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Play is a fundamental element of human culture and society, and much of our engagement with media is a form of play. Media entertainment not only amuses us but also teaches us about ourselves. Sports, music, comedy, and other entertainment forms play important roles in shaping concepts of nationhood and creating a shared culture. Viral videos, often shared through platforms like YouTube, gain widespread popularity and contribute to the participatory nature of media culture, typically offering humour as a key element.

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Circulation: Early newspapers targeted the wealthy, but the penny press emerged in the 1830s, offering affordable newspapers with sensational stories for the working class. Newspapers adapted to compete with television news by focusing on storytelling and entertainment. The internet further impacted news delivery, with newspapers emphasizing in-depth coverage and television news prioritizing speed and sensation.

Qualities and functions of the news: The press acts as a gatekeeper, deciding what topics are important. Feminists argue that news coverage often focuses on men, perpetuating gender biases. Media portrayals of women often reflect stereotypes. News directors, who are predominantly white men, make decisions influenced by their backgrounds. Limited time and schedules affect the amount of news coverage. Editors have the power to set the agenda and determine what the public should know. News media can shape public opinion and influence intervention in conflicts. They can also highlight social issues and problems.

The business of news: Newspapers shifted towards objectivity to attract advertisers in the late 19th century. The telegraph enabled news to be quickly relayed, leading to the emergence of news agencies. Controlling the news brought power, prestige, and wealth to newspaper owners. Media consolidation occurred as different forms of media merged, leading to concerns about accountability, diversity of views, and public access to information. Media monopolies may promote certain agendas and limit independent approaches. Media concentration is a global issue, with a few transnational corporations controlling most news worldwide.

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Alternative media are extremely important in today's media scene. Alternative media, as opposed to mainstream media, which frequently has limits and prejudices, provides a venue for varied perspectives, independent voices, and local reporting. They offer an alternative to the dominant narratives and provide space for marginalized communities and issues that are overlooked by traditional media outlets. Alternative media foster civic engagement, encourage critical thinking, and promote democratic principles by allowing individuals to actively participate in shaping the news and sharing information. They challenge the hegemony of powerful institutions and provide a counterbalance to commercialized and sensationalized content. Alternative media can provide trustworthy, independent journalism covering a wide range of topics.

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Canada’s trusted national source of daily news and analysis from the grassroots and social movements.

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As Both consumers and producers we are constantly overwhelmed by the non-stop content present in social media so I thought a would write a little reminder to myself.

In today's highly mediated society, we have become both consumers and producers, actively shaping our life stories and attitudes for an online audience. It's important to be mindful of the influence that social media standards can have on our choices.
While social media is exciting and addicting because its allows self-expression and connection with others, don't allow it to become a source of distraction. Be conscious of the time you spend on these platforms and strive for a healthy balance. Be a thoughtful person, share and watch meaningful content, while also finding time for self-reflection, offline connections, and the pursuit of your passions. Stay grounded in your own authenticity amidst the noise of the digital world.

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If You're ADDICTED To Social Media WATCH THIS! | Jay Shetty

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I used to have a different mentality about video games years prior before I educated myself on the topic. I thought they were horrible for our youth. It was only after going in with an open mind and be willing to learn did i understand my thinking was far from the truth.
Video games can have positive effects on people because they help develop skills like decision-making and social skills. Playing video games demands  players to make quick and strategic decisions, which can improve their ability to analyze situations, weigh options, and make effective choices. Also, multiplayer games provide opportunities for social interaction and collaboration, fostering teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Video games can be beneficial for cognitive and social abilities.
I realized that just because I heard something from a place or read about it on a social media post. It doesn't make that true. Rather than being judgement, I should be open to change and learn.

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Media, terrorism, and the politics of fear - Nancy Snow

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Media, terrorism, and the politics of fear - Nancy Snow

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The article talks about how the media, terrorism, and fear are connected. It mentions Walter Lippmann's views on people relying on stereotypes when interpreting media information. The article also discusses the media's role in creating fear after 9/11 and the impact on civil liberties. It emphasizes that terrorism is more about psychological influence than just physical violence and raises questions about media ethics.
I found it to be an intriguing and good read.

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Looking Back at Activity 3: Media Violence

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Looking Back at Activity 3: Media Violence

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At first I did struggle a bit with this assignment because I did not have one right answer to the prompt.
Looking at the relationship between violent content in the media and its impact on individual behaviour and society. I was really able to think about how human behaviour is multifaceted and influenced by various factors, such as psychological, social, and environmental elements. That is why its difficult to pinpoint a single reason for someone's actions or behaviours, making it difficult to determine if violent media directly causes violence or aggression.

The article discusses the link between media violence and real-world violence. The author points out the importance of distinguishing between personal preferences and empirical questions that require research.
They mention that studies on the effects of violent media have been conducted for over 60 years. The research shows that television contains a lot of violence, particularly murders. The impact of violent media is said to be subtle, cumulative, and indirect. People who already have risk factors are more likely to cause harm after being exposed to violent media.
The author says to limit young children from exposure to violent media and promoting media literacy to help them identify different storylines and ways to resolve conflicts.
A reason mentioned in the article as to why violent media is so prevalent because of its profitability. The author emphasize the responsibility of consumers to consider the impact of their choices.

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Written by Christopher Kilmartin, an emeritus college professor, author, stand-up comedian, actor, playwright, consultant and professional psychologist. He is the author of The Fictions that Shape Men's Lives.

When I ask students in my General Psychology class if there is a connection between media portrayals of physical aggression and actual violent behavior, many, without hesitation, simply answer "no." "What tells you that?" I ask. Generally, the responses take the form of stories about they and/or people they know who consume violent media and have never been violent.

Obviously, watching American Psycho or its ilk is not going to turn all viewers into serial killers. But does that fact mean that violent media has no effect at all on anyone? As my classroom discussion proceeds, I remind the students of two broad goals for the course:

To distinguish between a question that is merely a matter of taste or preference and an empirical question--one that can only be answered through careful scrutiny of research data. "Is violent television worthwhile entertainment?" is an example of the former-a question of preference. "Is there evidence of a connection between violent media and real-world violence?" is an example of the latter.

To think about behaviors as having multiple causes and multiple effects. Rarely do behaviors arise from singular sources. Rather, they more often come about from multiple influences.

Do we have research on the effects of violent media? Yes-at least 60 years of it. In the 1950s and 1960s, the United States began to see an exponential rise in the number of homes that had at least one television in them, and that increase has obviously continued, and beyond television, in much of the developing world. Shortly after television became nearly ubiquitous, behavioral researchers began to investigate the effects on exposure to aggressive programming. The body of research on violent media includes the following:

Television is remarkably violent. Although only one-half of one percent of crimes committed in the real world are murders, fifty percent of the crimes committed on television are murders. If real life were as violent as television, the entire population of the United States would be wiped out in fifty days.

The effects of violent media are subtle, cumulative, and indirect. For people who have other risk factors such as childhood trauma and exposure to violent role models, high levels of exposure to violent media has the effect of making it about ten percent more likely that they will cause physical harm to another human being. A parallel about the accumulation of adverse experiences: nobody is going to become obese from eating one fast food meal, nor to get lung cancer from smoking a single cigarette, and although there are undoubtedly people who eat fast food every day or smoke all of their lives and suffer no negative outcomes, clearly these unusual cases do not mean that there is no adverse effects from these unhealthy habits.

What's the big deal about ten percent? Although violence is a low-frequency behavior, it is one with extreme consequences: physical and psychological injury, and even death. If media violence is associated with 1100 acts of physical aggression instead of 1000, the effect is small but very important.

So, what should we do about it? Ban all violent media?

I do not advocate banning anything, although we would do well to limit exposure to young children. At very early ages, they cannot even distinguish between a television program and the commercials that accompany it, and early exposure is another risk factor. But we can teach children media literacy by helping them to identify the stories being told and helping them to generate alternative narratives. More specifically, we can help children to:

Find low-probability outcomes in the story. James Bond is being shot at by 1000 people, and not only can nobody hit him, he is remarkably relaxed and cool while in extreme danger. One movie trope is the slow-motion walk of protagonists while there is an explosion taking place behind them, which they seem to not even notice. Ask yourself: if you heard something explode behind you, wouldn't you at least turn around to see what has happened?

Generate alternative conflict resolution strategies by considering the question, "What else could have been done to solve the problem?" Like maybe instead of allowing a kid to bully a classmate during dodgeball, the school could take steps to help bullies to address their troubles more directly. As former NFL player and now coach Joe Ehrmann is fond of saying, "Hurt people hurt people." And of course, I think we can do without dodgeball and other aggressive school activities.

Why is violent media so prevalent? Obviously, because it sells. Also, we live in an entertainment culture where stories must be mass produced, and every story needs an element of tension. A writer can produce instant tension simply by putting a gun in a character's hand. There are many more creative ways to produce story tension, and in fact, viewers prefer stories that are well-told without the elements of violence.

The other thing we need to understand is that buying a movie ticket or turning on a certain television program is a political act. I can tell the difference between myself and a mean "professional wrestler," but I am not sure that an 11-year-old can, and the more I watch this so-called sport, the more will be produced, and the more 11-year olds will see them. (I put "professional wrestler" in quotes because "professional wrestling" is not professional, nor is it wrestling.) We will see a sharp reduction in violent media when it becomes less profitable. It is incumbent upon all of us, the vast majority of whom are never violent, to take seriously what we are promoting with our money.

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What is the connection between media violence and real-world violence?

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What is the connection between media violence and real-world violence?

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Before reading Module 8, I actually had not given much thought to the ongoing struggle to preserve Canadian culture and identity in the face of American media dominance. There is lots of debates surrounding this topic. Those who believe its not that serious and those who believe this will hurt Canadians in the long run. I can see where both sides are coming from. While this issue may not be the end of the world, it is clear that compared to America media, Canada falls behind. That may not be the worst thing ever but it is important for us to enjoy our culture and be able to identify with it.

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I really enjoyed this activity. I had been so lazy and never had the motivation to get active. However, in a way, this assignment forced me to take action and was able to help me start slowly incorporate being active again. I even convinced my whole family to go on a walk. We are still trying to figure out a productive schedule for all of us but thanks to this assignment we are on the right track!!

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I truly learned so much during the course. Honestly, at first, I was nervous to start this course because I felt like I was not a fit for it. I felt like I could not catch up with others in the course simply because I am an immigrant, mature student and sometimes, it takes a little longer than others to figure things than others. At first, it was challenging, I felt as though I could not do this but I told myself. The day, I decided to go back to school. I choose to embrace new challenges and difficulties. That is why, I tried my best in this course and as I started developing skills for this course. I found myself really enjoying the course material and genuinely learning from it. I throughly enjoyed this course!

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Key Ideas
- Communication technologies are essential for economies and development.
- The media system  supports economies by providing essential communication tools

The printing press played a significant role in expanding global trade and division of labor.

The telegraph separated communication from transportation and had a positive impact on local economies.

Modern technologies like cell phones and the internet provide information for market conditions and comparative shopping.

The internet has transformed book sales and created new opportunities for selling and bidding on unique items.

- The gap between rich and poor nations has widened over time due to exploitation and historical factors.

Communication technologies may have contributed to the wealth gap, with 20% of the population controlling 80% of resources.

- Changes in one economy can have  effects on the global economy. It impacts job security and career stability.

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9) Being Mediated: The Child, The Family, and The Ethics of Mediated Life

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9) Being Mediated: The Child, The Family, and The Ethics of Mediated Life

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I enjoyed reading Module 9 because it highlights the ethical implications of living in a highly mediated society and the challenges it poses in determining moral authority and guiding principles.

Some points from text:

Living ethically and maintaining interpersonal connections is a challenge in a mediated world

Question of moral authority are raised, as traditional sources like religion have lost influence.

In ways, mass media has disrupted place-based or community-based ethics.

Privacy is another ethical dilemma in the highly mediated world.

Surveillance technologies have both positive and negative ramifications.

Surveillance technologies blurs the line between privacy and public space.

can be used for abusive purposes, such as revenge pornography and cyberbullying.

I also enjoyed reading "We Liked to Watch: Television as Progenitor of the Surveillance Society" by Joshua Meyrowitz. It explores the influence of television on the development of a surveillance society. The author argues that television, with its ability to broadcast live events and display private moments, has played a significant role in shaping our perception of privacy and fostering a culture of surveillance. The public's fascination with watching others through television has normalized surveillance and contributed to the erosion of personal boundaries.  I have been curious about the social and psychological implications of this,  how media including television transform the way we understand and experience the world.

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What Is the Problem When It Comes to the Canadian Film Industry? Article highlights the challenges faced by the Canadian film industry and the reasons for it. 

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8) Being Canadian: Canadian Culture and American   Media

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8) Being Canadian: Canadian Culture and American   Media

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The influence of American media on Canadian culture was an interesting read. Do Canadian really put in effort to maintain a sense of Canadian identity?

Key Ideas:

- Influence of American Media

Canada shares a border with the United States making it really easy access to American media products.

Canadians are exposed to American values, beliefs, and attitudes through media consumption.

- What is the role of CBC?

They aim to preserve a distinct Canadian identity and culture within the country.

- American Dominance, American ideas, textbooks, newspapers, magazines, and films have always made their way into Canadian society.

- Nationalists express concern about the impact of American culture on Canadian values.

They fear Canadian identity will be lost to American influence. However, not all Canadians see American cultural products as a threat, and resistance to American media can be seen as elitist or a minority viewpoint.

- Canadian Film Industry

Hollywood's dominance in Canada. American movies are always widely shown and sought after in Canada. Compared to that, Canadian movies have struggled to compete

Canada's film industry is considered underdeveloped  because of the significant influence Hollywood has

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Hollywood North finds success working as a service industry to America but can't hold its own when distributing Canadian films domestically. And even though Francophone Canada is the minority, they usually find more success nationally than the Anglophone majority. Why? Identity. America and Quebec have built a strong sense of identity, and it's reflected in their content. Anglo-Canada's lack of identity echoes throughout its themes and national support. For Canada to have a film industry worthy of its storytellers, a strong sense of identity needs to be fostered in Canada's truth, thereby giving Canadians entertainment American film conglomerates fail to deliver.

Since the 1920's, American distributors have dominated, and, at that time, Canadian companies and the government did little to stand in America's way thus, leaving American companies to grow the monopolies here. America's vertical integration model (owning one or more production and distribution stages) pushed them to the forefront of global entertainment and has shoved Canada in its shadow ever since.

Nevertheless, early Canadian capitalists believed Canada's film industry should be meld into Hollywood, and current Canadian media companies fight the laws that force them to buy Canadian content so they can feed their consumers' desires for American content.

These desires for American content fill the gap left by Anglo-Canada's lack of identity. So much of America's entertainment is rooted in American culture, and Americans aren't afraid to share themselves with the world. But Anglo-Canada has grappled with taking pleasure with seeing itself on-screen. "Mark Slone, the executive vice-president of theatrical distribution for eOne Films Canada" expresses to the Globe and Mail , "In the nineties and 2000s, we tended to make films that I'd call 'any place generics.' Now, a lot of the films that are actually finding success in the market are ones that are unabashedly Canadian in some way. We once believed we were a little embarrassed, or it was cringe-inducing to see your country represented. I believe we're now in the era where we are very comfortable seeing ourselves represented on screen, and our own stories" (Global and Mail.com). The change I am expressing we should have is already developing. However, these gradual steps to change can deepen by learning from the Quebecois.

Quebec has a culture and identity; they strive for representation on screen, so Quebecois films tend to do better. In 2019, French-Canadian films gained the most box-office success. ET Canada reports that Quebecois films were seven of Canada's top ten grossing films. Émile Gaudreault's "Menteur" made $6.3 million, Louise Archambault's "Il pleuvait ds oiseaux" ("And the Birds Rained Down") made $1.8 million, "La Course de Tuques" ("Racetime") made $1.3 million, and "La femme de mon frère" ("A Brother's Love") made $753,757. These numbers could be achieved regularly by Anglophone Canada if we had a deep drive to see ourselves on screen.

Also, fostering a solid sense of Anglo-Canadian identity and making it profitable will give independent Canadian distributors a platform to stand on, next to America's distribution stronghold. A similar format has been implemented in the past. The creation of the National Film Board of Canada in 1948, created a sense of national self outside the traditional film scape. The NFB gave Canadians the chance to see more films for Canadians by Canadians. The NFB angered the American film industry at the time because it was a threat to their livelihood in Canada. The Motion Picture Export Association of America (MPEAA, now the MPA) fought against the NFB. They argued that it was leftist for using "government funds to compete with private companies" and accused them of aligning with communist ideals. The MPEAA lost this fight, and the NFB is still around today. This shift toward Canadian programming can happen again through a more resounding backing of our people and our government.

Canada's film industry has much work to do in catching up to the United States, but through the persistence of Anglo-Canada's sense of self and a more vital want for Canadian entertainment overall, change can come.

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What Is the Problem When It Comes to the Canadian Film Industry? - 10 at 10

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Hollywood North finds success working as a service industry to America but can't hold its own when distributing Canadian films domestically. And even though Francophone Canada is the minority, they usually find more success nationally than the Anglophone majority. Why? Identity. America and Quebec have built a strong sense of identity, and it's reflected in their content.

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7) The Bad News: Harmful Effects of the Media 

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7) The Bad News: Harmful Effects of the Media 

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Key Topics:

This course focuses on the effects of media on individuals and Canadian society. It explores the influence of representation, identity, and entertainment industry products. The works of Canadian communication scholar Harold Innis and his influence on Marshall McLuhan are discussed, emphasizing the role of media as extensions of human senses and the impact of media messages on culture and relationships.

Investigating the effects of media presents challenges due to the difficulty in establishing direct cause-and-effect relationships. However, it is acknowledged that media messages do have an effect on society, as evidenced by the success of advertising. The course delves into harmful content in media, particularly violence, and how the sheer scale of violent images in television, video games, and the internet can normalize violence.

The course also addresses the topic of pornography and free speech. It distinguishes between pornography and erotica, highlighting the subordination and degradation of individuals depicted in pornography. The regulation of offensive material raises questions about balancing freedom of speech and protecting against harm. The discussion references debates surrounding media portrayals, such as a documentary film that offended some individuals and led to threats and legal action against the filmmakers.

Fear is another aspect explored in the course. The media's role in presenting violence, crime, and atrocities in an immediate and sensationalized manner is examined. The concept of moral panic is discussed, where media coverage can lead to heightened fears and support for stricter measures, such as increased policing and reduced freedoms.

Overall, module 7 talks about the effects of media on individuals and society, addressing topics such as violence, pornography, fear, and the complex relationship between media, freedom of speech, and social impact.

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6) We're All Producers: Mass Participation in Entertainment

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6) We're All Producers: Mass Participation in Entertainment

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Key points:

Social media plays a significant role in this highly mediated world, transforming the Internet from a medium for receiving information to a user-generated platform that encourages active participation.

Social media can be categorized into six main types: blogs, collaborative projects, content communities, social networking sites, virtual game worlds, and virtual social worlds.

Blogs - personal expression and participatory culture.  Platforms like Blogger, WordPress, and Tumblr

Collaborative projects - enable users to work together using wiki technology, i.e. Wikipedia

Content communities - focus on sharing videos, pictures, and text, with platforms such as YouTube,  and Instagram.

Social networking sites -  Facebook;  users can create content, interact with others, and share personal information.

Virtual game worlds and virtual social worlds - connect people through customizable avatars and various interactions, exemplified by games like World of Warcraft and Second Life.

While there are benefits to social media, people say that it has led to decreased attention spans and has influenced our communication practices and vocabulary. It is important for us to be self-reflective about our participation in social media and consider its effects on our relationships and communication behaviour.

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5) We're All Consumers: Advertising and The Consumer Culture 

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5) We're All Consumers: Advertising and The Consumer Culture 

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Key Points:

- Advertising is central to the capitalist economy and is critical in promoting consumption.
- In North America, the emergence of mass advertising began in the early twentieth century, with the purpose of marketing things widely and boosting consumption among the middle class.
- Branding is an important technique for product makers since it promotes product identification and emotional appeals, hence contributing to the rise of consumer culture.
- Advertising is described as a persuasive kind of commercial communication that is intended to elicit a positive response from a target market and foster a favourable attitude toward a specific brand or product.
- Consumer culture is defined by consumers intensely connecting with goods, services, and commodities, associating themselves with brand names, and indulging in conspicuous consumption.
- Consumer culture creates an environment where there is a constant desire for new products, fashion, and experiences, etc. This is fueled by advertising and the media's role in creating a complex system of symbols.
- Culture industries encompass commercial or state-owned organizations that produce, sponsor, display, and distribute art and media, and they exhibit increased commercialization, advertising, and concentration of ownership.
- Deconstruction is a critical approach that seeks to uncover the meanings embedded in cultural products and expose oppositions and power dynamics within them.
- Fetishism, derived from psychoanalytic theory, can be applied to consumer culture to describe fixations on objects, desires, and the commodification of certain identities or differences.

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4) Identity and Representation in the Media

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4) Identity and Representation in the Media

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Some Key Notes:
4-1 explores the influence of media on identity and self-esteem is explored. The images and representations we see in media impact how we perceive ourselves and others. The underrepresentation or misrepresentation of certain groups, such as women, people of colour, and non-dominant groups, can affect their self-worth and opportunities. Media often perpetuates stereotypes and reinforces power imbalances, with white men holding the majority of power in North American media.

Part 4-2 discusses the evolving categories of race, class, and gender. In today's global society, ethnicities interact, intermarry, and blur racial boundaries. However, race continues to be used as a marker to degrade others, and it is becoming harder to categorize people into a single racial group. Gender, too, is no longer simply defined by wearing certain clothes but encompasses a wider range of expressions. These categories of race, class, and gender are intertwined with power dynamics, with men and whiteness being privileged in society.

Part 4-3 explores the historical and contemporary use of race, class, and gender in media representations. Early advertisements, such as those in National Geographic Magazine, often depicted Native Canadians and other ethnicities as savages or exotic others, promoting stereotypes and marginalization. The representation of women in media also plays a harmful role, as their bodies are often objectified and unrealistic beauty standards are imposed, leading to body dissatisfaction and potential health issues.

In Part 4-4, the film "Pretty Woman" is analyzed as an example of how class, race, and gender intersect in media. The story, based on the Pygmalion fable, follows a man who bestows ideal beauty and transforms a woman's life. Feminists criticize such narratives for portraying men as having the power to define and shape women's identities.

Overall, Module 4 highlight the ways in which media constructs identities, perpetuates stereotypes, and influences power dynamics based on race, class, and gender. They call for critical analysis of media representations and the need for more diverse and inclusive portrayals.

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In Part 3-1, the focus is on mainstream media news and its limitations due to profit-driven motives, potential biases, and the tendency to cover certain topics more prominently. Alternative media sources are highlighted as a way to counter these limitations and provide a broader range of information. The importance of being critical of sources and seeking alternative views is emphasized.

Part 3-2 introduces the vocabulary term "citizen media" or "participatory media," which refers to individuals publishing information and opinions through platforms like blogs, vlogs, and podcasts. It discusses the rise of citizen media as a response to the neglect of public interest by traditional mass media. Another term, "civic engagement," is mentioned, highlighting the reduction in participatory action due to media saturation and the role of personal interaction in fostering strong communities.

In Part 3-3, the term "demographics" is explained, referring to profiles of viewers targeted by media based on factors such as age, income, education level, and gender. The concept of psychographics is introduced, which considers people's aspirations, decision-making styles, social class, and lifestyle to understand consumer behavior. The collection of consumer data through various means, such as loyalty cards and online shopping, is discussed.

Part 3-4 explores the concept of "hegemony," which refers to the power of symbols and images to create consent and influence people's actions. The influence of wealthy nations' or businesses' branding and media is explored, as well as the possible impact on consumer behaviour. The phrase "hierarchical models" is introduced, referring to media organizations' organizational structure in which decision-making power is centralized at the top.

Part 3-5 discusses the vocabulary phrase "ideology," which refers to a system of ideas held by many people in order to explain the world. The term "inverted pyramid" is used to describe a journalistic approach in which the most important material is presented first, followed by supporting details.

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2)  What’s New? Mainstream Media News as Democracy’s Oxygen

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2)  What’s New? Mainstream Media News as Democracy’s Oxygen

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Notes:

The human need for news is deeply rooted in our desire to stay informed and connected to our societies and environments. News fulfills practical needs by providing information for navigating the world and cultural information for social interaction. Depriving individuals of news can lead to negative emotions and a sense of isolation. News also satisfies our curiosity, need for drama, and desire for diversion and entertainment. The ritual of receiving news through various mediums offers comfort and stability. Humans have an inherent inclination to share information and engage in gossip, which drives the dissemination of news.

The content of news is carefully crafted to capture our attention and elicit emotional responses. Reporters seek stories that have impact, emotional appeal, conflict, timeliness, proximity, prominence, and the unusual. Throughout history, news has been shared orally in local gathering places, contributing to the creation of group identity and the building of empires. News encompasses a mix of important information, trivial details, anecdotes, and gossip, shaping our perception of what is normal in society. It includes human interest stories, guides for living, scientific discoveries, moralizing, criticism, and opinion pieces that contribute to public discourse and shape cultural beliefs. Advertising and news often overlap, with our knowledge about products often coming from sources tied to news. Sensational and extraordinary topics are used to capture audience attention and create shared emotions.

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Sheds light on the challenges posed by digital communication and offers valuable insights to bridge the gap in interpersonal relationships.

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"Interpersonal Divide" by Michael Bugeja

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"Interpersonal Divide" by Michael Bugeja

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When reading the chapter, it made me think about how digital technology impacts people's personal identities. How do they navigate physical and virtual spaces? As someone who is older, I was always a bit curious but a little scared about digital technology and how much we have advanced in such short period of time. Especially questions about privacy, authenticity, and the potential consequences of digital interactions on one's personal and professional life has been on my mind. Media and technology has really blurred the of boundaries between their digital and physical lives. The catch is, that can be both good and bad in ways.

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This animation does a good job of showing the negative affects social media can have/ is having on us.

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One representation of the different types of media: Media Ecosystem

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Key Notes

Part 1-1: Media ubiquity

Media is an ecosystem that we are all part of in one way or another (individually, communally, and globally)

Can look at it like an extension of ourselves

Part 1-2: Media shape who we are

Media can help us find out about our individual identities and shape how we think of ourselves (good or bad).

It can be good in the sense that we can feel welcomed by others who are in the same boat as us.

It can also be harmful by presenting ideal standards that may be too unrealistic. This can include our perception of beauty, gender roles, and relationships.

Advertising plays a significant role in shaping media messages and mass culture.

Part 1-3: Media change the pace of life

In traditional or social media, there is hardly any rest. This can lead to anxiety, stress, and difficulty in slowing down.

The internet offers even faster speeds and access to advertising and entertainment

The increased pace of life can have both positive and negative effects on individuals.

Part 1-4: More media present more options

Media provide an abundance of options and variety in the modern world.

Is this bad or good? It depends on the individual and their values.

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A Creative and Critical Relfection