Media The New Age Weapon

     “ Media The New Age Weapon” is the title I have created for the story “ AGGRESSION: The Impact of Media Violence” by Sissela Bok. The author is a Swedish born philosopher, ethicist, and a recipient of the courage of conscience award, as well as, her parents were both noble prizewinners. Bok is also known for her published prose that focuses and debate the ethics and public affairs of society.

     As I cruise into the first paragraph, I notice how the author correlates glamour and aggression in the public eye. The further I read into the story clues start to accumulate and the author’s thesis becomes crystal clear. Bok points out how media violence affects the development of today’s youth and their ability to see right from wrong.

Bok’s purpose of this piece is to express concern and awareness over what is being viewed through the media and how it is translated into action on the streets. The intended audience is parents with hope to educate them on the potential danger lurking in their T.V room.

“ Media coverage of violence, far from declining, has escalated since, then, devoting ever more attention to celebrity homicides and copycat crimes”, is an interesting quote demonstrating how media uses celebrity popularity to boost ratings, as well as, promote these individuals as positive role models in society. In turn possibly glorifying these violent situations in children’s eyes, again questioning their ability to see right from wrong. Another quote I found equally intriguing “ Today, the sights and sounds of violence on the screen affect this learning process from infancy on, in many homes. The television screen is the lens through which most children learn about violence”. This excerpt is powerful because Bok shows how young children are open to learning therefore they are also vulnerable. The mind of a child is hungry for understanding the need to model their behavior after someone or some image that they have learned to admire and or respect. In addition if the children watch T.V more than interacting with their parents, friends or classmates it is proven that the media becomes their model. However the quote “ America may be the only society on earth to have experienced what has been called an “ epidemic of children killing children”, which is ravaging some of its communities today is too general, as there maybe several communities or societies in the world that have this problem without having access to media.

“ AGGRESSION: The Impact of Media Violence” is an excellent description of how the media has plenty of power in shaping our future members of society. In addition Bok’s paper Shedds light on the possible outcomes if this problem is not rectified or stopped. Media violence may not be the main problem, however as the author explains it is definitely not part of the solution.

  In today’s world how can parents stop violent content on T.V when it is run by big company’s whose priority is ratings and not teaching future generations right from wrong ?

A Country Hindered By Reality

 A Country Hindered By Reality, is the title I have produced for the story “ Pandemic: My Country Is On It’s Knees “ by Stephen Lewis. This author is a Canadian born politician, broadcaster and diplomat that is searching for ways to make the world healthier. Lewis also created a foundation that helps people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Digging into the first paragraph, I noticed how the author was clear about his passion for Africa and its people. The further I travel into the story; I realize how many memories Lewis had collected from his African experiences. At first he shared how thrilled he was at a young age to be able to teach in Africa, a chance for adventure. Memory after memory it soon becomes apparent that Lewis is getting a raw look at the truth of the rumbling problem in Africa’s belly. I quickly identified the thesis of the story to be, HIV/Aids in Africa, as well as, how this disease has affected everything in Africa including, society, business and future plans.

The author’s purpose of this thread is to open the eyes of the world, to HIV/Aids and its strangle hold on the country of Africa. The intended audience is societies that have the ability to help rectify the situation through, education, medical aid and financial support. Lewis also discusses Africa before HIV and Aids as a vital country full of positive energy, hope and population growth.

The following is a powerful quote that clearly depicts Lewis’s frustration as a compassionate humanitarian as there is no easy fix for the problems in Africa.            “ Treatment is much more difficult, sometimes impossible, if the patient has nothing to eat; the body can’t handle the drugs without food. And the further bitter truth is that full blown Aids can sometimes be forestalled for a considerable period of time if the body is receiving nutritious foods”. In addition, the quote also states, taking care of one problem can help relieve the pressure of another. I was also intrigued by the following quote, “ Garca was so bowled over by the girls that she vowed to come back for their graduation. Oprah was bowled over, period; she clearly cherished the encounter.” Due to the fact that in North America if Oprah Winfrey is getting involved it must be a serious issue. Oprah has a way of using her star power to bring serious issues to the forefront and implement a plan to make a difference. On the other hand, a quote that I found least effective “ all of us who live in western societies experience death from time to time but in much of southern Africa that’s all people know”. Even though we don’t see death of this magnitude, there are places in western society that have high fatality ratios and a tough lifestyle.

“Pandemic: My Country On Its Knees”, is a very interesting approach to feeding reality to the world about Africa’s battle with HIV/Aids. Lewis’s story proves to be uncut and descriptive. However, I believe the people of Africa who have experienced this lifestyle first hand would say it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Americans are well known for using celebrities to market products or services. If you were creating a T.V ad for Canadians, to provide resources for Africa’s relief efforts which Canadian celebrity would you choose to be the face of the ad and why?

Old friend .......Oh how you've changed

         

Old friend, oh how you’ve changed, is the name I produced for the story “ A letter to America” by Margaret Atwood.  Atwood is a Canadian born author, poet, critic, essayist, feminist and a social campaigner. Among other amazing thing, Margaret Atwood also made many contributions to the theorizing of Canadian identity.

    As I read into the first paragraph, I noticed how the author brought up happy memories and positive things that she had collected from America. The further I wandered into the story; Atwood’s main idea for her letter became crystal clear.  The thesis of her text is how America has changed over the years and the negative repercussions that have occurred in Canada and the world. More importantly, how individuals have changed their view of  the “Red, White and Blue “.   

  The author’s purpose of the essay is to express disappointment and confusion over the current state of America. The intended audience as the title suggests is for the American  people .  Atwood’s letter is loaded with clever quotes when exploring the worldwide frustration that is felt while watching the decline of a powerful ally.  “When the jolly green giant goes on a rampage, many lesser plants and animals get trampled underfoot”. Another quote that I found ironic for our current economic state was “ We know perfectly well that if you go down the plughole, were going with you”. I found this passage particularly interesting because Canada experienced hard economic times due to the American recession.  However the quote  “ Romans peering over a wall at the real Roman’s, was interesting as Canadians tend to follow the American way although we don’t always agree with there actions and often question their choices.

Margaret Atwood’s “A Letter to America” is a good description that many cultures, especially Canadians have towards Americans and their cluttered style of decision-making.

   What would an American citizens reaction be towards Atwood’s letter?

Brazilian Ju Jitsu as an olympic sport?

  What is your opinion..... should Brazilian ju jitsu be an olympic sport???? Judo is, Boxing is, Tae kwon do is and Wrestling is so why not BJJ what do u think?????