Why WordPress?

Whilst studying communications students are asked to create a blog rather than simply submitting one’s work, unlike other degree’s there is a reliance on maintaining an online presence and offering something uniquely individual. So why is that? Why must our work be openly displayed and embedded with perspective or opinion. It seems rather unusual when most would be more inclined to see education as a systematic process with yes or no answers.

The topics or opinions raised in each student’s post are mostly unimportant, whilst once in a blue moon a follower may stumble across our writings and draw new conclusions it’s not the intent behind posting. Our individual posts are simply the message or our “actual communication” the significant features lie within the medium. WordPress and Twitter are our chosen mediums, they are both viewed by society as a source of information and news. it is the medium that shapes our values and processes so if the messages are monotonous (as they often are) it is in fact the medium in which we gage our interest.

By taking part in a platform founded off ideals to contribute to the public sphere then we are not only learning but practically experiencing a desired outcome for the way consumers use and create media. One that is a critically aware, informed and connected with not only the physical neighborhood surrounding them but the extremely vast online society otherwise known as the public sphere.

 

Unnecessary Messages

” The medium is the message. This is merely to say that the personal and social consequences of any medium – that is, of any extension of ourselves – result from the new scale that is introduced into our affairs by each extension of ourselves, or by any new technology.”

– Marshall McLuhan

With the ever-growing nature of technology, it’s not unlikely that I will bear witness to societal changes at the hands of a modern medium. After all I already have as a child I remember that downloading something such as a film or song was quite frowned upon, and yet today downloading is so common one would rarely think twice about it.

The mediums we use are what shapes societies customs to further explain I will look at how mediums such as IPod’s and phones have shaped the way society views the way it receives its messages (music). before the IPod downloading music was more likely to take place when illegally obtaining it, an individual would purchase a CD (containing their chosen message) and then have ownership over that product.

After the release of IPods views shifted as downloading music was no longer a theft, you were now able to purchase and own the music of your choice without a desire for its physical presence. Even now the way we obtain music has changed, streaming music through such platforms as apple music has become quite common and in this shift, it has removed all senses over ownership. It even further illustrates how meaningless the message is because we no longer are required to pick and choose, what is now important is that society has access to what it wants.When observing this individual case its becomes very apparent how strongly values and customs are subject to change with each new technology experienced.

Crossover Film: Diasporic and intercultural cinema

To be honest when I first chose to discuss the topic of Crossover Film: Diasporic and intercultural cinema I thought I would have an easier time finding movies to bring up, though when looking further I realized my film vocabulary was very whitewashed. Even where I thought there was a strong sense of cultural hybridity I soon realised that cultures had simply been appropriated to Hollywood film, this is most commonly seen through the western releases of Japanese horror such as The Ring(1998) and The Grudge(2002). Though I should note that not many hybridized films gain mainstream media attention, only a select few that still follow the Hollywood formula can receive a large amount of global media coverage. Which is unfortunate as within a quick google search I managed to find some great looking titles that I’m eager to watch such as Only Human(2014) pictured below.

Crossover cinema has great benefits and allows for an individual to engage in an experience previously inaccessible to them because of cultural, racial or geographical constraints (Khorana 2013). It lets people become emotionally invested in something they may never have even considered, and by extension can teach the truth of diversity whilst blurring stereotypical distinctions. Crossover cinema can also assist in the forming of a shared community, after all film and art are a key feature to narrating national/cultural beliefs and customs. Through ideological similarities we can explore our cultural differences, this can be seen through three mainstream hybridized films. Firstly, Slumdog Millionaire (2008) uses the classic formula of rags to riches and love overcoming boundaries to showcase life in India. Furthermore, My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) uses a large family dynamic to explore cultural difference through comedy and similarly Bend it like Beckham (2002) has a strong theme of sportsman’s ship and comradely to illustrate the challenges growing up in culture separate to one’s own.

Reference list

Berghahn, D. (2007). No place like home? Or impossible homecomings in the films of Fatih Akin. new cinemas: journal of contemporary fi, 4, pp.141-157.

Khorana, S. (2016). Crossover cinema: a conceptual and genealogical overview. [online] Ro.uow.edu.au. Available at: http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2020&context=lhapapers

2004, Only Human, image, Popculture, viewed 25 August 2016, < http://www.popmatters.com/review/only-human-seres-queridos-2004/&gt;.

 

Global Cinema: Nollywood

Cinema and art in many countries is used as a way of narrating their cultural values and beliefs through modern mediums. not only is it an effective way to confront or discuss social and politic issues relevant to one’s homeland, but offers a potential great source of revenue. Another benefit worth noting is the ability to have a modern culturally specific representation assessable worldwide. Global limelight has long been centered on Hollywood, though in light of globalization cultural media is becoming more and more instant leaving such focus likely to shift. The Nigerian film industry otherwise known as Nollywood is the youngest key challenger to the global film market, it ranks 3^rd in size globally with Bollywood surpassing it. Yet conversely, ranks 2^nd following after Bollywood again in total output of films per year as presented in the image below (Bustamant 2015).

In our weekly reading “Nollywood: Spectatorship, Audience and the Sites of Consumption” by Onookome Okome, the wholesale adoption of video technology is coined as having been an unqualified local success powered by the drive to challenge Nollywood’s economic condition (Okome, 2007). Through further research I found the use of video technology in Nigerian film to be very intriguing as it suggests a potential significant growth within Nollywood, that other cultures did not have access to at the emergence of their own mainstream media.  At the same time Nollywood is not under the same constraints as Hollywood which has relied on particular entertainment formulas, for example Nollywood is not judged on its special effects or story boards to the same extent as one would critic American releases. This is also an important point to keep in mind when reviewing Pierre Barrots claims that the limited access of Nigerian Films globally is hindering it from contributing to national unity (Okome, 2007). As proposed by Okome such claims show a lack in understanding towards what Nollywood represents, it is not trying to be Hollywood but is offering a culturally influenced alternative to mainstream media. It delves into issues specific to Nigeria either through a films stories or film production creating a much needed source of revenue and employment, coincidentally gaining global attention.

References:

Onookome Okome . 2007. Nollywood: Spectatorship, Audience and the Sites of Consumption . [ONLINE] Available at: http://postcolonial.univ-paris13.fr/index.php/pct/article/viewFile/763/425. [Accessed 28 September 2016].

Bustamante, M 2015, Bollywood Nollywood Hollywood, image, WordPress, viewed 28 August 2016, < https://miabustamante.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/hollywood-bollywood-nollywood/&gt;.

 

The Global Village

Globalistation has had great effects on breaking down borders worldwide, its impacted countries on varying levels including trade, economic or social based issues. it has created an imagined community in which people from all over the world have the availability to communicate and freely share information. Benedict Anderson first coined the term ‘imagined community’ in regards to the forming of a nation where he defined it as a socially constructed sense of identity (Anderson 1991). An identity in which allows all members of a nation to share similar values and beliefs based off of familiarities, even though not having meet one another or being completely aligned to the exact same beliefs (Anderson 1991). Through the rapid sharing of information and experiences a global community is created but not limited in the same way a nation’s community is, it does not face the same political or cultural constraints but can actually explore all measures of diversity.

“Globalization offers a sense of intercontectedness by facilitating interpersonal communication and the formation of communities and relationships across geographical, racial, religious and cultural barriers” – O’Shaughnessy

O’Shaughnessy puts forward that globalization could lead to either positive or negative implications and suggests that it calls for the assimilation of one global culture. However, Marshall Mcluhan’s theory of the global village raises the point that global unity transcends nationality. I for one think that Mcluhan’s claim is very important, identities are crucial to an individual’s sense of belonging and can help make sense of the world surrounding them. Though there are many identities to align with culturally, nationally, religiously and now globally. Who’s to say we can’t simply have them all either through a grasp of hybridity or multiplicity.

 

References:

Anderson, B. (1991). Imagined communities. London: Verso.

Castells, M., Muller, J., Cloete, N. and Badat, S. (2001). Challenges of globalisation. Pinelands, Cape Town: Maskew Miller Longman.

BuddyBits, T 2014, Global Village, image, Buddybits, viewed 28 August 2016, < http://buddybits.com/2014/08/aiesec-surat-organize-global-village-surat/&gt;.

Fake it till you make it

What does media convergence mean to me? It means that in the untimely event of cyber warfare or the theoretical ‘kill switch’ being activated I would find myself incompetently attempting life in general. Thanks to my trusty IPad, phone and well of course the internet this whole being a ‘grown up ‘ thing has been a cinch (at least according to the comparisons made by previous generations.)

I have witnessed many shifts and changes growing up alongside the boom of broadband. Where once my mother would receive bills in the mail pull out a calculator, paper, pen and start scribbling away expressing to me the very reasons why I should “stop wanting to grown up already”. In contrast I don’t pay my bills that is to say that is to say the physical process of paying bills has become redundant. Between my phone and IPad I can access everything I need on a day to day basis, things that I actually never bothered to learn how to do outside of what was easily accessible. This convergence onto one media platform has allowed for individuals to fully immerse themselves with what technology has to offer, which is almost anything. Observing the shift from phones and the internet being seen as on par with television to being an essential tool in daily life has in some regards made me careless. I no longer need to wait in line to buy a CD, plan out a road trip on a map or even wait by the mailbox for my pay cheque to arrive. Qualities once emphasized as fundamental to being a self-sufficient adult are now seen as a waste of one’s time.

With that in mind improving the way we manage daily tasks and how we access information has led to anxieties concerning job security and availability. After all when we no longer need the physical process for something its deemed futile. As a Journalism student this issue is often reaffirmed and whilst for many current day journalists this is a daunting thought that the industry no longer needs them conversely I feel a great sense of decisiveness. For emerging journalists it’s an exciting time to be on the fore front of an evolving industry and likewise to my experiences growing up everything i was taught about necessary skills and the world is wrong in a modern day setting. All things considered the convergence of media platforms has meant certain tasks are no longer required and particular industries in need of refining. Furthermore, reflecting between what once was and what is now reinforces the notion that our possibilities are infinite.

 

 

 

Entertainment? smells fishy

As discussed through our lectures and tutorials the way each person interprets information is unique to them, drawing from life experience, beliefs, culture and many other influencing factors. When viewing images we not only see what is but also take away ‘hidden’ messages developed by our own understandings of the world around us. The image I have chosen to discuss in a literal sense is of a crowded stadium gathered to watch five Orca whales preforming at Sea World. Though what this image connotes can be either of happiness or sadness. For people who may be uninformed of the quality of life the animal suffers this image can represent excitement, entertainment and wonder at such an amazing creature, though unfortunately there is a bleak reality behind this entertainment.

For those more informed, images like this stir up feelings of sadness and empathy towards creatures whose quality of life is greatly diminished compared to that they could live in the sea. Though this isn’t news to the majority of people, as for a long time people have understood the cruelty these animals face, while films have facilitated the process. This can be seen through the 2013 documentary ‘Blackfish’ which documents the story of a captive killer whale who’s taken the lives of several people, while compiling emotional interviews and shacking footage to underline the issue with Sea World and the sea park industry in general (blackfish.com). Moreover, the images depicted through the film as well as the messages from advocates for orca freedom have resonated with the public as Sea-World San Diego has planned to end their orca shows by 2017, replacing them with an environment more naturally suited to an orca (discovery.com). Furthermore, the petition website sumofus.com has stated that through enormous pressure Sea World has agreed to end its orca breading program, meaning the ones in captivity will be the last. While this is good news these still a long way to go as the Born Free Organisation has stated that there are “There are believed to be at least 2000 individual dolphins… 227 beluga whales, 56 orca, 37 porpoises and 17 false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) held in 343 captive dolphin facilities across the world” (bornfree.org.uk). While there still a long way to go in orca captivity issues, the messages that advocates for this cause have communicated to the public have stuck, allowing for images like this to connote to most people the reality of the situation and continuing the battle towards the redundancy of animal based entertainment.

Captive whales and dolphins
http://www.bornfree.org.uk/campaigns/zoo-check/captive-whales-dolphins/global/

SeaWorld Ends Killer Whale Shows as Federal Ban Looms
http://news.discovery.com/animals/whales-dolphins/federal-bill-would-ban-killer-whale-shows-151109.htm

Sum of us
http://action.sumofus.org/a/seaworld-orcas-captivity-california-ban-blackfish/

Black fish
http://www.blackfishmovie.com/about

Don’t talk religion or politics at the dinner table

We know topics such as religion or politics are well known pot stirrers not to be discussed over the ‘dinner table’ but what about over Facebook? and furthermore what of other beliefs or opinions?
Like most I have found myself at some point expressing my own personal beliefs unnecessarily through social media. Now don’t get me wrong I believe there’s nothing wrong with taking part in a discussion to gain a deeper perspective or explore new ideals unfortunately, not everyone is moderate minded. As discussed in our lectures and tutorials the way each individual interprets information varies from case to case. Furthermore theories of social identity and categorization examine that people are motivated to maintain a positive view of themselves through comparison of others (Jenkins, 2014, pg115). Generally a person wants to feel their own opinions and values reflect the society surrounding them. Social media allows for people who share the same values to get in contact with each through groups and it gives its users the ability to share their beliefs and opinions. Whilst this isn’t directly a bad thing, its negative connotations are brought out through the user’s consumption and contribution of these shared beliefs.

Being able to easily connect with others that share the same values can led to overly aggressive opinions and a necessity to verbally fight for them, this can be seen through McKenzie-Murray’s (2015) examination of Shermon Burgess who promotes himself through self-glorifying Facebook pages and YouTube videos. Where he perpetuates aggression towards the Muslim community, in addition he is assumed to have led the Easter reclaim rallies in Melbourne. In this case the availability to collaborate with others gave members a strong sense of unity that contributed to their belief that their own values were in fact correct.

Another negative element is brought about by the desire to strengthen ones self-esteem, usually through fitting in. yet in a chase to define what is ‘normal’ we find ourselves maintaining the idea that something else isn’t. In the avalanche of contradictory standards it’s easy to feel the need to promote your own personal opinions, though this is often done through ‘shaming’ the perceived opposing side. A perfect example of this was discussed on a recent episode of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (14/03) when Neal Brennan stated “ What I don’t get is how does Kim post a picture and she gets branded a slut but Amy Schumer and Lena Dunham take their clothes off and get branded heroes”.

In conclusion the way users interact with what social media has to offer dictates the implications of it. Social media is not inherently good or bad it’s the users desire to have the right opinion, the right appearance and the right values led to vilification or even the formation of groups with extremist views.

Reference list:

Jenkins, R 2014, Social identity, Routledge, New York

McKenzie-Murray, M , ‘Inside the strange dynamic of Reclaim Australia’s rallies’, The Saturday Paper, 25 July, 14/03, <https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/law-crime/2015/07/25/inside-the-strange-dynamic-reclaim-australias-rallies/14377464002169&gt;.

Why am I here?

To be honest going to university wasn’t a part of my so-called “life plan” for a long time. Throughout high school I had never really given the option of higher education a thought and left halfway through year 11. At the time I had decent work so I thought nothing of it, and my family had never seen university of high importance considering that most of them managed to succeed without degrees. Currently I have been living out of home for six years and am 23y/o over time I have realised that my perspective at seventeen was a limited one. Last year I completed the university access program at UOW College which has redeemed myself from previous teenage decisions.

Why am I here though?
I am here to keep broadening my perspective. Five years ago I had no idea who I was, what I wanted to do or even what was possible. Now I understand defining yourself takes a lifetime and that you don’t need to have a clear view of the future. Whilst I still harbor ambition towards a career in journalism I also maintain ambiguity in the specifics. I know where my destination is, yet there are so many different challenges on the way to it. Only through learning and experience will i begin to shape my own distinctive path.