Thursday, May 6, 2010
IT`S OVER!
Freshman year is coming to a close today, which is a scary thought. It went by so fast. Are the rest of my years going to go by this fast? Will I be ready for the "Real World"? All of these thoughts and more are traveling through my brain as I just finished my last final. I figured this blog is ending as well as CMA 304 so I decided to write a little send off. It's been real and it's been fun and it's been real fun while it's lasted. I enjoyed the sensation of blogging and tweeting so I'm glad I got a chance to experience this. So with that, on the last day of Freshman year, I bid this this adieu. I'm putting it to bed. Stick a fork in it, it's done! See everyone in class! I'll be the one enjoying the refreshments that Dr. Fowles brings in...and dreading giving an oral presentation. Let's hope this one goes alright. Here's looking at you, Kids.
Love,
Marisa!
Theme #6
Theme 6:
Describe and analyze the social consequences of the proliferation of new media from the advent of the internet to twitter. Include the " wiki' concept- that people will donate time and effort to create a useful site-, on-line communities that crop up around tv shows, crowd-sourcing, changing ideas about privacy, and the effect of the availability of on-line groups to escalate extreme social views. Include examples.
In recent history, the act of blogging and using online communities to discuss one's views about life or about a television program has become widespread. From the advent of the Internet and Twitter, a whole new world of blogging and sharing ideas has come about. While watching a television show, some viewers take to Twitter to share their views about the latest drama. I have seen this first hand during the Bethenny Frankel vs. Jill Zarin fight on Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York. People were tweeting who's side they were on and bashing the ladies for their shortcomings. It even became a trending topic commonly on Thursday nights with the guilty pleasure show airs. Becomes of the drama and excitement over the fight, viewership went up because people were curious. Personally, I saw what everyone was saying about their fight and it made me want to watch even more than I already did. It was interesting and it became a heated debate, oddly enough. Twitter and the Internet have thrust this into a bigger fight and issue than it already was. This is the kind of effect that these types of media can have. Television channels have even begun making websites so they could have discussion groups, viewing parties where people can chat to others watching the show, and even fan blogs. This has all cropped up as a result of prevalence of Twitter and the Internet. Instead of just watching the show for pure entertainment, a new facet has been added to the viewing experience. The audience now picks apart every little nuance and every little discussion that goes on during the show and discusses it on the Internet. View and opinions are constantly being shared as a result of this. Another show that has participated in this is Lost, one of the most exciting yet infuriating shows on television now. The show is so confusing and so detailed and even avid fans are finding it hard to keep up and to make sense of it all. Hence why they have made forums where fans can chat with each other about the latest flashback or the latest creature on the island or the latest hook up between characters. This makes the viewer feel connected to not only the media itself but the television show and the other viewers who watch as well. They learn new information, find new images and videos, new interviews with cast and crew, and even spoiler alerts. It is almost as if the audience and the media are driving what happens on the show and how well the show does. I believe that more shows should take this into account and make discussion parties and forums on the Internet.
You can find anything you want on the Internet with just a click of a button or a search in Google. The Internet makes it easy for people of all ages and opinions to document their thoughts for the world to see. There is no filter to say what is right and what is wrong. It is merely people's interpretations of the truth and of information. This has made it more difficult to distinguish between what is unbiased truth and what is fabricated. This takes place frequently on websites like Wikipedia where people and editing their own definitions and views on things. An idea can pop up into someone's mind, they can post in on the Internet, and then cause a whole widespread revolution about a certain topic. Take for example legalizing marijuana and legalizing gay marriage. There are heated debates in relation to these issues. There are even whole websites dedicated to trying to debunk theories and make people change their opinions.
Another huge issue plaguing our society as a result of the invention of Twitter and the Internet is privacy. The typical and traditional views of privacy have changed drastically! When you have a Twitter or a Facebook, you can put all your personal information on there including incriminating evidence. Perspective employers and colleges have been known to Google and look people up on Facebook in order to make sure that they are hiring or accepting a person that will be beneficial to their company. This begs the question...is it right that they should be able to look at the things you post? Should people be more censored or careful with things they are posting? Should the government intervene when things of this magnitude occur? These are just some questions that people are wondering about in relation to the new definition of privacy. It is hard to know where the boundaries are anymore because of the inclusive nature of the Internet. Another feature of this privacy debate has to deal with parents and their children. Many parents believe that they should be able go through their child's email and computer to see what they are doing and make sure they are being safe and responsible. I think there should be enough trust in a parent-child relationship so that does not need to be done. However, I can see the pointer of most parents. There should be more education about unsafe Internet and computer use so that it remains a non-issue. This way less sexual predators will be able to access children on the Internet.
Describe and analyze the social consequences of the proliferation of new media from the advent of the internet to twitter. Include the " wiki' concept- that people will donate time and effort to create a useful site-, on-line communities that crop up around tv shows, crowd-sourcing, changing ideas about privacy, and the effect of the availability of on-line groups to escalate extreme social views. Include examples.
In recent history, the act of blogging and using online communities to discuss one's views about life or about a television program has become widespread. From the advent of the Internet and Twitter, a whole new world of blogging and sharing ideas has come about. While watching a television show, some viewers take to Twitter to share their views about the latest drama. I have seen this first hand during the Bethenny Frankel vs. Jill Zarin fight on Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York. People were tweeting who's side they were on and bashing the ladies for their shortcomings. It even became a trending topic commonly on Thursday nights with the guilty pleasure show airs. Becomes of the drama and excitement over the fight, viewership went up because people were curious. Personally, I saw what everyone was saying about their fight and it made me want to watch even more than I already did. It was interesting and it became a heated debate, oddly enough. Twitter and the Internet have thrust this into a bigger fight and issue than it already was. This is the kind of effect that these types of media can have. Television channels have even begun making websites so they could have discussion groups, viewing parties where people can chat to others watching the show, and even fan blogs. This has all cropped up as a result of prevalence of Twitter and the Internet. Instead of just watching the show for pure entertainment, a new facet has been added to the viewing experience. The audience now picks apart every little nuance and every little discussion that goes on during the show and discusses it on the Internet. View and opinions are constantly being shared as a result of this. Another show that has participated in this is Lost, one of the most exciting yet infuriating shows on television now. The show is so confusing and so detailed and even avid fans are finding it hard to keep up and to make sense of it all. Hence why they have made forums where fans can chat with each other about the latest flashback or the latest creature on the island or the latest hook up between characters. This makes the viewer feel connected to not only the media itself but the television show and the other viewers who watch as well. They learn new information, find new images and videos, new interviews with cast and crew, and even spoiler alerts. It is almost as if the audience and the media are driving what happens on the show and how well the show does. I believe that more shows should take this into account and make discussion parties and forums on the Internet.
You can find anything you want on the Internet with just a click of a button or a search in Google. The Internet makes it easy for people of all ages and opinions to document their thoughts for the world to see. There is no filter to say what is right and what is wrong. It is merely people's interpretations of the truth and of information. This has made it more difficult to distinguish between what is unbiased truth and what is fabricated. This takes place frequently on websites like Wikipedia where people and editing their own definitions and views on things. An idea can pop up into someone's mind, they can post in on the Internet, and then cause a whole widespread revolution about a certain topic. Take for example legalizing marijuana and legalizing gay marriage. There are heated debates in relation to these issues. There are even whole websites dedicated to trying to debunk theories and make people change their opinions.
Another huge issue plaguing our society as a result of the invention of Twitter and the Internet is privacy. The typical and traditional views of privacy have changed drastically! When you have a Twitter or a Facebook, you can put all your personal information on there including incriminating evidence. Perspective employers and colleges have been known to Google and look people up on Facebook in order to make sure that they are hiring or accepting a person that will be beneficial to their company. This begs the question...is it right that they should be able to look at the things you post? Should people be more censored or careful with things they are posting? Should the government intervene when things of this magnitude occur? These are just some questions that people are wondering about in relation to the new definition of privacy. It is hard to know where the boundaries are anymore because of the inclusive nature of the Internet. Another feature of this privacy debate has to deal with parents and their children. Many parents believe that they should be able go through their child's email and computer to see what they are doing and make sure they are being safe and responsible. I think there should be enough trust in a parent-child relationship so that does not need to be done. However, I can see the pointer of most parents. There should be more education about unsafe Internet and computer use so that it remains a non-issue. This way less sexual predators will be able to access children on the Internet.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Theme #4
Theme 4:
Starting with MacLuhan's ideas about how media create new environments and new ways of thinking,as a special case of technological determinism, explore the idea that we take on the qualities of the " intellectual technologies" we use,or, to put it another way, that media shape out thought processes.What are some concerns that have been expressed ( in articles such as " Is Google Making us Stupid?", "In Defense of to Distraction", and " Old fogies in their 20's") in relation to new media for our thinking attention and memory? In particular, discuss concerns about the decline in reading- especially the reading of books.
Marshall McLuhan believed that the medium is the message, which means that it is not actually the content but how we obtain the content that is of the utmost importance. Whether the information is transmitted through the Internet, television, or radio, McLuhan demonstrates that how we get it is more important. In addition to this idea, McLuhan thought that technological determinism takes place. Technological determinism is the theory that technology around us is the driving force behind social change as we have seen throughout history. McLuhan believed this wholeheartedly because the medium makes available information and content that would not other wise be accessible. He also discussed collective consciousness. Collective consciousness is beliefs attitudes that unify and change society. Media seems to create new environments and new ways of thinking. Technology itself affects how we act and even how we think. Technological revolutions and thought revolutions seemingly act in tandem with one another. This has raised many questions and concerns from intellectuals. One side of the argument embraces the positive nature of the pervasiveness of information on the Internet. The other side expresses concern for it being easier to resort or defer to technology in order to solve problems and learn information instead of using our brains and our own thought process. With the Internet and other types of media, we have everything is easily accessible so it makes it easier to receive information easily, quickly, and efficiently. There are indubitable advantages to information being media and technology driven but an obvious disadvantage is the fact that we as a society think less for ourselves. This is seen in the article, “Is Google Making us Stupid?” by Nicholas Carr. He tells the reader that lately he has been feeling a lot less focused and more scatterbrained. Things like concentrating for long periods of time seem next to impossible. Carr places the blame on Google and the Internet itself. Along with the unquestionable benefits that come along with the Internet, society tends to think less. We see information on the Internet and some just assume it is fact. It is important to be discriminatory with information on the Internet. Another disadvantage is that it has become increasingly hard for us to stay focused on one specific task because our senses are being assaulted by many different things as once. Multitasking is prevalent in our society and we are all guilty of it from time to time. Personally, I Google everything so I feel slightly biased towards one side.
Theme #3
Every form of technology that's become digital has also been transformed by its users/audience.Explain how at least three "old" media ( Books, tv, film, radio, newspapers) have adapted to new digital media forms, and how they have been changed by the process of becoming digital. Also describe the ways people use and change digitized media as consumers. Show some examples on your blog. Which "old" media do you think have promising futures in digital form, and which do you expect will die out soon? Support your answer with good arguments.
Each piece of technology that has changed from analog to digital has also been transformed by its audience. Three pieces of media which have adapted to new digital media forms are books, the radio, and newspapers. Each of these media have required an adjustment in order to stay current and stay relevant as a result of the trend that lends itself towards more digital media. They have each been changed drastically by the process of becoming digital in order to still be deemed useful to consumers. The first piece of media that has been forced to adapt to new digital media forms are books. In recent years, books have been less and less popular because of the digitized sense of books. Now, you can read books online, preview books online, and buy books online. Bookstores are going out of business and less and less people are reading actual physical books. This is where technology such as the Kindle and applications on the iPhone come into play. Now, we can take books anywhere we go quickly and efficiently. It is now made extremely easy and portable. The process of obtaining books to put on your device and the actually act of reading the books on your device are easy. I have seen more and more people reading on their devices. Money is no longer being made in bookstores but rather online on websites such as Amazon where people can buy books to put right on their Kindles. Some people wonder if books will go away completely but I disagree. I, for one, enjoy going to bookstores and reading magazines and books in print right in front of me physically. It is a joy for me. I think that there are still people who agree with me so that is why I do not think books and bookstores will completely go away. Unless the technology gets better, cheaper, and more efficient, I still believe this about books. Another piece of media that has been forced to adapt to new digial media forms is the radio. The radio has been around for a very long time so it has had to learn how to adapt to the changing times. It has gone through many reincarnations from AM to FM and now to internet radio and other music sources and websites such as Pandora. Because more people are listening to their iPods in their cars, radio has seen a serious hit in listeners so they had to figure out a way to get back into the mainstream. Now, nearly every radio station has a website where you can hear a live streaming version of what plays on the radio. Moreover, there is an application for the iPhone and iTouch, which streams live radio feed from all across the country that you can hear on the go. In addition, websites such as Pandora, similarly to the radio, makes playlists based on music they believe you will also like. I feel like internet radio will not take off as much as the iPod. It is just so much easier to listen to your iPod for instance. The final piece of media that has been forced to adapt to new digital media are newspapers. Newspapers have become virtually obsolete in recent years mostly because of the Internet. We can get any information and insight that we could ever want to know on the Internet. Newspapers realized that they were not making as much money as they used to so they had to digitize newspapers. Now, nearly every newspaper has its own website where you can find the latest headlines, past headlines, video, games, comics, and a variety of other things. Recently, Newsday has decided to charge people to visit and partake in the information that they broadcast on their website for a small fee just as if you were getting a newspaper delivered to your house. I do not think that charging to use newspaper services on their website will take off but something needs to be changed in order to make a profit.
Theme #2
Theme 2:
Explain Meyrowitz's theory as it applies to relationships enabled by electronic media, and trace the evolution of such mediated relationships from Mary Dyck to twitter, including discussion of para-social interaction, ambient awareness, 'hook-ups" through IMing, and other examples you see as relevant.
The definition of a para-social relationship is a one-sided interpersonal relationship in which one person knows a lot about the other but the other person knows nothing about the first person. These types of relationships often occur between celebrities and their fans but can happen during a variety of other situations. People that participate in para-social interaction are participating in delusional relationships that usually result in having no actual contact. These types of relationships have been made even easier with the invention and improvement of technology and media. New technology breaks down the barriers that have formerly kept us secluded. As Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and a myriad of other social networking websites have become prevalent in our society, so has the para social relationship. Celebrities and people across the world have become easily accessible with just a simple click of a button. Moreover, this has changed the true definition of relationships. People mistake chatting online as being friends and getting to know someone. While they barely know each other and do not come in contact, people mistake conversation for friendships. Technology has made it even easier for us to feel this way because of the constant stream of updates and new information exploding from our technology. Meyrowitz calls this “ambient awareness”, which means that we are surrounded by pieces of intimacy despite not actually knowing these people. There is a serious possibility to blur the lines of reality for people who participate in this. Instead of realizing that they do not know each other, they continue in the fantasy of being connected to these other people. Thus creating “weak ties”, which are contact and communication with people who we really are not close to and people who would not count as a real friend. Technology has changed these relationships to be manipulated for networking and outsourcing. A earlier form of these para-social relationships is seen in the article that we read about the 1930’s Kansas farm wife and frequent radio listener. Her life made her susceptible to participating in para-social relationships with the characters in the programs she listened to on the radio. She developed an extremely strong relationship and connection to the programs, the radio, and the characters. Mary Dyck saw the radio as an escape from her humdrum everyday life. She was isolated from people around her because of the time period so the radio was effectively her only outlet. Because Mary Dyck was so isolated, she was desperate for human interaction, entertainment, and an escape from her difficult reality. She came to believe that the characters that she listened to were friends of hers because she was so devout in her listening to the radio. In her journal, the reader can see that Mary Dyck even planned her day around the scheduled programming on the radio that she wished to listen to. This is just as true now as it was back then. There are countless examples of para-social relationships that occur during this time period. On Twitter, celebrities and their fans can have an interpersonal connection in which they can feel close to the celebrity. I have even participated in this, sending a tweet to one of my favorite Yankees players after a job well done in a game. Although I did not receive a response back, many people throughout the day do. The same is true on Facebook and YouTube. Many celebrities make video blogs of themselves on tour so that the fans can see what is going on behind the scene and gain even more access to their favorites stars.
Explain Meyrowitz's theory as it applies to relationships enabled by electronic media, and trace the evolution of such mediated relationships from Mary Dyck to twitter, including discussion of para-social interaction, ambient awareness, 'hook-ups" through IMing, and other examples you see as relevant.
The definition of a para-social relationship is a one-sided interpersonal relationship in which one person knows a lot about the other but the other person knows nothing about the first person. These types of relationships often occur between celebrities and their fans but can happen during a variety of other situations. People that participate in para-social interaction are participating in delusional relationships that usually result in having no actual contact. These types of relationships have been made even easier with the invention and improvement of technology and media. New technology breaks down the barriers that have formerly kept us secluded. As Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and a myriad of other social networking websites have become prevalent in our society, so has the para social relationship. Celebrities and people across the world have become easily accessible with just a simple click of a button. Moreover, this has changed the true definition of relationships. People mistake chatting online as being friends and getting to know someone. While they barely know each other and do not come in contact, people mistake conversation for friendships. Technology has made it even easier for us to feel this way because of the constant stream of updates and new information exploding from our technology. Meyrowitz calls this “ambient awareness”, which means that we are surrounded by pieces of intimacy despite not actually knowing these people. There is a serious possibility to blur the lines of reality for people who participate in this. Instead of realizing that they do not know each other, they continue in the fantasy of being connected to these other people. Thus creating “weak ties”, which are contact and communication with people who we really are not close to and people who would not count as a real friend. Technology has changed these relationships to be manipulated for networking and outsourcing. A earlier form of these para-social relationships is seen in the article that we read about the 1930’s Kansas farm wife and frequent radio listener. Her life made her susceptible to participating in para-social relationships with the characters in the programs she listened to on the radio. She developed an extremely strong relationship and connection to the programs, the radio, and the characters. Mary Dyck saw the radio as an escape from her humdrum everyday life. She was isolated from people around her because of the time period so the radio was effectively her only outlet. Because Mary Dyck was so isolated, she was desperate for human interaction, entertainment, and an escape from her difficult reality. She came to believe that the characters that she listened to were friends of hers because she was so devout in her listening to the radio. In her journal, the reader can see that Mary Dyck even planned her day around the scheduled programming on the radio that she wished to listen to. This is just as true now as it was back then. There are countless examples of para-social relationships that occur during this time period. On Twitter, celebrities and their fans can have an interpersonal connection in which they can feel close to the celebrity. I have even participated in this, sending a tweet to one of my favorite Yankees players after a job well done in a game. Although I did not receive a response back, many people throughout the day do. The same is true on Facebook and YouTube. Many celebrities make video blogs of themselves on tour so that the fans can see what is going on behind the scene and gain even more access to their favorites stars.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Text without Context Questions
1. This article raises concerns in relation to how media are transforming the way we think politically and socially, shaping art and entertainment, and impacting the approach of research. The author of "Reading and the Web - Text without Context" seems to think that media has made our society believe that no one owns anything anymore once it has been sent out into the digital world. The author finds a problem with the theory of "online collectivism, social networking and popular software designs". He believes that these things are affecting our thought process and even how we process information. He continues on to say that it raises a question of what happened to originality and imagination now that we live in a world where everything seems to be focused on "metaness" and the "mash-up" being deemed more important that the source of the mash-up in the first place. Reading this article begs the question...have we really become so dependent and set in our way in relation to the Internet and media, in general, that we have turned away from creative original and independent thought? The author talks very negatively about the impact that media has had on our lives and while I know for a fact that it has had some negative implications, the positive attributes of media are also undeniable. Media has open our minds and has created a whole new universe for us to delve into and comprehend. We have new sources of information and communication, as well. The books, which are discussed in this article, maintain the fact that there are consequences as a result of breaking down articles, novels, and albums, into fragment. Furthermore, these authors discuss the fact that there is an increase in the need for "immediacy and real-time responses", something we have discussed as a class many times before. Also, they find that there is an increase in the amount and fervency in which information seeps into our daily existence. Something that I am participating in right now (blogging) is another source of their critiques because it has been said that blogging on the Web has placed an emphasis on subjectivity instead of objectivity, which I think is very true. You must read extremely careful to discriminate between information from reliable sources and information from unreliable ones.
2. Cyberbalkanization opposes the theory that the Internet is a place where people are inundated with new ideas and information. Instead, this means that people use the internet to reaffirm the ideas that they already possess and believe in. In addition, cyberbalkanization seems to refer to the fact that people can try to disprove, debunk, and berate anything which they don't believe in or agree with. I do not think that this takes place very often. In my own life, I use the Internet as if I'm a sponge, soaking up as much knowledge and understanding that I can get about any topic. That is why I think that the Internet is so great. Through the Internet, I am more open minded to learning and hearing other people's points of view. re open to learning more. I understand that cyberbalkanization does exist but I believe that people who use the Internet to their full informational advantage. Saturday Night Live does a hilarious impression of the show, The View, and Elizabeth Hasselbeck. They exaggerate and make it seem as if she finds information on the Internet that only proves her point of view and does not take into account logical facts.
3. For authors, composers, filmmakers, and others who create original works, I think they should be worried. The way that the author discusses ideas in relation to these people is stirring. He does mention that it will be extremely difficult for them to find work and claim something as their own because once something is on the Internet and a part of digital media, anyone can doctor it or change it to say whatever they want. It seems as though nothing is original and sacred anymore. Once it's on the Internet, someone can do anything they want to it. I wonder if this will be considered plagiarism and taken as such. The case can be made in relation to plagiarism and doing this as a student.
4. Appropriation art is adopting, borrowing, sampling, or recycling features of a piece of media or visual art. Appropriation art is paying homage or parodying something as in shows like, "Jersey Shore" and "Jon & Kate Plus Eight". I believe that appropriation art is legitimate. Literature and visual culture have constantly been used as inspiration for something. We see it in music very frequently where a current artist samples the beat or background vocals or even chorus of a song from a long time ago. It is a re-visioning of something that we have already seen or heard before. Part of me wonders if this is promoting unoriginal and uncreative art and thought but as the saying goes, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
5. I do not believe that the word "audience" is archaic and I do not believe it is as archaic as the word "record". Right now, I am writing to an audience. My audience is whomever is reading my blog post. Movies have audiences in movies theaters. Musicians have audiences at concerts. Authors are writing to an audience who will buy and read their books. Newspapers are also writing to an audience who will buy their publications. This is why I do not think that the word "audience" is outdated. Sure, the audience does not describe the same exact type of people or the exact way that people view media as it used to be. But there will always be an audience.
2. Cyberbalkanization opposes the theory that the Internet is a place where people are inundated with new ideas and information. Instead, this means that people use the internet to reaffirm the ideas that they already possess and believe in. In addition, cyberbalkanization seems to refer to the fact that people can try to disprove, debunk, and berate anything which they don't believe in or agree with. I do not think that this takes place very often. In my own life, I use the Internet as if I'm a sponge, soaking up as much knowledge and understanding that I can get about any topic. That is why I think that the Internet is so great. Through the Internet, I am more open minded to learning and hearing other people's points of view. re open to learning more. I understand that cyberbalkanization does exist but I believe that people who use the Internet to their full informational advantage. Saturday Night Live does a hilarious impression of the show, The View, and Elizabeth Hasselbeck. They exaggerate and make it seem as if she finds information on the Internet that only proves her point of view and does not take into account logical facts.
3. For authors, composers, filmmakers, and others who create original works, I think they should be worried. The way that the author discusses ideas in relation to these people is stirring. He does mention that it will be extremely difficult for them to find work and claim something as their own because once something is on the Internet and a part of digital media, anyone can doctor it or change it to say whatever they want. It seems as though nothing is original and sacred anymore. Once it's on the Internet, someone can do anything they want to it. I wonder if this will be considered plagiarism and taken as such. The case can be made in relation to plagiarism and doing this as a student.
4. Appropriation art is adopting, borrowing, sampling, or recycling features of a piece of media or visual art. Appropriation art is paying homage or parodying something as in shows like, "Jersey Shore" and "Jon & Kate Plus Eight". I believe that appropriation art is legitimate. Literature and visual culture have constantly been used as inspiration for something. We see it in music very frequently where a current artist samples the beat or background vocals or even chorus of a song from a long time ago. It is a re-visioning of something that we have already seen or heard before. Part of me wonders if this is promoting unoriginal and uncreative art and thought but as the saying goes, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
5. I do not believe that the word "audience" is archaic and I do not believe it is as archaic as the word "record". Right now, I am writing to an audience. My audience is whomever is reading my blog post. Movies have audiences in movies theaters. Musicians have audiences at concerts. Authors are writing to an audience who will buy and read their books. Newspapers are also writing to an audience who will buy their publications. This is why I do not think that the word "audience" is outdated. Sure, the audience does not describe the same exact type of people or the exact way that people view media as it used to be. But there will always be an audience.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Simpsons!
The Simpsons, an animated television sitcom created by Matt Groening, is a seen as a satirical parody of a typical middle class American type of lifestyle. This series follows a family, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. It is set in a fictional city of Springfield. Many believe that this television show parodies not only American culture but also society, television, and even many facets of the life in general. The Simpsons draws upon actual events going on in our society at that time and also things that actually effect people today.
This is why it's so widely accepted, watched, and loved. The viewer can relate to the familiar situations and occurrences happening on the screen in front of them. However, another element that helps The Simpsons maintain their popularity is the escapism and comedy that comes along with the show. The viewer can dive and be immersed in everything the show has to offer. It deals with difficult elements and story lines but the show uses comedy to get their point across and help people cope with what they are going though.
Yet another manipulation on the part of The Simpsons is that fact that because it is a cartoon, the possibilities are limitless. While the show typically focuses on realistic and modern events and happenings, they have the ability to go back in time and to do things that would be otherwise impossible if it was a live action television show. This is seen in the many episodes including the one where Bart finds an underground subway station that seemingly pops out of nowhere.
The Simpsons is a part of Cartoon Realism, as discussed in Jason Mittell's article about genre mixing and the cultural life of The Simpsons. Mittell maintains that this show is not just one genre but rather two. It blurs the lines and mashes up genres. In this case, The Simpsons is both a family situational comedy and also a cartoon. Both of these facets make up the formula for one of the most popular and prolific televisions shows ever, which has been on for an astounding twenty-one seasons. It is basically unheard of to last this long especially since The Simpsons is something that seemed risky on paper. Some wondered if it would even be a hit. The Simpsons aren't new but are actually hyper reflexive. This means that it refers to itself and makes fun of itself during the show itself. The Simpsons step outside themselves to comment on their own show. This is seen when "The Itchy and Scratchy Show" shows up.
I was never really big on cartoons when I was younger. Sure, I watched them but I wasn't one of those kids waking up early on Saturday morning to watch cartoons. One that comes to mind that I enjoyed was Gargoyles. It sounds weird and maybe it was geared a little more towards boys but I enjoyed all the characters! It had a historic element as well as comedy and entertaining adventure/action sequences. I think I still have a few VHS tapes of episodes, haha! My father, who was a stay at home dad for the first five years of my life, and I would watch it together whenever it was on. It was a great way for us to bond. He still imitates the characters from time to time. I still find it utterly amusing when he does that! My favorite character was Eliza, the detective, because she was strong and determined. She was hardworking and also caring. She was a great role model.
This is why it's so widely accepted, watched, and loved. The viewer can relate to the familiar situations and occurrences happening on the screen in front of them. However, another element that helps The Simpsons maintain their popularity is the escapism and comedy that comes along with the show. The viewer can dive and be immersed in everything the show has to offer. It deals with difficult elements and story lines but the show uses comedy to get their point across and help people cope with what they are going though.
Yet another manipulation on the part of The Simpsons is that fact that because it is a cartoon, the possibilities are limitless. While the show typically focuses on realistic and modern events and happenings, they have the ability to go back in time and to do things that would be otherwise impossible if it was a live action television show. This is seen in the many episodes including the one where Bart finds an underground subway station that seemingly pops out of nowhere.
The Simpsons is a part of Cartoon Realism, as discussed in Jason Mittell's article about genre mixing and the cultural life of The Simpsons. Mittell maintains that this show is not just one genre but rather two. It blurs the lines and mashes up genres. In this case, The Simpsons is both a family situational comedy and also a cartoon. Both of these facets make up the formula for one of the most popular and prolific televisions shows ever, which has been on for an astounding twenty-one seasons. It is basically unheard of to last this long especially since The Simpsons is something that seemed risky on paper. Some wondered if it would even be a hit. The Simpsons aren't new but are actually hyper reflexive. This means that it refers to itself and makes fun of itself during the show itself. The Simpsons step outside themselves to comment on their own show. This is seen when "The Itchy and Scratchy Show" shows up.
I was never really big on cartoons when I was younger. Sure, I watched them but I wasn't one of those kids waking up early on Saturday morning to watch cartoons. One that comes to mind that I enjoyed was Gargoyles. It sounds weird and maybe it was geared a little more towards boys but I enjoyed all the characters! It had a historic element as well as comedy and entertaining adventure/action sequences. I think I still have a few VHS tapes of episodes, haha! My father, who was a stay at home dad for the first five years of my life, and I would watch it together whenever it was on. It was a great way for us to bond. He still imitates the characters from time to time. I still find it utterly amusing when he does that! My favorite character was Eliza, the detective, because she was strong and determined. She was hardworking and also caring. She was a great role model.
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