Class Highlights

I have learned a lot about different aspects of media from this class.  I am now more aware of the abilities and limitations of each form of media as well as how they can significantly impact the lives of people.  My media literacy has definitely improved because now I don't blindly accept messages at first glance. Instead, I analyze the ulterior motive behind the broadcasted messages and limit their effect on me.  I am now more suspicious about news and the hidden agenda that their corporate owners have.  I pay more attention to news than I did before the class and I am learning how my friends and family is influenced by seemingly harmless media bits.  I am more appreciative of the first amendment and of journalists rights to pursue fair and balanced reporting.  Here is a presentation that summarizes media literacy and other media aspects:

Media Ethics and Media Law

President Obama is proposing a media shield law which states that reporters will not have to reveal their sources upon further investigations.  Some people argue that such a law will give the government too much influence in choosing which reporters to protect and therefore be infringing on the free speech of journalists.  We must ensure that free reporting techniques are not compromised or else government will have more control in the messages that are being broadcast. 

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Obama-media-first-amendment/2013/05/28/id/506648

Propaganda

This was an ad done by Jeep which aired during the 2013 Super Bowl.  The ad is voiced over by Oprah Winfrey who talks about how the nation will be whole again once all service members return from war zones.  Images of separation and hardship are juxtaposed with homecoming and joy while Jeeps are driving around in the background.  By using the military and patriotism, Jeep's commercial is propaganda at work. 

The commercial uses 2 propaganda techniques:

Flag-waving

Jeep's commercial claims that buying a Jeep is a patriotic action that supports the troops at home and abroad.  Jeep wants people to associate their products with service to the nation. 

Euphoria

Jeep uses images of reunion and celebrations as service members are reunited with their loved ones.  The commercials make people feel good about the military coming home and at the same time feel good about the products being advertised.  Images of waving flags and soldiers in uniform contribute to the patriotic and nationalistic feelings.   

Internet

I have used the internet for shopping and gaming.  I know two people who have used the internet for dating and eventually married someone they met on dating websites.  For about a year, I was hooked on a popular online game called World of Warcraft.

This was a game that instantly connected players with thousands of other users to form large online communities.  I would spend hours completing quests and fighting simulated battles.  Playing this game took time away from my studies so my grades were dropping.  I was getting sleep deprived because I would stay up late to play the game after school and work.  Eventually, I was neglecting homework and other priorities and my diet consisted of microwavable meals and fast food.  To prevent any more harm to my social life, I promptly deleted the game and have not played much games since that time.  I learned to take control of your internet usage before it takes control of you!  Here is a video about a teen addicted to World of Warcraft.    

Television

Length: 1:50
Description: Is too much TV bad for your health?
Chapter 9: Television
Quiz Question:  What are some negative effects caused by watching too much television?
Answer:  Promotes sedentary lifestyle which causes people to eat more and increases the risk of getting heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Movies and Recordings

My favorite movie of 2013 is Django Unchained.  I enjoyed the twist of a slave being the main protagonist and embarking on a journey to free his wife.  I liked the action and the dialogue of all the characters and was impressed at the costumes and scenery of the slavery time period.  This movie challenged me to reconsider the stereotype of slaves and proposed an alternate reality of slaves fighting against their masters. I saw this movie as an electronic copy on the internet.

My favorite movie of all time is Saving Private Ryan.  It brought brutal images of World War II to life in a very dramatic fashion.  It didn't glorify the violence at all but instead displayed the human sacrifices men had to make in order to survive on a daily basis.  I enjoyed the portrayal of Soldier camaraderie, the pondering over moral dilemmas arising during wartime, and the climatic battle scene where a few American Soldiers stood their ground against a well armed German attack.  This movie has made me rethink the "value" of war because it causes so many promising young lives to be cut short.  I first saw this movie on video cassette.

Magazines

Here is my proposal for a new magazine:

Name: New Beginnings

Concept: My magazine would target unemployed people, people in between jobs, new college graduates, and discharged military veterans to explore new career opportunities and job availability.

Reader Demographics: People of any age, male or female, mostly lower and mid income

Reader Psychographics: People who value money, want a career change, struggling to make a living, goal oriented individuals

Completing Magazines: Fortunately, there are no magazines that currently cater to the unemployed.  My magazine will be successful because I am targeting a market that no other magazine company has targeted before.

5 Potential Advertisers: Colleges, Staffing Agencies, Service industry employers, Military recruiters, Government unemployment agencies.

5 Potential Articles: How to begin your new job search, interviewing tips, resume writing, networking workshops, local career fairs.

Cover: people in business attire gearing up to be successful, bright happy colors to give people a positive vibe, a diverse group of people to reach out to all demographics of society.