Monday evening, our class discussed men and how they are portrayed in the media. We watched a documentary that commented on the evolution of the expectations our society has put on men.
An example of this were the Star Wars action figurines. During the 1970s, the figurines were proportional without bulging muscles and looked like the actors that played Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Darthvader. Fast forward 30 years, and the figurines look more like steroid-abusing football players. This representation of what a "man" should look like can confuse boys, and unsaid expectations are put on them.
It was an entertaining lecture. I left being thankful that I'm a girl.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Jour 4460: Once a PR Student, Always a PR Student
Months into my education as a public relations major, I find myself viewing the world with a fresh pair of eyes. I observe and mentally chew on every billboard I pass, every television commercial I watch, and every breaking news story I read. The classes I have taken have helped shape my worldview.
When I was enrolled in the computer design course for journalism majors, I learned about the four concepts of design: alignment, proximity, repetition and contrast. With this knowledge I am able to provide my personal opinions about certain visual campaigns and advertisements. Not only do I feel I have earned the right to assess visual media, but I feel confident when doing so. I can defend my personal opinions with knowledge I have learned through the classroom and experience. It is liberating to feel secure in what you know and are sure of.
Ever since I have learned to write radio public service announcements (PSA), I find myself tuning into talk radio stations and perking my ears up when PSAs come streaming through my speakers. I ask myself, “What is the format used? Should they have put the phone number in the middle or not? How do they make this product sound so inviting?” Methodically, I put myself in the position of a public relations representative for a corporate company, and envision myself selling their product, service or experience. My mind never stops thinking even when I beg for it to give me a rest! Higher education looks so much prettier to me now than it ever has before.
The Mayborn School of Journalism is quite genius. At the beginning of the road to obtaining my bachelor’s, I found myself uninspired and clueless. I was drawn to the University of North Texas (UNT) because of their world-renowned music program. As a vocal performance major, I felt I wasn’t exercising all of my strengths that I was born with, but only one: my voice. After two difficult semesters, I switched to a major that would fine-tune (pun intended) my writing, speaking, designing, and leadership abilities. Deciding on public relations felt like coming home. It felt welcomed, and I knew it was right for me.
All of the preliminary courses I took helped stretch and break me than ever before. Writing for the NTDaily made me get out of my comfort zone, learning Adobe applications for computer design showed strengths of mine I had never seen before, among other nuggets of knowledge I obtained on my journey. Thank goodness I pressed on through the seemingly impossible projects.
The knowledge and skills I have learned have no price tag (other than the thousands of dollars my gracious father has provided for me). I am a changed woman for the better. For the first time in my life, I love going to class everyday and trying my very hardest to be at the top of my class in each assignment I turn in. For anyone who knows me well, this is groundbreaking.
I am inspired, and my knowledge will never peak. My daily life experiences provide an education, and I am finding this out through opening my eyes and breathing my highly advertised, consumeristic, opportunistic, artistic world in.
When I was enrolled in the computer design course for journalism majors, I learned about the four concepts of design: alignment, proximity, repetition and contrast. With this knowledge I am able to provide my personal opinions about certain visual campaigns and advertisements. Not only do I feel I have earned the right to assess visual media, but I feel confident when doing so. I can defend my personal opinions with knowledge I have learned through the classroom and experience. It is liberating to feel secure in what you know and are sure of.
Ever since I have learned to write radio public service announcements (PSA), I find myself tuning into talk radio stations and perking my ears up when PSAs come streaming through my speakers. I ask myself, “What is the format used? Should they have put the phone number in the middle or not? How do they make this product sound so inviting?” Methodically, I put myself in the position of a public relations representative for a corporate company, and envision myself selling their product, service or experience. My mind never stops thinking even when I beg for it to give me a rest! Higher education looks so much prettier to me now than it ever has before.
The Mayborn School of Journalism is quite genius. At the beginning of the road to obtaining my bachelor’s, I found myself uninspired and clueless. I was drawn to the University of North Texas (UNT) because of their world-renowned music program. As a vocal performance major, I felt I wasn’t exercising all of my strengths that I was born with, but only one: my voice. After two difficult semesters, I switched to a major that would fine-tune (pun intended) my writing, speaking, designing, and leadership abilities. Deciding on public relations felt like coming home. It felt welcomed, and I knew it was right for me.
All of the preliminary courses I took helped stretch and break me than ever before. Writing for the NTDaily made me get out of my comfort zone, learning Adobe applications for computer design showed strengths of mine I had never seen before, among other nuggets of knowledge I obtained on my journey. Thank goodness I pressed on through the seemingly impossible projects.
The knowledge and skills I have learned have no price tag (other than the thousands of dollars my gracious father has provided for me). I am a changed woman for the better. For the first time in my life, I love going to class everyday and trying my very hardest to be at the top of my class in each assignment I turn in. For anyone who knows me well, this is groundbreaking.
I am inspired, and my knowledge will never peak. My daily life experiences provide an education, and I am finding this out through opening my eyes and breathing my highly advertised, consumeristic, opportunistic, artistic world in.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Jour 4460: Texas Motor Speedway didn't get last laugh
The first day of April is notorious for infuriating those who are targeted as prey. April Fool’s has become an enduring “holiday” for a certain niche of the population. They're the ones who scribble reminders on their calendar, plan elaborate jokes, and laugh ‘til their bellies are sore.
What if a prank goes too far? Where’s the line? Is it fair enough to say, “It was just a joke, get over it”?
On March 30, Eddie Gossage, president of the Texas Motor Speedway, had an unforeseen announcement for the public. Gossage offered Terry Dorsey, a Dallas country music station DJ, $100,000 to switch his name to TexasMotorSpeedway.com and brand himself with a permanent Texas Motor Speedway tattoo. Dorsey was given 24 hours to make his final decision. Does he take the $100,000 and consent to the stipulations or walk away? Nascar fans held their breath.
The press and commentators reacted exactly how they were supposed to: shocked. Texas Motor Speedway got all of the wanted press they were hoping for. The story made national headlines, and all eyes were on Terry Dorsey.
It’s safe to say that Gossage is a master of trickery. As it turns out, the proposal was an April Fool’s joke on the public and fans. It accomplished what it was meant to accomplish. Texas Motor Speedway received wanted press, and in turn, so did Terry Dorsey and 96.3 KSCS, Dorsey’s station.
Consequently, the district clerk of Tarrant County, Tom Wilder, and his staff didn’t find the joke clever or funny. They spent about three hours in the family law building, where names are legally changed, and prepared to buffer the oncoming of the media and fans. The press turned the family law building, where dozens of people have their lives changed everyday, into an outright circus. Film crews began filming people who were not wanted to be on screen, and were creeping into the privacy of others during vulnerable times in their lives.
Wilder is quoted in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram saying, “It was just a great inconvenience and, apparently, Mr. Gossage and Mr. Dorsey have a lot of time on their hands so maybe they can help us with our 30,000 cases and the overload we have on a daily basis.”
Ouch! It’s clearly evident that the prank showed the power of the “snowball effect”, and how affective the press can be at spreading news, whether important or trivial.
If I was on the public relations team at the Texas Motor Speedway, I would issue an apology to those who were negatively affected (Wilder and staff), and would encourage them to recognize the frustrations this prank caused.
With any prank, trust is lost, whether a small or large amount. They could also apologize to the publics expressing their intentions with the joke. Being tricked can be an embarrassing thing.
The last thing I would advise them to do is to do exactly what Wilder mentioned they could do: help out at the district clerk’s office and make up for the inconvenience caused that day. What better way to show your apology than acting on your words?
This is the perfect example of a harmless prank gone totally wrong. April Fool’s is quickly becoming one of the most annoying days of the year.
SOURCES:
http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/03/31/2081919/tarrant-county-district-clerk.html
http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/blog/from_the_marbles/post/Would-you-change-your-name-to-TexasMotorSpeedway?urn=nascar,231184
What if a prank goes too far? Where’s the line? Is it fair enough to say, “It was just a joke, get over it”?
On March 30, Eddie Gossage, president of the Texas Motor Speedway, had an unforeseen announcement for the public. Gossage offered Terry Dorsey, a Dallas country music station DJ, $100,000 to switch his name to TexasMotorSpeedway.com and brand himself with a permanent Texas Motor Speedway tattoo. Dorsey was given 24 hours to make his final decision. Does he take the $100,000 and consent to the stipulations or walk away? Nascar fans held their breath.
The press and commentators reacted exactly how they were supposed to: shocked. Texas Motor Speedway got all of the wanted press they were hoping for. The story made national headlines, and all eyes were on Terry Dorsey.
It’s safe to say that Gossage is a master of trickery. As it turns out, the proposal was an April Fool’s joke on the public and fans. It accomplished what it was meant to accomplish. Texas Motor Speedway received wanted press, and in turn, so did Terry Dorsey and 96.3 KSCS, Dorsey’s station.
Consequently, the district clerk of Tarrant County, Tom Wilder, and his staff didn’t find the joke clever or funny. They spent about three hours in the family law building, where names are legally changed, and prepared to buffer the oncoming of the media and fans. The press turned the family law building, where dozens of people have their lives changed everyday, into an outright circus. Film crews began filming people who were not wanted to be on screen, and were creeping into the privacy of others during vulnerable times in their lives.
Wilder is quoted in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram saying, “It was just a great inconvenience and, apparently, Mr. Gossage and Mr. Dorsey have a lot of time on their hands so maybe they can help us with our 30,000 cases and the overload we have on a daily basis.”
Ouch! It’s clearly evident that the prank showed the power of the “snowball effect”, and how affective the press can be at spreading news, whether important or trivial.
If I was on the public relations team at the Texas Motor Speedway, I would issue an apology to those who were negatively affected (Wilder and staff), and would encourage them to recognize the frustrations this prank caused.
With any prank, trust is lost, whether a small or large amount. They could also apologize to the publics expressing their intentions with the joke. Being tricked can be an embarrassing thing.
The last thing I would advise them to do is to do exactly what Wilder mentioned they could do: help out at the district clerk’s office and make up for the inconvenience caused that day. What better way to show your apology than acting on your words?
This is the perfect example of a harmless prank gone totally wrong. April Fool’s is quickly becoming one of the most annoying days of the year.
SOURCES:
http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/03/31/2081919/tarrant-county-district-clerk.html
http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/blog/from_the_marbles/post/Would-you-change-your-name-to-TexasMotorSpeedway?urn=nascar,231184
Monday, March 29, 2010
Jour 4460: Spring Break Joy
This spring break, I was able to work more than the sane person should, and got to go to Austin for family bonding. I am a waitress at Carino's, and I enjoy my job. One of my favorite reasons for going to work is to interact with all of the customers we get everyday. To make someone's night that much better makes my work all worth the while. Serving food not be my undying passion. I don't have vivid dreams of myself being the top-notch waitress I know I'm capable of being. I don't wish to stay at Carino's for much longer. But I do love meeting new faces, serving them, and getting to know who they are through my service.
In the middle of my spring break week, me and my wonderful boyfriend, Jimmy, went to Austin to see my cousin and two aunts on my mother's side. We are all extremely close, and they got to meet Jimmy for the first time. Me and Jimmy have been dating for almost a year and a half, and we haven't had the chance to introduce him to my family. Due to my grandmother being sick (and passing away later that week), there is a sense of closeness that our family is experiencing that is unlike any other time in our lives. We are learning to cling to each other for strength and unity. It is so special for me to take part in a unique time in all of our lives.
My spring break mixed the perfect amount of work, play, joy, and sadness. The week couldn't have flown by any faster. Isn't that how spring break always turns out?
In the middle of my spring break week, me and my wonderful boyfriend, Jimmy, went to Austin to see my cousin and two aunts on my mother's side. We are all extremely close, and they got to meet Jimmy for the first time. Me and Jimmy have been dating for almost a year and a half, and we haven't had the chance to introduce him to my family. Due to my grandmother being sick (and passing away later that week), there is a sense of closeness that our family is experiencing that is unlike any other time in our lives. We are learning to cling to each other for strength and unity. It is so special for me to take part in a unique time in all of our lives.
My spring break mixed the perfect amount of work, play, joy, and sadness. The week couldn't have flown by any faster. Isn't that how spring break always turns out?
Monday, March 22, 2010
Jour 4250: March 22 Lecture
Tonight during class we discussed the gay community in the media and how they are portrayed. We watched a documentary on the stereotypes seen on the television, and the effects due to these portrayals. I am from a conservative, Christian household, and I have been taught that, first and foremost, all people are exactly equal. No matter what lifestyle we choose, we are still seen just as lovable as anyone else. Watching the documentary and hearing the class' comments made me realize that the GLBT community doesn't feel that love from society. They find unmatched love in their own community, but the moment they intermingle with the "other" communities (other than GLBT) there is a sense of displacement and loneliness. It breaks my heart to see and hear story after story of cruelty and hate. We live in a fallen world that can be selfish and self-serving, but it is our honor to "love one another as himself".
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Jour 4460: Network, network, network
As graduation comes hauntingly closer and closer, I am beginning to fully understand just how important networking is in my industry of choice. Whether through social media like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, or through meeting and mingling with people at career events, I am constantly challenging myself to put myself out there.
While on Google, I decided to search "public relations blogs", and PR blog popped up. Ironically enough, the blog is called "Pop! PR Jots" by Jeremy Pepper. Clicking into it, I decided to read the latest post Pepper decided to write about. Throughout his writing, one word screamed at me from my computer screen: "NETWORK!"
Pepper stressed the importance of networking through social media, events, finding PR mentors, and helping professionals and young professionals out in any way.
"Throughout my career, almost all my jobs have come through referrals or recommendations from past interactions," Pepper says. "That is how the world works, and you have to allow your work to speak for you, not your social media presence."
He doesn't downplay the significance of understanding the social media world, but he stresses the importance of making connections with personal interaction.
My generation of college graduates is a unique bunch. I am not quite sure that we understand just how important personal interaction is. We, and I am guilty as well, believe that if we are involved in multiple Twitter conversations with PR professionals, create social media presence, and email prospective employers, we will get hired the moment we receive our diploma. The truth of the matter is forget the importance a face-to-face conversation and our physical presence in an office of a company we could see ourselves working at.
Let us not forget how to be as impressive in person as we are on the Internet.
Sources:
http://pop-pr.blogspot.com/
While on Google, I decided to search "public relations blogs", and PR blog popped up. Ironically enough, the blog is called "Pop! PR Jots" by Jeremy Pepper. Clicking into it, I decided to read the latest post Pepper decided to write about. Throughout his writing, one word screamed at me from my computer screen: "NETWORK!"
Pepper stressed the importance of networking through social media, events, finding PR mentors, and helping professionals and young professionals out in any way.
"Throughout my career, almost all my jobs have come through referrals or recommendations from past interactions," Pepper says. "That is how the world works, and you have to allow your work to speak for you, not your social media presence."
He doesn't downplay the significance of understanding the social media world, but he stresses the importance of making connections with personal interaction.
My generation of college graduates is a unique bunch. I am not quite sure that we understand just how important personal interaction is. We, and I am guilty as well, believe that if we are involved in multiple Twitter conversations with PR professionals, create social media presence, and email prospective employers, we will get hired the moment we receive our diploma. The truth of the matter is forget the importance a face-to-face conversation and our physical presence in an office of a company we could see ourselves working at.
Let us not forget how to be as impressive in person as we are on the Internet.
Sources:
http://pop-pr.blogspot.com/
Jour 4250: March 8 Lecture
In class on Monday, we took our test, and I felt extremely confident about how I did. Being the first one finished, I felt a little prideful towards my hard studying efforts.
Afterwards, we viewed a few music videos and discussed the stereotypes seen repeatedly on the screen. Women were looked at as sexual icons, rappers were seen as violent gangsters, and women were also depicted as independent and powerful. I have always been aware of the stereotypes seen in music videos, but once it was brought to my attention, the music scene is bombarded with vivid images of how we are supposed to be, look like, and act like. It was quite disturbing.
Afterwards, we viewed a few music videos and discussed the stereotypes seen repeatedly on the screen. Women were looked at as sexual icons, rappers were seen as violent gangsters, and women were also depicted as independent and powerful. I have always been aware of the stereotypes seen in music videos, but once it was brought to my attention, the music scene is bombarded with vivid images of how we are supposed to be, look like, and act like. It was quite disturbing.
Jour 4470: Ethics - Post 2
With the excitement of the Winter Olympics slowly dying, a few memories will stick in the minds of viewers. The great Shaun White and his Double McTwist 1260 at the end of his run, the unfortunate crash of Lindsey Vonn, and the tragic death of Georgian luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, are some of the premier events that took place. The horrific death of Kumaritashvili caused an uproar in the world.
During Kumaritashvili’s 27th run down the track on Whistler, he lost control of his sled at 90 mph and slammed his head on the back of a pole found in the curve of the track. Seconds later, emergency crews rush to his side and attempt to bring his limp body back to life. This memory will stick in the minds of the people attending him, but also in the minds of the entire world to see.
Vivid coverage of the crash and emergency crews afterwards can be found plastered everywhere on the Internet. Type a few keywords in a search engine, and you’ve got over 10 venues to watch the video on. Ethically, is this what is right and good? Or were the media wrong in putting the graphic videos on the Internet minutes after the fatal crash?
If I were a broadcaster covering the Winter Olympic Games, I would have waited for the family to be informed to tell of this horrific death. They are the ones directly affected. Kumaritashvili’s father was a luger, and is quoted expressing his son’s anxiety about the track.
“"I'm a luger as well and that's why I told him, 'Brake, brake, don't risk it,' " the elder Kumaritashvili said. "He said, 'No Dad, I will risk it, what will be will be.' And he took the risk." (Luger 2010).
Out of sensitivity to Kumaritashvili’s family, I would have exercised Virtue ethics. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Gower 2008). People of the public do not need to see the crash and the aftermath of it. Personally, I feel that it was not considerate of the luger or his family’s emotions.
To play the devil’s advocate, I could argue that the people should be informed so that they are aware of the on-goings at the Winter Games. People love to be entertained and informed, and horrific deaths and crashes entertain people. It gives them something to talk about.
Although media coverage is a business that must captivate and keep an audience, it should always act ethically before it considers what kind of profit a certain story will make. According to the Journalist Code of Ethics, “be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.” I feel that it breaks the code of ethics by leaking those videos and photographs to the public.
All in all, if Virtue ethics would have been applied, the journalists covering the Olympics should have considered the feelings of the family before the drive of a good story.
Sources:
Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp
Gower, K.K, Classical Theories. (2008). Legal and ethical considerations for public relations. Long Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc.
Press, Associated. "Luger Was Afraid of a Turn, Father Says." Winter Olympics. ESPN, 15 Feb. 2010. Web. 10 Mar. 2010..
During Kumaritashvili’s 27th run down the track on Whistler, he lost control of his sled at 90 mph and slammed his head on the back of a pole found in the curve of the track. Seconds later, emergency crews rush to his side and attempt to bring his limp body back to life. This memory will stick in the minds of the people attending him, but also in the minds of the entire world to see.
Vivid coverage of the crash and emergency crews afterwards can be found plastered everywhere on the Internet. Type a few keywords in a search engine, and you’ve got over 10 venues to watch the video on. Ethically, is this what is right and good? Or were the media wrong in putting the graphic videos on the Internet minutes after the fatal crash?
If I were a broadcaster covering the Winter Olympic Games, I would have waited for the family to be informed to tell of this horrific death. They are the ones directly affected. Kumaritashvili’s father was a luger, and is quoted expressing his son’s anxiety about the track.
“"I'm a luger as well and that's why I told him, 'Brake, brake, don't risk it,' " the elder Kumaritashvili said. "He said, 'No Dad, I will risk it, what will be will be.' And he took the risk." (Luger 2010).
Out of sensitivity to Kumaritashvili’s family, I would have exercised Virtue ethics. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Gower 2008). People of the public do not need to see the crash and the aftermath of it. Personally, I feel that it was not considerate of the luger or his family’s emotions.
To play the devil’s advocate, I could argue that the people should be informed so that they are aware of the on-goings at the Winter Games. People love to be entertained and informed, and horrific deaths and crashes entertain people. It gives them something to talk about.
Although media coverage is a business that must captivate and keep an audience, it should always act ethically before it considers what kind of profit a certain story will make. According to the Journalist Code of Ethics, “be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.” I feel that it breaks the code of ethics by leaking those videos and photographs to the public.
All in all, if Virtue ethics would have been applied, the journalists covering the Olympics should have considered the feelings of the family before the drive of a good story.
Sources:
Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp
Gower, K.K, Classical Theories. (2008). Legal and ethical considerations for public relations. Long Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc.
Press, Associated. "Luger Was Afraid of a Turn, Father Says." Winter Olympics. ESPN, 15 Feb. 2010. Web. 10 Mar. 2010.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Jour 4460: To kill a tree or not to kill a tree? That is the question...
With many companies deciding to make environmentally conscious ways of doing business, huge changes that affect the regular function of doing things are underway. who's to say what should get a makeover and what should not? I am all for a building becoming a solar-powered Cave of Wonders, cars turning into hybrid "Megatron" monsters, and people tracking their carbon footprints. I do believe that we humans are here on this planet for a reason, therefore we must take great care of the habitat being dwelled in. But are some new eco-savvy ways of doing things the best solution for our customers? Mainly, I am examining the switch from the hardcopy newsletter to the online "e-newsletter".
Sure, the online newsletter seems like a great, efficient way of saving trees and allowing the same information to be spread through a different channel. All employees still receive the newsletter, it's just now in a different format. With an e-newsletter, paper isn't wasted, it is accessible and savable on the computer, and people can print different stories, photos and features that they are interested in. Overall, I agree that it is an easy, cost-effecient way to inform your organization or company.
It is arguably obvious that once you lose the hardcopy newsletter, you lose a little bit of nostalgic formality that has been found within an organization for years. It is proven that one reads a computer screen differently than a printed page full of information. With a hardcopy newsletter, one can enjoy the benefits of becoming educated on all areas of the company, and not just zone in on the specific articles they find interesting. A hardcopy newsletter can be felt, touched, rolled up, and brought along on breaks or on-site jobs. A company that specifically works in home repair, like a plumbing company, must have a way to communicate with repairmen who never look at a computer screen. By keeping a newsletter in print, the company is able to give it to the repairmen, and they are able to take it with them as they drive. Another positive aspect is uniting the company with a sense of community by connecting them to one another as they read about their company on paper. Plus, an inbox for an email account gets bombarded with all kinds of spam, online documents, and corporate emails; it's appropriate to give eyes a break from a computer screen.
All in all, I feel that keeping a hardcopy newsletter is something that is more valuable in the end. Many coworkers look forward to the day that they can sit back, prop their feet up, and read about the daily happenings within their company that doesn't directly involve them. I say it is a priceless road of communication that should not be tampered with.
Sure, the online newsletter seems like a great, efficient way of saving trees and allowing the same information to be spread through a different channel. All employees still receive the newsletter, it's just now in a different format. With an e-newsletter, paper isn't wasted, it is accessible and savable on the computer, and people can print different stories, photos and features that they are interested in. Overall, I agree that it is an easy, cost-effecient way to inform your organization or company.
It is arguably obvious that once you lose the hardcopy newsletter, you lose a little bit of nostalgic formality that has been found within an organization for years. It is proven that one reads a computer screen differently than a printed page full of information. With a hardcopy newsletter, one can enjoy the benefits of becoming educated on all areas of the company, and not just zone in on the specific articles they find interesting. A hardcopy newsletter can be felt, touched, rolled up, and brought along on breaks or on-site jobs. A company that specifically works in home repair, like a plumbing company, must have a way to communicate with repairmen who never look at a computer screen. By keeping a newsletter in print, the company is able to give it to the repairmen, and they are able to take it with them as they drive. Another positive aspect is uniting the company with a sense of community by connecting them to one another as they read about their company on paper. Plus, an inbox for an email account gets bombarded with all kinds of spam, online documents, and corporate emails; it's appropriate to give eyes a break from a computer screen.
All in all, I feel that keeping a hardcopy newsletter is something that is more valuable in the end. Many coworkers look forward to the day that they can sit back, prop their feet up, and read about the daily happenings within their company that doesn't directly involve them. I say it is a priceless road of communication that should not be tampered with.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Jour 4250: February 22 Lecture
I was extremely impressed by all of the presenters in class today. I felt that Addley Fannin did a terrific job, and was so creative. During her presentation, I began to think about why there are so few video games targeted for women, and why so few women were quoted in the gaming publications. Is it because women's motor skills aren't as developed? Because women don't find entertainment in violence? Because women have better things to do than play video games and complete levels? All of these reasons could contribute to this theory, but more importantly, how do men find time to do these things? I find it outrageous to think that so many men will neglect life and social responsibilities for a trivial video game. I haven't done my research, but it makes me wonder.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Jour 4250: February 15 Lecture
While watching "The Black Press" during class, the images of the lynchings will stick with me forever. It makes my blood boil to think that white Americans could do that in good conscience. It is impossible to think that so many stories of the African-Americans have gone untold, and am so thankful for seeing the documentary. It is moments like these that make a good education completely worth it in every way.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Who's to say who's right? Jour 4470
Blog Post 1: Mike Leach versus ESPN
When diving into the world of ethics, one finds himself tangled up in a web of multiple theories and explanations for what is right and wrong, why it is right or wrong, and how it is right or wrong. With theories like deontology, consequentialism, egoism and virtue ethics, how does one establish which path is correct for ethically right behavior? Reading the Mike Leach article, written by Don Ohlmeyer, raises many questions and eyebrows. If we were to compare the Mike Leach versus Craig James and his family debacle to the theories mentioned, what would that look like? How did ESPN play in to the scandal?
According to Karla Gower, author of “Legal and Ethical Considerations for Public Relations”, deontology holds that “certain underlying principles are right or wrong, regardless of their consequences”. Due to Craig James’ direct involvement with the scandal and his influence at ESPN, it would have been wise for ESPN to deliberately remain as neutral and unbiased as possible. All this to say, it may have been less “fair” to the audience who tuned in to hear about the Leach firing, but it would have kept ESPN from sounding extremely biased.
Consequentialism, according to Gower, states that an “action is good if its consequences are good…and an action is bad if its consequences are bad”. It is known as a utilitarian stance, or as Jeremy Bentham, an eighteenth century proponent of utilitarianism, said, “the greatest good for the greatest number of people”. In that case, ESPN may have gone along with telling the audience the straight facts about who said what and why it was said. Bias should not have played a part in this whatsoever.
Egoism is best described as “enlightened self-interest, and contends that an act is morally right if it best promotes the individual’s long-term interests” (Gower 6). Leach and Craig James both could have used this theory to better promote themselves in their long-term career goals. Leach wanted to appear innocent by blaming his rash decision of punishing James’ son, Adam, in a “closet”. He told the press and his staff the Adam James’ actions deserved this. On the other end of the spectrum, Craig James got an opportunity to further advance his personal opinion of Leach’s coaching style by influencing those [ESPN] around him. In turn, both parties failed to consider the other one involved.
Aristotle implied that the golden mean, or “moderation as the path to a virtuous life”, reminds us “that character does make a difference” (Gower 7). A person that carries a sense of self-values close to their heart will, more often than not, do the right thing. By peering through the virtue ethics lens, both Leach and Adam James are at fault. If Mike Leach would have treated Adam and Craig James with more kindness than this uproar would have not been as much of an issue. If the James’ would have considered Leach’s role as the head coach of Texas Tech and not an abusive tyrant, then Leach would still have his position as head coach.
Overall, there are so many ways to look at a certain issue that you will think yourself to death. ESPN chose to televise a biased broadcast and Leach equally chose to choose Adam James with disrespect during practice. In turn, who is to say who is right and who is wrong? If we view one another as equals and as human beings with values, opinions and strong emotions, then your gut can oftentimes point you in the correct direction.
Sources:
Gower, K. K. (2008). Legal and Ethical Considerations for Public Relations. Long Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc.
When diving into the world of ethics, one finds himself tangled up in a web of multiple theories and explanations for what is right and wrong, why it is right or wrong, and how it is right or wrong. With theories like deontology, consequentialism, egoism and virtue ethics, how does one establish which path is correct for ethically right behavior? Reading the Mike Leach article, written by Don Ohlmeyer, raises many questions and eyebrows. If we were to compare the Mike Leach versus Craig James and his family debacle to the theories mentioned, what would that look like? How did ESPN play in to the scandal?
According to Karla Gower, author of “Legal and Ethical Considerations for Public Relations”, deontology holds that “certain underlying principles are right or wrong, regardless of their consequences”. Due to Craig James’ direct involvement with the scandal and his influence at ESPN, it would have been wise for ESPN to deliberately remain as neutral and unbiased as possible. All this to say, it may have been less “fair” to the audience who tuned in to hear about the Leach firing, but it would have kept ESPN from sounding extremely biased.
Consequentialism, according to Gower, states that an “action is good if its consequences are good…and an action is bad if its consequences are bad”. It is known as a utilitarian stance, or as Jeremy Bentham, an eighteenth century proponent of utilitarianism, said, “the greatest good for the greatest number of people”. In that case, ESPN may have gone along with telling the audience the straight facts about who said what and why it was said. Bias should not have played a part in this whatsoever.
Egoism is best described as “enlightened self-interest, and contends that an act is morally right if it best promotes the individual’s long-term interests” (Gower 6). Leach and Craig James both could have used this theory to better promote themselves in their long-term career goals. Leach wanted to appear innocent by blaming his rash decision of punishing James’ son, Adam, in a “closet”. He told the press and his staff the Adam James’ actions deserved this. On the other end of the spectrum, Craig James got an opportunity to further advance his personal opinion of Leach’s coaching style by influencing those [ESPN] around him. In turn, both parties failed to consider the other one involved.
Aristotle implied that the golden mean, or “moderation as the path to a virtuous life”, reminds us “that character does make a difference” (Gower 7). A person that carries a sense of self-values close to their heart will, more often than not, do the right thing. By peering through the virtue ethics lens, both Leach and Adam James are at fault. If Mike Leach would have treated Adam and Craig James with more kindness than this uproar would have not been as much of an issue. If the James’ would have considered Leach’s role as the head coach of Texas Tech and not an abusive tyrant, then Leach would still have his position as head coach.
Overall, there are so many ways to look at a certain issue that you will think yourself to death. ESPN chose to televise a biased broadcast and Leach equally chose to choose Adam James with disrespect during practice. In turn, who is to say who is right and who is wrong? If we view one another as equals and as human beings with values, opinions and strong emotions, then your gut can oftentimes point you in the correct direction.
Sources:
Gower, K. K. (2008). Legal and Ethical Considerations for Public Relations. Long Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Jour 4460: Hey reporters! How 'bout you pick up the phone?
As a student majoring in public relations, I am being taught how the world of public relations works, what it looks like, how to get involved, and all kinds of techniques as to be a marketable public relations representative. With my fingers crossed, I hope to goodness that I am offered a job through one of my many internships or through some stroke of luck. I have an extremely marketable major from a well-known journalism school, but how in the world will I know that I am going to be a successful employee in the public relations department someday? I can see myself sitting down at my desk the first day on the job and saying, "okay, now what?" How do I get my business in the media, and how do I make them a big deal?
I googled "reporter help", and came across the Web site, helpareporter.com. This Web site advertises "Fortune 500 PR for Free!" Now, how easy could that really be? As with most websites, you are required to sign your life away and create a username and password that they internet world can identify you by. I just don't know if I can trust these things or not. Could this really work, or is it some sort of scam that I'm supposed to buy into? There are currently 29,478 reporters logged into helpareporter.com, and daily pitches are e-mailed to your e-mail inquiring if your company has the source they could be looking for.
The one problem I have with communication via the internet is the lack of personal contact. These reporters could be mythical or a scam. With so many "hook-up" venues for journalists and public relations representatives, just how far is too far? Don't reporters get overwhelmed and forget certain areas on the internet where they can find their information? The lack of face-to-face, or voice-to-ear, conversation leaves me unsettled. I was interested in becoming a public relations professional with the hopes that my love for people and conversation would someday open these very doors that are being propped up by websites that do all of the work for you. It might just be my personal opinion, but oftentimes I wish my personal public relations skills were put to the test more often. It's why I even considered this major in the first place.
I googled "reporter help", and came across the Web site, helpareporter.com. This Web site advertises "Fortune 500 PR for Free!" Now, how easy could that really be? As with most websites, you are required to sign your life away and create a username and password that they internet world can identify you by. I just don't know if I can trust these things or not. Could this really work, or is it some sort of scam that I'm supposed to buy into? There are currently 29,478 reporters logged into helpareporter.com, and daily pitches are e-mailed to your e-mail inquiring if your company has the source they could be looking for.
The one problem I have with communication via the internet is the lack of personal contact. These reporters could be mythical or a scam. With so many "hook-up" venues for journalists and public relations representatives, just how far is too far? Don't reporters get overwhelmed and forget certain areas on the internet where they can find their information? The lack of face-to-face, or voice-to-ear, conversation leaves me unsettled. I was interested in becoming a public relations professional with the hopes that my love for people and conversation would someday open these very doors that are being propped up by websites that do all of the work for you. It might just be my personal opinion, but oftentimes I wish my personal public relations skills were put to the test more often. It's why I even considered this major in the first place.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Jour 4250: February 8 Lecture
Today, we watched a film in class that discussed the role that gender stereotyping has been played throughout media and, in turn, has affected our society. For one, many times women are seen as sex objects that are used as mental pleasure toys to entice the male audience. Often, women's response to the stereotype is that they will play the stereotype up and continue to fulfill the part of the "seductress" because it is expected of them. The media and advertisers know that sex sells.
Another thing that we discussed in class was the Vanity Fair article that reported on the two "Queen B.'s" in broadcast media. Our discussion led us to talk about statistics, and that most men are CEOs of companies and many women do not feel the need to advance themselves corporately. I am an extremely headstrong woman and am gifted in many areas just as men are, but I personally do not want to be a leader in a corporate setting because ultimately I want to have a family. Having a family and taking care of my children is what I personally feel called to do. It is the most important job that I can think of, and I think that many women also feel that calling and therefore do not wish to live in the corporate world. I may be completely off, but I do feel that women are born with an innate sense of care and are much more affectionate than the majority of men. I, Emily McMeans, was born with the most important job to do; to take care of the next generation who will someday lead the country.
Another thing that we discussed in class was the Vanity Fair article that reported on the two "Queen B.'s" in broadcast media. Our discussion led us to talk about statistics, and that most men are CEOs of companies and many women do not feel the need to advance themselves corporately. I am an extremely headstrong woman and am gifted in many areas just as men are, but I personally do not want to be a leader in a corporate setting because ultimately I want to have a family. Having a family and taking care of my children is what I personally feel called to do. It is the most important job that I can think of, and I think that many women also feel that calling and therefore do not wish to live in the corporate world. I may be completely off, but I do feel that women are born with an innate sense of care and are much more affectionate than the majority of men. I, Emily McMeans, was born with the most important job to do; to take care of the next generation who will someday lead the country.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Jour 4250: February 1 Lecture
When our class split up into groups, I joined together with two other white girls with blonde hair and we talked with two biracial girls and one biracial boy. Our conversation was so open and honest that I felt so comfortable bringing up the different ways that we view our race and other races. I brought up the point that a lot of races are told certain stereotypes about themselves that they begin to think those certain things about themselves. Growing up as a blonde-haired girl that had a curvy body and big lips, I began to see myself as a "sex symbol", in the same way that my culture was telling me to act and look like. It wasn't until I matured and began to discover who I was that I changed my own self-image. I don't see myself as a dumb blonde anymore, but an intelligent woman who has just as much brains as anyone else in the room. I loved talking with my fellow peers about these things and can't wait until we do it again!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
