Journal question(s): What do you want to learn in this course? Why is this course interesting to you? What topic(s) are you most excited about? (1 paragraph, ~5 sentences)

Humans, being so innately social have been creating “mediums” to communicate since the dawn of time. (Gasher et al., 2023, 16) Therefore, both being a human myself and majoring in Marketing; a degree which requires a large amount of understanding of the human psyche and the methods used to encourage certain behaviours especially using mass media, I found myself drawn to the course. Specifically, wanting to learn why certain communication methods were developed like the telegraph or the radio and how the concept of “shrinking time” influenced their popularity. (Gasher et al., 2023, 5) One of the prioritised goals within a conversation (regardless of medium) is efficiency. This is seen commonly with language and symbols. For example, the creation of emojis. Today, one can find texts including only emojis yet still maintaining a somewhat clear message (interference still does occur when the understanding of a particular emoji differs between the encoder and decoder of the message). (Gasher et al., 2023, 11) Thus, a prime example of the convergence of words, visuals, and emotions in its early form.  Together, learning the anthropological (the whys) and historical elements (the hows) of the course help inform me how I can reach a larger audience in a world that is constantly developing new ways of communication. (Gasher et al., 2023, 17) Overall, this course interests me as it creates another obsession to occupy my mind.

Gasher, M., Skinner, D., & Coulter, N. (2020). Media & Communication in Canada : Networks, Culture, Technology, Audiences (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Journal question(s): As noted in this week’s reading and lecture, representations are polysemic. Select a magazine cover, print advertisement, or advocacy campaign image. How many different meanings can be taken from the ad? Identify and (convincingly!) explain 2-3 different meanings conveyed by your chosen media example. (2-3 paragraphs)

The polysemic nature of messages leads symbols and language to be interpreted in a variety of ways. (Thrift, 2019)  Due to a personal understanding or a cultural understanding. Therefore, when advertisers are planning to sell a product they must decide on the audience they wish to attract and the manners in which they plan to attract that audience. Each advertiser must develop, in a sense, a story they must sell to the consumer in order to receive more sales. This story includes typically the physical product or service being represented (the denotative content), the symbolic or social context behind the product (the connotative content), and the lie or exaggeration about the usefulness or impact on the product or service (the myth). (Thrift, 2019) This denotative, connotative, and myth can amalgamate together to create one unifying meaning represented within the ad and due to different understandings can be interpreted in multiple ways. (Thrift, 2019)

In the chosen advertisement created by Tim Hortons multiple interpretations could be depicted. The denotative content within the ad is of a young boy dressed in hockey gear smiling while eating a Timbit (the product that Tim Hortons is advertising) from a large stacked high plate of a Timbits which is situated next to a silly faced-mug. Additionally, the ad contains the enlarged words “anytime is Timbit time” above the boy’s head with the entire image encompassed with warm colours. A logo in the bottom right corner identifies the ad as Tim Hortons. 

An interpretation of the connotative content is that Timbits are a convenient treat for when you are on the go. This can be assumed due to the titling word “anytime” which indicates that no matter where you are or what you are doing you can refuel with a Timbit. Reinforced with the young boy in the hockey outfit who, using a common Canadian experience for young boys in the 80s, likely came inside (indicated by the warm orange wallpaper behind the boy) from the cold for a minute in order to have a snack before heading back out to continue playing with his friends in the street. A myth that can be construed from the connotative content is that Timbits are truly filling enough to be a snack and cause long term energy when in reality they are a treat that provides a sugar rush for a small time before causing a crash. 

Another common interpretation of the advertisement could be that the connotative content is that Timbits are a victor’s treat and that any victory is worth a treat. The boy in the ad is smiling towards the reader with a straight posture indicating some sort of proud accomplishment and considering that the boy is wearing hockey gear, he likely came from a game in which his team won. Therefore, celebrating ‘his’ time and therefore could be ‘anyone’s’ time. A myth that can be determined from the connotative content of the ad is that Timbits means victory since they are eaten during a proud moment therefore means that by buying Timbits in advance you are prepared to win or share in victory.

Thrift, S. (2019, March 9). Representation and Meaning, Pt. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2023, from https://d2l.ucalgary.ca/d2l/le/content/542561/viewContent/6068083/View

Journal question(s): This week, we considered how societal context and technological innovations are interrelated, carrying lasting impacts on culture broadly. Consider how media technologies have played a central role in defining and affirming a distinct national identity in Canada, from its early days as a British colony. What were two ways in which colonial media systems helped construct ”Canadian” identity? (2-3 paragraphs) 

The construction of the ‘Canadian’ identity used crude and unorthodox methods in order to combine the populace into an idea. Canadian history is covered in the subjugation and extermination of First Nation peoples under the guise of ‘helping’ and ‘fixing’ so that everyone would have the pleasure of living within the more ‘civilised’ society; ironically.

One of the main ways in which this assimilation of all the peoples of Canada was attempted began at the trans-continental railway across Canada. The idea was that supplies could be transported across Canada and that all the provinces could share in the wealth of the nation; an idea well liked by the colonies of Canada who would only agree to join the Canadian confederation after a reliable transport and communication between the east and west could occur. (Gasher et al., 2020, 46) However, in order to get this idea on the road the Canadian government essentially manipulated and coerced leaders of first nation groups so that they could take more even land so that they could build on. Thus, after the railway was finished in its creation in 1885, more of the provinces began to join.

Another method that was used in order to attempt the union of the spread out communities of Canada was the creation of a governmental radio station called the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) which provided national content and information to the public (Gasher et al., 2020, 46). In order to create this idea of communal problems and issues that the whole Canadian public should be aware of. However, even till this day it does not provide only Canadian content but British and American content as well. Though, policies such as the Broadcasting Act in 1932 and the Telecommunications Act 1993 attempted to lessen the amount of American content advertised.

Gasher, M., Skinner, D., & Coulter, N. (2020). Media & Communication in Canada : Networks, Culture, Technology, Audiences (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Journal questions(s): Which theory of media effects addressed in our reading this week most corresponds with your own view(s) and why? If none do, say that and explain why they conflict with your own perspective(s). Support with reference to an example. (2 paragraphs) 

The different theories on the effects media has on individuals that I believe correspond the closest to my own views is the agenda-setting theory and uses and gratification. News is a very powerful tool when discussing the politics of everyday life. Many people use the news outlets on a fairly regular basis and if a topic is prioritised in the media heavily enough an individual may see similar topic headlines, photographs, interviews, and more discussing the topics at length multiple times for a period of time (Gasher et al., 2020, 92). Popular topics that are highlighted are chosen by media companies in order to increase traction and users for their media product (website, newspaper, television, and more) (Gasher et al., 2020, 92).

 People may then be prone to sharing these topics of conversation with others especially if the news is entertaining or shocking. Hence, I believe that at least partially that media has an Agenda Setting effect. 

Additionally, individuals and users of media (in my understanding) are not entirely passive to the effects of media. Therefore, agreeing with many aspects the Uses and Gratification model which accounts for individuals having urgency and choosing types of media intentionally that entertains and pertains to them. (Thrift) For example, when I am looking to relax after school, I actively choose the media site I want to use (Instagram, Youtube, Shopping sites) in order to be entertained.

Overall, as an active consumer myself I would assume that others like me would use media services with some measure of urgency and awareness. The diversity of media allows for most individuals to be catered to and especially in today’s age where algorithms track your activity there is the presence of agenda setting theory where one is constantly reminded of similar topics and subject matter often enough to likely believe the topic is prevalent and meaningful.  (Thrift)

Thrift, Samantha. “Audience Studies Pt 1.” 16 June 2023, https://d2l.ucalgary.ca/d2l/le/content/542561/viewContent/6084059/View. Accessed 6 December 2023

Gasher, M., Skinner, D., & Coulter, N. (2020). Media & Communication in Canada : Networks, Culture, Technology, Audiences (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Journal question(s): Design a culture jam – such as a subvertisement – that subverts or disrupts corporate advertising. Include an explanation of your culture jam, including the reason behind your choice and the issues raised by your culture jam. (2 paragraphs + image of the culture jam)

My intention when designing my culture jam was to create something elegant and to the point. Coca Cola is a large corporation that makes millions off of their products and being a consumer of those products, Coca Cola was a target I could accurately criticize due to having experience. Namely, the amount of sugar that is within their soda cans in North America. The original 355ml can has roughly 39 mg of sugar; this is almost a cartoonish amount of sugar. As far a sweet treat goes it is one of the more sweeter options. Therefore, out of sheer hilarity, I saw it fitting to clap back or jam on this particular logo which in all honesty has plenty of blank space asking to be used. 

Thus, I found a design which originally said “always Coca Cola” and added the word “diabetes” underneath. It's simple, however, clearly illustrates my point since there is a huge stigma about the disease that is diabetes due to being able to develop a version of  it over time by stressing the body due to the overconsumption of sugar and carbs. Especially during the early 2000s, where crazy diets and food culture were very popular. My culture jam would likely resonate more with individuals who were young adults and teens during the 2000s since those individuals were likely affected by the phenomenon.

Oct 18: Screening No Logo (2003) 

Journal question(s): Reflect on the screening. What did you learn from this documentary? What was most compelling? Which concepts from the reading were raised in the film? Has brand culture changed in the years since the documentary? (3 paragraphs)

The construction of the ‘Canadian’ identity used crude and unorthodox methods in order to combine the populace into an idea. Canadian history is covered in the subjugation and extermination of First Nation peoples under the guise of ‘helping’ and ‘fixing’ so that everyone would have the pleasure of living within the more ‘civilized’ society; ironically. One of the main ways in which this assimilation of all the peoples of Canada was attempted began at the trans-continental railway across Canada. The idea was that supplies could be transported across Canada and that all the provinces could share in the wealth of the nation; an idea well liked by the colonies of Canada who would only agree to join the Canadian confederation after a reliable transport and communication between the east and west could occur. (Gasher et al., 2020, 46) However, in order to get this idea on the road the Canadian government essentially manipulated and coerced leaders of first nation groups so that they could take more even land so that they could build on. Thus, after the railway was finished in its creation in 1885, more of the provinces began to join. Another method that was used in order to attempt the union of the spread out communities of Canada was the creation of a governmental radio station called the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) which provided national content and information to the public (Gasher et al., 2020, 46). In order to create this idea of communal problems and issues that the whole Canadian public should be aware of. However, even till this day it does not provide only Canadian content but British and American content as well. Though, policies such as the Broadcasting Act in 1932 and the Telecommunications Act 1993 attempted to lessen the amount of American content advertised.

Gasher, M., Skinner, D., & Coulter, N. (2020). Media & Communication in Canada : Networks, Culture, Technology, Audiences (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Journal question(s): Pay attention to your news consumption this week. What are your primary sources of news and how do you assess their credibility?

On average my news consumption in a week primarily involves Instagram reels and chatting with others. Typically, I tend to take most information from discussions with a grain of salt since my friends and I do not consume a lot of verified news. To follow up, I consider verified news to be a media source that must adhere to a regulatory body like the CRTC or federal government. Unfortunately, most of my daily worldwide news on current international events comes initially from social media platforms, since content on these topics are posted on accounts I follow despite the account not being strictly political based. 

Although a lot of my initial information comes from content creators, if a topic particularly intrigues me I will be inclined to research the topic further and get a more in-depth explanation. When researching on a topic I find websites with links from collected research papers or experiments in order to gather more information on a topic. Similar to Ward’s ‘realist” approach to media content I do believe that it is improbable that any information written by a human is impartial to their own “interpretations” when writing articles and that one must simply assume the truth is being actively sought. (Gasher et al., 2020, 257)

Additionally, I do read a Guardian article once roughly every two weeks focusing more on climate and wildlife topics. I enjoy using the Guardian since their “frame” or style of their articles are smaller and more calm in comparison to other media companies like CBC. For example, this article “Wolverines to gain US federal protection as climate crisis threatens habitat” develops the current dialogue between Montana conservative politicians and Wildlife and Fish Services about the current situation using neutral fast-paced language and “relatively objective” headline photographs. (Gasher et al., 2020, 257)

Gasher, M., Skinner, D., & Coulter, N. (2020). Media and Communication in Canada (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Journal question(s): Why is media policy important? What purpose does it serve? What purpose(s) has it served in the Canadian context, specifically? (2-3 paragraphs)

The history of commodifying the culture of Canadians after confederation is filled with many developments of media policy. During the 1920s, after the first world war and still heavily influenced by the English Crown and United States, the Canadian government sought to amalgamate Canadian regional cultures into one identity and provide a unified front to their neighbors. (Thrift, 2023) This began with a series of “royal commissions” through the next couple of decades to analyze cultural concerns and provide recommendations to the government on how to improve society. (Thrift, 2023)

The Aird Commission (1929) was concerned with the inflated radio broadcasting which harbored many foreign, political, and religious broadcasting with mostly zero regulation. (Thrift, 2023) The Aird Report with chrome out of the Commission recommended a national broadcasting oversight body to ensure that radio would support national unity and education on current canadian affairs. (Thrift, 2023) The Massey-Lévesque Commission (1949-51) was concerned with the creation and protection of Canadian art and culture after WW2. The Massey-Levesque Report recommended that the government invest into universities, large scale archives, and the preservation of historic sites. (Thrift, 2023) The Applebaum-Hébert Commission (1982) was concerned with the overspending and overreaching of the government into the production of media. (Thrift, 2023) The Applebaum-Hébert Report afterwards recommended that the government relinquish control and allow private enterprises to control and release Canadian content. (Thrift, 2023) Additionally, suggested that the multiculturalism and regionality of Canada were factors that define Canadian culture and no longer needed to be focused on so heavily. (Thrift, 2023)

Today, media policy takes on a revamped role and attempts to ensure that the interests of the people are protected within the sphere of media creation. (Gasher et al., 2020, 172) In order to provide a legal barrier between the individual and society. The goal of this protection is ideally to ensure that privacy and libel (defamation) laws within the country or region are upheld in all public areas of an individual's life. (Gasher et al., 2020, 172) Theoretically, media policies ensure the mental, physical and social aspects of an individual's life. However, it has been shown through legal cases, celebrities, politicians that media companies and individual reporters cannot be trusted when it comes to maintaining the balance between privacy and the pursuit of “truth”.

Gasher, M., Skinner, D., & Coulter, N. (2020). Media and Communication in Canada (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Thrift, S. (2023, August). Week 10 - Media Policy.

Journal question(s): This week, pay attention to the number of different ways in which you are subject to surveillance, whether through tracking apps, information gathering algorithms, CCTV, or other means. Is this more or less than you were expecting? Do you think it is accurate to say we live in a “panoptic society”? Why or why not? (2 paragraphs)

Gasher, M., Skinner, D., & Coulter, N. (2020). Media and Communication in Canada (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Thrift, S. (2023, June 16). Week 9 - Technological Innovation. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://d2l.ucalgary.ca/d2l/le/content/542561/viewContent/6141136/View