With the semester now coming to a close, I would like to use my last blog to discuss all that I have learned in this class. I didn't know what to expect when coming into this class, but the title seemed interesting and I had heard nothing but good things about it. I took it not because I had to, which I didn't, but because I thought it would be a fun elective to fill my time during this fall semester.
The end result: I was pleased with my decision. I learned the names of several concepts I was somewhat familiar, but unclear as to the specifics. I also came to learn about other concepts I never knew existed. For example: the gay vague advertising ploy. I had seen advertisements like that before but never knew that there was a term for it or that it was purposely designed to appeal to both gay and straight audiences. That concept in particular fascinated me because it reassert the fact that everything is in the eye of the beholder.
In addition to learning about terms, this class helped me out in a real world sense, too. When I was covering the football team this season for the NT Daily, the racial allegations against coach Todd Dodge and his staff by former players erupted. I used this opportunity to employ some of the racial lessons we have learned in class about how specific races of people are portrayed and perceived in certain situations.
I was fair with my reporting and believe the stories reflected that, telling both sides of the issue as I didn't want to discredit the black players simply because they were suspended for disciplinary actions. I would have been fair and just even if I had not taken this class, but what this class taught me was a better understanding of how the media views and mistreats certain races, especially blacks, in certain situations, which I purposely avoided.
Another thing I liked about this class is the amount of videos that were shown. The Bamboozled movie was sharp, raw and incredibly well-written while the documentary on music videos was deeply insightful and powerful as together they stripped away the levels of sexism and racist stereotypes. The class as a whole was enlightening and I have very much enjoyed writing these blogs every week that we have class. I hope you have enjoyed my blogging as much as I have enjoyed your class. Thanks.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Blog 12: Images & Actions Depicted in Music Videos
A few weeks ago in class we watched a very insightful documentary on music videos. The film was so wonderfully made that I felt the need to discuss it here. However, when the film was originally shown in class, I was covering the racism allegations by former and suspended UNT football players which I blogged about, thus I was preoccupied at the time and not able to give the film over music videos the proper discussion it deserved until now.
Whenever someone famous who is not a rapper or musician of any kind makes a racist/sexist or even semi-racist/sexist remark, that person's supporters instantly come out of the woodwork and vehemently exercise one issue above all others: blame the music videos, not the person who said the offensive remark. They reason that the racist and especially sexist depictions in music videos, particularly rap and hip hop videos, glamorize and perpetuate those words and actions and stereotypes. In a sense they are right, but they should realize that their person was wrong to say what they said. While the person rightfully catches plenty of heat and bad press, why is it that for the most part the rappers and music video makers get off scott-free?
It is indeed true that they are perpetuating and glorifying horrifically racist and sexist actions, images and stereotypes. This medium (the rap song/music video) is one of the last remaining mediums where the overly offensive is not just accepted but encouraged. Too often do people who defend these videos say that it's just a music video, it's not real life. It's just an artist's marketing ploy to sell records, so relax.
Yet, what they fail to realize is that these videos are sending young boys and girls all the wrong messages. Their young and easily impressionable minds don't know that the video is surreal, that's is just about selling records and should not be taken seriously. They see these actions and scenes and like what they see and want to mimic and idolize it.
The film we saw was deeply insightful and incredibly well-researched. In the end, those who defend such music videos will continue to do so while those who oppose them will do the same. Still, while those who support the music videos continue to eternally cite freedom of speech as the backbone for their reasons to make such explicit and mature music videos, they need to realize that it is that very same freedom of speech that allows those who oppose it to speak out against it, boycott it and do everything they can to change things for the better.
Whenever someone famous who is not a rapper or musician of any kind makes a racist/sexist or even semi-racist/sexist remark, that person's supporters instantly come out of the woodwork and vehemently exercise one issue above all others: blame the music videos, not the person who said the offensive remark. They reason that the racist and especially sexist depictions in music videos, particularly rap and hip hop videos, glamorize and perpetuate those words and actions and stereotypes. In a sense they are right, but they should realize that their person was wrong to say what they said. While the person rightfully catches plenty of heat and bad press, why is it that for the most part the rappers and music video makers get off scott-free?
It is indeed true that they are perpetuating and glorifying horrifically racist and sexist actions, images and stereotypes. This medium (the rap song/music video) is one of the last remaining mediums where the overly offensive is not just accepted but encouraged. Too often do people who defend these videos say that it's just a music video, it's not real life. It's just an artist's marketing ploy to sell records, so relax.
Yet, what they fail to realize is that these videos are sending young boys and girls all the wrong messages. Their young and easily impressionable minds don't know that the video is surreal, that's is just about selling records and should not be taken seriously. They see these actions and scenes and like what they see and want to mimic and idolize it.
The film we saw was deeply insightful and incredibly well-researched. In the end, those who defend such music videos will continue to do so while those who oppose them will do the same. Still, while those who support the music videos continue to eternally cite freedom of speech as the backbone for their reasons to make such explicit and mature music videos, they need to realize that it is that very same freedom of speech that allows those who oppose it to speak out against it, boycott it and do everything they can to change things for the better.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Blog 11: Bamboozled Critique
Since we did not have a class this past week due to the Thanksgiving weekend, I've decided to blog about the most recent thing we did discuss in class. Last class we saw several major scenes from Bamboozled. I found the movie to be a sharp, honest look at race in our modern American culture and was thoroughly surprised at how daring many of the scenes were.
I hadn't seen the movie before we saw it in class and was genuinly glad that it was shown to us. I feel that it's a film that is brutally honest and raw in its depictions of racism and differing perceptions among the races. It didn't pull any punches as Spike Lee was as edgy as ever while directing this movie.
I also connected with what you said about the movie Network. I saw that classic several years before and instantly recognized the scene where Man-Tan tells his fellow brethren to go to their windows and basically say the same thing as was said in the famous Network scene. Judging by what you said about the ending to Bamboozled being similar to that of Network, I drew the following assumption: That a lot of people die in Bamboozled, particularly Man-Tan and/or Sleep And Eat.
I'll never forget the ending to Network, which thoroughly shocked me. I hope we will get to see more of Bamboozled in later classes as it perfectlt demonstrated many of the racial themes and issues we have been discussing in class. I could tell by looking at the startled and impassioned faces of many of my classmates that they, too, had enjoyed and appreciated this honest look at race through film.
I hadn't seen the movie before we saw it in class and was genuinly glad that it was shown to us. I feel that it's a film that is brutally honest and raw in its depictions of racism and differing perceptions among the races. It didn't pull any punches as Spike Lee was as edgy as ever while directing this movie.
I also connected with what you said about the movie Network. I saw that classic several years before and instantly recognized the scene where Man-Tan tells his fellow brethren to go to their windows and basically say the same thing as was said in the famous Network scene. Judging by what you said about the ending to Bamboozled being similar to that of Network, I drew the following assumption: That a lot of people die in Bamboozled, particularly Man-Tan and/or Sleep And Eat.
I'll never forget the ending to Network, which thoroughly shocked me. I hope we will get to see more of Bamboozled in later classes as it perfectlt demonstrated many of the racial themes and issues we have been discussing in class. I could tell by looking at the startled and impassioned faces of many of my classmates that they, too, had enjoyed and appreciated this honest look at race through film.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Blog 10: The Players' Side of Things
I've done some thinking and decided that I wanted to discuss the role the three players more. These three players who have pointed the finger at Dodge and his coaching staff have created quite a media storm and all the while they have said very little. I've realized that right or wrong, the burden of proof is on Dodge and his coaching staff and not the players who have created the situation. They just get to sit back and let the coaches' take the hard hits.
I know this is the case because during the time last week when I spoke to the class, one female student said she knew two of the players. She said they were bragging about how they had created this mess and how it really wasn't such a big deal to them. This shocked me as I genuinly hoped that the players had filed a complaint because they felt wronged, not because they were too immature to accept the reality that they were kicked off the team, as stated by several of the current players who said these three players were jokes.
The three players haven't said much since they made their initial complaints. You would think they would want to get the word out as often as possible about their problems and give detailed, lengthy examples of the series of recurring hardships they have had to endure. Other than a very brief FOX 4 interview that mentioned friction over a team rule regarding hats and a few handpicked, thin interviews in between, the three players haven't been seen nor heard. Dodge, meanwhile, has had to suffer the brunt of the issue. The vast majority of Mean Green fans, especially through online message boards, support and believe Dodge. Many have even gone as far as to say that these three players are unfairly playing the race card.
Joseph Miller, who is biracial and like the three players, also plays defense (meaning he is quite familiar with them), emphatically told me on the record last week that these players need to accept the reality that they're no longer on the team and move on with their lives. He said there is no truth whatsoever to their claims.If what Dodge says is true is indeed true, then things are gradually going down the right path for him. However, if what the three players say is right, then they need to get the lead out and make up some ground.
They should want to be believed, but right now the consensus among the fans and the general support is in Dodge's favor.Once all the information is gathered and all parties have told their side of the story, a resolution can be made. Until then, closure will be withheld for all involved.One thing is for sure. This will unquestionably go down as an increasingly unforgiving season for Dodge, who is learning the hard way that the old college try is not good enough in college football.
I know this is the case because during the time last week when I spoke to the class, one female student said she knew two of the players. She said they were bragging about how they had created this mess and how it really wasn't such a big deal to them. This shocked me as I genuinly hoped that the players had filed a complaint because they felt wronged, not because they were too immature to accept the reality that they were kicked off the team, as stated by several of the current players who said these three players were jokes.
The three players haven't said much since they made their initial complaints. You would think they would want to get the word out as often as possible about their problems and give detailed, lengthy examples of the series of recurring hardships they have had to endure. Other than a very brief FOX 4 interview that mentioned friction over a team rule regarding hats and a few handpicked, thin interviews in between, the three players haven't been seen nor heard. Dodge, meanwhile, has had to suffer the brunt of the issue. The vast majority of Mean Green fans, especially through online message boards, support and believe Dodge. Many have even gone as far as to say that these three players are unfairly playing the race card.
Joseph Miller, who is biracial and like the three players, also plays defense (meaning he is quite familiar with them), emphatically told me on the record last week that these players need to accept the reality that they're no longer on the team and move on with their lives. He said there is no truth whatsoever to their claims.If what Dodge says is true is indeed true, then things are gradually going down the right path for him. However, if what the three players say is right, then they need to get the lead out and make up some ground.
They should want to be believed, but right now the consensus among the fans and the general support is in Dodge's favor.Once all the information is gathered and all parties have told their side of the story, a resolution can be made. Until then, closure will be withheld for all involved.One thing is for sure. This will unquestionably go down as an increasingly unforgiving season for Dodge, who is learning the hard way that the old college try is not good enough in college football.
Blog 9: UNT Football Racism Situation
Dr. Lambiase: I thank you for letting me speak to the class last week about the football team's racism allegations. I felt like the class was interactive and was very glad that so many students cared to discuss such a very vital issue on campus.
The issue is not quite dead as the NAACP hasn't made their ruling yet, but for the most part the issue has been put to bed. Especially after the UNT administration recently cleared the coaching staff last week of any wrongdoing.
My thoughts are that the recent allegations of racism towards head coach Todd Dodge's coaching staff from three former players have created more of a stir than any of Dodge's seven current losses in eight games this season. And that's saying a lot considering there have been some truly gut-wrenching losses, too.Although I'm sure Dodge has realized the following long before now, the fact remains that the events of this past week drove home the revelation more so now than ever before: despite the geography which states he's only a little over 20 miles from his old stomping grounds, in truth he is a world away from Southlake Carroll.
The three players have continually said that their issues have been with the coaching staff as a whole, but since Dodge is the head coach, he must speak for them because he is the head of the program. Not one of Dodge's coaches has said anything to the media yet. Whether it's right or wrong, Dodge has come under the most fire since he is the head coach and as a result, he is responsible for the actions of his coaching staff. In this "very disappointing" season of multiple hardships, Dodge has also admitted that several games have been "nightmarish" for him. Through hindsight, the word best describes this past week more than it does any football game. According to the calendar, Dodge is not even one year removed from his fourth high school state title in five years, a streak in which he lost only one game. Realistically, though, he's about as far removed from those glory days as he can possibly be.
The honeymoon has been over for quite some time, but these series of allegations have only further divorced him from his last dominant stop. The first game of the season (a 79-10 historic thumping by OU) is arguably NT's worst loss ever, but even that didn't cut Dodge as deeply as these allegations have. I was there with several other news outlets last Tuesday as Dodge gave his first interview since the story broke. I have never seen Dodge so out of his element and visibly distraught as I did that day, not even in the post game interviews following the many tough, heartbreaking losses NT has endured.
Dodge has always been honest, constantly taking responsibility for things that don't work in a game or blaming himself for mistakes he made. He has given me no reason to disregard his words now. He takes great pride in knowing that he does his best to run a professional, classy program. At the beginning of the season, he said the reason why he brought his assistant coaches to NT was because he could trust them. Their loyalty and character meant more to him than their strong lack of college coaching experience. However, if there is truth to what the players say, then it appears that the problem is with his coaches.Then there are the three players. I don't doubt that they felt discriminated against, but that doesn't mean that they were.
Misunderstandings, especially with a new coaching staff, are common as everybody tries to get comfortable under a new program. Winning cures all ails, so I can't help but wonder if these allegations would have surfaced if the team was winning. That's not to question the validity of the claims or to say that the coaching staff is to blame, just that troubles are endured and forgotten as long as teams are winning. This has been seen throughout the world of sports for decades. As long as things are going well, everyone is happy, but once the losing starts, suddenly things that weren't a problem become one.
The issue is not quite dead as the NAACP hasn't made their ruling yet, but for the most part the issue has been put to bed. Especially after the UNT administration recently cleared the coaching staff last week of any wrongdoing.
My thoughts are that the recent allegations of racism towards head coach Todd Dodge's coaching staff from three former players have created more of a stir than any of Dodge's seven current losses in eight games this season. And that's saying a lot considering there have been some truly gut-wrenching losses, too.Although I'm sure Dodge has realized the following long before now, the fact remains that the events of this past week drove home the revelation more so now than ever before: despite the geography which states he's only a little over 20 miles from his old stomping grounds, in truth he is a world away from Southlake Carroll.
The three players have continually said that their issues have been with the coaching staff as a whole, but since Dodge is the head coach, he must speak for them because he is the head of the program. Not one of Dodge's coaches has said anything to the media yet. Whether it's right or wrong, Dodge has come under the most fire since he is the head coach and as a result, he is responsible for the actions of his coaching staff. In this "very disappointing" season of multiple hardships, Dodge has also admitted that several games have been "nightmarish" for him. Through hindsight, the word best describes this past week more than it does any football game. According to the calendar, Dodge is not even one year removed from his fourth high school state title in five years, a streak in which he lost only one game. Realistically, though, he's about as far removed from those glory days as he can possibly be.
The honeymoon has been over for quite some time, but these series of allegations have only further divorced him from his last dominant stop. The first game of the season (a 79-10 historic thumping by OU) is arguably NT's worst loss ever, but even that didn't cut Dodge as deeply as these allegations have. I was there with several other news outlets last Tuesday as Dodge gave his first interview since the story broke. I have never seen Dodge so out of his element and visibly distraught as I did that day, not even in the post game interviews following the many tough, heartbreaking losses NT has endured.
Dodge has always been honest, constantly taking responsibility for things that don't work in a game or blaming himself for mistakes he made. He has given me no reason to disregard his words now. He takes great pride in knowing that he does his best to run a professional, classy program. At the beginning of the season, he said the reason why he brought his assistant coaches to NT was because he could trust them. Their loyalty and character meant more to him than their strong lack of college coaching experience. However, if there is truth to what the players say, then it appears that the problem is with his coaches.Then there are the three players. I don't doubt that they felt discriminated against, but that doesn't mean that they were.
Misunderstandings, especially with a new coaching staff, are common as everybody tries to get comfortable under a new program. Winning cures all ails, so I can't help but wonder if these allegations would have surfaced if the team was winning. That's not to question the validity of the claims or to say that the coaching staff is to blame, just that troubles are endured and forgotten as long as teams are winning. This has been seen throughout the world of sports for decades. As long as things are going well, everyone is happy, but once the losing starts, suddenly things that weren't a problem become one.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Blog 8: Maxim's "Unsexiest" List
My last blog was about the new Axe Shower Gel and their attempt to out-do themselves with their new sexually-encouraging commercial contest. It appears that Maxim is doing much of the same. In an attempt to be even more sexist that usual, Maxim, which annually releases a very much-hyped sexiest women alive list, recently unleashed a new list.
This list is the "Unsexiest List." In other words, they are blatantly calling these women ugly, which may be better because at least they would honest. The list included Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker and Britney Spears among others. Not only did Maxim list the girls, but they also described in detail why these female celebrities are so unappealing. They didn't shy away from their true feelings, either.
I can't help but wonder why this list was created. It is because these five women repulse the collective Maxim staff so much that they had to do something about it? I doubt it. My guess is that it was done for sheer publicity through debate and shock value. What is certain is that they have achieved in their goal.
The message this is sending to young girls is as bad as anything else Maxim has ever done. What are all the girls who like Madonna and Sarah Jessica Parker supposed to think now? Their idols have been labeled as the ugliest in Hollywood. Not only do these young girls have to look like the women on Maxim's sexiest list, but now they probably feel like they shouldn't look like any of the five women on the unsexiest list. Maxim, like Axe, never ceases to shock me.
PS: The story I found, which I am sure has ran on countless other websites in countless other stories, is as follows:
The folks over at Maxim magazine think it's too easy picking Charlize Theron as the Sexiest Woman Alive. They'd rather weigh in on who's unsexy.
The unfortunate recipient of the lad mag's Unsexiest title is "Sex & the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker, whose character Carrie Bradshaw is not only in high demand with the opposite sex, but is also a fashion diva among the fair sex.
Maxim, however, points out her more, um, equine features: "How the hell did this Barbaro-faced broad manage to be the least sexy woman in a group of very unsexy women and still star on a show with 'sex' in the title? Pull your skirt down, Secretariat, we'd rather ride Chris Noth."
In the runner-up position is the Beehived One herself, "Rehab" singer Amy Winehouse, whose "openly hemorrhaging translucent skin, rat's nest mane and lashes that look more like surgically attached bats."
On the small screen, "Grey's Anatomy" star Sandra Oh took third place for playing "Dr. McSkinny, with her cold bedside manner and boyish figure."
Rounding out the Unsexy 5 is Madonna in the penultimate position "with a mug that looks Euro-sealed to her skull." The heir to her pop princess throne, Britney Spears, took last place because, "Less than five years ago, Britney had a python wrapped around her well-toned torso onstage at the VMAs. Since then, she's lost the ability to perform, but gained two kids, two useless ex-husbands, and about 23 pounds of Funyun pudge."
This list is the "Unsexiest List." In other words, they are blatantly calling these women ugly, which may be better because at least they would honest. The list included Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker and Britney Spears among others. Not only did Maxim list the girls, but they also described in detail why these female celebrities are so unappealing. They didn't shy away from their true feelings, either.
I can't help but wonder why this list was created. It is because these five women repulse the collective Maxim staff so much that they had to do something about it? I doubt it. My guess is that it was done for sheer publicity through debate and shock value. What is certain is that they have achieved in their goal.
The message this is sending to young girls is as bad as anything else Maxim has ever done. What are all the girls who like Madonna and Sarah Jessica Parker supposed to think now? Their idols have been labeled as the ugliest in Hollywood. Not only do these young girls have to look like the women on Maxim's sexiest list, but now they probably feel like they shouldn't look like any of the five women on the unsexiest list. Maxim, like Axe, never ceases to shock me.
PS: The story I found, which I am sure has ran on countless other websites in countless other stories, is as follows:
The folks over at Maxim magazine think it's too easy picking Charlize Theron as the Sexiest Woman Alive. They'd rather weigh in on who's unsexy.
The unfortunate recipient of the lad mag's Unsexiest title is "Sex & the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker, whose character Carrie Bradshaw is not only in high demand with the opposite sex, but is also a fashion diva among the fair sex.
Maxim, however, points out her more, um, equine features: "How the hell did this Barbaro-faced broad manage to be the least sexy woman in a group of very unsexy women and still star on a show with 'sex' in the title? Pull your skirt down, Secretariat, we'd rather ride Chris Noth."
In the runner-up position is the Beehived One herself, "Rehab" singer Amy Winehouse, whose "openly hemorrhaging translucent skin, rat's nest mane and lashes that look more like surgically attached bats."
On the small screen, "Grey's Anatomy" star Sandra Oh took third place for playing "Dr. McSkinny, with her cold bedside manner and boyish figure."
Rounding out the Unsexy 5 is Madonna in the penultimate position "with a mug that looks Euro-sealed to her skull." The heir to her pop princess throne, Britney Spears, took last place because, "Less than five years ago, Britney had a python wrapped around her well-toned torso onstage at the VMAs. Since then, she's lost the ability to perform, but gained two kids, two useless ex-husbands, and about 23 pounds of Funyun pudge."
Blog 7: More on the Axe girls as first discussed in class
For a few weeks now I have been seeing this commercial for Axe Shower Gel that encourages the viewer to go online. Once there, the viewer should enter into a contest to create "The World's Dirtiest Film." The promos for it has perennial B-List actor David Spade and several dozen scantily clad women.
The women are doing many things. Some are eating very messy ribs with barbecue sauce that smears all over their bodies. Others are playing in a large bathtub, throwing bubbles and suds at each other. I find it interesting that while the girls are playing in the tub, Spade is standing in the center, watching them have their fun, not doing anything himself.
I am blogging about this because a few weeks ago in class you showed us the Axe commercial with the Bow Chica Wah Wah ladies of the evening. These women encouraged clean, responsible women to throw caution to the wind and just go crazy and sleep with many men.
If you can, please find a link for this video contest online as I feel it would be great to show the class. I haven't been able to find a link for it myself just yet, but I will keep looking.
Ultimately, it appears that Axe is at it again, but on a much grander scale as they are trying to recruit as many men around the country to add to their self-labeled "dirty" commercial. I wonder how far the participants will take it? How dirty will their versions be? Will any of it be able to be viewed on television? I'm sure the answer will be no. Some will do a nice, artistic job, however I am sure that many will not and will only go for gross sexual shock value. Axe, you've managed to out-do yourself.
The women are doing many things. Some are eating very messy ribs with barbecue sauce that smears all over their bodies. Others are playing in a large bathtub, throwing bubbles and suds at each other. I find it interesting that while the girls are playing in the tub, Spade is standing in the center, watching them have their fun, not doing anything himself.
I am blogging about this because a few weeks ago in class you showed us the Axe commercial with the Bow Chica Wah Wah ladies of the evening. These women encouraged clean, responsible women to throw caution to the wind and just go crazy and sleep with many men.
If you can, please find a link for this video contest online as I feel it would be great to show the class. I haven't been able to find a link for it myself just yet, but I will keep looking.
Ultimately, it appears that Axe is at it again, but on a much grander scale as they are trying to recruit as many men around the country to add to their self-labeled "dirty" commercial. I wonder how far the participants will take it? How dirty will their versions be? Will any of it be able to be viewed on television? I'm sure the answer will be no. Some will do a nice, artistic job, however I am sure that many will not and will only go for gross sexual shock value. Axe, you've managed to out-do yourself.
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