My Blog Reflections

This was my first time making a blog, so I was not really familiar to the process. I think the overall idea of a blog is a good way for people to express their opinion digitally, but I do not see myself creating another one. I have a Facebook that I can share certain information with my friends, and I don't necessarily think writing tons about it is needed. I do however think it was a good idea as a place for class discussion and a way for people to get to know each other better. I also think it is a good way for people who are a bit shy to get their opinion across to the class.

My favorite blog was the book or movie review we got to do because I was able to write something I was passionate about. It was difficult for me to upload photos and links and whatnot, but after a while I got the hang of it and it wasn't so bad. I think overall the topics chosen for discussion were a good idea because they are all related to contemporary culture, and I think everyone finds it easier to write about something they can relate to.

Technology Over the Years

I chose to take pictures of these 5 different ipods because it represents the progression of technology within the last 10 years. All of the models shown here still work and just sit in my roommate's drawer so I thought it would be a good idea to show how different the models are, but all do the same thing: play music. Everyone seems to always want the latest and greatest technology, but it is interesting to see how the old ones pile up once a new one is bought. One of these ipods is a first generation, from 2001, and you can listen to the same exact song as if it were and ipad2 or and iphone4. The video aspect of the ipod has changed, but the audio still seems to be the same. I personally do not use ipods, I still use a compact disc player, which is more to haul around and keep track of, but I spent years collecting cds so I guess it is more of a sentimental value. Even though I couldn't find an ipad or an iphone to take a picture of, I think the difference in these 5 models still proves the point. The need to have the latest and greatest distracts people from the perfectly good product they already have.

Consumerism and Creativity

I found an interesting article about how consumerism is in fact lessening humans ability to be creative. Author Jocelyn Glei starts out by pointing out different distractions that prevent her from finishing, or even starting certain creative projects. Apparently, the reason people get so distracted when seeking creativity is stuff itself, specifically the process it takes to seek out and buy this stuff. She references neuroscientist Jaak Panskepp who states that the process of seeking out something new to buy releases the same chemicals in the brain as if you were doing some sort of creative project. Dopamine is the key chemical in both processes, so it seems people are replacing creative projects with buying stuff because it produces the same good feeling. To me this is an extremely important problem that needs to be taken care of, and the only way to fix this is to be creative.  

Here is the article

Stereotypes of Men in the Media

It is interesting to see that the only stereotype in this article where the man is said to be lighted-hearted and emotional is in fact called a buffoon. When I hear buffoon I think of a clown or an unintelligent person, so it doesnt really make sense to me to portray men who actually show their emotions as weak and stupid. The only other stereotype who is said to have emotion is the strong silent type, but right after it states that they contain emotion, it states that "this stereotype reinforces the assumption that men and boys should always be in control, and that talking about one’s feelings is a sign of weakness." To me this seems like a contradictory description of this particular stereotype.Other than that I belive it is somewhat accurate in explaining the pressure on men to be strong, buff, mysterious figures that women fall all over, which is a lot to live up to. 

Article: http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/men_and_masculinity/masculinity_stereotypes.cfm 

Response to Profiles of Generation M2 Video

I do not believe that this video is very accurate. In the explanation above the video, it states that the video portrays the powerful force of media devices in teenagers, I honestly do not think it portrays a very powerful force at all. I know teenagers who spend hours on end playing video games, and it pretty much consumes their life, the young boy they interviewed really was not that extreme about it in my opinion, they only showed him owning 10 games or so.

As far as the computer usage goes, I don't think it is that outrageous to spend hours a day on a computer, especially if you are a student, it is pretty much necessary to pass in this day and age. I also don't think that this generation is all that different from my generation, except for the fact that I can remember when cell phones and computers were not around whereas I think at this age, it is just what they are used to which is fine. 

Overall I think there is a fine line between over usage of these media outlets, and simply using them because that is the way people communicate and receive information now. Obviously if ones health is being affected by sitting in front of a computer too much, then something has to change, which unfortunately happens to a lot of people. I think finding a balance and realizing that it is not so bad to go outside every once and a while and put down the phone, this younger generation will be fine.

"Apocalypse Now" Review

I chose the move "Apocalypse Now" because it has always been my favorite movie. It was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and was released into theaters in 1979 by United Artists. The movie itself is based of the book "heart of Darkness" written by Joseph Conrad and it takes place during the Vietnam War. The movie stars Marlon Brando and Martin Sheen, as well as may well known actors such as Harrison Ford and Robert Duvall. The central character is US Army Captain Benjamin Willard who is given a mission to assassinate Special Forces Colonel Walter Kurtz, who has barricaded him self deep within the jungle of Vietnam, and has been declared insane by the United States Army. 

One major theme in the movie is clearly the horrific violence that took place all throughout the Vietnam War, and there are many scenes that show the extreme hypocrisy of  the United States reasoning for being there in the first place. The main character struggles with the fact that killing has become something that no one really thinks about, and sees everyone in Vietnam as an enemy, even though he has been trained to think nothing of it.Another theme throughout the movie is the metal struggle of the soldiers to cope with what is going on around them. Particularly at the end of the movie when they do eventually find Colonel Kurtz, his mental state has become so skewed that you wouldn't even believe he was a highly trained Special Forces Colonel.

The cinematography throughout the film is extremely well done, making it a visual masterpiece, even though the technology used to shoot the film is not as high tech as it is today. Coppola made sure to depict every scene as if you were right there with the soldiers, and I would recommend everyone sees this movie at least once in their life.

Ads, ads, ads

For my first ad I chose this Coca-Cola ad from the 1940's. Clearly the product being sold here is the soda itself, and I think they went about it in a clever way for the time period. During this time, the United States was in the middle of fighting in World War II, so what better way to sell a product that reminds soldiers of home? The message here is that Coke is a symbol of the United States and all of the memories back home that these troops have, so what better way to cure the homesickness than with a bottle of Coke. Even the people back home who aren't fighting might see this and want to buy it, merely because it reminds them of their loved ones. I think the target audience is mostly soldiers overseas, but it could also appeal to their loved ones at home.

For my second ad I chose this 90's-esque Sunny Delight ad. The product being sold is indeed Sunny Delight, and it is pretty clear who the target audience here is, mothers. Clearly this lady has her hands full with 4 children to feed, and she is doing so by giver her kids Sunny Delight. Even though this product is loaded with sugar, they make it seem like it makes you a responsible parent for giving it to your children, and you don't have to feel guilty about it, because it is supposed to resemble orange juice. It seems like it is kind of a guilt trip technique of: if you don't give your kids Sunny Delight, you are a bad parent. 
Both of these ads are similar because they are very specific in what their target audience is. In my opinion, they are a bit more spot on than more modern ads, and definitely not so sexually charged like most ads are today.