One interesting aspect of the media that one must keep in mind is that of control. Modern day media, and historical for that matter, exercise immense control over the general population that views what they release. This control, which is not obvious, comes into our homes everyday. Newspapers and televisions are perhaps the most utilized form of media to establish control simply because they are so widely accepted and viewed. To explain where these thoughts are coming from I’ll give two examples.
Television programs are immensely important in shaping what is known as a “set agenda”. This agenda is essentially the collaboration of big business, media, and government. Which I have referred to in many of my posts so far. This alliance of elites is actually more like an upside-down tree, as a symbolic reference, in its form than that of a real alliance.
This just means that those who have the most power actually span across multiple areas of the elite class. Politicians who own large businesses are a great example. This union of the elites creates a dilemma, how do we maintain power? The solution for this problem comes through the media. The media sets agendas for the public, in the end choosing what is seen as important and relevant in the general public’s eye. The news is the best example for this. News media coverage is decided upon with values that are in the interest of the elite. In his movie “Manufacturing Consent” Prof. Noam Chomsky gives an example of just this. While genocide was being committed in East Timor the news barely reported on it, instead favoring North American interests in their coverage. Surprising? I think not. Secondly, general issues are created within communities and societies as a whole.
Take gun violence in Canada for example. Gun violence is decreasing every year, reporting of gun violence in the media has increased and public opinions about gun violence have gotten worse and worse in accordance with the media’s view of gun violence. This perfectly shows the true power of the media and how effective it is at setting the public agenda.
The print media mainly large newspapers such as the New York Times, also plays an interesting role in shaping public opinion. Although print media does follow the same trend of setting and creating public interest, it also has an interesting role in creating history. Large print companies such as the mentioned New York Times have in their storage a collection of historical articles and these are viewed strictly as fact. Which brings us back to topics discussed in the classroom. These articles however have always been in the shape of what the dominant ruling class wanted for its public. This essentially means that even in our history, our dominant ideals are being set for us.
This argument can obviously be taken much further and deeper as government/economic control is most certainly a vast topic. I just thought I would indulge a different side of myself in accordance to the issues I’ve been discussing in past posts. However, through these two examples given I believe that it is enough to stir up feelings of fear or even a simple curiosity. This will suffice as it will undoubtedly lead to a further questioning of the future media you consume, and thus a better understanding of its power.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sick of the junk?
In keeping in turn with the issues that “The Death of Media” presents to us I thought this video was appropriate. When watching it for the first time I actually felt nauseous. It takes clips from different news segments and while yes, editing of this video does a wonderful job of portraying the message but it also highlights the moments on air that America may want to be ashamed of. Jon Stewart states “Stop hurting America.” With this immature attempt at news North American’s minds are being filled with unimportant “junk” as the movie claims. The references to McDonald’s, Disney, Viacom, CNN and many others all bring the video to one solid question “What happened to America?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilNLeXefmNw
This next little clip is similar to what I referring to when I spoke about good or bad publicity is a great form of advertising. Just like I did not, I hope you don’t listen to George and check this website out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAxN-N9fQSg&feature=related
http://www.stopbigmedia.com/
Sign the letter. Anything we can do may help!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilNLeXefmNw
This next little clip is similar to what I referring to when I spoke about good or bad publicity is a great form of advertising. Just like I did not, I hope you don’t listen to George and check this website out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAxN-N9fQSg&feature=related
http://www.stopbigmedia.com/
Sign the letter. Anything we can do may help!
T.V made them do it.
In relation to a discussion in class about how involved people become with certain forms of media I thought that a certain television show fell into the category. The show is called “T.V Made Me Do It.” The basic premise is the shows on television were created by the people for the people to watch. Now the shows played are reinventing us and the way our society works. We once had control and now “they” control us. Really this show is about normal people who no one knows who do great and fun, exciting and sometimes strange things because what they have picked up off the shows they are obsessed with. This proves the obsession some people have today with some of our forms of media. Take the television away and these poor people would probably never have done the things they have. I find this interesting and disturbing all at the same time.
On channel 58
Air Times: Wednesdays @ 7:30 AM and 7:00 pm
On channel 58
Air Times: Wednesdays @ 7:30 AM and 7:00 pm
Onions make you cry, but this website will provide real issues addressed in such a way you will laugh.
After reading some articles from the website: http://www.theonion.com
“Real” news compared to the “fake” news on the onion has turned into a topic with a very thin line in the middle. With titles like “Foot-Long Hoagie Used as Ruler” to “God Promised ‘Big Surprises’ In Store For hurricane Season” how can you do anything but sit back and laugh. There is a saying about making jokes about horrible events too soon. The onion makes these jokes in such a way that you are more informed about the event then you might have been before. Plus you may actually even believe the article more then the news program on the presidential elections you just watched.
“Tornado Violence: Are Tornadic Images In The Media To Blame?” is a great example of a version of something you might actually hear about in the paper or on the news. Eliminated the tornado part and just speaking in terms of violence in the media. The onion takes issues to such an extreme that it leaves you thinking. This is the goal. Through this article alone I started questioning whether or not the media puts out these statements that it is there fault about violence just for the attention of it all? Good or bad publicity is still some sort of plug for advertising. Even if the cover of the magazine says “Top Story: Media Lies About EVERYTHING!” You would probably put up the news paper or leave it on the channel and watch it. So they win either way. Either you are watching them so closely for them to mess up and trick you, or you are being sucked in and tricked
Then there are even more shocking articles that make me ponder about our society’s standards for news and life. For Example, “Nation’s Homeless Less Important Than Ever.” Where There are actually examples about how approximately five million homeless citizens are less important now than they have ever been. This is a little intense for a joke. I am able to see the humor but in some cases I guess you have to look to the onion for news that might just be too harsh for people to hear.
The Onion. Feburary 2008. America'sFinest News Source. www.theonion.com
“Real” news compared to the “fake” news on the onion has turned into a topic with a very thin line in the middle. With titles like “Foot-Long Hoagie Used as Ruler” to “God Promised ‘Big Surprises’ In Store For hurricane Season” how can you do anything but sit back and laugh. There is a saying about making jokes about horrible events too soon. The onion makes these jokes in such a way that you are more informed about the event then you might have been before. Plus you may actually even believe the article more then the news program on the presidential elections you just watched.
“Tornado Violence: Are Tornadic Images In The Media To Blame?” is a great example of a version of something you might actually hear about in the paper or on the news. Eliminated the tornado part and just speaking in terms of violence in the media. The onion takes issues to such an extreme that it leaves you thinking. This is the goal. Through this article alone I started questioning whether or not the media puts out these statements that it is there fault about violence just for the attention of it all? Good or bad publicity is still some sort of plug for advertising. Even if the cover of the magazine says “Top Story: Media Lies About EVERYTHING!” You would probably put up the news paper or leave it on the channel and watch it. So they win either way. Either you are watching them so closely for them to mess up and trick you, or you are being sucked in and tricked
Then there are even more shocking articles that make me ponder about our society’s standards for news and life. For Example, “Nation’s Homeless Less Important Than Ever.” Where There are actually examples about how approximately five million homeless citizens are less important now than they have ever been. This is a little intense for a joke. I am able to see the humor but in some cases I guess you have to look to the onion for news that might just be too harsh for people to hear.
The Onion. Feburary 2008. America'sFinest News Source. www.theonion.com
Trying to find a defibrillator large enough to revive the media.
The Death of Media by Danny Schechter
After reading the book “The Death of Media” all I could envision was Mr. Schechter standing in front of me screaming, “You are media’s only hope! For goodness shake get off your ass and do something about it!!!!!!”
Truthfully I didn’t need to get to the end of the book to get this message. Right from the first few pages it was unbelievably clear. My rendition if translated by Mr. Schechter would sound like,
“American democracy is at risk. Our freedoms are threatened. Our political process is in danger. Sound the alarm.” (Danny Schecter page 2, 2005)
Does that frighten you? We're not only talking about media, it is democracy. Politic that apparenlty hold us together as North America is about to become at risk. How badly at risk could it become and how fast? Think about the fact that somehow a force of people has enough power to snap and possibly change the way we think, eat, shop, sleep and live? The control of our society is in the hands of the conglomerates and until I read this book I didn’t think I could stop it. I have been shown the way that maybe not alone but with the help of others like me there may be ways to stop this or at least slow it down. Getting out the word and making people informed was a point I took from the book. I think Mr. Schechter was using this book as a cry for help. He sees it, some of us see it too, but who the heck is going to do anything about it?
The alarm has been sounded. Now let’s hope people jump on the band wagon and continue to fight for our rights that are clearly stated in the Bill of Media rights Chater. We need to break down the power given to 6 or 7 huge corporations and infiltrate them with public concerns and issues that truly inform us with the correct accurate information. The media bias needs to stop.
Schechter,Danny. The Death of Media: And the Fight to Save Demoracry. Hoboken, NJ.: Melville House Publishing, 2005.
After reading the book “The Death of Media” all I could envision was Mr. Schechter standing in front of me screaming, “You are media’s only hope! For goodness shake get off your ass and do something about it!!!!!!”
Truthfully I didn’t need to get to the end of the book to get this message. Right from the first few pages it was unbelievably clear. My rendition if translated by Mr. Schechter would sound like,
“American democracy is at risk. Our freedoms are threatened. Our political process is in danger. Sound the alarm.” (Danny Schecter page 2, 2005)
Does that frighten you? We're not only talking about media, it is democracy. Politic that apparenlty hold us together as North America is about to become at risk. How badly at risk could it become and how fast? Think about the fact that somehow a force of people has enough power to snap and possibly change the way we think, eat, shop, sleep and live? The control of our society is in the hands of the conglomerates and until I read this book I didn’t think I could stop it. I have been shown the way that maybe not alone but with the help of others like me there may be ways to stop this or at least slow it down. Getting out the word and making people informed was a point I took from the book. I think Mr. Schechter was using this book as a cry for help. He sees it, some of us see it too, but who the heck is going to do anything about it?
The alarm has been sounded. Now let’s hope people jump on the band wagon and continue to fight for our rights that are clearly stated in the Bill of Media rights Chater. We need to break down the power given to 6 or 7 huge corporations and infiltrate them with public concerns and issues that truly inform us with the correct accurate information. The media bias needs to stop.
Schechter,Danny. The Death of Media: And the Fight to Save Demoracry. Hoboken, NJ.: Melville House Publishing, 2005.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Acorss the Universe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XWM2LhVOKc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwB8QiKWodk
Located above are two links to two different clips from the movie Across the Universe directed by Julie Taymor and written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.
Across the Universe is primarily about a group of youth in the 60’s spanning from England, America, and Vietnam battling the trails and tribulations of the war and social endeavour to succeed in their time. The main gimmick of this movie is that it is an onscreen musical with the music and lyrics only being written by the Beatles. This runs along a theme we talked about in class which is adaptation, and I believe remediation even comes into play here.
Now you are probably wondering what the point of watching these two clips are. Well I was in a screenwriting class I am taking here at school and the other day one of my peers did a presentation about this movie. The class afterwards when we were probed to have an open debate about what we saw was spilt into two different opinions about the movie. The first opinion was that the movie was awful and long and very over done, while the other opinion was the completely opposite. I sat quietly and listened, which is normally not in my nature.
Watch them now, if you haven’t already. If these two clips inspire you in some way, or move you in any direction then continue reading because I am going to provide my opinion and what I think these clips were really trying to convey.
Revolution.
Now right away being a woman I am intrigued by the character of Jude, the male in the scene. Obviously the dreamy factor needs to be put aside. Most of the girls in my class claimed how much they enjoyed this scene because it showed the quality most girls love in a guy “the bad boy”. Yet if they had seen the movie they would have known that the reason this scene has such prevalent content is because it is completely out of his character to be violent and irrational.
A little background information which will help explain the irony of this clip. Lucy, the girl in the clip works for a group who is trying to promote peace and end the war. Here comes the ironic part, eventually she finds out that little did she know that in secret they were really becoming a terrorist group who is planning of doing some bombing of their own. So Lucy and Jude get into a raging argument about the war. Yes, all the characters are named after Beatles songs. And as you see from the clip she storms out of the laundry mat.
Because Jude is an artist who came from England he will not be drafted into the Army. Since Lucy’s brother Max has been drafted (which you will see in the next scene) she tends to handle it as a very sensitive matter.
The clip:
Jude storms in singing about revolution. He is attempting to stand his ground on the position of war, and more importantly the position of his girlfriend. He clearly feels that there is something wrong with her boss. He tends to portray a good judgement of character mostly throughout the movie.
The key thing about Julie Taymor’s directing is it is far some subtle. The only moment Jude isn’t being pushed around or throwing things is when he looks into Lucy’s eyes and sings “But when you talk about destruction, Don'tcha know that you can count me out”.
When Jude approached Lucy’s boss and sings the lyrics “But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao. you ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow” I really enjoyed how they actually incorporated a picture of Mao Zedong into the office of Lucy’s boss. This to me also implies some sort of power struggle with this “revolution.” I find this a powerful clip and it defiantly brings out emotion for me.
I Want You.
This clip is even more intense. Max is being drafted to the army. He has dropped out of school and therefore has no choice but to fight the war. When I mentioned earlier that Julie Taymor’s directing was anything but subtle this clip is a prefect example. There is no doubt in anyone mind what she was trying to get at. Regardless of flaws and will they drafted young men into the army, put them through numerous tests and training sessions, made them look like each other, branded them and then literally sent them into war. They were all treated the same, and were all treated like cattle going into be butchered.
This whole scene was choreographed by Danny Ezralow. He did a very good job at making it look effortless. Right at the beginning when Max is being stripped down I thought was a very enjoyable entrance to the scene and worked very well. In your mind you could almost see it happening exactly like this.
Another point I think Julia was trying to make was when the officer asks Max if there is any reason he shouldn’t be in the army and he says everything he can think of, the officer replies with “Well, as long as you don’t have flat feet.” I almost can’t even believe that they would take anyone just for the shake of having a larger army, but we also don’t live like that here in Canada.
The last thing I wanted to point out about this clip wasn’t actually even about the music. Right at the end when Max is telling his friends he has no choice he claims it’s either jail or Canada. The writing is unique at times because it almost sounds very unwritten. “Learn French…Learn French or Die.” To me this line is so seamless and fits in so well with the scene. It almost sounds like it wasn’t even writing into the script at all.
Thanks for watching the clips, I hope you enjoyed them!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwB8QiKWodk
Located above are two links to two different clips from the movie Across the Universe directed by Julie Taymor and written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.
Across the Universe is primarily about a group of youth in the 60’s spanning from England, America, and Vietnam battling the trails and tribulations of the war and social endeavour to succeed in their time. The main gimmick of this movie is that it is an onscreen musical with the music and lyrics only being written by the Beatles. This runs along a theme we talked about in class which is adaptation, and I believe remediation even comes into play here.
Now you are probably wondering what the point of watching these two clips are. Well I was in a screenwriting class I am taking here at school and the other day one of my peers did a presentation about this movie. The class afterwards when we were probed to have an open debate about what we saw was spilt into two different opinions about the movie. The first opinion was that the movie was awful and long and very over done, while the other opinion was the completely opposite. I sat quietly and listened, which is normally not in my nature.
Watch them now, if you haven’t already. If these two clips inspire you in some way, or move you in any direction then continue reading because I am going to provide my opinion and what I think these clips were really trying to convey.
Revolution.
Now right away being a woman I am intrigued by the character of Jude, the male in the scene. Obviously the dreamy factor needs to be put aside. Most of the girls in my class claimed how much they enjoyed this scene because it showed the quality most girls love in a guy “the bad boy”. Yet if they had seen the movie they would have known that the reason this scene has such prevalent content is because it is completely out of his character to be violent and irrational.
A little background information which will help explain the irony of this clip. Lucy, the girl in the clip works for a group who is trying to promote peace and end the war. Here comes the ironic part, eventually she finds out that little did she know that in secret they were really becoming a terrorist group who is planning of doing some bombing of their own. So Lucy and Jude get into a raging argument about the war. Yes, all the characters are named after Beatles songs. And as you see from the clip she storms out of the laundry mat.
Because Jude is an artist who came from England he will not be drafted into the Army. Since Lucy’s brother Max has been drafted (which you will see in the next scene) she tends to handle it as a very sensitive matter.
The clip:
Jude storms in singing about revolution. He is attempting to stand his ground on the position of war, and more importantly the position of his girlfriend. He clearly feels that there is something wrong with her boss. He tends to portray a good judgement of character mostly throughout the movie.
The key thing about Julie Taymor’s directing is it is far some subtle. The only moment Jude isn’t being pushed around or throwing things is when he looks into Lucy’s eyes and sings “But when you talk about destruction, Don'tcha know that you can count me out”.
When Jude approached Lucy’s boss and sings the lyrics “But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao. you ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow” I really enjoyed how they actually incorporated a picture of Mao Zedong into the office of Lucy’s boss. This to me also implies some sort of power struggle with this “revolution.” I find this a powerful clip and it defiantly brings out emotion for me.
I Want You.
This clip is even more intense. Max is being drafted to the army. He has dropped out of school and therefore has no choice but to fight the war. When I mentioned earlier that Julie Taymor’s directing was anything but subtle this clip is a prefect example. There is no doubt in anyone mind what she was trying to get at. Regardless of flaws and will they drafted young men into the army, put them through numerous tests and training sessions, made them look like each other, branded them and then literally sent them into war. They were all treated the same, and were all treated like cattle going into be butchered.
This whole scene was choreographed by Danny Ezralow. He did a very good job at making it look effortless. Right at the beginning when Max is being stripped down I thought was a very enjoyable entrance to the scene and worked very well. In your mind you could almost see it happening exactly like this.
Another point I think Julia was trying to make was when the officer asks Max if there is any reason he shouldn’t be in the army and he says everything he can think of, the officer replies with “Well, as long as you don’t have flat feet.” I almost can’t even believe that they would take anyone just for the shake of having a larger army, but we also don’t live like that here in Canada.
The last thing I wanted to point out about this clip wasn’t actually even about the music. Right at the end when Max is telling his friends he has no choice he claims it’s either jail or Canada. The writing is unique at times because it almost sounds very unwritten. “Learn French…Learn French or Die.” To me this line is so seamless and fits in so well with the scene. It almost sounds like it wasn’t even writing into the script at all.
Thanks for watching the clips, I hope you enjoyed them!
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