Screen-Casting: Evaluating Theguardian.co.uk

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/11/iraq.humanrights

NORRIS 5

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15740798

- Informative vs Superficial

This is an Informative news story, because it is informing us about a world wide website like Facebook.  

- Accurate and Truthful vs False and Deceptive

This is a fairly credible article not only because it's accurate and truthful but also because it's a type of news that I can relate to and honestly speaking give my bias opinion about it. As surprisingly but true I do agree with the article.   

- Objective vs Biased

This is biased, because it is a open argument with different interpretation or better yet viewpoints. It includes quotes from uses references of other website affirming the same thing.

- Pluralistic vs Insular Viewpoint

This is a Pluralistic perspective because it relates to all the viewers and users of Facebook, an addicting website that is used worldwide. Therefore, concerning anyone who somehow take part in this popular website.

- Balanced vs Weighted Side

This is a balanced story, because they include links to other news such as CNN to verify if what BBC is claiming and affirming is somewhat true. Moreover, they include quotes of people who are users of the website making it biased, fair, and balanced 

CONTENT Analysis

Name of character	Alex Moran	Thad Castle	Sammy Cacciatore	Mary Jo Cacciatore	Coach Marty Daniels
Gender	Male	Male	Male	Female	Male
Was this character the main..	Yes, main character	Yes, main character	Yes, main character	Yes, main character	Yes, main character
Occupation	Starting Quarterback	Captain of the team	Mascot of the team	Cheerleader	Coach of the team
Level of Education	College	College	High School	College	College
Race	White	White	White	White	White
Marital Status	Single	Single	Single	Single	Married
Age	19-25	19-25	19-25	19-25
Number of children	0	0	0	0	1
Appearance	Attractive by traditional standards	Attractive by traditional standards	Unattractive by traditional standards	Attractive by traditional standards	Average by traditional standards
Body type	Athletic	Athletic	Average	Voluptuous	Average
Personal characteristics	Self-reliant Passive Flirtatious Sexual “Cool” Down to Earth	Abrupt Straightforward Self-reliant In control of situation Physically affectionate Self-Reliant Bully Emotional –, laughs, cries	Object of humor Flirtatious Sexual “Cool” Down to Earth	Sluty Promiscuous Flirtatious Dependent Physically affectionate Sexual Passive	Sarcastic Self-reliant Intelligent Humorous In control of situation Sexual (with his wife)
Role of the character	Comedic character/Hero	Comedic character	Comedic character/ Supporting	Romantic figure	Comedic character / Hero
Impact	Positively affects outcome of the narrative	Positively affects outcome of the narrative	Negatively affects outcome of the narrative	Positively affects outcome of the narrative	Positively affects outcome of the narrative

Conclusion: 

Blue Mountain State, a sensational show for the teenagers and college students all over the world. Even though the show is mainly focused on American Football players, the demographics have shown that just not  football fanatics love this show and this is why. The show itself covers lots of college life topics such as drugs, drinking, partying, sex, sports and hazing. Throughout the show there are several stereotypes that are being targeted. For example the cheerleader Mary Jo is always seen as the slut and as the one who gives everyone pleasure after an intense game. This stereotype on cheerleaders has become worldwide. Another stereotype that is clearly seen through out the show is a typical stereotype of a the "buffness" of men , a white athlete who is always in control, Thad Castle. He constantly calls guys that aren’t in shape “gays” and “homosexuals”. For example the team mascot, Sammy who is a bit chubby and pretty dumb, is always the object of humor. Due to the whole college atmosphere, no one tells the teams captain what to do and what not to do. So the bullying of the mascot is pretty natural and common. Coach Marty Daniels often uses very stereotypical language; he calls the players that aren’t aggressive “pussies”. In overall the whole show itself is a great example of how stereotypes are being used in college football team. In conclusion this is just an analytical example of how, to who, why, who, and where stereotype is being used. But if we have to analysis other Tv shows or reality it would yield that  stereotype has become in a worldwide scale trigger  in promoting Tv shows. Therefore, stereotype has been constantly  needlessly repeated that has become inevitable . 

DOVE EVOLUTION

After watching this Dove evolution campaign  it left me with one and only one message that everyone is beautiful in their on way. 

"No wonder our perception of video is distorted," giving an understanding that we human beings have augment this misconception of ourselves due to manipulative  ads like these one by the media.   I enjoyed watching such transformation from what the media would call "nothing to  perfection", the skin toning and blending  of the make up with  the light. Leaving us with a long lasting deceiving image of how "ideal woman" should look like . 

In other aspects, Dove's way of campaigning  I believe is deceiving as well due to the fact that it shows reality, and since "reality hurts" why not use doves products to cover up imperfection. 

Manhood on the mat – Jackson Katz

It is right to say that most teenagers ( mostly boys) who are speculators of WWE are very vulnerable and strongly influenced by what they are being shown by TV shows like WWE. That is why to some extent I do agree with Jackson Katz when he makes the point that; the problem is not that the young boys are trying to do the stunts at home or they are dressing up like their idols and superstars. The main problem is that the show is painting a picture targeting little kids of what“real men” prevail or in another words "Are children learning that taunting, ridiculing, and bullying define masculinity?" For kids like me and many more who were strong supporters of WWE it was rather more important to mock their actions and look like them then to understand what message was being sent behind the shows. Now that I have a clearer understanding about  what message tags along the most speculated TV show like WWE. Maybe now I can look back and see how negatively it affected my childhood and be able to recognize that some of my actions were wrong. Just like the show rubbed on many kids it did on me too. After all they are powerful figures resembling strength and muscularity two characteristic that man should posses in order to be a called a “Man”.  

Beyond Stereotyping

Further Questions

-Some people assert that all stereotypes are based on some measure of truth. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?

I do agree that some people assert that all stereotype are based on some measure of truth for example a common stereotype is that jews have a certain uncommon nose then anyone else deriving the stereotype that jews have big nose. Now if its true or not it's controversial due to the fact that not all jews have a big nose. We human beings tend to be deceived by what the majority says and the minority follows along committing the same errors.

-What language do you hear in school halls or at school events that reinforce stereotypes? What can you do about this?

It has become typically normal to call someone; faggot, you so gay , or stop being jewish (stating that he is being cheap). Narrowing the possibilities of limiting the reinforcement of stereotyping. The sad part is that I make part of the group of kids that reinforce stereotype using unappropriated language. Thus for that reason I believe the first step to the solution is to avoid using such language influencing a friend to do it as well because according to their point of view “ it's okay, it's cool”. As ridiculous this might sound if you are person in school whom is looked upon, youngsters such as; elementary or grade below tend to mimic your actions so high schoolers be a good role model to the elementary schoolers whom tend to follow your footstep. Another effective way to stop the reinforcement of stereotyping is by saying how offensive it is to you whom is being insulted, making him feel bad and maybe think twice before using such language again.

-Why do stereotypes exist? What purpose do they serve?

The victim who is being stereotyped doesn't have to be oblivious to not realize he/she is being stereotyped. Stereotype has become common and inevitable, asserting a sense of insecurity within a group, sex, culture and etc. It's purpose is either to generalize a specific group, and make them feel like “outliers” and belittled. It has also transformed as a form of labeling group of people.

How does the Internet helped or hurt groups that are often targeted?

As revolutionizing the internet might have been and it's good effects towards the world, I strongly believe the internet helped and hurt groups who are often targeted. Internet has become a worldwide influential source in which kids highly depend on. Thus making different groups who live around the world have a common stereotype. Facebook for example has a high number of users who support a group called “shits and giggles”. This group I believe does not only reinforce the idea of stereotype but also augments this idea of racial prejudice. “Shits and giggles” a group within facebook constantly have stereotyping in it along with other racial indifference, making it available for everyone who makes part of this group. 

Racism in Media advertisements

As you can see racism/stereotype in Advertisement just goes on and on and we as consumers are un willing  to do anything about it because like Neil Postman would say; We are people whom love to amuse ourselves to death. 

 This Advertisement depict the African- American athlete in an angry and frightening matter, a hurtful stereotype insinuating that black people are harmful, monstrous or even violent. An image damaging stereotype that has plagued the race as whole for a long time.  If not enough Lebron James is often compared to King Kong, allowing another interpretation that reinforced another black man stereotype; that black man are Animals and savage.

Who is communicating?

Vogue advertisement 

What about Who

Perfect Fit type of clothes. 

Why is it that Way?

Because Vogue might believe that depicting a black man like that would target their consumers in a more intriguing manner. 

This one is not really an advertisement but its an example of how internet or Facebook ( because it came originally from a group in face book called simply for shits and giggle) augments wider gap to being stereotypical or raciest. 

Review comparison

Does Morgan Spurluck sell out ?

After the confirmation of 20 companies of which agreed to cover the film budget in return for promotional consideration in the movie “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” , it was no longer a question wether Spurluck's concept of transparency was beginning to work? It was rather more of a question is Spurluck becoming a “product placement” himself and was he indeed starting to sell himself out? Although both reviews by Roger Erbert and Peter Travers agrees upon Spurlucks Branding persona to be “mindfull and playfull,” Morgan Spurluck never demostrates clear signs of being a sell out.

On the contrary, both Roger Erbert and Peter Travers reviews focuses in how well the movie conveyed its objective message and thank him for opening the peoples eyes by “ skewing the plague of product placements.” On the other hand, Roger Erbert points out a critique that “spurluck begins as almost serious about his subject, but about the time one of his authorities advises him to take the money and run, we realize that's what he's doing.” I believe that it would be partisan from my part to completely repudiate Erbert critique mainly because it was the impression he was giving to his audience including myself. But once again Spurlucks used this idea of irony of commercialising everything inlcuding himself to point out his point.

In conclusion Spurluck does a great job to untangle the mystery behind product placement in movies. If it wasn't for the reviews of both of this writters, it was rather harder for me to depict from the movie what spurluck was trying to proof to his audience without getting the impression that he was doing for the money. However, it would be a lifetime mystery if Spurlock himself ever defined a purpose greater than raising the money on camera, but then again he never claimed to. The same way it will always be unknown if us human beings are so immuned to product placement that we need to be deliberetely exposed to the truth to know better.

Bombardment of Advertisement !!

1) Product: BMW

What was the advertising medium?  The medium was a movie called Killer Elite.

What is the product?  The product being advertised was an antique formal BMW.

Is the advertising explicit or subtle?  The advertising was subtle due to the fact that it was rather intriguring the way they exposed the BMW logo.

Who might be the target audience?  The targeted audience is most probably diplomatic or political people mainly because it is a car for special occations or events.  

How might the ad influence your decision to purchase this product or service?  The ad might influence my decision because the thought that I would be driving the same sleek, car as a CSI agent would be intriguring because I would want to potray myself as mysterious sharp agent.  

2) Product: Power Balance Bracelet

What was the advertising medium?  The medium was Music Video called Don't wanna go Home by Jason Derulo.

What is the product?  The product being advertised was a Power Bracelet.

Is the advertising explicit or subtle?  The advertising was very explicit because it is very rare that a well known popular Artist like Jason duron himself will be using a bracelet of such kind in music video.  

Who might be the target audience?  The target audience I believe would be all the teenagers since an artist like Jason Derulo will be using a power Balance bracelet it's cool for us teens to use it too.

How might the ad influence your decision to purchase this product or service?  This ad might persuade me to purchase this product because the fact that a very speculatate artist like Jason Derulo is wearing the bracelet it would influence my decision to buy such product too.

3) Product: Dr. Dre Beats

What was the advertising medium?  The medium was a television series, called White Collar.

What is the product?  The product being advertised our headphones called Dr.dre Beats.

Is the advertising explicit or subtle?  The advertising was intensely explicit due to the fact that was a comercial strongly advertising the pair of headphones in the most intriguring manner.

Who might be the target audience?  The target audience will be all teens whom wish to hear their favorite music from the best quality pair of headphones like the Beats.

How might the ad influence your decision to purchase this product or service?  This ad might influence my decision because the ad strongly emphasizes on its coolnes and its qualities it has. The fast that its big and distiguishable from other head phones would probably be the main influence that it would make me purchase this product.

4) Product: Iphone 4S

What was the advertising medium?  The medium was from the Apple website itself.

What is the product?  The product was a Iphone 4S

Is the advertising explicit or subtle?  The advertising was explicit in that the episode incorporated lines into the script which advertised the safe company's product.  In the scene, the character is trying to find a key to a safe and only finds it after rummaging through multiple drawers and cabinets.  Telling his friend that he found a Centurion key, his friend replies by saying the following: "Okay it's Centurion. You are going to want to look for an in-wall safe."  Immediately, viewers see that Centurion makes safes that can be built into the walls of families homes.      

Who might be the target audience?  The target audience could be anyone from the middle class who wishes to have a better and more effiencient smartphone like the iphone 4S

How might the ad influence your decision to purchase this product or service?  The ad might persuade me into purchasing the product by it's smart illustrations of what the iphone is cable of doing. The way it shows how the phone is incorporated and needed in our daily life.

What is corporation ?

Todays lesson about corporation was like a slap to the face. A wake up warning to what are corporations all about. I find it rather inhumane the way corporation makes it's maximum profit from other peoples misfortunes. It's disregard for others and its monstrous conception of maximum profiting. Furthermore, as we have to explain what is corportation is it “ A legal person in duty”? another way to say, is it “slavey but in this case by law”? Corportion is everything but a group of individuals whom work together to perform a task and that is when corportion arises this sense of insecurity for it's employees and it's consumers.  

Who owns the Media?

Todays lesson gave me a sense of warning about the media world. That the media is over powering and slowly controlling parts of our life’s. That the media is no longer considered free market instead what truly is, a cycle of monopolies. It made me think of the future and arose question like what will be the media's position for the rest of the word in 10 years? How much of our time will be dependent on the media, if it's not all?

MEdia Consumption

Media Consumption:

To me it seems funny and bazaar how we human beings are strongly influenced by what I call the cycle of consumption of media. We wake up and fall asleep constantly being bombarded and unconsciously being consumers of the media. I picked a Friday because thats when I am mostly free and also because I wanted to find out how much of my time is dedicated to that cycle of consumption of media. On a Friday morning, I wake up realizing I had my Ipad in front of my pillow and began to browse. I then remembered I had used it the night before because I left the following browses open; Facebook, Youtube, BBC , Myspace, Hotmail and Hi5. I take a quick glance through those website again, seeking for something new and entertaining. I spend around 10 minutes till I realized Im running late to school.

Just before I go to my closet and face one of the hardest decision of my day, I go to my desktop and play any pumping music from Youtube(Dubstep, Chris brown, Usher). Then Bingo! Im ready to be bombarded by different kind of logos ( AIS , Lotto, Nike, Adidas )and brands ( Castro, Levis, H&M ETC). Unfortunately, I realized that Im limited to my choices and once again I have to be part of one the AIS conformers and wear a school shirt. I then rush to the bathroom and face a decision of different kind of toothpaste ( Meridol and Colgate). Lastly, I spray myself with Axe which it's bottle contains a logo of PLAYBOY rabbit which became rather intriguing . After I finished with my shower and dressing I rushed to breakfast room were I have a bowl of cereal and were for the first time I noticed that it's advertisements in the box are surreal Pop – Ups to the face. In another words, It's advertisements talk for themselves that it's impossible to not be intrigued by it.

I then spend another few seconds trying to decide the car we are allow to go to school with. ( Nissan Navarra, Mercedes, volvo). On the way to school I sit around shuffling and going through the music on my Iphone meanwhile Im multitasking on my ipad playing games on it ( physics Cat Etc). When I do get to school I feel total conformity school. We are all carriers of Mac's and all walking advertisements of our school shirts.

After school ,I go to my football practice in Ramata Hasharon where the minute I get on the field

it's like a puddle of brands where from toes to head people are wearing brands and different kind of logos. First of all, We are all wearing LOTTO Logos on or shirts and shorts and cleats from Nike, Adidas, Puma, etc are being exposed.

Finally I get home exhausted, open the same websites and others depending on the homework( CIA ). I take few mins to browse and once again entertain myself and then I begin to work. Where my pencil and notebooks are all from Office depot. I finally use my Iphone to send messages and then go to bed.

Practice posting

This is an exercise on how to blog, therefore I LOVE THE MEDIA, The Media follows me everywhere