Reflecting Knowledge from TCF 155

This past spring semester, I decided to take the TCF 155 freshmen seminar with Dr. Raimist at the last minute to total 15 hours of credit. I thought it would be a good class because it involved aspects of my major and covered several relatable topics. The class covered personal identity on social networking sites and video sharing websites. Entering class on the first day, I didn’t have any expectations. I went in very opened minded and looked forward to learning different forms of media. But I didn’t think that in 2 hours and a half, each week with a small group of students and a well qualified professor that I would learn about myself as a person, about how my peers view the word, and about how influential the forms of media have on our thoughts and decisions in life. This class was out of the box, full of energy, and allowed me to think far and beyond. I explored knowledge far and beyond through readings both academic and unscholarly, watched mindboggling movies that ignited intense discussions and even sat down with popular underground music artists from Detroit.  After each class, we were able to further express ourselves on our personal blogs we created at the beginning of the year. Every week, I looked forward to coming class and expanding my knowledge along with great, intelligent people. I thank Dr, Raimist and each of my classmates for allowing me to join them on this media journey. This class was by far my best class all semester.

Final Project: Media Movement

Reflection "We Live in Public"

This week in class, we watched a documentary called “We Live in Public”. This documentary allowed the viewers to enter into the life of one of the greatest Internet pioneers, Josh Harris. Josh Harris moved to New York at a young age with only 900 dollars in his pocket and a vision that would soon turn him into a millionaire. Mr. Harris was simply a brilliant man in every way possible but his genius was so overwhelming that it drove him crazy.  He went from his company Jupiter to Pseudo.com to his masterpiece, Quiet. Quiet was an underground bunker that Harris created for a social and media experiment. The bunker was apart of his experiment to test how people would react as cameras watched them 24/7. In the bunker, there was a church, bar, gun shooting range, kitchen, dining room, showers, and a hotel. There were cameras surrounding the bunker that captured every move the participants of the experiment made. As days went by, the participants became mentally unstable and annoyed with each other and the cameras. On January 1^st, the bunker was shut down by police officers and participants were told to go home. After the bunker experiment, Harris was not quite finished yet. He began an intimate relationship with one of his co-workers, Tonya and they made a mutual decision to live in public. They lived in public by putting cameras throughout their apartment and streaming it online for everyone to see. Viewers were able to watch the couple eat dinner, use the restroom, have sexual intercourse, and get dressed for their day. The viewers were also able to comment on the activities the couple did throughout the day.  In the beginning, living in public was a fun event for the couple but it slowly pulled them apart until one day Tonya left the apartment, the relationship with josh and her life in public.  With only Josh living in public, the viewers became very bored and uninterested. Josh lost multiple viewers everyday until he barely had any at all. Soon Mr. Harris realized that he had lost his girlfriend, the significance of living in public, and his whole fortune. Mr. Harris finally shut down the cameras in his apartment and instead of living in public, he lived in private. He left New York and never returned again.

From the documentary, I felt that Josh Harris had too much knowledge for one human being to handle. He is a very strange man with odd visions that he calls art. He called himself an artist in the film because of his underground bunker creation and it was indeed a masterpiece. Although it was a masterpiece, it was an absolutely insane idea and I am very surprised Josh Harris was not arrested. But overall I really enjoyed the documentary and felt it was the perfect movie to watch for our class.

A Sample of History

In 2010, Copyright Criminals was produced by Benjamin Franzen and Kembrew Mcleod. The film provided in depth information about sampling from artists and well needed terminology. It also explained the benefits and troubles of music sampling and its collision with copyright laws.  Music sampling becomes a record and a record is apart of history.

After watching the film, I had several opinions to emerge in my mind. These opinions were both positive and negative. I explained my opinions as I answered the following questions.

1.      In your opinion, is sampling a form of copyright infringement? Explain your position.

       

      In my opinion, I believe sampling music is not copyright infringement if the artists received permission from the artists who made the original track.

     

2.      Do you agree that, as we stated in the film, Hip Hop’s sampling is no different from other artistic work? Why or why not?

      

      Yes, I completely agree that sampling is no different from other artistic work because as the artists said a D.J. to the instrumental is the painter to the photographer. A turntable has become an instrument by the way it samples other songs to create a new song.

3.      Do legal actions against sampling limit the exposure of artists whose work is sampled or do these artists protect the artists’ interests? Explain why you feel that way.

I think that sampling can either help or hurt the artists’ exposure because in some cases artist sales increase dramatically especially if being sampled on another popular artists’ song or a hit television shows like Glee. But on the other hand, sales can decrease if the other artists’ song receives more attention than the original. I feel like when this happens, the original artists should receive some of the profit from the song. There should be a written agreement or contract among the artists to eliminate any dram that may occur.

Underground But Known

Invincible

Waajeed

To reflect on the class session on March 23^rd, I felt so privileged to be in the same room as Invincible and Waajeed. As I entered class and saw that we had guests, I was immediately confused and excited. I was confused and excited because I knew Dr. Raimist had something special in store for us, I just didn’t know what exactly. The guests that were in the classroom were Detroit natives, Invincible and Waajeed. They are very successful independent music artists. They were on our campus to shoot a music video with students from one of Dr. Raimist’s classes and wanted stop by and speak with us. They discussed several topics in our class time from the development of music and music video to the significance of social networking. The discussion was very informational and educational.

As Invincible and Waajeed played their music for the class, I realized how much meaning was in each lyric of the song. It is full of emotions and feelings that tackled hard topics that no one wants to discuss but should. The music was high quality and unique from music we hear on the radio everyday. To hear music with so much feeling and soul, reminded me of old school real music. I even thought about deleting half of the songs off of my iPod. They also showed us some of their music videos and the making of one video. I really enjoyed the music video and felt like the video fit well with the lyrics of each song.

Invincible and Waajeed discussed the significance of social networking like Facebook, Twitter. They even have their own individual websites. They told the class that they preferred not to use social networking but they had to for job purposes. I found this very odd because I love social networking and use it for everything as a college student. Waajeed explain that he uses Twitter to communicate with other artists to collaborate on songs. From this discussion, we realized how important social networking is to the music world.

It was an honor to sit and talk with musical and social networking experts. It was even more of an honor for the artists, Invincible and Waajeed to be successful artists even though they are independent. I applaud the fact that they refused to let record labels and money compromise themselves as individuals and their act because their art is absolutely beautiful.

Sources for Final Project

Works Cited Page for Final Project

Choi, V.Y. "Anthropology 2.0: Building Communities and Bridging Worlds Using Digital Technology." Www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086.523618. The University of Chicago Press. Web.

Snickars, Pelle, and Patrick Vonderau. The YouTube Reader. Stockholm: National Library of Sweden, 2009. Print.

Wallflower Press. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. <http://www.wallflowerpress.co.uk/product/film-media/youtube_reader>.

"Who Tube? How YouTube’s News and Politics Space Is Going Mainstream." The International Journal of Press/Politics. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. <http://hij.sagepub.com/content/15/4/499>.

"YouTube - An Anthropological Introduction to YouTube." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPAO-lZ4_hU>.

"YouTube - Reasons "Why We Tube?"" YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmnZaSIulZU>.

"YouTube - The History of YouTube." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2NQiVcdZRY>.

""The YouTube Reader" | MetaFilter." MetaFilter | Community Weblog. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. <http://www.metafilter.com/84493/The-YouTube-Reader>.

The Video Voice

The state of online video lies in the hands of video- sharing website, YouTube.com. Online video has grown in popularity because it gives internet users the opportunity to express themselves creativity. It also gives users a voice and sense of individuality. Since any of the users can upload a video, home videos are the most popular online content. Kristen Purcell states that, “Seven in ten adult internet users (69%) have used the internet to watch or download video. That represents 52% of all adults in the United States.” These video sharing websites cover several categories that remain very popular among adult internet users. Some of these categories are humorous, educational, movies, TV shows, and political videos. All of these videos are enjoyed and watched by adult internet users with all different likes and interests. YouTube.com was created for everyday people which make the site so popular. It is even used to expose media to other media. Videos on video-sharing websites like YouTube are considered media and when viewers like certain video they usually share the video on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Video sharing sites allow your own creations to become brought to the public from just a home, web camera. Purcell explained that, “On the other side of the camera, video creation has now become a notable feature of online life.” Video-sharing sites have become so popular that users are combining their actual life with their online life. The separation between the two has been blurred. Even though the separation is blurred, viewers are watching more than ever before. Since we have been given the opportunity to broadcast ourselves, users and viewers are taking advantage. By people taking advantage of this fact, the state of online video is very stable and influential.

Fishbook

Catfish - a diverse group of ray-finned fish.

During our last class, I was entertained and quite frankly disturbed by a movie called, “Catfish”. Catfish was basically about a talented photographer from New York City who begins a friendship with a talented, young painter from a small town in Michigan. The photographer was in his mid twenties and the girl was 8 years old. The friendship began through the popular social network, Facebook. This friendship may seem extremely odd to you but the 8 year old girl, Abby sent the photographer messages on Facebook about one of his photos in the New York Times for which she decided to paint. The photographer was so intrigued and interested by the little girl’s artwork. After communicating back and forth with Abby and the rest of her family, they all grew a strong bond for each other. Megan, Abby’s older sister and the photographer made a strong connection and developed an online relationship.  But this strong bond quickly dissolves when the photographer discovers a path of lies especially from Megan. When the lies become too much for the photographer to handle, he visits Abby’s small town for answers. The answers that he discovers are way more than he could have ever expected.

Although the film was very entertaining and caught my attention, I questioned the authenticity of the film as a whole. By that I mean, how many grown professional men have conversations on Facebook with eight year old girls? Not many at all because it is inappropriate and simply creepy. Then I felt that a man would have to have a low self-esteem or feel really lonely to begin a relationship with someone without ever meeting in person. I remember when I first started my Facebook profile; they asked whether I was looking for friendships, relationships or all of the above. I clicked on the friendship box because I couldn’t imagine myself beginning a relationship through my computer screen even in this mediated world. In this mediated world, people are changing their personality and image but it still doesn’t give anyone the right to manipulate anyone else for their own personal security or pleasure. The woman who played Angela which was Abby’s mother in the film portrayed as 15 people on Facebook. All of these people had different personalities and gender and were all friends on Facebook with the main character, the photographer. Even though this is the most interesting part of the film, I felt that it couldn’t be completely real because of the amount of effort it takes to keep this separate life intact. If it was indeed real then Angela must have some sort of mental disorder and needs medical help.

This Is My Space

As I said in my last post, MySpace is a worldwide social networking site that was created in 2003. It was supposed to be a place for friends but who are your friends? Who are you accepting as friends on these sites? If a stranger approached you on the street, you would never give them the personal information you present online. People are portraying themselves differently from reality. The characteristics that make up their identity are being transformed into social norms. This transformation can either be their visual appearance or personalities traits to become another person. People are loosing their own identity which is a huge problem. It also is impacting the daily lives of so many people around world which gives the social networks its significance.

Social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook have so much popularity because people are using these sites as a tool for communication. Communication is no longer just an interpersonal conversation but a mediated one. Instead of saying that you met someone at school or your local mall, you are saying that you met someone on MySpace or Facebook.

From the required reading, “Social Networking Websites: Are MySpace and Facebook the Fingerprints of the Twenty-first Century?” by Edward M. Marsico Jr., I learned that social networks can be used for many things which can be good and bad. Of course we know that it is used for communication for those of all ages but it is also used to perform devious acts by criminals.  Criminals are taking advantage of the social networking popularity for their own deviant acts against children especially for child pornography. Since criminals are using these sites at such a large degree, law enforcements have no choice but to use it for legal matters. Police men and investigators are going undercover as other people to hunt down these criminals and bring them to justice. Although there are several crimes being committed everyday on these sites, they’re also used to prevent crimes. Members on these sites must be careful of what information they present to the public because once its public it will never be private again. Yes, it is you MySpace profile page but how much is exactly your space?

For the optional reading, I choose to read the article by Jennifer Bond-Raacke and John Raacke called “MySpace and Facebook: Identifying Dimensions of Uses and Gratifications for Friend Networking Sites”. After reading the article, I learned that as the internet continues to evolve, it has facilitated relationship building and communication between individuals. Based on investigation of the social networking sites, it may provide greater benefits for users with low self- esteem and low life satisfaction. Age and sex dictates the amount of material provided online. Therefore, females post more statuses and pictures than men and young users reveal more personal information than older users.

Whether you are a MySpace member or a Facebook user, you are all apart of the virtual revolution.

The Story of a Silent Revolution

Dr. Aleks Krotoski

Vir·tu·al: adj. -“Existing or resulting in effect or essence through not in actual fact, form, or name”- Webster Dictionary

Dr. Aleks Krotoski discusses in specific details about the virtual revolution in the BBC episodes, “The Cost of Free” and “Homo Interneticus”. While watching these two episodes, I learned about what we think is free, actually has costs and consequences. When the World Wide Web first began, it was just a tool for scientists to communicate among themselves. It has now become a completely revolving world for everyone to communicate among a large audience. We spend hours and hours each day, researching hot topics, posting photos, shopping for products, and stating our opinions on social networks and blogs. At the same time, the computer and networks are learning information about us. During the video, a man states, “The product online is not the content. The product is you”. The product is all of us and the more time we spend online, the more the system knows about our personal lives. By giving the system information, it allows companies to display advertisements that attract our interests. We are being judged and analyzed every single time we activate our internet connection. As we express ourselves on social networks and blogs, we must remember that every post is everlasting. Once the genie has been released from its bottle, it can not be returned.

Last week I was surprised by how much media I consume daily and I was equally surprised to hear that people in South Korea are addictive to the internet. Some South Koreans are so addicted to the internet that they feel lost and irritated without it. The addiction also affects their personal relationships. Hearing such information is a huge wake up call. It makes me think of my friends and I and how many addictive internet cases lies among us. Those who are addictive have shifted from the real world to a superficial, online, and connected world.

What’s your space? Is my space, your space? What is the space?

Myspace is a worldwide social networking site that was founded in 2003. In 2006, it became the most popular social networking site in the United States. But its popularity quickly changed for the worst. It is supposed to be “

A Place

for Friends” which is the site’s slogan but as of right now, Myspace has almost been erased by its biggest competition, Facebook. When Myspace was popular, I did not have an account. From what I heard at the time from my friends was that Myspace was a fun, trendy site but caused a lot of drama in their personal life. From this information alone, I wasn’t interested in the site. When I typed Myspace.com into the address section, my computer did not even recognize the site. By looking at the home page, I viewed an advertisement   from Windows 7 and several small square photos representing the number one rap artist, rock video, television show, and hip hop album. It also had photos and comments of artists from the Grammys. There was a lot of information that would probably attract high school and college students. I liked the layout as well but even though I liked the photos and content on the page, I still would never have a Myspace account.

What is YouTube?

If you don’t know about YouTube.com then you have been living under a rock for the last five years. YouTube is a worldwide user generated website owned by Google. This website quickly became a phenomenon as the site allows users to upload, share, and view videos to and from a mass audience. It was created based on an idea among friends who worked together at PayPal. The names of the creators are Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. The first video ever to be posted on YouTube was “Me at the Zoo” on February 15, 2005. After the site received so many views, Sequoia Capitol funded 3.5 million to YouTube. In 2006, Google made its largest purchase of 1.65 billion dollars in stock and bought YouTube. By purchasing this site, not only did they buy YouTube but also bought every single user. The active user amount is estimated to be about 48.2 million, this not including those who just view videos without accounts.

Time magazine rewarded YouTube as the best invention of 2006. The website has been so successful because it allows real, everyday people to become producers and commentators with only a web cam, computer, and Internet connection. YouTube’s slogan is “Broadcast Yourself” and indeed that is possible as a user.  I personally have a user account but unfortunately I have not posted a video yet. Even though I have not posted a video, I spend about two to three hours a day, watching music videos from artists or humorous videos people have uploaded themselves.  If I watch a video that I think my friends would enjoy, I share the video on my Facebook page. In fact, several of my friends upload videos of them either singing or dancing to display their talents and gifts. YouTube gives users an opportunity to be heard and seen across a mass audience like never before. Even celebrities like Justin Bieber and Fred from Fred the Movie were discovered on YouTube so its impact is enormous. Stars are created and formed on a web cam set in a bedroom, living room, and even bathroom. Posting videos on YouTube is a performative Web 2.0 act because the video is the act and the viewers are the audience. Jeff Jarvis stated that, "A platform enables. It helps others build value." YouTube is the perfect example of a platform in which professional producers, advertisers, and amateurs can place material at the same location.

Although YouTube mostly consists of user generated videos, there are also clips of television shows from television networks. These networks are using the site to attract more of an audience. I know that if I miss a television show or music video premiere, I can just go on YouTube and find it. YouTube is very accessible, convenient, and fun. I thank Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim for creating such a brilliant website.

There isn’t just one single definition of what YouTube means because its meaning depends on the person. But from my point of view, YouTube is mass media in a nut shell. YouTube is an experience. YouTube is a communication network. YouTube is place for creativity to overflow. YouTube is a place for others to escape from reality. Finally, YouTube is a community filled with people from every walk of life and I love all of my neighbors. May YouTube live forever.

Below are some of my favorite YouTube videos. I can watch each of these videos over and over again! Enjoy!

Mind Games: The Queen's Acting Debut

Gone Too Soon: A Tribute to a Legend, My Idol

Michael Jackson

1958- 2009

The King of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson can easily be recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time. He influenced and motivated the world through song and dance. Although he is gone, his soul lives on through his music and countless fans including me. This is not it. I will forever love the King. May the King rest in peace.

Lena: A Legendary Name

Lena Horne

1917-2010

Lena Horne was a singer, dancer, and actress but as a whole an entertainment legend. She broke down racial boundaries by becoming one of the first African Americans to sign a long-term Hollywood studio contract in 1942. She paved the way for African Americans and especially African American women. From a Lena to another Lena, I say, thank you.

Interesting Facts about Lena Muree

I have a strong love and almost obsession for the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Everywhere I go I have my ipod and pink headphones. I could eat Pizza Hut everyday if I could without getting high blood pressure. I can also eat anything with eggs. I absolutely love eggs. I just recently bought an entire new wardrobe with all black clothing. I love leather boots and ask for a new pair every Christmas. When I am feeling down, all I have to do is watch one of my favorite movies to make me feel better. I played basketball for most of my life until I tore my ACL. I can't imagine my life without Facebook. I love my long, lean body, everything is always in reach. Hopefully my dreams and aspirations will also be at reach very soon.

So...there's just a few facts about me, if you want to know more, I'll be happy to tell you.

My Long Self-Portrait

Background music is "Famous" from Jazmine Sullivan's lastest album, Love Me Back.

My Top 10 Favorite Movies

1. Pretty Woman
2. The Bodyguard
3. Air Force One
4. Double Jeopardy
5. Love and Basketball
6. The Notebook
7. Save the Last Dnce
8. Brown Sugar
9. Sex and the City
10. The Hurricane

The ten movies presented above are my favorite because they all made me laugh, cry, and upset at different moments. I can watch all of these movies over and over again. Hopefully some of my favorites are also yours.

First Test Post

Hey, my name is Lena Hardy. Welcome to my new blog. Join me in my journey of exploring the mass media.