Monday, May 30, 2011

Week 8: Propaganda in Advertising/ PR



In this advertisement for Statefarm car insurance, "slogans" and "beautiful people" techniques are used:

Slogans technique uses a catchy phrase or jingle that may include labeling or stereotyping.
-In this advertisement, the slogan is "Like a good neighbor, Statefarm is there".

Beautiful people technique uses famous people to show the celebrity's support for the product.
-In this advertisement, Statefarm uses Lebron James, a famous athlete, to showcase the product.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Week 7: Internet

The most recent incident in the media where someone faced dire consequences due to something they posted on Facebook, is the story of Alexandra Wallace, a UCLA student, posting the racist video "Asians in the Library."



In this video, Alexandra rants about how the Asian students at UCLA are constantly talking loudly on their cell phones in the library. However, Alexandra does not simply state this; in the video, she goes on to specifically single out the Asian students, language, and culture, while putting down and entire race.

It looks as though the video was pathetic attempt to be funny, but it left no one laughing. The video received so much backlash from the UCLA campus and responses to the video, that Alexandra had to withdraw from UCLA because she was receiving death threats. I think this video was a shocking reminder that racism is still very much alive, and we need to stop the ignorance.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Week 6: Television



LENGTH:
2:56
DESCRIPTION: This video is an effort to stop big media-- news that is not reputable. It shows how the media we get from television is becoming less credible.
CHAPTER 2: Media Impact CHAPTER 15: Media Ethics
QUIZ QUESTION: What are the top 5 news channels on teevision in the U.S.?
ANSWER: CNN, Fox, MSNBC, BBC, and ABC.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Week 5: Movies


"Is this real life?" I found myself asking this question after watching my favorite movie of 2010. "Fast-paced," "action-packed," and "mind-blowing" may be a few words to describe Inception. I first watched this movie in the theaters, but since then I have watched it on television, DVD, and the Internet, due to the complexity of the story-line. However, this movie is wonderful because it is not the average, predictable action movie. Inception has you thinking and guessing throughout the entire movie, and even after you finish watching the movie.




As a young girl, I was entranced by the timeless tale of Cinderella getting her prince-charming. My favorite movie of all time is Cinderella by Rodgers and Hammerstein. I can still remember first watching this movie on VHS in my living room, and falling in love with the corky melodies and characters. To this day, I am still in love with Roger and Hammerstein's unique musical take on Cinderella. I, too, am still waiting for my "prince-charming"!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Week 4- Magazine Proposal

My magazine will be called "NAILTASTIC!" for women or men who love nail art or design and shows the reader new ways that they can show there own personality through their nails. This magazine is different because brings an abstract forum where nails become fashion. Nails can be jun as fun, flirty, and interesting as fashion clothing. How often do you see nail magazines? Never! This magazine will bring the secrets of your favorite nail salon to your very own home!

In the first issue...
Investors:
Sally Hansen, Tiffany's Jewelery, Konad Nail Art, Victoria's Secret, Claire's Jewelery

Articles:
Celebrity Nail Trends (See what your favorite celebrities are doing with their nails)

5 Steps to Healthy Nails (Learn how to keep your nails healthy without the weekly mani and pedi)

What Color Are you? (Take the test to discover what nail color suites your personality best)

How to Create Your Own Funky Nail Designs (Learn how to create fun nail designs using items accessible from home)

Latest Summer Colors (Find out what colors are best for the summertime)


(This photo provides a sheik representation of how the reader's nails could look)

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Week 3- Books

Books are one of the oldest and most influential objects, among many influences, in the world that we live in today. Books allow people to educate themselves with knowledge, which affects people's decisions, thoughts, and everyday lives. Some books that are influential to me are "A Long Way Home" by Ishmael Beah, "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker, and "Something Borrowed" by Emily Giffin.

"A Long Way Gone" almost literally touched home because my parents are from Sierra Leone which is the setting of the book. The book talks about the war over blood diamonds in Sierra Leone from a personal viewpoint. Though I've heard many stories about the war from my parents, it was really interesting to hear Ishmael's personal story. This book was influential to me, because it was an opportunity to learn more about Sierra Leone's history.

"The Color Purple" is influential to the African American culture. It is a story of struggle and empowerment for black women in the 1930s, but it also gives insight to what true beauty is.

"Something Borrowed" is about love. It's a great book for all the hopeless romantics out there, but it is influential because it challenges the power of friendship. It is a very light, but fun and juicy read. The book is actually going to be turned into a movie soon. Here is a preview of the movie (although the book is much better).

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Media Impact

I think it is ridiculous when people blame the media for their actions. I feel that adults, especially, should have a firmer grip on reality when it comes to what is seen or heard in the media. However, today we live in a society where we learn through the media, like television. For example, children programming teaches children the simple fundamentals such as sharing, language, and behavior.

Sex and sexuality are subjects that many people do not like to talk about, but it surrounds us everywhere we go. An issue that I find interesting is that young children and teenagers are using what they see on television to fuel their own actions. Specifically, many people blame teen pregnancy on the shows that they see on television. Shows like "Teen Mom" on MTV is thought to have caused some controversy among teenage girls, where some girls intentionally try to get pregnant to be on the show. The video below further explains the issue of television being the cause of the rise in teen pregnancy.



I do not think people understand the difference between reality and television. Even reality television is not real! If you are going to do what you see on television, take the precautions necessary and own up to your actions.