The author states, on page 390, that "understanding how images circulate and what role they play in a global information economy is crucial to understanding practices of looking in the twenty-first century". I must admit that after reading this chapter, I am no closer to an understanding of this concept. It's a lot of information to take in and it is all rather contradictory, in my opinion.
Satellite technology has done amazing things for us. It allows me to find my way around, using my phone (otherwise, I might be lost perpetually). It allows for the global dissemination of art and culture. It can be used to protect our country. It can be used to unite the world into a global community. It can also be used by terrorists to plot against us. It can be used by our government to spy on us. It allows us to spread global propaganda. It allows the enemy to spread global propaganda.
On page 400 it says that "the national and the global are in constant, fluid tension, with national interests using global media to shape international opinion and with global forces struggling to work within the continued laws and rituals of the nation-state". I think this pretty much sums it up... I don't know. I can't call it.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Consumerism
This reading is about the rat race. We all take part in it, to some degree. We all have to have the latest iPhone, laptop, car, clothes, etc. I know that I am guilty of it, though perhaps not as guilty as some. I have always despised the rat race and what it stands for. And yet still... I have to have the newest phone and laptop myself, with the latest programs. I tell myself that I need it for my education and work, but I know that I fall victim to consumerism.
On page 274, Cohen notes that when the policy shifted in the 1950's from social policy, to consumerism that it resulted in social inequality along racial lines, less voter participation, and an increase in social and political segmentation. This is exactly why I have always despised the rat race.
Strange to think that my job, as a graphic designer will be to support consumerism... looking for ways to make people want what they don't necessarily need. I'm going to try and not think too deeply about that one.
On page 274, Cohen notes that when the policy shifted in the 1950's from social policy, to consumerism that it resulted in social inequality along racial lines, less voter participation, and an increase in social and political segmentation. This is exactly why I have always despised the rat race.
Strange to think that my job, as a graphic designer will be to support consumerism... looking for ways to make people want what they don't necessarily need. I'm going to try and not think too deeply about that one.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
I use a lot of modern technology and am therefore exposed to a good deal of mass media. I don't go out of my way to seek out media. I don't watch tv. I don't listen to the radio and I don't really even watch the news. Non the less, I am saturated by it at every turn, I cannot deny that.
If I am going to watch the news, I prefer The Daily Show, or The Colbert Report. I believe that we get more truth from a parody that causes us to re-analyse the news that has been presented to the masses and question their motives and perspectives... although, I'm sure the shows I mentioned have there own agendas. I agree with the author, when he states on page 231 that "the boundaries between news and fiction and between entertainment and information are increasingly blurred".
I agree with the author that mass media can be used as a tool of mass propaganda or mass persuasion... it is up to us, however to buy into what they are selling. It is also up to us, quite literally, to buy, or not to buy what they are selling. We are the masses. Are we going to be dominated and controlled by the media? it is up to us as individuals.Although it may not be as easy, the individual and the like minded can use mass media to disseminate their own point of view, fostering a diversity of self expression, as well.
If I am going to watch the news, I prefer The Daily Show, or The Colbert Report. I believe that we get more truth from a parody that causes us to re-analyse the news that has been presented to the masses and question their motives and perspectives... although, I'm sure the shows I mentioned have there own agendas. I agree with the author, when he states on page 231 that "the boundaries between news and fiction and between entertainment and information are increasingly blurred".
I agree with the author that mass media can be used as a tool of mass propaganda or mass persuasion... it is up to us, however to buy into what they are selling. It is also up to us, quite literally, to buy, or not to buy what they are selling. We are the masses. Are we going to be dominated and controlled by the media? it is up to us as individuals.Although it may not be as easy, the individual and the like minded can use mass media to disseminate their own point of view, fostering a diversity of self expression, as well.
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