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.