Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Chapter 13 Questions

1. Describe a situation in which you thought personal or pubic expression went too far and should be burned? How might you remedy this situation?
One situation in which I thought personal or public expression went too far was in the Super Bowl when Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake were performing during the half-time show. Justin Timberlake “accidentally” ripped off the clothing area around Janet Jackson’s breast, exposing everything to everyone watching live television. This act of public expression went way too far and should not have happened. Many young boys watch the Super Bowl and this act to get attention was obscene and unnecessary. To remedy this situation, we could simply not allow people like the before mentioned to participate in live performances where large crowds would be present. It creates a bad atmosphere and downgrades the image of the people involved.

Chapter 12 Questions

1. I believe that a public relations activity such as image consulting is somewhat ethical. On one hand, we live in a country that stresses equality and freedom so ardently. As a result, this free agency pertains to everything. If an individual desires to have an image consultant, they have the right to pay something to aid them in the things that they wish to be helped with. On the other hand it could be argued that it is unethical because people involved in public relations tend to stretch the truth and tell half lies about certain things to make an individual appear better than they truly are. It is all about who can make the other person seem more perfect than the next.

2. I believe that exaggerated promotional methods do in fact exist today. An example of such a promotional method would be the advertisements on television about what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. These ads exaggeratedly promote sexual innuendos that does not necessarily happen every single time. They promote the tourism aspects of Las Vegas. Another example of an exaggerated promotional method is the Blue Men Group. They appeared on television to promote IBM computers. They were blue because the nickname for IBM was Big Blue and so they decided to make the men blue in their entirety. It was an exaggerated stance of promoting these computers.

Chapter 11 Questions

1. One effective ad that I found was the Herbal Essence Shampoo advertisement. This advertisement proved to be extremely effective due to the fact that the model in the ad is extremely attractive and her hair looks soft and silky. It makes the viewer want to have luxurious hair just like the model’s hair. The words on the ad, “We can’t keep something this juicy a secret,” are very captivating and intriguing. They make the viewer want to continue looking at the advertisement in the hopes of uncovering what the secret is.




Another advertisement that I found to be good and effective was the Apple Ipod ad. It’s simple complexity captivates and commands attention. The fact that the person is a silhouette makes the actual product pop out from the picture which is exactly what advertising is about. It is about selling the product.

One ad that I found to be ineffective was the Nike advertisement. It does not make sense and it does not show the product at all in the advertisement. True, it is rather enthralling, but it does not make me was the viewer desire to purchase the merchandise.



A second advertisement that I found to be bad was the Virgin Money Home Loans ad. Not only is it disgusting but also is not clear as to what they are trying to promote. The visual is so disturbing that if I saw this advertisement in a magazine I would merely glance at it in disgust and immediately turn the page. Advertisements would undoubtedly prove ineffective.


2. I believe that advertising is, for the most part, extremely effective. It provides a means of revealing to the public new products that could be very useful in life. It is a way for sellers to communicate with potential buyers in a creative way and promote their products the way that they want to promote them. One instance that advertising influenced my decision to buy something was when I see certain items of clothing on mannequins. Window displays are a form of advertising and there have been countless times where I have found myself wanting to buy what I see in the window. One instance that advertising influenced me not to buy something was when I saw the above the influence advertisements on television or in magazines. They are the coolest ads and they really influence they way you think. I have never wanted to take drugs but after seeing those advertisements it just reassured my original thinking and I knew that I would never purchase drugs. The mere symbol alone is a reminder of what I need to be like so that I do not get sucked into that dark world or self destruction.

Chapter 9 Questions

1. After tracking my television viewing for one week I learned that I do not really watch television that often but when I do I only watch shows on two channels: the CW and ABC. Since I do not receive either of those channels, I view my desired shows on their websites. With advances in technology, we are now able to watch entire episodes basically commercial free online. The shows that I watch regularly are Gossip Girl, 90210, Privileged, One Tree Hill, and America’s Next Top Model. The best thing about watching the episodes online is that I can do so whenever I want. As a college student I do not have a lot of time to lounge around and watch television so when the opportunity arises to do so, I can simply go to my computer and watch the shows I want to watch. Through this experience I learned that television tries to accommodate all types of people and their interests. There is a channel for almost every interest. Television provides you with a means of ending boredom. Most people only watch television because they have nothing else to do. It is a means of self entertainment that requires no effort on the viewer’s side.



2. I do not agree with the statement that networks tend to offer TV programs that appeal to the “lowest common denominator.” The majority of television shows on the CW are aimed towards teenagers, many of which are spoiled filthy. In reality there are only a handful of schools that actually have students of that intensity like in them. Many shows are unfortunately not able to be related to by the majority of people because they are so unrealistic. There are however, a few programs that are definitely for the LCD. I believe that especially in perilous times like these, the show Extreme Makeover Home Edition is for the LCD. Many people have had encounters with having to remodel their homes or something of that nature. The show has good intensions and shows ways in which people can improve their homes if necessary. One network that I believe defies the LCD label is the CW. True, it attracts many young viewers but it is extremely unrealistic and does not relate to the majority of its viewers.





3. I disagree with the statement that television has had a greater impact on society than any other form of media. In my opinion, this title goes to the internet. Internet encompasses television in it. Internet offers an endless array of options. You can read the news, play games, communicate with friends, find information, watch television, listen to the radio. The list is endless. Television did have a significant impact on society but internet definitely surpassed television in the aspect of impact.

Chapter 8 Questions

1. The amount of sex and violence is increasing in motion pictures because those are two of the most appealing elements in the media. They intrigue viewers to continue viewing and it excites them as they watch. I think this trend starts out in the beginning as something that society is merely given. These elements are just thrown into motion pictures randomly and people who want to watch these movies are in a sense, forced to watch those scenes. However, even though it may start out was something that society is simply given, in my opinion it evolves into a matter of Hollywood giving society what they want. This is due to the fact that these elements are rather addicting and as a result, the more viewers see sex and violence, the more they want to continue viewing it.

2. If I were a movie producer, I would first find actors and actresses who are famous who are well liked by many, but still competent enough to play my characters well. Next I would advertise for my movie extremely well by making an edgy trailer so that people who see this trailer will be tempted to watch the movie. I would also hook up with well known websites like AOL or Yahoo and advertise for my movie on their home pages so that many people would have access to it. I would include elements of mystery and intrigue to attract people to actually going and seeing the movie. Also, I would probably include elements of sex and violence due to the fact that those elements attract viewers.