Disney Has Taken Over!

“In the past 20 years, the nature of media ownership has undergone a radical alternation, caused by changes in legal rules governing the media.” (Lawrence Lessig p162).

Basically as Lawrence Lessig states, in the past different parts of media were owned by different companies. There were not major global media dominators as there are today! These days there are 8 companies that fall under this category. Alongside these companies, others struggle in competition. One of the major ones include Disney. Look around, Disney is actually everywhere! They have taken over many different elements of the media making them extremely powerful. This makes it hard for any other opponent to fight for a part of the success. 

“The global media system is better understood as one that advances corporate and commercial interests and values and denigrates or ignores that which cannot be incorporated into its mission.”(Robert McChensey p3).

According to McChensey, companies only care about profits and will only pay attention to ideas that will only benefit them in the end. For example; since Disney already has promised viewers and consumers in the United States they have accepted the idea of expanding over seas. This is made easy with the new communication technology connecting these companies to other parts of the media market (other nations).

So you may ask what does Disney own anyways? Well they own a lot. Some of these things include: ABC, ABC Family, ABC Kids. Disney Channel, Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Pixar, Touchstone Pictures, Miramax Films, Disney Interactive Studios. Disney Cruise, Disney Radio, a website including trips, videos games etc....

And the list continues, that isn’t even half of what they actually own. Is this really necessary? They are triumphing and taking over the global media market. They have covered television programming, movie production, theme parks, resorts, and even video games plus merchandise. This can be considered as corporate control. One company owning everything? This is ridiculous, companies should not have that much media power over the world. Currently laws are being looked over about ownership rules and regulations. It isn’t fair for Disney to have such domination in various media aspects! What will they own next?!

Works Cited

“Walt Disney.”

Wikipedia. Accessed November 22, 2009

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_disney_own

McChensey, Robert. “It’s a Small World of Big Conglomerates.”

The New Global Media. Accessed November 23, 2009

http://www.thenation.com/doc/19991129/mcchesney

Lessig, Lawrence. Free Culture. London: 

Penguin Books 2004

What is Culture Jamming Anyways?

The term culture jamming basically refers to the act of altering advertisements. It is a form of speech brought to the world by activists and people who do not support certain messages. It is their way of unveiling their truth to audiences everywhere. They do this by simply taking a popular poster (or any familiar advertisement), and changing the words or image slightly conveying the real message. 

“The use of the existing forms to critique those same forms helpfully defines “tactical media,” so that, ironically, the transmission of mainstream news is satirized through content and form while in turn being transmitted via corporate-owned news show.” (Megan Boler p9).

Basically Boler is expressing how the mainstream advertisements are being turned into ironic and sometimes truthfully funny ones. A great example is the picture of a typical truck advertisement. It is turning a commonly used car advertisement into what it really is, a damager of nature. In commercials and posters the vehicle is promoted on different landscapes making it look like it almost belongs or is a part of our environment. This alteration does an excellent job in showing how the car is actually polluting our air and world around us. "Poison for the road" is even cleverly added at the bottom. This is replacing some other stupid catch phrase used in selling these durable vehicle types. 

Culture jamming is a brilliant way of getting thoughts and opinions heard over our media systems. This culture will continue in the future, as it is constantly expanding. I believe this is one of the most effective and creative ways for activists to communicate their messages. It's about time some truth can be heard over all of the other noise!

Works Cited

Boler, Megan. "The Transmission of Political Critique after 9/11: “A New Form of Desperation”?." M/C Journal 9.1 (2006). 17 Nov. 2009 <http://journal.media-culture.org.au/0603/11-boler.php>.

“Google Images.” Accessed November 12, 2009

http://www.abrupt.org/CJ/damage.jpg >

Participatory Cultures

With the internet becoming easier to access this has resulted in participatory culture expansion. Participatory culture is where people contribute and work together creating published media. These people usually share the same opinions and ideas. 

“Arguments used to try to convey the truth are made over ‘new media’....

In short, communication and the political role of media has become exponentially complex in the simultaneous demand for truthfulness alongside the simultaneous awareness that all truth is constructed.” (Megan Boler p5). 

In other words Boler is stating that truth in the media, especially in participatory cultures, are carefully developed. Then they are brought upon audiences of the world. Some of these cultures include blogs, Facebook, and Myspace (social networking). I am apart of the Facebook Network. Many ideas and opinion groups are created and many people can support and even comment on their thoughts. With all of these attractive networks to become apart of or learn from, many people are easily convinced of what is truth. These different forms of media can dress up any page and make anything appear to be correct or truthful. It has become a huge problem in the world of the media. People need to be internet “savy” when operating a computer and reading information these days. Therefore even though these participatory cultures can be helpful one must always research the source before believing any information. 

Works Cited

Boler, Megan. "The Transmission of Political Critique after 9/11: “A New Form of Desperation”?." M/C Journal 9.1 (2006). 17 Nov. 2009 <http://journal.media-culture.org.au/0603/11-boler.php>.

Net Neutrality, Will the Internet Stay Neutral?

Net neutrality is a concept in relation to the internet. According to wikipedia the definition is “the principle that all Internet traffic should be treated equal.” Unfortunately this is not the case on the web today. These days you are actually paying for a certain amount of access to what is available online. Different internet providers are beginning to block some services, especially ones from competitors. They surprisingly are able to make some sites slow and hardly accessible. I had always believed that every provider was honest and trying to supply customers with the best service. I had no idea that they were even capable of doing such things to better themselves. This was until I began reading an article written by Tim Wu. The article surrounds this topic claiming that the future is dependent on net neutrality. This is entirely true. 

“This is the basic case for network neutrality—to prevent centralized control over the future of the Internet” (Tim Wu 1). 

Not enough people are aware of this and they need to be. The world wide web can become neutral again if enough people are informed about what is discretely happening. Laws will hopefully be passed dismissing any idea of tempering service providers. Just remember, it is easy to become fooled by all of the attractive promotions from companies but they only have one goal. MONEY. What else is new? Spread the word and help save the internet for tomorrow!

Works Cited

“Why You Should Care About Network Neutrality”

Slate. Accessed November 17, 2009

< http://www.slate.com/id/2140850/ >

“Network Neutrality”

Wikipedia. Accessed November 17, 2009

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_neutrality

Bring Our Troops Home!

As Canadians, it is common knowledge that there are Canadian soldiers fighting in Afghanistan. Even people, (such as myself), who are not entirely informed on the exact details know the basis of what is happening. This is simply because it is a hot topic situation. It continues to remain as a current news story even though the troops have been overseas for years! Many different activist projects are becoming more and more involved. One in particular is the TCSW. They are called the Toronto Coalition to Stop the War. They are a group whose attitudes are purely towards peace and the well being of our soldiers. They do not agree with war and are promoting people to join their project in bringing our troops back to Canada. 

Personally I agree very strongly with this group. We constantly hear through the media the deaths that add to our count of lost men and women. Not much is being accomplished in Afghanistan and people are losing their lives. Not even necessarily from fighting but from explosions and more! Also, some of the Afghan civilians are innocent people who cannot be depicted from the real criminals and terrorists. With the prime minister pushing back the time our soldiers must stay there, the situation is getting ridiculous. The mission needs to become further perfected and thought out. 

Our troops need to come back to safety before pursuing more plans leading to more and more deaths. I can only hope that with more support and attention brought to TCSW our troops will be prompted to come home!

“We want a world based on peace and justice, not war and occupation. Join us!” (TCSW). 

Works Cited

"Toronto Coalition to Stop the War." Accessed November 23, 2009

http://www.nowar.ca/about.htm

Buy-Nothing-Day

Can people really go an entire day without purchasing a single thing? Well this November people everywhere have the opportunity to participate in “Buy Nothing Day.” It occurs on November 27 and the 28th and has been ongoing for the past twenty years. It was brought to the world by Adbusters; a magazine made up of activists and artists. This day is meant to show the world how if we spend less we can save our environment. The required rule of this day is that you are not to purchase anything at all. In addition, this year they are even including no use of computers or cars for 24 hours. If enough people participate there will be a great difference in sales and hydro power for an entire day. Then I find myself asking what about the following day? After 24 hours without these common actions, that are now considered primary necessities, shopping consumptions could even become doubled! Honestly I don’t believe that this event will have a huge impact in our already tainted environment. It will take more than one day a year to lead ourselves on the path to save our earth. Although, on a more positive side I do think that in another 10 or 20 years an improvement will be shown. People will have obtained much more information surrounding this event. In turn, people will gradually make “greener” choices on any day of the year, not this specific day. This will then eventually give our environment a break, but will not solve all of the problems from the years and years that we have abused it. So if you really want to make a difference the question isn’t just whether you will take part on this titled day. It is are you going to start changing your lifestyle for longer than one day? 

Works Cited

“Buy Nothing Day.”

Adbusters. Accessed November 18, 2009

<https://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd>

Are You Media Literate?

Can you tell the difference between actual information and advertisements? What about factual information from fiction? Everyday I see many different forms of Media such as when I watch television which includes countless commercials. I also am on the internet frequently which is filled with more ads. Today, I am still learning how to analyze advertisements and ask myself questions such as:

-Who is this message for? 

-And who wants to reach this target audience and why? 

Most people are without a doubt media illiterate. It is very easy to fall into this category with all of hidden messages and motives sent through media. Roland Barthes, the author of “Myth Today,” describes how words and images have layered meanings and can be what he calls a “myth.” Basically they can be decoded and uncover an interpretation of what the image and words are really communicating. 

“Myth hides nothing, and flaunts nothing: it distorts; myth is neither a lie or confession it is an inflection.” (p10). -Roland Barthes

Media literacy means you have the capability to examine and inspect messages that entertain, sell and inform us on a daily basis. It is very important to pay attention to what you are hearing and experiencing in regards to the media. The commercial below on the “North American House Hippo” is a prime example of how easy it is to believe what is said in the media. This particular commercial has a strong message stressing how you can be fooled by the media very simply. 

Tallium,Jane. “Media Literacy.”

Media Awareness Network. Accessed October 6,2009

<http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/teachers/media_literacy/what_is_media_literacy.cfm>

Barthes,Roland. “Myth Today.”

Accessed October 3, 2009

<http://www.turksheadreview.com/library/barthes-mythtoday.pdf>

Youtube. “The North American House Hippo.”

Accessed October 7, 2009.

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C2deHWGgoc>

No Escape

I interpret and understand mass media as the many different forms in which media messages are presented to me everyday. When I wake up I check my cellphone to see if I have any information from my friends (via text). Then I go online and my homepage, (msn.com), is a source providing me with daily news, entertainment and health information. As I walk through school there are posters of different events and advertisements for Guelph-Humber itself. Even driving down the highway there are huge billboards eager to be read. 

 Marshall McLuhan couldn’t stress enough that “the medium is the message.” He also said that the media are simple “extensions” of our bodies and of our minds. An example of this is when I use my cellphone for the most part of my day, along with the majority of everyone around me. My voice is extended and when I am listening my ears are part of the technology extension also. 

Negative or positive where ever I go there will always be media around me and directed right at me. This applies to the majority of people around the world, there is hardly an escape from it...

“The Playboy Interview: Marshal McLuhan”, Playboy Magazine, March 1969.

Fake News??

Thats right some news stories can be classified as “fake.” This type of news is brought to you mostly by Public Relation consultants. But hey its their job to advertise on behalf of companies and make them look good; no matter what. Even when realistically, they could be having huge problems that they do not want the public to know the entire truth about; (like a lawsuit or accusation). For high profile companies the consultants are paid large amounts of money to work their hardest to back them and make what was a negative a positive. 

I am beginning to learn that the journalists are the ones who try to dig for the truth and the PR people are paid to turn a story into a successful one.  So next time you are reading a so called “news” story on a company remember there is probably a lot of information left out and/or is turned around into a promotion of some sort. 

TV Obsession

“I would watch Saved by the Bell the same way all high school kids watch morning television, which is to say I stared at it with the same thoughtless intensity I displayed when watching the dryer. I watched it because it was on TV, which is generally the driving force behind why most people watch any program... Consumers don't demand it to be good. It just needs to be watchable.”

-Chuck Klosterman. Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs (p138).

The television has invaded our homes, but this is not news to anyone it has been this way for many years. It started off in the 20th century and has been corrupting minds and stealing hours of people’s lives since. Just think it was invented basically to improve the radio. Radio shows became sitcoms, the news turned into many different broadcasting stations on a variety of channels, and advertisements became more influencing. Then more was added; like teen drama’s, reality shows and much more insignificant ones, but they all still seem to catch our attention.

 I admit I am addicted to watching television and I do become hooked to the odd sitcom from time to time. But in response to what Chuck Klosterman stated am I just watching some of these shows because of its amazing content or because it is just “watchable?” After thinking about it I realized that I view mostly “just watchable television.” (such as MTV). 

Also do we all realize the impact it has on us? Television portrays a lifestyle that affects our culture. For example every show on T.V. stereotypes teenagers acting rebellious. Is this in a sense influencing teens to mimic this because it is what they are supposed to be like according to TV? Worst of all younger kids have access to these shows teaching them that violence and drugs are acceptable and younger sex is promoted. 

It is a great way to be entertained but I don’t believe people even consciously understand how it affects them. Creepily enough, with the constant repeat of the same commercials every 15 minutes, I can honestly say that I know words to most of them off the top of my head. Am I slowly being brainwashed? Are we all? 

Klosterman, Chuck. Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs.New York:

Scribner, 2005.

SEX APPEAL

Its hard to believe what advertisements are actually selling these days with all of the different elements involved in the media. In one of Neil Postman’s speeches he describes what the environment of media is made up by.“..the media environment..consists of language, numbers, images, holograms, and all of the other symbols, techniques and machinery..”(p1) All of these things must be cleverly deciphered to truly uncover the product and the message.

 So what is the advertisement posted above even selling? If someone unaware of the clothing store, Abercrombie and Fitch, it would be hard to look at and say yeah of course they are selling clothes. You wouldn’t assume so since in most of their ads the models are barely wearing anything. Abercrombie and Fitch sells sex in all of their promotions and have done so for years. They use super muscular guys and gorgeous girls to attract people into their store. Is this really appropriate though? Considering they have clothes for kids it is definitely not appropriate. Even the people working there are very good-looking. My friend Daniela applied there and on the application you have to put a picture of yourself and fill in your height and weight. How ridiculous! But there is no stopping them now because as we all have learned sex sells and always will. 

Postman, Neil. “The Humanism of Media Ecology.”

Media Ecology Association. Accessed October 7, 2009. 

<http://www.media-ecology.org/publications/MEA_proceedings/v1/humanism_of_media_ecology.html>

“Abercrombie & Fitch.” Accessed October 7, 2009

<www.abercrombie.ca/anf/index.html>

Jamie Taylor, Online Blogger?

At first I didn’t know what to expect when creating my own personal blog page since it is my first experience in essentially a new world. I had no problem at all in setting it up. Picking my preferred layout and adding personal information was easy. But as soon as it came to actually composing blogs I froze. I prolonged writing them for weeks because, well, I was freaking out! It made me incredibly nervous and I suddenly lost all confidence in my writing abilities. Every time I thought about doing them I remembered that my posts would be made accessible to the entire online network. The public can actually read my thoughts and opinions with judgement. What will they think? What if my blogs receive negative feedback? 

But I realized that there are obviously no right or wrong blogs. It is entirely my opinion and since everyone has varying views, and do not think alike, of course people will disagree with things I post. And I am willing to accept that. Like John Berger expressed in his book, Ways Of Seeing, people always have unique perceptions as societies progress and the environment around them change. “The way we see things is affected by what we know or what we believe.” (p8). 

With that being said it will still continue to be weird for me; releasing my inner thoughts to the world for the first time in the form of a blog. But at the same time I’ll get to experience the life as a blogger. 

Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. London

British Broadcasting Corporation, 1972.