Relfection Paper

Books, magazines, television, and newspapers are just a few specific types of media discussed during this semester. Over the last few months I have learned a lot about the media and some of its effects. In addition, my expectations for the class were met far beyond what I thought. Also I was able to determine what my view of the media is versus the world’s view.

One of the first things I learned in this course is how crucial the media is in today’s world; it is pretty much impossible to remove media from it. I also learned more about how different forms of media affect each other. For example, when television was first introduced it had an impact on radio. As a result, radio stations became more geared to specific audiences. I never realized how much different forms of media impact others. During this course I was able to learn about the effects as well as different the types of media themselves. One of the most interesting things I learned in this class was how to create a blog. At first I was worried about it because I had never done any blogging and had no idea how to set it up. But it was really easy to create it and I enjoyed the experience.

My expectations for this course were to learn about the media in general. I was not really sure what I would learn about specifically in this class. But I ended up learning a lot more then I had thought. We discussed specific types of media like books, radio, television, etc. where they started, how it impacted the world and other types of media. In addition, at the beginning of the semester we learned about the meaning of mass communications and other types of communications like interpersonal, and intrapersonal. This course was more fun than I thought it would be and more informative.

From my perspective, I view the media as a great tool and asset if used properly. Sometimes the media astonishes me with all of its variety and its effects on people. It is a fantastic way to communicate with others far away and learn about other cultures. In addition it is a great way to entertain people and give them an aesthetic experience. I also believe that using the media is an effective way to spread the truths and values of the gospel. An example of this would be the Mormon ads shown in the New Era. Another example is the commercials sponsored by the Church on the radio or television. In fact, I am hoping to major in media arts and create films that can effectively reach a large audience and spread the gospel’s message or at least educate people about the Church.

On the other hand, I think the world sees the media as a way to make money and promote their own agendas. They show incorrect or faulty information to persuade people to side with them. An example of this would be the commercial made about the Mormon missionaries and the lesbian couple during the controversy of Prop 8. The world tries to use the media to gain power over others by putting them down using negative, misleading, or false information. While I do think the world realizes the amazing possibilities the media provides as I do, I believe that the world uses it in a selfish manner. Also, the world’s standard for media entertainment differs from mine greatly.

Overall, I think the Lord wants us to use the media for righteous purposes like spreading the gospel. All the different forms of media allow the saints to be connected and united even though we may be half around the world from each other. It also gives us a chance to reach out to those seeking the gospel. In addition I think the Lord wants us to be educated about the media so we can use it safely. While the media is a great tool as I have said, it can also be negative influence that drags us down if we fall into its clever trap. But ultimately the media should be used to uplift others and ourselves as well.

Chapter Thirteen - Law

In class we were shown a clip where Don Imus was commenting on the Rutger's women basketball team. One of his rude comments directed toward them was calling some players "nappy-headed hos." This is completely inappropriate and I am astonished he would say something like that while he was on air. He embarrassed Rutgers players in an unacceptable way. In addition it took him two days to apologize. His comments were way out of line, he should have thought about what he said before saying it.
If I were in charge, I would have immediately released an apology. In addition I would have suspended Imus for a lot longer then two weeks. I would have suspended him for four weeks and then closely monitored his shows for a few weeks. I would be tempted to fire him and probably would if this kind of rude commentary was a re-occurring part of his show.

Chapter Twelve - Public Relations

Yes. public relations activities like image consulting ethical are ethical provided that they are do not convey lies. The way you present yourself is very important. Appearances matter to people whether they are willing to admit it or not. People will make judgements (whether correct or incorrect) on you based on you present yourself, ie. your clothes, hair style, etc. For example, when you go to an interview you dress up and try to make a good impression of yourself. You would not go to your interview in an old t-shirt and sweats, instead you would a dress if your a girl or a nice pair of pants and a button up shirt, something nice.
Image consultants are very helpful in showing their client the way the want others to perceive them. For instance it is very important for President Bush to look good. How would it look if our President dressed like a slob when he goes to other countries? Not good. Also, when you go to the bank would you choose the teller dressed professionally or the one in beach clothes? Most likely you would choose the teller in the professional attire. Image consulting is important to help people obtain a good image and increase their success.

Although PR is important it can be used unethically for example, P.T Barnum's exaggerated claims about Tom Thumb and Jenny Lind were lies promoted as truth. There are definitely examples of this today. The first that comes to mind is the Magic Bullet commercials. While this product can be useful, the commercial that promotes it is extremely exaggerated. They say you can make a five second lunch! But of course that is only the estimate for how long it takes to puree what is in the container not the time it takes to get everything else ready. Another example is the commercials for OxyClean.