Thursday, April 25, 2013

Updated Thesis

Social networking negatively influences the behavior of teens and adolescents, by decreasing the importance of face-to-face communication and social interaction.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Updated Annotation


Olorunnisola, Anthony A., and Brandie L. Martin. "Influences of
media on social movements: Problematizing hyperbolic inferences about impacts." Telematics and Informatics 30.3 (2013):
 275+. Academic OneFile. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
The article written by Anthony A. Olorunnisola and Brandie L.Martin provides readers with an overview of the effect Facebook, Twitter, and many other social networking sites impact on our lives. Specifically, the authors have conducted studies in African countries like Egypt, and Tunisia, only to conclude that social media has taken control. They compare former uprisings in South Africa (Soweto uprising 1976) to Egypt’s recent uprising (Social movement against President Mabarak 2011). Stating that anyone can make a statement, it is not necessary to post a status about it, however, it does help get the word across. This article provides the pros and cons of social media in a very intellectual manner.
The authors provide us with information about social media and how it is limiting the importance of traditional media (newspapers, radio, and TV). The authors also give us a look into the fact that social media is everywhere and it is impacting worldwide issues. This article provides readers with knowledge about social media in countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and many others, as well as an overview of the impact it has over the lives of people worldwide.
This source provides an insight of how influential social media has become. This source also provided a quote that will help support my argument, in my essay. This article gives readers a reality check on how much of an impact social media plays in our daily lives. Overall, this source deems reliable because it is relatable to the audience and can very well be used during group discussion. This article will also help to enhance my essay with different viewpoints as well as expanding on the topic as a whole. 

Friday, April 12, 2013

Annotated citation


Olorunnisola, Anthony A., and Brandie L. Martin. "Influences of
media on social movements: Problematizing hyperbolic inferences about impacts." Telematics and Informatics 30.3 (2013):
 275+. Academic OneFile. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
Document URL
The article written by Anthony A. Olorunnisola and Brandie L.Martin provides readers with an overview of the effect Facebook, Twitter, and many other social networking sites impact our lives. Specifically, the authors have conducted studies in African countries like Egypt, and Tunisia, only to conclude that social media has taken control. They compare former uprisings in South Africa (Soweto uprising 1976) to Egypt’s recent uprising (Social movement against President Mabarak 2011). Stating that anyone can make a statement, it is not necessary to post a status about it, however, it does help get the word across. This article provides the pro’s and con’s of social media in a very intellectual manner.
The authors provide us with information about social media and how it is limiting the importance of traditional media (newspapers, radio, and TV). The authors also give us a look into the fact that social media is everywhere and it is impacting world wide issues. This article provides readers with knowledge about social media in countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and many others, as well as an overview of the impact it has over the lives of people worldwide.
This source provided me with knowledge I had not previously obtained about social media. I had no idea how far stretched the popularity of social media had gone. This source also provided me with a quote that will help support my argument, in an essay. This article gives readers a reality check on how much of an impact social media plays in our daily lives.  

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Entertainment

     "Hip Hop Life," written by DeSean Robinson Walker describes the authors feelings for hip hop and how it has become his life. Walker explains how hip hop has always been a part of his life and he couldn't imagine life without it. Hip hop allows Walker to create something that he loves. He describes how he has had a long time love for hip hop, he writes, "I fell in love with hip hop when I was in elementary school and I fell in love like you fall in love with your wife. You know how there's something about that person that makes you stick with them forever? Well, I feel the same way about hip hop." The author is able to embrace all he has in his music; through hip hop. Hip hop is his life.
     Walker attempts to defy the typical stereotype of hip hop and the lifestyle it is often tied with. The author recognizes the fact that many people assume that when you listen to hip hop, you are in some sort of struggle, and too often people take on the style of dress, and whole demeanor. However, the author considers hip hop his life because he doesn't love it because of the lifestyle it portrays, but the effect it has on the people listening to it. He believes that many people can relate to the lyrics, and it allows them to have a bit of hope and something to look up to. Hip hop speaks to him because of the success it brings, he hopes for one day to have that success. Hip hop is more than just music to him, it has a deeper meaning that defines the life he lives.

   


Thursday, March 7, 2013

Razia Jan


I attended the event on campus last night introducing and praising Razia Jan. I was truly inspired by her courageous acts. Razia Jan is a real life hero, she provides the girls of Afghanistan with an opportunity to  go to school. In the war torn country, it is extremely difficult for the women to receive an education. Razia sought out to make a change. Despite how many people told her no and tried to get in her way, she fought through it and made sure she built that school. Razia described some of the difficulties women struggle with in Afghanistan. She said that she is one of 30 women who have her license, but it can be very difficult when people are constantly harassing her. She also described the difficulties the girls have when walking to school; she said that some of the girls get acid thrown in their faces. Another event occurred when a man questioned the happiness, and laughter amongst the girls in school, he was angry so the got a few hand grenades and threw them into the school, killing 100 of the girls. Razia described this as a difficult struggle, but it is worth it if it gives these girls a chance to educate themselves. I was also very excited to hear that she had worked with Khaled Hosseini, the author of The Kite Runner, which happens to be one of my favorite books. Together, they raised over 140,000 in order to build the school. Razia Jan is an inspiration everyone; she is a true hero. 

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Top 10 sports most awkward interviews



I would consider these few interviews "bad" because they are completely awkward. Yes, it is normal to feel a little nervous, or anxious during an interview, but these few people just went overboard. One of the guy's decided to harass the man he was interviewing, when it should be a comfortable situation. In some cases, it was the person being interviewed that was the problem, they were not very friendly, and just wanted to cause some trouble. To sum up, it was a pretty funny video, and it definitely displays multiple forms of "bad" interviewing skills.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Someone to Watch over Me, Theodora Stites

Theodora Stites, "Someone to Watch over Me," describes her opinion on social networking. She explains how she enjoys having multiple networking groups, as well as the social interactions without actually being with someone. Theodora finds it comforting, and at ease to speak to people through different social networks, because it allows her to be friends with people she has never even met. She also points out that, some things may be easier to say through a text, or online, than to say in person; avoiding a bit of awkwardness. Stites finds it a lot easier to meet friends this way, and many people agree with her. "Someone to Watch over Me," displays what a lot of us can relate to, but don't necessarily want to admit to. This essay gives us a sort of realization of how social situations are changing, and maybe becoming a lot less social.
Some people may have a different outlook. Many people still want to have real face to face social interactions. Those people may avoid using social networking, texting, etc... but with today's world how long will it be avoided? There is always a new Facebook status, or new tweet that everyone heard about and one just can't resist finding out what it is. So how do we find a balance between social networking, and real, face to face interaction? The irony in social networking is that it is supposed to make social situations easier, but it is actually making it more awkward than it should be. How can we avoid the awkwardness, without always turning to social networking sites? What can we do to decrease the amount of Facebook, and Twitter time, and increase real time?

Monday, February 18, 2013

A new take on commencement

Jon Stewart's Commencement Address provides the audience with comfort and allows everyone to sort of loosen up. His use of humor allows the audience to feel a little sign of relief, the graduates must be a little overwhelmed. Jon's ability to bring humor to a serious matter and do it with class is very influential. I like the fact that he is able to relate with everyone, he allows everyone to realize that he is a regular guy, and like everyone else you have to start from the bottom to get to the top. Jon Stewart is a prime example of how hard work leads to success. I think he is a very relatable person, and his speech was very powerful. 
Some people may question his decision to be so relaxed, and willing to provide humor, but I think it is a great strategy to capture the audience. The audience wants to be interested in what they are listening to or who they are watching, so why not make it a little humorous? There were times where Jon Stewart was serious, and those points where given at proper moments. He tells a little bit about his own life and how he wasn't always at the top of the game, but only after he worked hard to achieve success was when he ended up on top. Even after earning success, he continued to strive to achieve more. Jon Stewart's Commencement Address, is a speech like no other which provides the audience with confidence in themselves and recognizes all that one can achieve through hard work and dedication. 

Monday, February 4, 2013

Collage

I plan to surround my collage with photos, quotes, possibly music, and video all around the topic,  relationships. I want people to know that I can be identified through the relationships I share. Relationships go beyond just boyfriend and girlfriend, I think it's deeper than that. Yes, boyfriends and girlfriends are very important, but I think relationships are based on the people you know and the things you have in common, what makes you like them so much, or the experiences you have shared together. Relationships with those in your family, or the friends you have made that you know will last forever. The memories you have made that you will could never forget. Those people are the one's you have the truest relationships with. The theme of my collage is relationships because they are important when defining who I am.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Avatar Analysis

Julian Dibell's article, "Alter Egos: Avatars and Their Creators, creates an alternative view on the usage of the avatar. He was definitely able to change my perspective. I always thought avatars were just a way for "creeps," to disguise themselves to get onto children's gaming websites. In other cases it can be a requirement for games. I never really took them as an alter ego, as some may say. After reading this article and viewing a few people who had revealed their avatars, my opinion quickly changed. It is now easier to understand the purpose of the Avatar. For example, Jason Rowe, a man struggling with several physical disabilities uses his avatar as a way to the outside world. While online and playing Star Wars Galaxies he goes on without judgement, and feels as though people get to know the real him without viewing his outer appearance.
The avatar, in some cases is very beneficial for social interaction. It allows people to get to know one another without judgement of physical appearance. However, this also allows someone to take on a new personality. Someone could possibly lie about who they are, which defeats the purpose of "really" getting to know someone. The main problem with the avatar is the fact that it allows one to alter their appearance as well as their identity. In a way it is like being in a disguise, and only you know who you really are. To sum up, I believe the avatar can be very helpful in forms of social interaction, but it also hides true identity.