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.