Journal Entry #6 - Gender Ads

In keeping with the video Killing Us Softly 3, which we watched in class today, you will visit the website Gender Ads and choose an image from all of those available. There are over 3800 images on this site so use the categories at the top of the page to narrow down your area of interest.

Once you choose one of the categories, a number of thumbnail images will appear with a short paragraph to the side that ends with a series of questions. In your post, type the questions, answer them,  and provide a direct link to one of the images of your choice.

Journal Entry #5: State of Cool

For this journal entry, provide a definition of cool. Base your definition on your own thoughts as well on 2-3 definitions you find on the Internet. Next, provide a link to an advertisement (image or video) that you feel fits this definition of cool (Exception-you cannot use Apple products or Mountain Dew). Finally, provide an explanation of how your ad fits your definition. Be clear with your explanation to show how specific elements of the ad tie to the definition.

Discussion Question

Since we ran out of time in class yesterday, I am posting one of Andrew's discussion questions for those who wish to continue the conversation from class.

• When does internet advertising cross the line of "too annoying" or "too intrusive?"

Journal Entry #4 - Take your pick!

For this entry, you may choose any one of the following for your response. Please be sure to clearly indicate which option you choose.

1. Search for two images that were used at some point since 2001 that you feel make good examples of propaganda. The images should be one that you feel fits the negative connotation in that it is manipulative or duplicitous in some way. Answer the following:
• What is the background of each image? Describe the producer, the intended meaning, and the historical context in which it was used.
• How was this image used to dupe the public through false or misleading information?
2. Find an image that uses product placement as part of a film, television show, or video game, but stay away from those discussed in class or the text (American Idol, Survivor, Cast Away...). Post a link and complete the following:
• Find an article that discusses the effectiveness of product placement. What is the author's stance?
• What is your position on product placement? 
• Do you feel it is effective on you? Why?
• Do you feel it is effective on others? Why?

Journal Entry #3: Shock Ads

For this journal entry, find two examples of shock advertisements. One should be an example of a shock ad with which you are comfortable, and the other should be one with which you are uncomfortable.

1. Post a link to each image
2. Explain your position on each image. 
• Why is one acceptable and the other not?
• How do we decide if an image has crossed the line?

Journal Entry #2: Appropriation and Bricolage

Sturken and Cartwright discuss the phenomenon of “appropriation” as the act of borrowing, stealing, or taking other’s meanings to one’s own ends and "cultural appropriation" as the process of borrowing and changing the meaning of commodities, cultural products, slogans, images, or elements of fashion.  A related concept is “bricolage,” which ties to the idea of creating new meaning through the use of existing materials (making do).

From popular culture (TV, film, magazines, Internet, advertising), find an example of how the creator appropriates another’s meaning to his/her/its own end, or uses bricolage to create new meaning from existing objects. Post a link to the image and answer the following questions, citing evidence from the image or artifact to support your answers:

a.       What is the original intended meaning?

b.      In what way is the image/artifact appropriated or altered/recombined to create new meaning?

c.       What is that new meaning, how is it different from the intended meaning, and why do you think it is important?

Journal Entry #1: Real or Fake

This assignment is being posted early and can be commented on at any time, but it may be more beneficial for students to wait until after we have covered some of the material in class. Nevertheless, take a look and complete the assignment by the deadline.

Your job is to examine the images below and answer the following questions. Make sure to base your judgments solely on the image and do not do conduct research to find the answer.

1. Are you already familiar with this image? If so, do not comment further
2. Do you think the images are “true” or “false”? In other words, are they "real" or "faked."
3. What evidence do you have to support your conclusion? 

Please identify each image as you post your answer.

You can click on each picture for a slightly larger view.

1. Airline: This picture was allegedly taken by an individual aboard an 

Air France flight which crashed over Brazil.  

2. Katrina: This is purportedly an image taken by a red light camera in
New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. The black square shows the speed
of the vehicle as approximately 130 mph.

Desert: This is an image of a indoor ski complex supposedly located in
the Middle East in the middle of the desert.