Friday, March 20, 2009

This day in history: March 19.

I was listening to the radio yesterday morning, while I was getting ready for work. Every week day, the radio station 104.9 broadcasts any major events that took place in history on that particular day. Many of yesterdays mentionings had to do with television. I thought it would be interesting to share some of them.
  • In 1928, Amos and Andy, formally known as Sam and Henry, became a national hit.
  • In 1953, the Academy Awards were aired on television for the first time. NBC paid $100,000 for the rights to broadcast it on TV and radio.
  • In 1977, the last episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show was aired.
  • In 1979, the US House of Representative began televising its day-to-day business.

I just thought that some of these events were very interesting, and fairly significant in the history of television.

I Have A Dream

Martin Luther King possessed so many qualities that are currently void in our world. Today, an intense amount of individualism exists. MLK cared about everyone, despite their race or background. He cared about others more then he ever cared about himself.
In MLK's speech, "I Have A Dream", he speaks with such dignity and strength. He touches kindly the hardships his race has experienced. Through watching his speech, one cannot help but feel the words radiate through the audience and move those actively listening to his words. It is evident through watching his speak, that his words effect the audience emotionally and physically.
It is difficult to oversee MLK's focus in the words of his speech. This speech has all different kinds of meanings for all different kinds of people. It is evident through watching this speech, that the grater expressions are creating the hope, vision, mission, and the will to change oneself.
MLK was a man full of love. It was inevitable that he was so influential at spreading his love to others. Our world rejects love far too much, and it is sad, in this case, that it cost MLK his life.
Before MLK left this world, he opened so many eyes to a world without segregation. I hope he is able to see what he has done for out country now.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Good Night and Good Luck

This graphic represents the truth of this movie. Good Night and Good Luck really captures the viewer, and places them in the 50's. This is an honest movie. I chose this graphic because I really think it represents a moment in time!

Radio Days!

I really enjoyed this movie! The people of the 40's really relied on the radio, more then I would have thought. I watched this movie with my husband, and he brought up a good thought: people back then were so simple. While discussing the favorite radio shows of each family member, the chosen shows were always so simple. I also liked watching the different memories associated with each song. The music back then was so pure and beautiful, and it was nice to see that happy memories were brought up with some songs in particular! Just wanted to share my thoughts on this movie. I really liked it!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

What I have learned.....

are so many things! I didn't know a thing about the discovery of television prior to the start of this class. I was not aware of the governments part in broadcasting during WWI. It was very interesting to research the young farm boy who was the first to actually transport an image. It is funny, because you would think his name would be a little more well-known due to his contribution in the discovery of television. Before last week, I had not ever heard of him. It was also surprising to discover that the creation of television was rooted back to the radio.

I am also really enjoying the whole media aspect of this course. It is intriguing to learn about all the different parts of advertising, as well as the changes advertising has taken over the years.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Monday, 2.2.2009

Today, I am going to write about Orange County Choppers. In case any of you are not familiar with this show, it is a reality show based on a family who created a business making motorcycles. In the show, the father, Paul Sr., owns and runs the business, and his 2 sons work for him. I chose this show because of the patriarchal family it portrays, meaning the father is the head of the house. It is clear in this show, that the father is the superior, breadwinner of the family, while the mother is barely mentioned. The father is constantly critical of his 2 children, caring for them them with a tough love attitude. During this episode that I watched, the team of workers were interviewing candidates for an open position for a welder/fabricator. It was clear that while women were being interviewed, the team did not take them seriously. This stems from the stereotypes that women are not capable of being a mechanic, because it is a man's job. Also, the team had a visit from a local sponsor, which consisted of four half dressed ladies, prancing around the garage, mumbling about getting a little dirt on their hands.

While watching this show, it was very clear to me the affects this could have on the society. First, the idea of a patriarchal family. Next, the idea that women are perceived as not being capable of doing a "man's" job. However, there is no problem if women want to dance around the garage almost naked, like a sex symbol. Lastly, the men on the team make a joke out of the female applicants.

I usually do not watch this show all that much. My husband is a huge fan, and it is usually just background noise for me. Occasionally, I will look up to see some of the beautiful bikes they create. However, this episode happened to catch my attention when a show about creating motorcycles turned into a show about a garage full of half-dressed girls, acting like complete airheads.