News, trust, and “truthiness”!

 

After reading several of my classmates’ blogs, it is evident that the majority view satirical news reportings as equally reliable as traditional news reportage. Many of my fellow classmates also referred to ‘late night television shows’, such as Jimmy Kimmel and The Daily Show in relation to cultural jamming and how this impacts the public sphere. Using satirical humour and sarcasm to entertain the viewer is great for ratings however the message behind these discussions raises important and serious social and political issues.

 

I completely agree with “ek12xz” who states “The type of news presentation shown in satirical news reporting is very effective because it makes the listener more interested in a particular topic. It is a very powerful way of portraying news to an intended audience because “the objectives of culture jamming often include consciousness raising as well as using the media to criticize the media and dominant culture” (O’Shaughnessy, Stadler, 2012, p. 214) and will therefore attract people’s attention about important news happening in Canada and around the world” (http://brockbadger.wordpress.com).

 

I believe that the impact of this type of reporting on our public sphere is empowerment through knowledge, freedom of speech and thought. CNN, Global News and CTV News will broadcast “factual” information based on objective non-opinionated messaging. Much of what we view through this conventional news casting is “leading” and selectively broadcasted or published for ratings and sales. Satirical reporting enables the host to speak openly in a playful and witty manner and say the things that traditional reporting cannot or will not say…the truth.

 

My classmate “ek12xz” (http://brockbadger.wordpress.com) agrees stating “Something that is very interesting to me about the sector of culture jamming media is their freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is the right to express opinions publicly without interference from the government or other sectors (O’Shaughnessy, Stadler, 2012, p. 223), meaning that even if what is displayed on culture jamming news is controversial towards the government and what they might be saying it can still be said and heard by the public which I think is important”.

 

The beauty of satirical reporting like the Rick Mercer Report is that the information reported is indeed “facts” mixed with opinion and general thought provoking ideas, which enables the viewer to form their own opinion on an issue. This is done in a comedic fashion to lighten the subject while covertly expressing an opinion, educating the public or taking a side.

 

Charles states; “I know the Rick Mercer Report likes to critique the Canadian Government. People who watch his critiques are not only entertained but more informed about Canadian politics. Increased awareness in political issues can only benefit society. I recently watched a video of The Rick Mercer Report where he explained how the Canadian Government works. He explained all the different parties and systems involved” (http://dcharles10.wordpress.com/). Mercer’s audience is engaged and entertained while being educated on an otherwise dry and possibly mundane topic. Many younger viewers may otherwise turn off the11 o’clock news when reporting about Canadian politics and finances…I know I do!

 

This leads me to my next point. I feel that satirical reporting and culture jamming are important and can have a significant impact on our public sphere by education and empowerment. The fact that demographically we are a public sphere divided by age race and gender, I find myself agreeing with my classmate Allison who recognizes the importance of capturing the younger generation who may be more apt to watch Rick Mercer than CNN. Allison states “The public sphere is the way people come together socially, and have discussions about issues in society, which influence each other politically. The SNL and Global News comparison relates directly to the public sphere because it joins together two completely different social groups. The young adults watching ‘Weekend Update’ share the knowledge of politics and society that the older generation gains from watching the nightly news. By reporting about Rob Ford, the nightly news has educated their demographic about politics, and by satirizing Rob Ford, the young adults have also been educated, bringing their common interests together.”(http://allisonsparham.wordpress.com)

 

In conclusion I believe this research has opened my eyes to the importance and relevance of culture jamming in today’s society. Using satirical reporting and humour to message a society about truths of important social and political issues is essential. I consider the use of  this type of media as equally reliable as traditional reporting. Empowerment through truth, knowledge, freedom of speech and thought are the keys to the viability of our contemporary public sphere.

Is the Fake News the Real News?

     I definitely believe that the satirical news reporting by The Daily Show and The Rick Mercer Report can be viewed as a mainstream form of culture jamming. Cultural jamming is defined as “a form of media activism that subverts and reworks the intended meaning of existing media texts, or parodies major corporations, public figures, and their media images” (Michael O’Shaughnessy p 213) The use of playful humor and sarcasm entertains the audience while addressing important social and political issues and messaging.

 

     The recent Rick Mercer report discusses the Rob Ford drama indicating that if the mayor didn’t have family he would be “on the streets barking at the parking meters”. Although his report is very comical and entertaining he clearly identifies the strong hold that this “crack-using” mayor has on the residents of Toronto. The negative media attention and bad behavior of the Mayor may not be ideal, but the taxpayers like his “no tax” politics and money saving ideas. Mercer’s report clearly pokes fun at this important politician using satire and sarcasm, while raising thought invoking questions about this man’s political strides.

 

     This type of cultural jamming is a useful addition to the public sphere as the media at large has painted such a negative picture of many political leaders in society. The public becomes pre-programmed to see and believe the negative aspects of the person or situation, whereas Mercer’s culture jamming efforts actually made me stop and think outside the box. I may still believe that the mayor needs to step down and get out but my thoughts about him as a person versus a mayor may be skewed?

 

     Cultural jamming is used in other satirical news reporting’s such as Jimmy Kimmel and Saturday Night Live “ News Flashes”. Jimmy Kimmel is a live show, which incorporates the most recent news and gossip, turning it into a comedy. Their tactics represent their own opinions on the social or political issue being addressed.

 

     Saturday Night Live (SNL) is also a famous and highly viewed comical program that uses satire comparable to Jimmy Kimmel. SNL constructs their own skits performed live and one particular episode involved a “news casting” skit, where they poked fun at the latest political issues involving the president and health care reform in the states. According to O’Shaughnessy from Media and Society page 214 “ The objectives of culture jamming often include consciousness raising (raising awareness of social and political issues) as well as using the media to criticize the media and dominant culture”. These culture jamming shows covertly raise awareness of many important political issues like health care reform and economics etc. while entertaining.

 

     These programs could all be considered a “mainstream” form of cultural jamming due to the high ratings and the wide range of viewers. Multiple viewers listen (and chuckle) to what the commentator is saying, and in most cases are swayed to agree with their point of view on that specific issue. The thought provoking power of these programs helps to shape and mold the public beliefs similar to the power of the general mass media.  Captivated audiences of all ages are impacted which can help to shape opinions of this generation of viewers and consumers.

 

 

O’Shaughnessy, Michael. Media and Society. Fifth ed. N.p.: Oxford, n.d. Print.

Demonstrable demographics!

     I spent a lot of time reviewing my classmates’ blogs on hailing and interpellating and was not shocked to discover many similarities of their ideas and concepts to my own. Advertisements are intended to capture the viewer’s attention, and hail specific demographics strategically to sell their products. In searching for advertisements specific to my demographic, many of my classmates and I all conclude that “sex sells” and many ads depict an unrealistic vision of who we aspire to be.

     I chose Abercrombie and Fitch for my advertisement choice as I was immediately captured by the gorgeous male and female models scantily clad in nothing but their jeans. Interestingly, Haya had identified with the exact same retailer’s advertisements and also identified the sexual nature of these ads. “I found that almost all of their advertisements were of half naked teenagers… is made to target adolescent boys and girls alike. For me, it implies that if I shopped at their store, I would be much more popular among attractive young men (and vice versa), although there is hardly any clothing being advertised (http://hma95.blogspot.ca). I also noted that the ads showed very little “product” and this was very strategic. I was captivated by the appearance of the models but can definitely recall the jeans.

     Kaitlin also identifies in her blog about Victoria Secret and the use of “sex” to interpellate a specific demographic. Her perspective was interesting and had a slightly different slant to the whole concept of “sex sells”. Kaitlin states “The commercial uses sex to sell the perfume. The beautiful model walking half naked entices the viewer and makes them want to continue to watch. Without the use of the model, the commercial would be very boring, and the company would not sell the product.” I (http://kaitlinsanderson.wordpress.com). I completely agree with her view! The advertisers incorporate beautiful, “sexy” models to sell everything from clothing, cars, beer, make-up, lingerie, etc. Many times the actual product makes a brief “guest appearance” in the ad, while the “sexy” women and men overshadow it.

     In my blog, I mentioned that Abercrombie and Fitch manage to capture my attention immediately as they portray to the viewer that wearing their clothing-line is sure to make you popular, attractive and “sexy”.  Your social life, finances or status in life can be improved by simply purchasing their products. Many advertisers use this strategy as it is universally effective at selling jeans, cars, perfume, lingerie, etc. however, it also lends itself to unrealistic expectations of ones self. Fitting in, being successful and socially accepted are targeted tactics and we are all too often easy prey.

     Abbey identifies in her blog about American Eagle advertising that they also target our demographic and wearing their clothes symbolizes a connection with others, fitting in and being socially accepted. Abbey states, “This connects directly to our demographic, because at this point of our life, we are entering university, and trying to meet new people. No matter what age you are 8, 19 or 35 you want to be accepted by others. This ad shows a girl about our age, as happy as can be, in American Eagle jeans, surrounded by many others who are also in American Eagle jeans.” (http://abbeyunyi.wordpress.com). I also have the same perspective as Abbey and feel “connected” to ads from AE, Abercrombie and Fitch and would love to look and be like any one of their models

     In conclusion I have learned quite a lot about the sneaky strategies of advertising and the use of media to hail my demographic. I also know that the exposure we have to these ads everyday is like a conditioning of sorts and I confess to shopping at both AE and A&F and will most likely continue to shop there!

What the Hail!?

The ad I chose for my blog is from Abercrombie and Fitch.  This is an extremely popular clothing store that hails the young adult demographic. Every advertisement portrayed includes predominantly young, “cool” Caucasian males and females that have the “perfect” body and “perfect” face. Additionally, every ad depicts a sexually romantic relationship between the male and female. This subsequently lends itself to the assumption that wearing Abercrombie and Fitch clothing, fragrances and undergarments is sure to make you sexy and desirable. Ultimately luring your dream mate!

Sexuality is heavily depicted in each Abercrombie and Fitch photo/ads especially while the males and females wear their low-rise denim jeans, leaving little to the imagination. Multiple ads had the females photographed topless with their arms playfully covering their breasts while modeling only jeans.

The catch phrase “YOUNG AND SEXY” is intended to interpellate the intended demographic. In the text Media and Culture (p.185) interpellation is described as “a process in which we internalize ideologies as a response to being hailed or addressed.” This ad is successful in hailing the young consumer who internalizes the ideology of being “young and sexy.”  The “addressee” relates to the ideal persona and is then attracted to the clothing that is being advertised. This advertisement can covertly be an external influence on an individual’s identity. Shaping and molding the person we “want” to be.  This concept is consistent with the authors O’Shaughnessy & Stadler (p. 184) who indicate, “…our personality, our individual identity, and our subjectivity have been produced by a number of external factors”. We have all recognized how the media has influenced our choices, wants, and ultimately our identities.

An interesting revelation in my research is that the CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch, Mike Jeffries specifically targeted this demographic and exclusively sells clothing to “cool good-looking” folks and not to “larger people” per industry expert Robert Lewis. In retaliation to this marketing strategy and bias, I also came across an ad that had a full figured girl posing topless with a gorgeous male model mimicking the Abercrombie and Fitch advertisements! This bold display of rebellion clearly messages that young adults of all sizes want to be inclusive of the “we” and part of the main stream.

Wanted: the media that we need

After reviewing many of my classmates’ blogs, it is apparent that there is a diverse range of opinions amongst the group that supported both views with conviction. Many of these individuals made interesting comments that caused me to reflect on their views.

Last week’s question, “Do we get the media we want or want the media we get?” really made me struggle with the answer as I felt that both sides could reasonably be argued. It was evident that I shared the same dichotomy of ideas as Sabrina who stated “whether we get the media we want, or want the media we get the end result is the same” (Taylor, http://st13sw.wordpress.com/2013/10/21/blog-entry-2-do-we-get-the-media-we-want-or-want-the-media-we-get/). The end result is that we do get the media we want by producers and magazines as a trade for ratings and revenue but we also want the media we get and depend on media to fulfill our need for information. This media generated information helps shape our opinions about all aspects of life, political social, cultural and economic. We have become a generation that is dependent on the media.

The opinion I had strongly adhered to is “we get the media we want”. I shared the same view as Sarah’s blog as she states, “Nowadays there are thousands of media choices that we can make; there are hundreds of channels on our TVs and radios, and hundreds of different magazines and newspapers that we can choose from. This means that media producers have to provide media that is wanted by their target audience in the general public. The producers of the media need to do all of this; because in order to make money they depend on advertisement” (http://st12tq.wordpress.com). I completely agree with his view and included this very concept in my own blog as many types of media sources use their ratings to determine what the consumer wants the most and in turn generates large amounts of revenue in commercial and product sales.

Reading the blog written by Ryan Mallat, I also agree with his statement that; “the media today is responsible for most of our thoughts due to the power and influence in which they have put upon us” (http://ryanmallat.wordpress.com/).  I completely agree that the media has molded and shaped our thought processes in relation to our social, political, cultural and economic views. The power of media is profound in relation to the reporting of daily world news right through to information on celebrity living. The media serves to not only inform of current events but is considered part of our daily “lessons”. Knowledge of world events, statistics and weather reports are all vetted through the numerous media sources that my generation depends on routinely.

Media better informs us of important social matters, as we are all held hostage by our cell phones and technology devices, giving us immediate access to the latest social buzz. It is extremely easy to access information at the push of a button on a television or accessing an application on a personal device. Information is at our fingertips literally and the media can take advantage of this consumer connection by reporting information that can sway our views or opinions. Advertising informs us easily and effortlessly of upcoming social events or sales which empowers us with knowledge. Information we might not have readily accessible without a media outlet.

My classmate Shaiann states, “I truly believe that we have allowed the media to take contril over us, through this we desire whatever it brings” (http://shaiannrichards.wordpress.com). I could not agree more. We do desire what the media has offered as we have become a generation that is dependent on the media.

In conclusion; after reading my classmates perspectives I feel that the question posed for last week’s blog can be argued on both sides. The media is provided to meet the needs of the consumer and give us what we “want and need”. On the flip side we also want the media we get, as we are a generation dependent on technology, information and immediacy. Media contributes immensely to shaping our political, economical, social and cultural views and opinions. The next question; however, is how skewed are our views and what information is accurate and what is fiction…?

The Media We Want?

The question “do we get the media we want, or want the media we get” can be argued quite strongly in both directions. It is my stronger opinion; however, that the audience gets the media they want. Media outlets, whether it is television, movies, radio, Internet, etc. direct their networking and programming based on consumer ratings and “hits”. Popular television series or reality shows get extended to the following season based on these consumer ratings. The audience therefore gets the media they want, resulting in a win-win. “…the media have to sell themselves successfully to large numbers of the population: they have to win big audiences in order to be economically viable and survive…” (Media and Society, O’Shaughnessy and Stadler, p. 37). Television media sources plan their programming times to strategically capture the greatest number of viewers; for example they will program popular shows during “prime time”. This ensures that the commercial advertisers compete for the same time slots resulting in the greatest financial gain for the media outlet. For example, the World Series is currently being aired at “prime time” interrupting the regular programming to ensure the greatest number of viewers and satisfy baseball fans (although my mother was not too happy about missing The X Factor). Media sources also base their programming on the most recent popular fads in order to give the viewers or consumers “what they want”. The popular book series known as “Twilight” created a media frenzy, resulting in blockbuster vampire movies, television series, books and vampire related consumer products. “It could be argued that audiences influence, if not control, media output through their choices of what media products to consume.” (Media and Society, O’Shaughnessy and Stadler, p. 38). Media is often developed to target specific needs and wants of the audience whether it be a sporting channel, home and garden programs, the food network etc. “Leafs TV” is a paid program that is a dedicated channel intended to target and please the largest fan base in the NHL. Twitter or Facebook are other notable media avenues that are designed and intended to provide the audience with the media that they want. This social media serves as a communication tool and connection to what the individual feels is most important. Another example that supports my argument is how cell phone companies have adapted and evolved to meet the needs of the consumer. These devices enable access to the Internet, social networks and have “morphed” into mini computers. The consumers want continuous access to these applications, and the media sources have “risen to the occasion”.  I could include numerous supporting examples; however, it is apparent that the answer to the “question” is most certainly in favour of the concept that we “get the media we want”.

Michael O’Shaughnessy, Jane Stadler (2012) Media and Society. Australia: Oxford

1F25 Blog Response 1

I enjoyed reading through the many blogs posted by my classmates discussing the impact that media has had on their lives. I discovered that many of the blogs expressed similar views to my own on how mass media influences them. The different perspectives were also very interesting and I found myself agreeing with concepts that I had not considered for my own blog.

A blog written by Colin Christmas (http://colinchristmas.wordpress.com) wrote about the positive impacts the media has on his worldview. He identifies relatively the same type of benefits of mass media that I identified in my blog.  I feel that mass media is a vehicle for raising awareness of social and political issues and can make substantial strides in fundraising efforts or finding missing children etc. Colin states “The media has a positive impact on my worldview for a number or reasons. The media can be a great tool for social movements. For example, movements that promote environmentalism use the media to raise awareness on particular issues. Some of these issues include protecting land, promoting the use of renewable energy sources, animal rights, and many others.” We both identified the positive aspects of mass media and shared a similar concept.

The blog written by Victoria Ahle (http://youthnomore.wordpress.com) also expressed similar ideas to mine on how media has influenced her worldviews, although her interpretation of brain washing was more direct and to the point. I feel that the media can influence our interpretation of events and is “leading” in many ways the reader or viewer to take a side or form an opinion. I believe that the “whole” story is often not revealed. It may be “washed” over to either hide the full truths or sensationalize a story. Victoria stated “Depending on where and what kinds of media you consume, you can let the media kind of brain wash you into seeing only a small specific portion of a whole story, and that isn’t good for anyone.” It is interesting to see that others have similar ideas of how the mass media is able to manipulate the consumer/viewer and that we are not ignorant to the facts and can be our own filters for content.

Although I discovered many of my classmates’ blogs expressed common themes of how the media impacts their worldviews, I found some interesting ones that interpreted the question slightly different. One student’s blog posted by Justin Young (http://jy12zl.word press.com) interpreted the assignment question from a different angle. He interpreted the question with the focus on how his daily life revolves around the use of media. He states, “I am included as one of these members of society who takes the media’s impact for granted. It is not until I consider my daily routines that I discover how much of my life revolves around the media. In an effort to effectively determine how much the media weighs in my life, I consider life without use of any media. Allow me to illustrate how my life would be in this situation.” He goes on to express the impact of “not” having access to mass media would have on his life and his view of a world without the influences of sports and fashion etc. His perspective is coming from the opposite angle yet still has basically the same theme as my own blog and many others of my classmates…that mass media has helped to define who we are or are becoming..

1F25 Post 1: Media Impact

The media increasingly defines the world that we live in today. The media shapes our views and frames our minds to believe what we read and hear about “factual” information and entertainment. There are many things we see on the news that sensationalizes the story to sell papers and capture the viewer’s attention. This contributes to the creation of potentially biased opinions. The news companies could be withholding or not releasing a lot of vital information that would be needed for me to make a truly informed decision or opinion.

The sensationalism also creates an emotional response that tends to make readers and viewers pick a “side” on a particular issue without potentially having all the facts. I personally read an article and will sympathize with the victim and assume the person who is being investigated is automatically guilty even before he or she has gone to trial! It should be “innocent until proven guilty” and it seems we have it backwards. 
Mass media plays a significant role on my worldview. I am of the generation that depends on computers for information, research and socialization. The media also uses the Internet to distribute the latest news and “gossip” therefore capturing the attention of as many people as possible. I am an avid computer user and this keeps me connected to the world’s news, events, sporting information as well as a social connection to my circle of friends. I also watch a fair amount of TV and music videos which incorporate commercials and advertisements and I look through magazines, all of which have a significant impact on not only my worldview of who is beautiful and successful, but how I view myself. There are many examples of women who are photo-shopped to look perfect. The magazines target younger teens/woman and men to buy the product they are promoting, and giving them the state of mind that the model has the ideal perfect body image and they should strive to look that way. This often causes younger women/men to diet or develop eating disorders and even resort to plastic surgery/use of steroids. These images often cause teens to become extremely self-conscious and lower their self-esteem because they do not have the “media-created perfect” body. I find myself even idolizing and wanting to resemble these beautiful women and pick myself apart, focusing on the features I would like to change. Media often portrays” the successful and popular people as the “beautiful” ones… and the classic nerds as being physically unattractive and awkward. Wealth tends to equate to “good looks” and intelligence.

Don’t get me wrong I am not of the opinion that mass media is all bad. Mass media is also the platform people use to raise awareness about a great cause or a belief and has many positive effects to promote change, health and awareness. Is it a vehicle that can have the greatest impact on raising money for the less fortunate or locating a missing person or broadcasting a wonderful human story… It is society’s responsibility to set boundaries and educate people about both the negative and positive aspects of mass media.

Die Hard Leafs Fan