The Future of Media

As we are entering this digital world, most media outlets are in a frenzy. The digital world has changed everything. We no longer need a paper to know the news. We no longer need a book to read. Everything can be done by a tablet or by computer. Newspapers are dying slowly, music is behind on digital, movies, and videos can be streamed online. Countless of revenues  are declining as advertising is looking at the internet as there number one customer. Well, for one thing ads on the internet is way cheaper than on print. So where does it lead us? is there a solution or not to this growing problem?

There is no doubt that the internet is part of our lives. Maybe the media can embrace the internet by working together. Cloud computing is a good example. Microsoft and apple are working ways to improve their soft ware by using the internet as their source of network.The future of media is always a big question because as they evolve, we evolve also.

I hate to say but America is falling behind in technology. Sure, we may have tablets and things like that but China, Japan, Korea all have better technology device and sources. There internet is much faster than ours which means they are a step ahead.  As a country who strives on technology, we need to be number one.

Media as a Bank

News itself has be replaced for sensational news.  News that do not really matter to the world but lately everyone seems to love this type of news. No longer are people interested in Wars, political issues or social issues. They are more interested in Balloon boy, Casey Anthony’s 1st interview and among other things. In most cases, people are want to give them a publicity. Take balloon boy for example. It was all fake but yet Americans were glued to their TV, even people believing there story.

My question is why do the public pay so much attention to this kind of stuff? Do they actually believe that a boy was actually in the balloon? give me a break. It was even worst when they are on the news explaining themselves why they did it but we still watch them.

I think these people use media has a way to get money or to become famous. I mean they are getting alot of cash just sitting there being interviewed. For example, the Casey Anthony case. She wants at least a million dollars for the 1st interview. It’s really terrible  how she sets the price but doesn’t not mourn the lost of her daughter. The way I see it, media is like an atm bank. You just have to pull something crazy and you can rank as much cash  there willing to give you.

Commercials do make a difference

You never think of commercials as being important as the show. I mean it’s only 30 seconds then it goes back to regular programming. The commercials are great because they’re funny, annoying, cool and kinda like your mini-news but I sometimes feel that commercials are not being diversified in terms of casting.

I was eating at a Mexican restaurant when I noticed they had a T-mobile commercial in Spanish. Same concept but to my surprise, the cast was very light skin, close to being white Mexicans. No, there’s nothing wrong with that but not all Mexicans are white and it is the same for the American version; not all Americans are white. It was very interesting because as more ads came up, there was not a single tan, dark or whatever you want to call it Mexican guy or a woman.

I was just wondering about this because I have to ask myself, is the idea of a white Mexican the image nowadays. What I mean is, are we instilling the images that white is pure, good, cleaver, the good guy even on a international level? We do it on movies and television but I would think commercials would be different. It is something to think about, next time your watching.

The Gender Wars

For centuries, the “ double standard” has always been brought up in many conversations and debates in my life. It’s nothing new for some people. Some people even say “well, that’s how it is”. Hell, I even say it. What I don’t understand and what most people do not get is where it originated from. Culture, maybe, parents, yes, media, definitely.

One of the arguments that still run in people’s mind is that men are called “gigolos” and women are called “prostitutions”. Same meaning BUT one is more negative than the other. So, why is it that women are called sluts, ho’s, whores and men are called players and pimp. One may never know, but I do have a theory. As long as I have been living, women from all parts of the world are seen as mothers. Women represents warmth, love and care. They give birth to children. They show compassion. I believe that’s why men say,” she’s a slut” or women say, “she should have class”. Since we have this image of women, society tells us that they should not act like this but is acceptable for a man.

I agree, I am a women. We do represent warmth, love and compassion. I believe that women should have morals and class but then again that’s just me. People will make their own decisions and suffer the consequences. “…boys would be gone without warmth of a woman’s good heart”—John Mayer

Californian Soldiers Death Toll

The war on Iraq and Afghanistan has passed the 10-year mark. 2001 was the year that changed America forever. As you know, this was the year that marked the war but it was also the year that America was attacked. It affected many lives in the past and is still affecting us, today.

As I’m reading the LA Times, I scroll down to find a column dedicated to the soldiers who have died for this country. Many of them are really young. They range from 19-25. Most of them are single and some are also married. As I read their small bio, I can’t help but wonder what their love ones are feeling.

As I look at their faces, all I see is bright, brave, wonderful soldiers who are fighting for our country and fighting for freedom. I have many friends that are involved in the military and I am always worried that if I type their last name, a page will come up on the section. I commend our soldiers but they need to come home.

Total Death Count : 4472 +

http://antiwar.com/casualties/

Tuition Goes Up, The Value of Education Goes Down

I received an email yesterday from Dr. Harry Hellenbrand from Cal State Northridge explaining that the tuition fee will be increased about 12% more for the fall and expecting to rise in the spring semester. Furthermore, the letter explains how CSUN’s cost is 25% lower than peer institutions across the nation.

I found it interesting because this week in class, we were talking about the value of education and I quote one student asking the professor, “what is the logic behind taking money from education”. I asked myself that question every semester since 2007.

Education is always in a crisis. It is always the scapegoat of all problems. The first thing the government pulls out is education. What I do not understand is the fact that they (THEY, meaning president Obama, government, Board of “trustees”) wants us to graduate and have a future but they pulled out so much money from our system. How can we put money back into this state when you are blocking our way to get an education and put it into good use?

I have many solutions to this problem:

1)   TAX THE RICH!!!

2)   Cut the Board of “trustees” salary, they make more than what is expected

3)   “CUT from the top, not from the bottom”

These solutions may seem a long shot, but there are ways to save the education system.

And Justice for All

Today, I just read that Humberto Leal has been killed by lethal drugs on Thursday for rape and slaying a 16 year old girl in Texas. The US supreme court has turned an appeal to spare his life that the Obama administration and Mexico supported. It was voted as 5-4.

The 16 year old girl was drunk and was under the influence of cocaine. Leal volunteered to take her home. The next morning, her body was discovered. Leal apologized for his actions and said, “I take full blame for everything. I am sorry for what I did”.

I am so glad this person received the death penalty because the girl’s family received justice and peace. Yes, I agree she shouldn’t be drinking and being under the influence of cocaine BUT her life shouldn’t be taken. In my opinion, if you took a person’s life away, then the state had the right to take you’re life right away too. There should be no excuses. Justice for all!