Media Studies

Throughout this media study blog while using Tumblr as a medium, I learned many different things both on positive and negative sides. But before all that, I want to just explain how much I enjoyed the project. As difficult as it could be, I felt as if I had more flexibility to work with compared to other projects. Plus, the topics covered and questions asked for each log were interesting and fun to work with.

To communicate my ideas through more than just an essay conveyed both emotion and a flashy look to gain attention. I loved being able to find pictures, links to websites, gifs and videos to convey my topics and opinions.

You could say things were :

 Not only that but tumblr allow for the change of font, design, color and overall feel of each post. A main advantage of using this app, in comparison to writing a text on paper or typing into a word document, Tumblr was accessible almost everywhere, on computers and as well on phones. Additional editing could be done through my phone like coloring and font change, and the main amount of work done on a computer. The effectiveness of each post was strong, as all of the design components made for entertaining content

Disadvantages were approached along side each media log. Some became more work and resulted in a less entertaining image to the viewer, while others had great amounts of work put into them and would recieve good feedback.

The timing on each media log varied depending on the subject but this made for some very strong posts and some weak ones. Sometimes my drafts would not post due to weak internet and others simply couldn't load because the Tumblr server would be overused. I found that some of my links won't load in my posts and some pictures were deleted, overall the most problems came from the Tumblr website itself and the internet used. 

Regardless of the disadvantages I found Tumblr to be a very fun and efficient way of blogging, I was able to communicate ideas effectively through sources, images and more, and it was accessible to me at almost every moment for last minute editing.  I would say that Tumblr is a very effective app for blogs, rants, discussion posts and other things related to topics explored in our media logs. I would love to use it again.

 Using this medium to shape my work has helped me see the potential in online media presentation and graphic design. It has turned some of my work into entertaining posts and proud pieces of art and provides great meaning to my generation, my age culture and parts of my everyday life.

Cash me outside bitch. Howbow dah?

One of the 21st century's most ridiculous moments turned meme is when in 2016, 13 year old Danielle Bregoli was featured on Dr. Phil for the segment "I Want To Give Up My Car-Stealing, Knife-Wielding, Twerking 13-Year-Old Daughter Who Tried To Frame Me For A Crime". Already, this girl sounds like an absolute joke, but I mean it when I say her story gets better. The idea that social media, rap music, unhealthy habits and role models had claimed young Bregoli's life fully transformed her into a television ready freak show, Her mother wanted to give up Danielle as a child and resorted to Dr.Phil as a last resource.

After a bit of bantering between Phil and Bregoli, the audience laughed at her tone and temperament which sparked her famous catchphrase “Catch me outside bitch, how about that?”(which when said with her Florida cross with gangster mashup accent sounds like “Cashme ousside, howbow dah?”). This incredibly false persona, followed with terrible acting in a manor some see as racist and others as innapropriate, was only blown up out of proportion as a social media sensation, and now as a famed rapper, Danielle seems to be getting the last laugh. But regardless of her story, what does this specific meme represent to the internet world? How do netizens view Danielle's statement, and in what ways in this meme typically used?

Starting off with the deconstruction of the word meme, we begin with its 2 main defiitions:

Meme noun

1. an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture

2. an amusing or interesting item (such as a captioned picture or video) or genre of items that is spread widely online especially through social media

So basically a meme is a “funny” that netizens share with each other, sometimes they can be used as a form of communication and lastly as trolling devices. Types of memes can exist with or without any captions and in most cases can be used in any scenario.

Memes can also be used as reaction images posted in some kind of a reaction to other memes or posts. Reaction images help bring netizens together on a topic or empathize with others in the same scenarios as themselves.

So where does our dear Miss Bregoli fit into this meme scheme, and how is her message being used across the internet world? Her outwardly and bossy attitude works along an almost embarrassing image to everyone outside of her culture, and in most cases, fits into the “trolling” category of images used for online and social media purposes. She is a prime example of what leaving a spoiled and privileged 13 year old to her own devices can do, and in most memes, acts as the poster child for the person everyone “wouldn't want their child to be”.

Rude,

Aggressive,

Or just plain stupid.

Whether in an image or in a quote, when somebody mentions "Catching them outside" we know that it is to refer to a low class, cocky and arrogent unrespected place, it's referring to young Miss Bregoli who decided so early to become one of the internets greatest embarrassments. The Macluhan aphorism explored much earlier in my blog covers the area surrounding the circumstances that created Danielle Bregoli. Macluhan quotes:

"We shape out tools and afterwards, our tools shape us."

Francis G. Johnson.

Better known as Gjohnce on his Youtube Channel and website. Known as...? Known for...? The rap artist, lifestyle coach and fashion designer based in Portland Oregon seems to advertise...himself...displays as some kind of self promoter, posting ominously motivational and confusing videos containing random subjects, awful filters and absurdist qualities. 

Whatever his messages are, they surround the genre of advertising, their main intention is to be heard. Advertising is “the promotion of company products and services, carried out to drive up sales. It is also done to build a brand identity, communicate changes in old products, or introduce new product/services to the customers”(source here). Advertisements can be up front or hidden about their message but each one has a direct intention. Through both subliminal messages and blatant advertising, Mr. Johnson is working to create videos containing and advertisin his brand and website, Gjohnce through things like iconography, structure and more. 

Whether he is actually serious or not is more up to question but in general, this man is an advertising anomaly.

Although seeming random, the structure at which he forms his videos has a motivational and positive tone, resulting in either an attempted joke, an inspiring action or some kind of brave go-getter. They contain positive rap lyrics, upbeat music and colorful filters, overdubbed sound quality and many more wondrous  components to help further his advertising aura. He is shown being interviewed and treated like some kind of role model by whoever is working the camera like in the videos below.

To further promotion of his brand Mr. Johnson says the name of his website, himself and, occasionally, subliminally embeds it in the music like that in the video above. Another common symbol he frequently showcases is his beautiful font G which acts as a symbol for his brand.

Gjohnce works along a self help theme, working to inspire his audience to buy his curriculum. Promoting self help courses leading to create lifestyles for gendered people of certain age groups and stereotypes, Francis, I believe, works to make just about any kind of curriculum he can at seemingly affordable prices. His website only contains videos of himself and even more...rather unusual....posts.

And last but not least, his website. Have fun fellas. 

The topic I have chosen to explore is women's rights, the lack of rights freedoms, feminism and the difficulties of being a woman in modern society. To combat the lack of attention going into helping women in need, I would launch an organized campaign titled “Hidden Women”. We would work to help those identifying as a woman and struggling through life with problems linked to their gender identity .

Its directive goals would be to provide support economically and socially, to provide care and attention to those suffering as a woman or from negativity typically directed at females globally. This could mean food services, housing options or health providers. The program would work introduce and connect companies to clients in need. Hidden Women would as a reception/operators helping direct phone numbers and emails to services that might fit them best close to their location.

We would help to provide safe spaces for clients to use our facilities, open clinics, hostels, closed and secure cell lines, and direct those needing psychiatric support. We would target women of all ages and races struggling in households or countries of abuse, extreme violence, religious or sexist offenders and of course, from aggressive men. We would encourage equality and help teach both men and women the proper respect needed.

Using platforms like Youtube, Facebook and Instagram, Hidden Women would launch communication posts and information on local help agencies for those suffering in domestic abuse. With up to date positive messages and affirmations, the campaign would not only raise awareness but help move forward a movement of feminist pride and aid.

Starting with our Youtube plan, we will shoot and launch weekly episodes with firsthand stories from survivors of abuse, and how they found safety and refuge whether through our or have used us to get connected with the programs they need. Through Youtube Interviews and monologue videos, live chats, comment sections and more, we plan to get connected with more women in need, and help them get the services they need.

Our Facebook page would be in contact with all help lines needed to talk about or direct issues of assault, abuse and violence, as well as services for sexual and general health It would be an active and interactive approach to keeping women updated on feminist news, breakthroughs.

The Hidden Women Instagram page would be an open sharing space as well for stories of abuse women have faced whether in their country or within their own household. With a closely managed comment section to prevent outside negative influences the public may have, as the page will not be private. Positive affirmations and messages will be posted in order to lift viewers spirits.

Regarding the New York Times article reviewed in my English class (link here), I have strong thoughts against the proposal of regulating the internet more than we do currently. The opinion of a hypothetical situation where the Canadian government were to introduce a federal law to regulate the internet is negative to me because of the major steps that would need to be taken to efficiently minimize content exposure. 

The feasibility of regulating the already 3.2 billion people who use the internet (reference here) would mean that almost half of our entire population would be directly monitored and restricted access from certain subject media. I cannot think the outcome would be as positive wanted, because the relationship made between technology that uses the internet involves open and free speech, education and information, artistic expression and so much more. If one were to begin regulating half of the population, there would need to be hundreds and thousands of workers operating at max capacity. Some would even be regulating themselves or others they know due to the large amount of people. The cost would be exponential.

 If one were to regulate something as expansive as the internet with its ever-changing forms, they might censor content that doesn't necessarily need to be regulated or was interpreted in the wrong manner ex. Satire, pornography, pop culture and Dada.

 Having a regulation that targets material supporting or displaying terrorism,violence, encouraging suicide, disinformation, cyber bullying, and inappropriate material that is available to children would exclude, needless to say, a lot of information. The general public's access to mature subject matter for informative and educational purposes helps to teach students of historical landmarks, however gruesome they may be. 

Access to professional help and connection to those suffering in pain across nations helps bring the internets community together, and though difficult concepts may be addressed.  Addressing any negativity to try and create a standard for what's morally right can happen when there is an unregulated internet. When regulating them only suppresses the bad actions from the general public's eye, it can create a sense of secrecy and create distrust between governments and public.The problems in a country may not be addressed due to the uncomfortable nature of the topics. I think the for the internet to be regulated, there needs to be a group consensus amongst the users to agree on what needs to be regulated and with 3.2 billion very different people, that's a long shot.

Razor blade. A flat piece of metal with a sharp edge typically used in a safety razor. Used for shaving hair, can be used to remove dried paint and dirt from windows and hard to get areas, scraping mediums for a flat finish, and sadly, in the last hundred years, a tool for self harm and an image of depression.

The popularity of images of self harm and razor blades among social media platforms like Instagram and Youtube is typically used as a coping mechanism to “connect” with others going through their own traumas and to validate their has depression. These easily accessible tools are damaging not only the children and youth who use them for self harm, but the reputation of the device itself. To even say the full word aloud would make some uncomfortable as it has become a trigger.

Self harm has become a very unhealthy coping mechanism for individuals dealing with pain, it has made words like cut, knife, and razor symbolize a very different thing in the minds of those hearing it. Hashtags and pages on platforms like Tumblr and Instagram are dedicated to the acceptance, exploration, conversation and pity of those going through self harm really don’t make the scenario only better, but publicizes the acceptance that these habits exist. 

Youtuber Katie Morton answers a question “Why stop self harming if it helps?” in asking, does it really help? Does it really make the problem go away?" Many of the questions asked shows that many going through the troubles of self harm don’t know the damage it causes and have little information on what they are actually doing to their psychology. Self harming, depression and anxiety are more common ground for teens to connect emotionally than ever, and it is glorified in a way creating a whole culture behind something that is driving people to suicide.

However glorified it can be, it is still regarded as a very negative form of self help that doesn’t actually lead to help, or the problem being solved. Psychologists and psychology websites try to provide the best they can for patients suffering in this. There are many YouTube videos explaining the dangers of self harm and how to get help. In schools and hospitals there are pamphlets that can be found regarding suicide, self harm, self help and depression. The rest of the world makes great efforts to help those suffering in these conditions, and try to explain the true damage, debunk myths ad bring an end to the self harming culture. The hegemony of ideals set and set to come work towards eliminating this problem from the masses it affects, and though it will take time, the future brings promise for those going through depression to avoid these habits all together.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/how-be-yourself/201610/self-injury-4-reasons-people-cut-and-what-do : Self harm and what to do about it

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/truth-about-self-harm : Psychology behind self harm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfEkEo1IXGU : Cutting /symptoms of self harm

In the links below I have included sources, some videos about self harm and those who have gone through as well as a nasty video of Demi Lovato talking about her experiences of cutting using long, romantic and vivid descriptions, also containing triggers. Make judgments however you please.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVq-sLFu6M4 : Demi Lovato on cutting

https://www.sunrisertc.com/truth-about-cutting-and-self-harm/ : Self harm realities

This McLuhan quote applies greatly to the growing forms of media the most recent generations have gone through. From 1973 until modern day, some of the world's most brilliant technicians and engineers have worked to perfect creating a globally accessible communication device, which happens to be a cell phone, one of the strongest tools also shaping youth today.

The process of the cell phone, ipods, and ipads, have evolved to better fit as tools in our everyday lives for sources of information, telecommunication, photography, GPS, email, video, and basically all the things a high tech computer can do and more.

However, to the children growing up watching youtube videos and being exposed to netflix through a blue light screen before they can talk, cell phones have become a tool that is used to shape their life, and has negative effects. Studies show that the EMF through which we send our phone signals in has the possibility to increase cancer, neurological effects, developmental disability effects, in toddlers as the skull is still incomplete and the brain is developing.  Not only that, but the tool first made for communication and intellectual uses is now used as bribery for some parents to get their children to sit still, stay quiet on a long car ride, or distract them from more pressing matters. To toddlers and young children these can damage the parts of a child's life that needs growth. Children need social stimulation as well as physical stimulation and when using a two dimensional screen they are not learning and experiencing that which they might outside or with physical item. Studies also show that children who use Smartphones at ages to develop communication problems at ages 3 and further into ages 5 and 6. Doctors have worries that it may damage a child's attention span, and appetite control.

A 2014 study by UCLA’s Children’s Digital Media Center states that the limited amount of social interaction created by the interference of mobile devices becomes lower and is damaged due to the lack of face-to-face interactions. Without learning and understanding facial expressions, the skills that help children to succeed in life becomes limited. Catherine Steiner-Adair, Harvard clinical psychologist explains that children need time to daydream, to escape anxiety, better explore themselves and to help find identity through the process of their thoughts and when on smart phones or devices, they're not doing any of that. When regarding any type of tablet for media device, it's common to see how strongly they can take over one's life and influence many of the actions they take into their future.

Media Log 1. 

Listen.... I know we all get the blab about social media and all that but....sometimes it really is just good practice to check yourself and see how much you have been absent from reality lately! For myself, compared to what I think is the average highschool student.... I use media less! I try to not be on my phone for any long period of time, I am not the best reader which disables me from keeping attentive to long boring novels... and I limit most of my media input to music! In ten years....maybe I might start using media a little more than now, as reading, understanding difficult and other forms of media will be beneficial for the life I want to lead. But who knows really on that one! Future is the one thing I cannot predict.