Ben and Jerry's

I've noticed that Ben and Jerry's ice cream always has the most interesting commercials. They use the method of animation, combined with bright colours and unexpected words to make their product stand out. Despite the fact that their ice cream is slightly overpriced and comes in very small containers, they still manage to be a multi-billion dollar corporation and this is probably do to the amount of money they spend on advertising! These creative ideas catch the viewer's attention, long enough to maintain the interest in the product. Another wise decision on the part of Ben and Jerry was to not overplay any of the commercials, as even the best ideas can be hated after you've seen them too many times. I believe that Ben and Jerry's commercials are some of the best I've ever seen from the ice cream industry, and I am now rather interested in purchasing the product.

http://youtu.be/ZLmMwh-6rV8

Posters!

The importance of a poster- to me, is vital. All my life I have hung the images of my idols on my wall, making it so that everyday I wake up to inspiration. It’s important to be inspired, and to start each day with a brighter outlook. This type of media tells the story of that particular person, as they are living in that moment. This moment may be tragic, serene or exhilarating. The way the audience is able to read these emotions are through the facial expressions of those on the poster, what they are wearing and the setting. Posters usually follow the formula pasting an idol or character up front and center with perfect lighting and expertise selected background colors. These characters are usually really famous, and provide inspiration to millions of people. It is highly unlikely that this oversized, glossy photograph of the celebrity is a realistic interpretation of the type of person that they really are. This text comes from a series of corporations, and many people work together to produce this medium. Posters are available at stores like Wal-Mart or CD stores. Despite the fact that CD stores usually just sell mainstream artist posters, there is a perfect poster out there for everyone. I think it is important for people to have someone to be inspired by everyday. Who doesn’t love posters?

The Simpsons

The Simpsons tell a classic story of your typical nuclear family. With hilarious plots, outstanding characters and their comedic catch-phrases, there is no doubt as to why the Simpsons have become the longest running cartoon sitcom. The Simpsons never lose their comedic gold, and this is all thanks to a genious named Mastt Groening. Also the writer of another popular adult cartoon, Futurama, Matt Greoning is probably raking in crazy cash. Aside from all tthe things the Simpsons have slapped their name on to sell (bottle openers, blankets, toys), Matt's also getting alot of profit from the show. Even more so because of the fact rhat he only needs to pay a limited number if voice actors, since most of them play more than one role. The characters within the show are Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and Grandpa. They interact with a large numbers of characters within the city of Springfield to create silly conflicts that are solved within the half hour. Aside from the outrageous adventures these characters partake in, they are actually realistic on a certain lever\l. Homer, the faithful husband always messes up, and is the sole income provider for the whole family. Marge, his wife, usaully forgives him and does everything she can to hold the family together. Bart plays the bratty little boy while Lisa is the nerdy daughter. Maggie doesn't talk, and Grandpa lives in a retirement home. Lisa always has strict values, morals and beliefs that she defends with a passion while Bart does a multitude of things to be cool. Never missig an oppurtunity for holiday specials, and outrageous comedy, there is no question as to why the Simpsons are the longest running show to date.


http://youtu.be/DX1iplQQJTo

Degrassi: The Next Generation

This media text tells the story of typical Canadian teenagers. It cuts all the glamour from regular teen shows and reveals a much edgier, more realistic glimpse into what its really like to be in high school. It connects to several larger stories in the sense that all the characters have their own background, such as real teenagers do. This has been an ongoing series for decades and there has also been a spin-off movie. This show follows the practical formula of what teens experience and go through everyday such as drugs, sex, scandalous encounters, love and fights. Toss in the occasional pregnancy and school shooting, and you’ve got an entertaining episode of Degrassi, that reflects real life. Degrassi is slightly stereotypical but not really. The parents, students and teachers are all interrelated to each other, as they normally would in a small town. One of the main characters, Emma, basically has the most values. That is, until she throws them away, as most teens do. Created in Toronto, and distributed over television, the creators of Degrassi try to make the show as realistic as possible. The show usually runs for about half an hour, but its really twenty minutes when you cut out the commercials. I could probably reproduce a similar show because I go to high school with several dramatic teenagers. I adore how this show is so relatable, but it can also be slightly cheesy. People my age and younger would find this show enjoyable because they have probably experienced something similar to the characters. The one thing the producers to do to improve this show is get better actors.

FRIENDS

The popular television show FRIENDS is about six young adults who all happen to be closely connected in one way or another. To even things out there are three males, Ross, Chandler and Joey and three females, Rachel, Monica and Phoebe. For those of you who don’t watch the show, this may be a little confusing. Okay, so Ross, Chandler, Monica and Rachel all went to school together. Ross and Monica are siblings. Ross and Chandler are best friends, as are Monica and Rachel. Ross had always had a crush on Rachel, and throughout the seasons of the show they have had a very intense love story. Coincidently, Monica and Chandler eventually get married. Joey and Phoebe were added into the picture as the funny crazy characters, kind of like comedic relief, but they also go through serious problems. The show is mainly a comedy, with relationship tribulations between the characters that can really tug at your heart strings. The characters in this show are extremely realistic, and the writer never really strays from the structure in which they are based on. The only case where this does happen is how at the beginning of the series Phoebe was a stressed out smoker who never took time for herself. Eventually she turns into a hilarious laid back, funny massage therapist. All of the characters relate to each other in terms of power, age and class. They’re all almost thirty and at one time or another they experience difficulties with their careers. This media comes from a series of writers and directors, all working towards a common goal. That goal is to create a show that will be enjoyed by its audience, and the creator of FRIENDS has done more than this. They created one of the longest running series, and acquired a huge fan base. Re-runs of FRIENDS can still be found on various television networks today. This media text appeals to me greatly, as it happens to be my favourite show. The only thing I could say I dislike is how the producers tried to make a spin-off entitled Joey, because although Matt Leblanc was a hilarious character among his FRIENDS co-stars, I don’t think he was powerful enough to stand on his own. This text appeals to the audience because although it is a half- hour sitcom, the underlying story makes it pleasurable for long-time as well as first time viewers.

Fashion Magazines

Fashion magazines often portray a picture perfect scenario. For some reason they attempt to make reader’s feel as though the lives of the girls in the spread are flawless. Filled with photos of glistening teeth, long beautiful hair and precisely toned bodies, these magazines can not possibly be good for girls who don’t exactly think the best of themselves. Every magazine tries to give off the impression that they care for girls, their lives and their confidence. Unfortunately (despite the exception of a few), these companies really just do whatever they can to make money. The stories these magazines tell are far from interesting, and are never completely true. They show a day in life of a Hollywood starlet, and they are either portrayed as good or bad. In between does not exist. Almost all of the people appearing in the magazine are stereotypical attractive females. They do not need talent, just pretty shoes. Celebrities are constantly fighting for power, and mainstream magazines just add fuel to this fire. Nothing of an educational value is being brought to the reader’s attention. In fact, some magazines are owned by the same people (eg. Teen Vogue and Seventeen), so all of the information being presented has already been regurgitated from the other one. We see magazines everywhere we go. Its rare to not be surrounded by racks of them in a convenient or grocery store. Editors and publishers are profiting greatly from marketing nothing! I’ll admit, I am a fan of Seventeen (I subscribe monthly). But that is because this is one of the few magazines that actually provides the reader with something other than garbage. The interviews of celebrities usually ask questions I would actually be interested in, and the authour provides more than just fashion tips. Although most of the magazine is filled with tips on “how to look pretty!”, there are other articles like How to save money in College or How to break up with your boyfriend. I think that Seventeen is the only magazine out there that is actually by girls and for girls, and all the others should be put to shame….except maybe Nylon :)

Burger King vs McDonald's

While deciding what to do for this media blog, I remembered a commercial I saw on television last night about McDonald’s and their new eggs. I tried to search it on youtube and was unable to find it:(. Fortunately, I came across a different commercial that suits my purpose much more. This commercial consists of the mascot from Burger King breaking into McDonald’s headquarters and stealing their recipe. Following this the narrator says “It’s not original, but it’s super affordable”. How does Burger King get away with this!? They fully admit to stealing another company’s recipe, implying that they are not able to come up with their own. I just don’t understand how they think this makes them look good...why would it make consumers want to go to Burger King? The idea that comes to my mind is that if McDonald’s made the original, then theirs must be better! The only way Burger King makes themselves look good in this commercial is by saying that their ripped off product is cheaper than the other guys! But this is still just a cheap shot and was a very bad marketing plan. McDonald’s and Burger King have been competing for a number of years so I don’t see why Burger King would release this... to make themselves look bad? I just don’t understand... This piece of media is distributed to the public through the power of television and the internet, but I think if anything McDonald’s would profit more than Burger King.

Splice = Worst. Movie. Ever.

Have you ever seen the movie Splice?! It is by far the worst movie I have ever seen in my entire life. Basically, two scientists splice their DNA to create a new living being. They are successful and out comes this creepy little thing...which they name Dren. Dren is a little female creature who has amphibious lungs and a sting ray. Themovie was going alright and the creature even seemed a little cute... until it had sex with the leading male character, turned into a man and proceeded to rape the female lead character?! When it was over I was left shocked and disgusted. I felt as though it was the biggest waste of an hour and a half I had ever spent in my entire life. To my surprise, many people seemed to love it! I did not understand! This is a perfect example of just what the media can get away with. They are allowed to depict distrurbing scenarios that would NEVER happen, and for some reason the audience just eats it up! I simply just don't get it. The media is wack. People are wack. That is all.

Media Constructs Reality.

There are many examples within the media that try to construct reality. Many magazines feed us false images of people,making us think that they look like that in real life. Shows like Survivor, Big Brother House,The Hills,Teen Mom, Sweet Sixteen and Jershey Shore trick us into thinking that the 'people'within these shows actually live these lives, but they are just characters portraying a role. By slapping the title of "reality tv" onto these shows , the audience thinks all of these things happen in real life. But in reality they are scripted characters who go through wardrobe and make-up before appearing on camera. False constructions like this have a very negative effect on the younger generation of society. Since a majority of these shows appear on teen demographic networks such as MTV, young people are watching them and think it is okay to leads lives like this. Unfortunately, partying, having sex and spending copious amounts of money is not a realistic lifestlye...unless of course you're Paris Hilton. (what happened to her?!)
In conclusion, media does an excellent job of constructing reality, but sadly that may be what destroys the next generation.

Bring Marshall Mathers to Canada!

The other day in Law class it was brought to my attention that in October of 2000, the rapper Eminem was not allowed in Canada to give concerts. The reason was because apparently his "misogynist" views showed hatred towards women. Okay, first of all...he does not hate ALL women, just a few in particular which he has very good reasons for. Second of all, he has the right to freedom of speech so his lyrics should not put a road block on what he is able to do. Thirdly, if he isn't allowed in Canada, why is he so widely accepted in the United States? This whole issue made me furious...until I read further. Apparently, Ontario's attorney general asked the federal government to stop the performer at the border but this request was refused on the grounds that Marshall was not convicted of a crime and could not be denied entry. Although it's obvious that his views offend some people, they are not considered hate crimes under the criminal code. Thankfully, Eminem was eventually allowed access to Canada where he preformed multiple concerts.

Photo Retouching

When I read this blog assignment, I immediately thought of an ad by "Candies" that I recently saw. The picture was of Britney Spears, and she was SO photoshopped that it was ridiculous. This woman's body clearly does not look like this! She's had two children! Digital retouching has gone too far. I mean, this just looks pathetic. The media really has no effect on me, but it's pictures like this that influence little girls to strive for an impossible perfection! Stand up for something real children. These woman's bodies haven't looked like this for at least ten years, if ever.

Check out my links list for digtally retouched photos.

Shania vs. Ke$ha : Then and Now

The media is constantly changing. Unfortunately, this can not be considered a positive evolution. When I was growing up, I was faced with images of positive influences like Shania Twain. I would watch her sing and dance so innocently, and secretly vowed to grow up just like her. If my role model had polite intentions, and even after vowing to be just like her, I’m still not quite so innocent, what happens to the girls growing up in the next generation? With role models like Ke$ha exposing them to a world of s-e-x, make- up and blow? Most little girls stare at the television screen, imitating and hoping to become whatever is on M.T.V. So, if theses girls strive to dance disgustingly in the bathroom stalls of clubs, then what happens to the generation? All I’m saying is that we need to bring back positive role models to the media. Young, influential minds need something to take advice from. If all they see is pop culture starlets bouncing from rehabs to hospitals, this is close to what they will become.