1. What are you concerns or criticisms about the state of media studies at your college or university?
-I believe that media studies at schools are a good think. One thing they do is conduct polls. After every class, students have to evaluate teachers. This is a media poll, seeing how well the teachers did each semester. LR looks at these evaluations to see if they need to discuss certain issues with professors. There are also polls about silly things such as cafe food. Although it is silly, it helps LR know what to serve and not to serve. I believe that colleges should do media studies like this to help. As long as they do not abuse the power.
3. Can you think of an issue that media industry and academic researchers could study together? Explain.
- The thing that comes to mind when I think of this question is tragedies that happen at universities. For example, the Virginia Tech shootings. There was media coverage all over the place when this story occur ed. After this tragedy occur ed, VT probably used media researchers to add more cameras in the buildings. They also came up with a media technique to inform students when something like this was happening. Universities can also use the media to come to sporting events. If LR is playing a big football, they may get the local news show to come and show their game on their station. I think that colleges should use the media industry for some of their events.
4. In looking at media courses in a college curriculum, what do you think the relationship is between theory and practice? Do hands-on, practical skills courses such as news reporting, advertising copywriting, or TV production belong in a liberal arts college or in a separate mass communication college? Explain your answer.
- I believe 100 percent that liberal art colleges should offer these courses. If this is what students want to do when they get older, they should get the practice in school. I believe that our school has a great communication program. It is probably due to the fact that Dr. Harris is mainly in charge of everything I believe that media practices are somewhat an art. I do not see much difference in a theater class from a class working on news reporting. Although they have there differences, you are still performing in front of people. If a student wants to be in media one day, they should not be limited to where they do their studying. Every school should offer these media programs.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Chapter 16: Questioning the Media
5. What do you think of the current movie rating system? Should it be changed?
-I think that the current movie system should stay the way it is. I believe that it is very appropriate. Kids movies are rated G or PG, older teens is PG-13 and for older people the rating is R. Everyone knows the movie ratings, why would we change them. The ratings help the movie producers, but they also help parents. If parents see that a movie is rater R, then they know there child can not watch. I watched my first rated R movie when I was eight, The Last of the Mohican's, but my parents watched it with me and explained it to me. I think our movie rating system is awesome. Most of the movies I go see in theaters are rated R. It has to be a pretty good movie or something I think is cool for me to see a PG-13 movie. That's because I like cussing and violence in movies haha. But for now the movie industry should not confuse their viewers, and keep the movie ratings the same
4. Who is Judith Miller? Should the US have a federal shield law to protect reporters?
- Judith Miller is a New York Times reporter that was arrested and sentenced to eighty-five days in prison. She sent to jail because she refused to give up her sources that were connected to the CIA's operative Valerie Plame. I absolutely believe that there should be shield laws protecting reporters. It is nobody else's business where reporters get there sources from. if reporters want to release news, they should be responsible for the outcomes. Not the people they get their sources from. Reporters have a dangerous job, and should be protected always. The US is a very nosy country, but reporters should not be forced to give up the identity of their sources. I do not care where they go the info, I just care what the reporters say.
6. Should the Fairness Doctrine be revived? Why or Why not?
- I believe that the Fairness Doctrine should be revealed. I think we should know about controversial issues within our community. If we do not know about them, then we will not know what is going on. I like finding out about things in the community. Like the Zahara story in Hickory. It was all over the news, and I watched Nancy Grace everyday to find out what is going on. I wanted them to catch the parents and burn them. Although it was a horrible story, I was interested in them catching who did it. We need the doctrine to listen to other people point of view on stories. I think it should be revived.
-I think that the current movie system should stay the way it is. I believe that it is very appropriate. Kids movies are rated G or PG, older teens is PG-13 and for older people the rating is R. Everyone knows the movie ratings, why would we change them. The ratings help the movie producers, but they also help parents. If parents see that a movie is rater R, then they know there child can not watch. I watched my first rated R movie when I was eight, The Last of the Mohican's, but my parents watched it with me and explained it to me. I think our movie rating system is awesome. Most of the movies I go see in theaters are rated R. It has to be a pretty good movie or something I think is cool for me to see a PG-13 movie. That's because I like cussing and violence in movies haha. But for now the movie industry should not confuse their viewers, and keep the movie ratings the same
4. Who is Judith Miller? Should the US have a federal shield law to protect reporters?
- Judith Miller is a New York Times reporter that was arrested and sentenced to eighty-five days in prison. She sent to jail because she refused to give up her sources that were connected to the CIA's operative Valerie Plame. I absolutely believe that there should be shield laws protecting reporters. It is nobody else's business where reporters get there sources from. if reporters want to release news, they should be responsible for the outcomes. Not the people they get their sources from. Reporters have a dangerous job, and should be protected always. The US is a very nosy country, but reporters should not be forced to give up the identity of their sources. I do not care where they go the info, I just care what the reporters say.
6. Should the Fairness Doctrine be revived? Why or Why not?
- I believe that the Fairness Doctrine should be revealed. I think we should know about controversial issues within our community. If we do not know about them, then we will not know what is going on. I like finding out about things in the community. Like the Zahara story in Hickory. It was all over the news, and I watched Nancy Grace everyday to find out what is going on. I wanted them to catch the parents and burn them. Although it was a horrible story, I was interested in them catching who did it. We need the doctrine to listen to other people point of view on stories. I think it should be revived.
Chapter 13: Questioning the Media
1. Are you exposed to popular culture from other countries? Why or Why not? Give examples.
-I would say that the only popular culture I am exposed to from other countries is sports. I watch numerous soccer games in other countries, and also enjoy the Olympics. I also eat other foods from different countries. As far as media, No I am not exposed to other countries culture. I have no idea who is on popular TV shows in other countries, or movie stars. I also do not listen to other country songs. However, I do go to certain festivals like the Scottish Festival in Huntersville, NC. I am part Scottish and at the festival they show how culture is in Scotland, with highland games, and other unique things. So all in all I would say that I am not exposed to other cultures, because I am more focused on what is happening here. I also do not want to watch shows or movies in a different language where I can not understand them.
2. Do you read international news? Why or Why not?
-I do not read international news, but I will watch an international news show. I do not read newspapers or News magazines, I get all my news from CNN. I am interested in whats happening not only in our country, but in other countries. I watched the rescue of the Chilean miners on CNN for numerous hours at a time. I find it very interesting hearing about odd and unique stories in other countries. Also something I found disheartening was that they still stone people to death in certain countries. I found that out on CNN. I try and watch at least an hour or two of CNN a day. It is good to know what is going on in the US, but it is also important to know what is going on in other countries.
3. What steps can reporters and editors take to cover media ownership issues in a better way?
- Well I think that reporters and editors do a good job of covering media issues. Every time you see something on the news, it is covered thoroughly. I guess one thing reporters could work on is there talking in front of the mic. Almost everyday I see some reporter on the TV, and wonder how in the world they got a job. Sometimes the reporters do not speak good. Other than this, I can not think of anything else they can do. They do a great job of covering news.
-I would say that the only popular culture I am exposed to from other countries is sports. I watch numerous soccer games in other countries, and also enjoy the Olympics. I also eat other foods from different countries. As far as media, No I am not exposed to other countries culture. I have no idea who is on popular TV shows in other countries, or movie stars. I also do not listen to other country songs. However, I do go to certain festivals like the Scottish Festival in Huntersville, NC. I am part Scottish and at the festival they show how culture is in Scotland, with highland games, and other unique things. So all in all I would say that I am not exposed to other cultures, because I am more focused on what is happening here. I also do not want to watch shows or movies in a different language where I can not understand them.
2. Do you read international news? Why or Why not?
-I do not read international news, but I will watch an international news show. I do not read newspapers or News magazines, I get all my news from CNN. I am interested in whats happening not only in our country, but in other countries. I watched the rescue of the Chilean miners on CNN for numerous hours at a time. I find it very interesting hearing about odd and unique stories in other countries. Also something I found disheartening was that they still stone people to death in certain countries. I found that out on CNN. I try and watch at least an hour or two of CNN a day. It is good to know what is going on in the US, but it is also important to know what is going on in other countries.
3. What steps can reporters and editors take to cover media ownership issues in a better way?
- Well I think that reporters and editors do a good job of covering media issues. Every time you see something on the news, it is covered thoroughly. I guess one thing reporters could work on is there talking in front of the mic. Almost everyday I see some reporter on the TV, and wonder how in the world they got a job. Sometimes the reporters do not speak good. Other than this, I can not think of anything else they can do. They do a great job of covering news.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Chapter 12:Questioning the Media
1. What do you think of when you hear the term public relations? What images come to mind? Where did these impressions come from?
- When I think of the term public relations, I think about people trying certain techniques to get people to buy their product, or come to their events. Public relations people work on getting their word out about whatever they are representing. For example: Public relations workers for the Carolina Panthers come up with ways to get people to come to the games, or to buy season tickets. You have to offer them something, or come up with a way to get people's attention. Public relations workers could also come up with commercials or ads in magazines about the company. When I think of public relations I do not see much of a difference in people that are in the marketing department. Both have to deal with getting people aware of what they are trying to sale or promote. My impressions come from what I have learned growing up. Like with the Panthers public relations workers, I knew from going to panthers games that the public relations workers are the ones getting people to come to games or doing activities outside the stadium with fans. I would love to work in public relations one day. I think I would have a lot of good ideas how how to promote my product.
3. What steps can reporters and editors take to monitor PR agents who manipulate the news media?
- Wow! This is a great question. Reporters and editors are always trying to stop PR agents who are trying to put out false news. One way they can stop these PR agents is by letting their viewers know that these other magazines or articles are false. Editors can not stop every PR worker from manipulating news. There is always going to be something false come out about someone or something. America is a country that likes to gossip about each other. Most people like finding out certain things about certain people in the media. We watch a lot of TV shows like Inside Edition and Entertainment Tonight. Most of the news on these shows are facts, but sometimes they put out false information about a celebrity. Hopefully most readers will acknowledge information that is true instead of something that has been manipulated. Don't pick up a magazine that has "Elvis was spotted in NC" and expect it to be a true story. Magazines like this try to manipulate us into buying something that is false. All editors and reporters can do is make sure there information is correct and let people know what is true and what is not.
2. What might a college or university do to improve public relations with homeowners on the edge of a campus who have to deal with noisy student parties and a shortage of parking spaces.
- Also, another good question. I would imagine that this is a problem that most colleges face almost every week. I feel bad for people who live near colleges in areas where they have to deal with noisy drunk students. To me it would almost be as bad as living on near the interstate. Anyways, there are some ways that college PR workers can make these residents enjoy their time at home, despite the noise. PR workers could offer these families tickets to sporting events on campus. This would not really do anything for the noise, but it would probably make the men and some women in the family happy and forget about the noise. They can also make flyer's and posters for the students telling them not to be so loud around the areas of campus that are nears houses. Most colleges have many buildings that are not near homes, like L-R, so they could promote going to parties away from people's houses. They could also offer the house residents numerous parking spaces. If a student parks in their spot, then PR workers should set up with the security department, and give these students tickets. If it gets to where students are parking there all the time, they should start towing cars. PR workers could also give the residents who live near the campus L-R apparel, if the students get noisy one night. This is going to be somewhat of a problem for PR workers at every school, especially at big party schools like ECU and Arizona State. Hopefully most people that live near campuses are aware that there is going to be noise from students sometimes. It is the PR workers job to make sure the noise is stablized and the homeowners around campus are happy.
- When I think of the term public relations, I think about people trying certain techniques to get people to buy their product, or come to their events. Public relations people work on getting their word out about whatever they are representing. For example: Public relations workers for the Carolina Panthers come up with ways to get people to come to the games, or to buy season tickets. You have to offer them something, or come up with a way to get people's attention. Public relations workers could also come up with commercials or ads in magazines about the company. When I think of public relations I do not see much of a difference in people that are in the marketing department. Both have to deal with getting people aware of what they are trying to sale or promote. My impressions come from what I have learned growing up. Like with the Panthers public relations workers, I knew from going to panthers games that the public relations workers are the ones getting people to come to games or doing activities outside the stadium with fans. I would love to work in public relations one day. I think I would have a lot of good ideas how how to promote my product.
3. What steps can reporters and editors take to monitor PR agents who manipulate the news media?
- Wow! This is a great question. Reporters and editors are always trying to stop PR agents who are trying to put out false news. One way they can stop these PR agents is by letting their viewers know that these other magazines or articles are false. Editors can not stop every PR worker from manipulating news. There is always going to be something false come out about someone or something. America is a country that likes to gossip about each other. Most people like finding out certain things about certain people in the media. We watch a lot of TV shows like Inside Edition and Entertainment Tonight. Most of the news on these shows are facts, but sometimes they put out false information about a celebrity. Hopefully most readers will acknowledge information that is true instead of something that has been manipulated. Don't pick up a magazine that has "Elvis was spotted in NC" and expect it to be a true story. Magazines like this try to manipulate us into buying something that is false. All editors and reporters can do is make sure there information is correct and let people know what is true and what is not.
2. What might a college or university do to improve public relations with homeowners on the edge of a campus who have to deal with noisy student parties and a shortage of parking spaces.
- Also, another good question. I would imagine that this is a problem that most colleges face almost every week. I feel bad for people who live near colleges in areas where they have to deal with noisy drunk students. To me it would almost be as bad as living on near the interstate. Anyways, there are some ways that college PR workers can make these residents enjoy their time at home, despite the noise. PR workers could offer these families tickets to sporting events on campus. This would not really do anything for the noise, but it would probably make the men and some women in the family happy and forget about the noise. They can also make flyer's and posters for the students telling them not to be so loud around the areas of campus that are nears houses. Most colleges have many buildings that are not near homes, like L-R, so they could promote going to parties away from people's houses. They could also offer the house residents numerous parking spaces. If a student parks in their spot, then PR workers should set up with the security department, and give these students tickets. If it gets to where students are parking there all the time, they should start towing cars. PR workers could also give the residents who live near the campus L-R apparel, if the students get noisy one night. This is going to be somewhat of a problem for PR workers at every school, especially at big party schools like ECU and Arizona State. Hopefully most people that live near campuses are aware that there is going to be noise from students sometimes. It is the PR workers job to make sure the noise is stablized and the homeowners around campus are happy.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Chapter 11: Questioning the Media
1. What is your earliest recollection of watching a television commercial? Do you have a favorite ad? A most despised ad? What is it about these ads that your like or dislike?
-My favorite commercials growing up were the Burger King commercials with the cartoon kids doing all sorts of stuff. I remember the dude with the yellow hat and he wore it backwards. I believe there were about five kids that were the face of Burger King and the blond hair dude was my favorite. I also remember watching the Michael Jordan commercials. The ones that had MJ on there and said," If I could be like Mike." I also liked the commercial with MJ and Mia Hamm. I will always remember those commercials. Today my favorite commercials are the E-trade commercials with the baby talking and the beer commercials. Those E-Trade commercials with the kid on there talking like a grown up is the funniest and cutest commercial I have ever seen. What a great idea E-Trade had using this cute baby to advertise their commercial I also enjoy the Miller Lite and Bud Light commercials. Almost everyone you see is funny in one way or the other. These 2 types of commercial are by far my favorite. The commercials I can not stand are the JG Wentworth commercials and the Free Credit Report. Com commercials. Each one of them has an annoying song that people sing throughout the commercial. I find both of these commercials stupid and irritating. I know they are trying to be funny, but they are not funny at all and get on my nerves. I like to watch a lot of TV, so I see numerous amounts of commercial every day. Most commercials are either funny or have a point to them. There are a few however like freecreditreport.com that are stupid and I wonder to myself, "How can they make that a commercial, guess they will make a commercial about anything."
2. Why are so many people critical of advertising?
-People are critical of advertising because there are many controversial things that are put on TV commercials. Beer companies advertise their beers to college students and most college students are underage. I went to the convocation last Wend. about Sam Spady and she was a minor that died of alcohol poisoning. Students see these commercials and are like,"Hey lets drink Bud Light or Captain Morgans," even though they are underage. Another example is the commercial for DJ Hero, a game for XBOX 360, where two kids that look twelve make out and the braces go from the girls mouth to the boys mouth. This is ridiculous to show kids that are going to buy the game. It has nothing to do with the game, but they still decide to show it. This should not be the kind of advertising kids should see about a video game. People will always have a say so in advertising. Just like when Katy Perry sang that song for Sesame Street, but they took the ad off the air because she was wearing a skimpy outfit. I did not thing that the outfit was inappropriate at all, but other people did so it was never aired on TV. I find myself being critical all the time about certain TV ads I see. I think TV programs do a good job putting out suitable ads on certain programs, but sometimes the ads slip up. People will continue to be critical because TV stations can not stop every ad they put on. If you watch enough TV, eventually you will see an advertisement that you are very critical of.
4. Should advertising aimed at children be regulated? Support your response.
- This question is a no brain er. Of course advertisements that are targeting children should be regulated. You can not just put anything you want to on children's TV stations. Kids TV stations have strict guidelines that they must follow before showing a commercial. Ads on kids programs should not have any violence, bad language or sexual content on them. They should also not be showing people drinking alcohol smoking cigarettes. If kids TV stations showed any of the following acts, it could persuade them to follow the acts. Some kids look on TV for certain role models like batman or a sports figure. They want to be like them when they grow up. If they show MJ on a kids station cussing and using alcohol, they kids might want to be like Mike in a negative way. Kids advertising will continue to follow their strict rules and making sure their ads are appropriate for kids of certain ages.
-My favorite commercials growing up were the Burger King commercials with the cartoon kids doing all sorts of stuff. I remember the dude with the yellow hat and he wore it backwards. I believe there were about five kids that were the face of Burger King and the blond hair dude was my favorite. I also remember watching the Michael Jordan commercials. The ones that had MJ on there and said," If I could be like Mike." I also liked the commercial with MJ and Mia Hamm. I will always remember those commercials. Today my favorite commercials are the E-trade commercials with the baby talking and the beer commercials. Those E-Trade commercials with the kid on there talking like a grown up is the funniest and cutest commercial I have ever seen. What a great idea E-Trade had using this cute baby to advertise their commercial I also enjoy the Miller Lite and Bud Light commercials. Almost everyone you see is funny in one way or the other. These 2 types of commercial are by far my favorite. The commercials I can not stand are the JG Wentworth commercials and the Free Credit Report. Com commercials. Each one of them has an annoying song that people sing throughout the commercial. I find both of these commercials stupid and irritating. I know they are trying to be funny, but they are not funny at all and get on my nerves. I like to watch a lot of TV, so I see numerous amounts of commercial every day. Most commercials are either funny or have a point to them. There are a few however like freecreditreport.com that are stupid and I wonder to myself, "How can they make that a commercial, guess they will make a commercial about anything."
2. Why are so many people critical of advertising?
-People are critical of advertising because there are many controversial things that are put on TV commercials. Beer companies advertise their beers to college students and most college students are underage. I went to the convocation last Wend. about Sam Spady and she was a minor that died of alcohol poisoning. Students see these commercials and are like,"Hey lets drink Bud Light or Captain Morgans," even though they are underage. Another example is the commercial for DJ Hero, a game for XBOX 360, where two kids that look twelve make out and the braces go from the girls mouth to the boys mouth. This is ridiculous to show kids that are going to buy the game. It has nothing to do with the game, but they still decide to show it. This should not be the kind of advertising kids should see about a video game. People will always have a say so in advertising. Just like when Katy Perry sang that song for Sesame Street, but they took the ad off the air because she was wearing a skimpy outfit. I did not thing that the outfit was inappropriate at all, but other people did so it was never aired on TV. I find myself being critical all the time about certain TV ads I see. I think TV programs do a good job putting out suitable ads on certain programs, but sometimes the ads slip up. People will continue to be critical because TV stations can not stop every ad they put on. If you watch enough TV, eventually you will see an advertisement that you are very critical of.
4. Should advertising aimed at children be regulated? Support your response.
- This question is a no brain er. Of course advertisements that are targeting children should be regulated. You can not just put anything you want to on children's TV stations. Kids TV stations have strict guidelines that they must follow before showing a commercial. Ads on kids programs should not have any violence, bad language or sexual content on them. They should also not be showing people drinking alcohol smoking cigarettes. If kids TV stations showed any of the following acts, it could persuade them to follow the acts. Some kids look on TV for certain role models like batman or a sports figure. They want to be like them when they grow up. If they show MJ on a kids station cussing and using alcohol, they kids might want to be like Mike in a negative way. Kids advertising will continue to follow their strict rules and making sure their ads are appropriate for kids of certain ages.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Chapter 10: Questioning the Media
1. What are your earliest recollections of books? Do you read for pleasure? If yes, what kinds of books do you enjoy and why?
-My earliest memories of books was doing Accelerated Reader books in elementary school. They made us read books that we did not have no interest in reading and take quizzes about the books after. We had to have a certain number of points by the end of the year. If you failed a quiz on a book, we would have to read the book again and take the quiz over until we passed it. Doing this in elementary school ruin my love for reading. I never read a book anymore, unless I have to. I can read pretty fast, but I hate doing it. I would rather watch a movie then read the book about the movie. I would rather read a summary about the book then read a whole novel. AR reading made my hate reading when I was little, and it continues into today. My mom reads books all the time. Maybe I will enjoy it when I get older, but I doubt it.
6. Would you read a book on an iPod or a kindle? Why or why not?
-Like I just said I hate reading. I would probably be more and likely to read a book on a kindle or iPod though. I love technology and would probably read a book on a kindle. I have seen them advertised and they look pretty awesome. I would rather read something electronically then have to flip pages of a flimsy book. But I will never get a kindle because I do not enjoy reading. I would probably buy one for my mom because she reads books from Patricia Cornwell and John Grisham. As far as me, I will never enjoy reading.
2. What can the book industry do better to ensure that we are not overwhelmed by visual and electronic culture.
-I do not believe that books will ever be taking over by electronic devices. People that read like to have the hard copy of the book. People that can not see well might not be able to read the text on a kindle. Also you do not have to worry about a book running out of battery, like you do with a kindle or iPod. People like going to bookstores like Barnes and Nobles and picking a good book to read. It is also easy to keep your place with a bookmark. With a kindle you might loose your place when you are reading. Also the kindle is a couple hundred dollars and they charge you for books to buy. You can go buy a good book for cheap at bookstores. My mom gives her books that she has read to her friends and family. She could not give her kindle to them and tell them to read it, then she could not read. People like having like hard copy of their books. They can take it anywhere and buy it anywhere. Easy to carry a book and not have to bring a charger for your kindle. That is why books will continue to sale and never be replaced by electronic or visual devices.
-My earliest memories of books was doing Accelerated Reader books in elementary school. They made us read books that we did not have no interest in reading and take quizzes about the books after. We had to have a certain number of points by the end of the year. If you failed a quiz on a book, we would have to read the book again and take the quiz over until we passed it. Doing this in elementary school ruin my love for reading. I never read a book anymore, unless I have to. I can read pretty fast, but I hate doing it. I would rather watch a movie then read the book about the movie. I would rather read a summary about the book then read a whole novel. AR reading made my hate reading when I was little, and it continues into today. My mom reads books all the time. Maybe I will enjoy it when I get older, but I doubt it.
6. Would you read a book on an iPod or a kindle? Why or why not?
-Like I just said I hate reading. I would probably be more and likely to read a book on a kindle or iPod though. I love technology and would probably read a book on a kindle. I have seen them advertised and they look pretty awesome. I would rather read something electronically then have to flip pages of a flimsy book. But I will never get a kindle because I do not enjoy reading. I would probably buy one for my mom because she reads books from Patricia Cornwell and John Grisham. As far as me, I will never enjoy reading.
2. What can the book industry do better to ensure that we are not overwhelmed by visual and electronic culture.
-I do not believe that books will ever be taking over by electronic devices. People that read like to have the hard copy of the book. People that can not see well might not be able to read the text on a kindle. Also you do not have to worry about a book running out of battery, like you do with a kindle or iPod. People like going to bookstores like Barnes and Nobles and picking a good book to read. It is also easy to keep your place with a bookmark. With a kindle you might loose your place when you are reading. Also the kindle is a couple hundred dollars and they charge you for books to buy. You can go buy a good book for cheap at bookstores. My mom gives her books that she has read to her friends and family. She could not give her kindle to them and tell them to read it, then she could not read. People like having like hard copy of their books. They can take it anywhere and buy it anywhere. Easy to carry a book and not have to bring a charger for your kindle. That is why books will continue to sale and never be replaced by electronic or visual devices.
Chapter 9: Questioning the Media
What are your earliest recollections of magazines? Which Magazine do you read regularly today? Why?
-The earliest memories of magazines I have is when I was in elementary school I would look at the pictures in Zoobooks magazines and in Sports Illustrated. I loved seeing all the pictures of animals like zebras, lions, sharks, and monkeys in Zoobook magazines. I would hang up the pictures on my wall of the animals that I really liked when I was real young. When I got older the pictures of animals came down and pictures of sports players from Sports Illustrated went up. Today the two magazines that I read regularly are Sports Illustrated and People magazine. I love reading articles about my favorite sports players. Like I have said before sports is my life. I love the covers of all the Sports Illustrated magazines. They do an unbelievable job of providing sports article and pictures. Sports Illustrated to me is the greatest magazine in the world. I also love People magazine. I love hearing about what the actors and actresses are doing in Hollywood. I love movies and know almost every actor in Hollywood. I enjoy the scandals the most. It lets us regularly Americans know that actors and actresses are regular humans just like us.
4. If you were the marketing director of your favorite magazine, how would you increase circulation?
-If I was the marketing director for Sports Illustrated magazine, I would be set because there is not much they could do to increase circulation. They do a great job of providing their readers with accurate info and incredible photos. They also have inspiring stories every now and then. They also give gifts to people for subscribing to their magazine. One thing they could do is advertise their magazine more. They could have more commercials on TV during sports games. They do not have enough commercials advertising their gifts they give out to people that prescribe to their product. Other than that they do a good job with their marketing department.
7. Do you think the Internet will eventually displace magazines? Why or why not?
- I do not believe that the Internet will replace magazines. I do not know anyone who regularly keeps up with a magazine online. People like to have the hard copies of magazines. They like to subscribe to magazine and receive their magazine in the mall, or at a store. Women buy Cosmo. so they can read and look at pictures and ads for other things. Men like to receive Sports Illustrated or ESPN the Magazine so they can have the magazine in their hands and read it when they use the bathroom like I do. You can not take a computer in the bathroom with you when you need to do your business. I have a collection of magazines in my bathroom so I can read them. hahaha.
-The earliest memories of magazines I have is when I was in elementary school I would look at the pictures in Zoobooks magazines and in Sports Illustrated. I loved seeing all the pictures of animals like zebras, lions, sharks, and monkeys in Zoobook magazines. I would hang up the pictures on my wall of the animals that I really liked when I was real young. When I got older the pictures of animals came down and pictures of sports players from Sports Illustrated went up. Today the two magazines that I read regularly are Sports Illustrated and People magazine. I love reading articles about my favorite sports players. Like I have said before sports is my life. I love the covers of all the Sports Illustrated magazines. They do an unbelievable job of providing sports article and pictures. Sports Illustrated to me is the greatest magazine in the world. I also love People magazine. I love hearing about what the actors and actresses are doing in Hollywood. I love movies and know almost every actor in Hollywood. I enjoy the scandals the most. It lets us regularly Americans know that actors and actresses are regular humans just like us.
4. If you were the marketing director of your favorite magazine, how would you increase circulation?
-If I was the marketing director for Sports Illustrated magazine, I would be set because there is not much they could do to increase circulation. They do a great job of providing their readers with accurate info and incredible photos. They also have inspiring stories every now and then. They also give gifts to people for subscribing to their magazine. One thing they could do is advertise their magazine more. They could have more commercials on TV during sports games. They do not have enough commercials advertising their gifts they give out to people that prescribe to their product. Other than that they do a good job with their marketing department.
7. Do you think the Internet will eventually displace magazines? Why or why not?
- I do not believe that the Internet will replace magazines. I do not know anyone who regularly keeps up with a magazine online. People like to have the hard copies of magazines. They like to subscribe to magazine and receive their magazine in the mall, or at a store. Women buy Cosmo. so they can read and look at pictures and ads for other things. Men like to receive Sports Illustrated or ESPN the Magazine so they can have the magazine in their hands and read it when they use the bathroom like I do. You can not take a computer in the bathroom with you when you need to do your business. I have a collection of magazines in my bathroom so I can read them. hahaha.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Chapter 8: Questioning the Media
1. What kinds of stories, topics, or issues are not being covered well by mainstream papers?
-I believe that newspapers do a good job covering stories and topics. One thing that newspapers could do is make there papers more appealing. The paper in my hometown is plain black and white. It is boring to look at and is not appealing at all. I wish newspapers would cut down on there ads as well. I know they need them in there, but more than half of them are stupid ads for something nobody uses. They could put in more stories about whats is going on in the area or world, then buy one get on free at fashion bug. I always read the sports section and that's it. I am not interested in the business section or the stocks or anything like that. My paper in my hometown could do a better job with their sports section. There is only one guy trying to create a whole section of a paper. The Mooresville Tribune, my hometown paper, is the only paper that I will even look at. I am a TV news person. I do not like to read. ha ha.
5. Will blogs and other Internet news services eventually replace newspapers? Explain your answer.
- I would say that the Internet is already taking over traditional newspapers. Almost every town no matter how small it may be, has there newspaper online. With most Americans having Internet access, it is much easier to just hop online and check the news. Rather than having to have a prescription, and walk to you mailbox, people are just a click away from seeing their local news. I believe that newspaper companies are in jeopardy of going out of business due to the Internet. However, I also do believe that newspapers might have a chance to survive. People that are older still continue to read the paper. My grandparents still read the paper everyday and never get online. I am sure they are not the only ones that still reads papers. I never read the paper. I go online to ESPN.com or CNN.com to check any news that I need. Newspaper companies are already loosing business. I fear that newspaper companies future does not look good. My cousin writes "Our State" magazine and she talks to me all the time about how newspaper companies now use the Internet almost as much as they do print. With more and more advancements in technology, everything will one day be digital. It is way more faster and you do more stuff with the Internet.
2. Why do you think people aren't reading U.S. daily news papers as frequently as they once did? Why is newspaper readership going up in other countries?
-People are not reading daily newspapers because of the advancements in technology. Now Americans can check on their laptops about any breaking news. They can also check news on their phones. There is almost no need for newspapers anymore, unless you want a hard copy of your news. Most people I know watch CNN or Fox News on their flat screen TVs. I like watching the news because you also get commercials as well. Back in the day they did not have the Internet or as many news channels on TV. Technology I would say is newspapers biggest threat/enemy. I have a CNN app on my Blackberry that I look on everyday, just to see whats going on in the world. My mom reads my home town paper, so she tells me anything interesting that has happened, which is most of the time nothing. I also try to watch CNN at least for a little bit a day. I want watch Fox News because they are so Republican and just bash anything a democrat says, but that has nothing to do with this haha. Countries like China, Japan, Russia, England, and other big countries have technologies so they can check their news easier than other countries, especially China and Japan. Cell phones, computers, and video games come out in Japan and China before they do in the US. Smaller countries would rely more on local newspapers. They might not have TVs or Internet, so they use the newspapers for news. Some countries in Africa probably don't have any type of way to gets news. I doubt they have newspapers or the Internet. I wonder how they get world news or anything. I am just lucky to live in America and have multiple ways of finding news about anything I want. I can check anything on my Blackberry. It is like a personal computer.
-I believe that newspapers do a good job covering stories and topics. One thing that newspapers could do is make there papers more appealing. The paper in my hometown is plain black and white. It is boring to look at and is not appealing at all. I wish newspapers would cut down on there ads as well. I know they need them in there, but more than half of them are stupid ads for something nobody uses. They could put in more stories about whats is going on in the area or world, then buy one get on free at fashion bug. I always read the sports section and that's it. I am not interested in the business section or the stocks or anything like that. My paper in my hometown could do a better job with their sports section. There is only one guy trying to create a whole section of a paper. The Mooresville Tribune, my hometown paper, is the only paper that I will even look at. I am a TV news person. I do not like to read. ha ha.
5. Will blogs and other Internet news services eventually replace newspapers? Explain your answer.
- I would say that the Internet is already taking over traditional newspapers. Almost every town no matter how small it may be, has there newspaper online. With most Americans having Internet access, it is much easier to just hop online and check the news. Rather than having to have a prescription, and walk to you mailbox, people are just a click away from seeing their local news. I believe that newspaper companies are in jeopardy of going out of business due to the Internet. However, I also do believe that newspapers might have a chance to survive. People that are older still continue to read the paper. My grandparents still read the paper everyday and never get online. I am sure they are not the only ones that still reads papers. I never read the paper. I go online to ESPN.com or CNN.com to check any news that I need. Newspaper companies are already loosing business. I fear that newspaper companies future does not look good. My cousin writes "Our State" magazine and she talks to me all the time about how newspaper companies now use the Internet almost as much as they do print. With more and more advancements in technology, everything will one day be digital. It is way more faster and you do more stuff with the Internet.
2. Why do you think people aren't reading U.S. daily news papers as frequently as they once did? Why is newspaper readership going up in other countries?
-People are not reading daily newspapers because of the advancements in technology. Now Americans can check on their laptops about any breaking news. They can also check news on their phones. There is almost no need for newspapers anymore, unless you want a hard copy of your news. Most people I know watch CNN or Fox News on their flat screen TVs. I like watching the news because you also get commercials as well. Back in the day they did not have the Internet or as many news channels on TV. Technology I would say is newspapers biggest threat/enemy. I have a CNN app on my Blackberry that I look on everyday, just to see whats going on in the world. My mom reads my home town paper, so she tells me anything interesting that has happened, which is most of the time nothing. I also try to watch CNN at least for a little bit a day. I want watch Fox News because they are so Republican and just bash anything a democrat says, but that has nothing to do with this haha. Countries like China, Japan, Russia, England, and other big countries have technologies so they can check their news easier than other countries, especially China and Japan. Cell phones, computers, and video games come out in Japan and China before they do in the US. Smaller countries would rely more on local newspapers. They might not have TVs or Internet, so they use the newspapers for news. Some countries in Africa probably don't have any type of way to gets news. I doubt they have newspapers or the Internet. I wonder how they get world news or anything. I am just lucky to live in America and have multiple ways of finding news about anything I want. I can check anything on my Blackberry. It is like a personal computer.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Chapter 7 Questioning the Media
2. Do you remember seeing a movie you were not allowed to see? Discuss the experience?
-When I was about eight years old, I saw a movie that I will never forget. I was staying over at my aunt's house and my fifteen year old cousin Alexa, let me watch Halloween. I can still remember the creepy theme song. That movie was the scariest thing I have ever seen before. I stayed up all night that night and worried about Michael Myers coming to stab me in my room. I went through a period of time where I slept with either the TV or a light on, because I was scared. I use to aggravate my cousin all the time, so she knew I would get scared from this movie. Lets just say she got her payback and more. I would try and stay as far away from a scary movie as I could. Today I still do not watch scary movies but not because I am scared. I no longer get scared of movies or anything for that matter. I believe that my experience with Halloween has mad me not be scared of movies now. Now I think they are stupid and probably the most fake looking movies they make. I will never waste my money to see a scary movie in the theaters. These days I will see Halloween on TV and just laugh thinking about my cousin playing that trick on me. Really takes me back. ha ha.
3. How often do you go to the movie theaters today? How often do you play DVDs on a TV at home. or watch movies on a computer? Which experience do you prefer and why?
- I am a movie fanatic. There is nothing I like more than watching a good movie. These days I go to the movie theater once or twice a month, depending on what movies are coming out. I went and saw "The Town" last week because I thought it looked good on TV. It was a great action packed movie that had me on my seat. I love going to the move theater and getting snack before the movies. I usually get popcorn and a drink then head to the movie. I love sitting in the stadium like chairs and watching the movie on the huge screen. All movies are better on the big screen. I never watch movies on my computer, because my screen is to little. Why would I watch a movie on a 12 inch screen when I could watch one on a 42 inch screen. I love watch DVDs at my house. My mom has hundreds of DVDs and I have probably seen everyone of them. She also just got a Blu-Ray player, so my love of movies really increased. The picture is unbelievable on a Blu-Ray player. I would recommend everyone spend a little more money on the Blu-Ray, it is well worth it. I will watch any movie whether its action, drama, romance, or comedy. As long as it not a three and half hour long movie, I will watch it. I can not wait to watch my next movie.
4. If you were a Hollywood film producer or executive, what kinds of films would you like to see made? What changes would you make in what wee see at the movies?
-If I was a Hollywood film director, I would like to see more sports movies made. More movies about certain players or events in sports. Some of my favorite movies are sports related. They are Rudy, Field of Dreams. The Blindside, and Remember the Titans. Most sports movies are both funny and inspirational. There are so many sport stories out there just waiting to be told through film. I wish they would come out with a couple of sports movies a year. One change I think they could make is limit the number of scary movies that come out. Most of them are so stupid and the acting is terrible. I can not remember the last good scary movie that I have seen. I use to waste my money back in high school when I went a saw scary movies. I would always walk out and say, " Well I just wasted that eight dollars." Other then the reduction of scary movies, I believe that Hollywood does a good job with movies. They keep a balance between all categories of movies. Hopefully within the next few years Hollywood will come out with some sports movies. Since I am a huge UNC Tarheel fan, I would love to see a movie about them. Whether its about a National Championship or about a historic coach, I would pay serious money to go see that and so would my friends.
-When I was about eight years old, I saw a movie that I will never forget. I was staying over at my aunt's house and my fifteen year old cousin Alexa, let me watch Halloween. I can still remember the creepy theme song. That movie was the scariest thing I have ever seen before. I stayed up all night that night and worried about Michael Myers coming to stab me in my room. I went through a period of time where I slept with either the TV or a light on, because I was scared. I use to aggravate my cousin all the time, so she knew I would get scared from this movie. Lets just say she got her payback and more. I would try and stay as far away from a scary movie as I could. Today I still do not watch scary movies but not because I am scared. I no longer get scared of movies or anything for that matter. I believe that my experience with Halloween has mad me not be scared of movies now. Now I think they are stupid and probably the most fake looking movies they make. I will never waste my money to see a scary movie in the theaters. These days I will see Halloween on TV and just laugh thinking about my cousin playing that trick on me. Really takes me back. ha ha.
3. How often do you go to the movie theaters today? How often do you play DVDs on a TV at home. or watch movies on a computer? Which experience do you prefer and why?
- I am a movie fanatic. There is nothing I like more than watching a good movie. These days I go to the movie theater once or twice a month, depending on what movies are coming out. I went and saw "The Town" last week because I thought it looked good on TV. It was a great action packed movie that had me on my seat. I love going to the move theater and getting snack before the movies. I usually get popcorn and a drink then head to the movie. I love sitting in the stadium like chairs and watching the movie on the huge screen. All movies are better on the big screen. I never watch movies on my computer, because my screen is to little. Why would I watch a movie on a 12 inch screen when I could watch one on a 42 inch screen. I love watch DVDs at my house. My mom has hundreds of DVDs and I have probably seen everyone of them. She also just got a Blu-Ray player, so my love of movies really increased. The picture is unbelievable on a Blu-Ray player. I would recommend everyone spend a little more money on the Blu-Ray, it is well worth it. I will watch any movie whether its action, drama, romance, or comedy. As long as it not a three and half hour long movie, I will watch it. I can not wait to watch my next movie.
4. If you were a Hollywood film producer or executive, what kinds of films would you like to see made? What changes would you make in what wee see at the movies?
-If I was a Hollywood film director, I would like to see more sports movies made. More movies about certain players or events in sports. Some of my favorite movies are sports related. They are Rudy, Field of Dreams. The Blindside, and Remember the Titans. Most sports movies are both funny and inspirational. There are so many sport stories out there just waiting to be told through film. I wish they would come out with a couple of sports movies a year. One change I think they could make is limit the number of scary movies that come out. Most of them are so stupid and the acting is terrible. I can not remember the last good scary movie that I have seen. I use to waste my money back in high school when I went a saw scary movies. I would always walk out and say, " Well I just wasted that eight dollars." Other then the reduction of scary movies, I believe that Hollywood does a good job with movies. They keep a balance between all categories of movies. Hopefully within the next few years Hollywood will come out with some sports movies. Since I am a huge UNC Tarheel fan, I would love to see a movie about them. Whether its about a National Championship or about a historic coach, I would pay serious money to go see that and so would my friends.
Monday, September 27, 2010
These Blogs
I really enjoying doing these blogs. Most of them are opionion based and really make you think about certain technologies. Looking foward to next weeks questions.
Chapter 6: Questioning the Media
1. How many cable channels do you watch regularly? What programs do you watch? What attracts you to a certain channel?
- My favorite channel by far is ESPN. I watch Sportscenter, 30 for 30 films, PTI, Baseball Tonight, and any kind of sport game that comes on. I could not have lived back before the late 80s before ESPN was invented. ESPN is the reason that sports are as big as they are today. Back in the 70s they would have one MLB baseball game on and it would be the game of the week. Now with satellite and an ESPN package, you can watch every game that is on that day. I am attracted to it because I am a sports fanatic. I am sports 24/7. I also watch CNN to check up on the news. I watch some shows on FX, TBS, and Comedy Central. Most of them are funny shows, but I will watch almost anything for a little bit, except for reality shows. Most of the shows I watch are on Showtime like Dexter, Weeds, Cali fornication. But Showtime is not a cable channel so they do not count. If I had to pick one channel to watch for the rest of my life, it would be ESPN.
4. CNN and MTV have changed our society as well as the global culture. Have these changes been positive or negative? Explain.
-I believe this question could go either way. There are some positives and negatives. Some of the positive things are that with CNN you can catch up on all the news around the world. Anything from a kidnapping to a terrorist threat. I make sure to watch at least an hour of CNN a day, to keep up with the news. Also with MTV, it is good that we can watch music videos on our TV. MTV also provides shows for teens. Most of these shows are OK for teens, but some are not. I think that most of the shows are stupid on MTV. Take Jackass for instance. They hurt themselves and act like fools on the show, then people go out and try to be them and hurt themselves. That is not setting a good example for teenagers. Another bad thing is that the teenagers could watch more MTV then do their homework. Most of CNN is positive, but some things we do not need to see. For instance, during Katrina CNN was showing dead bodies on the streets. Yea we need to see the disaster so we can help, but we do not need to see dead people in the street to get the picture. That is why the Vietnam War was so bad, because CNN was showing the shooting and killing of soldiers. But I think that CNN is positive and will continue to watch it. As far as MTV goes, I think MTV is whack and will not watch it. When I am older I will encourage my kids not to watch MTV.
6. Some critics argue that citizens no longer participate in traditional neighborhood activities and that cable has played a role in fragmenting society, keeping us in our homes. Do you agree or disagree? What has cable done well, and in what ways has it adversely affected society?
- I would have to agree with the critics. I do believe that most people would watch TV then go outside and perform an activity. With so many channels and shows coming on all day, it is hard not to fall into a television trance. Another reason why we are staying in our homes ins video games. I think video games are just as responsible for the decline in activites. I play a lot of video games and have since I was younger. I still work out and do my activites, but at night time I like to play video games. I think that cable tv and video games are why America is so obese. People would rather watch a TV show then go to the gym. Or teenagers would rather play NFL Madden 2011 for their XBOX 360, then go play touch football in the yard. With the US advancing in technolgoy, I believe that neighborhood activites will continue to decline. Video games, TV, and the Internet are why nobody is going outside anymore.
For example; My grandad would rather sit in the house all day and watch the Weather Channel and ESPN, then go outside for a walk. I try to get him to play catch with me, but he is almost like a TV zombie. Cable TV does a lot of good with providing news and giving us entertainment. But it also damages our society.
- My favorite channel by far is ESPN. I watch Sportscenter, 30 for 30 films, PTI, Baseball Tonight, and any kind of sport game that comes on. I could not have lived back before the late 80s before ESPN was invented. ESPN is the reason that sports are as big as they are today. Back in the 70s they would have one MLB baseball game on and it would be the game of the week. Now with satellite and an ESPN package, you can watch every game that is on that day. I am attracted to it because I am a sports fanatic. I am sports 24/7. I also watch CNN to check up on the news. I watch some shows on FX, TBS, and Comedy Central. Most of them are funny shows, but I will watch almost anything for a little bit, except for reality shows. Most of the shows I watch are on Showtime like Dexter, Weeds, Cali fornication. But Showtime is not a cable channel so they do not count. If I had to pick one channel to watch for the rest of my life, it would be ESPN.
4. CNN and MTV have changed our society as well as the global culture. Have these changes been positive or negative? Explain.
-I believe this question could go either way. There are some positives and negatives. Some of the positive things are that with CNN you can catch up on all the news around the world. Anything from a kidnapping to a terrorist threat. I make sure to watch at least an hour of CNN a day, to keep up with the news. Also with MTV, it is good that we can watch music videos on our TV. MTV also provides shows for teens. Most of these shows are OK for teens, but some are not. I think that most of the shows are stupid on MTV. Take Jackass for instance. They hurt themselves and act like fools on the show, then people go out and try to be them and hurt themselves. That is not setting a good example for teenagers. Another bad thing is that the teenagers could watch more MTV then do their homework. Most of CNN is positive, but some things we do not need to see. For instance, during Katrina CNN was showing dead bodies on the streets. Yea we need to see the disaster so we can help, but we do not need to see dead people in the street to get the picture. That is why the Vietnam War was so bad, because CNN was showing the shooting and killing of soldiers. But I think that CNN is positive and will continue to watch it. As far as MTV goes, I think MTV is whack and will not watch it. When I am older I will encourage my kids not to watch MTV.
6. Some critics argue that citizens no longer participate in traditional neighborhood activities and that cable has played a role in fragmenting society, keeping us in our homes. Do you agree or disagree? What has cable done well, and in what ways has it adversely affected society?
- I would have to agree with the critics. I do believe that most people would watch TV then go outside and perform an activity. With so many channels and shows coming on all day, it is hard not to fall into a television trance. Another reason why we are staying in our homes ins video games. I think video games are just as responsible for the decline in activites. I play a lot of video games and have since I was younger. I still work out and do my activites, but at night time I like to play video games. I think that cable tv and video games are why America is so obese. People would rather watch a TV show then go to the gym. Or teenagers would rather play NFL Madden 2011 for their XBOX 360, then go play touch football in the yard. With the US advancing in technolgoy, I believe that neighborhood activites will continue to decline. Video games, TV, and the Internet are why nobody is going outside anymore.
For example; My grandad would rather sit in the house all day and watch the Weather Channel and ESPN, then go outside for a walk. I try to get him to play catch with me, but he is almost like a TV zombie. Cable TV does a lot of good with providing news and giving us entertainment. But it also damages our society.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Chapter 5 Questions
1. Describe your earliest memories of watching television. What was your favorite show? Which, if any, did your family watch together? Were there shows that you were not allowed to watch? Which ones and why.
-Since I can remember, I have always watched ESPN. I use to watch Sports Center rather than study for my tests when I was in elementary school. My mom had to turn the TV off almost every afternoon. If she didn't, she knew that I would pretend to study, while I got my sports updates. Sports Center on ESPN, Nick at Night, Doug, Saved By the Bell, Full House, Boy Meets World, and Fresh Prince of Bell-Air were most of the shows I watched. I loved waiting for Friday nights and Nick at Night on Nickelodeon. They would play All-That, Red and Stimpy, and my favorite "Are you afraid of the dark." I was pretty much allowed to watch whatever I wanted on TV. We did not have HBO or satellite channels, so my parents did not have to worry about me seeing nudity or strong language. I saw my first rated R movie (The Last of the Mohican's) when I was seven. I watched a few shows with my parents when I was growing up. My favorites were Inside Edition and Entertainment Tonight. These shows keep up with mostly celebrities lives. It is interesting to see how the rich and famous live. You think it would be fabulous all the time, but its not. I also watched the news and sport games with my dad. Sometimes even good ole boring Weather Channel. I have enjoyed watching TV for as long as I have. I learn most things from watching TV. It keeps me up to date.
2. How much television do you watch today? Which programs do you watch regularly? What attracts you to your favorite program?
-I watch a good bit of TV. I do not know how much per day, but I would say about six to seven hours. I wake up to Sports Center on ESPN. It is by far my favorite show in the world. I am probably the biggest sports fan there is. Sports Center covers almost every sport in the world. It has up to date info on all my favorite teams and players. I will watch the same episode of Sports Center numerous times a day, to implant the info in my brain haha. Another program I enjoy is South Park on Comedy Central. This show is stupid and offensive to some, but I think it is hilarious. I have seen maybe 2 episodes out of the thirteen seasons of South Park that were not funny to me. I really enjoy the episodes where they make fun of celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Brittney Spears, and Michael Jackson. I also enjoy watching Gordon Ramsey's cooking shows. Whether its Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, or Master Chief. I like to watch people cook, so I can try to learn something myself. I watch Sons of Anarchy on FX, religiously. It is a show about a biker gang. It is action packed and also has a good plot to it. I will also watch movies that have now come on TV. I don't watch made for TV movies though. I also hate reality shows. I think they are so stupid and will never watch them.
5. How do you think new technologies will change TV viewing habits?
-With new advancements in technology, I think that people will continue to watch TV frequently. With the creation of Tivo or DVR, people can now record their favorite shows. I mean seriously, ten years ago did you ever think you would be able to pause TV. Simply amazing. I believe that the DVR is one of the greatest inventions ever made. With people being so busy, now they can record shows at their homes from work. Also people are going with flat screen TVs. All though they may be a little more expensive, the picture quality kicks ass. Compare a 42 inch 1080p TV to a 1995 Toshiba box TV. The difference will astonish you. Also TV is becoming more clearer with HD and Blu-Ray. Watching a sports game in HD is almost like being there. You can see the sweat pouring off their heads, and can read players tattoos. I do not know how they will get much better than HD or Blu-Ray, but they will trust me. Another way viewing habits will change is with 3D TVs. They have just come out this year. Imagine watching every show or sporting event, in 3D. If you were watching a NFL game, you would think that Peyton Manning is throwing the ball to you. I haven't seen one yet, but I would love to watch something in 3D. With all these advancements, people may watch more TV than ever now and into the future.
-Since I can remember, I have always watched ESPN. I use to watch Sports Center rather than study for my tests when I was in elementary school. My mom had to turn the TV off almost every afternoon. If she didn't, she knew that I would pretend to study, while I got my sports updates. Sports Center on ESPN, Nick at Night, Doug, Saved By the Bell, Full House, Boy Meets World, and Fresh Prince of Bell-Air were most of the shows I watched. I loved waiting for Friday nights and Nick at Night on Nickelodeon. They would play All-That, Red and Stimpy, and my favorite "Are you afraid of the dark." I was pretty much allowed to watch whatever I wanted on TV. We did not have HBO or satellite channels, so my parents did not have to worry about me seeing nudity or strong language. I saw my first rated R movie (The Last of the Mohican's) when I was seven. I watched a few shows with my parents when I was growing up. My favorites were Inside Edition and Entertainment Tonight. These shows keep up with mostly celebrities lives. It is interesting to see how the rich and famous live. You think it would be fabulous all the time, but its not. I also watched the news and sport games with my dad. Sometimes even good ole boring Weather Channel. I have enjoyed watching TV for as long as I have. I learn most things from watching TV. It keeps me up to date.
2. How much television do you watch today? Which programs do you watch regularly? What attracts you to your favorite program?
-I watch a good bit of TV. I do not know how much per day, but I would say about six to seven hours. I wake up to Sports Center on ESPN. It is by far my favorite show in the world. I am probably the biggest sports fan there is. Sports Center covers almost every sport in the world. It has up to date info on all my favorite teams and players. I will watch the same episode of Sports Center numerous times a day, to implant the info in my brain haha. Another program I enjoy is South Park on Comedy Central. This show is stupid and offensive to some, but I think it is hilarious. I have seen maybe 2 episodes out of the thirteen seasons of South Park that were not funny to me. I really enjoy the episodes where they make fun of celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Brittney Spears, and Michael Jackson. I also enjoy watching Gordon Ramsey's cooking shows. Whether its Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, or Master Chief. I like to watch people cook, so I can try to learn something myself. I watch Sons of Anarchy on FX, religiously. It is a show about a biker gang. It is action packed and also has a good plot to it. I will also watch movies that have now come on TV. I don't watch made for TV movies though. I also hate reality shows. I think they are so stupid and will never watch them.
5. How do you think new technologies will change TV viewing habits?
-With new advancements in technology, I think that people will continue to watch TV frequently. With the creation of Tivo or DVR, people can now record their favorite shows. I mean seriously, ten years ago did you ever think you would be able to pause TV. Simply amazing. I believe that the DVR is one of the greatest inventions ever made. With people being so busy, now they can record shows at their homes from work. Also people are going with flat screen TVs. All though they may be a little more expensive, the picture quality kicks ass. Compare a 42 inch 1080p TV to a 1995 Toshiba box TV. The difference will astonish you. Also TV is becoming more clearer with HD and Blu-Ray. Watching a sports game in HD is almost like being there. You can see the sweat pouring off their heads, and can read players tattoos. I do not know how they will get much better than HD or Blu-Ray, but they will trust me. Another way viewing habits will change is with 3D TVs. They have just come out this year. Imagine watching every show or sporting event, in 3D. If you were watching a NFL game, you would think that Peyton Manning is throwing the ball to you. I haven't seen one yet, but I would love to watch something in 3D. With all these advancements, people may watch more TV than ever now and into the future.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Chapter 4 Questions
1. Describe your earliest memories of listening to radio. Do you remember a favorite song? How old were you? Do you remember the station's call letters? Why did you listen?
- The earliest I remember is when I was about five listening to country radio stations. I would listen to WSOC FM 103.7. I would listen to this when I was with my mom because she loved country music. When I rode with my dad I would listen to Magic 96.1. This radio station played oldies music. My dad use to sing along with Elvis and Chairman of the Board, and I would sing to when I learned the songs. I believe this is why I enjoy oldies music today. They don't make music like they did in the 60s, 70s, and 80s anymore. By far the best music ever. I listened because that's what my parents listened to. Now I listen to 99.7 The FOX which plays 70s and 80s rock.
3. If you could own and manage a commercial radio station, what format would you choose, and why.
-If I had to own a commercial radio station, I would own a sports talk station. I would have a station where callers could call in and talk with me about current events in sports. I would also try and have professional sports athletes to come and talk on my show. Sports has always been my favorite thing in the world. My family has always teased me and said," If you knew your schoolwork like you knew your sports, you could go to Harvard." I would love to be a radio DJ for ESPN radio. That would be so much fun.
5. How might radio be used to improve social and political discussions in the US?
- I think it can improve because most people get there information from the radio. Americans spend a lot of time in their cars. The radio is the mass media that people listen to when they are driving. If people are on the road a lot for their job, they may never be able to watch the news on TV. So they turn to local radio stations or satellite radio to tell them their news. Newspaper companies may be worried about their future, but radio stations have nothing to fear. People will always listen to the radio.
- The earliest I remember is when I was about five listening to country radio stations. I would listen to WSOC FM 103.7. I would listen to this when I was with my mom because she loved country music. When I rode with my dad I would listen to Magic 96.1. This radio station played oldies music. My dad use to sing along with Elvis and Chairman of the Board, and I would sing to when I learned the songs. I believe this is why I enjoy oldies music today. They don't make music like they did in the 60s, 70s, and 80s anymore. By far the best music ever. I listened because that's what my parents listened to. Now I listen to 99.7 The FOX which plays 70s and 80s rock.
3. If you could own and manage a commercial radio station, what format would you choose, and why.
-If I had to own a commercial radio station, I would own a sports talk station. I would have a station where callers could call in and talk with me about current events in sports. I would also try and have professional sports athletes to come and talk on my show. Sports has always been my favorite thing in the world. My family has always teased me and said," If you knew your schoolwork like you knew your sports, you could go to Harvard." I would love to be a radio DJ for ESPN radio. That would be so much fun.
5. How might radio be used to improve social and political discussions in the US?
- I think it can improve because most people get there information from the radio. Americans spend a lot of time in their cars. The radio is the mass media that people listen to when they are driving. If people are on the road a lot for their job, they may never be able to watch the news on TV. So they turn to local radio stations or satellite radio to tell them their news. Newspaper companies may be worried about their future, but radio stations have nothing to fear. People will always listen to the radio.
Chapter 3 Questions
1. Who was your first favorite singer or group? How old were you at the time? What was important to you about the music?
- My first favorite singer was Tim Mcgraw. My mom use to play a lot of country music in the car when I was growing up. Tim Mcgraw was always my favorite. My dad listened to more oldies music like Elvis, Beatles, and others. My mom was a big Boston fan as well, so I grew up listening to them to. I was probablly about 8 when I realized Tim Mcgraw was my favorite singer. I have been to six of his concerts. My favorite song he sang was, "Maybe We Should Just Sleep on in Tonight." It was my first girlfriend and I's song. He never sang about anything bad. All he talked about was having a good time, or about a loved one. Some of his songs are sad, but I love all of them. He will probably be my favorite singer of all time.
3. Think about the role of the 1960s drug culture in rock's history. How are drugs and alcohol treated in contemporary forms of rock and hip-hop today?
- Back in the 60's, almost everyone was taking some kind of drug. Most drugs were legal, so artists would do some drugs and make music. Take Woodstock for instance. Hundreds of thousands of people would go to Woodstock and just do drugs, and listen to music. I am glad I did not grow up back then, because I definitely would have been a hippie. Today all the drugs that were legal back then are illegal. Artists are scared of doing drugs because fear of getting caught. However, many artists today continue to use drugs. Hip-Hop rappers are constantly being caught with illegal drugs and being put in jail. I guess things were just more laid back, back then.
5. Do you think the Internet as a technology has helped or hurt musical artists? Why do so many contemporary musical performers differ their op ions about the Internet?
- The Internet can both hurt musicians and help musicians. The way it hurts them is that people can go online and download their music for free. If I can go online and download Tim Mcgraws new CD and burn it to a disc, I am not going to buy his CD. Just like how Napster went out of business. Artists such as Metallica, got mad and demanded them not to be able to do it anymore. It hurts artists record sales. Now people use I-tunes and have to pay $1 for the songs. It also in a way helps unknown artists. Artist that are just beginning can use the Internet to get their music out. Artist can post music videos on YouTube and create web pages telling people about their band. If people would not download music for free, the Internet would be a great source for artists.
- My first favorite singer was Tim Mcgraw. My mom use to play a lot of country music in the car when I was growing up. Tim Mcgraw was always my favorite. My dad listened to more oldies music like Elvis, Beatles, and others. My mom was a big Boston fan as well, so I grew up listening to them to. I was probablly about 8 when I realized Tim Mcgraw was my favorite singer. I have been to six of his concerts. My favorite song he sang was, "Maybe We Should Just Sleep on in Tonight." It was my first girlfriend and I's song. He never sang about anything bad. All he talked about was having a good time, or about a loved one. Some of his songs are sad, but I love all of them. He will probably be my favorite singer of all time.
3. Think about the role of the 1960s drug culture in rock's history. How are drugs and alcohol treated in contemporary forms of rock and hip-hop today?
- Back in the 60's, almost everyone was taking some kind of drug. Most drugs were legal, so artists would do some drugs and make music. Take Woodstock for instance. Hundreds of thousands of people would go to Woodstock and just do drugs, and listen to music. I am glad I did not grow up back then, because I definitely would have been a hippie. Today all the drugs that were legal back then are illegal. Artists are scared of doing drugs because fear of getting caught. However, many artists today continue to use drugs. Hip-Hop rappers are constantly being caught with illegal drugs and being put in jail. I guess things were just more laid back, back then.
5. Do you think the Internet as a technology has helped or hurt musical artists? Why do so many contemporary musical performers differ their op ions about the Internet?
- The Internet can both hurt musicians and help musicians. The way it hurts them is that people can go online and download their music for free. If I can go online and download Tim Mcgraws new CD and burn it to a disc, I am not going to buy his CD. Just like how Napster went out of business. Artists such as Metallica, got mad and demanded them not to be able to do it anymore. It hurts artists record sales. Now people use I-tunes and have to pay $1 for the songs. It also in a way helps unknown artists. Artist that are just beginning can use the Internet to get their music out. Artist can post music videos on YouTube and create web pages telling people about their band. If people would not download music for free, the Internet would be a great source for artists.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Chapter 2: Questioning the Media
2. What possibilities of the Internets future are you most excited about? Why? what possibilities are the most troubling? Why?
- I am really excited to see how the Internet will be in future. I believe that all computers will be touch screen technology. I could see us talking to people on the computer through a hologram. The Internet will only get faster. There will be advancements in technology making the computer a lot better. Look at how far the Internet has come in the last ten years. I just got Windows 7 and I am like how is this going to get better, but it will. I really do not see any problems in the future. There could be problems with people getting on and stealing stuff from you. Always pick a good password and do not let anyone know it. I can't wait to see how the Internet will be in ten years.
5. As we move from a print-oriented Industrial Age to a digitally based Information Age, how do you think individuals, communities, and nations will be affected?
- Everyone is affected when we move from a print-oriented society to digitally based age. By using digital technology, things will be made easier. We will not use so much paper. There will be more trees saved with less consumption of paper. You can keep up with things better. Most people have calenders on their cell phones. This way people can keep up with what they have to do by looking at their phones, instead of writing things down with pens and paper. Although the digital world is a good thing, it can also be bad for some people. Newspaper companies are worried that in the future people will no longer read the newspaper. You can go online and read the paper on their websites, why would you need a hard copy? Printing companies could go out of business. Writers could loose their jobs. Some of the older people in the world may not know how to use digital technology. My mom is the most non technology person I know. I have to show her how to work everything. In the future everything will be digital, so we better start learning how to cope with it.
1. What was your first encounter with the Internet like? How did it compare with your first encounters with other mass media?
- I believe I was about seven years old when I first came in contact with the Internet. I was so fascinated with how I could look up anything I wanted to. Back then the Internet was way slower than it is today, but I thought it was the greatest thing ever. To be able to search for anything in the world, makes you feel like you have a lot of power. I use to Instant Messenger my friends a lot in elementary school and middle school. It was a cool way to chat with your friends and keep up with what they were doing. You could also ask a classmate what the homework assignment was for that night. I asked a girl to the fifth grade dance on Instant Messenger, and she said,"YES" with a smiley face. That made me feel special ha ha. The Internet is by far the one of the greatest things ever invented. The only thing that can compare to it that I remember, is Nintendo. Other than that the Internet is in a league of its on.
- I am really excited to see how the Internet will be in future. I believe that all computers will be touch screen technology. I could see us talking to people on the computer through a hologram. The Internet will only get faster. There will be advancements in technology making the computer a lot better. Look at how far the Internet has come in the last ten years. I just got Windows 7 and I am like how is this going to get better, but it will. I really do not see any problems in the future. There could be problems with people getting on and stealing stuff from you. Always pick a good password and do not let anyone know it. I can't wait to see how the Internet will be in ten years.
5. As we move from a print-oriented Industrial Age to a digitally based Information Age, how do you think individuals, communities, and nations will be affected?
- Everyone is affected when we move from a print-oriented society to digitally based age. By using digital technology, things will be made easier. We will not use so much paper. There will be more trees saved with less consumption of paper. You can keep up with things better. Most people have calenders on their cell phones. This way people can keep up with what they have to do by looking at their phones, instead of writing things down with pens and paper. Although the digital world is a good thing, it can also be bad for some people. Newspaper companies are worried that in the future people will no longer read the newspaper. You can go online and read the paper on their websites, why would you need a hard copy? Printing companies could go out of business. Writers could loose their jobs. Some of the older people in the world may not know how to use digital technology. My mom is the most non technology person I know. I have to show her how to work everything. In the future everything will be digital, so we better start learning how to cope with it.
1. What was your first encounter with the Internet like? How did it compare with your first encounters with other mass media?
- I believe I was about seven years old when I first came in contact with the Internet. I was so fascinated with how I could look up anything I wanted to. Back then the Internet was way slower than it is today, but I thought it was the greatest thing ever. To be able to search for anything in the world, makes you feel like you have a lot of power. I use to Instant Messenger my friends a lot in elementary school and middle school. It was a cool way to chat with your friends and keep up with what they were doing. You could also ask a classmate what the homework assignment was for that night. I asked a girl to the fifth grade dance on Instant Messenger, and she said,"YES" with a smiley face. That made me feel special ha ha. The Internet is by far the one of the greatest things ever invented. The only thing that can compare to it that I remember, is Nintendo. Other than that the Internet is in a league of its on.
Chapter 1: Questioning the Media
4. Make a critical case either defending or condemning South Park, Soap Opera, etc. Use the 5 Step critical process to develop your position.
- I am the biggest South Park fan in the world, so of course I am going to defend it. South Park is a comedy animated show that makes fun of current events in the world. It could be any current event from the presidential elections, to something dealing with Brittaney Spears. South Park has no limits, they will make fun of whatever they want to. I will be the first to admit that South Park sometimes takes it over the top with what they say on the show, but I will continue to watch until it goes off air. Although they are sometimes a little naughty, what they say is often true. This may sound bad, but I believe that I learn something sometimes when I watch the show. Take the Atheist show for instance. I did not know what they believed, but South Park showed what they believe so now I know. South Parks strengths are that millions of people watch the show, and have for years. Weaknesses are that they offend people and certain religions. South Park remains my favorite show so I will keep watching.
3. Pick an example of popular media product that you think is harmful to children. How would you make your concerns known? Should the product be removed from circulation? Why or why not? If you think the product should be banned, how would you do it?
- The product from the media I think should be removed for children is rap music. I know we can not get rid of it totally, but we should not let children listen to it. It uses explicit language that no child should be hearing. They also talk about shooting people, robbing people, and doing drugs. Rap music talks about gangs committing crimes and quiting school. No child should listen to this. Just like no child should be watching R rated movies. They do not need to be seeing or hearing guns shooting or people doing drugs. When I become a parent my child will not listen to rap music or watch R rated movies, until I think he is old enough to do so.
5. Although in some ways postmodern forms of communication such as email, MTV, cell phones, and Twitter, have helped citizens participate in global life, in what ways might these forms harm more traditional and native cultures.
- Email has harmed native cultures because it is more impersonal than face to face communication. Sending someone an email is not personal at all. People hardly often hand write letters to people or chat as much on the phone now with email. Email eliminates our ability to have talk with people in person. Although cell phones are good in emergency situations, they also create emergency situations. There has been an increase in deaths on the interstate from people talking or texting on their phones. There have been more accidents. People do not realize how dangerous it is to text and drive. You pay more attention to what the person is saying, then you do the road. That is why law enforcement made it illegal for a person to talk on his or her phone when they drive. MTV has taken away the fun of going to concerts. With the ability to watch music videos on TV, more and more people turn to MTV instead of going to a live show. I use all of these communication devices, but I try and use them in the right way.
- I am the biggest South Park fan in the world, so of course I am going to defend it. South Park is a comedy animated show that makes fun of current events in the world. It could be any current event from the presidential elections, to something dealing with Brittaney Spears. South Park has no limits, they will make fun of whatever they want to. I will be the first to admit that South Park sometimes takes it over the top with what they say on the show, but I will continue to watch until it goes off air. Although they are sometimes a little naughty, what they say is often true. This may sound bad, but I believe that I learn something sometimes when I watch the show. Take the Atheist show for instance. I did not know what they believed, but South Park showed what they believe so now I know. South Parks strengths are that millions of people watch the show, and have for years. Weaknesses are that they offend people and certain religions. South Park remains my favorite show so I will keep watching.
3. Pick an example of popular media product that you think is harmful to children. How would you make your concerns known? Should the product be removed from circulation? Why or why not? If you think the product should be banned, how would you do it?
- The product from the media I think should be removed for children is rap music. I know we can not get rid of it totally, but we should not let children listen to it. It uses explicit language that no child should be hearing. They also talk about shooting people, robbing people, and doing drugs. Rap music talks about gangs committing crimes and quiting school. No child should listen to this. Just like no child should be watching R rated movies. They do not need to be seeing or hearing guns shooting or people doing drugs. When I become a parent my child will not listen to rap music or watch R rated movies, until I think he is old enough to do so.
5. Although in some ways postmodern forms of communication such as email, MTV, cell phones, and Twitter, have helped citizens participate in global life, in what ways might these forms harm more traditional and native cultures.
- Email has harmed native cultures because it is more impersonal than face to face communication. Sending someone an email is not personal at all. People hardly often hand write letters to people or chat as much on the phone now with email. Email eliminates our ability to have talk with people in person. Although cell phones are good in emergency situations, they also create emergency situations. There has been an increase in deaths on the interstate from people talking or texting on their phones. There have been more accidents. People do not realize how dangerous it is to text and drive. You pay more attention to what the person is saying, then you do the road. That is why law enforcement made it illegal for a person to talk on his or her phone when they drive. MTV has taken away the fun of going to concerts. With the ability to watch music videos on TV, more and more people turn to MTV instead of going to a live show. I use all of these communication devices, but I try and use them in the right way.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Case Study- "The Sleeper Curve"
Case Study pg 20-21
Do you enjoy T.V. shows and video games that your parents or grandparents don't understand?
- I enjoy playing sports video games as well as watching sports on T.V. Sports have been my number one hobby since I was about six years old. All the games i play on my XBOX 360 are sports games that my parents and grandparents understand, because they have watched me play them for years. The one game I can think of that they might not understand is FIFA. It is a soccer game and I never played soccer growing up, so my parents do not really understand the rules. They might not understand why I play video games so much, but they understand the games I play. As far as T.V. shows, I watch almost the same shows my parents watch. We like Hell's Kitchen, Dexter, Weeds, any 48 hours show, Forensic Files, and many other. I watch a lot of sports shows and games. The only sport my mom will watch religiously is football. I also watch South Park because it is the funniest show on television. That is one show that my parents or grandparents would not understand. My grandmother caught me watching South Park when I was a little younger and heard the bad language on the show. She cut that T.V. off so fast it made my head spin. One thing that my parents and grandparents watch that I don't watch often, is the news. Sometimes I will watch CNN or Nancy Grace, but my dad and grandpa's watch the local news all the time. They also watch the Weather Channel, where I just check the weather on my phone. All in all we enjoy about the same T.V. shows, and I play games that they understand. They just don't want to play them.
What types of stories and games do they enjoy?
- My parents and grandparents enjoy murder mystery stories and shows. I would say that most everyone enjoys a good comedy story. My dad and grandpa are always trying to say something funny, and most of the time they make the whole family giggle. The women in my family are not very big on Action stories, where as the men are. I like a good Action movie as long as it is not too over the top. Nobody in my family enjoys futuristic or science-fiction stories. If it has to do with aliens in space or all of us driving flying cars in the future, I am not interested. Everyone in my family enjoys sports stories. The first movie my grandpa ever made me watch was "Rudy." That is still one of my favorite movies of all time. It is so inspiring and really makes you believe that you can do anything you put your mine too. My mom really likes to watch or play guessing games, such as "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" or Trivial Pursuit.
What did earlier generations value in storytelling, and what is similar and dissimilar about storytelling today?
- I believe that story telling back in the day were more non-fiction related. Most stories came from life experiences. People based their stories more on facts instead of he said, she said. There were not all these bogus magazines writing articles like,"Elvis was seen in NC" or "Big Foot spotted in New York City." I believe that new stories are more fiction based. With the growth in the media, more rumors are passed that are not true. As Americans we believe almost all we hear in the news. Sometimes the news can be untruthful, but since we heard it on CNN we believe it. Also they probably told a lot more stories about the wars. My grandpa's have told me bits and pieces about their experience at war, but back in the day war was happening all the time, so plenty more stories to tell about it. The Mass Media today puts out stories making us wonder which one is true or which one is false.
Interview with someone from an earlier generation-
- For this question I choose to interview my mother. The first thing my mother talked about was how advanced technology has become over time. There were no Nintendo, cell phones, or computers when she was growing up. I could not imagine living without computer access. I do not know how people got along without it. My generation has had the privilege of being able to use the computer whenever we want. My aunts and my mom use to use their imaginations when they were growing up. Since they had no computers to browse on, they would play cowboys and Indians, put on shows for family, or make a haunted house in the woods for the family. There were also no reality shows on T.V. I think that reality shows are the stupidest shows on T.V, but a lot of people watch them. My sisters and cousins would be in panic if they woke up tomorrow and had no Bachelor or Jersey Shore to watch. The shows that were on T.V. were family shows such as The Brady Bunch, Three's Company, and The Waltons. My mom said, "The shows were family oriented, good shows that taught life lessons. There were no people getting shot or blown up on T.V. If there were crime shows, they were soft crime." I believe it was a more laid back time. The use of violence on T.V. has led to more violence in the real world.
One of the big cultural differences is that everything is at a touch of a button, simple gratification. These days if you want to talk to a friend that is out of town you can simply send them a text. When my mom was growing up and had a friend out of town, she would have to write them a letter. Sometimes it would take weeks for them to hear back from them. It was a more patient time back then. There was no social networking, no Facebook, and no instant messenger. If she wanted to talk to a friend that lived near her, she would have to wait til she got home to use a land line to call them. With the advances in technology sometimes my mom feels lost. We got a 50 inch TV not to long ago and she had no idea how to work it. That is where I come in. I try to help my mom as much as I can with technology with her computer, her TV, and also her cell phone. Although she has unlimited text on her phone, she probably uses about twenty texts a month. We hardly ever text each other. She will send me pictures of my dog Otis in a text every now and then, but other than that she never uses text messaging. I talk to my mom frequently on the telephone. I will call her on the house phone more than on her cell phone, so it is not to confusing for her.
Do you enjoy T.V. shows and video games that your parents or grandparents don't understand?
- I enjoy playing sports video games as well as watching sports on T.V. Sports have been my number one hobby since I was about six years old. All the games i play on my XBOX 360 are sports games that my parents and grandparents understand, because they have watched me play them for years. The one game I can think of that they might not understand is FIFA. It is a soccer game and I never played soccer growing up, so my parents do not really understand the rules. They might not understand why I play video games so much, but they understand the games I play. As far as T.V. shows, I watch almost the same shows my parents watch. We like Hell's Kitchen, Dexter, Weeds, any 48 hours show, Forensic Files, and many other. I watch a lot of sports shows and games. The only sport my mom will watch religiously is football. I also watch South Park because it is the funniest show on television. That is one show that my parents or grandparents would not understand. My grandmother caught me watching South Park when I was a little younger and heard the bad language on the show. She cut that T.V. off so fast it made my head spin. One thing that my parents and grandparents watch that I don't watch often, is the news. Sometimes I will watch CNN or Nancy Grace, but my dad and grandpa's watch the local news all the time. They also watch the Weather Channel, where I just check the weather on my phone. All in all we enjoy about the same T.V. shows, and I play games that they understand. They just don't want to play them.
What types of stories and games do they enjoy?
- My parents and grandparents enjoy murder mystery stories and shows. I would say that most everyone enjoys a good comedy story. My dad and grandpa are always trying to say something funny, and most of the time they make the whole family giggle. The women in my family are not very big on Action stories, where as the men are. I like a good Action movie as long as it is not too over the top. Nobody in my family enjoys futuristic or science-fiction stories. If it has to do with aliens in space or all of us driving flying cars in the future, I am not interested. Everyone in my family enjoys sports stories. The first movie my grandpa ever made me watch was "Rudy." That is still one of my favorite movies of all time. It is so inspiring and really makes you believe that you can do anything you put your mine too. My mom really likes to watch or play guessing games, such as "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" or Trivial Pursuit.
What did earlier generations value in storytelling, and what is similar and dissimilar about storytelling today?
- I believe that story telling back in the day were more non-fiction related. Most stories came from life experiences. People based their stories more on facts instead of he said, she said. There were not all these bogus magazines writing articles like,"Elvis was seen in NC" or "Big Foot spotted in New York City." I believe that new stories are more fiction based. With the growth in the media, more rumors are passed that are not true. As Americans we believe almost all we hear in the news. Sometimes the news can be untruthful, but since we heard it on CNN we believe it. Also they probably told a lot more stories about the wars. My grandpa's have told me bits and pieces about their experience at war, but back in the day war was happening all the time, so plenty more stories to tell about it. The Mass Media today puts out stories making us wonder which one is true or which one is false.
Interview with someone from an earlier generation-
- For this question I choose to interview my mother. The first thing my mother talked about was how advanced technology has become over time. There were no Nintendo, cell phones, or computers when she was growing up. I could not imagine living without computer access. I do not know how people got along without it. My generation has had the privilege of being able to use the computer whenever we want. My aunts and my mom use to use their imaginations when they were growing up. Since they had no computers to browse on, they would play cowboys and Indians, put on shows for family, or make a haunted house in the woods for the family. There were also no reality shows on T.V. I think that reality shows are the stupidest shows on T.V, but a lot of people watch them. My sisters and cousins would be in panic if they woke up tomorrow and had no Bachelor or Jersey Shore to watch. The shows that were on T.V. were family shows such as The Brady Bunch, Three's Company, and The Waltons. My mom said, "The shows were family oriented, good shows that taught life lessons. There were no people getting shot or blown up on T.V. If there were crime shows, they were soft crime." I believe it was a more laid back time. The use of violence on T.V. has led to more violence in the real world.
One of the big cultural differences is that everything is at a touch of a button, simple gratification. These days if you want to talk to a friend that is out of town you can simply send them a text. When my mom was growing up and had a friend out of town, she would have to write them a letter. Sometimes it would take weeks for them to hear back from them. It was a more patient time back then. There was no social networking, no Facebook, and no instant messenger. If she wanted to talk to a friend that lived near her, she would have to wait til she got home to use a land line to call them. With the advances in technology sometimes my mom feels lost. We got a 50 inch TV not to long ago and she had no idea how to work it. That is where I come in. I try to help my mom as much as I can with technology with her computer, her TV, and also her cell phone. Although she has unlimited text on her phone, she probably uses about twenty texts a month. We hardly ever text each other. She will send me pictures of my dog Otis in a text every now and then, but other than that she never uses text messaging. I talk to my mom frequently on the telephone. I will call her on the house phone more than on her cell phone, so it is not to confusing for her.
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