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
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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.
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