in similar timeslots would not even compare; we have “Gilmore Girls” and “Dateline”, but “American Idol” still towers above them both. I feel that if Idol moved to a different slot it would do well wherever it went. The only possible time that ratings might fall would be if it were in the afternoon which would never happen.
The show is so popular that the other shows in similar timeslots would not even compare; we have “Gilmore Girls” and “Dateline”, but “American Idol” still towers above them both. I feel that if Idol moved to a different slot it would do well wherever it went. The only possible time that ratings might fall would be if it were in the afternoon which would never happen.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Life as House (2001)
Straight-forward, enjoyable and emotional- that is the best way to describe “Life as a House”. “Life as a House” is a great movie to watch and not have to worry about sifting through confusing details. Hayden Christensen plays the part of a gothic teenage boy who is angry at the world, especially his parents who divorced ten years prior. He plans on going to a cabin for the summer with his friends to drink, do drugs and forget about life, but his plans come to a quick halt. His father, George (Kevin Kline), demands that Sam (Christensen) come to live with him and help him build a house. George feels that he and his son will grow closer by this experience and hopefully Sam will get out of his depressive mood and quit doing drugs.
At first Sam plans on leaving his father’s house after only one day. He decides to stay after Alyssa, the girl next door, comes of to talk to him. Little did Sam know, but this would be a very memorable summer in more than one way. As the summer continued Sam and his father grew closer and Sam also began to find happiness and a reason for living through his new relationship with Alyssa.
Just as things seemed to be going great, Sam’s father came clean with his motives. George only had a few months to live and he wanted to build a relationship and a house with his son during their last few months together.
Sam takes the news baldy and refuses to talk to his father for a few days. Alyssa tells Sam that he should spend what little time he has left with his father. Through the use of camera close-ups and music viewers can feel what the characters are going through.
A few more tangles in the plot help to fuel the emotion. A mother and father reunite and a tragedy from the past is brought forward. Viewers find themselves on the edge of their seats after the movie starts rolling. It has a slow start, but a great payoff at the end. It is hard to keep emotions hidden during this film. “Life as a House” can come to mean many things.
At first Sam plans on leaving his father’s house after only one day. He decides to stay after Alyssa, the girl next door, comes of to talk to him. Little did Sam know, but this would be a very memorable summer in more than one way. As the summer continued Sam and his father grew closer and Sam also began to find happiness and a reason for living through his new relationship with Alyssa.
Just as things seemed to be going great, Sam’s father came clean with his motives. George only had a few months to live and he wanted to build a relationship and a house with his son during their last few months together.
Sam takes the news baldy and refuses to talk to his father for a few days. Alyssa tells Sam that he should spend what little time he has left with his father. Through the use of camera close-ups and music viewers can feel what the characters are going through.
A few more tangles in the plot help to fuel the emotion. A mother and father reunite and a tragedy from the past is brought forward. Viewers find themselves on the edge of their seats after the movie starts rolling. It has a slow start, but a great payoff at the end. It is hard to keep emotions hidden during this film. “Life as a House” can come to mean many things.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
"Crash" ... this one you'll remember
If you’re looking for an intense storyline and a harsh look at reality then “Crash” is the movie for you. While watching this picture you have to remain objective and watch how the story unfolds and each character acts or reacts to each individual situation. Through twists and turns viewers see how each of the characters in the movie are connected, but most of them aren’t even aware of the others existence or personal life. A statement from the official website for “Crash” best describes it: “They all live in Los Angeles. And in the next 36 hours, they will collide…” (www.crashfilm.com)
What is most interesting about the film is the reality of it all. As viewers are enticed from one scene to the next they soon realize that everyone has prejudice thoughts and which sometimes can even lead to discriminatory actions. One of the main characters, Jean (Sandra Bullock), is irate after she and her husband were carjacked. She yells at her husband, Rick (Brendan Fraser), not only about being carjacked by black men, but also that there is a Hispanic man, Daniel (Michael Pena), changing the locks in their home. She demands that they have someone else change them in the morning because this man will probably sell the keys.
The plot only thickens because more characters are introduced after the men who hijacked Jean’s car accidentally run over a “China man”. They drop him off to the hospital and leave so they can sell the Lincoln to a chop shop. The Asian man’s wife is on the way to the hospital when she herself gets into a car accident and finds herself in an arguing match with a woman who makes fun of her speaking skills.
Since the police are on the lookout for a stolen Lincoln vehicle they pull over a black man and his wife who are driving a vehicle fitting the description. The officers see that the driver and his wife are black, and since he was in power and being racist he decided to give them a hard time. Officer Ryan (Matt Dillon) ends up touching the woman, Christine (Thandie Newton), inappropriately while her husband is forced to watch.
This would not be the last encounter he would have with her. Later in the movie Officer Ryan must pull Christine from a fiery car accident to save her life. The plot continues to thicken, but the main message is clear: racism is everywhere. Whether a person is in a majority group or minority group, stereotypes perpetuate racism. Everyone continues to hold views of one another, until they “crash” into one another and are faced with reality.
Overall the movie is excellent. It is very insightful and will wake people up to every day situations around them. The film can be a bit confusing if you do not have time to sit and watch the storyline play out. There are many more characters and pieces to the puzzle for this movie and it is worth the time to watch it and figure it out for yourself. I would most definitely give this movie an “A” and recommend it for viewers who aren’t afraid to awaken to reality.
What is most interesting about the film is the reality of it all. As viewers are enticed from one scene to the next they soon realize that everyone has prejudice thoughts and which sometimes can even lead to discriminatory actions. One of the main characters, Jean (Sandra Bullock), is irate after she and her husband were carjacked. She yells at her husband, Rick (Brendan Fraser), not only about being carjacked by black men, but also that there is a Hispanic man, Daniel (Michael Pena), changing the locks in their home. She demands that they have someone else change them in the morning because this man will probably sell the keys.
The plot only thickens because more characters are introduced after the men who hijacked Jean’s car accidentally run over a “China man”. They drop him off to the hospital and leave so they can sell the Lincoln to a chop shop. The Asian man’s wife is on the way to the hospital when she herself gets into a car accident and finds herself in an arguing match with a woman who makes fun of her speaking skills.
Since the police are on the lookout for a stolen Lincoln vehicle they pull over a black man and his wife who are driving a vehicle fitting the description. The officers see that the driver and his wife are black, and since he was in power and being racist he decided to give them a hard time. Officer Ryan (Matt Dillon) ends up touching the woman, Christine (Thandie Newton), inappropriately while her husband is forced to watch.
This would not be the last encounter he would have with her. Later in the movie Officer Ryan must pull Christine from a fiery car accident to save her life. The plot continues to thicken, but the main message is clear: racism is everywhere. Whether a person is in a majority group or minority group, stereotypes perpetuate racism. Everyone continues to hold views of one another, until they “crash” into one another and are faced with reality.
Overall the movie is excellent. It is very insightful and will wake people up to every day situations around them. The film can be a bit confusing if you do not have time to sit and watch the storyline play out. There are many more characters and pieces to the puzzle for this movie and it is worth the time to watch it and figure it out for yourself. I would most definitely give this movie an “A” and recommend it for viewers who aren’t afraid to awaken to reality.
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