Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Music as Media ( Part 2) Nickelback - If Everyone Cared
This song by NickelBack is by far the most influential by use of visual aids. I think this song is deep, not because it conveys the challenges people face everyday, but it challenges the role of every individual. The imagery used in this video is by far the most powerful. It showed political turmoil and so much more.The lyrics are as followed:
From underneath the trees, we watch the sky
Confusing stars for satellites
I never dreamed that you'd be mine
But here we are, we're here tonight
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
[Chorus:]
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died
And I'm singing
Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
(I'm alive)
[Chorus x2]
And as we lie beneath the stars
We realize how small we are
If they could love like you and me
Imagine what the world could be
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died
When nobody died...
[Chorus]
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day when nobody died
This is classified as music being used as media for two main reasons. Media plays an important role as surveillance and interpretation. Surveillance is important to raise awareness for a particular issue and interpretation seeks to hold accountability for an action. I believe this song does both. Given the dynamics of the video, a variety of events that had happen in history gave raise to the idea that someone must be responsible for these actions. The people are given the opportunity to raise awareness and hold some sort of responsibility. All I have to say is once this video is watched, one will understand the political relevance of this video.
Music as Media (Part 1) OutKast- B.O.B
B.O.B- by Outkast
One, two, one, two, three, yeah!
In-slum-national, underground,
Thunder pounds when I stomp the ground.
Like a million elephants or silverback orangutans,
You can't stop a train.
Who want some? Don't come unprepared.
I'll be there, but, when I leave there,
Better be a household name.
Weatherman telling us it ain't gon' rain.
So now we sitting in a drop-top, soaking wet
In a silk suit trying not to sweat.
Hit somersaults without the net,
But this'll be the year that we won't forget.
1-9-9-9, anno domini.
Anything goes; be what you wanna be,
'Long as you know consequences are given for living.
The fence is too high to jump in jail.
Too low to dig, I might just touch Hell. Hot!
Get a life, now they on sale.
Then I might cast you a spell.
Look at what came in the mail,
A scale and some Arm & Hammer,
Soul gold grill and a baby mamma,
Black Cadillac and a pack of Pampers,
Stack of questions with no answers,
Cure for cancer, cure for AIDS.
Make a nigga wanna stay on tour for days.
Get back home, things are wrong.
Well, not really, it was bad all along
'Fore you left, adds up to a ball of power.
Thoughts at a thousand miles per hour.
Hello, ghetto, let your brain breathe.
Believe there's always more. Ow!
Don't pull the thing out unless you plan to bang.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Don't even bang unless you plan to hit something.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Don't pull the thing out unless you plan to bang.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Don't even bang unless you plan to hit something.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Uno, dos, tres, it's on.
Did you ever think a pimp rock a microphone
Like that there boy and will still stay street?
Big things happen every time we meet
Like a track team, crack fiend, dying to geek.
OutKast bumping up and down the street,
Slam back Cadillac 'bout five niggas deep.
Seventy-five MCs free-styling to the beat
'Cause we get drunk, stay drunk at the club.
Should've bought an ounce, but you caught the dub.
Should've held back, but you throwed the punch.
Supposed to meet your girl, but you packed a lunch.
No D to the U to the G for you.
Got a son on the way by the name of Bamboo.
Got a little, baby girl, four year, Jordan.
Never turn my back on my kids for them.
Should've hit it, quit it, rag top.
Before you read up, get a laptop.
Make a business for yourself, boy. Set some goals.
Make a fat diamond out of dusty coals.
Record number four, but we on a roll.
Hold up, slow up, stop, control.
Like Janet, planets, Stankonia's on ya.
Moving like Floyd, coming straight for Florida.
Lock all your windows and block the quarters.
Pulling off my belt 'cause a whipping's in order.
Like a three-piece fist 'fore I cut your daughter.
Yo quiero Taco Bell, then I hit the border.
Penny pap rapper trying to get to five.
I'm a microphone fiend trying to stay alive.
When you come to ATL, boy, you better not hide
'Cause the Dungeon Family gon' ride. Ha!
Don't pull the thing out unless you plan to bang.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Don't even bang unless you plan to hit something.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Don't pull the thing out unless you plan to bang.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Don't even bang unless you plan to hit something.
Bombs over Baghdad, yeah.5X
Bob your head, rag top.15X
Power music, electric revival. 20X
*******************************************************************************
This song written by Outkast B.O.B (bombs over Baghdad) in opposition to the war. The song was produced in 2000 before the U.S announced its invasion of Iraq; contrary to the belief that the song was in response to the United States invasion . Much of the songs lyrics makes reference to the gulf war. It was the first single from the Stankonia album and achieved wide acclaim for its use of a choir in the song, as well as wide opposition because of somewhat violent title of the song.
Favorite Lines:
Make a business for yourself, boy, set some goals
Make a fair diamond out of dusty coals
I love this line because it is motivational. In all, I place the emphasize on FAIR diamond. Many people are oblivious about the wars that happen daily overseas. Some of the treasures and merchandise that we value are produced from warfare. This line encourages people to to set goals and aim to achieve them, yet it acknowledges that the need for ethics in that conquest as necessary.
In another line, Andre basically says, “sure you have the freedom to be what you want to be and do what you want to do, but be aware, there will always be consequences for the choices you make.” And once you’re in that jail, you’re in there to stay until they’re ready for you to get out.
That is also a powerful message. The lyrics of this songs challenges the political relationship that we hold international as well as domestic relationships. This is great example of music being used as media. This song raised a political question. Most importantly, the message was being broadcast to viewers for support.
One, two, one, two, three, yeah!
In-slum-national, underground,
Thunder pounds when I stomp the ground.
Like a million elephants or silverback orangutans,
You can't stop a train.
Who want some? Don't come unprepared.
I'll be there, but, when I leave there,
Better be a household name.
Weatherman telling us it ain't gon' rain.
So now we sitting in a drop-top, soaking wet
In a silk suit trying not to sweat.
Hit somersaults without the net,
But this'll be the year that we won't forget.
1-9-9-9, anno domini.
Anything goes; be what you wanna be,
'Long as you know consequences are given for living.
The fence is too high to jump in jail.
Too low to dig, I might just touch Hell. Hot!
Get a life, now they on sale.
Then I might cast you a spell.
Look at what came in the mail,
A scale and some Arm & Hammer,
Soul gold grill and a baby mamma,
Black Cadillac and a pack of Pampers,
Stack of questions with no answers,
Cure for cancer, cure for AIDS.
Make a nigga wanna stay on tour for days.
Get back home, things are wrong.
Well, not really, it was bad all along
'Fore you left, adds up to a ball of power.
Thoughts at a thousand miles per hour.
Hello, ghetto, let your brain breathe.
Believe there's always more. Ow!
Don't pull the thing out unless you plan to bang.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Don't even bang unless you plan to hit something.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Don't pull the thing out unless you plan to bang.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Don't even bang unless you plan to hit something.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Uno, dos, tres, it's on.
Did you ever think a pimp rock a microphone
Like that there boy and will still stay street?
Big things happen every time we meet
Like a track team, crack fiend, dying to geek.
OutKast bumping up and down the street,
Slam back Cadillac 'bout five niggas deep.
Seventy-five MCs free-styling to the beat
'Cause we get drunk, stay drunk at the club.
Should've bought an ounce, but you caught the dub.
Should've held back, but you throwed the punch.
Supposed to meet your girl, but you packed a lunch.
No D to the U to the G for you.
Got a son on the way by the name of Bamboo.
Got a little, baby girl, four year, Jordan.
Never turn my back on my kids for them.
Should've hit it, quit it, rag top.
Before you read up, get a laptop.
Make a business for yourself, boy. Set some goals.
Make a fat diamond out of dusty coals.
Record number four, but we on a roll.
Hold up, slow up, stop, control.
Like Janet, planets, Stankonia's on ya.
Moving like Floyd, coming straight for Florida.
Lock all your windows and block the quarters.
Pulling off my belt 'cause a whipping's in order.
Like a three-piece fist 'fore I cut your daughter.
Yo quiero Taco Bell, then I hit the border.
Penny pap rapper trying to get to five.
I'm a microphone fiend trying to stay alive.
When you come to ATL, boy, you better not hide
'Cause the Dungeon Family gon' ride. Ha!
Don't pull the thing out unless you plan to bang.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Don't even bang unless you plan to hit something.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Don't pull the thing out unless you plan to bang.
Bombs over Baghdad.
Don't even bang unless you plan to hit something.
Bombs over Baghdad, yeah.5X
Bob your head, rag top.15X
Power music, electric revival. 20X
*******************************************************************************
This song written by Outkast B.O.B (bombs over Baghdad) in opposition to the war. The song was produced in 2000 before the U.S announced its invasion of Iraq; contrary to the belief that the song was in response to the United States invasion . Much of the songs lyrics makes reference to the gulf war. It was the first single from the Stankonia album and achieved wide acclaim for its use of a choir in the song, as well as wide opposition because of somewhat violent title of the song.
Favorite Lines:
Make a business for yourself, boy, set some goals
Make a fair diamond out of dusty coals
I love this line because it is motivational. In all, I place the emphasize on FAIR diamond. Many people are oblivious about the wars that happen daily overseas. Some of the treasures and merchandise that we value are produced from warfare. This line encourages people to to set goals and aim to achieve them, yet it acknowledges that the need for ethics in that conquest as necessary.
In another line, Andre basically says, “sure you have the freedom to be what you want to be and do what you want to do, but be aware, there will always be consequences for the choices you make.” And once you’re in that jail, you’re in there to stay until they’re ready for you to get out.
That is also a powerful message. The lyrics of this songs challenges the political relationship that we hold international as well as domestic relationships. This is great example of music being used as media. This song raised a political question. Most importantly, the message was being broadcast to viewers for support.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Republicians V. Immigration Reform
I found this article on Foxnews.com. I thought this article was very relative to what we were learning in class this week. The exit polls announced that only 8 percent of voters thought immigration reform was on their top priority of their concerns. I believe that political figures have been responding to those number, placing immigration reform on the back burner. Last month, Obama warned hispanic voters of the "comprehensive immigration reform that would "hinge" on the 2010 midterm elections. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, who is expected to become chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said "immigration reform" will be pushed aside for streamlined enforcement of current laws (Fox News) . They argued the knowledge of knowing who enters and exits the country is critical to our economy and national security.A Fox News national exit poll found that of the 8 percent of voters polled who identified illegal immigration as their top issue in the 2010 election, 68 percent were Republican while 27 percent were Democrat.Another poll, conducted on Election Day by the anti-illegal immigration group FAIR, found that 69 percent of people surveyed consider immigration an important issue and 61 percent believe Obama "has not been aggressive enough in enforcing immigration law."( Fox News).
I thought this was interesting taking into account whats going on with elections...\
Dorothy Paul
Saturday, November 6, 2010
In India Obama Pushes U.S. Jobs.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/11/06/india.obama.jobs/index.html?hpt=T1
Just days after the midterm elections 2010, President Obama revealed a $10 BILLION export contract with India for exports. "The United States sees Asia, and especially India, as a market of the future," Obama said at a meeting with business leaders from the U.S. and India. "For America, this is a jobs strategy." Obama took an aggressive push to show that his trip to Asia was to "deliver jobs to the U.S." Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and other Republicans, however, immediately expressed skepticism about Obama's renewed interest in the issue after failing to move forward on pending trade deals with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. Don stewart a spokesman for McConnell stated that , "... expanding markets for American goods, services and agriculture overseas will help increase jobs here at home. And maybe the president's renewed focus will encourage Democrats in Congress to join us in this bipartisan effort." Obama announced Saturday that about 54,000 U.S. jobs will be created by $10 billion in new contracts for the Indian government and private companies here to buy a slew of American products, including jet airplanes from Boeing as well as engines and gas turbine technology from General Electric (CNN).
What I found most interesting with this article is not so much the story itself but the actor. Obabma seemed to really respond to the midterms elections; howver, im sure these contracts were in the making before the elections. My question is why didnt he say anyhing about his plans?? The republicans were urging him to contract with South Korea, but nothing was really mentioned about India. In the 2010 elections exit polls the number one cocern was the economy, and I cant help but wonder if this was part of some strategy. Going into the midterm election, it is no shocker that the biggest concern for american was job, so what took obama so long to propose something like this? Will this really help the economy and increase jobs in america? What are the adverse effects from these contracts with the international community? So many questions go unanswered on this topic within this article. I think this is one example of the media dropping the ball. what you guys think? Did I miss information abou this? Well let me know what you think!
Dorothy Paul
Just days after the midterm elections 2010, President Obama revealed a $10 BILLION export contract with India for exports. "The United States sees Asia, and especially India, as a market of the future," Obama said at a meeting with business leaders from the U.S. and India. "For America, this is a jobs strategy." Obama took an aggressive push to show that his trip to Asia was to "deliver jobs to the U.S." Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and other Republicans, however, immediately expressed skepticism about Obama's renewed interest in the issue after failing to move forward on pending trade deals with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. Don stewart a spokesman for McConnell stated that , "... expanding markets for American goods, services and agriculture overseas will help increase jobs here at home. And maybe the president's renewed focus will encourage Democrats in Congress to join us in this bipartisan effort." Obama announced Saturday that about 54,000 U.S. jobs will be created by $10 billion in new contracts for the Indian government and private companies here to buy a slew of American products, including jet airplanes from Boeing as well as engines and gas turbine technology from General Electric (CNN).
What I found most interesting with this article is not so much the story itself but the actor. Obabma seemed to really respond to the midterms elections; howver, im sure these contracts were in the making before the elections. My question is why didnt he say anyhing about his plans?? The republicans were urging him to contract with South Korea, but nothing was really mentioned about India. In the 2010 elections exit polls the number one cocern was the economy, and I cant help but wonder if this was part of some strategy. Going into the midterm election, it is no shocker that the biggest concern for american was job, so what took obama so long to propose something like this? Will this really help the economy and increase jobs in america? What are the adverse effects from these contracts with the international community? So many questions go unanswered on this topic within this article. I think this is one example of the media dropping the ball. what you guys think? Did I miss information abou this? Well let me know what you think!
Dorothy Paul
Friday, October 8, 2010
Bush: Elites "Didn't Think I Could Read a Book, Much Less Write One"
On Thursday former President George W. Bush spoke about his life in the public and was quoted stating, "I have written a book. This will come as a shock to some of the elites. They didn't think I could read a book, much less write one." The book will be about the decisions he made while he was in office, giving the people an opportunity to "walk in his shoes" so to speak. Although the former President has been the subject of criticism by the Democratic party as well as his successor President Obama he declined any comments saying that "You're not going to see me out opining or offering my critique. Frankly, I don't think it's good for the country to have a former president criticize his successor." Bush also stated that he doesn't miss the limelight and that he has no desire to be in the press, on the news, or on television. However, the former President will be back in the spotlight once 1.5 million copies of his book hits shelves November 9th. There was one thing that Bush missed about being President, the dessert chef.
72,000 Checks Sent to the Dead
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/10/07/stimulus-checks-sent-dead/
I must say when I first saw the title of this article I was hooked before I even read the first line! My first thought was how could the Social Security Administration make such a mistake, as I began reading the article this become very clear. In February 2009 89,000 stimulus checks of $250 were sent out to dead as well as incarcerated Americans, this mistake was made because the checks were mailed before the SSA had the information on the deaths of 55,000 of the recipients. The other 17,000 checks were mailed because the SSA did not process the death records they had received. In May of 2009 another 17,000 checks were mailed to recipients who were incarcerated, but not all the payments were against the law. The spending of social-security funds not belonging to you is illegal but that didn't stop over half of the checks sent out from being taken, only 41,00 of the social-security payments were returned. The SSA didn't make any kind of provisions that would allow them to get the checks that were accidentally distributed, so out of the combined total of $22.3 million only $12 million were returned. Although the SSA was pleased that the majority of the funds were distributed properly the report received criticism from Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma. “This report highlights the broader problems with the Recovery Act itself,” said Coburn, in a statement. “At a time like now, when nearly $350 billion in waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government annually has been reported and our national debt closing in on $13.5 trillion, these findings represent the epitome of congressional stupidity and a total disregard for accountability."
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Chrissie O'Donnell won!
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/09/15/republicans.senate/index.html
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/09/15/republican-establishment-pledges-support-odonnell-infighting/
The consensus is clear. Chrissie O'Donnell"s victory was definitely unexpected and put the republican as well as the democratic party in a rather incorporable position. The democrats seem to feel like they have an advantage since the contender for the seat in congress will be O'Donnell ( since O'Donnell was a perennial candidate with no government experience and a history of personal financial problems); however, Democrats should be aware the consequences they may face with the republicans strategies to regroup and reunite with the tea party movement. Using these two sources linked above, it was interesting to see how two different media outlets covered the same story. CNN focused on the how her victory impacted the expected election turnouts and lack of collaboration between the Tea Party[ers] and the republican party. Fox new, on the other hand, discussed the strategies that would help strengthen the republican party and showed how the republicans responded to O'Donnell's win. Honestly, I was disappointed on the coverage on this story. I truly expected more detail on how they presumed O'Donnell's victory would have on the elections. I was expecting more details as to how this would effect the republican party and how they planned to deal with it. Also, since O'Donnell did face some rejection from the republican party, I wonder how she feel toward their proposals in campaigning. Especially since the Tea Party often times claim that they are not absolute republicans but more so a "group" to restore America back to its constitutional values. Anyways, Let me know what you think! Comments are welcomed! :)
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/09/15/republican-establishment-pledges-support-odonnell-infighting/
The consensus is clear. Chrissie O'Donnell"s victory was definitely unexpected and put the republican as well as the democratic party in a rather incorporable position. The democrats seem to feel like they have an advantage since the contender for the seat in congress will be O'Donnell ( since O'Donnell was a perennial candidate with no government experience and a history of personal financial problems); however, Democrats should be aware the consequences they may face with the republicans strategies to regroup and reunite with the tea party movement. Using these two sources linked above, it was interesting to see how two different media outlets covered the same story. CNN focused on the how her victory impacted the expected election turnouts and lack of collaboration between the Tea Party[ers] and the republican party. Fox new, on the other hand, discussed the strategies that would help strengthen the republican party and showed how the republicans responded to O'Donnell's win. Honestly, I was disappointed on the coverage on this story. I truly expected more detail on how they presumed O'Donnell's victory would have on the elections. I was expecting more details as to how this would effect the republican party and how they planned to deal with it. Also, since O'Donnell did face some rejection from the republican party, I wonder how she feel toward their proposals in campaigning. Especially since the Tea Party often times claim that they are not absolute republicans but more so a "group" to restore America back to its constitutional values. Anyways, Let me know what you think! Comments are welcomed! :)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Tax Cuts for the Wealthy Extended??
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/09/gibbs-bush-tax-cut-resolu_n_710749.html?ref=twitter
This article is interesting because during Obama's political campaign, one of the things he emphasized was the "redistribution of wealth"; on numerous occasions he said he would end tax cuts for the wealthy and redirect them to the middle class. So when I found this article on Huffington Post it caught my interest. This article has to do with the tax cut that the Bush administration had directed towards the wealthy and whether Obama would try to veto the tax cut out. The White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is disregarding the concerns with Obama's actions as "pointless" on whether he extends and declines the tax cuts. "Congress, he implied, is likely to pass the president's preferred package: an elimination of those cuts with an extension of the tax rates for those making less than $250,000" (Huffington Post).To the contrary, an ABC interview on Good Morning America, ABC, President Obama refused on four occasions to commit himself to vetoing on the legislation that would temporarily extend the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy -- leaving the impression that he could in the end be willing to keep rates in place for a short period of time. Seems to me something is going on. What's that about?? Obama backing down on his "promises"??
This article is interesting because during Obama's political campaign, one of the things he emphasized was the "redistribution of wealth"; on numerous occasions he said he would end tax cuts for the wealthy and redirect them to the middle class. So when I found this article on Huffington Post it caught my interest. This article has to do with the tax cut that the Bush administration had directed towards the wealthy and whether Obama would try to veto the tax cut out. The White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is disregarding the concerns with Obama's actions as "pointless" on whether he extends and declines the tax cuts. "Congress, he implied, is likely to pass the president's preferred package: an elimination of those cuts with an extension of the tax rates for those making less than $250,000" (Huffington Post).To the contrary, an ABC interview on Good Morning America, ABC, President Obama refused on four occasions to commit himself to vetoing on the legislation that would temporarily extend the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy -- leaving the impression that he could in the end be willing to keep rates in place for a short period of time. Seems to me something is going on. What's that about?? Obama backing down on his "promises"??
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Media Coverage On Flood In Afghanistan
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/09/08/pakistan.jolie/index.html
As everyone may know, Afghanistan has faced a huge devastation within its borders. I found this link of Angelina Jolie speaking about the tragedy that happened in Pakistan. The reason I thought this was a great link is because it does a great job in luring the public to become interested in certain news that they may have not been interested in otherwise. Also, I would like to mention that CNN did a great job with this link because once on the page there are links on the side panels that interested readers can click to receive more information on the events in Pakistan; choices range from what is going on in Afghanistan to links that accept donations. Overall I understand that the media have not been placing this in their headlines, but in reality, many people are not interested. With that being stated, I think this is a great example of the media doing what they can to influence.
Well, what you guys think? Am I absolutely wrong? or may I have a point? Either way tell me what you think! Thanx!
As everyone may know, Afghanistan has faced a huge devastation within its borders. I found this link of Angelina Jolie speaking about the tragedy that happened in Pakistan. The reason I thought this was a great link is because it does a great job in luring the public to become interested in certain news that they may have not been interested in otherwise. Also, I would like to mention that CNN did a great job with this link because once on the page there are links on the side panels that interested readers can click to receive more information on the events in Pakistan; choices range from what is going on in Afghanistan to links that accept donations. Overall I understand that the media have not been placing this in their headlines, but in reality, many people are not interested. With that being stated, I think this is a great example of the media doing what they can to influence.
Well, what you guys think? Am I absolutely wrong? or may I have a point? Either way tell me what you think! Thanx!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Guns GUNS and Guns!
Obama Administration Reverses Course, Forbids Sale of 850,000 Antique Rifles
For those who may not know, the South Korean government, in an effort to raise money for its military, wants to sell nearly a million antique M1 rifles that were used by U.S. soldiers in the Korean War to gun collectors in America.The Obama administration approved the sale of the American-made rifles last year. But it reversed course and banned the sale in March – a decision that went largely unnoticed at the time but that is now sparking opposition from gun rights advocates.
Why this matters? well, there is a possibility that the guns could "land in the wrong hands". Fox news reported that "The transfer of such a large number of weapons -- 87,310 M1 Garands and 770,160 M1 Carbines -- could potentially be exploited by individuals seeking firearms for illicit purposes," (Fox News.com).Most importantly, this trade off can, in future, impact the international relationship between Korea and the United States. Although the sale of the guns are destined to go in the hands of registered gun holders, the possibility of a "black market" forming in the sale of these historical riffles raises hug concerns. On another perspective, on the home front, some are arguing that the Obama administration is violating the publics right to bare arm."Gun rights advocates point out that possessing M1 rifles is legal in the United States -- M1s are semi-automatics, not machine guns, meaning the trigger has to be pulled every time a shot is fired -- and anyone who would buy a gun from South Korea would have to go through the standard background check" (Fox News.com).
While many people may not realize this peice of information significance, in the future depending on how it is handled may become a historical event. Although this information is not made national headline, I appreciate the coverage!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Welcome!
Hey my name is Dorothy Paul. This will be my first time using a blog so I'm going to be honest and state that I have no idea to what I am doing so please excuse me in advance for anything that I may do wrong! To begin I would like to display my current view of the media.
Overall, I think the media does a good job publicizing what matters. According to Bennett, the mass media has three functions: surveillance, interpretation, and socialization. Based on these three criteria, I think the media does a fairly good job. Now I understand that the media is not perfect but for the most part they effectively surveillance the news and sort what is newsworthy. Due to the "free press" we have in America, there is huge array of information available and people have options in regardless of one's position on any controversy. I am a American, but I have traveled international and I cannot help appreciate how free our press is! In many countries, bashing the president is unheard of, but in America, its done practically everyday and I love that!..Well not that president bashing, but the freedom of expression we have. Its not limited to public pleasing and not driven by the elite. Not to say that the media is not influenced. Most importantly, news in America is not censored and if one wants to find an article supporting an unpopular postion, it can be found.
In Summary, I hope my blog exemplifies that the media is competent and effectively provides Americans with information they need; noting that mass media includes : internet, radio, news paper and television.Well, anyways..Thank You for visiting my page! :)
Overall, I think the media does a good job publicizing what matters. According to Bennett, the mass media has three functions: surveillance, interpretation, and socialization. Based on these three criteria, I think the media does a fairly good job. Now I understand that the media is not perfect but for the most part they effectively surveillance the news and sort what is newsworthy. Due to the "free press" we have in America, there is huge array of information available and people have options in regardless of one's position on any controversy. I am a American, but I have traveled international and I cannot help appreciate how free our press is! In many countries, bashing the president is unheard of, but in America, its done practically everyday and I love that!..Well not that president bashing, but the freedom of expression we have. Its not limited to public pleasing and not driven by the elite. Not to say that the media is not influenced. Most importantly, news in America is not censored and if one wants to find an article supporting an unpopular postion, it can be found.
In Summary, I hope my blog exemplifies that the media is competent and effectively provides Americans with information they need; noting that mass media includes : internet, radio, news paper and television.Well, anyways..Thank You for visiting my page! :)
Muslims and the Ground Zero Debate
U.S. Muslims launch ad to fight 'fear-mongering'
August 30, 2010 12:00 p.m. EDT
Plans to build a Muslim community center in Lower Manhattan near ground zero have set off a fierce debate.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- A new group releases a commercial in response to the New York controversy
- The spot includes a wide variety of speakers talking about Islam and themselves
- The group behind the commercial officially launches it on Monday
They're all Muslims. And, they emphasize in a new online commercial that begins appearing this week, they're all Americans.
"I don't want to take over this country," the dozen-plus speakers say in the public service announcement. "I don't support terrorism."
The online video is an effort to fight back against "the rising tide of fear-mongering" resulting from plans to build a Muslim community center in lower Manhattan in New York, the group behind it said.
The project, called Park51, has come to be known as the "ground zero mosque," although it is two blocks from the site of the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Its supporters say it will include many other facilities in addition to a space for prayer.
The group behind the new commercial, "My Faith My Voice," describes itself as a "grass-roots effort by American Muslims from across the country," and says it has "no affiliation to any one organization or school of thought."
Video: Battle over Islamic center evolves 
Video: Dueling rallies over N.Y. center It officially launched the video Monday.
The group currently has no money to put the ad on television but hopes to raise funds to do so, it said at a news conference Monday. Asked who had funded the project, Hassan Ahmad, an immigration attorney who is part of the group, tapped his pockets and said, "Part of it is coming from my pocket and part of it is coming from donations."
A one-minute version posted on YouTube includes white, black and Asian speakers, young and old, in clothes ranging from hipster casual to Middle Eastern, with police and doctors' uniforms among them. Most of the commercial is in English, but it also includes a woman speaking Spanish.
CNN's Eric Marrapodi contributed to this report.
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So the controversy continues. Let me first start by stating that I have no position on this debate and I do have family that was directly effected by the attacks of 9/11. Second, i want to state that I understand, to some extent, why the controversy around the building of the Mosque on ground zero is so controversial. Millions of people died and til this day America is suffering from the effects of 9/11.I can relate to many Americans who would llike to place blame on a face; however the connections that are being made between Islam and terrorism is not being covered. People are relating the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 with the Islamic Religion. As Americans, we (mostly all) connect the bombing of the twin towers to the Islam faith. For me, this controversy highlights the perspective that plenty of people still have about the Muslim faith. For years now, people have been trying to defend and pronounce that Islam is not the enemy, but when something as simple as building a mosque ( a place of peaceful assembly), the mass media places it at its headlines.
Bennett said that "the media...is to help integrate and homogenize our society" so I cannot help but wounder what people's perpspective would have been without media coverage. Before the recent "exposure" of the Mosque, many people were indifferent about the situation.Although, there is an array of coverage around this debate, the general public tend to be easily swayed so what the media news selects and coverage needs to be cautioned; especially since people tend to accept things at face- value. As soon as the debate arouse in the media spotlight , it has been utter chaos. Like I stated, I understand why people are upset and disapprove with the mosque building, but I just think that its important to remember that America is notorious for being " a land of laws and not men". We do not govern with emotion but with reason.
In conclusion, the media coverage about the mosques has been to an extent sufficiently covered: linking Islam and terrorism serves faulty and can mislead the public, i think this article places some focus on how the "other guys" feel. The media has a variety of information out, it is the people's job to find them. I think this article puts into perspective what the Muslim Americans are feeling; after all they are Americans too.
That is all: Please Let me know what you think. :)
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