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.