chapter 8 synopsis

Chapter Eight makes a clear distinction between the differences in modern culture as compared to postmodern culture. Some of the aspects of modernity that remain relevant in today's society are the emphasis on science, technology and progress. Postmodern culture tends to have a cynical sense that everything has been done before and therefore, has an obsession with remakes. It is common knowledge today that, “images” are more real than reality itself.
People today, in the postmodern world are constantly searching for recognition that reality is not simply mirrored in human understanding. It is developed as the mind tries to grasp its own particular personal reality. For this reason, postmodernism is highly skeptical of explanations which claim to be valid for all groups, cultures, traditions, or races, and instead focuses on the truths of each person.
Interpretation is the most important factor in the postmodern world of thinking. Reality only comes into focus through our interpretations of what the world means to us individually. We all have to be aware that postmodernism relies on concrete experiences and not abstract principles. The author explains that we do not live in a postmodern world, but instead a world with touches of modernity that are in constant tension with post-modernity. The philosopher, Jean Baudrillard has shared his view that the twentieth century was a time when there was an explosion of hyper-reality, or a time where images replaced the meaning and representation regarding art, media and advertising.
Postmodernism denies the reality of any decisive principles, and it lacks the optimism of there being a scientific, philosophical, or religious truth which could explain everything for everybody. The irony of the postmodern view is that, in placing all principles under the scrutiny of skepticism, it must realize that even its own principles come into question.
Although we don’t have an exact date as to when postmodernism began, we can assume that it began sometime after 1968. Some theorists describe postmodernism as, "cultural logic of late capitalism." This definition certainly emphasizes the important role of various economic and political conditions of the time.
Modernity relates to a time in history characterized by industrialization, with an emphasis on the value of science and the progress that it creates. On the other hand, postmodernism emphasizes the demise of the nation-state and the skeptical embrace of science and technology referring back to the nuclear bombing of Japan. Modern thought was characterized by a sense of “knowing” that was always looking forward, positive and had the belief that one will always be able to find the truth. The postmodern thought process is characterized by the questioning of the supposed structural knowledge.
Some questions the book raises to relate to postmodernism are: “Can we really know the human subject?” “How can any experience be pure or unmediated?” “Do we really know that progress is always a good thing?” Therefore, postmodernism is described as questioning the very framework that supports society or the “master narrative.”
Postmodernism emphasizes irony and a sense of one's own involvement in popular culture and images. Conversely, modern culture basically opposed the saturation of the world with images. Postmodernism blurs the line between low and high class and makes it extremely difficult to obtain an unbiased viewpoint on culture from the outside.
Animation films such as Shrek help one to understand postmodernism. This type of film is a parody of older films and draws in the adult audience as well as the children. This movie is layered with references that date back to early fairy tales as well as what is current in today’s world. The Postmodern culture allows the ability and unfortunately, the availability to change oneself. We are living during a time where people are flooded with images that are politically or aesthetically pleasing, and messages hidden beneath their glitzy surface. With plastic surgery on the rise, the modern ideal of being who you are has changed drastically. Young girls today are being flooded with media advertisements implying they are not good enough without a little touch up here and there. It is giving a whole generation the impression that you are not good enough to succeed in today’s world without a trip to the plastic surgeon.
It is my hope that our postmodern society is on the way to changing that type of mindset and leaving a positive legacy for our children. Hopefully, their future will be filled with appreciation, not just for the world around them, but more importantly, for what God has given each of them as a person.

my band journal

the way the music died journal entry

There has been a true "perfect storm" when it comes to the music industry and how so much of it has changed over the past 20 years. Due to the consolidation of the various record labels of the past, the music industry has had to pay a high price in artistry. Since major corporations were also taking over or merging with record companies, the focus of the music was no longer the important goal. It was now all about big business and corporate quarterly earnings. The music industry was not meant to be short term oriented. It takes time to develop an artist and a following, but due to public companies constantly having to turn profits they are constantly looking for the next quick superstar and hit. The quality of the music and performance has now taken the back seat. David Crosby speaks about how much has changed since corporate America has taken over the industry that he loved. He explained how when he first started in the industry he was surrounded by record company executives who were record collectors and truly loved music. He is frustrated to see that recording companies are now run strictly by lawyers and accountants who have no knowledge of music nor seem to care to find out. Their sole focus is on the big money. MTV has also had a huge impact on the music industry. When it came on the scene 20 years ago, it solidified the beginning of the end of the way music had always been received. It was all about marketing a new "product" and didn't care about the substance.MTV could also make or break an artist. Some feel that if a song is played over and over the freshness eventually wears down and so does the infatuation with the artist. Instead of following the saying, "less is more," MTV believed in the idea of "more is more."The industry today is treating music as a disposable item. Convenience has taken over in today's busy world. We don't have to go to the store and buy a new CD or album to hear our favorite song; we can simply download it on line. This also brings about the topic of internet piracy. This has been a true source of loss of revenue for the music industry. It seems society is constantly one step behind technology when it comes to protecting its interests. The bottom line is that it is obvious that the music industry has changed due to Corporate America, technology and the people involved. This was inevitable, as is what will occur 20 years from now. Nothing can stay the same forever, but there is a lesson here that we all must learn. It is important to gain knowledge from the past and apply it to the future. I don't feel the music "died," I believe it has evolved, for better or worse, it is up to the individual to decide.

journal entry on merchants of cool

The Merchants of Cool shows how marketers observe what teenager’s interests are to help them advertise and sell a product or image. In life people are constantly changing, especially teenagers. Growing up, a person is constantly changing. From your morals, values, style, and goals change creates the person you are. However, a lot of what a person’s morals and values may be is influenced by marketing and advertising. For example, many marketers today are using sex to sell. Although this has been going on for a while now, it has only gotten worse. Commercials even on children’s channels are sometimes very inappropriate. It only takes five minutes to catch a child’s attention. Children will imitate and copy anything they find “cool.” That child could easily think that it is okay to show too much skin, or speak in a tasteless matter to adults. Advertisers need to realize that our children today are the future, and they aren’t just advertising to teenagers. Our culture could lose sight of what really matters in life. The media advertises too much of how a person should dress, speak, and act, when we should be open to all different kinds of personalities. I can already see how people today are afraid to be themselves because we are always being judged by someone else. However, when it comes down to it, maybe sometimes we are judging ourselves. If we don’t want our culture to lose complete diversity we need to stop immating what we believe to be cool, and simply be who we are.

happiness machines journal entry

Adam Curtis gradually and carefully shows us how the teachings of Freud and his theories influenced and were employed by corporations and governments to manage society. The story is of the relationship between Sigmund Freud and his American nephew, Edward Bernays. Bernays invented the public relations profession in the 1920s and was the first person to take Freud's ideas to control the masses. He showed American corporations how they could make people want things they didn't need by scientifically linking mass-produced goods to their unconscious desires. Bernays was one of the main architects of the modern techniques of mass-consumer persuasion, using every trick in the book, from celebrity endorsement and outrageous PR stunts, to eroticizing the motorcar. His most infamous achievement was on women smoking and persuading them that cigarettes were a symbol of independence and freedom. But Bernays was convinced that this was more than just a way of selling consumer goods. It was a new political idea of how to control the masses. By satisfying the inner irrational emotions that his uncle had identified, people could be made happy and as a result disciplined. It was the start of the all-consuming person who has come to dominate today's world.

journal entry on money as debt

This film talks about how money in America is made, and where it eventually goes. I was surprised to see how our government is consistently borrowing from its own flat currency. In my opinion, this film is truly a wake up call for all of us. I consider this to be a very important learning tool for high school and college students. After viewing this, it will give them some perspective on the world of finance and how it operates in the United States. It will also shed a much needed light on this area of government which will help them have a fuller understanding of the system. The bottom line and crisis in this movie, and what struck me is that only a small group of people make the decisions about where and how our capital is spent. It really bothered me that they take a portion for themselves, and then continue to keep people under their control. Towards the end of the movie the point is made that someday people will forget how much of their earnings are held from them by the government. In the end, it seems that the only people that benefit from all of this is that one small group of decision makers who have total control.

journal entry on personal experience

I can remember getting my first cell phone for my birthday in eighth grade. I had been asking my parents for one for quite a while. They finally agreed when they realized that I would be on my own much more frequently once I entered high school. They wanted me to be safe and always be able to communicate with them. It was also a way for mom to keep track of me also; therefore, it made good sense all around.
In the months to follow, I was so happy to be able to communicate with my friends any time of the day or night without interrupting either of our families and could not imagine talking on the house phone as time went by. I found that privacy was one of the biggest advantages of using a cell phone.
After a few short years, texting was truly becoming more important than actually speaking on the cell phone. Today, I would be lost if I could not contact a friend or family member by texting a quick question. This is especially true if I am at work or at school and don’t have time to have a long conversation.
I never thought back in eighth grade that my cell phone and texting would become so important in my everyday life in 2009. From contacting my teachers or advisors on campus to just touching base back home while walking to class; the cell phone is a far cry from being a luxury item of the past; it has truly become a necessity in my life.

journal entry on movie

When I think about how technology has changed our society and culture, I don’t have to go back that far to illustrate that point clearly. One of my favorite movies of all time has always been, “Sleepless in Seattle.” We are taken on a journey with Annie and Sam and how they eventually found love cross country thanks to Jonah, Sam’s son, via a radio talk show.
Although, Annie and Sam might have never met, they actually connected by accident because of Jonah and his determination to get them together. If there had been texting or Facebook during that time, I am sure Jonah would not have had to fly by himself to New York to meet Annie.
Obviously, this took place during a time when the radio talk shows were popular and a way for strangers to meet. Today, with cell phones, texting, and the internet, Annie and Sam would have had the opportunity to connect almost immediately. This can certainly save time and money when looking for love.
If today’s technology was available back in 1993, and used in “Sleepless,” it most probably would have taken away much of the charm of this great movie. The movie would not have been the same if Annie did not talk on a telephone with a cord while hiding in a closet. There was a certain kind of innocence back then that was compelling and very attractive to me.
I am amazed at how fast things have changed in my lifetime with regard to social networking and its advantages to help make the country smaller when trying to meet new people. Although I am aware that we will never return to simpler times, I feel very fortunate that I will always be able to speak with friends and family regardless of their location instantly. I could never imagine living any other way.

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chapter 6

A medium is a means of communication such as print, radio, or television. Mass media is defined as many large-scale organizations which use one or more technologies to communicate with large numbers of people.
I became aware of Herbert Irving Schiller from my reading. He was an American media critic, sociologist, author, and scholar. Schiller also wrote eight books and many articles regarding communication, research and was heavily involved in the public debate over the role of the media in modern society.
There are many different forms of media, from television news to motion pictures. They all leave us feeling very different after our viewing them. There are also diverse messages that we, as the audience, take away as we experience each of these various media forms.
In this chapter, after examining the media today; I have realized that it is clearly very different then how it was presented years ago. Today the media is no longer just playing to a large audience, via broadcasting to many venues. It also encompasses a narrowcast market, which is targeted to specific audiences using cable and other various media outlets.
Schiller’s basic critique of the media has been continued by some contemporary media critics. In 2006, television studies scholar Timothy Havens noted the surprising statistic that only a few thousand professionals are responsible for the acquisition and distribution decisions of television markets around the world. He also mentioned that these professionals base their decisions not on audience tastes’, but also on institutional incentives. His argument is that the market drives decisions about the program choices available to view globally.
The rise of independent media has challenged the hegemonic control of the media, yet it is not simply a site of resistant culture. It is the source of a broad range of ideological positions and productions.
Keeping all this in mind, the media is constantly negotiating power. It is the media who is in control of the government and many powerful businesses because they actually influence all thinking throughout the world. Ironically, looking at the big picture, the audiences do try to resist.
Today, the internet and digital media have brought about a huge change and discussion throughout the world. These technologies have a tremendous influence over today’s society. Therefore, they and “we,” consistently have to adapt to co-exist within today’s cultural trends.

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chapter 5

Ideology is a complicated term that implies different things depending on how the context will be used. To be labeled ideological, can be insulting because it implies that someone is extremely rigid in their beliefs despite what is going on around them.
Because of this, when we speak of someone and imply that they are ideological we need to be very certain and extremely careful of the meaning behind the term. This is also not an easy term to understand.
In basic terms, ideology is the idea behind the text of the media and the agenda that its’ writers want to get across to a certain audience. Therefore, it is always important to always look beyond the printed word or photo to understand the motivation of the producer.
The major theoretical concept that illustrates the contemporary study of media and ideology is “hegemony.” This is based on the findings of Antonio Gramsci, an Italian Marxist who wrote about the connections between culture, power and ideology.
Ideology from a Marxists point of view was a system that helped to justify the actions of the people in power by distorting reality and the truth. Today, ideology is related to specific concepts such as a belief system, values and the worldview. It more importantly refers to the beliefs held around the world and the way the world is defined.
Politicians have perceived and used the media in all its forms broadcasting their ideology regarding religion, healthcare, age, education and employment to name a few. This is why the media is always the subject of many debates. Many politicians feel that the media does misinterpret their point of view which eventually can cause many social problems.
There is a continuing debate between those people who feel that the media promotes the worldview of the powerful or “dominant ideology,” and the people who insist the media writings are more contradictory in their presentation. Basically different ideological views represent different interests with unequal status and power.
Some ideas will have an advantage and be more popular because they are conceived from familiar images. Others will not be as apparent and barely visible. This brings about a struggle within the media texts.
One main reason why media images are thought to be controversial is that they are perceived to promote objectionable ideas. If a critic’s ideas are being supported they obviously wont object. Ideological analysis goes hand and hand with political advocacy as critics use their recognition of distorted messages to make their own point of view clear.
When we look at the ideology of the media, we should not be looking simply for specific views that scream out at us in movies, newspapers or music. We should search for the underlying images that are being provided secretly. Simply put, we need to always read between the lines to uncover the motivation behind the specific form of communication.
As we evaluate ideology in this format, and examine the underlying images of society that are being provided, it becomes clear that this is a system that helps to explain our world and people in it.