Twelfth Blog Post

I think that only some of the claims that Chuck makes about the media is true for the internet. The claims I think are also true for the internet are Don't Worry About Agendas;Worry About Random Circumstance and Distrust the Proper People. I think there are probably some websites that have writers who publish articles on the internet that they aren't completely confident with because some of the information may be misleading or not entirely true, but they publish it anyway because it's close enough to what they need. For certain articles some writers probably use the same theory as newspaper article writers and they use the information that the first person who calls back gives them just because they can't spare to waste time waiting for other sources to call or get back to them. I could see this being done on websites such as MSN because there are days where I feel like they have the most random articles on the main page and it's because they had nothing better to write about. Just like with newspaper articles, I imagine there are people who get nervous when they read articles on the internet because they don't know what is true and what isn't. The fact that articles on the internet can pretty much be as long as the writer wants them to be makes it easy to assume that some of the information in the article is not necessary or true, but the writer puts it in the article anyways just to fill out the article more. I think major news sources on the internet are examples of the sources that may do this. When there is breaking news about the War on Terror or the economy, I think it makes some people nervous because they are hoping that it is good news, but know it is probably bad considering that's the way it always seems to be. When it comes to restrictions, I think the internet media is a little more lenient considering it is where the majority of people are getting their news and other information the most.

Eleventh Blog Post

The way that Chuck describes coolness is that it is similar to eating sugared cereals; if you eat sugared cereal, you're cool because the characters used to advertise and sell the cereal is "cool". Rather than entertaining the younger children like it is supposed to, the characters used to advertise cereals is mostly only understood by young adults and grown adults.  Chuck also describes coolness as something that comes naturally--"an unspecific, delicious, chocolately paradigm we must pilfer through subterfuge." Coolness is important to people because we are always trying to fit in with other people and be up-to-date on all of the latest things; fashion, news, etc. Chuck says that the desire to be cool is the desire to be rescued. No one wants to be something they're not, but if we allow people to make us that way it is more than likely what we'll turn out to be like. So I think that when Chuck says that the desire to be cool is the desire to be rescued, I think he means that we want to be rescued from being like a copy of another person. We need to be more unique. No one wants to live a life full of repetition, that gets boring. If we don't try to be "cool" then our lives get dull because we aren't striving to make ourselves better. Chuck says"Being cool is mostly ridiculous, and so is sugared cereal. That's why we like it." I somewhat agree with this. I prefer to be silly and a little chaotic rather than quiet and reserved around my friends. I'm that way because it's what I like, even if it means I am labeled as "ridiculous". I'd rather be silly and happy than boring and sad. Something that I think should be the next "cool" thing is to have an "I don't care what people think about me" sort of attitude, but to an extent. I feel like these days so many people do things based off of what other people think of them, even though it isn't what they're comfortable with or want to do. I don't want people to do things that are bad and make poor life choices, but when it comes to a person's individuality, only ourselves should be the ones forming that. It's okay for people to influence our individuality, but when it comes to personal things like style and our interests we shouldn't let people tell us we shouldn't wear that or watch that. Why should other people care? If they aren't the one wearing it then it shouldn't phase them. I understand there are exceptions to this, but for the most part we should make our decisions based off of what makes us happy, not others. Put yourself first for once and do what you need to do for yourself. Too many people are living in a state of insecurity because they worry about what other people think and I feel that more people would be happier if they didn't.

Tenth Blog Post

A recent film series that I feel has become my generation's version of Star Wars is the Pirates of the Caribbean series. The series has become so popular with people of all ages, but years from now when the series is done and no more movies are made people my age are always going to remember them and how good they are/were. I will admit that I have never seen any of the Star Wars movies, and I'm sure there will be people like that when it comes to the Pirates of the Caribbean movies later in my life. Just as I am with the Star Wars series, some people won't have any clue as of to what the series is about. In both the Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean series, there is an enemy (Star Wars: Darth Vader, Pirates of the Caribbean: Davy Jones). And along with having an enemy, each series has a team that works together to defeat the enemy (Star Wars: Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, R2D2... and Pirates of the Caribbean: Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth Swan, William Turner...). Both of these series also have a lot of science fiction involved in them. Of course Star Wars does since it is based in outer space, but the science fiction in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies are sea creature monsters, or people who have abilities to change into giant sea monsters. There is also a lead female role in each series. Star Wars has Princess Leia, and Pirates of the Caribbean has Elizabeth Swan. Both characters are strong-willed and determined, and are almost like "one of the guys" because they both assist in defeating the enemy and use weapons. I hope that the Pirates of the Caribbean series will still be as popular years from now like the Star Wars series is.

Ninth Blog Post

After watching the video in class about how reality television shows are taped and edited and reading Chuck Klosterman's article, I have a different view about reality television. The video changed my view the most, but Chuck made several points that I have never noticed about reality television. One point that I find to be true is that people will say or do things that someone had said on "The Real World" or some other reality television show. From watching "The Real World", or any reality show, people pick up ideas and attitudes from the people on the show and they begin to act like that person. Not only are ideas and attitudes picked up, but some traits are also adapted by the people who watch a reality show regularly. I find this to be true especially if there is a cast member on a show that has a little catch phrase they use often, or even if they have an interesting style. For example, several teenagers and young adults get into the MTV show "Jersey Shore" where the cast members always have nicknames for things and have influenced many things on young adults. The famous "GTL" (gym, tan, laundry) is popular with college students. The members are also influencing trends; Snooki's "poof" hair. Viewers see these things that they think are or must be cool since the people from Jersey Shore do, say, or wear the things they do. The video we watched in class about how reality shows are taped and edited made me think about all of the things I have seen on a reality television show that probably aren't true, but are made to look like it happened or someone said something but really didn't. I think this probably happens a lot in shows like "The Real World" and "Jersey Shore". It is a way for the makers to keep their viewers interested in the show because for some reason shows are more interesting to watch when there is some sort of drama or fight involved with it. Surely not all of it is edited to make it look a certain way, but I think the editors probably alter a lot of things to make it look like a different situation to make the episode more interesting. And another thing makers of reality shows seem to do a lot now is advertise a new episode with drama and fights, but really not show it until the next new episode. They show what causes the fight or drama, but they don't show the fight itself. It's like a cliff hanger for the viewers so that the show is guaranteed to have lots of viewers for the next episode. Based off of what I have read from Chuck's article and from watching the video in class, I think that about 75% of what is shown on a reality show is actually real; the other 25% is edited that way to make it seem like something happened. And the cast members on the shows can also be just as fake as the show itself. Some of them seem like they act a certain way just to get the most attention and they want the camera to be on them. Then again it's also hard to get a good idea of how someone actually is in real life based off of what you see them like on a television show.

Eighth Blog Post

After reading about and discussing in class the differences and similarities of country and hip-hop music, I have realized that there are many stereotypes put on both of these types of music. The stereotypes are more towards the people who listen to the music rather than the music itself, but it is something I had never realized until the survey was done in class. And what was even more interesting was the results when we surveyed for how we though other people would describe country and hip-hop music listeners. When looking at how the surveys turned out, I notice that there are no words that are similar to describe the people who listen to country and hip-hop music. People who listen to hip-hop music are stereotyped to be almost like juvenile delinquencies, being described as aggressive and dangerous. On the other hand, country music listeners are stereotyped to be the considerate and nice people, being described as loners and patriotic. But in my opinion, hip-hop music listeners and artists are just as capable of being described in that way. Not all hip-hop music include profanity. For example, in class we discussed how the hip-hop music artist Common, who is known for his tasteful style of hip-hop because of the music he makes and his meaningful lyrics. But when he was doing something at the White House, news broadcasters were making a deal of how a "thug" was to be there. People are too quick to judge people based on race or their occupation. Just because he is a hip-hop artist people think he is trouble and a bad person. When it comes to country music and artists, there are songs and artists that are just as, if not more, raunchy and distasteful than hip-hop music. Just look at some of the music videos that some country music artists make. "Honky Tonk Ba-Donk-A-Donk" is a good example. Having a music video with women being showcased as having an amazing butt does not portray the "loner" and "patriotic" characteristics country music is said to have. Some songs are even entirely about making love to someone and the things the singer would like to do with or to a certain someone. There are also just as many country songs as hip-hop songs with references to alcohol. And since country music is easier to understand than hip-hop, the lyrics come through more clearly so people hear the lyrics about making love and whatever else the singer wants to do. What Chuck thinks is important for music is the authenticity of the music and the artists. He thinks there are too many artists singing about things they really don't understand or situations they have never really been through, but they sing it because someone wrote lyrics that sound good when put into song. There's a difference between "real" and "fake" music. Being able to understand the song by actually hearing the lyrics clearly is also a part of authenticity. If a person can't understand the lyrics, it kind of defeats the purpose of listening to the song because the lyrics are a large portion of why a person listens to a song. I think that music does have an impact on people who listen to it. For some people, music is therapy and it calms them down, while for others it is just something they listen to while doing tasks, to pass time, while driving, and other things. Different genres of music give people different characteristics. From my perspective, people who listen to reggae or indie music seem to be very relaxed, go-with-the-flow kind of people. People who listen to rock/heavy metal music may be a little more sensitive and edgier. I'm not trying to stereotype, but this is just what I notice. You can't judge someone based on their style of music choice, and there are certainly people out there who listen to a music genre you never would have guessed they would be into.

Blog Assignment #7

The pieces of technology that I use the most throughout my day are my cell phone, lap top, and my television. These things allow me to communicate with others, accomplish homework and other tasks, and also give me something to do when I have downtime. Sometimes people abuse these things rather than use them for their intended purpose, but I feel as though I am responsible with them. When it comes to creativity, I feel as though having a lap top allows me to expand my ideas when making projects or slide shows, which has a better result. Using technology to do these things may seem lazy instead of making it another way, but if there is technology available for use, why not use it and make the best presentation possible? I don't have any games on my computer because I have no time or desire to play games. The article "Billy Sims" gave me a different perspective on the "Sims" game. The way that Chuck describes the game made me realize how the game is more for allowing people to create their fantasy life and being able to have things they wish they could have in real life. People probably let this game get to their head and spend way too much time playing it than they should, and it takes over their lives in a way. They are concerned about whether or not their character has food, the latest technology, if they need to take a shower, they need to meet up with their boyfriend/girlfriend, and countless other things. This and many other games are time consuming and people choose them over other responsibilities they need to take care of. Having a cell phone allows me to communicate with others buy talking to or texting them, but mostly texting. Texting is what most people my age do these days, and is something even parents and people older than me are starting to get into. When it comes to asking a quick question or just wanting to tell someone something, texting is a lot easier than making a 30 second phone call. But the bad thing about texting is that I feel as though it kind of hurts my communication skills when making phone calls, especially for cold calls. Usually the only people I have actual phone conversations with are my family members and a few friends, so when I have to call someone for something important I am kind of hesitant because I'm not used to that way of communication. When I watch television, it is usually for only about 2 hours in an entire day because I have so many other responsibilities to be taking care of or I am doing something with friends. Television has good and bad impacts on me because it is something I resort to when I would rather be doing something other than what I really should be doing; homework, laundry, etc. But usually when I am watching television I watch interesting shows, not just random things like cartoons and shows for humor. Therefore I feel as though the only thing bad about television for me is using it to get out of doing something productive. All in all, technology has a different effect on everyone. It just depends on a person's priorities and whether or not they are responsible enough to balance using technology for doing purposeful tasks or just for something to do.

Sixth Blog Post

Many of us are surrounded by masculinity and violence practically everyday. Even though for most of us the violence is probably just seen on television, we are still exposed to it. There is a good chance that some of the violent actions people see on television influence people to do them or at least consider doing them because when people do it on television it seems to be so easy. But of course, that's just because it's on a show or movie and almost anything seems to be possible to get away with. Our society is greatly affected by the violence and masculinity that is shown by the media and in movies. Men or boys will watch a movie with a muscular, athletic, and good looking guy who is the hero or the person all the girls want, and it makes them want to be like what they watch. They develop the attitudes they see or how their friends act to be popular or to be known as the guy all the girls want. It's like an ego boost. Then when a guy gets an ego boost they think they are better than other guys or just other people in general, including females. Many movies have this sort of situation; an average male turns into some popular guy every one wants to be around, he gets a cocky attitude, eventually a problem arises, of course a female is going to be involved, and in the end the guy will realize having so much power really isn't all that great or worth it. Not only are men affected by these sort of things, but I think children are too. More so around the ages of about 8-10 where kids are getting older and hear about things from older kids and they develop a really nasty attitude. Not to be sexist, but again I feel like it is the younger boys who do this more than girls. There is a fair share of girls/women out there who do things that are just as bad as the things men do, but I've always known boys/men to cause more issues.

Fifth Blog Post

I feel as though masculinity is a large factor when it comes to sports. It seems like the star athletes are always the ones who are the strongest and most athletic. It makes sense though, because if you are strong and athletic then you are more than likely going to be very talented at sports. The time and effort athletes put into making themselves better when they aren't in practice will improve their performance during competition. Sometimes masculinity is a competition between people, mostly boys and men. Guys are always trying to one-up other guys with their strength and abilities in the gym, and with lots of other things; girls, intelligence, work, etc. Guys feel like they need to be the alpha-male to impress girls. I think that what Lucy Komisar says in the article "Knockout Punch.." about how boys learn the connection and violence at a young age. Then when they start to play sports such as t-ball, their competitive size starts to come out and that is when they start to get aggressive about their performance. I think parents also play a role in how competitive their children are. Some parents urge their children to go to sports camps at a young age and get into competitions against other athletes. For some kids, they learn team work skills and discipline, but then there are some who turn into cocky jocks who want the lime light to be on them. Sports are good and bad when it comes to masculinity and competition, it keeps people in shape but it also gets to their head and makes them aggressive.

Fourth Blog Assignment

Of the other readings we've had in class, I think that "Ten Seconds to Love" has a comparison with "This is Emo". In "The is Emo", Chuck Klosterman talks about the idea of "fake love" and how people fantasize about other people even though they may already be in a relationship. The "fake love" kind of compares to "Ten Seconds to Love" because people fantasize about being with Pamela Anderson. Therefore, Pamela Anderson is someone's "fake love". She is everything another guy, or girl possibly, wants. "This is Emo" describes a "fake love" as being in love with a person who meets all of your desires; looks, characteristics, etc. Pamela Anderson is talked up to be basically the whole package when it comes to the idea of a good wife or girlfriend. She is attractive, has a nice body, and has many talents, making her perfect "fake love" material. I feel like almost everyone who is in a relationship has a "fake love". It's not like it is wrong to have a "fake love" because after all, mostly all "fake loves" are with people who are nearly impossible to have any kind of future with. So as long it is kept to oneself, a "fake love" isn't offensive or anything serious. Both articles discuss the idea of being able to be with a person which someone fantasizes about.

Third Blog Assignment

Of the videos, readings, and discussions in class about the female body, I found the reading about Victoria's Secret to be the most compelling. I shop at the store and online, so I am exposed to the advertisements a lot.  There have been several times when I have seen a Victoria's Secret advertisement on a webpage that has nothing to do with Victoria's Secret.  I think these advertisements have a large impact on our popular culture's ideas of how girls and women should look.  When some women look at the models wearing the products, I think it makes them feel a little insecure about themselves and their bodies, which results in them buying products from Victoria's Secret to give them the feeling that they are "sexy" like the model wearing the product.  Media exposes women and girls to several other things showing women being very skinny, or altering their bodies to look more attractive, which I find very unhealthy.  Some girls let those things get to their head, so they do drastic and dangerous things to themselves so they can look like what they see.  My thoughts and opinion towards bodies is that besides genetics, our bodies will look like how we treat and respect it.  This isn't just about appearance either, I'm also talking about healthy personal hygiene.  If we respect our body, we will eat healthy, exercise, and stay clean. I also don't believe that you have to have the "perfect body" to be respectful towards your body.  I feel like the "perfect body" is overrated and is something people take too seriously, which can sometimes be harmful for them.  It's never too late to make changes to respect your body.   

Second Blog Post

In my opinion, sex and the idea of being "sexy" plays a big role in how people portray and present themselves to other people. It's like a stereotype that if you want to be or look sexy or attractive, you have to dress a certain way, alter your body, and anything else that will make you seem sexy. Most people are guilty of doing something to that will make them more attractive, but I think it's because so many people are always trying to fit in which isn't good for our society. People need to be more independent and do things that they think makes them look or feel sexy, not what celebrities or the "popular" people are doing. I think age makes a difference too on what is sexy. Typically grandparents won't think the things people of a more recent generation think is sexy because times and styles have certainly changed. Entertainment exposes people to sexuality all of the time. Movies, television shows, internet, and even reading sources contain sexual content. What people read or see inspires them to want to be sexy like the man or woman they saw in a movie because they want to be desired. I don't know if there is anything that could change people's attitudes about sex and sexiness. I think sexiness is going to keep evolving into something that people are always going to try to improve.

First Blog Assignment

Of all of the popular culture categories, I think that fashion, advertising,  and television have the most influence on how I decide to present myself to others. I like to be up-to-date on the clothes I wear, and by seeing what other girls are wearing on television and the clothes on mannequins in stores helps me see what is in style. My style isn't completely based off of what I see because I also enjoy having my own sense of fashion. I'm not afraid to wear something different or something other people might not wear, but for the most part I typically wear what I feel comfortable in. When people meet me for the first time I think I give a good first impression because I don't try to stand out or exclude myself from others by wearing things that make me seem high maintenance. The majority of my friends have the same sense of style as I do, which makes it easy for when we want to share clothes. In my opinion, I think it looks nice to wear what is the latest trend but simple is always the best way to go.