Many factors beg us to stop eating fast food. The horrible consequences of health problems such as e.coli, obesity, etc that can result in death, the cruel methods of gathering the food from animals that were grown specifically for these purposes, the unfair treatment of its workers, and yet, people continue to purchase these foods.
TO BE CONTINUED!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
500-600 words- reaction to this. How gender identity is shaped
Selena Lim
9:00 am class
What or who creates the definition of masculinity that separates it from femininity. The gender boxes that separate the two sexes have been passed down through family members, teachers, the government, but most importantly, the media. The media has the ability to manipulate ideas, opinions and thoughts; in this case, the opinion of what makes a man a man. Masculinity is not a trait that people are born with. It is an act that is influenced by what they are told, see, and hear. The video that we saw proved this by showing how action figures have transformed from the early 70s to current. Masculinity has become more defined by toughness and physical appearances, while women beauty is defined by small frames and quiet personalities. As we are continually shown this on a daily pattern, we start believing it more and more. Men who cry or perform acts that are known as parallels to femininity are teased with words such as girly, sissy, pussy, wimps, etc. If these actions are considered “feminine” and are excused as being wimpy, does that mean girls are considered weak and helpless? Moreover are men not allowed to show their emotions in fear of being called girls? I, and probably the majority of the female population take offense to our gender being used as insults. I take pride in the fact that females are considered more calm, open, and kind; however I believe that these are hidden characteristics of males too. Men are sensitive too, but because of the gender boxes that exist, they try not to let it show. Last year in psychology class we learned about how people can easily be manipulated. One case of a man claiming to be Jesus, who convinced his followers to commit suicide because he was almost arrested, was the most alarming story. The idea that one opinion can be as contagious as to get people to end their own life is a frightful reminder that people listen to what other people say. While some people may be more easily convinced than others, everyone has the part in them that forces them to listen to what other people tell them. For every leader, there are hundreds of followers. It is different with the media. The media has the advantage of distributing its opinions to a much larger group. The radio, television, computer, ads, billboards, commercials, etc spread to every part of the world at all times of the day. Whoever controls the media are the most powerful people in the world. Currently, four networks are the lead controlling groups of media. They have the ability to make their opinions be the only opinions. Therefore, we must stick to our own ideas and thoughts to defeat the dictator-like media. We can do this by not only adhering to what the media tells us is beautiful, which style is in, which electronics is best, what is masculinity, what love is, etc. We should just be ourselves and let our individuality shine.
9:00 am class
What or who creates the definition of masculinity that separates it from femininity. The gender boxes that separate the two sexes have been passed down through family members, teachers, the government, but most importantly, the media. The media has the ability to manipulate ideas, opinions and thoughts; in this case, the opinion of what makes a man a man. Masculinity is not a trait that people are born with. It is an act that is influenced by what they are told, see, and hear. The video that we saw proved this by showing how action figures have transformed from the early 70s to current. Masculinity has become more defined by toughness and physical appearances, while women beauty is defined by small frames and quiet personalities. As we are continually shown this on a daily pattern, we start believing it more and more. Men who cry or perform acts that are known as parallels to femininity are teased with words such as girly, sissy, pussy, wimps, etc. If these actions are considered “feminine” and are excused as being wimpy, does that mean girls are considered weak and helpless? Moreover are men not allowed to show their emotions in fear of being called girls? I, and probably the majority of the female population take offense to our gender being used as insults. I take pride in the fact that females are considered more calm, open, and kind; however I believe that these are hidden characteristics of males too. Men are sensitive too, but because of the gender boxes that exist, they try not to let it show. Last year in psychology class we learned about how people can easily be manipulated. One case of a man claiming to be Jesus, who convinced his followers to commit suicide because he was almost arrested, was the most alarming story. The idea that one opinion can be as contagious as to get people to end their own life is a frightful reminder that people listen to what other people say. While some people may be more easily convinced than others, everyone has the part in them that forces them to listen to what other people tell them. For every leader, there are hundreds of followers. It is different with the media. The media has the advantage of distributing its opinions to a much larger group. The radio, television, computer, ads, billboards, commercials, etc spread to every part of the world at all times of the day. Whoever controls the media are the most powerful people in the world. Currently, four networks are the lead controlling groups of media. They have the ability to make their opinions be the only opinions. Therefore, we must stick to our own ideas and thoughts to defeat the dictator-like media. We can do this by not only adhering to what the media tells us is beautiful, which style is in, which electronics is best, what is masculinity, what love is, etc. We should just be ourselves and let our individuality shine.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Propaganda and Functional Myths
Selena Lim
9:00 a.m.
Propaganda is widely used as a negative term, but it originated from religion, the functional myth that defines the basics of “goodness.” Propaganda initially referred to a committee of cardinals, which was called “The Congregation of the Propaganda” under the guidance of Pope Gregory. Their job was to spread the Catholic faith. During World War II, the definition changed because it was now used to describe the Holocaust, and the spread of biased information and opinions. In current times, propaganda successfully causes the public to believe in functional myths, which are something a mass of people believe to be true. Examples of functional myths are religion, politics, beauty, etc. Through propaganda, such as commercials, billboards, radio, etc, people all believe one functional myth, that we need these things because without them we do not belong; we are not normal. Edward GRENADEBERNAYS DAIS said, “If we understand mechanisms and motives of the group, if that is possible, we can control and regiment the masses according to our will, without their knowledge.” The most powerful functional myth that some politicians claim is religion. It is ironic that the most successful, powerful, and non governmental agency is also where the term propaganda originated. Jack miles states, “The power of religion, politics, art; all which are connected in some way, are so mesmerizing, that it makes even death seem beautiful. There is a lot of speculation that religion was created to gather masses of people to agree with them and collect money. Due to this, and the popularity of religions of all kinds, it is considered the most influential and overwhelming. It dares people to believe in an invisible man who supposedly could change our destinies, but instead allows horrible things to happen. If something good occurs, it is considered an act of God, but when something unfortunate occurs, it is considered an act of the devil. Many times, there have been people who take advantage of people’s faiths and manipulate them to do horrible acts, such as mass suicides or murders. Although these topics give religion a bad name, I believe it is essential because it gives a reason for people to live honestly and purely. Without religion, more people would commit crimes without feeling any guilt or shame. Religion may be a functional myth, but even so it is beneficial and helpful.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Media for Me or the Government?
Selena Lim
9:00 a.m.
Media is perhaps the most powerful form of communication in the world. It brings news and information to every part of the world in a matter of minutes. Telling the public the latest occurrences in the world, providing information for health, sharing the places, things, people, and moments of our lives; these are the ways that media is beneficial. However, media is also very harmful because for the people that control media, it is the most beneficial. Advertising companies, television companies, etc who control media are able to manipulate us to believe what they want us to believe. Depending on the specific news channel, television program, or place you watch television, they might be telling you two different "facts." They do it subliminally or they do it bluntly. Last year, for example, MacBook had a noticeable drop in sales because Sarah Jessica Parker's character in Sex in the City switched from Mac to HP. Before this, the Mac was featured in almost all of the Sex in the City's episodes. When it was decided to switch from Mac to HP, HP knew how much celebrities can influence the public, therefore they had their own site set up, dedicated to Sex and the City. Personally, this change also influenced my judgement as well. Although I had my trusty Macbook for over a year and it caused me no trouble prior to this incident, I decided that I wanted to switch to HP. I believed that HP was more "sleek, pretty, and useful." When I did get a HP, I realized that it was bulky, ugly, and less useful than my Mac. This is a less dangerous example of how media controls our lives. In the world today, there are billions of people who purchase only what the media tells them to, changes their physical appearance because of what the media tells them is beautiful, and changes the minds of people to believe that that which is good, is really bad. Media is both beneficial and harmful, but it strongly depends on which side of the media you look from.
Propaganda
For Tuesday
dictionary.reference.com:
1. information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.
2. the deliberate spreading of such information, rumors, etc.
3. the particular doctrines or principles propagated by an organization or movement.
businessdictionary.com
4. In general, a message designed to persuade its intended audience to think and behave in a certain manner. Thus advertising is commercial propaganda. In specific, institutionalized and systematic spreading of information and/or disinformation, usually to promote a narrow political or religious viewpoint. Originally, propaganda meant an arm of the Roman Catholic church responsible for 'de propaganda fidei,' propagation of the faith. It acquired negative connotations in the 20th century when totalitarian regimes (principally the Nazi Germany) used every means to distort facts and spread total falsehoods.
YourDictionary.com
5. “any systematic, widespread dissemination or promotion of particular ideas, doctrines, practices, etc. to further one's own cause or to damage an opposing one.” While it is true that many of the techniques associated with propaganda are also used in the practice of advertising or public relations, the term propaganda is usually applied to efforts to promote a particular political viewpoint. Additionally, propaganda can be used to promote specific religious views.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Chronicles of an Amazing Best Friend Draft 2
Selena Lim
9:00a.m.
9:00a.m.
The simple and worry-free smile as he tilts his head to look at me while his piercing laughter echoes in the air, his large brown eyes covered in thick rectangular black-rimmed glasses, his knack of drawing attention, and the ability to make everyone love him: this is my best friend, most famously known by Travis, a name that does not do him justice.
Physically, Travis is very good looking. His thick head of brown vibrant hair that covers his head from his eyebrows to his sometimes visible beard, long arms, and legs only seem to attract more people. He is naturally skinny and his clothes that consist of jackets, t-shirts that dawn the title of musicals, button down shirts, and classy jeans, fit him perfectly and give him a chic appearance. His handsome features and his insightful personality make him hard to ignore. About ten people are constantly wrapped around his finger, vying for attention from him. He unintentionally breaks peoples’ hearts, but he never fears for what they may think of him.
Travis‘s fearlessness gives him the courage to say whatever he wants, whenever he wants to say it. His insensitivity to some subjects often finds him trouble; however his skill to manipulate words always saves him. With these skills, he is also able to win any argument; well, that, and his absolute need to be right at all times, even when he is clearly wrong. He can stubbornly argue that humans have six arms, and in the end everyone will be convinced that what he says is true. He describes it best himself, “I'm confident and head-strong. I could care less what you think. I have clear views and opinions. You won't change them. Often, I'm professionally obnoxious and a grammar snob. Hate me.”
Once we decided to speak in a British accent and it continued on for three weeks. We created an extensive background of where we were from and why we came “to the States.” We went to our friend’s birthday party and introduced ourselves in a British accent and said we were from Birkinshire, England. When people doubted with us, Travis showed off his perfected accent and created a detailed description of where we were from. He said that “our hometown is about twenty miles away from London, our living is made selling sheep wool, and we have come to the United States for our education. He said that we were siblings and were adopted by our foster mother from the same orphanage located inside a church. When people still doubted us, he argued until people tired of disagreeing with him and just agreed to believe his lies. Now that I think back, we truly had no shame or sense of embarrassment.
Only true best friends are not afraid to embarrass themselves in front of each other. Travis shares almost every detail of his life, even the things that I really should not know. He does everything to make me happy and his attention to detail impresses me each time. He surprises me with little things that I cannot even expect from a boyfriend. He does anything when I ask him to and never expects anything in return. This is my best friend, Travis: the one I share my thoughts, emotions, and life with.
Physically, Travis is very good looking. His thick head of brown vibrant hair that covers his head from his eyebrows to his sometimes visible beard, long arms, and legs only seem to attract more people. He is naturally skinny and his clothes that consist of jackets, t-shirts that dawn the title of musicals, button down shirts, and classy jeans, fit him perfectly and give him a chic appearance. His handsome features and his insightful personality make him hard to ignore. About ten people are constantly wrapped around his finger, vying for attention from him. He unintentionally breaks peoples’ hearts, but he never fears for what they may think of him.
Travis‘s fearlessness gives him the courage to say whatever he wants, whenever he wants to say it. His insensitivity to some subjects often finds him trouble; however his skill to manipulate words always saves him. With these skills, he is also able to win any argument; well, that, and his absolute need to be right at all times, even when he is clearly wrong. He can stubbornly argue that humans have six arms, and in the end everyone will be convinced that what he says is true. He describes it best himself, “I'm confident and head-strong. I could care less what you think. I have clear views and opinions. You won't change them. Often, I'm professionally obnoxious and a grammar snob. Hate me.”
Once we decided to speak in a British accent and it continued on for three weeks. We created an extensive background of where we were from and why we came “to the States.” We went to our friend’s birthday party and introduced ourselves in a British accent and said we were from Birkinshire, England. When people doubted with us, Travis showed off his perfected accent and created a detailed description of where we were from. He said that “our hometown is about twenty miles away from London, our living is made selling sheep wool, and we have come to the United States for our education. He said that we were siblings and were adopted by our foster mother from the same orphanage located inside a church. When people still doubted us, he argued until people tired of disagreeing with him and just agreed to believe his lies. Now that I think back, we truly had no shame or sense of embarrassment.
Only true best friends are not afraid to embarrass themselves in front of each other. Travis shares almost every detail of his life, even the things that I really should not know. He does everything to make me happy and his attention to detail impresses me each time. He surprises me with little things that I cannot even expect from a boyfriend. He does anything when I ask him to and never expects anything in return. This is my best friend, Travis: the one I share my thoughts, emotions, and life with.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Interview about Media
Selena->Christine
How many sources of media do they engage with on a regular basis?
“5”
How does it feel when you can’t take calls, etc?
“I don’t know. I don’t like it, uhm… I feel deprived. Especially in class, I’m bored. I get bored without my phone. Especially if you know you have a text message and you can’t look at it, it’s like torture.”
What are the consequences if you do not respond?
“people will start to worry if I don’t answer..Especially because I have my phone on me all the time and expect me to answer like all the time.”
What’s your attachment?
“my cell phone. And facebook.”
Do you believe you can be addicted?
“I think…you bitch… cough cough…mmhmm…I don’t think I’m addicted because I can live without it, its just hard for me to.. especially if I’m occupied with my friends that I’m usually on the phone with, I don’t need the phone.”
Rutgers Suicide );
Nobody should feel the need to take their own lives for being themselves. It is sad that the country has fought for decades in order to achieve equality, and yet people still believe that other people are inferior simply because they are different.
It is unpleasant that even while a student has committed suicide, the media is focusing more on the people that are suspected to be involved in this. Yes, what they did was horrible, disgusting, repulsive; however we should be focusing on how to spread love and reassurance to the hundreds of thousands of others who feel the same as the victim did.
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