"Google"

I struggled to read the entire “Is Google making us Stupid” which validates the author’s argument that the internet has reprogrammed our thinking to seek the gist of information. I would certainly like to agree with Guy Billout in his stance on the effects of the internet on our minds. I would like to correlate the fact that the decrease in amount of books I read is relative to the increase of my use of the internet over the years. At the same time perhaps we are more active than passive in that I feel the internet has become our excuse to slack in subjects we have already found dull. I found another piece of evidence to be wary of Billout’s argument.
Billout failed to define the word “stupid” as it relates to his argument which to me is discrediting. “Stupid” may seem to be clearly defined to all persons, but I believe the definition varies depending on who you speak with. With the ambiguity of “stupid” in mind the article appeals to our own definition allowing us to be more apt to agree with the argument proposed.
But, the article does offer opposing views with examples of reactions to the printing press which solidifies the argument. I found it interesting that Plato felt writing would undermine the thoughts of man and I looked if Plato did in fact believe this quickly on the internet. I found through my rapid search there is evidence of Plato’s belief.
In conclusion I would have to agree more so with the author in that the internet has inspired a shallow nature. But, I feel that the internet delivers what we want and we are active in the decision of how we receive our information.

Scientific Images

I am excited in “seeing the unseen” and often a little disgusted. When asking for my favorite scientific images I was tempted to find the most repulsing microscope image because those are often the images I just can’t resist looking at. But, I thought that I would be able to keep my lunch if I chose images that were a little less disgusting. I thought the following electron microscope image of a flea was a great example of a scientific image that is aligned with the social realm. The image is colored of course to give the images parts distinction, but also for the purpose of aesthetic appeal (aesthetic appeal to a flea is that a paradox)? The photographer has scrolled a signature in the left hand corner further establishing the image as artwork. Personally the image makes me think of a fantasy creature.












Keeping with the same theme the following is an image of a “Water Bear” which also makes me feel a little sick, but I am drawn to look at and wonder. “Water Bears” live in mosses and lichens (water plants) and resemble bears how I assume they received their nickname. I also have learned that these strange creatures are basically indestructible because they are able to survive radiation in space check my source (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26613502/ns/technology_and_science-space/). I don’t believe I would have felt inspired to learn more about “Water Bears” without seeing the image first in Biology class. The creatures are quite famous.



Zoloft is an anti-depressant used to treat mental health disorders such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and anxiety. The Zoloft balls used in the advertisement of the medication for an unknown reason remind me of serenity. They are simple characters who often change from sad to happy. The Zoloft advertisements often have included the checklists discussed in chapter 9 that inspire consumer’s to diagnose themselves and consult with their physician to administer the prescription. I’m not sure I believe whether the average person is influenced or misdiagnose themselves to believe they have the symptoms of a disorder through prescription advertisements.

Final Project

Mass Media and the Presidential Campaign
At the approach of presidential election promotions of candidates filter into our lives. At home we turn on our television sets compelled to watch recent news coverage and we are updated on current election events. We may be interested in watching a debate between candidates. Checking our myspace page we might receive forwards from friends in attempts to support a particular candidate or glimpse campaign advertisements. In an active manner we may research candidates online. A simple walk down a familiar street may include campaign posters on walls or decorating the shirt of a passerby. Irritated behind a slow driver we might notice the bumper sticker “Vote so-and so.” The media employed in presidential campaigns have evolved to fare best in competition. As voters in an election we are essentially part of a target market and consumers of a product. The purpose of my delving into the current media involved in a presidential campaign is to become more aware of the methods of influence so that I may be able to submit a more educated and informed vote. I have focused primarily on television and the internet.

Television: Presidential Debates

John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon were the first candidates who had a debate televised. The debate was televised because both the television networks and the candidates’ campaigns expected to benefit. Here is a clip of the debate between Nixon and Kennedy dated September 26, 1960.


There is infamous speculation regarding who won the debate. Kennedy who appeared more at ease on television was considered the winner by those who watched the debate, but Nixon who appeared sweaty and less healthy fared better over the radio without his image being projected. The question if image overpowered content in this debate is interesting because that would imply that the public can be influenced by appearances and disregard important issues. Personally I venture to say that Kennedy used broad responses to questions while Nixon was more specific to the issues at hand. Please feel free to form your own opinion. If you would like to explore the source of my information on this subject or simply learn more visit http://www.kennesaw.edu/pols/3380/pres/1960.html.

My inspiration for the critical thinking in response to the power of images comes from Pat’s comment to my blog post concerning a Barack Obama campaign poster. You can access my blog post at the following link- http://jrn131opal.blogspot.com/2009/10/i-searched-online-for-this-campaign.html



Blogger
Pat K said...
The image and strength of a picture and ideal is powerful, and especially a political picture depicting the strength of one man to change the world, society, and struggles we face today? If the creators of this image has your mind focused off the issues at hand and have you idolizing Obama, they have done their job. Would you concur? Pat Kaehler.

Television: Cable Television Talk Shows

In my Stephen Colbert blog post I shared about the humor involved in a presidential election: **http://jrn131opal.blogspot.com/2009/11/stephen-colbert.html**. There are several television commentators who specialize on party specific issues during presidential elections or aim to specialize in avoiding party specific issues. Here are some sites for cable television shows that provide comment on presidential elections among other news related incidents.
The O’Reilly Factor- **http://www.foxnews.com/oreilly/**
Real Time with Bill Maher- **http://www.hbo.com/billmaher/**
State of the Union- **http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/11/01/state-of-the-union-john-kings-crib-sheet-for-november-1/**
I feel that one should take care when watching a talk show concerning political opinion especially for the sake of determining bias. However, a person may have already established opinions and watch political commentary on elections for reinforcement. Nonetheless bias can distort facts and an election is an optimum time to do so because there is a product being sold (a president).


The Internet: Social Networking Sites
The internet a more recently developed medium has changed the dynamic of presidential campaigns. For a more overview on the internet and presidential campaign please see my blog post on the subject at **http://jrn131opal.blogspot.com/2009/11/internet-has-transformed-political.html**. More specifically I would like to add that social networking sites have become a significant force for presidential campaigns in our last election in 2008. Not only can a candidate’s campaign utilize a social networking site for notoriety or promoting their stances but revenue can be generated. A candidate’s page may house advertisements of their supporters. The following online news article goes into a greater depth of the business of social networks and presidential campaigns: **http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/12/technology/candidates_socialnets/index.htm**

In Conclusion:

When weighing issues before voting for President of the United States we are under the influence of the mass media especially television and internet media. I have taken into consideration that candidates are promoted like a product. I have discovered that a candidate’s aesthetic appeal can overshadow important issues. A television show can deliver biased information affecting my opinion in favor of their preferred candidate. Revenue is a considerable factor involved in presidential campaigns and can influence the issues a candidate will support. In order to vote responsibly I feel that evaluating the content of a candidates stances rather than focusing on their appearance is important. Another important practice when evaluating the content of a candidate’s stance is asking “Why does the candidate support this issue and do they support the issue because they are receiving considerable revenue from the issue’s source?” When being updated on campaign news research the possible biases of the source delivering the news as to avoid slanted news coverage that can influence opinions.

Stephen Colbert

A favorite parody of mine has to be Stephen Colbert’s run in the 2008 presidential election. The Colbert Report is a parody political commentary show aired on Comedy Central (http://www.colbertnation.com/home). Presidential candidates provide ample material for Stephen Colbert who “emulates” a conservative host. Colbert has openly credited Bill O’Reilly, an actual talk show host, with the inspiration for The Colbert Report. In order to understand the humor of The Colbert Report an individual must be familiar with political commentary especially on cable television. One also must be aware of political platforms. During the 2008 election Stephen Colbert stole focus from the media with his announced presidential candidacy in which he brought his talk show character into “reality.” The Daily Show is also aired on Comedy Central. Stephen Colbert had been a commentator on Jon Stewart’s Daily Show and often makes appearances since the establishment of his own show The Colbert Report. In the following clip from the Daily Show Stephen Colbert announces his decision to run for the office of the president. What I find hilarious is Stephen Colbert’s obviated self-centered behavior (mocking candidate behavior in general) and attempts at hokey “down- home” tendencies (mocking candidates who try to appeal to the average person).

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Colbert's Big Announcement
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

Coffee

Starbucks has solidly formed a position in the coffee market and has now branched out to

promoting other items and this print ad for a frozen fruit drink is an example. The advertisement

is aesthetically pleasing with the fruit drinks set amongst a meadow scene. The use of a meadow scene with fruit drinks connotes that the product is made of natural ingredients which is a popular theme in current society with the “Green” trend. Starbucks is selling a good conscious and “coolness” playing with the “Green” trend through their fruit drinks. Also, the script at the bottom of the advertisement reads “We Proudly Brew Starbucks Coffee” which confirms that Starbucks has created brand loyalty and using that loyalty to create a demand for a new product.

A global fast food vendor, McDonald’s, has launched McCafe. McCafe is meant to fulfill a demand for affordable fine tasting coffee that is available quickly. The script on the advertisement reads “at your new coffee house” using metacommunication to speak to a consumer who does not find utility in purchasing higher priced “ready- made” coffee, but would find utility in “ready-made” coffee at a lower price. The advertisement displays four decorative coffees connoting that the coffee is of quality and the coffees are even described as “dreamy” in the script to the right. The use of an accent mark on the “e” at the end of McCafe connotes also a meaning of quality. The accent mark implies that McCafe is a foreign word and uses that exotic appeal to connote quality of the coffee product. For whatever reason coffee beans from another country are associated with quality.

International Delights Creamer delves further into affordability in regards to coffee. International Delights promotes their coffee creamer in an economy where consumers are seeking bargains. The creamer advertisement intimates that with the use of the creamer coffee at home would taste flavorful and exciting. The advertisement promotes a limited edition flavor selling exclusivity. There is a chocolate ice cream Sunday, pieces of box chocolate, and shaved white chocolate surrounding a cup of coffee with creamer being poured in. The abundance of chocolate images communicates a strong flavor also creating a demand.
After looking at these coffee advertisements I am now going to go get a cup of coffee…..I must be part of a target market.

Politics and the Internet

The internet has transformed the political aspect of our society. Politicians have adapted and taken advantage of the internet to be elected into office and address concerns of their constituents if already holding a position. Information is readily available on the internet which enables voters to weigh in options when voting concerning either the candidate’s history or the political issues at hand. Political party websites and blogs provide a place for people with similar views to congregate and support their cause on a national level. An individual can utilize an internet search engine to look up data such as approval ratings for a candidate. In the past politicians such as candidates used other mediums such as the television, radio, and newspapers to communicate their stance to the public; However, the internet has opened an avenue for the general public to step from being passive to more active in the political process. The growth of the internet has in my opinion provided a more accessible way for the general public to be better informed and involved in the direction of our society through politics.

Barack Obama for Change

I searched online for this campaign image for Barack Obama. I am not sure of the novelty of this image, but the politically charged message is well depicted
and if not similar to the image I have impressed in my memory. In my opinion three meanings associated with this campaign image are of course “Change,” perspective of the future, and American patriotism.

“Change” is really a broad meaning especially when associated with a Campaign poster and “Change” is the primary message or meaning that makes the image especially powerful. Barack Obama is the first African American President in a country with a history of racism and slavery outside of the Anglo race. The fact that he is afforded an opportunity his particular ethnicity has been restricted from in the past indicates perhaps a change or difference in America versus its past. “Change” also could imply a difference in mind set of America in other issues such as environmental concerns.
Personally, I feel Barack Obama pensively looking beyond the viewer depicts a perspective of the future. Obama is illustrated as possessing a unique knowledge of what could happen; Thus, Obama is equipped in preventative action.
Red, white, and blue make up the color composition of Barack Obama’s campaign poster the official American flag colors. The use of red, white, and blue reinforces an appeal of Americans associating themselves as united in patriotism. I would like to mention that the shadows on his face and lifelike detail also exemplify the support of talented individuals who created the illustration (which can be considered a fourth meaning associated with Obama’s image).