Question 3:Ch 11 Topic

I enjoyed reading the end of chapter 11, which is the section concerning the ethical issues with media and how to become a more responsible communicator. Personally I've had an interest in the film industry for a while, especially with documentary film making. I believe that in taking such a direction as a career would definitely be successful if my foundation was in communication. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the ethical issues of truth, accuracy, and fairness when it comes to dealing with the media. This last section of the chapter reminds everyone to be mindful of gender and race equality, avoid stereotyping, and check facts. The book also talks about the importance of expanding on media intake. Looking into new sources and being open to challenging ourselves with complexity in media is essential for evolving. And the last point that I found most interesting was American's tendencies to consume products even when they find them offensive. The magazine, National Inquirer, for example, is still being published because people buy it. So it's silly to blame media for everything, when we continue to "egg them on" so to speak. Overall this chapter brought a lot of great points to my awareness.

Q 2: Marshall McLuhan

I do agree with Marshall McLuhan's concept that "the medium is the message." In other words I believe he is basically saying without the "sender" nothing can be received. I look at each form of media as a sender, and each and every viewer as the receiver. The information is what the individual is receiving, and that is the message within each form of medium. What McLuhan is referring to about "cool medium" makes me think of that "image" of television that many people in America strive so desperately to be like. The next "American Idol" television show for example, goes through millions of people each year. It's the search for that perfect, effortless look, presence, and sound. In the midst of it, we watch sooo many different types of people try to fulfill this criteria, or at least try to get their 15 minutes of fame, when really, someone should have done them a favor and tell them that they might want to head in a different direction. Television is really such a distanced medium from the viewer, especially today. And yet so many people form some sort of relationship with either the practice of watching it or even a vicarious and somehow life fulfilling relationship with people they will never meet i.e. celebrities. I think it is important to stay connected with the media in order to stay updated on current events and gain information from reliable sources. Unfortunately, as media tends to become more and more skewed, it is very important to look to the most credible sources, and still be discerning of what messages are most truthful and logical. In regards to television as a cool medium, it's important to look at who keeps their credibility, and gives fact, instead of just "looks nice on tv." This way we avoid the superficiality of "cool television."

Question 1:Cyberspace Peeps

I can't say that I have ever made friends with anyone over the internet. I've never participated in chat groups or anything like that before, because I usually equate chat groups with scary stories of girls getting abducted by creeps they met online. Or I think of Kip from the movie Napolean Dynamite, who "chats online with babes all day," which was hilarious in the movie but is not something that has ever been on my to do list. The closest thing I've experienced to a relationship that wasn't formed around face to face interactions would be a long distance phone relationship with a man I met and hung out with for a few hours the day before he went back to his home in Hawaii. But frankly, I find it odd and a little sad if people choose to make friends on the internet. I mean I guess if some people find it fulfilling then that's great for them. Instant messaging, skype, facebook, and other networking sites can be useful, but with people that I've actually met in person. Plus I also try to spend the least amount of time possible on the computer if I can. I just really enjoy meeting people and making friends organically and letting relationships happen on their own instead of seeking them out. Especially not electronically. It's almost like having an imaginary friend. Because who knows what that real person is even like, he or she might as well be made up.

Technology Etiquette

Talking about technology etiquette is like opening a can of worms for me. Just sitting here in front of this screen for extended periods of time drives me crazy. More importantly, addressing the over usage of technology, especially with children drives me up the wall. Not only the lack of usage but the lack of manners used in addition is something I see almost every day. Of course I'm guilty of letting that technology zombie state get a hold of me many times. But watching my little sister obsess over facebook, or seeing my 6 and 7 year old cousins fight over a ipad almost every day of vacation in Hawaii makes me nutty! When I was a kid, less than a decade ago, I was outside all the time and it was such a rare occasion that I'd ever sit in front of the computer or TV. Now this is only addressing the over usage of technology by children, not to mention the manners or lack of that comes with handling such "commodities." I've noticed numerous times theres a certain attitude and edge that arises is many children when it comes time to put down the nintendo or ipod etc. I don't think technology is bad, I just think the way it is being introduced to these younger generations is creating some unhealthy habits and and attitudes of instant gratification all the time. As a result, theres a lack of social skills and common sense manners because so many parents are filling in parenting with technology. So when I think of technology bothering me, I think mostly what repercussions will arise with these next generations growing up. Other things that bother me would mostly have to do with texting. Instances of texting that are the most rude to me is when I'm hanging out with someone who can't seem to put their damn phone down. Even if it's in a group setting and not just one on one. Unless theres an important reason or need to communicate with someone not present, I just find it silly that people can't feel satisfied engaging with who's around them in the moment. So thats enough ranting from me today haha.

Question 1: College Organization

Organizations can have a great influence on their surrounding communities. The actions each organization takes has the ability to either help or harm it's surrounding environment. This gives a great responsibility to operate in a safe, efficient and productive manner. As a result, there are many positive outcomes for each and every individual tied to the organization. A school, for example, that has a great faculty effects the motivation of each and every student whether they are aware of it or not. I've taken classes that I didn't think I would find too interesting but because my professor was enthusiastic about what they were teaching, it changed my perspective and I'd end up learning a lot. On the other hand, I've taken courses that I thought would be great, but became frustrated with how the professor taught (or didn't teach) the class. The faculty is only one element within the complex structure of a college organization. But I believe it is one of the most important elements. Every professor has the power to instruct and enlighten hundreds of students who continue on to influence their communities and environments for the rest of their lives. Therefore colleges and universities have the responsibility and obligation to hire on individuals with qualities of respectability, accountability, and inspiration.

Question 3: Feedback

I enjoyed reading the section in Chapter 6 about giving effective feedback. Especially the part addressing how it's important to avoid apologizing for your feelings. Somebody really brought it to my attention a few months back that I tended to apologize for things that weren't even my fault. I guess it became habit for me to say sorry, even when I had every right to have my certain feeling or opinion in many situations. I do believe it is important to hold myself accountable for times I legitimately mess up and need to apologize. But my friend made me realize too that if everyone said sorry all the time, it would really take away the meaning and importance of actually being sorry. In addition to this it does create a vague and confusing way of communicating with someone when you're always saying, oh sorry this and sorry that. It's important especially to stand up for what you believe and feel is right. And if you say, "I'm sorry, but I feel this way," it takes away from the power everyone deserves to have in expressing feelings. So overall I believe it's important distinguish the difference of saying sorry when its needed and expressing your feelings without guilt or an unnecessary apology.

Question 2: Filters and theories

Looking at Duck's theory, I can definitely apply it to the way I filter relationships with people. Recently I felt like I almost had dating down to a science. I could tell by even around the 2nd date whether or not I wanted to spend any more time getting to know an individual. I love getting to know a variety of people, and find that my preferences in friendships and the dating world are across the board. For me it comes down to a few basic qualities. Number one is humor. Not awkward joke telling humor, but humor that reflects a person's confidence and contentment with who they are as well as their lighthearted appreciation for life. Anyone who tends to lack humor indicates to me that they are probably lacking in other qualities. If I can't laugh with someone to the point of almost peeing my pants, then I'm probably not going to waste too much of my time with them. Unattractive qualities that usually turn me off in first impressions are arrogance, lack of manners and social skills, awkward gaps in communication such as lack of attentiveness, disrespect and dishonesty. Of course nobody is perfect but I think those are plenty of good examples of what can make a person unattractive. If you asked one of my friends, they would definitely agree that I look at inner qualities more than an outer appearance. I mean snap, I've dated  men that are skinny, overweight, bald, short, black, brown, purple(ok not purple), white, 20 years older than me, etc. The list goes on. Society tends to set standards that many feel like they have to follow, and of course I've been given crap for my "off the beaten path" choices and preferences. But I've been raised to be accepting of people no matter where they're from, what they look like, and so on. What the important thing for me is that as long as people possess good hearted qualities, oh and humor, then they are worth getting to know.