Evaluation

Before attending RTF 305, I had never had my own blog before. I had thought about it, but I didn't think that anyone would care to read it.
There were many positives of using a blog in this course. It was a creative way to do writing assignments, and I learned a lot about operating a blog, too.
I didn't encounter any difficulties at all. Everything was explained well and the website is easy to use.
I feel like the blog posts should have more to do with the screenings, though. The first few assignments were relevant, but after that, we almost never had to address screenings. And there were only a couple of questions on the test over the screenings, too. I just think that there should be a little bit more emphasis put on the screenings, and doing that through blog posts is a great way, in my opinion.
The more general blog assignments were the harder ones, I feel. There was so much possible stuff to talk about, so it was a little difficult for me to limit myself. The more specific, the better.
Yes, I would recommend using a blog in a future RTF class. It actually makes doing writing assignments fun, something which is sort of hard to do.
One thing I would suggest is just to make the deadline a little bit longer, but even that is not a big deal.

Yes, you can use my blog in a paper or report.

Globalization

In the world today, the connections between people, nations, and cultures are steadily increasing. This process is known as globalization. It is marked by several technological developments, such as digital convergence, mobile phone infrastructure expanding, and Internet infrastructure. There are increased opportunities for communication, exchange of material and symbolic goods, and migration of people across national borders.

Globalization and cultural imperialism are greatly related to each other. Cultural Imperialism describes how Western culture is making more and more people become consumers, and all cultures are becoming homogeneous, like mirror images of Western culture and ideology. It also focuses on the spread of ideas, and, eventually, the loss of local, indigenous, and national culture and ideas becomes less apparent.

McDonald's is a huge example of American globalization and cultural imperialism. Originally having been in only America, McDonald's restaurants now exist all over the world. The spreading of this phenomenon shows the fear that American culture is taking over other countries and causing them to lose their cultural identity. However, McDonald's still makes its menu items relate to countries. But, just doing this doesn't take away the effects of American globalization in other countries.

Smell Like a Man, Man.

In a recent television commercial for Old Spice body wash, the viewers, whether they identify as male or female, are powerfully persuaded to go out and buy the product, due to several factors seen throughout the advertisement. The shirtless actor, the clever lines, the catchy slogan, the humor, and the memorable whistle all aide in building up the power of the advertisement and making the product memorable.

The advertising appeals used in the commercial are the appeals of sex/affiliation and dominance. Sexual references are always used as a successful way to sell products and grab the attention of viewers. The attractiveness of the person shown in the advertisement is a main factor in determining how many people will be persuaded by the advertisement. Customers will feel like they are closer to society's view on sex if they are in touch with the product. Also, society wants males to be more "dominant", and by buying certain products, he will be able to achieve that. Power is something that is liked, and by showing dominance and confidence in an advertisement, it will be sure to appeal to the targeted viewers.

In the Old Spice body wash commercial, the attractive and shirtless actor that is used captures the attention of viewers. Men want to look like him, and women want to be with someone who looks like him. Therefore, no matter who the viewer is, they will be persuaded to buy Old Spice body wash, whether it be for themselves or for someone else. Also, the commercial takes a comedic route to the cliche of sex sells, and the ridiculous lines like "Look at your man. Now back at me. Now back at your man. Now back to me." and "tickets to that thing you love" add a sense of humor in a sexual way in order to make the advertisement more memorable and unique, different from the usual ads that use sex to sell the product. Also, the actor is shown to be manly and dominant, something viewed positively, as opposed to unconfident and without a great body. So, the appeal of dominance adds on to the sex appeal, working together to create a powerful and memorable advertisement.

Link to the commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QChi_AOtSOo

Three Act Structure ; Mean Girls

In every movie, it is essential for a form of organization to exist in order to add a structure for the movie to make sense. There are three different types of movie narratives, including Classical Tragedy, 3 Act Structure, and Alternative. The three act structure type is the most common one. The movie Mean Girls is organized in the Three Act Structure narrative. The film is narrated by the protagonist, Cady Heron, a teenage girl whose life is turned upside down after her family relocates from the wilderness of Africa to the suburbs of America, and she is forced to attend public high school for the first time ever.

The movie sports a unique syuzhet, and the first act, the set up which lasts for approximately 30 minutes, starts with an introduction shot of Cady's new high school, which seems to be teeming with several different cliques. She is quick to befriend Janis and Damien, two outcasts, and the infamous Plastics clique who rule the school also begin to take an interest in her. When Cady begins to hang out more with the Plastics, and their head, Regina George, that is when the fabula begins to change. About 15 minutes into the movie is when the rising action begins; Cady informs Regina that she is interested in her ex-boyfriend, Aaron. Regina agrees to help Cady with getting Aaron. However, the inciting incident occurs when Cady and the Plastics attend a Halloween party, and Regina kisses Aaron in order to backstab Cady. This is what sets the plot into motion.

In the second act of the film, which begins approximately 29 minutes into the movie, stakes escalate and the climax approaches. This complication act lasts for approximately 60 minutes. Cady decides that she wants to get revenge on Regina for betraying her. With the help of Janis and Damien, several acts of revenge occur, which are the several dramatic plot points of the film, such as Cady trying to make Regina gain weight and making her face smell like feet.

The end act is introduced by the third act of the film, when the climax occurs at approximately 77 minutes. Regina George is hit by a school bus, and this tragic event is what causes the eyes of all the characters to open up. This is when the falling action of the movie begins. All of the tension and conflicts between the girls stop and they throw in the towel, and a resolution is reached. The ending is the typical happy ending of a modern film due to the use of a modern cinematic style.

The movie Mean Girls contains several elements, such as conflict, rising action, plot points, climax, falling action, resolution, and a second act which is the longest of all three acts. These elements makes the film a perfect example of a Three Act Structure.

Sitcoms

In the world today, television sitcoms are something that every person has been into during some point of their lifetime, no matter what their interests are. Sitcoms can serve as an escape from reality, into a realm of comedy and entertainment. There are several characteristics that distinguish a sitcom from other genres of shows playing on television, such as being episodic and thirty minutes in length, and funny and entertaining to the audiences. They revolve around a family or a group of people that share something in common. Situations in sitcoms are usually blown out of proportion and contain random or absurd moments. Also, there is a lack of character development and a deep plot. All of these characteristics function to simply entertain the viewers.

An example of a popular sitcom that appeals to viewers is the animated sitcom Family Guy. Every characteristic explained above can be found in this sitcom. Family Guy runs for only thirty minutes. It is episodic, so there is no major change in the plot or the characters between episodes. For example, a character named Bonnie remains pregnant for about six seasons of the sitcom, and all of the characters remain in the same state at the beginning of an episode, so if they are ill in one episode, they most likely will be normal in the next. Also, Family Guy is centered around the Griffin family, since most sitcoms revolve around a family or similar group. There are a substantial amount of absurd and random moments occurring during each episode of this sitcom. Many of the situations are extremely hyperbolic and unrealistic, which appeal greatly to the humor of the viewers. Controversial issues are satirized, to the point where there exist no boundaries for what can be made fun of. This makes the show entertaining for all viewers, due to the lack of seriousness. Moments during the sitcom can be very random and absurd, and the spontaneity is what makes it funny. Throughout the many episodes, there is no change within the characters, and their personalities remain one-dimensional. Family Guy contains several of the aspects that are found in a sitcom today.

Sitcoms continue to be one of the most successful genres in television, and they have come a long way from what they used to be in the past.

28 Days Later

In every movie, there exist different ways in which the scenes are shot in. In the British horror film 28 Days Later, the identity of the protagonist and the overall conflict of the movie are introduced to the audience through the use of long shots, medium shots, and close ups, as well as different camera angles which help to give the viewers an understanding of the situation and set the overall tone of the movie.

At the beginning of the movie, a man awakens alone in a hospital, after an infection strikes London and wipes out nearly the entire population. He begins to explore the city on his own. To show loneliness and isolation, a long shot is used. An overview of the setting is given to the audience, and the protagonist is the only person that can be seen. In the first screen-cap above, the camera is up high and pointing down towards the subject, which shows vulnerability and a lack of power.

In the same scene, the camera moves closer into a medium shot and reveals Jim, the protagonist, so the audience knows who the man seen from afar is, and we are able to confirm his identity. More information is being given and identification is being increased.

Finally, as the scene goes on, there is a close up shot of the protagonist's face and a paper that explains the situation even more. Important details about the setting are being given through the words on the paper. Also, emotions and feelings are intensified with the close up of the protagonist's face.

Through the use of the different types of camera shots in the opening scene, the viewers of 28 Days Later are successfully able to learn what is happening, as the setting and characters are being introduced and conflicts are arising.

"More Stars Than There Are In The Heavens"

Although there existed several aspects of the studio that were necessary to run the system, the most important one, in my opinion, was the contracting of actors. Actors and actresses worked under contract for one particular studio, starring in movies of that studio. Eventually, the studios and actors would be associated with each other, and the bigger stars would be relied upon in order to promote the films. However, in order to keep a tight hold on the movie industry, some studios would sometimes lend an actor to another studio, but they were still pretty much owned by only a single studio. Contracting is important because the actors were essential to the popularity of a movie during that time.

The actors became the main representation of the kind of works the studio did. The movies created would fit the talent and personality of the stars that were under contract, so the stars had a great effect on the type of movies made by the studio. The actors and actresses were often typecasted into specific roles. Each studio had a unique style and reputation.

For example, MGM was known for its musicals. Several of the contracted actors were known for their ability to sing or dance, which is why MGM Studios created several musicals during the era of Classic Hollywood. The biggest stars, such as Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, and Gene Kelly, were almost guaranteed to either dance or sing in a movie, and their popularity was used to promote the movies.

The contracted stars had a major impact on the studio system and the audience of the movies. An oligopoly was created within the industry, and regulation began to happen.

Two and a Half in the Family

Family-based situation comedy sitcoms on television have come a long way from what they used to be. Though evolution has occurred, there exist many differences and similarities between the past and the present. In the 1970s, All In The Family was a controversial sitcom that depicted several real-life issues which may have been considered unsuitable to be aired. In the contemporary series, Two and a Half Men, similar issues are dealt with, but the messages to the viewers are portrayed in a different way, and are less controversial.

In All In The Family, the protagonist, Archie Bunker, a white veteran of the war, is portrayed as being homophobic and racist, not wanting to associate himself with anyone who doesn't share the same views as him. He is conservative and prejudiced, acting as a character foil to his son-in-law, Michael, who is a liberal and open-minded hippie.The setting is in modern day (1970s) Queens, New York City.

In Two And A Half Men, which takes place on the other side of the country, in California today, the main character is a middle-aged, carefree bachelor named Charlie Sheen, who feels as if pleasure is the only intrinsic good. He lives with his twice-divorced brother, Alan, who is quite the opposite of Charlie, uptight and conscientious, and his young, lazy son, Jake. Charlie is depicted as a man who often objectifies women, but still has a good heart.

There is an obvious difference in the family structures of the sitcoms. Archie's family is more traditional, while Charlie's family is atypical and dysfunctional.

In both shows, even though the protagonists have morals that are questionable and attitudes that may not be viewed as positive, both are still lovable. Also, there exists an obvious character foil between two of the main characters; between Archie & Michael in All In The Family, and between Charlie & Alan in Two And A Half Men.
There is a character that serves as the main source of comic relief. In All In The Family, it is Edith, the wife of Archie, who often says something comedic in a tense situation. In Two And A Half Men, it is Berta, the housekeeper, who makes sarcastic remarks that bring a smile to the faces of the viewers.

All In The Family deals with topics such as homosexuality, racism, rape, and woman's liberation. Though Two And A Half Men addresses similar issues too, it is often portrayed in a less serious and more comical way. The main issue being dealt with in Two And A Half Men is the depiction of women and their dehumanizing and devaluing, which is not seen much in All In The Family.

With their differences aside, both All In The Family and Two And A Half Men are able to address controversial, real-life issues in a lighthearted and fun manner. Though times have changed, a positive light is able to be shined upon prejudices and viewers are able to be more aware of what is/was going on in the world around them.

Evolution of Radio

In the 1920s, several factors aided with the formation of the radio industry. From government intervention to audience demand, there is one force that I believe stands out from the rest. Technological change, in my opinion, was the strongest factor which impacted the radio industry and had the biggest influence in shaping it, and technology is what was able to bring all the other factors into play, as well.

A huge demand for radios boomed in the 1920s, and Americans everywhere attempted to get their hands on one to use as a form of entertainment for the entire family. The innovations for the radio industry were provided by the technological changes. The audience was able to develop interests thanks to technological advancements. There were more radio channels in existence, which catered to the minds of any listener. Also, the radio is what was able to introduce music to people, as well. With FM radio, more people would be able to listen to the radio, and with a better sound quality, too. Advancements like these are what made the radio more attractive to Americans.

Without the existence of technological advancements, there would be no intervention, regulation, industries, or even audience demand. Technology is what was able to transform the radio into an actual industry.
Guglielmo Marconi was a man who helped greatly with the advancements of the industry. With his wireless transmitter, not only were the lives of several people able to be saved during the Titanic incident, but it also went on to transmit entertainment to the country in the 1920s.

Technological changes are what keep the world advancing, and without them, the radio industry would never have been able to experience such a boom as it did in the 1920s.

Social Learning

The way we view everyday life is greatly impacted by social learning. The media is responsible for the way people learn how to react to certain events and situations. What is seen in the media is how the people viewing it will act, imitating what they see. We humans are easily influenced, which is why social learning has been in existence for quite a while now. The social learning theory aides in the understanding of the impact of the images seen in Tough Guise and Killing Us Softly.

In the documentaries Killing Us Softly and Tough Guise, the social learning theory is clearly able to be seen by the viewers. They both explain how males and females are portrayed in the media, and the way that they are presented is what we are so used to seeing. The "normal" female is passive and dominated by the male, used only for their own selfish purposes. The "normal" male has to put on a front of being strong and tough in order to be accepted by society. This is able to be seen in most fashion advertisements.

The male always dominates the female, who is seen as only an object, in a sexual way. Also, there is another negative message being given off by such ads. The "perfect" body is often portrayed, which brainwashes young people into thinking that what they see in the ad is what they should also see in the mirror.

From toddler days to adolescence to adulthood, the social learning theory has always had an impact on the lives of everyday people.

"I'm sorry that people are so jealous of me... but I can't help it that I'm so popular. "

As the sun rises and the birds chirp, another day at Hegemony High School is about to commence. We all are students attending there, whether we like it or not. Are you part of the dominating social group? Will you try to impose your views on the lesser groups? Well, the media essentially functions as a high school.
Let's use the fictional North Shore High School from Mean Girls as an example for understanding hegemony.
Composed of several unique cliques, there is still one ruling power that towers above the rest.
We have:

Freshmen,

ROTC Guys,

Preps,

J.V. Jocks,

Asian Nerds,

Cool Asians,

Varsity Jocks,

Unfriendly Black Hotties,

Girls Who Eat Their Feelings,

Girls Who Don't Eat Anything,

Desperate Wannabes,

Burnouts,

Sexually Active Band Geeks,

the Greatest People You Will Ever Meet,

and the worst:

...The Plastics, dominating this monkey-see, monkey-do world.

Reality television, for example, functions similar to the Plastics, ruling the world of culture. After all, everyone wants to be a Plastic, right? Reality shows such as Jersey Shore, Gossip Girl, and America's Next Top Model pretty much brainwash the viewers into wanting to become what they see on television, making them feel like what is being portrayed is normal and everyone should conform to the norm. When someone watches an episode of Jersey Shore, which has become so widespread among teens, a person will want to adapt to the Guido lifestyle as seen on television, using Snooki and Pauly D as inspiration for how to act. When a young girl watches an episode of America's Next Top Model, she will be given false hope by Tyra, thinking that she, too, can someday walk in the heels of the strutting beauty owning the television set.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE5JKrU_VxQ
In the above clip from America's Next Top Model, the model is praised by Tyra for being skinny, tall, and having an extremely small waist. Female viewers want to become what is seen on television, and they would try to imitate what they have just witnessed, because the body being shown is portrayed as normal and desirable, so they feel like they must look the same way.

No matter what is on television, it will be sure to create a world of fantasy for those watching, a world which seems to be normal, for the viewer, and impose views upon the non-Plastics, who will do anything to fit in and be accepted by Regina George.

even if the sky is falling down ;

testing~