Reflection

   Media is a huge part of the American society and culture, and is slowly evolving and having a bigger impact across the globe. Whether it's social media, like Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, etc., or news outlets, like CNN, Fox, The New York Times, etc., all media platforms play a huge role in everyone's lives. Many forms of media exist, but are seemingly "invisible" or are "a part of our daily lives," even if we don't really notice them. For example, as I scroll through pictures on Instagram, I see and glance over many advertisements, even some that look pictures my friends would post, tricking the eye. That's the point. Media, in some cases, wants to be as unnoticeable as possible throughout sources or platforms that are mainly used by the teenage demographic. It's in that split second where we do that double-take and accidentally like a sponsored picture or click on an unknown URL that makes companies increasingly known. It's little tricks like that that catch us consumers off guard. However, this is not even the beginning of the several stunts advertisers have up their sleeves.
   After this semester, I have learned that there many little tricks and twists that go unnoticed throughout all mediums. This includes word choice and diction, tone, appeals, the advertisers use of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos, and so much more. To illustrate, big sports and athletic companies like Adidas and Nike use famous athletes to establish that common ground (Ethos), since these are people that many young athletes look up to. These companies are implicitly saying that you are not a good enough athlete, or even a athletic for that matter, but by buying Adidas or Nike gear, you can be. They set standards for young and aspiring athletes and make them feel less than, but these commercials make them think they're doing the right thing, for themselves and for their own personal improvement, by buying said products only because their favorite athletes use them or were featured wearing/using them. Those kinds of implicit messages touch on Pathos, which has to do with emotions towards something and images you associate with the company and their products. Because kids feel that their athleticism needs improvement or know they can be better by choosing these brands, they feel a connection to the product and the company and feel the need, then, to buy the products. This is what our country lives buy and runs on: manipulation and deception! It's just so sad that our world is run by these ideals and that we are so dumb and easily gullible that we get sucked into these shenanigans. I will admit, I have been persuaded to buy products, as most Americans do, but knowing what I know now will make me more aware of the digital world we live in.
   Once we began our unit, dove deeper into media, and observed and analyzed from a critical thinking perspective, I began to notice little things while watching TV, Youtube, or even going on social media. Like while watching a commercial for say Sprint, I would "dissect," in a way, the commercial and I would notice little things like the actors they used, the camera angles, the colors, who the company may be appealing to, and so on. In their most recent commercial, Sprint features a guy wearing an all black outfit, except for a bright yellow scarf. These are the colors of the compa

ny itself. Anyway, he began talking directly to the camera, as if talking directly to me or any other viewer. I knew this established Ethos, in that his tone was more personal and he was talking to me like a normal person would any other day, establishing common ground and credibility. Then, he mentioned how us viewers may remember him from Verizon or AT&T commercials, but he decided to switch to Sprint because of better coverage, rates, and prices. This interfered with the ethical pillars respect and citizenship. Implicitly, the company was degrading other cell phone companies, saying that "you shouldn't pay this much more for the same thing," or something along those lines. It was little things like that and other factors in advertising that I noticed and adapted into my life with social media.
   Now that I'm more aware and have opened my eyes to the many tempting, aesthetically-pleasing, yet deceitful elements of commercials, ads, and all other mediums, I will be able to spread the message on to others, and not be so gullible and vulnerable to advertisements. Now that I know the secrets of good marketing, I can go out into the world and "fight the power," and hopefully stray away from media for a while. I need some fresh air, because who knows what media will do next in this world. Who knows how far people will go to promote, fund, or buy a product? I predict the worst is yet to come. Media is just getting started.
 

A Patriarchal World

   Did you know that only 17% of Congress members are women? Or that only 34 women have served as governors, as opposed to 2319 men? These are a just few of many real statistics presented by the female voices in the film MissRepresentation. They presented eye-opening facts about our male-dominated world. Whether it's in movies and TV, or politics and news, women are continuously sexualized, stereotyped, and discriminated, while men get all of the praise, prowess, and power. But this doesn't just happen immediately. It all starts at a young age, for both boys and girls, when they see their first movie, play their first video game, get their first dolls or actions figures, and all the other sources of exposure.

   Throughout these mediums, men and boys are shown that they "have power" over women; that they can have them in the palms of their hands; that women are objects or are made for sex. For example, in some video games, female characters usually where something along the lines of a bikini or something that shows more skin than necessary, "selling" their bodies. Additionally, sometimes, one of the motives is to kill the women to win some prize. I only have one question: why? Why do video games portray women as evil, sexually pleasing, vulnerable, or a prize to be won? Why are these companies teaching young boys that they trample over women; that they have all the power; that women are only there to please them? Not only does this occur in video games, but also in movies, TV shows, news, and even politics.

   A good example of this is The Bachelor/Bachelorette. On The Bachelor, participants' main premise is to make the bachelor fall in love with them and choose them so they can move and potentially "win his heart," but they must do this by competing against one another. This show reinforces the idea that girls need to find their "Prince Charming," and that we need to compete against other women to do so. The Bachelorette has the same basic idea, but the roles are reversed in terms of who's looking for who. There is one bachelorette and her main focus is to fall in love with some guy. Same premise, different "protagonist." Another example of this appears in political news. During Sarah Palin's campaign, she was constantly sexualized and discriminated against. People called her a "ditz" or sexualized her looks into something made to please men. Some pictures of her were even shot between her legs, implying these same messages. It seems that the more power women get or at least try to achieve, the less respect they get. Like the women in the film stated, "people associate the worst aspects of power to women in power." Like when a female candidate argues or states something, the media calls it "complaining," while when men do the same thing, it's publicized as "so and so 'stated' this.

   These kinds of influences are the sort of thing that teach boys and young men that they have an advantage. Sometimes, this kind of exposure causes men to become rapists, human-traffickers, or be the culprit of dating or sexual abuse. All mediums need to start portraying women in a more accomplished and successful manner, focusing on their achievements and credentials, rather than their looks. We should not be teaching boys that they have all the power benefits, while teaching girls they have to subject to being treated like objects. This patriarchal world needs to learn to appreciated and accept women for being the strong, independent, hard-working, and equally human people they truly are.

"MissRepresentation" of Women

   Within the last decade (more than ever), women of all ages, races, body types, occupations, educational levels, and so on have been increasingly shamed, stereotyped, and used. Although we have made and are still making the gradual, treacherous journey to equal pay and equal treatment, it stills seems that women are still the victims of mistreatment. This is especially true throughout different media platforms, from social media to political news stories. We see many cases of women being sexualized and noticed only for their looks and outward appearance. Still, us ladies are being placed inside this mold based on a 1950s housewife, where all we're "supposed" to do is get married, stay home, cook, clean, and get dominated by our husbands. News flash, it's 2017!

   In the film MissRepresentation, our eyes are opened to the many factors in how the world sees women and how women are affected. What I expected to find out is that early on, girls are taught that their "value" is based on how you look, as if we're a painting up for sale at an auction and only the prettiest ones seem to be the most valuable & popular. What I didn't expect is that 53% of girls are unhappy with their bodies, which increases to 78% by the time we're 17. 53% of girls alone?! That's insane! By the looks of it, however, it's mainly how media has portrayed us over the last decade or so. For example, when women are put up against each other, ranging from reality TV to political races, the media always implies that its a "catfight." It's the same idea of being paintings at an auction: only the prettiest ones get picked, or in this case "win." 

   Another outlet of female discrimination is in movies. A new and more explicit term one of the women mentioned in the film was "fighting fucktoy" (excuse my language) This correlates to movies that feature seemingly strong, female superheroes who are independent, yet their "costume" is very revealing, making their character sexualized yet again. This kind of dehumanization not only tells girl that they are sexual objects, but also affects boys, in that they are focused on their boobs or their scandalous outfit rather than the character's ambition, drive, and strength. In addition, there is always the stereotypical "chick flick" character. This women has got her whole life together, but then she meets some guy and the plot develops into a story about her going through the ups and downs of dating and trying to win this guy over. Once again, this is reinforcing the idea that boys can easily "get" women and become the center of our universe, as well showing girls all they should do in life is meet some guy and live happily ever after.  

   Even though our society working towards gender equality, deep down ingrained in our roots is a patriarchal-driven world. As one of the women in the film put it, "Patriarchy is America's default setting." We were so close to changing that this past presidential election, but clearly the patriarchy is still deeply rooted in many people's brains. I'm hoping we can change the status quo drastically and value women for their accomplishments, not their bodies or looks.

"Merchants of Cool"

   Today, now more than ever, millennials seem to be the focus and target audience of all media platforms. Whether it's social media like Snapchat and Instagram or magazine ads/cover pages that have bright colors, eye-catching, large fonts, and/or celebrities we all recognize, we teenagers seem to be the center of attention in advertising. But, if I've learned anything from Frontline's Merchants of Cool, it's that some sources of media are falling behind, aren't up to date, or "decoolify" popular trends. If advertisers aren't doing that, they're trying to sneak ads and/or commercials into every nook and cranny of every publication possible, which admittedly gets really annoying.

   As a teenager who uses social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, I see companies publicizing their product, unnecessarily I might add, all throughout both. For example, sometimes while I'm scrolling through Instagram, I happen to come across a cute, aesthetically pleasing photo, so I like it, naturally. But, I realize that the picture was sponsored by a certain company or brand after the fact. These companies and brands are like our parents: they try to be cool getting the latest updates, apps, clothing, etc., but it only makes the product less "cool." It's kind of selfish and conceited of us teens to think that certain trends are solely for us to make us look "cool" or "popular" or a "trend-setter." However, in reality these are used by everyone else, including your parents, family members, and friends. There's no use in trying to look cool and unique when everyone is trying to do or liking the same exact things as you.

   But what is "cool"? It's hard to give it one definition when everyone has a different perspective on it depending on their interests and style. According to the advertisers in Merchants of Cool, "cool" means that you are ahead of the pack, a trend-setter. For me, it's not one specific definition or stereotype. I like to think that everyone has their version of cool. But, as I always like to say, "cool" is not in my mental dictionary. I'm not someone who's "trendy" or follows/praises Kylie Jenner over her new looks and interests. I just do me. And if people don't like that then....ok. You do you. That's what "cool" is to me. Not some pair of Air Jordan's, iPhone 7, or Kyle Jenner Lip Kit. People who love how they look and live and own it are the people that are the coolest to me. Whether you follow the latest trends or don't know the difference between Instagram and Facebook, it's how you rock it and own up to it that counts.http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/view/

We're Surrounded: A Christmas Overload!

   It's that time of year again! That time of overplayed Christmas songs we all belt in the car (admit it, you do it too), last minute gift shopping, and annual family get-togethers under the tree, whether you like it or not. But, what about the other holidays around this time of year? I know that Christmas is the holiday most celebrated all across the world and it's always fun to see the lights decorations all around the neighborhood. Heck, even I'll admit I love singing Christmas songs with some of my family members. But how about some holiday cheer for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa?!

   I think we can all agree that Christmas can sometimes be a little overrated around this time of year. It's always the same depiction, that it's all jolly and happy and that no one can be upset during Christmas. It's a day full of presents, family, and food. Yet, this isn't always what it's like for all families. Some people don't even have a family to celebrate with; don't have enough money for presents, decorations, etc.; or even like the holiday, let alone celebrate it. Especially now, Christmas overloaded with commercials about "saving big" on iPhones or other new technology for your teens or a new car or toys for the young ones. And to top it all off, the same holiday movies played every year, like A Christmas Story, Elf, and It's a Wonderful Life. Again, I'm all for these movies, but minorities need a little spotlight too. 

   Having said all of this, I am seeing more shows featuring Jews and shining light on Hanukkah other holidays (i.e. The Goldbergs), but what about in stores and/or on TV or across other forms of media? Heck, has anyone even heard a Hanukkah song on the radio or listened to a Hanukkah album? And what about Kwanzaa? Although we're both minority groups, that doesn't mean we don't exist. We deserve just as much advertising appeal and publication as Christmas, especially in the decorations department. All my life, while all the other kids were making Christmas wreath projects, I was the only one making a paper menorah to hang up in the house. Even all around the school, I was surrounded by green and red, and maybe one Jewish star if I was lucky. I never really saw any reference to Kwanzaa either. I felt that I was left out of something or that I needed to fit into something that I wasn't.

   From my perspective, that's all that Christmas commercials, songs, advertising, etc. do to those who are outnumbered by the masses. Companies use the need for affiliation to emphasize that "all kids need this new toy" or "you're not going to find deals like this anywhere else." In addition, advertisers use certain colors like red and green show that's these are during Christmas time and it's all about saving big for Christmas and blah blah blah. What about us? Where's the need for affiliation with Hanukkah and Kwanzaa?  Like adding a pop of blue and white or a Jewish star or drawing attention to idea of family and culture and lighting the candles for both Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. It would just be nice to get a little more attention around this time of year, you know.

"Feminism" in Magazines

   Losing weight; eating right; clothing; sex appeal. These are just a few of the many things women are used for across advertisements everywhere. This mostly occurs in magazines. Although many women today refuse to be thought of as objects, they still use photoshop, editing, and "attractive" tips about losing weight or exercising or even tips about sex/how to get a guy to like you. For example, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, an actress, dancer, and mother, can be seen to some women as inspirational for juggling her lifestyle while being a mom and staying fit. However, on front cover of Cosmopolitan, she is all done up, wearing a two-piece outfit, and posing with the caption "NEXT LEVEL SEX". Is this really what young men, women, and even moms should be seeing on the front page of a magazine?! Women these days "talk the talk," but never seem to "walk the walk." I'm not judging models or anyone who wants to show-off their bodies, I mean I'm all for body and self love. But when you're someone's idol and young girls look up to feminist or just inspirational women, they need to see that women aren't just used as props or a marketing technique to draw you in. 

   I was at target the other day and I happened to pass by the rack of magazines in front of the register, including the one with Jenna Dewan-Tatum on the cover. I counted maybe twelve magazines with women on the front, five of which were about the typical female cover (as I mentioned earlier), about three on women's scandals/private lives, and the rest were miscellaneous. Only a few I saw actually pictured strong, beautiful, joyful women who weren't looking to be in the news, make a cover story, or share the same "tips and tricks" that magazines believe all women want read about. Times are changing and media needs to catch up. There needs to be more women on covers who aren't photoshopped or in sexy or revealing outfits. I know this generation is slowly on its way to that point, but it's still kinda off to a rough start. I just wish that these female icons and influences would follow the tips and advice they give to others not only through media, but even through magazine covers and headlines. Women and young girls need to actually see the women and young girls of today who inspire them. Not the photoshopped, picture perfect Barbie dolls they see on TV or in magazines. 

New Covergirl Model, James Charles, is Changing the Game

   There has been a change, or more like an upgrade to the system: James Charles! James is the new Covergirl spokesmodel and a beautiful and wonderful one at that. "Isn't he a boy?" you may ask. Yes, he is. But, now more than ever, a lot more men are getting into make-up and creating make-up tutorials. This most likely in partnership with the popular drag queen and king culture of today. "But what is a guy doing in the newest Covergirl ad?" Well, James was discovered this past year when he did his make-up for his senior portraits, which he slayed, and was discovered once he posted said pictures on Instagram. Now, James' career is just taking off. You can currently see him in the newest Covergirl commercial, featuring Covergirl regular Katy Perry. 

  James was chosen for his talent and artistry. It's not about gender anymore. It's more about the face of the company and the message that company's trying to send. Covergirl is trying to reach out to both men and women who enjoy and live off of doing make-up and cosmetics. They're trying to appeal to make-up artists in general, aspiring and already famous. Covergirl is using this new direction and message of equality to give their company an edge over the competition. By using this newly discovered face of make-up, no pun intended, they can reach a wider, more progressive audience than any other cosmetics brand. However, there are some pros and cons in their marketing techniques. 

   Covergirl's new direction is "equality." Yet, they still feature women and use them as their focus. That's not really gender equality. Although, they do feature many women of different skin tones, which very much racial equality. In addition, James' voice is the main voiceover of the entire ad, which is the voice you'll remember and associate with the product. Overall, Covergirl gets the idea. At least this company is more progressive than other cosmetic brands. They're actually trying something new and of this time. It's time for other companies to step up their game. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS_wDhnxSmE