News, Trust, and “Truthiness”

            After reading many blog entries, the majority of individuals agreed that satirical news reports are a good addition to the public sphere. Many people also stated that these reports are, in fact, real, accurate news presented in a comical manner and perhaps slightly more opinionated than regular news reports. Another common shared view is that many bloggers stated they were more inclined to watch satirical news as regular news can be boring. Thus, satirical news gets an audience thinking about important issues, while presenting news in a creative way. Thus, the general view is that satirical news reportages present accurate, current news, just as reliable as traditional news reportages.

            Generally, satirical news reports are seen as reliable, and most blogs I read agreed on this. As stated on Erica Pirbus’ blog, “…these shows are still reporting current news stories; they are just reporting it differently than how a regular news show like Global News would”. Again, this view is shared by Allison Sparham’s who states that, “The objectives of satirical news are largely the same: to take a well-known news story, and raise awareness about it in a comedic, satirical way”. A common theme in most blogs is that satirical news are reportages of real news stories also shown in traditional news reportages, and therefore, they are reliable. As stated in Shannon White’s blog, “The main idea of culture jamming is bringing things into a new light that people may not have already noticed”, also expressing the idea that satires are accurate information, with the difference that they show a more interesting view on a news story. For the most part, individuals seem to trust satirical news reports as they do traditional news ones.

            Along with the rising of culture jamming, I personally believe that there are some negative results regarding how much people actually trust satire news stories. Some main concerns of this are:  A main concern tied to satirical news reporting is; are consumer dissatisfaction, apathy as a result of this, and dependability of the opinions presented in satirical news reportage.

            Today, we see a rise of satires as news reports, and each is competing to be more creative and entertaining. This means that the audience will expect more creativity and may become dissatisfied. As a result, an apathetic attitude from individuals may bring about an overall dissatisfaction with all kinds of news reporting. This brings up the question of are audiences really taking issues seriously, or are they solely watching satirical news for the sake of entertainment? Also, are people more or less inclined to take action on serious political and or social issues? Since satirical news reportage is poking fun at an issue, it can be assumed that it is biased.  Thus the last issue I’d like to bring up is the idea of dependability raising the question; are people avoiding traditional news reportage in order to avoid choosing a side on an issue?

            To conclude, even though the majority of people trust satirical news, there can be significant consequences if people do not watch/read these news reports with a critical eye. Of course, I also believe these consequences listed above are worst case scenarios. I like to believe that people do, in fact, take interest on important issues in society and therefore, still question opinions presented in satires, whilst being entertained also.    

Blogs Used

http://allisonsparham.wordpress.com/2013/11/22/is-the-fake-news-the-real-news/

http://era-nicolexo.blogspot.ca/2013/11/is-fake-news-real-news.html

http://shanwhite95.blogspot.ca/2013/11/is-fake-news-real-news.html

Is the Fake News the Real News?

I believe that fake news is not necessarily the real news. However, they sure do shed light to a different side of an issue in general. This is why, to me, fake news should be seen as an art form. They enable individuals to reflect on multiple sides of a problem, rather than to accept dominant ideologies provided by governments and powerful individuals. As stated in Chapter 14, “Often they actively try to denaturalise the media images that we see every day by making us notice and question their underlying messages” (214). Fake news also make you wonder what is really true, and question authorities, who tend to conceal information on issues. All in all, I believe that satirical news reporting is a mainstream form of culture jamming and necessary to the public sphere.

Fake news should be categorized as culture jamming given the definition of culture jamming itself. In chapter 14, it is defined as, “…a mode of resistance to the norms and conventions of mass culture…” (213). Satirical news reports resist limitations by exaggerating situations in order to show different and perhaps more focused sides to a political issue, perhaps aiming for left or right wing ideals. Whether the information in this type of reportage is true, depends on an individual’s political inclinations.

Corporations are also able to buy media and promote things the way they want; that is, they can control news broadcasts and manipulate information to show us one side of the issue. This is done, of course, in order to gain profit. “Fake news” simply highlights hidden information, to which people can either choose to believe in or stick to the dominant ideology of their society.

However, these news are still biased, therefore the side of an issue they are presenting is not necessarily true. This is when individuals must choose what they want to believe according to their own beliefs and ideologies. For example the latest episode of The Daily show, Jon Stewart wonders why some individuals want to keep Rob Ford as mayor after his drug use and inappropriate statements.  Even though I find his question valid, it is also still biased considering that some people still approve of Ford as mayor. The argument presented in this broadcast still shows only one side of the issue, that perhaps certain people are not aware of.

Ultimately, these types of reportage are a useful addition to the public sphere as many sides of an issue are brought up even through exaggeration and parody. Provided that individuals do not take these reportages seriously and literately, they are necessary in the public sphere. Satirical news reporting is a form of artistic expression and entertainment; therefore, it should continue as it is.

O’Shaughnessy, M., & Stadler, J.. (2012). Media and Society. 5th Ed. South Melbourne, Oxford University Press.

Demonstrable Demographics

            After reading many my peers’ blogs, I have concluded that there are many similarities in the way young people and individuals in general are targeted by advertisements. Interpellation in ads occurs mostly through preying on physical insecurities, using celebrities to advertise a product as well as the use of a shock factor. As stated in Raven H.’s blog “In this case, the addressee is women and their body image and also anyone watching who knows how the media is manipulative and distorts women’s idea of their own image”. Sadly, the media tends to heavily rely on people’s insecurity and negative views of themselves in order to sell products.  

            My demographic being young females in university are represented mostly in a negative manner. We look up to others such as celebrities and are constantly worried about our appearance, so we buy easily into products to enhance our physical appearance. For example, makeup is mostly used by women in order to enhance their features. In Skyla R.’s blog she states, “They want you to feel like you can’t be flawless or completely beautiful without makeup”. Ads prey on the idea that women are expected to appear attractive to the opposite sex. Thus, young women for the most part, feel this pressure to look prefect and easily buy into cosmetic ads.

            Celebrities are also cleverly used as a way or interpellation, even if the product being advertised does not even apply to the celebrity. This is effective as when people recognize their favourite athlete, musician or actor, they automatically feel that they too should be using the product advertised. As stated in Adelina F’s blog, “I thought to myself how clever that, that they would put two commercials in one”. Essentially, the use of celebrities in ads is used to advertise two things at once, making it an even more effective strategy.

            These representations are accurate as young people we look towards others in the media to guide us in what we aspire to be. We use other people such as celebrities as models of how we want to live our lives. We are also concerned with our appearance as we look to makeup and all kinds of products to enhance our features with the objective of attracting the opposite sex. Ultimately, advertisements aim to pressure or even bully individuals to take part in consumerism and they are extremely successful at it.  

Blogs Referenced:

http://adelina23.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/what-the-hail/

http://skyr12.wordpress.com/2013/11/05/what-the-hail/

http://askrae.wordpress.com/2013/11/07/what-the-hail-post-3/

What the Hail?

          The advertisement I chose to examine is for Covergirl cosmetics’ Clump Crusher mascara. This ad particularly appeals to me as a young woman who wears makeup regularly, and scans cosmetic aisles at the store for the most practical products available. The main strategy used in this ad is the introduction of famous singer and songwriter; P!nk. The name of the company is also written in the largest font, while P!nk’s name is in smaller font, (as well as underneath the company name) implying that the product makes her who she is. In chapter 12 it is stated that, “Gender is central to identity, and gender socialization is one of the earliest processes of interpellation” (185). By displaying the image of a young woman wearing makeup, the ad is bringing out gender roles, as mostly women are expected to use cosmetics. The ad is playing with women’s concern to appear flawless and feminine, thereby drawing mostly women into purchasing this product.

           The ad also plays with the idea that long and thick eyelashes are considered attractive. This occurs through an element of exaggeration as the ad promises not 100% but “blast” volume to“200%”, meaning that this mascara can go beyond its initial intent. The name of the mascara itself draws makeup users in. It does not only get rid of clumps as a result of mascara use, but it crushes them, adding a sense of strength to the product. It implies that this mascara has control over one’s appearance, and that it will do its job for the sake of the purchaser.   

          I believe that overall, this ad is successful in its techniques of interpellation towards women. As stated in chapter 12, “The media work as a hailing, interpellating system. The way they address us, constantly interpellates us—as family, as citizen, as children, and so on” (186). The ad is specific in its attempts to draw women (mostly) in, as even today, the role of a woman consists of being appealing to the opposite sex. However, the ad also promises practicality through the use of this mascara. Since cosmetics are mostly associated with activities outside of the home, this alludes to the idea that the modern woman is more independent and has responsibilities elsewhere. Therefore, this ad, in my view, is successful at hailing or interpelling purchasers.

O’Shaughnessy, Michael, and Jane Stadler. Media and Society. 5^th ed. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 2012. 52-56. Print. 

Wanted: The Media That We Need

          When considering whether the media we want is the same as the media we need, I have concluded that it depends on each individual. Therefore, a mixture of both is what truly satisfies the public as a whole. The availability of information through various media forms is limitless, making it particularly easy to research as desired. However, each individual will choose to search what interests him or her, making it difficult to determine whether the media people want is the same one they need. I found a similar approach in Brent Barron’s response in which he states, “I personally believe that it is the audience that controls the media”. I agree with this statement as people influence the media and have different approaches. For example, my media choices are targeted towards cultural and social matters, while a different individual may prefer to find out about political and economic issues.

          The media takes so many forms that it can be used in various ways by different kinds of people. While a large group of people are looking forward to Lady Gaga’s newest album, a smaller group may show concern for the fiasco involving Toronto’s Mayor Rob Ford and his public involvement with drugs. Also, while older generations may show more concern for political and economic matters, younger generations have shown to be somewhat apathetic with these issues. Essentially, information is readily available but it depends on each individual to choose what they research. In Shannon White’s blog, she states, “The media are not going to keep pushing something on the consumer that is not getting a positive response”. I agree with this, as media companies want to appeal to people. However, it is also clear that not all people will enjoy what is shown by the media due to a difference in beliefs and interests.

          In conclusion, I believe that there is no way of knowing whether the media we want is the one we need. Again, as stated in Kahlil Stemmler’s blog, “Because the media reflects society so closely, it’s difficult to choose between whether we get the media we want or want the media we get”. All people influence the media in some way due to their individuality and therefore, the media that becomes a priority to certain groups is not one for others. I personally like to believe that my media choices inform me about important issues, depending on whether I choose to find out about them. What one individual considers entertainment, another may not support it. The availability of information at our finger tips enables people to reflect on their own beliefs and searching answers on their own.  

Blog URLs:

http://shanwhite95.blogspot.ca

http://bb11tl.wordpress.com/ 

http://khalilstemmler.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/do-we-get-the-media-we-want-or-want-the-media-we-get/

 

The Media We Want?

          Do we get the media we want or want the media we get? I believe that we get the media we want. There is information and options out there for every kind of person, even though at times, there is a large group of people who are interested on certain news reports, television shows and so on. Ultimately, however, the media is a reflection of the individual’s wants. Without the consumer’s wants, companies producing for the public fail to make profit and eventually plummet. Going back to the idea that the media is unavoidable wherever we go, we learn to want certain television shows or news broadcasts or even new software for our electronics. Therefore, I believe that the public gets the media they want.

          Take television broadcasting companies for example. Their main goal is to create shows that appeal to the public. If the public does not enjoy a certain television show and does not want it aired again, for example, the company does not make any profit from it. Reality shows can be used as an example of this, as if a show does not have good ratings; chances are that a new season will not be aired.  As discussed in chapter 3 of Media and Society, “The media producers, in constructing their images and stories are reflecting various social ideas and beliefs that are held by different social groups” (59). By this, it is inferred that individuals themselves are more involved in what the media showcases to the public than ever. This means that people’s beliefs are represented in various media forms, including television. Therefore, the public today has more power than ever before and their wants are reflected by different forms of media.

          Electronic devices can also be used as an example of the media giving people what they want.  As mentioned in chapter 1 of Media and Society, “The media are technologically developed communication industries, normally making money, that can transmit information and entertainment across time and space to individuals and/or large groups” (8). The media essentially depends on the public to purchase products and be interested in what is shown by the media. Apple’s technology, for instance, has become a revolution of social networking. They have a simple policy: to bring global communication together. Each year, a new, improved iOS device is released by Apple, thus attracting attention from the public. Also, through social networks such as Facebook or Tumblr are responsible for showcasing the wants people may have through like buttons and specific pages one may be interested in. Social networks allow for people to become part of the media, as it lets them express their interests. Once again, society’s beliefs are reflected by social networks as a form of media.

          I believe that today, we get the media we want. The public plays a major role in the functioning of different media forms and has more choice in what is shown or censored.

Works Cited: Michael O’Shaughnessy, Jane Stadler (2012) Media and Society. Australia: Oxford University Press

1F25 Blog Response 1: Media Impact on Others

After reading several blog entries, I found that a few out of the blogs I read chose to focus on the positive side of the media in the form of innovative technology. Even fewer blogs that I read had a somewhat “on the fence” stance, highlighting both good and bad aspects of the media. However, most of my peers would agree that the media manipulates the way they view themselves, as well as their behaviors and choices, hinting at the idea that the media is mostly negative. This did not surprise me, as I too can point out many flaws in the way media impacts individuals and find myself majorly influenced by messages via television, radio, internet and other forms of media. Based on the information in these blogs, I still choose to focus on the positive side of the media. However, issues that were brought up in some of the blogs definitely made me reflect on my views.

A common negative aspect of the media that was brought up in many blogs is the portrayal of the perfect man or woman, in relation to ideal physical appearance. In Brittany Noel’s blog, she makes a valid point about this issue saying, “Magazines that tell women AND men to look a certain way or you’re not “beautiful”. Music that makes only certain kinds of women seem desirable. Television shows and movies that have the desired woman looking sickly thin and underfed” (http://cpcframblings.blogspot.ca/). This made me consider the idea that the media sends out a distorted image of what a person should look like. This image of perfection strips the individual of just that; their individuality or their uniqueness. It shows how the media tells us through its many technological forms that we are flawed and that we must change to be accepted in society.

Another issue brought up by a few of the blogs I read is the media’s tendency to release biased information. In Shannon White’s blog, she discussed that, “From the riots in Egypt to the elections for the next Canadian Prime Minister, everything is expressed in a way that implies a certain opinion onto the viewer” (http://shanwhite95.blogspot.ca/). I also see this as a fair criticism of the media, as it is difficult to find an article or news report that is not attempting to shape one’s view on a specific issue. However, given that most media in Canada is not controlled by the government, it makes sense that messages have biased views. As human beings, we have the ability and the freedom to present our own opinions and feelings on an issue, as our way of self-expression. Thus, the bias in the media is extremely difficult to avoid.

Despite the negative views in most blogs, I was able to find more positive outlooks. For example, in Somaya Kalla’s blog, she stated, “Countries in the West and Europe that were following the events in the Middle East were given different views on what was really happening. State televisions in the tyrannical countries were spewing wrong information and were hiding the reality of the revolutions, whereas, social networks allowed citizens the scarce opportunity to say what was happening to them” (http://somayakalla.wordpress.com/). From this, it can be inferred that although the media can have detrimental effects on society, it is also able to bring people from different parts of the world together.The media is able to shed light to issues such as the riots in the Middle East and let the world know that injustice is occurring.

In conclusion, most of the views presented in the blogs were negative and made me reflect upon my own views. However, they remain unchanged, as I prefer to consider the media as a tool to shaping us into better individuals, by allowing us to question everything we see, as well as to have a critical eye on important issues.

1F25 Post 1: Media Impact

The impact of the mass media is extremely significant in my worldview, and it is evident that this is the case with those around me also. The mass media is a world in itself that is beyond our physical one and has both positive and negative aspects. I more often than not hear individuals condemn the media, saying that it is persuasive and creates mass confusion since there is so much information floating around. Though I understand where they are coming from, I believe that there is a way to avoid this confusion. This can be done by treating the media as a tool, in order to help shape one’s views, and eventually benefit oneself. The media has taken over our world, and it will eventually become nature to generations of individuals to come. I guess the main point is to accept this fact, provided that we do not believe absolutely everything we sense.

I admit that often, I find myself utterly confused with all the information that is presented by the media. However, I remember being a small child, often hearing the news on the television and radio that the world was going to end in 2000 because it was a new millennium. Clearly, this did not occur. The following year, I heard that the world would end, simply because there is no year 0, meaning that the true millennium would start on January 1^st. These assumptions that the world would end kept coming, creating massive hysteria. After the latest assumption that the apocalypse would occur on December 21, 2012, I realized that the entire apocalypse thing is getting quite old. The point that I want to make is that in this case, the same media that imposed fear on me, eventually equipped me to filter misinformation and is slowly shaping me into a person capable of analyzing the truth about what I hear in the news or read on the internet.

The media heavily relies on fast-advancing, comfortable technology we are surrounded by today. I simply love the idea that I am able to be informed all day long, and capable to communicate with people I am not even in a room with.  Apple products especially get my attention. My iPhone keeps me updated, connected, and though I rely on it, I do not let it take my humanity. As mentioned prior, I use it as a tool. I plan hangouts, bring together study groups, stay connected with loved ones, and am even able to check the news. Yes, people may seem as if they rely on technology too much, but so what? It’s practical.

Speaking of the news, the media tends to bring more attention to news that may not seem as important as others. For example, the so called “breaking news” about Miley Cyrus’s provocative dance at the MVA’s is nothing compared to the civil conflict occurring in Syria.  Unfortunately, people place responsibility on celebrities and people demand these kinds of light news. Personally, I believe that people have the ultimate power in deciding what the media places emphasis upon through its various forms of technology, mostly in the First World. As humans, we must accept that we have evolved, and that technology is now part of our daily lives. Our goal is to better ourselves, and all the information provided by the media can be the source of this, provided that we do not conform to everything we read, see or hear.