The Negative Side of Things

Negative Side of the Debate

1) The White House administration strongly opposes the legalization of marijuana.  They have stated that the potency of the drug has tripled in the last twenty years which raises concerns, and lends to the belief that the drug should remain illegal.  Legalizing the drug would not get rid of a black market for the drug, and some opposing opinions were shown to have been overstated.  In the year 2011 4.2 million people in the US were shown to have a dependence, or tolerance for the drug.    

"Marijuana Resource Center." The White House. The White House, n.d. Web. 9 June 2014. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/marijuanainfo/>.

2) This article clearly states the many disadvantages to the recreational use of marijuana.  Statistics are listed, and show that marijuana is infact one addictive drugs.  It also talks the negative effects on the human brain.  Studies have shown that with the use of this drug a person’s IQ can drop eight points from where it should be in terms of that individual's intellectual level and learn capacity.  

  

"DrugFacts: Marijuana." National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). USA.gov, 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 9 June 2014. <http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana>.

Positive Side of the Debate

Marijuana legalization would help to limit the number of people put into prison per year in the US.  Other places in Europe and Canada have managed to legalize the the cultivation of hemp, without legalization of the drug, they go on further to say that the oil in hemp has the possibility to be used as a biofuel to help reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.  Alcohol is also a legalized drug, and if that’s legal then what’s stopping marijuana from being legalized as well.  This could become a way for the government to start paying back the massive debt that we owe China.      

"The Top Ten Reasons Marijuana Should Be Legal." Alternet. AlterNet , n.d. Web. 9 June 2014.

<http://www.alternet.org/story/60959/the_top_ten_reasons_marijuana_should_be_legal>.

positives of legalization of marijuana

1)      In my first source I found was ten reasons to legalize marijuana now. In the article it states many reasons such as marijuana is a good medicine and that prohibition takes away our right of sovereignty over our own bodies. It also states that the government could make billions on taxing marijuana like they do alcohol.

Yarrusso, Carmen . "Top Ten Reasons to Legalize Marijuana Now." . Truthout , 9 June 2013. Web. 9 June 2014. <http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/16798-top-ten-reasons-to-legalize-marijuana-now>. \

2)      In my second source it shows a remarkable chart that shows harm by drugs such as alcohol and heroin. These two drugs are the top two and marijuana is the lowest. This website also states how it is not just a gateway drug and also how may very successful people smoke marijuana.

 Jacques , Renee, and Todd Van Luling. " This Is Why Marijuana Should Be Legal Everywhere." . The Huffington Post, 23 Jan. 2014. Web. 9 June 2014. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/24/marijuana-legalization_n_4151423.html>.

3)      In my third web source it also states ten reasons to legalize marijuana. Some reasons were marijuana has never directly killed someone according to the CDC alcohol has been linked to at least 76,000 deaths every year. Marijuana also effectively treats the symptoms of many serious illnesses such as aids, glaucoma, and cancer.

Macek, Carl . "Top 10 Reasons to Legalize Marijuana ." . Rehab Programs, 28 Dec. 2011. Web. 9 June 2014. <http://visual.ly/top-10-reasons-legalize-marijuana>.

~Matt Mills

Post 10- Annotated Citations

As we have decided on issues of interest for debate in class, the next step is to start performing research. Using the issue the class has chosen research both sides of the issue (affirmative and negative).

Find at least three sources to aid you in writing a research paper which will become the basis of your information for the final in-class debate. Sources must have authors! Do not cite wikipedia pages. If you are using wikipedia, use sources that are linked in the articles (ie. footnotes).

For each source, provide an annotation (a three-to-five sentence summary) explaining the important information contained in the source and whether the information works for the affirmative or negative side of the debate. Also cite the source in the correct MLA bibliographic format.

For examples, click here.

Posts are due 3pm Monday, 6/9.

Debates Debates DEBATES

Pro life Vs. Pro choice

This particular debate has been going on throughout the world for decades.  Most people who are pro life say that to have an abortion would be committing a murder, because they believe that it is already a living creature thus it would be immoral to kill them.

Most of this debate centers around the different religions vs. the scientific community, and others as well.  They believe that it to be the woman’s choice whether or not to carry the pregnancy to term, and deal with the consequences of that choice.  

I believe it should be a woman's choice whether or not to carry a pregnancy, because it is her body and life to do with what she sees fit in the end.  I think that religion and state should stay divided because I feel if a woman is limited in her choices because if a religion dicktating them, that would limit her own free will, which is what America was founded on, the right to choose.

Gun Control...

This being another heated topic for debate, especially recently I feel like it would be an interesting topic for the debate.   What with all the recent shootings and deaths one could understand why people would want to have limits on the amount and type of weapon a person would be allowed to own.  

However on the flipside of things there are the people that say that guns are there for our protection, that to have them taken away would be to have our second amendment rights as Americans.  

I myself think that a person should have the right to own a firearm if they have the proper permits and such, because a criminal will try to steal a weapon either way, which is the very nonlegal way to go about things to begin with.

Gun Control and Legalization of Marijuana

           With most debate topics, I don't have much of an opinion on because with most topics it is a person choice wether or not they want to participate in the act, for example, abortion. Abortion to me is a persons choice, wether they want to get one or not, who am I to stop them? It is all up to the person themselves. On the other hand there are topics I have very strong opinions on and two of which topics are gun control and the legalization of recreational cannabis .
            Being around guns for my entire life, I have come to learn how to properly use one, clean one, handle and load one, so I am of course pro-gun, anti-gun control. I have been an vid shooter since I was seven when I fired my first rifle, I found much enjoyment out of target shooting and found that it relieves stress for me.
            With new laws such as the "SAFE Act" that have came out due to school shootings and homicides, guns are a major debate topic. The SAFE Act states that all "High capacity magazines" are banned, citizens must register their weapons, certain attachments and customizations for weapons were banned, along with bans and background checks for the purchase of ammunition. Many people believe that these make a safer environment, because less guns, less crime. On the other side people belief that it make previous gun owners into criminals.
             Some statistics that have been found after one year of the SAFE Act's release is that, in NYS alone there are over one million assault weapons that are owned, out of these one million, approximately sixty thousand have been registered.  Also the SAFE Act's release was considered constitutional due to it's hastily release and review, for example when it was first released, there was no exemption for police officers, making the people that put away criminals, into criminals. On the same note with it's release, over 95% percent of police departments in NYS have declared that they would not enforce the law due to the same problem.  Violence has also not decreased in NYS, it has actually increased since the act's release, contradicting to the point of the law.
             Legalization of recreational cannabis is also a huge topic for politicians and debates. I personally believe that it should not be legalized for recreational use because it can impair judgement and vision, similar to the effects of alcohol. Others believe it can help our economy due to taxes and have less of a drug problem.
             On a anti-legalization side, Marijuana can be used as a gateway drug that can lead to addiction to itself and to other drugs. Also if people were already users of the drug then they will still chose to get it via their former "dealers" because of the strength or the price. This is because if taxes were placed, the price would skyrocket, as it does with any other product. Also the second hand smoke could get others addicted. DUI cases would also occur more frequently due to the use while driving or operating machinery, this is not only a danger to the users but to others as well.
            The Pro-Legalization side states that there would be less trouble with the law due to it now being legal. They also state that if taxes are placed on the product then it can help our economy. They also argue that it is not addictive or deadly or that it even has side effects. Alcohol is also compared to it, stating that if alcohol s legal that marijuana should be because it has the same effects, if not less then alcohol.

The Amazing Spider Man 2 vs. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

The Amazing Spider Man 2 and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, two of the most popular films recently released share many similarities. Both sport Marvel super heroes we are all familiar with, attractive women who radiate confidence and intelligence, and handsome and brooding villains who are really just misunderstood. Both, to the untrained eye, would pass as your average superhero movie, but one stands out amongst the rest. The Amazing Spider Man sets itself apart from the others on all fronts, including casting, acting, story line, adherence to the comic books, score, editing and directing. Captain America, on the other hand, will blend into the haze of a massive number of identical heroic story lines.

The star ridden cast of the sequel of the new interpretation of the Marvel classic Spider man (which surpassed the original trilogy, starring Tobey Maguire, in the first five minutes of the film), including Andrew Garfield (The Social Network), Emma Stone (The Help), and Jamie Foxx (Ray) all bring a variety characteristics that clash and coexist on screen in such a way to bring a dynamic array of interactions and emotions that are rarely seen in other Marvel Films. The director Marc Webb (oh the irony) gives each character a sense of humanity that we often miss out on in tragic tales such as this. Gwen Stacy sacrifices love in order to pursue a successful career, Aunt May hides that she is picking up extra shifts at work to support Peter so that he does not feel guilty, and Max Dillon simply wants to be noticed and loved, just like everyone else. This aren’t cold, distant, hardened warriors like those in Captain America. These are human beings, however extraordinary they may be, who must face the unfortunate situations they are forced into.

The casting and directing creates a sense of relatability that is not found in Captain America; a story of a soldier out of time, assassins, and outrageous and secretive military endeavours. There is no sense of connection between the characters themselves or those and the audience.

Also the fact that the score for Spider Man had specific songs that were stylistically geared towards characters in ways that have never been done before, is pretty awesome.

Debate final

There are many arguable topics in this world but two that I have chosen are legalization of marijuana and gun laws. The reasons I have chosen these two topics are because I have strong opinions of both and I disagree with both.  Both of these topics are very interesting and very popular topics that many people have and say their opinion on.

Legalization of marijuana has been and still is a very popular topic.  They say marijuana is a helpful medicine, they say it makes feel good. Many say that it isn't as dangerous or harmful as alcohol and other drugs. Those are some reasons why people want to legalize marijuana but I do not agree with those reasons. Marijuana can have many other effects on people such as Marijuana smoke contains 50% to 70% more cancer-causing substances than regular tobacco smoke. One study reported that a single joint could cause as much damage to the lungs as five cigarettes smoked one after another. If marijuana was legalized many think the crime rate will decrease because people won’t be sneaking and selling it. This isn't true because other drugs such as heroine, crack and others will just increase their drug selling because there is less marijuana being sold on the streets.  

My other topic that I chose is gun laws. This is a huge and popular topic that is only a year old. This is also a topic that I highly disagree with.  People who agree with these gun laws agreed because they believe it will reduce the number of deaths caused by mass shootings, reduce the number of accidental deaths, and help keep guns out of criminal’s hands. Although these are some solid points I do not fully agree with them. It’s just like the old saying guns don’t kill people, people kill people. I don’t believe all of these school shootings happen because people can somehow get their hands on gun I believe it is things like the video game call of duty and certain types of bulling that make these people mentally unstable. Many people who don’t agree with gun laws don’t because it makes it more difficult for people and families to protect their homes, gives too much power to the government over average citizens, and gun control measures will eventually lead to stricter laws which will take guns away for all citizens.

~ Matt Mills

Post 9- Debate Issues

As we gear up for our final--a researched in-class debate--I would like you to consider issues of interest for debates with classmates. For this week's blog post, find information on at least three debate issues. Remember that you must be able to either agree or disagree or disagree with an issue.

Write a blog post detailing the two issues you would like to debate. In other words, explain each issue, describe the argument for and against each issue, and provide your position. Provide detailed information and links to any sources you use.

Your blog post is to be at least 300 words and will be due by 3pm Friday, 5/30.

Arguments Are Stupid

Back a couple of years ago I watched some people I cared about have a stupid argument over seats at a wedding.  It was because someone felt that they were seated in the wrong place, while others were put where that person felt they should have been  in relation to the wedding.  The people that were a part of the altercation didn't talk to each other at the wedding, because they had begun to resent each other. 

Thatb issue started when I was fourteen, since then the parties involvedhave not said anything to each other, even though the instigator has tried to apologize for the actions that lead to the seperation in the first place.

I feel as though no one has ever had the upper hand in an argument, because I feel as those all arguments lead to anger, jealousy, and some sort of divition, allbeit teperary, or perminant in the form of seperation.  Yes there are debates, but in an argument a person could become heated, because a person could feel as though their beliefs, or morals are being challanged and become defensive.

That's exactly what happened at the wedding, the group of people who got the better seating ignored the person that wanted to sit with them making the person involved resent the other party, and send mean letters in return, 

In those four years the parties involved had not spoken once at all.

Post 8: Argument

The difference between argument and debate comes down to the issue of formality. As we have discussed, arguments have very little structure and often involve emotions, and as a result, often times feelings get hurt even if the two people involved are friends, family, etc. Debate is much more formal and should focus on objectivity (the facts) rather than subjectivity (the feelings).

For this week, I would like you to reflect on a time where you or someone you know were involved in an argument:

What was the argument about? Explain both sides. How did it make you feel? What happened as a result of the argument? Who had the upper hand? Why/How? In retrospect, how would you have approached the argument differently if given the chance? (Be respectful and leave names out of it unless you have the other person's permission). 

**If you can't think of a time where you were personally involved in an argument, or if you have never seen an argument unfold (or are just uncomfortable speaking of an argument you have witnessed), think of arguments on a macro-level. Where have you seen public figures (celebrities-athletes, movie stars, politicians, etc.) argue? Explain both sides of the issue being argued. Who formed a stronger argument? Why/How? If there is video or some link to the information you are providing, include it in your blog post.

Responses should be 300-500 words and are due by 3pm, Friday, 5/23/14.

Stanford Prison

The doctor in charge of the Stanford Prison Experiment was Philip G. Zimbardo.  Doctor Zimbardo’s experiment was to see if you put normal people in bad situation will they crumble to the pressure or react in a way to keep themselves sane.  From watching the documentary I believe the experiment was a success. It was a success because each person took on their roles and even added some twists that made it even better and more believable.

I believe there were many different examples of groupthink occurred in the documentary. One was Collective rationalization. This was shown because the prisoners felt like they were actually trapped and stuck there. This happened because when they kept asking to leave the guards kept saying that they couldn't. This then made the prisoners reconsider and they stopped asking.  Another example is belief in inherent morality. This occurred when after a while the prison guards thought what they were doing and how they were treating the prisoners was ok and the right thing to do. Next were self-appointed mind guards. This happened when one of the guards decided to become “John Wayne” the big tough guy and add a twist to the experiment.  He decided to then see how far he could push the prisoner’s limits before they freaked out.  He then became the lead guard and others followed what he did even though they didn’t agree with it or wanted to do it.

I believe the Stanford Prison Experiment to be a little too much. I feel this way because doctor Zimbardo wasn't fully in charge the whole time. For example the “John Wayne” guard decided to do what he wanted and to verbally abuse the prisoners and other kinds of abuse. To me the experiment just got out of hand towards the end and then became unethical.

The Stanford Prison Experament

The doctor in charge of the Stanford Prison experiment was Philip G. Zimbardo.  While doing the study he attempted to find out what would happen when you put good people in an awful place.  Basically what will win, the good of humanity, or evil.  It was the basis for the Group-think mentality.  The way the experiment played out I would say it was a success, because each person adapted to the roles that they were given, some of them even to the extreme.

The symptoms of Group-think that were evident were:

Collective Rationalization:  The “prisoners” felt like they couldn't escape after a while because they were repeatedly told they could not, thus they began to believe the “wardens” and didn’t reconsider their options.

Belief in Inherent Morality:  The “wardens” started to believe that what they were doing to the prisoners was the right thing to do because the prisoners who had done bad had to be punished for it.

Stereotypes of Outsiders: Prisoners are the outsiders in this experiment, thus there is conflict and that leads to more issues

Self Appointed Mind guards:  There was one “warden” that was the instigator of the whole experiment, and in the video he even states that he knew it was an experiment, and that he was posing one experiment of his own.  He wanted to know how far he could push the “prisoners.”

Illusion of Unanimity:  Some people in the video state that they didn't want to do what they were doing to the prisoners, but for fear of backlash from those who did they went along with the punishments.  On the other hand the other hand the prisoners formed a rebel group under the control of one so that they could try their best to get on the wardens nerves.

Self Censorship:  The prisoners learned to be quiet, and watch what they say in order to protect the collective group.

I think the prison experiment was very unethical, because it forced those involved to the extreme.  It even drove one prisoner to the point of madness

Post 7: Groupthink and the Stanford Prison Experiment

After viewing the documentary on the Stanford Prison Experiment, respond to the following questions in a blog post of 300-400 words by Friday, 5/2.

1. Who was the doctor in charge of the Stanford Prison Experiment and what did he attempt to find? In other words, what was the purpose of the experiment? Was the experiment a success or failure?

2. What symptoms of groupthink were evident in the Stanford Prison Experiment (consider behavior of the Guards, Prisoners, and the doctor in charge)? Were group decisions challenged? Why or why not?

3. What is your opinion of the Stanford Prison Experiment? Was it ethical? Why or why not?

Click here to view the video.

Do androids Dream of Electric Sheep

Sci-fi and coloring say what???

For immediate release of the special edition of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep please contact Really Awesome Special Edition Books, 1-800 Really Awesome Special Edition Books, RASED@gmail.com, and ReallyAwesomeSpecialEditionBooks.com.

On the 46^th anniversary of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep we have come out with both a spectacular movie trailer and a special edition book. Our special edition book is like no other seen before. In our novel we have both a coloring book and a cross word this way the book can reach out to both adults and children. I mean who doesn’t like color now days. This special edition novel can be purchased on both our website ReallyAwesomeSpecialEditionBooks.com and at your local Barnes and Nobel for $15.

           

In the special edition novel there are many perks. For example we have random coloring pages throughout the book. These are no regular coloring pages these are characters from the novel. Such as a sheep, Rick Deckard, an android and other specific characters. Also there is a cross word! In this cross word the reader’s goal is to find the word sheep as many times as possible.

           

Our story is better than others because of two reasons. One is because our novel is extremely exciting with a little bit of comedy to make you want to keep reading. Two because there is a coloring book and across word! What more can I say both of these factors can reach out to a wide variety of readers. Times Magazine is quoted saying “best most exiting book that makes you want to keep reading”.

            

 If you purchase the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep it could change your life. This novel will change your outlook on reading and coloring. This novel will both draw young readers and old. The positives to this is it is making our youth smarter by reading a more advanced book and making our elderly more happy because they will remember how much fun coloring really is. So go out now and buy our novel!

~Matt Mills

             

                                                   

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This special gem of a novel can be found in the Anti-Christ section of your local  Barnes and Noble bookstore for $19.99, the first 200 buyers get a free dead android action figure for the kiddos.

Within this action packed tale readers will be scared by the harshly wonderful described death scenes as the stone hearted, cold Rick Deckard hunts down and mercilessly “retires” countless androids for pocket change in return,  although we later find out that Deckard has a sick and twisted fetish for the emotionless scum that must be quenched

Compared to the original this story includes a commemorative coloring book filled with horror, guts, and gore.

Your child will never be the same again......MWAHAHAHAHA

 

So stop by your local bookstore today and pick up your copy of this monumental piece of work.  It will suck the innocence right out of your poor defenseless youth, but hey in the end it will be worth every penny.....Adulthood here they come

Post 6- Press Release

Each member of the Lit Circle group will post a press release for Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep to aid your book trailer. A press release is one of the easiest and most effective tools to make the masses aware of a product. The main objective of a press release is to create public awareness, get brand recognition and influence the target market to buy the product. Here are a few points you will need to follow when writing the press release for your Lit Circle Book:

1.) Each press release will state ‘For Immediate Release’ at the very beginning. After this you will mention your group’s contact information. Contact information will be: business name, contact number, e-mail address and the website address.

2.) Next create a headline. It needs to be catchy and have the ability to make the reader go through the press release. A good headline is the key to a successful press release. Most of the readers will be attracted to the press release only by reading the headline.

3.) Format:

The first paragraph will start with an explanation of the Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. Mention why the book is important and where can it be purchased.

In the second and third paragraphs, give detailed descriptions regarding the good qualities of the book. Explain the basic plot, characters, themes. Why is this story better than others? Essentially, why should the consumer buy your product and not the others available in the market. Keep in mind that you want to create the need for the book and present the book as the ultimate solution. It’s always helpful to mention quotes from the Press or critics.

In the final paragraph, summarize the main benefits of purchasing the book. Also restate the price and the place where the book can be purchased.

Posts must be at least 200-300 words and are due 3PM Friday, 4/25.

The World View on Abortion

There is certainly a huge debate as to whether or not abortion should be considered legal, or unjustified murder.  This argument came about in the 1960's and 70's, due to the free love movement within the United States.

 Stories like that in the ones on USA Today and Fox News state that Abortion should be illegal.  The pro-life prospective stems from the ideals of Christianity.  Many believe all life is sacred, and as such should be allowed to live and thrive.  USA Today states throughout the Pro-life article that many are ecstatic for the thirteen percent decline in abortions since 1973.  Last year Fox News reported that a Texas court made the decision to make it harder for teen girls to get an abortion, and it caused the closure of over twenty Planned Parenthood clinics around the state.  Many advocates for the clinics are calling the ruling uncivil and are contesting it.    

On the flip-side of thing an article in The Chicago Tribune says that a woman, especially a teenager should have a choice, because they don't have the means to properly take care of an unexpected child, and the burden that they come with.  Yearly over 300,000 abortions are preformed in the US.  that in turn amounts to 300,000 lives being saved due to the fact that there will be no impact on the child that doesn't exist, or the teens involved.  

Whatever side you are on keep in mind, Agenda Setting Theory was involved.  The news and other various media try to influence our opinions.  The topic of whether or not to have an abortion has been argued for a long time and will be argued in the future.  Just remember to ask yourself, is your opinion on any political issue really ever truly yours, or was it pushed on you from others.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1987-03-14/news/8701200557_1_abortion-unwanted-children-teenage-pregnancy-rate

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/03/27/us-appeals-court-upholds-new-texas-abortion-rules/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/02/abortion-recession-medication/5087945/
 

Gun laws and school shootings

There were many different topics that I could have chosen from for this week’s blog but I thought the best choice would be gun laws and school shootings. From the new gun laws and all the shootings that have occurred, many people have mixed emotions. For example in the video I found there are many different opinions on both gun laws and shootings. Many people in the interviews believe that no one should own an assault rifle. This statement I would have to agree with because there is no need for one. You can’t use an assault rifle for any kind of hunting so what is the purpose of owning one? I believe this relates to agenda setting theory because of how much a school shooting is broadcasted when it happens. This then shows how much publicity a shooter can get. After seeing how much one shooter is on TV others may want to do the same.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9748498/Connecticut-school-shootings-gun-controls-reduce-risk-of-massacres-says-Jack-Straw.html

In another broadcast the opinions have switched. On a news/talk show Glenn Beck goes over the laws and situations. During the show he tells how a perfectly good citizen has his rights taken away for owning an assault rifle. This man who has never done anything illegal now has to go through a back ground check or get is gun taken from him or have a felony on his record. Glenn Beck then talks how this is unconstitutional and is taking away the second amendment. This applies to the agenda setting theory because they are repeating the same statement and trying to persuade the watchers to believe the same thing.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG74bNXqsLI

In an article I read it states how the government thinks they are stopping the bad guys from buying guns by doing back ground checks but they aren't. Many people do one of two things. They either get someone else who has a perfect background to buy the gun or ammo for them or they do an under the table deal. This I do not agree with because these gun laws are causing people to commit more crime there for the crime may increase. This also applies to agenda setting theory by stating all the negative aspects of gun control, there for trying to tell us what is important.

~Matt Mills  

Post 5- Broadcast News and Agenda Setting

Find a series of at least three broadcast news stories from any news source that share similar agendas and apply the Agenda Setting Theory. Give a summary of each news story (if your news stories are from an on-line source, embed a link into your post), and explain how they connect in the agendas that they enforce. What do the news articles say is important for people to think about? Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Your responses are to be 300-400 words, and are due by 3pm Friday, 3/28.

Be ready to present your findings on Monday, 3/31.

Mass Media Usage

I believe the media influences the people very much. If we did not have the forms of media we did today, much less would be known about our world. For example incidences like the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812 would of never existed. During this battle a treaty was already created in Belgium but the technology at the time did not allow the information to be brought to the US and say that the war was over. In ways I think media has both weakened and strengthen human communication. New technology has made it so we can gain knowledge in a moments notice, making society as a whole more educated. On the other hand new forms of entertainment have sprung up on media making human communication lessen. People will rather be on their mobile devices then talking with other people face to face, mono y mono, or do other physical activities.
Types of mass media I encounter during the week are the television, computers and social media websites. On these mediums I search for things like, current world events, lately concerning the Ukraine, or forms of entertainment. Having an idea of what is going on in the world fascinates me also considering if things go haywire in Crimea then my choice in occupation may require me to be involved. I of course also enjoy being entertained, everybody does. I like to be entertained to help pass time, or as Mr. Tombasco of course knows, procrastinate on work.
I feel that I am not dependent on media usage. I feel no need to consistently check my phone, sports scores, or the latest new trend. I like to be able to know that if media and electronics went down do to unforeseen circumstances, I can live fine without it. Also I find that taking a bit and just relaxing  is quite helpful to the human body. My family tends to go camping a lot and during this time there is limited electronic use, so I find myself reading, cooking, or having the occasional "Improvised Weapon Challenge" with my father and sister's boyfriend to see which one of us can make a better or more useful weapon out of natural objects with maybe some string and a knife. I find mass media useful but not needed, people have lived hundreds of years without the same media we have today, and they turned out...relatively fine.

Media

I believe media plays a huge role in how people behave. Media in some ways has ruined communication between people. For example Facebook, some people can’t go a day without checking their news feed or making a status. A lot of people tell what they are doing every minute of the day. This is why I believe media has a very strong influence.

As much as I don’t like to admit it I encounter a lot of different types of media during the day. One example is television. Most of the media related TV I watch is off of ESPN. Although sports aren't known for a lot drama, on ESPN they tell everything and are always reporting some sort of story and blowing it out of proportion. Another is the newspaper. This is one of the better forms of media because you get to read. There is also usually not a lot of drama besides the crime section. Finally my most used source of media is the internet. Although I am not as bad as other with Facebook I still use it a lot. This may sounds bad but I mainly use it to once in a while get a laugh at others drama. The medium for Facebook would have to be for people to meet others more easily. The medium for the newspaper would be to just get information to the people without having to watch TV.

If I were to characterize myself I would say that I am independent of the media. I do use and listen to the media a decent amount but I could easily go a day or more without it. I believe certain typed of mass media are important. It can be every important at times to help give awareness and help to people.The types of media that tell the truth and are helpful, but I don’t believe the drama mass media are needed all they do is create more unneeded drama. 

~Matt Mills 

Mass media

I think the media has complete control over the way people think, view others, and view themselves. The only people immune to the effect of the media are those who are separate themselves from it completely, which is almost no one. Thoughts and actions we consider original were most likely influenced by the media, whether we realize it or not.

Almost all people today watch television, listen to the radio, and see advertisements almost everywhere they go. Advertisers have become incredibly skilled at their jobs to the point where you do not recognize their control over the masses. Yes, in cities and other densely populated areas, billboards,  posters, and people hired to hand out pamphlets and brochures are obvious signs of advertisement, but advertisers can be much trickier than that. By making a famous actor where a certain product, they can influence you to buy something that they want you to buy, in order to make them money. They appeal to basic human desires to make you feel as if you need this product. The most prevalent one is obviously sex; a cell phone becomes much more desirable with an attractive person holding it.

I do my best to be independent from the media, but I find myself bending to its will. I buy vinyl records even though there are much more efficient ways to buy music. I wear certain clothes because the media has told us clothes aren’t used to just keep us warm, but they define who we are. The media uses its endless resources to convince people like me that we must define ourselves, to make us feel independent and like individuals, but we are just becoming indistinguishable, mindless sheep in the in the eyes of an omnipotent and all powerful sheppard that is the mass media.

MASS Media

I think that media, especially mass media has a huge influence on the actions of people.  There could be some post on Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, or some other social net working site on the computer that one person finds funny, or interesting creating a web of people liking, sharing, and re-posting it and the cycle continues.  Sometimes I find that it feels as though I'm talking to a bunch of brick walls because of such incidents.  This is even something I will admit that I am guilty of.

When I come home I get on my computer and go between Facebook, Pandora, and YouTube.  Facebook mainly keeps me connected to my friends and family that live very far away.  Pandora is just an elective music site that I like to listen to as I do my homework.  I listen to rock mostly, I find that it is relaxing, gives me time to think, and takes care of the day's stress.

YouTube is the best way to end my day laughing, because of another person's comic relief or jokes that they may come up with.  It helps quite a lot if I've had a long rough day....Homework, extra curricular activities, etc. I like sarcastic rib jabbing videos that relate to situations in my own life.  This video proves it ( sorry Mr. T but I hope you will laugh regardless.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTXunsNFJmA

I find that in some ways I am dependent on the media, but not enough that I couldn't back off for a while.  In the end though I would say that in today's world it would be impossible for a person living in an advanced country to truly be separate from media and modern technology.  Mass media makes the world go 'round it keeps everyone connected.      

Social construct of women

Social Construction Theory is the idea that what we consider to be real is only that way because it has been confirmed via means of communication. I believe that reality is more subjective that. Just because one does not share and express an experience or feeling, that does not mean it did not happen.

In the 1950’s, the social construction of women was that they were the makers and keepers of the home; they raised the children and made sure the home was a relaxed and welcoming environment for her husband when he got home from a long day at work. This was the “reality” for women in these days because it was the consensus through micro and macro communication. The inferiority of women was made known through television, advertising, and the way men and women alike behaved.

Today, the role of women is much less black and white, and more contradictory and paradoxical. They are told to be sexy, but not sluty. Smart, but not smarter than men. Be funny, but only if that means they laugh at men’s jokes. Yes, women have gained rights since the !950’s, but the social construct they are trapped in is still one that is desperate for change.

Men are portrayed to be dominant and the only ones that matter. We know that not to be true, yet men still are at a much greater advantage in life than women today. Men make more money, face less oppression, and have the ability to express themselves in a  way women cannot. Yes men face more standards and ideas on what they should be than they used to; in the way they dress, how intelligent they must be, and how masculine they behave. This, however, is nothing compared to the struggles women have to face.