A Colorful Outlook

Hey EVERYONE!

Welcome to the year 2009 where gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trans-genders and of course, heterosexual exist. It’s time we face the facts and embrace our multi differences with open arms. The real issue we should concern ourselves with when dealing with gender expression and sexual preference is what is most important to us and that is to love and be loved. Does it really matter who we choose to be with or what in particular are the reason of that choice? As long as we are happy, that is all that really matters. We are all out here together sharing this world searching for happiness or something close enough to make us feel like we were not put here for any reason. We should not have to be afraid of being different or not fitting the stereotypical category of the norms. I never liked being part of the mainstream, anyhow. We are all unique and this is what makes our time here worth exploring. If we cannot accept that life throws challenges at us so they can be overcome we will never grow. Put yourself in an other's shoes and acknowledge that we were not meant to be here alone. We are all human and each individual should be treated with the respect they deserve. Therefore, open your eyes to the world and appreciate what it has to offer.

Peace and love,

-S

Teen Suicide

There is something taboo when talking about suicide and why it happens. Society, people, life (...) do create major pressures for each individual to go through however, the idea of suicide is a difficult concept to wrap your head around. Those who attempt or commit suicide are looking for a quick way out where they feel they simply cannot find any other solution. Its easy for one who does not feel that they could ever attempt it to be defensive and claim that there are no "real reasons" for someone to go that far. It must be identified that those who think about suicide are majorly depressed and in most cases lack sufficient nerves in the brain that give them a "better" outlook on life. Its an increasing problem and it should be taken seriously. Children and teenagers are most likely at risk because of the constant pressures they face. Without significant support they cannot deal with their emotions or troubles on their own. With it comes this sense that no one cares about them so they will not be missed, or they are not a valid part of society and they will be forgotten after they're gone. It is a sad reality that we cannot manage the dangers our children fear. Yes, it is noted that this is a permanent solution to a temporary problem however, this concept is not understood when those who attempt it are in a helpless state. It is even said that though there are as many girls who attempt to commit suicide as boys, boys are more successful. This is because boys use more extreme methods compared to girls who are likely to take a painless way out. As a future educator it's important to note when students display thoughts of suicide as it cannot be taken lightly. Those who usually display thoughts or attempts of suicide are generally crying out for help and need someone to pick up on their cries so they can receive help and in turn feel there is hope for the future. Hence, be aware of the signs and create a positive environment for your students to feel comfortable to come talk to you in time of need.
Keep your heads up kids!
-S

Girl Power -less

Hey girls (and boys),

Media images of what is feminine are very controversial as younger girls today are incredibly media influenced. The images that bombard them daily are representations of "perfection." A goal that is close to impossible which creates a desire to be flawless. They believe they can achieve this with the help of cosmetic surgery, diets (or unhealthy weight loss), spending excessive money to keep up with latest trends or even substance abuse (drugs and alcohol). The icons or celebrities being portrayed as such are a terrifying reality of how manipulated and pressured our society has become. There is almost no place for embracing individuality and beauty in differences. The topic of "girl culture" is an important issue which affects girls between their adolescent years all around the world. The idea that there is one definition of what it is to be female is absurd and one sided. The world we live in today is a good example that there is and cannot be one structured definition. It is important to note that girls displaying this behavior are lacking self confidence, a vital characteristic for one’s own survival in the constant scrutiny of every watchful eye. It is a cultural phenomenon and a world of its own. In sense girls have put this idea in their head that it can make or break you.

The world we live in today is a good example that there is and cannot be one structured definition. It makes girls vulnerable to stereotypes and allows others to take advantage of them in their exposed states. They are being labeled as "sex symbols" to the extent that they become targets and this holds dangerous future consequences. Girls need to be informed of the risks and the perceptions they are projecting on how they are being perceived by the outside world in relation to how they are then going to be treated. Stay true to yourself girls!

-S

Slumdog Millionaire

Hey movie go-ers,
For those of you who have already seen "Slumdog Millionaire" you may already have a better perception of its main idea than me. Do to some time constraints unfortunately I never got the chance to see it. However, the first 15-20 minutes or so that were viewed in class made me think critically on how Indians might have felt in response to the film. The depictions seemed a little too raw and I could very well understand why India would be upset about the film in relation to the harsh representations it holds. Contrary to the trailer (click the Youtube link below to watch) which ultimately glorifies and romanticizes the movie and that is not at all what I took from the short preview. The men in particular are represented as violent, aggressive, powerful, and ruthless while the women are portrayed as weak, quiet, powerless and barely surviving. There are clear lines drawn between equality. There is even a sense of fear for the children (as daring as they may seem) living in these conditions there is an overwhelming feeling that they are never truly safe. The issues this this film projects on India is more fear and disrespect than "controversial." I think India felt threatened and hurt by the director’s representations. It certainly holds a sort of power over India as I'm sure tourists have been a little discouraged to now visit the country. It is not a typical "Bollywood" film and even though Bollywood is known to be quite stereotypical I am more willing to consider its representations over the ones portrayed in Slumdog Millionaire. It just goes to show that one has to be very careful when depicting another’s culture and even though their traditions may differ from ours we should still respect their own way of life. *Keep in mind that I have not seen the entire film therefore, once I do it may change my perception towards the film as a whole.

-S

Technology Take Over

Hey bloggers...
I think it’s about time we tackle the issue of the use of media technology (i.e. laptops) in schools. We live in such an ever growing technological advanced society that even I myself cannot keep up with every latest development. As a future educator it’s a concern that I cannot properly prepare myself for the media knowledge my students will bring to the classroom as there is an overwhelming amount of information students gain access to through the Internet. It’s important to assess the advantages and/or disadvantages media technology provides in education and what are the immediate effects posed on students.

For the reason that there is an infinite amount of knowledge students can learn through computers students need clear guidelines and a basic knowledge of technology awareness in order to understand why the Internet cannot be a viable resource. “We” have only seen the beginning of what technology can do and the key is to start early. Of course parents can attempt to protect their children as much as possible but at the rate “we” are going creating awareness is essential before protection. Students today are dependable upon their computers much like cell phones (where the Internet is also accessible.) “We” have a burning desire to know every detail of everyone’s life in the midst of it happening. Desires that quickly turn into obsessions and when it overlaps with the importance of education a line has to be drawn. Many (or most) of students today carry laptops to and from school on a daily basis. This then transforms the student into an accessibly faster note-taker. However, after the first few weeks of school how many of us continuously take notes on our laptops? When listening becomes tedious and routine follows the laptop holds a world of temptations. The classroom then becomes a vulnerable place where a screen takes over student attention. “We” as students are not the only ones guilty of this behavior as more and more teachers create this sort of environment in their own classrooms. As most of you are aware teachers/professors have become extremely well in producing PowerPoint presentations. This allows the presenter to glide through their presentation effortlessly. However, it creates some type of boundary. The primary student/teacher interaction or relationship is lost. Students may even skip more classes because they rather read through the PowerPoint themselves. If we are self aware of its effects we can create a positive space for media technology in the classroom. As each student’s learning pattern is different the use of technology in the classroom pertains to a multitude of intelligences and is likely to help students achieve in areas they could not before. Hence, there is always room for improvement when it comes to student success.
-S

The SMARTboard

Hey guys,
Today's lab featured the new upcoming technology called "Smartboard." Personally, it reminds me of a 21st century updated chalkboard which connects to your computer. Moreover, its name does very well in describing its implication for it is a "smart" board. It allows teachers to express themselves better and possibly make the teaching process easier. In addition to facilitating the teaching process it comes with a multitude of features that pertain to almost all subject matters in education. However, it also makes me wonder, have "we" started to become rather lazy when it comes to teaching? Why is there a need or better yet, a demand, to have such advanced media technologies in the classroom? Of course it does allow for a much more interactive class and I'm sure many students would respond positively towards it. However, in sense, it almost does everything for you. This in this case concerns me the most. I'm not too sure if I like the idea of a board taking over my own creative teaching methods. It is a bit invasive while implying teachers are slowly becoming not good enough. "We" obviously cannot do what technology can therefore, "we" lack these qualities in helping our students succeed. It makes one aware of how there will have to be a requirement concerning a significant amount of knowledge towards the medium or equipment teachers will be supplied with and thought to use in their classrooms. Good luck!
-S

Photovoice

Many of us would have very well stopped to read this sign, smiled to ourselves and maybe (if this man was lucky) offer him some change. We would then go on through our day and possibly retell the story to a friend, co-worker or family member and have a nice chuckle. However, is this actually funny? Having no place to live hence, no home and to sit on the sidewalk asking for money is not at all a laughing matter. The issue of homelessness, especially in Canada, goes unnoticed. It is not much discussed therefore, people believe it doesn't exist. This photo in particular is almost a visual play on words. The man being portrayed is smiling but is he actually happy inside? Perhaps the photographer offered him more than just a couple of cents to take the photo. Or has he no other means that he had to resort to a little humor in hopes that someone will take to it. Let’s take a critical look at the photo by examining the intentions behind the sign. Is it our mass conception that those living on the streets really only need money for “beer, pot and hookers?” Assuming this man is "homeless," is he only playing off the stereotype or is he really not “bullshittin’ you.” The power of this image goes beyond words. Whether or not this man is telling the truth, he is still without a home and "we" are laughing at him. This is when "we" need to step out of our imaginary bubble and remember why he is holding this sign and who his target audience is.

Here is another example of the use of "humor in homeless-ness." However, this sign does not disclose any stereotypical truths to it. It is simply an innocent, harmless tact to get peoples attention. Does this in any sense make it right? Not to say that fault goes to the men in these photos, who in fact wrote these signs but, that "we" see these kinds of signs and are immune to them. Is it purely justified because it is humorous or is it a cry for help? These men portrayed have put their dignity on the line and do we stop to hand them change because they've "earned" it. That it is nice to see they still have a sense of humor? How in any way can this be justified? It is crucial that we understand the reason for these signs. For at the end of the day "we" will have a good laugh and "they" will only have a few extra cents in their pocket. Another issue to overlook is the reason behind taking these photos. However, these reasons that question regarding the intention behind the photos and who in particular took them cannot be answered and this is why it is important to be critical when facing these images in idealism and in reality.

The last photo portrays a man or woman (again, assuming they are without a home) shining the shoes of a “business” woman. The intention for this could very well be that the business woman sat down in exchange for cash. However, there is a hidden sense of sadness to this image. The shoe shiner seems victimized as there is an overwhelming feeling of dominance. As the business woman sits comfortably with one leg up, the shoe shiner is hunched over looking smaller, weaker and hard at work. The representation is so much stronger than just an image. The business woman appears powerful and even careless. As if this is part of her daily routine in a natural environment. She is almost accepting that to let this man/woman shine her shoes is OK. This brings up the question of should she have offered the money without compensation or do we consider her as simply engaging in an act of kindness. Do we see this photo as being morally wrong because there is a specific division portrayed between two equals or morally right because the business woman is merely helping another in need. These forms of social injustice are part of the many difficult challenges and concerns we are faced with everyday. When we can identify these issues it means they exist and removing them becomes essential in order to overcome and accept our differences.

Chomsky

Hey guys,
This weeks class focused on the views of Noam Chomsky towards media literacy. We watched a video in particular that was about teens and young adults expressing their power of speech. I actually enjoyed the short video a lot because I think its important that more students speak up upon what their feeling to banish the sense of embarrassment or judgment which they are most commonly afraid of. The generation of students arising in the future are hopefully very media literate. Due to the fact that media and technology is ruling our world it is crucial that we are taught and know how to use the media in our own beneficial way and to explore it critically beyond its boundaries. We also watched an Ali G interview which I found pretty funny so if you missed it and you have time click on the YouTube link below! Enjoy,

-S

Pics & T.V

"In a fish bowl"

Hey guys!
Today's lab was all about experimenting with "Photo Booth" a unique program on Mac. I've posted a couple of my pictures that I liked best. It's pretty amazing to play around with all the many different styles of photos. A personal favorite is the sort of Andy Warhol imitation with all the inverse colors. These photos are pretty self explanatory as I was just having fun with it. I find they describe myself best. I love to laugh especially when it's at my own expense (as presented in the first photo.) It was pretty easy to get carried away when the features are all built in for you.

"Doubles"

On a separate note this weeks readings touched upon the portrayals of the types of television shows that are being watched by the very impressionable audience that is our world today. The discussion got pretty heated in class when someone mentioned the big "O," yes I went there, Oprah. I wasn't too sure what the hype was all about but I for one am not out to bash O but I would like to admit that the topics that were brought to my attention were equally justified. I think it is a bit of a concern to acknowledge how much people buy into what celebrity talk show hosts lead us to believe will improve or better our life in any way. After all, they are pretty convincing. Especially when full audience members are jumping in union to that brand new item just declared under their seat the whole time. It is a spectacle, it's an instant visual stimulant. A quote in particular that caught my eye in the readings says, "Consumer culture became a worldview which inculcated people into the habit of consumption as a path to a fulfilling life." (Macedo & Steinberg pg.357) It makes you wonder if this is really what we have come to. Has the media influenced our society so intensely to the point where we are convinced the only way to happiness is through excessive consumption? Who do we turn to when we are basing real life choices through talk shows. Its a dim reality...

"Deep thinker"

Until next time,
-S

P.S.
Here's my short attempt of a video blog!

Dollar bill$, y'all

Hey again,
This weeks discussion revolved around class (social status) specifically portrayed in television shows. One of the examples included the new hit series, Gossip Girl. This show in more ways than one relates to the majority of the teenage population across the world. It is provocative and not at all discreet. There is a level of concern regarding how much is too much when it comes to children and teens today. It is a perfect example of the class issues that divide a society. The audience follows a storyline through the upper middle class perspective (a look through greedy selfish teenagers eyes). There is a definite breakdown between who is upper and who is lower class. The "popular" or "rich" students wear fancy designer clothes and throw huge events while being envied by everyone else who cannot afford their reckless lifestyle. The students who come from a working class family are then portrayed as weird and not good enough to hang out with the rest of them. I think youth today look up to these images because they are everywhere, they cannot escape from it. There is this sense of a fantasy world that everyone strives for. They are learning through the representations on television and they are modelling the behavior. Money is a sensitive topic as discretion is not much of an issue any longer. We want our children and teens to be critical about media and not be afraid to express their power of speech but we have forgotten where we should draw the line. If we are the leaders of the future what are we teaching our own future leaders.

-S
Click here to check out some pictures of other episodes depicting class.

Media's Reflection

Hey bloggers!
Following today's class I do believe many of us are unaware of the effects and the amount of media that is "pushed" upon on us in our daily lives. We as a society are very media influenced and it becomes apparent when we closely examine our environment around us. Take for instance, a newspaper where full pages will go to advertising instead of compelling or up to date stories. If you take a second to look around you would not be able to count on your own two fingers the ads that envelop your surroundings. It is pretty shocking knowing how media driven we are and yet continuously buy into it. We are a consumers culture where nothing ever seems to be good enough for us. We are constantly striving for new and improved and rarely settle for less. I have taken into account that there is much more to the media industry as a whole than meets the eye. Even I find myself giving in to media's temptation as its almost impossible not to talk or want the latest developments in today's culture. However, I do believe it is important to question and be critical towards what is being shown to you and understand that there are always external motives beyond what you know.

On a side note, enjoy this video! Haha :)
-S