Comments on: shaken dynamics

By: trwag

trwag — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:20:29 +0000

While I agree to some extent that there is a lot skin on MTV and Much Music, I think that at times we tend to discount the fact that we are being judgemental. We legitimize our criticisms by saying that they are role models and they have to act and dress in a certain manner. Did these people ask for this responsibility? I don’t feel that it is fair to limit someone who is in the spotlight just because they are IN the spotlight.

Just as you have the CHOICE for self expression so do the artists. I don’t really think that Nelly Furtado’s seductively singing into Timbaland’s ear while she is baring her midriff makes her less of a musician or human being.

By: yabbadabbadoo

yabbadabbadoo — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 19:28:27 +0000

I couldn’t agree with you more. If there is one thing that drives me it is the amount of money you pay to go to school and majority of the profs expect you to memorize. What is that going to do for you? Absolutely nothing. This class actually puts you out there so not only are you being taught it but you are experiencing it as well. And that is something that you can definately learn and take advantage of.
I never seen that episode but I entirely agree with that. The media directly impacts how we think. And I agree 100% that the role it plays in our lives and in our culture is important. Awesome post.
Re: lajoiedevivre comment above. I agree that many celibrities (though not all) know how to manipulate the media. I also feel however that because we are a society that takes the media seriously, that they manipulate us as well thus we then play into the mass consumer market buying posters, CDs, etc.

By: lajoiedevivre

lajoiedevivre — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 03:13:40 +0000

Great post.
I especially liked the suggestion that Paris Hilton’s ditsy demeanor might be a put-on… In her case probably not, but I could be wrong. Have you ever seen an interview with Marilyn Manson? I had so much trouble convincing people he had intelligent things to say until finally he appeared in “Bowling for Columbine” and basically gave the punch line for the whole film! Ditto Alice Cooper (before my time). These guys are genuinely smart, and they know how to work the media and the industry to make big names for themselves through shock-rock.

Re: biohelixx’ comment above: Yes, we demand sex in advertising and then look down our noses at the people willing to stoop to that level. Actively resist it! I’m starting to change my viewpoint from one of pacification to one of offence when advertisers try to sell me something using sex. They are insulting our intelligence. On the other hand, I feel flattered the rare time an advertiser speaks to my intellect instead of my libido. “Vote with your wallet” as my Dad used to say, and choose your products accordingly.

- JDV

By: biohelixx

biohelixx — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 23:22:37 +0000

Interesting. I really like The Hour too, and I happened to catch part of the interview with Amy Lee, and I also had to agree with her comment. But right on the heels of that agreement came a thought of social contradiction of sorts: people like sex appeal and expect that to be used to sell a product, yet as soon as that expectation is fulfilled and that “attribute” is put to “good” use, we lose all respect for the person or product in question. How ridiculous is that…something that occurs due to our own insistence, for lack of a better term, and then we turn that against whoever or whatever had the audacity to fulfill our expectations. Can I just say, people are stupid…persons are halfway intelligent, but people are stupid. Loved the post

By: mmmchocoloate

mmmchocoloate — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 17:09:41 +0000

I completely agree, it is so refreshing to have a professor that wants you to think critically and express your opinions, rather than memorizing information from a textbook.

I think those girls exposing all their skin need to remember that they are the role models to little girls under ten, who should be fully clothed. It is so important that celebrities recognize who their audience is and what their images are conveying to impressionable minds through mass media.

By: goingsomewear

goingsomewear — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:09:31 +0000

I saw part of that episode as well! I missed that quote though, which i completely agree with. When I read that quote the first artist I thought of was Jewel. I’m not sure how many people remember her short stint as a barely dressed singer, but I do! I’m not a Jewel fan really, but she sold out like no one i had ever seen before.

Like you I’m super excited about not having tests and memorizing. It’s refreshing to be in a class we can actually think in!!

By: bananatree

bananatree — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:36:13 +0000

I fully agree. I used to have some type of respect for Nelly Furtado when she was more of a sexually neutral dresser. Her new steamy image has had an impact on how I view her as a performer.

By: Academic Ranting « The Annotated Everything

Academic Ranting « The Annotated Everything — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:56:51 +0000

[...] Sure [...]

By: qmass

qmass — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:39:33 +0000

Yes, you definitely get it! I am way more interested (and it seems that you are as well) in working with theories than I am in memorizing them, because I think that it is only through working with them that you can ever understand them! Frankly, I do not remember a thing I learned studying for a test as an Undergrad, but I remember everything from the theories I had to actually use in my thesis.

I saw that interview as well (if I haven’t said this yet, I am a huge fan ho the Hour), and though I think Amy Lee’s music can be dreadful at times, she has a lot of interesting things to say.

Great start!