After examining the article and the big owners of the media, the main issue seemed to be that major efforts are being made to stop big media and instead "support local ownership, diverse voices, and truly competitive media markets that serve the public interest,"as the article states. The site shows that the media patterns of today's society limit the amount of competition, which be of major benefit to the economy, as well are not targeted to every individual, but to the masses.
One of the main statements on the site that caught my eye read, "Our vision is for every community to have access to in-depth investigative reporting, quality local news and critical watchdog journalism that empower citizens, hold our leaders accountable and represent the diversity of our nation." To me, this suggests that the Big Media does not fulfill any of these aspects, which I agree with. I think that if the Media consisted of smaller, local markets, not only would the people of the community be better informed on the topics that directly relate to them, but the economy would benefit from it as well. Money would circulate within communities rather than huge corporations, which would help to generate revenue.
In regards to the GE tax issue, I think that the criticisms are extremely valid and I am shocked that more awareness has not be raised in the media about it. As I'm sure any citizen knows, let alone huge corporate CEO's, this nation is in extreme economical distress and has had some of the hardest years these past years. In my opinion, any person with good moral value would not cheat the system in this awful, greedy way. What sickens me the most is that out of the $14 billion made by the company, not a single dime was given back to the country as if making that much money in revenue was not enough. In reality, that is more than any human would know what to do with. The millions of dollars that the corporation should have paid in taxes could have possibly made a huge difference in today's economy and helped in certain areas needed.
As for the CEO of GE becoming Obama's right hand man, I think that situations like this are the epitome of what cause the nation's people to have complete distrust in politics and the politicians that are supposed to represent them. I find it extremely hypocritical and sad to be frank. As I stated earlier, I am surprised that this issue has not raised more awareness and watching this clip just made me revert to my original thought that the political system is sleezy and extremely flawed.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
How influential is Political Music?
When I think of this issue, the major controversy over The Dixie Chicks' song "I'm Not Ready to Make Nice," is the first thing that comes to mind. After the group was seen as traitors for telling a London audience that they were ashamed that their president came from Texas in 2003, the group released this song that instantly rose on the charts. It raised awareness about the death threats that the three Texans had received prior to their London concert. Strong lyrics like, "And how in the world can the words that I said Send somebody so over the edge That they'd write me a letter sayin' that I better
Shut up and sing or my life will be over," showed the world of the petty ways people could treat others over such political issues along with some of the sad flaws in today's society.
I think that certain political music can be very influential as we just discussed, however I believe that they are influential in a sense of raising awareness. Some political songs have been major statements such as, "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones. Music is a great way to reach the masses in an artistic and relatable way. Words can be so touching and really impact the hearts of many, so I definitely think that political music plays an influential role in today's society by raising awareness and bringing people together to fight for the causes that they are passionate about.
Shut up and sing or my life will be over," showed the world of the petty ways people could treat others over such political issues along with some of the sad flaws in today's society.
I think that certain political music can be very influential as we just discussed, however I believe that they are influential in a sense of raising awareness. Some political songs have been major statements such as, "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones. Music is a great way to reach the masses in an artistic and relatable way. Words can be so touching and really impact the hearts of many, so I definitely think that political music plays an influential role in today's society by raising awareness and bringing people together to fight for the causes that they are passionate about.
"Time to Kill the Wealthy"
Although I completely agree that the millionaires in our country should not receive any tax cuts what so ever and should be taxed more, I do not think that the approach taken by certain individuals by threatening them was appropriate. I think that this tax issue has created one of the biggest problems and is the main factor as to why the gap between the rich and poor is the biggest it has ever been along with the economy's standing today, which I'm sure most of us can agree on, but these hate emails and threats do cross a moral line.
I think that death threats such as the one shown in the article, are juvenile, though I can understand where they are stemmed from. To me, these threats show that there is no difference between them and the terrorists that this country is fighting against. Though I completely understand that words are different than action, but different and non violent approaches could be taken to raise awareness of the issue.
This country is based on principles of equality, freedom and opportunity. I think that this tax issue is way bigger than these petty threats that are being circulated around the internet and maybe it is time for things to change to enforce the principles that we stand for.
I think that death threats such as the one shown in the article, are juvenile, though I can understand where they are stemmed from. To me, these threats show that there is no difference between them and the terrorists that this country is fighting against. Though I completely understand that words are different than action, but different and non violent approaches could be taken to raise awareness of the issue.
This country is based on principles of equality, freedom and opportunity. I think that this tax issue is way bigger than these petty threats that are being circulated around the internet and maybe it is time for things to change to enforce the principles that we stand for.
Will Evolving Forms of Journalism Be an Improvement?
As the technological world is constantly advancing to produce faster, cheaper, more efficient goods and services, society as we once knew it is evolving right before our eyes. Before our nation had these advances, society depended on print news and television. Sources of news and information were very limited and people didn't have access to what it is that they wanted to look up at their leisure. Today, people have the ability to have instant news right and when it is happening, which some could even call "yesterday's news." Because of the internet, we also have access to news and updates whenever we want at our fingertips.
I think that this evolving form of journalism from print and television to more of an internet based system is a huge improvement. In the article "Are we on Track," Steve Johnson makes a valid point when he states that 8 million people watched Barack Obama's speech on race on Youtube back in 2008. He makes the point that the entire speech would most likely not have been aired in 1992, but would be reduced to maybe a minute long soundbite. The convenience of the internet allows more people to inform themselves and to do so at their leisure. They are not limited to what is provided to them by the media, but have the power to research for themselves, which is an incredible advancement. As a result, the society as a whole has the ability to be better informed.
Below is an interesting article that I found on this issue. Johnson makes many valid arguments that suggest that the evolving forms of media are extremely beneficial to our society as a whole.
http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/2009/05/areweontrackforagoldenageofseriousjournalism/
I think that this evolving form of journalism from print and television to more of an internet based system is a huge improvement. In the article "Are we on Track," Steve Johnson makes a valid point when he states that 8 million people watched Barack Obama's speech on race on Youtube back in 2008. He makes the point that the entire speech would most likely not have been aired in 1992, but would be reduced to maybe a minute long soundbite. The convenience of the internet allows more people to inform themselves and to do so at their leisure. They are not limited to what is provided to them by the media, but have the power to research for themselves, which is an incredible advancement. As a result, the society as a whole has the ability to be better informed.
Below is an interesting article that I found on this issue. Johnson makes many valid arguments that suggest that the evolving forms of media are extremely beneficial to our society as a whole.
http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/2009/05/areweontrackforagoldenageofseriousjournalism/
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Articles
Arabs in the U.S. Media-
Articles
http://www.adc.org/index.php?id=283
http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2009/08/11/representations-of-arabs-in-u-s-media/
http://www.paktribune.com/news/print.php?id=140992
http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/sfischo/Arabs.html
http://waccglobal.org/en/20072-mediating-the-middle-east/456-Media-representations-of-the-Middle-East.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/17/netherlands.islam
Articles
http://www.adc.org/index.php?id=283
http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2009/08/11/representations-of-arabs-in-u-s-media/
http://www.paktribune.com/news/print.php?id=140992
http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/sfischo/Arabs.html
http://waccglobal.org/en/20072-mediating-the-middle-east/456-Media-representations-of-the-Middle-East.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/17/netherlands.islam
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Is Advertising Good for the Society?
In today's society some might argue that advertising is just another American scheme that is intended to trick consumers into buying things that they don't need, or a tactic that leaves consumers never satisfied, however I beg to differ. I think that this society is literally run on advertising and we, as consumers, are aware of products and services because of it.
Although some argue that we are "persuaded" to consume unnecessary goods/services, I believe that what it comes down to is the consumer him/herself. No one is holding a gun against anyone's head and forcing them to buy anything. It is the consumers' responsibility to look into things that they are considering purchasing and further investigate to know whether the product/service is the right one for them. As Americans, the dream that we all take pride in and the principle that our nation is based on is the ability to have freedom to do, buy, say, etc, whatever it is that we desire. Because of this, I really don't think that there is a legitimate argument against advertising, specially when it is a huge market in today's economy that provides thousands upon thousands of jobs.
Also, without advertising today, Television and radio would not exist as these endorsements and commercials are what pay for all of it. I can see why some people feel that advertising is "bad" for the society, but at the end of the day it plays a major role in the economy, job market, and for the every day consumer.
Although some argue that we are "persuaded" to consume unnecessary goods/services, I believe that what it comes down to is the consumer him/herself. No one is holding a gun against anyone's head and forcing them to buy anything. It is the consumers' responsibility to look into things that they are considering purchasing and further investigate to know whether the product/service is the right one for them. As Americans, the dream that we all take pride in and the principle that our nation is based on is the ability to have freedom to do, buy, say, etc, whatever it is that we desire. Because of this, I really don't think that there is a legitimate argument against advertising, specially when it is a huge market in today's economy that provides thousands upon thousands of jobs.
Also, without advertising today, Television and radio would not exist as these endorsements and commercials are what pay for all of it. I can see why some people feel that advertising is "bad" for the society, but at the end of the day it plays a major role in the economy, job market, and for the every day consumer.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Realistic Images of Arabs in the Media? I Think Not...
Ever since the 9/11 attacks on The World Trade Centers, a negative stigma has followed Middle Easterners. Because of the emphasis on the "Arabs" in the media since the attacks, all people of middle eastern decent are associated with terrorism and Islam.
The Islamic religion it self has a negative connotation in today's society, which is extremely offensive. Not only are all people of middle eastern decent associated with being Arabs, but they are also assumed to be Islamic, which is definitely not the case. There are many different middle eastern countries such as Iran, Libya, etc, and many other races and many people of different backgrounds who practice Islam.
In my opinion, the ignorance of the people in today's society is quite sad. Since the attacks, no middle easterner can go onto a flight without being looked at with suspicion, suspicion of being a "Muslim terrorist." This is very unjust and I believe that it is a direct impact of how the media has portrayed people of that region to the public. Along with portraying them incorrectly, the media also constantly shows all of the negative things involving them rather than progress and achievements made. For example, a few weeks ago, US agreed to aid Libya with 40 million dollars in their efforts to overthrow the dictatorship that currently runs their country. The problem is, no one would know this because everything taking over the news regarding "Arabs" are all of the negative things.
I definitely do not think that the Media depicts Arabs correctly and I really hope that I can turn on the news one day and see no ignorance.
The Islamic religion it self has a negative connotation in today's society, which is extremely offensive. Not only are all people of middle eastern decent associated with being Arabs, but they are also assumed to be Islamic, which is definitely not the case. There are many different middle eastern countries such as Iran, Libya, etc, and many other races and many people of different backgrounds who practice Islam.
In my opinion, the ignorance of the people in today's society is quite sad. Since the attacks, no middle easterner can go onto a flight without being looked at with suspicion, suspicion of being a "Muslim terrorist." This is very unjust and I believe that it is a direct impact of how the media has portrayed people of that region to the public. Along with portraying them incorrectly, the media also constantly shows all of the negative things involving them rather than progress and achievements made. For example, a few weeks ago, US agreed to aid Libya with 40 million dollars in their efforts to overthrow the dictatorship that currently runs their country. The problem is, no one would know this because everything taking over the news regarding "Arabs" are all of the negative things.
I definitely do not think that the Media depicts Arabs correctly and I really hope that I can turn on the news one day and see no ignorance.
Hate Speech
By no means do I believe that any sort of hate speech is ever acceptable or just, however, I do believe that we, as Americans, have the right to freedom of speech. Although we can mostly all agree that some extremely hurtful things that have can have a huge impact on others are constantly said throughout society, I think that without the right to express our opinions freely, what defines us as Americans would be non existent.
Of course death threats or any kinds of threats at all are completely unacceptable and frankly, against the law, I don't think that stating negative opinions should fall under the same umbrella. I mean, what if you were stripped of the right to state your thoughts freely? I think that hate speech that involves threats or can impact the livelihood of people are an extreme which should deem consequences, but stating political opinions, etc, are acceptable.
Naturally as humans, we assume the worst and think of negatives initially. This has been happening for hundreds of years and I think that we can all agree that it will never end. Sometimes, I believe that people need to have tougher skin and to try to not let people's opinions get the best of them, although I know that it can be one of the hardest things to accomplish. The world is filled with hostility, hate, corruption, and injustices and because of this, hate speech will never end.
Of course death threats or any kinds of threats at all are completely unacceptable and frankly, against the law, I don't think that stating negative opinions should fall under the same umbrella. I mean, what if you were stripped of the right to state your thoughts freely? I think that hate speech that involves threats or can impact the livelihood of people are an extreme which should deem consequences, but stating political opinions, etc, are acceptable.
Naturally as humans, we assume the worst and think of negatives initially. This has been happening for hundreds of years and I think that we can all agree that it will never end. Sometimes, I believe that people need to have tougher skin and to try to not let people's opinions get the best of them, although I know that it can be one of the hardest things to accomplish. The world is filled with hostility, hate, corruption, and injustices and because of this, hate speech will never end.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Redwood City Could Ban Medical Marijuana Businesses??!
I really don't think that banning medical marijuana businesses in Redwood city because of the "costly" enforcement that comes with it, is a reasonable and just proposal. Thousands of people depend on these services for their health, not to mention, that we are in California, one of the most liberal states in the nation. I highly doubt that the people of the city will stand behind this.
It is extremely unfortunate that something that has so much potential to bring the state revenue, which we are in dire need of, is being brought down by the state. I think that the marijuana market is huge, and could be bigger than what the state is anticipating. Hopefully this ban does not ban as I am sure the public will make sure their voice is clearly heard.
Media's Impact on Body Image
Although, I feel very strongly about media's impact on individuals and believe that it plays a major role in causing people to develop negative body images, I happen to find myself torn.
Media's role in today's society, is absolutely ridiculous in my opinion. We are being convinced to wear the "right" clothes, to buy the "right" make up, to fit a certain body type and to look a certain way amongst other things. In recent generations, from birth, every single person in this country is subconsciously being molded to the way the media wants us to be- superficial and insecure. It is extremely difficult to not be influenced by something that literally surrounds you 24/7 for example, cell phones, billboards, advertisements on television, cars, clothing, literally everywhere!
However, on the other hand, I feel that people should not let such things influence them as much as they do. Yes, people watch shows that contain attractive and fit people, however people also watch shows that contain crime, drug use and killing, but are they constantly going out and killing others? I don't think so. I think that the public should not take such things so literally and personally, and if so, they are doomed for failure and unhappiness. It is just not realistic to be a size double zero, or to be "perfect." The media fails to portray the real world along with the real people that live in it, therefore, we should not believe that it is real.
So, I guess that I have to say that I agree with both sides of the issue, but lean mostly towards the yes side. When I think about the effects that the media has on people, based on personal experiences, it is really just sad. I really hope that the youth of the future can stand strong and not conform to what society tries to convince them to be, but be who they are, and happy with who they are.
Media's role in today's society, is absolutely ridiculous in my opinion. We are being convinced to wear the "right" clothes, to buy the "right" make up, to fit a certain body type and to look a certain way amongst other things. In recent generations, from birth, every single person in this country is subconsciously being molded to the way the media wants us to be- superficial and insecure. It is extremely difficult to not be influenced by something that literally surrounds you 24/7 for example, cell phones, billboards, advertisements on television, cars, clothing, literally everywhere!
However, on the other hand, I feel that people should not let such things influence them as much as they do. Yes, people watch shows that contain attractive and fit people, however people also watch shows that contain crime, drug use and killing, but are they constantly going out and killing others? I don't think so. I think that the public should not take such things so literally and personally, and if so, they are doomed for failure and unhappiness. It is just not realistic to be a size double zero, or to be "perfect." The media fails to portray the real world along with the real people that live in it, therefore, we should not believe that it is real.
So, I guess that I have to say that I agree with both sides of the issue, but lean mostly towards the yes side. When I think about the effects that the media has on people, based on personal experiences, it is really just sad. I really hope that the youth of the future can stand strong and not conform to what society tries to convince them to be, but be who they are, and happy with who they are.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Issue 9
Issue 9
Although I cannot deny that I thoroughly enjoy comedic sources of information such as “The Daily Show With John Stewart,” I would have to agree with Fox, Glory, Koloen, and Sahin when they state that “fake” news can mislead the public.
At times I definitely believe that that these late night shows can be legitimate sources of information, however I think that since the information is constantly presented in a comical manner to its viewers, it is completely impossible to not be biased towards either side of the spectrum, which in turn influences people to take sides.
Don’t get me wrong, I most definitely think these types of shows are funny and mostly agree with the points and views expressed, but I can completely understand how people would think that these sources can mislead the public. I mean, if opinions were constantly being thrown around on regular news broadcasting channels, newspapers, and magazines, I don’t think that the public would really consider them to be legitimate sources of world news and information.
Another point that stood out to me was Mindich’s view of youth. He believes that, “in addition to knowing less, the youth cares less, votes less, and follows the news less than their elders,” and I absolutely agree with this point. How many 20 year olds do you know that you can honestly say sit down and have a legitimate conversation about politics? Not many. Their distrust in the political system and mainly not believing that they, themselves can make a difference, causes them to believe that it simply does not matter, which to me is genuinely sad. To be honest, I am also guilty of this, which is why I can understand the reasons as to why our age feels this way.
I would love to start understanding more about the political system in which our country is run by and to gain more knowledge, which is a reason, in addition to many others, why I am excited to be in the Media, Politics, and Society class.
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