Underrepresentation of women in media.

http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.proxy.library.brocku.ca/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=7&sid=4b42259b-912d-49ea-b699-d0dcb2c8c690@sessionmgr4004&hid=4208

This blog post will discuss the unfortunate truth that women are underrepresented in the media. The article that has been included focuses on how the media tends to not include coverage of female politicians. Women are included in different kinds of media, however this is usually in a negative context. They are sexualized, stereotyped or used for popular culture and as a result excluded from the important issues within society. The article discusses an interesting point, that is, when the media ignores women’s issues this silences them, giving them no voice (Vos, p. 391). Women are unable to be heard by the public when they receive no coverage. Has society not accepted women as important or intelligent people? Women should be able to voice their opinions on world issues just as men are able to. Women are not only judged based on their gender but their age as well. Female politicians who are older, receive more coverage than younger women. This might be because society looks down upon young women and cannot imagine them having enough experience or knowledge to contribute anything of value (Vos, p. 393). Women are victimized based on many false assumptions throughout society. The media enforces these assumptions by not giving women a voice and excluding them from participating in important news. Not only are the female politicians hurt by this harsh reality but all women as a class. All women are hurt by this lack of coverage because they are forced to relate to the male representation. Patriarchal views are forced upon women through the use of media and they are unable to escape from these views. Society generally believes the information that the media provides them with and the male politicians take up 86% of the media coverage (Vos, p. 402). Male politicians are being heard and as a result, their beliefs and values are internalized by the public, both men and women. This underrepresentation proves that women are not yet considered as equal to men. By not including an equal amount of coverage of women, the media is continuing to oppress them and take away their value.

Vos, D. (2013). The vertical glass ceiling: Explaining female politicians’ underrepresentation in television news. The European Journal of Communication Research, 389-410. Retrieved March 9, 2015, from http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.proxy.library.brocku.ca/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=7&sid=4b42259b-912d-49ea-b699-d0dcb2c8c690@sessionmgr4004&hid=4208

News, trust and “truthiness”

After reading several of my classmate’s blogs, I have come across three that I agree with and have chosen to review. In my blog I had said that culture jamming was an effective way for people to receive everyday news while including some comic relief. My opinion has expanded after reading other students entries.

The first blog I would like to discuss is Justin Gideon’s. He wrote “Some people, including myself, use this as their source for news. I am more inclined to watch it because watching the regular 6 o’clock news can get extremely boring and with the satirical shows I get a laugh while still getting caught up to date with the news”. I believe that I fit into this category of “some people” because I too find it to be an easier and more interesting way to gain knowledge about the latest in society. From my understanding Justin perceives this form of media just as reliable as any other source. http://justingmsblog.blogspot.ca/2013/11/is-fake-news-real-news.html  

The second blog, I found to be interesting was written by Joan Amanambu. Joan wrote “I would say it is the real news because nothing much is changed, its just their opinions that are expressed and put in a comical way just to make viewers enjoy news better. They are getting the same news just in a more fun way; this tends to really interests teenagers”. I agree with this statement because it is definitely a way to include and appeal to a younger demographic which is important because most youth today don’t feel the need to know about what is happening in our world. I also agree that it is important to include that some of the material just might be information that had been interpreted through the presenter and then expressed to the viewer, which means it might not be the 100% truth. http://amanambujoan.wordpress.com/2013/11/22/blog-entry-4/

Lastly I would like to discuss the entry written by Christine Merrill. The two I wrote about above seem to be similar; Christine’s is one that challenges them. She wrote “the forms of media today fight against the typical political and demographic practices in their methods of conveying news and information…It forces an audience to see the world in a different light that may be comical, but isn’t always reflective of the truth or reality of the situation being reported.” She notices and accepts that these shows and other types of media can be comical and popular however she disagrees with them being effective. After reading her blog I would say that she doesn’t find it reliable, when being compared to the typical news or radio etc. that is given to us. http://christinemerrill2.wordpress.com/2013/11/22/is-the-fake-news-the-real-news/

 After reading the textbook along with reading my classmates opinions, I believe that there doesn’t have to be any implications when consuming this satirical news reportage. As long as the public knows this might not be the most reliable source and that it is used more for their entertainment rather than expressing the truth. 

Is The Fake News, The Real News?

I believe that satirical news reporting is in most ways, a mainstream form of culture jamming. I have reason to feel this way because these shows are not to be a spoof and provide parodies of today’s news and advertisements etc. for society to enjoy. As much as these shows are funny and enjoyed, some may argue that they are not politically correct. That it is unnecessary and harmful. While reading the text it was stated “The term ‘jamming’ can refer to an obstruction” (213).  What that means is that these simple jokes, may have a deeper meaning and can sometimes cause upset throughout the public. In chapter 14 it was also stated “There can be serious legal implications” (224). When forms of media, like The Daily Show and Rick Mercer Report gain the control to destroy and make a mockery of different advertisements or factual news, there is always the risk of crossing certain lines. There have been cases of these spoofs coming across as racist, sexist, etc. However I feel that when done respectfully, society can find these shows as a comic relief to their everyday normal, boring and in some cases almost miserable news reports. We often hear of horrible accidents on the news, deaths, crimes, hurricanes etc. with that being said we are led to the idea that these parodies are much needed. I personally watch the news and usually feel depressed or saddened by what I have witnessed, although these are the facts that I need to be exposed to. It is important that society knows the truth about what is going on in our world. That does not mean we are not allowed to also enjoy some comedy. 

After reading and learning about culture jamming, I have developed a personal opinion on the matter. I do feel that when done respectfully it can be a useful addition to the public sphere. If the public is able to look past the completely false information and just laugh about it, then it is a good form of media. To answer the title of this blog, I do not believe the fake news, is the real news but I do think it important to have and be apart of.

 

O’Shaughnessy, Michael, and Jane Stadler. Media And Society. 5th ed. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 2012. 52-56. Print.

Demonstrable Demographics

After reading several of my classmate’s blogs, I came to the conclusion that I agree with the majority of the entries that were given. In this response I will discuss three entries written by my fellow classmates. I wrote my most recent blog about a Revlon mascara advertisement, which is why I find the first students’ ad so relatable because she also wrote about an ad done by Revlon. Christine’s ad criticizes Revlon’s attempt at selling natural beauty. I agree that this ad struggles with this because I find it impossible for girls to be displaying their natural beauty when covered in make up. In her blog she explains how the ad is done poorly because it is an unachievable look for the average woman. However in today’s society women will buy these products in order to attract men and appear as though they have flawless skin. Which is why Revlon is a successful company, no matter how unrealistic their advertisements.  http://christinemerrill2.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/what-in-the-hail/

 The second blog that I will review was written by Kendra. She examined the product No-No and the companies attempt at advertising. I find it hard not to agree with her when she explains how the company is a success because in society it is just normal for women to be hairless. There is no question that women are viewed in all media and in everyday life as being hairless and smooth. If women have hair in certain spots on their bodies it is almost seen as unhygienic. This ad clearly is a success because women will go to great lengths to attract the opposite sex. I am a young women and this ad speaks to me because I know that there can be consequences for having hair other than on my head. I think this blog gives a clear and honest review for the No-No advertisement. http://kendrajss.blogspot.ca

 The last blog to be discussed was written by Liam. I chose to write about this one because as a female I tend to focus on the advertisements only directed towards my demographic. However this blog gave me great incite on the pressure that males can feel because of the media. Not only do women feel the pressure to be beautiful and have perfect bodies, but men also have to fit these impracticable stereotypes. Not very many of my male friends have time to work out and eat well all the time. It is unfair that the media has these ideas of how we should look and what our lifestyles should be like. However I do understand that this ad would be a success in an athletic store because guys would be motivated achieve those bodies and get the false idea that if they buy Nike’s clothes, they will attain that look and start a new healthy life.

 http://dunsey.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/what-the-hail/

In the end I think most companies know how to be successful through advertisements because people are paid to know what the consumers want. Which means that even if my classmates or myself do not agree with their approach, does not mean that it isn’t effective. 

What The Hail?

 

The advertisement I have chosen is for Revlon mascara. In the ad, they strategically use a beautiful well-known celebrity, Halle Berry. The ad uses an image of a happy woman; Revlon has their product shown, their company name in large letters, as well as a quote by Halle Berry. It is also promised that users lashes will be “100% FULLER”. This ad appeals to my demographic because, I am a young woman who often wears make up, and desires to achieve the best look. The majority of the women I know, wear make up and are concerned with their appearance. Companies use this knowledge to be successful with their sales. Revlon is promising that users will be fabulous if we wear this mascara. Implying that we are not fabulous before, and we can only achieve being fabulous, while wearing their product. Revlon has made many claims and promises through multiple ads. This is why a young woman like myself buys into it all.

I do believe this ad is a success; an example to support that is from chapter 12 and states, “Simply being labelled as ‘boy’ or ‘girl’ may determine your behavior to some extent” (p. 185). Society has these gender roles, and girls are pressured into doing ‘girly’ things, like wearing make up. We are not considered beautiful women, unless we apply make up and look appealing to the opposite sex. The text also explains “Western culture glorifies the individual”(189). Personally I feel this portrays women as sexy within the media while men can only be viewed as strong, dominant and nothing less.

This ad represents that quote because they are trying to glorify being a beautiful woman. While looking through a magazine this ad would catch my eye because I of course want to fit into societies norms of being beautiful, I want to “BE FABULASH” (Revlons ad). It is unfortunate that the media has this amount of control over us, but we are willing to ‘enhance’ the way we look, in order to fit into our gender roles, and come across as attractive. Revlon as a company is a success, and a major reason why, is because of their control on young women, through the media.

 

O’Shaughnessy, Michael, and Jane Stadler. Media And Society. 5th ed. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 2012. 52-56. Print.

 

Wanted: The Media That We Need

The media informs us of many important social, cultural and political matters. In order to have these important events brought to our attention, society needs to ignore the media that is just thrust upon us for unnecessary purposes. When asking whether it is easy or difficult to find the important media, Christine Merrill answers that question with her personal view on the matter. She states, “The media we want is the media we receive…” We can relate this to it being easy to find the important and necessary media. If society wants to be informed about the important social events then they have to be able to ignore the media they do not want to be subjected to.

Another example to prove how easy it is for society to get the media we want is from Kendra Smith’s blog. At the end of her entry she claims, “We control the media because we have the choice to control what stays and goes.” This implies that the media has little to no control over us as a society and that if we don’t buy into the unnecessary and sometimes false media, then they would have no choice but to stop subjecting us to it as a society.

A blog that seems to conflict with the above two is written by Eric Gervais. He says, “We want the media that is given to us because it can make us feel as though we are fitting in and are approved by those we look up to.” In my opinion this means that no matter what media is presented whether it is the media we need or not, we are manipulated into thinking it is what we want. Good or bad. I agree with all three blogs in most ways, however my final verdict is that we can very easily ignore the bad media and only if we desire the good, can we actually achieve the information that we need. The media is full of good and bad, surrounding us at all times and being such big parts of our lives, there has to be good aspects to it or we would not allow it to consume us like it does. Which means we can in the end get the media that we want and need in our lives.

 

http://christinemerrill2.wordpress.com

http://kendrajss.blogspot.ca

http://cpcf1f25convo.blogspot.ca/2013/10/one-of-great-and-effective-methods-of.html

The Media We Want?

In modern society I consider the concept that all types of media are forced upon us as a society because it is around us all the time, everywhere we go. With that being said, we have the power to pay attention to the media we want included in our lives. We do not have to subject ourselves to something we don’t want influencing us. The first example I will use from Chapter 3 is the topic of smoking advertisements. It said that the government came to the realization that smoking is bad for everyone’s health and no longer allowed it to be advertised. This proves that we do have control over what we want/ don’t want from the media. However smoking is still seen in some pictures, movies etc. and can be portrayed through these examples of media as ‘cool’. For the most part we are able to ignore the bad influences and make life-changing decisions for ourselves (p. 52).

Another thought is that the media bases itself on what consumers want. If they aren’t making sales because consumers aren’t paying attention to what they are selling, then it is more than likely that the media will not be able to move forward with that ‘sales pitch’. However they have the ability to manipulate us as a society, into thinking that we need something, that in reality, we can live without.

The second example from chapter 3 is the case study, which is called, the media in Iraq. It basically states that the images that are taken and shown from the previous and current wars can be thought of as too violent for some people to handle. The government tried to control the amount of media, displaying the frightful images after the Vietnam War but there is only so much they can do. Another disappointing fact is that pictures can be cropped, edited and changed, forcing people to believe in false situations (p.56).

The media, especially when it comes to warfare can be bias against a group of people. It can make one subject appear evil and the other can appear as the victim. It is up to us, as a society to interpret these images in the ‘right’ way. In response to the main focus for this entry, “Do we get the media we want or want the media we get” I believe that there is a mix because as much as all media (the good and the bad) is involuntarily thrust upon us, we ultimately get to choose what media in the end, will affect our us personally and as a society.

 

O’Shaughnessy, Michael, and Jane Stadler. Media And Society. 5th ed. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 2012. 52-56. Print.

1F25 Blog Response 1: Media Impact On Others

I would like to start off by saying that I read multiple blogs written by both males and females and the conclusion I came to is, that the blogs written by the females are most relatable to myself and my views. I’m sure this is because we share common interests and experiences (body image). I found that the guys mainly talked about sports teams, video games and how media portrays violence etc.

 

In one of the blogs I was reading written by Montana I agreed with her points and the stories because they are relatable for most girls. I like how she included Pink’s songs because growing up I also listened to her music and thought she sent a good message. As females we have a lot of pressure on us to be perfect, but why can’t we just be happy the way we are? In her blog she expressed how she would aspire to be exactly like the girls she saw on TV, but as she has grown she has accepted herself and come to the conclusion that she can be happy. Which is amazing. We should all be able to think and feel this way. http://montanahighley.wordpress.com

 

Ahmed wrote the second blog I would like to use as an example. I think his blog will best explain my thoughts on the males’ interpretations as a whole. He touched on many things, but the one thing that seemed to have a relation to all the other guys was the example of videogames. He came to the realization that there is a connection between Grand Theft Auto and violence in the real world. I agree that the violence in these video games would have a negative impact on the people playing it. I am assuming this is a male dominated game, which might be wrong. In this case media does have a negative impact therefore corrupting the guys view on mass media more specifically because of video games. http://mesho456.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/media-impact/

 

A blog I found to be interesting was written by Cody, it seems that he was well aware of the false representations in the media but he did indicate the positive things it does to better us as a society. Most blogs were written negatively but he mentioned how it informs us of a lot. He used the example of missing people (a runaway) which is of course something we should all be knowledgeable about and therefore can help solve the problem. This blog did open my eyes to the positive and informative aspects of the media. http://cm13in.blogspot.ca

 

When reading the blogs I was surprised at how relatable they were. As well as all the examples I didn’t even think about, yet they influence me everyday. For the most part I agreed with my classmates on the topic of the mass media and the influence it has on us. I don’t think the blogs necessarily changed my opinion on the media, however I learned a lot from my classmates and their blogs.

1125 Post 1: Media Impact

I think that the mass media has an everyday impact on my worldview. Being in second year university and the age I am, most of my time is spent worrying about the media and keeping on top of the newest and latest of everything. Having a TV in my room, a magazine subscription and a smart phone etc. The media constantly surrounds me. The media impacts me and is regularly changing my decisions. Whether it’s how to act, look, what music I should listen to or what clothes I should wear, it effects me. As a female I believe it changes the way I see myself and how I compare myself to others. An example from my personal life is the amount of pressure it puts on myself and my friends, to fit this perfect image of a tall, thin beautiful women. Supermodels bodies are shown everywhere, when you turn on the TV, when you see a billboard or when you read a magazine, they are all that you see and I start to see myself as not good enough.

 

 I often use the site “Pinterest” and on this site you can look at pictures and tips that range from make up, to clothing and home decor. Every time I log on now, the home page is covered in dieting plans and exercises. After seeing this I feel that I shouldn’t be sitting in my room relaxing and force myself to go on a run or hit the gym etc. I don’t think that I will ever be truly “happy” because the media is constantly telling me that it I cant be. Unless I have the perfect body, or the newest computer, I will never be good enough. I repeatedly tell myself to tune out the media and all that it has to say, but this is how everyone lives now. I can honestly say that almost everything I do in my life, and every choice I make, I usually have the media in the back of my mind. I guess I don’t really realize it until I’m forced to think about it.

 

The media impacts how I view myself. I also find that I am more judgmental of other people, now that the media is telling me as well as others, to have high standards. We want the best and are shown the best. I think the media has displayed images of how the “rich” people live and now we want what they already possess. The media in every aspect has raised our expectations. I am forced to want more from life and out of myself because of the media. Because of the media I find it hard to believe I will ever be satisfied. The only change I can make involving the media, is to just ignore the negative thoughts the media feeds me and be happy with who I am and what I have.