Media Journal Entry #13

In closing the semester, I feel an appropriate journal entry should simply convey the importance of media literacy gained throughout the course. Through deconstructing and delving into different media forms I have a cleaner perspective on massively circulated media. I look at magazines, commercials, films, songs, etc. with a different eye.

Students have commented throughout the semester that critical theory and deconstruction "kills" media. I remember at one point someone asking: "Do you think we're going too far, do you really think we should pull that apart so much?" It is true that dissecting media may take away from overall entertainment value however you cannot deconstruct something "too much". Without a critical eye the media wins. Unless media is taken critically and deconstructed, the social stereotypes and biases constructed present day society will be perpetuated and locked in. Media does more than entertain, it has the capability of "brainwashing" or creating individual mindsets. I find that if all viewers and consumers were more familiar with critical theory the true meanings behind director motives and production costs would shine through more clearly.

The more media literacy is widespread, and the more critical we as consumers grow to be, the better the quality of media. Media will still be one-sided and bias if critical approaches are not taken. I find that through spreading knowledge and insight, quality will increase as ignorance and continued objectification are erased.

Media Journal Entry #12

I recently viewed the documentary Paris is Burning , and without much foresight as to the content of the film it was definitely interesting. The movie follows the lives of gay men and transvestites living in New York City, completely dependant on the gay subculture for fame and confidence's sake. The doc focuses in on the passions and popularity of "the ball" in the gay community. Considering I just presented on homosexuality in the media and the creation of gay subcultures, this documentary was relevant to the processes of my thoughts lately. It is both sad and inspiring that this community has so much to look forward to and depend on within the ball community. It is unfortunate that the transvestites and queers interviewed and depicted in the film cannot feel the fame and fortune of their ball in a hetero-based festival. It is refreshing, however in that these marginalized groups have the ability to create their own inclusive environment outside of such a subjugating one. The joy involved with the ball, and in particular the ball for these men called "Paris is Burning" is bittersweet. It is joyous that these events may exist annually and sporadically across the area yet depressing considering the social constraints creating a means for such a sub festival.

Media Journal Entry #11

This was my favorite music video in middle school. I feel the video still stands in terms of visionary cinematography and creativity. Cristopher Walken is perfect for the role and cracks me up every time.

Media Journal Entry #10

The media as a catalyst for arrogant ignorance.

Especially at a liberal arts school one can easily observe students discussing politics and world issues on a regular basis. Unfortunately the people I hear talking about issues the most are those whose knowledge is based on snidbits of broadcasting heard here or there or at some point during class. I find news media these days, if anything, is most informative in the way that it provides younger generations to take small pieces of information and run with them. A teacher of mine dubs this "arrogant ignorance". I define this arrogant ignorance as an elevated position certain people uphold concerning world issues where the basis is a one-source segment of information, mostly pulled out of context after a few twists and turns. There are exceptions and I am completely generalizing and by no means am attempting to dismiss my own tendencies as to this arrogance however I feel the need to point out a commonly occuring observation. The majority of passionate discussion I hear in classes and on the street is directed by persons who feel an entitlement to share their firmly ingrained opinion regarding the subject. I find persons with the largest and widest knowledge base more often reserve judgement and opinion as a means to shaping their own and truly listening to the argument. It is unfortunate that a small snidbit of news has created in students the feeling that we know everything, especially considering the bias and misrepresentation present in current news media. That's my rant for this entry.

De/Re Construct Project

This reconstruction of the Wells Fargo logo represents the ways in which Wells Fargo "fucks" you out of your money. The company charges $34 overdraft fees and interest rates range from 15% to 40%. Wells Fargo boasts about aiding young people in reaching their financial dreams, yet I have only heard negative testimonies in regard to banking with this company. I have never heard of someone truly gaining from Wells Fargo and when dubbing the company Wells Fucko, the response is always affirmative laughter.

Media Journal Entry #9

Harvey Milk's story brought to life in the recently released on DVD film Milk is a breakthrough for the representation of homosexuals in the media. In response to the recent class content regarding the skewed representation of queer lifestyles in the media, and following our viewing of The Celluloid Closet, commenting on Milk seems appropriate.

Many Americans still are in the dark or in the closet so to speak when it comes to understanding major touchstones in the quest for gay rights. Prior to Milk, I was upset to find few people knew of his story or were informed as to the extreme adversity gays have faced throughout the quest for equality. It is a monumental in terms of censorship and films in general that this production achieved such great success. I am stoked that Dustin Lance Black recieved best original screenplay for this achievement. Although the movie moves slowly it truly captures Harvey's zest for gay rights and the limitless extent of his efforts in creating security and community for homosexuals. Black's acceptance speech at the Oscar's hits home in terms of today's gay and lesbian youth and fears still prevalent with coming out. It was refreshing to see an out artist openly expressing the normalcy and beauty in accepting one's sexuality. His speech claimed "God loves you" and something to the extent of who you are cannot be deemed wrong, no god could hate you. Tying into the censorship of "perverted" film material seen in The Celluloid Closet pushed by the Catholic church, this speech is especially important. Someone can finally say that the "god" so offended by homosexual material actually loves the homosexuals just as much as the straight ones. Love it. I am fortunate to live in a generation where being gay is finally acceptable and now the media is able to freely illustrate the efforts of the beautiful souls who have paved the rocky road in order to reach this point. I highly recommend Milk, the film does Harvey Milk and gays everywhere needed justice.

Media Journal Entry #8

I feel Ani Difranco touches on many subjects relevant to media literacy discourse, in particular femininity and empowerment. Shameless is one of her more popular songs, and thus more accessible video wise, however despite its catchy appeal, the song addresses conventional codes of fidelity and faithfulness and stigmatisms surrounding females in conventional society. Some lyrics include:

"i gotta cover my butt 'cuz i covet
another man's wife
i got to divide my emotions
between wrong and right
then i get to see how close i can get to it
without giving in
then i get to rub up against it
till i break the skin
rub up against it
till i break the skin

they're gonna be mad at us
they're gonna be mad at me and you…

just please don't name this
please don't explain this
just blame it all on me
say i was shameless
say i couldn't slow it down
let alone stop it
and say you just hung around
'cuz you couldn't top it"

Ambiguity exists as to the main message of this song however I personally draw from it meanings of shame projected toward females for the expression of interior desire and passion. The song may be discussing an affair however it still addresses the ways in which female expression is frowned upon and females are left defined as "shameless". Although not her best song, it's a good'n.