Media Soilders

What is war? Do we really know? War to me is ugly and never really justified. Many of us only know of war, myself included from what we see in the media and what we read in the history books. But whose history are we learning, only that of America or of the world? As mentioned in our text in chapter 6 our ideas of war are plagued by movies like Rambo, showing one side of history, making our enemies look like savaged demons. Last I checked it takes two to tango. Before 9/11 Bush and his administration were warned of terrorist attacks; however, those warnings were arrogantly ignored. After the attack CNN and many news stations feed us the mission of conquering Osama in Afghanistan, the next thing we hear is the hanging of Hussein. WHAT!? I’m no genius but did America go totally off course? While I won’t cry for Hussein because he met his faith, I am still distraught that nearly 9 years later we are still watching babies loose their mothers and fathers; we are still witnessing children leave the earth before their parents at a rapid rate. Let’s not also forget that more of Iraqi children have died since this war; some part of the war holding rifles bigger than them and others merely living out their childhood. Who wins the war? I can’t help but feel nobody is a winner; too many lives were lost and will be lost for there to ever be a winner, shall we count the dead bodies to tally a score perhaps? While I am hopeful that President Obama will bring this war to a close, I wonder if we have yet learned from our past mistakes. In the famous words of Marvin Gaye Perhaps "War is not the answer". This war has gone on for too long while Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan's love affairs plague our news stations; surely those dying for our freedom deserve more press cover. CNN does its best but are we really interested in those dying overseas when we can find out the latest beef between Beyonce and Etta James?

"Exploring Media: Digital Photo Album"

My Life as a Seventh Day Adventist



The one thing in my daily life that has remained constant over the years is my faith. Although my practice as a Seventh day Adventist is one aspect of my existence it affects many areas of my daily life. The pictures I have chosen illustrate how my religion impacts my day to day life and my learning outcomes outside of school.

Family worship is very important in my family, although we all have very busy lives my mother makes sure that at least once a week on Friday’s we gather together to welcome the Sabbath. When I was younger my mother and father would make sure to wake up myself and 5 other siblings around 6 o’clock for prayer to start the day. This was something I was too young to appreciate but now having the family all together every Friday is one of the many memories I cherish. This aspect of my life teaches me the importance of family as a safe base to learn from each other and communicate.

Every Friday I prepare a Sabbath meal, iron my clothes and make sure to get everything ready before the sunset. Even scheduling my classes at McGill have to be taken into consideration because once the sunsets on Friday I must be prepared to welcome the Sabbath. During my Sabbath hours (Friday sunset to Saturday sundown), I abstain from watching television, or using my computer and this observance is called my day of rest to show my appreciation to God for keeping me safe during the week. I used to believe that I lost a good two days of studying on the weekend because of my Sabbath but I now can appreciate that the time I spend resting rejuvenates me for the work I have ahead. The Sabbath teaches me to take time to enjoy life away from the fast paced world.

My faith influences the music I listen to, the food I eat and even the books I read. Although I listen to R&B, Reggae, and Pop music, I especially appreciate Gospel music because I am always reminded to carefully guard my mind with positive messages. Although my parents are completely Vegetarian I am not; however, my faith practices do influence the foods I eat. I do not eat pork, lobster, shrimp and several other listed foods in the Bible. My Bible teaches me about the importance of healthy eating habits. My favourite book is the “Holy Bible”, in fact my family’s most prized possession is the Bible my mother's father gave her that was his father’s; it is especially precious because both of them are dead and yet this book will live to teach for many generations to come. The Bible is my favourite book because it teaches me many things I need to know to live a fulfilling life.

Every Saturday I coordinate morning activities and teach classes for the children at my church. This is something I truly enjoy and having the opportunity to share my beliefs with the youth in my church and be a role model for them gives me a satisfaction beyond any material gains. Through working with these youth I learn how to become a better teacher.

Painting is a hobby that I really enjoy, my most favourite things to paint from are God’s creation and I take advantage of being outdoors especially in the summer to become inspired. On the wall in my living room is my favourite prayer about accepting life as it comes and making an impact on the world for the better where I can, I believe it is through this prayer I seek to become a great teacher.

We are what we see?

Media Literacy, Chapter 30 "Buying and Selling Culture" by Quail et al, discusses the impact of talk show contents among consumers. I was very intrigued by this topic because I frequently watch talk shows, such as Oprah, Maury, and Dr. Phil. In fact I have gone out on many occasions during one of Oprah's book club shows to glance at some of the books she has recommended. It is extremely evident the amount of power Oprah has as a leader within our society, just take a look at her open support for President Obama and the response of her audience. This questions however; "the effects that these shows have on home audiences' psyches, relationships and careers" (p.353). We are entertained by these shows but we are also giving back to these shows and their advertising agencies. These shows are able to reach thousands of people within 1 hour, also creating thousands of consumers for their products. In fact the way in which many of these shows are set up appeal to our desires, needs and wants. Celebrities create the loyal platform and appeal for us to buy these products often equating status with many of their brands. Quail et al, claim they make us believe that a problem exists and then slap us with the solution that we must have to lead happier lives (Dr. Phil's self help books). Creating a panic also works as well "while quantities last" (p. 356) hence the illusion that everybody has this need and we have to make sure we get this happy pill. I agree that I am a loyal audience of Oprah and trust that whatever she puts her name to is well thought of and worth buying, however; I am able to make educated consumer choices beyond Oprah's options and I believe that while they have the media power we are the consumers that choose to keep them on top.