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Reflective Blog - Assignment #4

Blog Post #4 - Kristin N.

I received a copy of The Epoch Times in my mailbox toady. I have heard of this publication, but have never actually read it. I took the time today for the simple fact that the headline caught my eye “How the Communist Party is Endangering Canada and The World.” Now, normally I read such publications such as The Edmonton Journal, or The Toronto Star. I rarely find front page text with such a profound statement of opinion. Obviously, this is an article written from a biased viewpoint - whether or not their stand is right or wrong is not the point of writing this posting.

Tensions are high at this moment in history, and I found it interesting that in Canada, where our publications are so politically correct, and written to offend the least numbers of literate population, that this newspaper appeared in my mailbox.

Most startling, is that I realized that if the same headline had appeared in my inbox, or in a banner of current events, I would most likely have glossed over it and not be bothered to read the text. However, because it was in print, I was compelled to read the paper. I had to ponder this - do we as society put more weight in an argument that is in print? That seems to have more validity because of the printed word on the page? Is that a bias on my part, that I am skeptical of most articles that I read online, and less so of those in print. Normally, I assume that items in print are checked and rechecked by an editor, and there must be some layer of truth to the written word. This is instance where I am not certain all perspectives and points of view were taken into perspective upon publication.

The article itself was well written, informative, albeit completely one sided (but of course, judging from the front page, that was already expected.) I enjoyed reading the newspaper a great deal, and rather enjoyed the strong language and viewpoint of an author writing passionately for their cause.

I hope to read more of such articles - those that are not so politically correct and watered down, that there is an obvious lack of passion and enthusiasm to have his/her voice heard.

Interesting that I wouldn’t have read it online, but I enjoyed it a great deal because it just showed up today in my mailbox.

Reflective Blog.

In applying the concepts from Unit 4 (Media Policy), I have increased my awareness at the importance of media’s ability to influence.  Even such a grandiose idea as having the ability to voice an opinion on political freedoms in foreign lands, and perhaps creating change is quite a powerful statement.

My thought process in freedom of speech has changed somewhat since this posting - in that as a society, currently, freedom of speech seems to be a more complicated issue than ever before. Are we truly free to say what we believe? At this moment in time, public figures are harshly criticized for speaking their beliefs, as the belief system of conversation and debate and the acceptance to one another’s opinions seems to be backsliding.

Which makes one wonder, now, are the media free to report the truth, or are they being held to a ransom of public opinion, and in fear of offending singular groups, shy away from saying anything of relevance at all?   The CRTC guidelines in the Broadcasting Act are extremely vague on the CRTC’s own mandate. “Indeed, even the act’s use of the word should instead of must in outlining elements of the broadcasting policy leaves space for interpretation by framing these elements as lofty goals that the broadcasting system must strive for, but is not necessarily expected to achieve.” (Mediascapes, 89). Media would then seem to be a passive observer to current events, rather than a change making engine.

My blog did not elaborate on the ability for media to create change, and how policy itself can either stifle or expand media influence.

Unit 7 (Digital Media & the Internet) highlights the dangers of moving so quickly from one link to the next, without fully engaging in the message before reacting. The lofty ambition concerning digital media “holds great practical promise: as a dimension of individual freedom; as a platform for better democratic participation; as a medium to foster a more critical and self-reflective culture; and, in an increasingly information dependent global economy, as a mechanism to achieve improvements in human development everywhere.”(2, Benkler )

What has seemed to develop recently is a cacophony of voices and opinions online, with the extremists and minorities finding their voice, and the media exploiting these views seemingly for sensationalist reaction. Social unrest and emotional response to injustice has left the Internet subject to literary attack from all sides - whereas the print culture would need to explore and research an article from all angles to offer a balance of opinions prior to publication. The Internet however, allows for a free for all glut of emotional rambling from anyone wanting to post an opinion - whether educated, balanced or not, it is all possible in an online platform. This dangerous precedent circumvents the policy and procedures put in place by publishers on how they offer reading material and information to their viewership. Emotional rantings were once only permissible in editorials, where and author had more leeway to vent their personal views. The Internet has, in many ways, become overwhelmingly editorial, with little regard for an author’s credentials or validity to offer opinion on a given subject.

My blog focused on the print ad exclusively, without commenting on the impact an online article would have created. I would next time be sure to include an alternate viewpoint commenting on digital media and its influence.

Unit 3 (Audiences are Key) investigates the key role audiences play, highlighting the ability of media companies to manipulate information toward a target audience. Historically, there has always been freedom of choice by the reader as to what they read, and how to interpret the information given. A slanted article would be deemed unworthy, as the professional author is responsible for presenting information in an unbiased and in an informed matter. With current technologies, the digital world has opened up our personal tendencies and private lives, to allow companies to customize and appeal to a select viewership, to those who are already deemed agreeable to the message based on their digital footprint. Audiences can view themselves as “willing consumers, achieve citizens, or potential threats to public order.”(Mediascapes, Audiences Are Key, Savage 127).

My blog only touched on this concept, and did not investigate the impact that audience could/should have on a political statement. The authors were bringing to light what they saw as a threat to democracy and an unjust act. I would include, in the future, a bit more of the content of the reading itself. It would have increased interest, and brought more factual content into the blog.

Benker, Yochai The Wealth of Networks. Yale University Press,New Haven and London, 2006

Savage, P. (2014) Audiences are key. In L.R. Shade (Ed.), Mediascapes: New Patterns in Canadian Communication (4th ed.) Toronto, ON: Nelson Education.

Kristin N.

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CMNS201 Blog Post 5

How does media influence how we spend our money? With the majority of the world online, there has been a paradigm shift away from purchasing items that bring long term value for their price, or that require any thought before purchasing. 

Websites such as Amazon have altered our awareness as to where our purchases are coming from, how they are made, or to have any link whatsoever in terms of craftsmanship, or artistry. Our culture is centered around what we seemingly “need to have” when you might actually have 3 items already that would suffice. 

We are inundated with items that are better, faster, sleeker, with little regard to value for the dollar spent. The current generations are so easily swayed toward purchasing more than what they can afford that we are allowing these seemingly small purchases to build up and sacrifice the larger, more important ones down the road. 

The media seems to have access to our attention more than ever, and it has changed our spending habits to the point where it is reshaping our outlook and our priorities. We are made to feel (quite deliberately) that what we have isn’t good enough, and that we should feel badly about our previously thought “amazing deals.” Our phones are outdated in just a short while, fast fashion wears out in shockingly short amounts of time, and begin to look shabby after a single wearing, our video cameras of yesteryear (though they may actually be superior to what we have today) make us feel like we are somewhat lesser than human for using such old technology.

When one takes a step back, it is more how we are made to feel by society about not having the newest, latest, and greatest - and not that a product is superior to the one you already have. We are buying into this mindset, and it is reshaping a generations thoughts on what we need vs what we want. 

We NEED a new phone. We NEED a new coat. We NEED to go on vacation. We NEED a leaf blower. 

The needs vs wants debate rages on, however, I fear with a quieter voice on the needs side. Will common sense reign supreme in the face of such an onslaught of intrusion from retailers playing on our psychological need to feel like we fit in with everyone else. 

It’s quite an interesting time, when we give media companies access to the privacy of our homes, and we allow them to manipulate us to spend, spend, spend on piles of things we are told we really, really need to have - NOW.

Let’s hope common sense prevails!!!

Kristin N

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CMNS201, Blog Post#4

I received a copy of The Epoch Times in my mailbox toady. I have heard of this publication, but have never actually read it. I took the time today for the simple fact that the headline caught my eye “How the Communist Party is Endangering Canada and The World.” Now, normally I read such publications such as The Edmonton Journal, or The Toronto Star. I rarely find front page text with such a profound statement of opinion. Obviously, this is an article written from a biased viewpoint - whether or not their stand is right or wrong is not the point of writing this posting. 

Tensions are high at this moment in history, and I found it interesting that in Canada, where our publications are so politically correct, and written to offend the least numbers of literate population, that this newspaper appeared in my mailbox.

Most startling, is that I realized that if the same headline had appeared in my inbox, or in a banner of current events, I would most likely have glossed over it and not be bothered to read the text. However, because it was in print, I was compelled to read the paper. I had to ponder this - do we as society put more weight in an argument that is in print? That seems to have more validity because of the printed word on the page? Is that a bias on my part, that I am skeptical of most articles that I read online, and less so of those in print. Normally, I assume that items in print are checked and rechecked by an editor, and there must be some layer of truth to the written word. This is instance where I am not certain all perspectives and points of view were taken into perspective upon publication. 

The article itself was well written, informative, albeit completely one sided (but of course, judging from the front page, that was already expected.) I enjoyed reading the newspaper a great deal, and rather enjoyed the strong language and viewpoint of an author writing passionately for their cause.

I hope to read more of such articles - those that are not so politically correct and watered down, that there is an obvious lack of passion and enthusiasm to have his/her voice heard.

Interesting that I wouldn’t have read it online, but I enjoyed it a great deal because it just showed up today in my mailbox.

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CMNS201 - Blog Post #3

How the world has changed! I reflect back on my school days, in which there were no computers, no cell phones, and a slower pace that always seemed manageable. We got through school by visiting the library, making our own notes with pencil to paper, and hand wrote our essays to hand in. Fast forward to today, where students seem completely distracted by their screens, and would not have any idea where to start if given an entire library and told to research a topic. Theses students are certainly tech savvy, can type away and find any number of well written articles, research unknown topics with the greatest of ease from their desks. My only concern is this ... do they have the skills necessary to analyze and discern between what is posted, and what is the truth. Is this generation able to question and challenge ideas that are put forth, when they have no frame of reference to refer to. The heavy reliance of online information seems to dull the senses, and I worry we as society are beginning to believe everything we read online, simply because it is posted for all to see. If we take the Covid pandemic, and one simply reads and believes the statistics without a framework of reference, it would surely cause a similar state of panic than we are already encountering. If you read the statistics, and realize that a high percentage of the individuals that have perished were the aged, living in nursing homes, and had underlying health conditions, one would comprehend the situation in a slightly different manner, and hopefully not panic. My hope is that we continue to question, challenge, and demand that all of the supporting information be put forth, so the audience can make an informed decision about what to believe, and not simply follow because an idea was posted online and must therefore be the truth.

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CMNS201 Media Use #2

My media use is becoming fairly predictable now that I am tracking my usage. A slow start to the day is always necessary. Reading the newspaper gives me the Canadian content I crave on a daily basis, and seems to put me in a better mood. Digital media, though necessary for online learning, seems to be a matter of necessary evil. One cannot ignore the onslaught of American content, and not be disturbed by the images portrayed on the screen, and the feelings of unrest by the country as a whole. I find myself influenced by such scenes, before realizing that I do have the power to switch off my computer, but occasionally, upon doing my school research, an uninvited snippet of news creeps up and catches my attention.

Zoom is a new media platform that I have learned to utilize in these most difficult of days. I continue my teaching online to students, and have managed to utilize this technology in a most productive manner that, only a few months ago, would have seemed impossible. 

What have I learned - that in the most trying of circumstances of quarantine, utilizing technology to its fullest advantage has allowed me to continue work, and explore new avenues that I never would have thought possible. Zoom has allowed me to explore the possibilities of teaching in other provinces, and teaching students that are not necessarily my own. It has made the world seem a bit smaller, as I have made new connections that would have previously been impossible.

Though identified as a social media platform, the technology is easily utilized by professionals and teachers alike to connect and teach and learn. The speed at which I have become accustomed to using Zoom is in itself remarkable (as this is normally out of my comfort zone). However, I am grateful for the opportunity to participate and contribute with the world in this difficult time.

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CMNS201 Media Use

Upon reviewing my personal media usage for an entire day, I am struck by how much I rely on a variety of media platforms to either send information, connect with others, check the status of simple items like the weather, or the COVID-19 stats for the day. I try and keep my information sources Canadian, however, I find online the American news articles, advertisements, and social statements are overwhelming. Being fairly old-school in many aspects, I still do make it a habit of reading the local Journal in paper form each morning. I still look forward to the slowness of the process, and very much enjoy keeping connected with my local community issues. The online media keeps one more in tune with National level news, but I find the advertisements greatly get in the way of my enjoyment of reading.

I have recently discovered the joy of listening to podcasts - though sprinkled with somewhat relevant advertisements, the entertainment value is exceptional. Choosing the subject of choice, one can indulge in listening to current interests and topics, and scroll through episode titles that read as simply as the chapter in a collection of short stories. One can simply choose to listen to the snippet that interests them. 

As a lover of biographies, documentaries, and short stories, I spend a great deal of time enjoying listening and learning. Conversely,  I get very little enjoyment from online media due to the constant bombardment of inserted advertisements and pop-up windows. It is an unwelcome intrusion of media.

Kristin N