I found a pretty interesting article about some of the effects WikiLeaks has had. This one talks about a ban on all removable media by the US military on its soldiers. That means no CDs, no flashdrives, or anything else similar can be used while they are at work-- if a soldier is found in violation of this ban they are facing court marshalling. The article is pretty interesting, and the topic of WikiLeaks opens up a wide debate as to where the line of media regulation should be drawn, especially in terms of national security.
Removable Media Ban
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Like a Little?
Have you heard of that website likealittle.com? The BSU campus has a forum of its own, and it allows people to anonymously submit posts about people around campus. I find this site to be extremely disturbing.. it takes online stalking to an entirely new level. People are able to post anything about someone they might find attractive, or might want to get to know better, and then other users comment back in forth trying to figure out who the person is, what their name is.. and sometimes what dorm room they might live in.
Does anyone else agree that this site is taking "networking" a little to far?
Does anyone else agree that this site is taking "networking" a little to far?
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Black Friday
Are you one of the people getting up at 2am to go shopping tomorrow? I think the media frenzy around Black Friday is incredible.. and the money it brings into stores is even more insane. I've never done it.. are the sales really that good? Is it really worth it? Is this just another holiday scam to get us to become hyper-consumers and spend too much money? Let me know what you guys think..
in the mean time:
in the mean time:
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Fear Imbalanced..
I try not get political (despite being a political science major) for classes that are outside the major-- just because I like to avoid the conflicts if possible-- also because I've learned that there is no real winner in political debates.
However, I can't let this one go. I'm so completely fed up with the news media of today... especially Fox News.
Fear Imbalanced --> This is an older Daily Show clip that absolutely cracked me up when it first aired. But unfortunately, nothing has changed.. and if anything, it has gotten worse. I won't get into specific issues, but the blatant biases and contradictions put out by a so-called news station are so utterly ridiculous. Maybe I'm naive in thinking that the general public recognizes these things.. that most American's understand that it's not really news that they're getting from Fox, but a right-winged agenda under the false heading of news. I use the Daily Show to exemplify these points because I think Jon Stewart does it in a way that is not only hilarious, but also eye-opening.
Here's one more (I couldn't find the original clip, so try and ignore the guy speaking in between) Bias
Though I wouldn't call the Daily Show a "real" news program, I think it is one of the most provocative satires on television. Like it or not, the majority of young people in this country get their news from shows like Stewart and Colbert. I'm not trying to say that the Daily Show itself isn't biased, that's not the issue here. The issue is that a national news station is selling itself as 'fair and balanced' when it is most certainly and unequivocally not.
However, I can't let this one go. I'm so completely fed up with the news media of today... especially Fox News.
Fear Imbalanced --> This is an older Daily Show clip that absolutely cracked me up when it first aired. But unfortunately, nothing has changed.. and if anything, it has gotten worse. I won't get into specific issues, but the blatant biases and contradictions put out by a so-called news station are so utterly ridiculous. Maybe I'm naive in thinking that the general public recognizes these things.. that most American's understand that it's not really news that they're getting from Fox, but a right-winged agenda under the false heading of news. I use the Daily Show to exemplify these points because I think Jon Stewart does it in a way that is not only hilarious, but also eye-opening.
Here's one more (I couldn't find the original clip, so try and ignore the guy speaking in between) Bias
Though I wouldn't call the Daily Show a "real" news program, I think it is one of the most provocative satires on television. Like it or not, the majority of young people in this country get their news from shows like Stewart and Colbert. I'm not trying to say that the Daily Show itself isn't biased, that's not the issue here. The issue is that a national news station is selling itself as 'fair and balanced' when it is most certainly and unequivocally not.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Only in San Fran...
I know this might be a "weird" or maybe uncomfortable topic for some people, but it was something we covered in my anthropology course. We discussed the practice of female genital mutilation, and if it was a human rights issue, or an issue of freedom of religion. My class is mainly one of women (because it is an anthropology of women course) but there are a few men as well-- one of them raised an interesting point. Why is male circumcision a non-issue in this country, yet female circumcision is seen as a barbaric and unnecessary bodily modification. The argument was made that the same thing could be said about males in this country. It did cause a little argument in the class because some said that the process was much less painful for boys, it was generally not something they could remember, and that it was truly unnecessary for girls.
Well, I found an article today that deals with this exact argument, and it has to do the human rights issues surrounding boys and the rights they have over their bodies. Link
I think this is relevant because should the government have a say in this issue? Or is this up to the parents to decide? Is this a first amendment rights violation?
Well, I found an article today that deals with this exact argument, and it has to do the human rights issues surrounding boys and the rights they have over their bodies. Link
I think this is relevant because should the government have a say in this issue? Or is this up to the parents to decide? Is this a first amendment rights violation?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Non-American American Traditions
I just received this e-mail from my professor in my International Relations class. It's a list of commonly-though to be American past times & goods that have become globalized, or were never American in the first place. I found it kind of interesting because I think we take so many things for granted to be "American" without thinking of things on a global scale.
http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/07/02/surprise-american-icons-that-arent-american/
http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/07/02/surprise-american-icons-that-arent-american/
Friday, October 8, 2010
Big Brother's Tracking Your Ford..
So I just recently saw this on the news. Apparently a 20 year old student attending college in Santa Clara, CA took his car for an oil change when he discovered a GPS tracking device and battery pack attached the rear of his vehicle. He and his friends posted pictures of the device online to see if it was real or not. Turns out it was. That was after a dozen FBI agents came to his home demanding the device back.
It seems very strange to target such a young kid but here's the kicker-- the reason it was done is because his father is Egyptian. And he's Arab. Even though his an American citizen, born in the United States he is not safe from suspicion. I think this ties in pretty well the ideas of stereotyping we've been discussing.
Here's the link if you'd like to read more.
It seems very strange to target such a young kid but here's the kicker-- the reason it was done is because his father is Egyptian. And he's Arab. Even though his an American citizen, born in the United States he is not safe from suspicion. I think this ties in pretty well the ideas of stereotyping we've been discussing.
Here's the link if you'd like to read more.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Media-Induced Weddings..
We started discussing the idea of lavish American weddings in my anthropology class, and I really find the idea interesting. I mean, there are countless shows about the "ideal" type of wedding everyone in America should have. Everyone knows what I mean: at a castle, mansion or a beach; an engagement ring with a massive rock; an intricate expensive wedding gown; hundreds of guests; beautiful flowers, catering, live music, professional photographers, and a huge ornate cake at the center of the room... the list goes on and on..
But why is that? This is not tradition as everyone may think. Before the 80's, weddings generally took place in a church or chapel, and the reception took place at home with a small gathering of family and friends who brought homemade food with them.
A defining factor of this phenomenon is Princess Diana's wedding, and the media coverage it was granted. It was broadcast around the world, and it showed a wedding as people had never seen it before: a lavish event, at a castle, with hundreds of people, where the bride was married and became a princess.. it was like a dream. A dream woman since then have tried to replicate.
But the fact is ladies, most of us are not going to become princesses when we get married. We don't live in castles. We really can't afford a 10 thousand dollar dress, or a thirty thousand dollar diamond ring for that matter. It's nothing but an allusion that lasts about 12 hours, and puts us into more debt than we can afford.
The worst thing is that even though most women (and men) know this, the media has created an image of a wedding that we feel we must compete for. That if we deliver anything less at our own weddings we have failed in someway-- that we have not lived up to expectations, and maybe further still, we have "set the tone" for the rest of our marriages. I find this ridiculous.
(This is a clip from Bridezilla. It is hilarious. In every way it shows how ludicrous the entire wedding industry has become)
I would like to think that I am not going to fall into what has become the norm. As of right now I have no desire for a dress that costs thousands, or a huge reception, or a ring that weighs my hand down. Maybe it's because I'm young (and, let's face it, poor) but I'd like to think not. I know I'm in the minority on this issue for the most part-- even my boyfriend has fallen victim to it. He believes that we need to wait to get married until we can afford the "perfect ceremony" and the "perfect cake" and the "perfect ring".
I think most of us need to come to terms with reality. It's not a bad thing!
[sigh]
I guess for now I'll be satisfied being "pre-engaged" (as my boyfriend and I call it. I wear a diamond promise ring...) Until we can afford the "perfect" day...
But why is that? This is not tradition as everyone may think. Before the 80's, weddings generally took place in a church or chapel, and the reception took place at home with a small gathering of family and friends who brought homemade food with them.
A defining factor of this phenomenon is Princess Diana's wedding, and the media coverage it was granted. It was broadcast around the world, and it showed a wedding as people had never seen it before: a lavish event, at a castle, with hundreds of people, where the bride was married and became a princess.. it was like a dream. A dream woman since then have tried to replicate.
But the fact is ladies, most of us are not going to become princesses when we get married. We don't live in castles. We really can't afford a 10 thousand dollar dress, or a thirty thousand dollar diamond ring for that matter. It's nothing but an allusion that lasts about 12 hours, and puts us into more debt than we can afford.
The worst thing is that even though most women (and men) know this, the media has created an image of a wedding that we feel we must compete for. That if we deliver anything less at our own weddings we have failed in someway-- that we have not lived up to expectations, and maybe further still, we have "set the tone" for the rest of our marriages. I find this ridiculous.
(This is a clip from Bridezilla. It is hilarious. In every way it shows how ludicrous the entire wedding industry has become)
I would like to think that I am not going to fall into what has become the norm. As of right now I have no desire for a dress that costs thousands, or a huge reception, or a ring that weighs my hand down. Maybe it's because I'm young (and, let's face it, poor) but I'd like to think not. I know I'm in the minority on this issue for the most part-- even my boyfriend has fallen victim to it. He believes that we need to wait to get married until we can afford the "perfect ceremony" and the "perfect cake" and the "perfect ring".
I think most of us need to come to terms with reality. It's not a bad thing!
[sigh]
I guess for now I'll be satisfied being "pre-engaged" (as my boyfriend and I call it. I wear a diamond promise ring...) Until we can afford the "perfect" day...
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
How Free Should Speech Be?
Today the Supreme Court will begin to discuss the Constitutional rights of protesters that make protests at funerals.
Here is an excerpt from the CNN coverage on it:
" In 2006, members of the Westboro Baptist Church protested 300 feet from a funeral for Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder in Westminster, Maryland, carrying signs reading 'God hates you' and 'Thank God for dead soldiers.' Among the teachings of the Topeka, Kansas-based fundamentalist church founded by pastor Fred Phelps is the belief that the deaths of U.S. soldiers is God's punishment for 'the sin of homosexuality.' "
The family sued, and was later granted almost $8 Million dollars for compensatory and punitive damages. The "church" involved has done this before, and since the incident with Matthew Snyder, including the funeral of Matthew Shepard who was a victim of anti-gay hate crimes and beatings.
While the Supreme Court will debate this issue for months, the question must be asked: How free should speech be? While it is protected by the Constitution, should it be treated with discretion? Do grieving families deserve the right to grieve privately? Does restricting the freedom of speech to appropriate locations and times infringe upon our Constitutional rights? As a political science major I have also believed that no matter what, freedom of speech and expression should not be staunched. However, it is cases like these that test that belief. How can we allow people who spread not only propaganda, but outright HATE to have the ability to do so?
Freedom of speech is well and good as long as it does not cause physical harm, or death on another individual. Spreading hate and messages like this "church" does is not an expression of opinion-- it is nothing more than just homophobia and hatred.
Here is an excerpt from the CNN coverage on it:
" In 2006, members of the Westboro Baptist Church protested 300 feet from a funeral for Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder in Westminster, Maryland, carrying signs reading 'God hates you' and 'Thank God for dead soldiers.' Among the teachings of the Topeka, Kansas-based fundamentalist church founded by pastor Fred Phelps is the belief that the deaths of U.S. soldiers is God's punishment for 'the sin of homosexuality.' "
The family sued, and was later granted almost $8 Million dollars for compensatory and punitive damages. The "church" involved has done this before, and since the incident with Matthew Snyder, including the funeral of Matthew Shepard who was a victim of anti-gay hate crimes and beatings.
While the Supreme Court will debate this issue for months, the question must be asked: How free should speech be? While it is protected by the Constitution, should it be treated with discretion? Do grieving families deserve the right to grieve privately? Does restricting the freedom of speech to appropriate locations and times infringe upon our Constitutional rights? As a political science major I have also believed that no matter what, freedom of speech and expression should not be staunched. However, it is cases like these that test that belief. How can we allow people who spread not only propaganda, but outright HATE to have the ability to do so?
Freedom of speech is well and good as long as it does not cause physical harm, or death on another individual. Spreading hate and messages like this "church" does is not an expression of opinion-- it is nothing more than just homophobia and hatred.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sister Wives?
Has anyone else started watching TLC's new show, "Sister Wives"?
If you haven't it is a pretty awesome show, because it is so different. It follows a man with his three wives and their twelve children (with another on the way); and he's now looking to marry a fourth woman (who has three children of her own).
Personally, I am a monogamous person. Always have been, always will. But I think it's pretty fascinating watching people who live in this type of household. The house itself has been designed by a polygamous so there are three complete separate parts of house for all the wives. The dynamic of the family is incredible to watch-- how all the women get along, and work together raising the children, and contributing to the household. And, not going to lie, the husband Cody is like a superhero. He works, takes care of all his children, gives equal amounts of attention and affection to all his wives, AND is dating! (My boyfriend couldn't believe it). It's pretty insane.
I'm currently in an anthropology of women class, and the issue of monogamy and polygamy has been addressed many times. I think this is pretty fascinating because even though all of these women have decided to enter into this type of lifestyle, and they do not seem repressed at all by their husband, there is still a level of jealousy among all of them. There is especially a higher level of jealousy now because their husband has a new girlfriend.
I can't help but being sucked into what TLC shows. Not sure why, but I love getting a glimpse into the lives of other people. And shows like this reinforce the type of life I'm hoping to have in the future!
(With just myself, my husband and a lack of 13 children).
If you haven't it is a pretty awesome show, because it is so different. It follows a man with his three wives and their twelve children (with another on the way); and he's now looking to marry a fourth woman (who has three children of her own).
Personally, I am a monogamous person. Always have been, always will. But I think it's pretty fascinating watching people who live in this type of household. The house itself has been designed by a polygamous so there are three complete separate parts of house for all the wives. The dynamic of the family is incredible to watch-- how all the women get along, and work together raising the children, and contributing to the household. And, not going to lie, the husband Cody is like a superhero. He works, takes care of all his children, gives equal amounts of attention and affection to all his wives, AND is dating! (My boyfriend couldn't believe it). It's pretty insane.
I'm currently in an anthropology of women class, and the issue of monogamy and polygamy has been addressed many times. I think this is pretty fascinating because even though all of these women have decided to enter into this type of lifestyle, and they do not seem repressed at all by their husband, there is still a level of jealousy among all of them. There is especially a higher level of jealousy now because their husband has a new girlfriend.
I can't help but being sucked into what TLC shows. Not sure why, but I love getting a glimpse into the lives of other people. And shows like this reinforce the type of life I'm hoping to have in the future!
(With just myself, my husband and a lack of 13 children).
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The New Social Network
I am a Facebook junkie. It is almost perpetually open on my computer, or on my phone's browser. I know a lot of people who are like me in that respect; people who cannot go a day with checking it, or a day without seeing what everyone else is doing. It's a cultural phenomenon-- something that started out as an outlet for college students has grown into something near uncontrollable. Not only is it a way to stay connected with friends, or classmates-- but a way to reconnect with old friends, meet new friends, and even (sometimes unfortunately) a way for your family to stay up-to-date with you.
So when I saw that there would be a major-motion picture for it, I was really excited. I think it is a great commentary on the generation we are-- the generation we have helped to create, and the way technology influences the way we do everything. We have become a society dependent on the internet, and not just the internet, but social networking. It's hard to remember what it was like before Facebook...
I'm curious as to what everyone else thinks about this.. Is it a good or bad thing that we have become so dependent on social networking? Is it a little bit of both? We have lost a lot of what used to be "normal" communications with other people. I mean look at the class this is for-- we never once meet in person. Everything is electronically communicated. We have a facebook page dedicated to our class... The president has a facebook fan page-- as does every band, television show, movie, actor, politician, director, etc you can think of...
Is this really a bad thing though? It allows us to keep in touch with dozens (if not hundreds) of people we may never run into often. With family members and friends who have moved away. Facebook kept me in touch with a good friend of mine while he was deployed in Iraq... while another was doing study abroad in Niger, Africa... another in LA. Not to mention, I am still in touch with most of my good friends from high school because of it-- something I know for certain would not have happened without it.
Personally I think we have come too far to regress at all. I am not one to think that there will suddenly be a cultural revolution wherein the internet takes a backseat to actual face-to-face interaction. If anything, the technical revolution has begun to grow faster than we can keep up with. New technologies are out-of-date within six months or less.
We have to be prepared for what the future will potentially bring us.
(this is the trailer for that film which was released yesterday. can't wait to actually see it! I'll post a review once I have)
So when I saw that there would be a major-motion picture for it, I was really excited. I think it is a great commentary on the generation we are-- the generation we have helped to create, and the way technology influences the way we do everything. We have become a society dependent on the internet, and not just the internet, but social networking. It's hard to remember what it was like before Facebook...
I'm curious as to what everyone else thinks about this.. Is it a good or bad thing that we have become so dependent on social networking? Is it a little bit of both? We have lost a lot of what used to be "normal" communications with other people. I mean look at the class this is for-- we never once meet in person. Everything is electronically communicated. We have a facebook page dedicated to our class... The president has a facebook fan page-- as does every band, television show, movie, actor, politician, director, etc you can think of...
Is this really a bad thing though? It allows us to keep in touch with dozens (if not hundreds) of people we may never run into often. With family members and friends who have moved away. Facebook kept me in touch with a good friend of mine while he was deployed in Iraq... while another was doing study abroad in Niger, Africa... another in LA. Not to mention, I am still in touch with most of my good friends from high school because of it-- something I know for certain would not have happened without it.
Personally I think we have come too far to regress at all. I am not one to think that there will suddenly be a cultural revolution wherein the internet takes a backseat to actual face-to-face interaction. If anything, the technical revolution has begun to grow faster than we can keep up with. New technologies are out-of-date within six months or less.
We have to be prepared for what the future will potentially bring us.
(this is the trailer for that film which was released yesterday. can't wait to actually see it! I'll post a review once I have)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Truth Behind McDonalds Food
I found this link while I was surfing on facebook (or creeping... whatever..) and I was disgusted by it. It's a video showing a McDonald's cheeseburger and fries that have been aged over three years. Your first reaction would probably be close to what mine was... that the food must be rotted, smelly, and full of mold. On the contrary, the food was almost completely unchanged...
The french fries were still golden, while potatoes aged only three months were browned, and rotten.
It's really got to be seen to be believed.
The thing is, no matter what, people will still continue to consume McDonald's food. The marketing behind the company cannot be compared-- there are even economic terms and ideas behind it: the "McDonaldization" of the world.
Nothing will be able to stop the beast, in my opinion. Even if their french fries can survive a nuclear holocaust.
The french fries were still golden, while potatoes aged only three months were browned, and rotten.
It's really got to be seen to be believed.
The thing is, no matter what, people will still continue to consume McDonald's food. The marketing behind the company cannot be compared-- there are even economic terms and ideas behind it: the "McDonaldization" of the world.
Nothing will be able to stop the beast, in my opinion. Even if their french fries can survive a nuclear holocaust.
Friday, September 17, 2010
"music" or whatever you want to call it
I'm going to sound like my grandmother. Here it goes.
I'm really disgusted with a lot of the music out there today. And I know a majority of people aren't going to agree with me because they love Taylor Swift, and the Jonas Brothers, and Kesha (or is it Ke$ha?) Beiber fever, and whatever else has graced the top 20 chart in the past few years.
I'm just not a fan. I still view music as an art form-- and that doesn't mean there is no room for fun, dance music, or music that is funny (personally I love LMFAO); I just prefer to hear bands with soul, and talent getting the same recognition as those who spew out lines about cheating, and getting drunk.
Well I think music was meant to be art... right?
Seriously? "Don't be a little bitch with your chit chat- just show me where your dick at"??
I can't believe garbage like this is popular. And what's worse, is that my 11 year old cousin loves this stuff! What message is this sending to younger kids-- and young girls for that matter?
Oh. Exactly what it says. To party, get drunk, and be a slut. Cool.
I've always liked to find music before it goes mainstream-- and music that goes against the norm of today. Lately I've been listening to Mumford & Sons and The Black Keys. Both bands have a really cool and different sound to them; and they're lyrics are so.... lyrical. Which is something you don't get much on the radio today. I'm glad to see that Mumford & Sons is getting some popularity, and notoriety. I don't think any one person, or band is going to be able to help curb or stop the horrible trend of music today-- but I hope bands like these who are actually talented might be able to have some impact.
Here's some stuff to check out if you're willing:
Sigh No More- Mumford & Sons
After the Storm- Mumford & Sons
Little Lion Man- Mumford & Sons (this song is actually getting quite popular)
Tighten Up- The Black Keys
The Best of Times- Sage Francis
I'm really disgusted with a lot of the music out there today. And I know a majority of people aren't going to agree with me because they love Taylor Swift, and the Jonas Brothers, and Kesha (or is it Ke$ha?) Beiber fever, and whatever else has graced the top 20 chart in the past few years.
I'm just not a fan. I still view music as an art form-- and that doesn't mean there is no room for fun, dance music, or music that is funny (personally I love LMFAO); I just prefer to hear bands with soul, and talent getting the same recognition as those who spew out lines about cheating, and getting drunk.
Well I think music was meant to be art... right?
Seriously? "Don't be a little bitch with your chit chat- just show me where your dick at"??
I can't believe garbage like this is popular. And what's worse, is that my 11 year old cousin loves this stuff! What message is this sending to younger kids-- and young girls for that matter?
Oh. Exactly what it says. To party, get drunk, and be a slut. Cool.
I've always liked to find music before it goes mainstream-- and music that goes against the norm of today. Lately I've been listening to Mumford & Sons and The Black Keys. Both bands have a really cool and different sound to them; and they're lyrics are so.... lyrical. Which is something you don't get much on the radio today. I'm glad to see that Mumford & Sons is getting some popularity, and notoriety. I don't think any one person, or band is going to be able to help curb or stop the horrible trend of music today-- but I hope bands like these who are actually talented might be able to have some impact.
Here's some stuff to check out if you're willing:
Sigh No More- Mumford & Sons
After the Storm- Mumford & Sons
Little Lion Man- Mumford & Sons (this song is actually getting quite popular)
Tighten Up- The Black Keys
The Best of Times- Sage Francis
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Harry Potter (your dorkiness is showing...)
Ok, I have to admit. I am a huge fan of Harry Potter.
I have been ever since I was growing up and got the first book as a gift. I was nine years old at the time, and I really did grow up with the series, and the movies surrounding it. It's incredible when you think about what a book series did for an entire generation of kids, teens and adults alike-- it was a worldwide phenomenon. One that sparked not only an incredibly popular book series, and movie saga, but also spawned its own theme park (which I am personally dying to see). Not only that, but it became part of a culture in a lot of ways. There are many colleges and universities (ours included) that offer classes on Harry Potter-- looking at its influences, the idea of magic, and even the morality it can teach.
Personally, the book series had a lasting impact on me. It really influenced me as a kid to start writing-- something I continue to do today, and hope will become my career in the future (I'm currently applying to grad school for writing and publishing at Emerson). I think it would be an awesome thing if I could have just some of the influence in a young persons life as J.K Rowling did for me growing up.
So when I see radicals banning, and sometimes burning the Harry Potter books it really makes me angry. These people say that books regarding witchcraft are evil and that there are hidden anti-Christ messages throughout. The Harry Potter series was never meant to spread an anti-God, anti-Christ message, or anything of the sort. It was meant to send a positive message to a younger generation caught up with bad television shows, and too many video games. It helped spread a love of reading to millions, and has inspired many, like myself, to write as well.
This is old, but still funny to read... "The 12 Reasons Not to See Harry Potter":
http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/HP-Movie.htm
Fortunately the critics have moved on toward Twilight since the conclusion of the Harry Potter series. I have a lot to say on the Twilight "saga" but I might just save that for another blog entry =)
I have been ever since I was growing up and got the first book as a gift. I was nine years old at the time, and I really did grow up with the series, and the movies surrounding it. It's incredible when you think about what a book series did for an entire generation of kids, teens and adults alike-- it was a worldwide phenomenon. One that sparked not only an incredibly popular book series, and movie saga, but also spawned its own theme park (which I am personally dying to see). Not only that, but it became part of a culture in a lot of ways. There are many colleges and universities (ours included) that offer classes on Harry Potter-- looking at its influences, the idea of magic, and even the morality it can teach.
Personally, the book series had a lasting impact on me. It really influenced me as a kid to start writing-- something I continue to do today, and hope will become my career in the future (I'm currently applying to grad school for writing and publishing at Emerson). I think it would be an awesome thing if I could have just some of the influence in a young persons life as J.K Rowling did for me growing up.
So when I see radicals banning, and sometimes burning the Harry Potter books it really makes me angry. These people say that books regarding witchcraft are evil and that there are hidden anti-Christ messages throughout. The Harry Potter series was never meant to spread an anti-God, anti-Christ message, or anything of the sort. It was meant to send a positive message to a younger generation caught up with bad television shows, and too many video games. It helped spread a love of reading to millions, and has inspired many, like myself, to write as well.
This is old, but still funny to read... "The 12 Reasons Not to See Harry Potter":
http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/HP-Movie.htm
Fortunately the critics have moved on toward Twilight since the conclusion of the Harry Potter series. I have a lot to say on the Twilight "saga" but I might just save that for another blog entry =)
Friday, September 10, 2010
Quran Burning
I just have to add my two cents on this issue and then I'll be done.
I can't express how upsetting this whole event is to me, and how disrespectful and disgraceful Pastor Jones is to me. I myself am not a religious person, but I thought the point of many religions, never mind a "world outreach center", was to spread peace and love. However, this event will spread nothing but more hate and racism if it is carried out. What Jones did not anticipate was how widespread media coverage is today. He has been warned by US Military leaders who feel like the event will put the lives of our troops in danger.
Media coverage does not just affect our lives here in the United States. While pastor Jones is fully in his first amendment right to practice a hateful book burning, the troops over seas fighting for his right to do so are being put in danger. People need to be respectful; not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it can really impact the lives other.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/09/10/florida.quran.burning/index.html
I can't express how upsetting this whole event is to me, and how disrespectful and disgraceful Pastor Jones is to me. I myself am not a religious person, but I thought the point of many religions, never mind a "world outreach center", was to spread peace and love. However, this event will spread nothing but more hate and racism if it is carried out. What Jones did not anticipate was how widespread media coverage is today. He has been warned by US Military leaders who feel like the event will put the lives of our troops in danger.
Media coverage does not just affect our lives here in the United States. While pastor Jones is fully in his first amendment right to practice a hateful book burning, the troops over seas fighting for his right to do so are being put in danger. People need to be respectful; not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it can really impact the lives other.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/09/10/florida.quran.burning/index.html
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
9/11
While I do think 9/11 remembrances are important and necessary to the Americans who have lost their lives, or those who have lost loved ones, I find the day to still be overwhelming. The number of memorial services and montages, personal family stories, and movies is too much for me to take in-- and quite personally, I do not want to see the footage anymore. I think we can all agree that the scenes from that day have been burned in our memories forever, however regrettable that may be.
Moreover, I am disgusted with how certain 24-hour news channels decide to replay the actual coverage of the event from 2001. I believe it was C-SPAN that runs the live coverage of 9/11 each and every year-- running minute-to-minute coverage of what actually happened on that day. I think it is a sick exploitation of a horrific event that should not be objectified or glorified in anyway. There are millions of Americans who never wish to relive what happened that September morning, and while news channels do have an obligation to keep us "informed" and "up to date" they should still show some discretion when it comes to such a sensitive and heartbreaking event.
Moreover, I am disgusted with how certain 24-hour news channels decide to replay the actual coverage of the event from 2001. I believe it was C-SPAN that runs the live coverage of 9/11 each and every year-- running minute-to-minute coverage of what actually happened on that day. I think it is a sick exploitation of a horrific event that should not be objectified or glorified in anyway. There are millions of Americans who never wish to relive what happened that September morning, and while news channels do have an obligation to keep us "informed" and "up to date" they should still show some discretion when it comes to such a sensitive and heartbreaking event.
Friday, September 3, 2010
a brief introduction
Hi!
My name is Meghan and I am currently a senior at Bridgewater State University (which still sounds weird to say). This is the first online course I've taken while attending school here, but seeing as I would like to graduate on time in May and am three credits behind, I thought this would be a great way to make up ground and ensure graduation. Not really sure yet what we should be blogging here, but I figured an introduction would be an easy cop-out until I do =)
Hope everyone is avoiding the "hurricane" as best as possible
My name is Meghan and I am currently a senior at Bridgewater State University (which still sounds weird to say). This is the first online course I've taken while attending school here, but seeing as I would like to graduate on time in May and am three credits behind, I thought this would be a great way to make up ground and ensure graduation. Not really sure yet what we should be blogging here, but I figured an introduction would be an easy cop-out until I do =)
Hope everyone is avoiding the "hurricane" as best as possible
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