Men are more complicated then woman. I know plenty of men would disagree with that claim. Although when looking at how men and woman approach computers and technology, men are more complicated in this since. This notion can be seen in a 1994 Newsweek article, “Gender Gap in Cyberspace” by Deborah Tannen. The world has greatly changed, especially in technology from 1994 to now but what Tannen says in her article still remains true. There is still a gender gap in cyberspace. Women are more interested in just having a computer work while men want to control the computer and understand how it works.
Tannen wrote, “Men want to force computers to submit. Women just want computers to work.” This is still true today. Men are motivated by the social structure that “says if you don’t dominate you will be dominated.” It is the stereotype that women are not interested with the challenge of fixing computer problems or getting the biggest and best computers. Men want to be on top of things like with cars. Men want the better engine, the higher horsepower when women usually just look at a car and say it looks nice or it’s fast not referring to the horsepower. Women usually don’t take the time to learn about technology and computers or at least not as long as men do. They just go to someone who knows about computers. “More men rather study the instruction booklet than ask directions from another person”, said Tannen. When a computer is being fixed men either want to be the ones fixing the computer or want to be involved in the process.
Women are more interested in connections and relationships but both men and women are attracted to the social uses of computers. Tannen speaks of how she became hooked on email in 1994. Since then social networking sites have taken other the world. Email and conversions in cyberspace are not physical. People tend to open up more. Women will speak to each other or be vocal physical or not. Men have been perceived as being more reserved. Tannen says that face to face conversions for men are too intense and once you start it is hard to stop the conversion. With computers it is safer for men and if you don’t want to talk to someone, just don’t respond to their message or just log off. Tannen described how when she saw she had emails she felt loved. This can be seen today with facebook notifications or how many twitter followers one has. People like to connect with others male or female.
The gender gap Tannen spoke of in 1994 has been shrinking greatly since then. The world is becoming more and more technologically based. These advances in technology have affected everyone’s lives and therefore everyone, male or female, must learn about technology in order to succeed and live in society. Men still want to know how things work, have the best, and fix it themselves. Women still just want technology to work and are attracted to its social uses. Yet both genders have learned how to use technology. Men have learned more through research while women have learned through being hands-on. Gender gaps in many areas have been decreasing but there are still glass ceilings and stereotypes that are keeping the gaps open.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Desire for Media
It all goes back to sex. Speaking from a Freudian perspective this is true. When applied to media, the notion of sex connected to the media is relevant today. Freud spoke of desires and unconscious thoughts as well. When applying Freud to the study of media he makes sense. How media is today goes along with the ideas of Freud.
Freud spoke of desire. Desire for things, phenomena, and appearances. Desire in speech and language. Desire into structures and subject to rules. Desire linked to images. Media which includes advertisements, television programming, movies, and music all show or describe what we want. "Wunsch", Freud's word for the linkage of desire and image is seen here. Image and desire is also seen in jokes, patterns of play, words of expression, and dreams. We understand the workings of desire, unconsciousness and consciousness through these images.
We are also moved by conflict between nature and culture, body and mind, and pleasure and reality. Look at the popularity of reality shows where there is a reward for the conflict of pleasure and reality. First off reality shows are really not reality. They are scripted or have people doing things they would not do in the real world. The reality show "The Real World" is an ironic example. People participate in the show in order to receive a reward which is toward pleasure. In the conflict between body and mind, take the show "Survivor". Where participants go without basic needs of food, cleanliness, clothing, and well established shelter for an extended amount of time. Their bodies must be telling them they need food, a shower, but their mind tells their body to take it in order to win and receive the money.
Freud also discussed the reality principle and pleasure principle. The reality principle is when we feel we must conform to social needs and are driven to social formations. It channels the libido toward objects and aims. Media channels the libido toward what object and aims. Media is part of society which dictates how one is supposed to act and want. The pleasure principle is when we are driven toward pleasure. Media plays on these pleasures. We may see a movie, buy music (or download music), or watch a television show because they display things we may want or a life we want to live.
Media is the id and ego referring to Freud’s structure of the psyche. The ego is pre-consciousness and deals with basic drives. The ego can be seen in the news. The news speaks of what goes on in society. No emphasis on desires just reporting what is going on in the world. The id is unconsciousness and deals with ones wishes. The id can be seen in pornography and programming like MTV. These types of media attract people due to their wishes.
Freud was all about desire and pleasure. Media is all about desire and pleasure. One will not keep watching something or listen to something if they do not enjoy it. Media attracts people due to want they like and want. There has been the idea of subliminal messaging. Subliminal messaging is frowned upon but media has been and will continue to market to ones consciousness and unconsciousness mind.
Freud spoke of desire. Desire for things, phenomena, and appearances. Desire in speech and language. Desire into structures and subject to rules. Desire linked to images. Media which includes advertisements, television programming, movies, and music all show or describe what we want. "Wunsch", Freud's word for the linkage of desire and image is seen here. Image and desire is also seen in jokes, patterns of play, words of expression, and dreams. We understand the workings of desire, unconsciousness and consciousness through these images.
We are also moved by conflict between nature and culture, body and mind, and pleasure and reality. Look at the popularity of reality shows where there is a reward for the conflict of pleasure and reality. First off reality shows are really not reality. They are scripted or have people doing things they would not do in the real world. The reality show "The Real World" is an ironic example. People participate in the show in order to receive a reward which is toward pleasure. In the conflict between body and mind, take the show "Survivor". Where participants go without basic needs of food, cleanliness, clothing, and well established shelter for an extended amount of time. Their bodies must be telling them they need food, a shower, but their mind tells their body to take it in order to win and receive the money.
Freud also discussed the reality principle and pleasure principle. The reality principle is when we feel we must conform to social needs and are driven to social formations. It channels the libido toward objects and aims. Media channels the libido toward what object and aims. Media is part of society which dictates how one is supposed to act and want. The pleasure principle is when we are driven toward pleasure. Media plays on these pleasures. We may see a movie, buy music (or download music), or watch a television show because they display things we may want or a life we want to live.
Media is the id and ego referring to Freud’s structure of the psyche. The ego is pre-consciousness and deals with basic drives. The ego can be seen in the news. The news speaks of what goes on in society. No emphasis on desires just reporting what is going on in the world. The id is unconsciousness and deals with ones wishes. The id can be seen in pornography and programming like MTV. These types of media attract people due to their wishes.
Freud was all about desire and pleasure. Media is all about desire and pleasure. One will not keep watching something or listen to something if they do not enjoy it. Media attracts people due to want they like and want. There has been the idea of subliminal messaging. Subliminal messaging is frowned upon but media has been and will continue to market to ones consciousness and unconsciousness mind.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Educated
The trend of teenage pregnancy shows a trend of education. This is referring to the original word educate was derived, educare which means to rear children. The word educate did not initially come from the word educere, to develop. While flipping through the pages of Keywords-A Vocabulary of Culture and Society by Raymond Williams, I came across a description of the word educated that was not what I expected.
To me the word educated means that one went to school and can read and write. As well as can live in society and know how to take care of themselves. The description in Keywords did seem to express that as well as discuss the over-educated and half-educated. There is a clear distinction between the educated and uneducated in society. Those who went to school those who did not. There is also a universal education. Schools around the world teach differently and some more or less rigorous than the next but all follow the same principals of education. Williams brought up the notion that over-educated people are needed to continue to specialize and distinguish education. He also believed that most people in Britain were uneducated or half-educated. He described intelligent as one who has a particular level of ability from everyone else’s ability.
I agree that intelligence is measured in ability but everyone can be intelligent and educated in different things. A person can be street smart but not as book smart and vice versa. The cost of a college education continues to rise. Is it worth it? Even if you are one of those people who do not try to use your degree for a career. I believe I am an educated person continuing my education in college. College not only provides education for careers but also social education. It has been said before but I believe it to be true, one is also learning, life is a learning experience. So educate yourself.
To me the word educated means that one went to school and can read and write. As well as can live in society and know how to take care of themselves. The description in Keywords did seem to express that as well as discuss the over-educated and half-educated. There is a clear distinction between the educated and uneducated in society. Those who went to school those who did not. There is also a universal education. Schools around the world teach differently and some more or less rigorous than the next but all follow the same principals of education. Williams brought up the notion that over-educated people are needed to continue to specialize and distinguish education. He also believed that most people in Britain were uneducated or half-educated. He described intelligent as one who has a particular level of ability from everyone else’s ability.
I agree that intelligence is measured in ability but everyone can be intelligent and educated in different things. A person can be street smart but not as book smart and vice versa. The cost of a college education continues to rise. Is it worth it? Even if you are one of those people who do not try to use your degree for a career. I believe I am an educated person continuing my education in college. College not only provides education for careers but also social education. It has been said before but I believe it to be true, one is also learning, life is a learning experience. So educate yourself.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Bourne not Bond
The film continues Jason Bourne hunt for the truth and who he really is while he is hunted by a Russian assassin as well as CIA deputy director Pamela Landy. She believes he killed some of her men.
The film involves the classic action movie mythemes of the quest and clash of the titans. Bourne may be only one person but he has excellent training.
There are all the expectations of an action film with fighting, guns, explosions, chases, and suspense. The chases are on foot or car chases. Elements of suspense are seen through Bourne always being on the run. Will he be caught, found, will he get to his enemies first, will he find the truth, will Pamela Landy find out the real truth.
I loved the fighting in this film. The fighting was more realistic and exciting. In one scene Bourne is in handcuffs but then knocks down two men and then escapes. The film in general was more realistic. There were no gadgets, men dressed in suits at fancy parties, or females always dressed in skimpy clothing. The women had power and were intelligent. The hunt for Bourne was conducted by a female. In addition I loved the chases and explosions as well. The chases kept the film in a fast pace character. This kept me watching. Every time I watch this film, which I have seen numerous times, I do not look away from the screen when the chases occur. I also liked the fact that the film’s setting was around the world. Being a spy movie a global setting is also to be expected. Bourne escapes from Italy to go to Germany and then to Paris then off to Russia where a huge car chase takes place to finally end up back in New York City.
The Bourne Supremacy has all of the elements of a spy action thriller that I enjoy from the fighting, quest for the truth, chases, and suspense all in a more realistic fast pace tone. Even Matt Damon, Jason Bourne himself, had said in an interview that it is hard to make a sequel that is better than the first but he thought they had. I agree with his statement. Without all the high-tech gadgets I think Bond is no match for Bourne, Jason Bourne.
Monday, October 12, 2009
A Cyberpunk World
The world, this new world, this information crazed world is full of them. Cyberpunk describes a technology and future driven rebellion/attitude movement in the world today. This movement involves discovery, new technologies, and individualistic views of the non-conformist. Before reading Philip Elmer-Dewitt’s “Cyberpunk” and Timothy Leary’s “The Cyberpunk: The Individual as Reality Pilot” and “Evolution of Countercultures”, I had no idea what a cyberpunk was or described. After my reading I realized that the world today thrives on cyberpunks. Cyberpunk describes the world we live in today.
Stewart Brand, editor of Whole Earth Catalog expressed cyberpunk as “technology with attitude”. It is an “intersection of the future and now,” said Jude Milhon, a cyberpunk journalist. A “fusion of humans and machines” is what Rudy Rucker, a mathematician who also writes science-fiction books, described cyberpunk as.
Science-fiction goes along with cyberpunk. The term cyberpunk was used in the late 1980’s to describe a group of science-fiction writers. Cyberpunk is seen through literature to performance art such as the Blue Man Group to movies. The movies I-Robot and Artificial Intelligence involve the cyberpunk visions of machines, technological advances, and futuristic themes. As does the recent film Gamer where humans are controlled by other humans through mind-control technology.
Cyberpunk exists today with cyberspace. It is a medium of connection with others seen through social networks and dating sites. Cyberpunk and cyberspace are non-physical, global, and fast. We are an information society thus the internet is vital to us. People today live on their computers. Take college students for instance, the next generation that are or are evolving into cyberpunks. College students go to their computers to take classes, shop, email, or check their facebook. Facebook or surfing the internet sometimes distracts students from doing their work which can represent a punk or rebellious mind-set.
Cyberpunks have their own way of thinking from the norm. They like to stay ahead of the game which leads to their futuristic views of things.
Leary describes cyberpunks as people who think for themselves. They explore the possibilities of the future and collect information for they have a high-curiosity. They take part in innovation and change. Cyber means pilot. Cyberpunks use all available information to think for themselves and pilot their own lives. They are a “resourceful and skillful individual who accesses and steers technology and knowledge toward private goals.” Cyberpunks seek independence, not control over others. Inventors, free-agent scientists, hackers, and media explorers are examples of cyberpunks. They “steer their ideas out there where no thoughts have been.” They are open-minded people. In today’s society “creativity and mental excellence are the ethical norm” and will continue to be. The world continues to be “complex, dynamic, diversified, and cross-linked.”
Cyberpunks are driven by technology and the possibilities of tomorrow but are independent. They have control over their lives. As Dewitt put it, “...they realize if you don’t control technology, it will control you.” Nobody wants the Terminator movies to go from science fiction to reality.
Stewart Brand, editor of Whole Earth Catalog expressed cyberpunk as “technology with attitude”. It is an “intersection of the future and now,” said Jude Milhon, a cyberpunk journalist. A “fusion of humans and machines” is what Rudy Rucker, a mathematician who also writes science-fiction books, described cyberpunk as.
Science-fiction goes along with cyberpunk. The term cyberpunk was used in the late 1980’s to describe a group of science-fiction writers. Cyberpunk is seen through literature to performance art such as the Blue Man Group to movies. The movies I-Robot and Artificial Intelligence involve the cyberpunk visions of machines, technological advances, and futuristic themes. As does the recent film Gamer where humans are controlled by other humans through mind-control technology.
Cyberpunk exists today with cyberspace. It is a medium of connection with others seen through social networks and dating sites. Cyberpunk and cyberspace are non-physical, global, and fast. We are an information society thus the internet is vital to us. People today live on their computers. Take college students for instance, the next generation that are or are evolving into cyberpunks. College students go to their computers to take classes, shop, email, or check their facebook. Facebook or surfing the internet sometimes distracts students from doing their work which can represent a punk or rebellious mind-set.
Cyberpunks have their own way of thinking from the norm. They like to stay ahead of the game which leads to their futuristic views of things.
Leary describes cyberpunks as people who think for themselves. They explore the possibilities of the future and collect information for they have a high-curiosity. They take part in innovation and change. Cyber means pilot. Cyberpunks use all available information to think for themselves and pilot their own lives. They are a “resourceful and skillful individual who accesses and steers technology and knowledge toward private goals.” Cyberpunks seek independence, not control over others. Inventors, free-agent scientists, hackers, and media explorers are examples of cyberpunks. They “steer their ideas out there where no thoughts have been.” They are open-minded people. In today’s society “creativity and mental excellence are the ethical norm” and will continue to be. The world continues to be “complex, dynamic, diversified, and cross-linked.”
Cyberpunks are driven by technology and the possibilities of tomorrow but are independent. They have control over their lives. As Dewitt put it, “...they realize if you don’t control technology, it will control you.” Nobody wants the Terminator movies to go from science fiction to reality.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Lights, Camera, ACTION!
It is an out of reality experience. Is that why people go to movies? To see what they cannot see in their everyday lives. To get caught up in a plot for a moment in time. These are some of the reasons why I watch movies. To escape from reality for awhile. My favorite escape would have to be the action thriller film genre.
In action films fighting, explosions, fire, guns, and special effects are all expected. They usually involve a plot line that puts a hunt for the truth or vindication versus the villains of the film. The hero or heroes must defeat the villain and anyone who stands in their way. There can be a clash of titans or a peacemaker mytheme where the good must protect the weak.
There is an expectation of surprise and suspense in action thrillers. I do not enjoy action films along the lines of a movie like Rambo, with just loads of action and shooting. I like a thriller aspect to action films. Making an action film a thriller makes it more of who’s the real villain and where is the bad guy, along with the effects and fighting. Dialogue is a part of the story but isn’t the focus as in a drama film. A action film is also a more fast pace film.
I love explosions, fighting, and the fast pace nature of an action film. The action thriller genre keeps my attention, keeps me watching, and keeps me wondering what’s next.
Blockbuster movies are blockbusters given that people will go to the movies to see immense effects and action. At times directors relay too much on action and effects as in Transformers 2. I am a fan of the first Transformers but the second one lost a plausible plot for me. The focus was on the effects and how short Megan Fox’s shorts were. A dismal in distress or a female counterpart to the main character of an action film is also to be expected. I enjoyed The Dark Knight better. This movie had a great plot and great actors along with action.
The best picture winner at the academy awards usually isn’t my favorite movie of the year. Not to say that I do not enjoy a well written and acted movie. It’s just when asked what movie I want to watch my first choice would be something loud, exciting, and involving violence.
I am a girly girl in the sense that I love fashion and clothes but I despise pink and dislike chick flicks. I can keep a person on their toes,be assertive, and like to be on the move. The favorite film genre of a person in a sense can reflect the type of person they are.
In action films fighting, explosions, fire, guns, and special effects are all expected. They usually involve a plot line that puts a hunt for the truth or vindication versus the villains of the film. The hero or heroes must defeat the villain and anyone who stands in their way. There can be a clash of titans or a peacemaker mytheme where the good must protect the weak.
There is an expectation of surprise and suspense in action thrillers. I do not enjoy action films along the lines of a movie like Rambo, with just loads of action and shooting. I like a thriller aspect to action films. Making an action film a thriller makes it more of who’s the real villain and where is the bad guy, along with the effects and fighting. Dialogue is a part of the story but isn’t the focus as in a drama film. A action film is also a more fast pace film.
I love explosions, fighting, and the fast pace nature of an action film. The action thriller genre keeps my attention, keeps me watching, and keeps me wondering what’s next.
Blockbuster movies are blockbusters given that people will go to the movies to see immense effects and action. At times directors relay too much on action and effects as in Transformers 2. I am a fan of the first Transformers but the second one lost a plausible plot for me. The focus was on the effects and how short Megan Fox’s shorts were. A dismal in distress or a female counterpart to the main character of an action film is also to be expected. I enjoyed The Dark Knight better. This movie had a great plot and great actors along with action.
The best picture winner at the academy awards usually isn’t my favorite movie of the year. Not to say that I do not enjoy a well written and acted movie. It’s just when asked what movie I want to watch my first choice would be something loud, exciting, and involving violence.
I am a girly girl in the sense that I love fashion and clothes but I despise pink and dislike chick flicks. I can keep a person on their toes,be assertive, and like to be on the move. The favorite film genre of a person in a sense can reflect the type of person they are.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Do you have a multiple intelligence?
We may not all have multiple personalities but we all have multiple intelligences. Multiple intelligences are the ways that we prefer to learn and develop. I took the Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences test at http://www.businessballs.com/howardgardnermultipleintelligences.htm
The findings we accurate to how I believe I learn best, what I like, and my personality.
The test evaluates one’s intelligence pertaining to seven types of intelligence on a scale of 0-40. The types are linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial-visual, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. My highest intelligence was musical with 34, followed by intrapersonal with 30, then interpersonal with 29. In Spatial-Visual, Bodily-Kinesthetic, and Linguistic I had a 26 with logical-mathematical being last with 23. I agree with the findings of the test.
Musical was highest and music is a tremendous passion of mine. The intelligence is described by having musical ability like musicians, singers, entertainers, and music producers do. Related tasks involved singing a song or reviewing a musical work. I believe I do have musical ability and awareness and can recognize tonal and rhythmic patterns. This intelligence can explain my passion for music and my career aspirations to be a part of the entertainment industry. I want to work with entertainers and be an entertainment journalist.
Intrapersonal was my second highest and I do believe that I am self-aware of my actions and how I am as a person. This intelligence is illustrated as the ability to understand one’s relationship to others and personal objectivity.
On the other hand interpersonal was my third highest right behind intrapersonal and I am self-aware but can also relate to others. I can understand the relationships between people and interpret people’s behaviors as the intelligence is explained. My career aspirations also include marketing and the reason why I am attracted to this profession could be explained by this intelligence. I believe I can figure out other’s feelings and wants and then market a product to them.
Linguistic follows and I believe I have this intelligence as well. What's more I also aspire to be in PR and an on-air entertainment journalist. These professions require skills in words and language. The related tasks include commentating on an event and applying a positive or negative spin on a story.
Spatial deals with visual learning and I am a very visual person. I prefer television news to newspapers and PowerPoint presentations to reading textbooks. With bodily-kinesthetic I do believe I have eye and body coordination. I was on my high school’s dance/step team but wasn't a part of a sports team. The closet I ever got was powder-puff football. I enjoy watching sports more than playing them although I will play a sport for fun.
I do believe that logical-mathematical should be last since I dislike the related activities and jobs. Being a scientist, engineer, or computer expert are not jobs for me. I can detect patterns and think of scientific reasoning for things at times but I do not analyze problems or perform mathematical calculations in my head easily. To the contrary math class was always an easy class for me. I just never did or wanted to do math outside of class.
The Gardner test was very accurate to my personality and how I prefer to learn. The test helps to explain my career ambitions. We all learn and develop differently. Everyone has a different personality. A weakness of one person can be a strength of another. In this sense we are all intelligent, in our own way.
The findings we accurate to how I believe I learn best, what I like, and my personality.
The test evaluates one’s intelligence pertaining to seven types of intelligence on a scale of 0-40. The types are linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial-visual, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. My highest intelligence was musical with 34, followed by intrapersonal with 30, then interpersonal with 29. In Spatial-Visual, Bodily-Kinesthetic, and Linguistic I had a 26 with logical-mathematical being last with 23. I agree with the findings of the test.
Musical was highest and music is a tremendous passion of mine. The intelligence is described by having musical ability like musicians, singers, entertainers, and music producers do. Related tasks involved singing a song or reviewing a musical work. I believe I do have musical ability and awareness and can recognize tonal and rhythmic patterns. This intelligence can explain my passion for music and my career aspirations to be a part of the entertainment industry. I want to work with entertainers and be an entertainment journalist.
Intrapersonal was my second highest and I do believe that I am self-aware of my actions and how I am as a person. This intelligence is illustrated as the ability to understand one’s relationship to others and personal objectivity.
On the other hand interpersonal was my third highest right behind intrapersonal and I am self-aware but can also relate to others. I can understand the relationships between people and interpret people’s behaviors as the intelligence is explained. My career aspirations also include marketing and the reason why I am attracted to this profession could be explained by this intelligence. I believe I can figure out other’s feelings and wants and then market a product to them.
Linguistic follows and I believe I have this intelligence as well. What's more I also aspire to be in PR and an on-air entertainment journalist. These professions require skills in words and language. The related tasks include commentating on an event and applying a positive or negative spin on a story.
Spatial deals with visual learning and I am a very visual person. I prefer television news to newspapers and PowerPoint presentations to reading textbooks. With bodily-kinesthetic I do believe I have eye and body coordination. I was on my high school’s dance/step team but wasn't a part of a sports team. The closet I ever got was powder-puff football. I enjoy watching sports more than playing them although I will play a sport for fun.
I do believe that logical-mathematical should be last since I dislike the related activities and jobs. Being a scientist, engineer, or computer expert are not jobs for me. I can detect patterns and think of scientific reasoning for things at times but I do not analyze problems or perform mathematical calculations in my head easily. To the contrary math class was always an easy class for me. I just never did or wanted to do math outside of class.
The Gardner test was very accurate to my personality and how I prefer to learn. The test helps to explain my career ambitions. We all learn and develop differently. Everyone has a different personality. A weakness of one person can be a strength of another. In this sense we are all intelligent, in our own way.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Black is the New Black
What makes a trend? Why do people become attracted to the same thing? It is because they have similar tastes or do they want to look like someone else. Clothing is said to be a reflection of self. If people wear the same trend, the way one wears it makes them different from the others.
Black is a staple in wardrobes everywhere. It is a trend that keeps coming back. The major international store H&M has this video about black being fashion’s favorite color on their website.
My favorite store is Forever 21. This all black outfit from the store’s website is an outfit I like and would wear.
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Black is a color that can be seen as dark as in Goth culture. This outfit is not a Goth outfit. Although black can point to Goth here it points to rock or a tough attitude. The girl wearing the outfit is not pale which is associated with Goth and a blonde with natural looking makeup. The accessories of the outfit have no spikes or have chains, rather just a pop of metallic to go with the outfit. The look is the trend in fashion of blending opposites. The feminine mixed with tough girl trend rather than Goth or dark. The jacket is labeled by the website as a biker jacket and the dress a lace dress. A biker can be seen as someone who is tough while lace is seen as something delicate.
The look is also a going out look. A woman in a dress can signify some type of occasion. Women are told by fashion experts to have a LBD, little black dress, in their closet. In this instance the occasion could be a night out. It could be a club, bar, or concert. This outfit is acceptable at all of those places. The look goes with the dress code of a night out look with the model in a dress and heels. Magazines and celebrities who exemplify an edgier look like Rihanna have made black and tough looks a trend.
Clothing is a expression of self. The way a person wears clothing and views clothing reflects that person. What is Goth to one person can be hip-hop to another. Take the store Hot Topic for example. The store has had the reputation of being a Goth/rock store but now people who have an urban style shop at the store. What is stylish to one person can be different for another. Yet there are trends and dress codes that we must follow and others that are not acceptable. A trend is a trend for the reason that is it an acceptable type of style for a period of time. Most people want to look acceptable and be accepted.
Black is a staple in wardrobes everywhere. It is a trend that keeps coming back. The major international store H&M has this video about black being fashion’s favorite color on their website.
My favorite store is Forever 21. This all black outfit from the store’s website is an outfit I like and would wear.
The look is also a going out look. A woman in a dress can signify some type of occasion. Women are told by fashion experts to have a LBD, little black dress, in their closet. In this instance the occasion could be a night out. It could be a club, bar, or concert. This outfit is acceptable at all of those places. The look goes with the dress code of a night out look with the model in a dress and heels. Magazines and celebrities who exemplify an edgier look like Rihanna have made black and tough looks a trend.
Clothing is a expression of self. The way a person wears clothing and views clothing reflects that person. What is Goth to one person can be hip-hop to another. Take the store Hot Topic for example. The store has had the reputation of being a Goth/rock store but now people who have an urban style shop at the store. What is stylish to one person can be different for another. Yet there are trends and dress codes that we must follow and others that are not acceptable. A trend is a trend for the reason that is it an acceptable type of style for a period of time. Most people want to look acceptable and be accepted.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Is that a Dog to you?
Words mean nothing. Language doesn’t stand for anything. How could this be true when we communicate orally? Or if language and words mean nothing how can you be reading and understanding this right now? It is true in that words point to something else, ideas. This way of thinking refers to Semiotics. Semiotics is the science of signs. Several things point to an idea of something else.
What makes a dog a dog? Four legs, a body, and a “ruff ruff” sound. Why do those things point to a dog? A Swiss linguist, Ferdinand de Saussure said that there is a gap or space between material expression and the meaning or interpretation of that expression. THIS + THIS = THIS or SIGNIFIER + SIGNIFIED= SIGN. A signifier represents the physical or material and the signified represents the idea. Together they make the sign of something. Communication takes place when the signifier and signified are added together.
The signifier and signified could also be looked at as:
IMAGE + IDEA= SIGN
OBJECT + SUBJECT = SIGN
EXPRESSION + PERCEPTION=SIGN
REAL + IDEAL= SIGN
Thus a “ruff ruff” sound would be a signifier and the idea that dogs make that sound would be the signified so together they point to a dog.
According to the American pragmatist, Charles Pierce there are three types of relationships between the signifier and signified. The first being a symbolic relationship were the relationship is arbitrary. The sign is a symbol like scales which can signify justice. The second type is indexical where the relationship is existential and the signs co-exist at some time. The sign is an index. The third type is iconic where the signifier structurally resembles its signified. The sign is an icon such as a statue or map. These types do not create categories rather help us understand the space between a signifier and signified.
In addition to SIGNIFER + SIGNIFIED = SIGN, Roland Barthes generated that there are three levels of signification. The first being denotation where the signifier is the image itself and the signified is an index like the dictionary definition of a word. Here one interprets only what they see and recognize. The second is connotation where denotation is used as a signifier and then that signifier creates another signified. The third is ideology where the signifier is combined with the denotative and connotative sign and then creates another signified. Ideology deals with society and how beliefs of society point to a sign. What something means or signifies is based on society's views and beliefs.
Signs make sense in relations and opposites. Happy does not make sense if one does not know what is sad. Semiotics is the science of signs and that everything points to something else. We communicate through adding something physical with an idea. Words are thus only sounds and letters. Language is an endless array of ideas more than words in a dictionary.
What makes a dog a dog? Four legs, a body, and a “ruff ruff” sound. Why do those things point to a dog? A Swiss linguist, Ferdinand de Saussure said that there is a gap or space between material expression and the meaning or interpretation of that expression. THIS + THIS = THIS or SIGNIFIER + SIGNIFIED= SIGN. A signifier represents the physical or material and the signified represents the idea. Together they make the sign of something. Communication takes place when the signifier and signified are added together.
The signifier and signified could also be looked at as:
IMAGE + IDEA= SIGN
OBJECT + SUBJECT = SIGN
EXPRESSION + PERCEPTION=SIGN
REAL + IDEAL= SIGN
Thus a “ruff ruff” sound would be a signifier and the idea that dogs make that sound would be the signified so together they point to a dog.
According to the American pragmatist, Charles Pierce there are three types of relationships between the signifier and signified. The first being a symbolic relationship were the relationship is arbitrary. The sign is a symbol like scales which can signify justice. The second type is indexical where the relationship is existential and the signs co-exist at some time. The sign is an index. The third type is iconic where the signifier structurally resembles its signified. The sign is an icon such as a statue or map. These types do not create categories rather help us understand the space between a signifier and signified.
In addition to SIGNIFER + SIGNIFIED = SIGN, Roland Barthes generated that there are three levels of signification. The first being denotation where the signifier is the image itself and the signified is an index like the dictionary definition of a word. Here one interprets only what they see and recognize. The second is connotation where denotation is used as a signifier and then that signifier creates another signified. The third is ideology where the signifier is combined with the denotative and connotative sign and then creates another signified. Ideology deals with society and how beliefs of society point to a sign. What something means or signifies is based on society's views and beliefs.
Signs make sense in relations and opposites. Happy does not make sense if one does not know what is sad. Semiotics is the science of signs and that everything points to something else. We communicate through adding something physical with an idea. Words are thus only sounds and letters. Language is an endless array of ideas more than words in a dictionary.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Career Aspirations
A poor little country girl gets run over by an arrogant hip-hop star only to saved by a self-professed “diva” (definition of a hustler). Not to mention blood on stage and questionable face masks. Expect nothing less from MTV’s Video Music Awards for these types of moments are regular occurrences in today’s entertainment industry. I want a career in today’s entertainment industry.
I have always loved music ever since I was little. I remember watching MTV as far back as I can remember. I do not know if watching MTV when one is young is a good thing but I know I watched it for the music, back when they had music. Whenever asked what I wanted to be when I grew up I never said a doctor, teacher, or any of those occupations that have children toys based on them. I always replied that I wanted to be a singer. As I got older I realized a successful singing career or at least a career involving thousands of screaming fans and worldwide tours was more of a dream than reality. Instead of being on stage why not work behind the scenes with the celebrities.
This thought brought me to my current career path. There are many jobs in the entertainment industry but I have narrowed it down to a few. Public relations and being a publicist interests me for the reason that I believe promoting a person, product, and business would be something that I would be good at and would enjoy. Similar to marketing as well I believe I know or can learn what the public wants and market that product to them and get their attention. Working at a record company grabs my attention as well seeing as I have a passion for music. I am also interested in television. In being the on-air talent, an entertainment reporter so I can witness Lady Gaga’s unique wardrobe up close on the red carpet and then report on all the shocking events the next day. Or to research and write the entertainment stories of the day since I look them up or watch them everyday anyway. Fashion as I see it intermixes with entertainment or is a part of entertainment. Celebrities are always asked who they are wearing or photographed for their outfit choices. Public relations and marketing dealing with fashion are also careers I have in mind.
My career path has never changed since I was young. Entertainment, celebrities, music, and people have always been the major interests of mine. People say do a job that you like or love and I wouldn’t like to do anything else. Promotion, marketing, and entertainment journalism are my fields of interest. Moreover many celebrities are branching out in ways like having more businesses. Or many media businesses are under one brand. Media mogul would be the top dream career of mine. Oprah is getting older, yet someone I admire, people like Diddy are just annoying, and most major media companies are headed by older men. Someone else can come along and fill their shoes.
I have always loved music ever since I was little. I remember watching MTV as far back as I can remember. I do not know if watching MTV when one is young is a good thing but I know I watched it for the music, back when they had music. Whenever asked what I wanted to be when I grew up I never said a doctor, teacher, or any of those occupations that have children toys based on them. I always replied that I wanted to be a singer. As I got older I realized a successful singing career or at least a career involving thousands of screaming fans and worldwide tours was more of a dream than reality. Instead of being on stage why not work behind the scenes with the celebrities.
This thought brought me to my current career path. There are many jobs in the entertainment industry but I have narrowed it down to a few. Public relations and being a publicist interests me for the reason that I believe promoting a person, product, and business would be something that I would be good at and would enjoy. Similar to marketing as well I believe I know or can learn what the public wants and market that product to them and get their attention. Working at a record company grabs my attention as well seeing as I have a passion for music. I am also interested in television. In being the on-air talent, an entertainment reporter so I can witness Lady Gaga’s unique wardrobe up close on the red carpet and then report on all the shocking events the next day. Or to research and write the entertainment stories of the day since I look them up or watch them everyday anyway. Fashion as I see it intermixes with entertainment or is a part of entertainment. Celebrities are always asked who they are wearing or photographed for their outfit choices. Public relations and marketing dealing with fashion are also careers I have in mind.
My career path has never changed since I was young. Entertainment, celebrities, music, and people have always been the major interests of mine. People say do a job that you like or love and I wouldn’t like to do anything else. Promotion, marketing, and entertainment journalism are my fields of interest. Moreover many celebrities are branching out in ways like having more businesses. Or many media businesses are under one brand. Media mogul would be the top dream career of mine. Oprah is getting older, yet someone I admire, people like Diddy are just annoying, and most major media companies are headed by older men. Someone else can come along and fill their shoes.
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