Final Blog - My thoughts

Putting my thoughts into words is bitter-sweet as always when the quarter ends because it feels like I have to say goodbye to an enjoyable environment. I begin with feeling doubt and restlessness from the first day in class to feeling pride, joy and triumph today because I have surpassed another quarter here at De Anza. I have learned in my first journalism class to be open-minded and accept that the truth in mass media may be hidden. In this class, I have learned to persevere and ask questions. I definitely view mass media in a different light because I know that history has a way of repeating itself. My understanding of the first amendment is changed because although the first amendment states freedom of the press, speech and religion it is different in the media. The first amendment protects an individual but also has consequences. I know I will take my learnings and evoke them in my daily media usage. Thank you for an awesome experience. :)

Zimmerman sues NBC libel case

http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/george-zimmerman-verdict-gives-new-twist-to-his-libel-suit-against-nbc-1200562075/

Libel: a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.

• Zimmerman sues NBC for defamation 
• States that NBC edited and manipulated 911 call 
• Made Zimmerman appear like a racist 
• NBC apologized beforehand; Vowed to defend themselves in court
• 2 reporters fired for editing 911 phone call 
• Case still pending 

My comments: When the incident of the year drew the nation in , I began following the story closely. I knew that this case was different and that it was going to be a media circus. There was the 911 phone call that immediately shocked and placed blame on Zimmerman. Instantly, many already appeared to place blame on the racist Zimmerman based on the 911 phone call. It also shocked everyone that when judgement day came, it was not to vindicate Trayvon but to find no fault on Zimmerman. From the get go, the media should not have edited the phone call and if they were going to edit it asked for permission and been up front about it. 

Research Annotated References

1. Kirby, D. (2012). Death at SeaWorld: Shamu and the dark side of killer whales in captivity. New York: St. Martin's Press.

The author (Kirby) highlights controversial dangerous consequences of keeping killer whales in captivity. Kirby introduces scientific experts, marine biologists and former SeaWorld trainers with eye witness testimonies. The backlash of Blackfish is heavily covered. 



2. Months after 'blackfish' release, controversy over SeaWorld grows (2014). . Washington, D.C: National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1477579755?accountid=38235

This article I found was posted at the beginning of this year and discusses up to date further consequences and controversy regarding the incidents that has surrounded SeaWorld's captive killer whales. Laws introduced focus on the status and how it will affect future showings. 




3. MIKE, S. (n.d). SeaWorld drops appeal of OSHA violations from trainer's death. Canadian Press, The,

This up to date article confirms the law restrictions and fines placed against SeaWorld by OSHA. SeaWorld responds by dropping appeal that trainers will remain outside water tank during shows. SeaWorld hoped that trainers would be back in the water with the killer whales with new tank designs that would protect trainers in case of another incident that arose. 

Propaganda Ads

1. Appear to Fear & Dictat Techniques Used 

• This ad is causing shock and fear by showing death if not periodically tracking your cholesterol 
• By showing a person who appears dead and alone at a mortuary causes viewers to freak out
• Some viewers will call the number provided and ask how to prolong life and avoid cholesterol ultimately leading like the dead person in the photo ad

     2. Flag-waving, common man, and beautiful people 

• This video ad focuses on the soldier being a hero and coming home to his family and a town celebrating his return with ads for budweiser 
• The town and people promote drinking a patriotic beer making the viewers wanting to be patriotic and happy to enjoy the freedoms soldiers sacrifice 
• Nothing like a cold budweiser beer to know you are a true family based American who supports the troops 

Research Topic Proposal

• Topic idea #1 -  I am curious to know more about mass media and its affects on the school system. My focus group would be directed at kindergarden through third grade and how the tech savvy tools are being used for learning and growing. I decided as this being one of my topics because I am interested how advanced technologies have impacted school environments and the children attending.
• Topic idea #2 - Being a part of the social network world, I would like to inform and know more about when the food pictures and fitness freaks started to popularize. I also would like to incorporate some statistics and if certain users are making revenue and are being sponsored. 
• Topic idea #3 - What age is your child ready for a smartphone and how to avoid phone addiction? That is a question I have wondered myself. I am not a parent but my research would focus on the parent's concerns. 

Movies!

My favorite movie of 2013-2014 was the incredibly intense war film of Lone Survivor. The reason why I chose Lone Survivor was because the movie kept my interest from the second it began until the end credits and was one of the most moving movies I have seen in some time. If your not familiar with this film, I highly recommend seeing it. It was a beautiful tribute to the Navy Seals men killed during Operation Red Wing in Afghanistan and shows the true face of what our soldiers go through on these dangerous missions. The format I saw this film was a dvd red box rental during the summer.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lone_survivor/

It is so hard to choose my favorite movie of all time since I have quite a few but of that short list I have to go with Blood in Blood Out Bound by Honor. I first watched this film in the late 1990s and felt a cultural connection with the different ethnic mixes represented. The film follows the lives of three young cousins from East Los Angeles and how they struggle with street gangs and later leading into their adult lives. Their strong message is that loyalty runs deep in the blood running through their veins. Although the film is almost three hours long, I can still watch it over and over again!

Magazine Proposal

• Magazine Name: Bay Area Pet Adventures 

• Concept: Bay Area Pet Adventures is locally run and its residents participate by sending in their article ideas, concerns, and their own foster stories. Its focus is on the relationship between pets and their owners. Articles will feature beautiful hike trails that your pet and you will enjoy. Safety measures, breed misconceptions and up to date laws to be aware of. Everything pet related from toys, gear, pet birthday ideas, reviews on pet food. 

• Readers: This magazine is aimed at all pet lovers of all ages and how anyone can help by volunteering and/or donating. Make an impact by loving a loyal pet friend!

• Competitors: Bay Area Pet Adventures have key features not all others have. These features are coupon cuts, Dr. Tips on the health of your pet, and many parks where your breed is welcome. NO MORE RESTRICTIONS! Some of our competitors include BayWoof, Beast of the Bay, and Pet-Friendly Travel. Another key feature along with the coupons is birthday treats for your pet

• Advertisers: 

1. The Animal Doctors
2. Any Mountain 
3. Blue Buffalo 
4. TLC Mobile Pet Grooming 
5. Animal Legal Defense Fund

• Featured Articles: 

1. GET A WHIFF OF HIDDEN HIKES - Beautiful hike trails to take your pet all across the bay area and/or California travels. Will include trail traveled information and pictures.
2. PET FRIENDLY PARKS - Reviews on pet friendly parks and information if any pet restrictions. Also feature map.
3. DON’T LET PRICES CHOW DOWN YOUR WALLET - How to save money on all your pet expenses. Will include coupons.
4. OBEDIENCE TRAINING & HEALTH TIPS - How to care for your pet and article will feature concerns and answers by Dr. Also will feature obedience programs. 
5. OUR SHELTER FRIENDS - Feature will not forget how to do your part in helping shelter friends, vaccines, neutering information etc.