Media Literacy Topic #1

As I view my media log I’m noticing that I use several types of media. For entertainment I rely on the internet and television most frequently. Like most people I use Facebook & Skype and I enjoy YouTube. I spend my time doing other things too. This week I spent an hour checking out WiX.com- a website that allows you to build a website for free (and for pay). I admit that I use Pirate Bay. This week I managed to obtain a copy of The Avengers, In Bruges, episode three of HBO’s Hard Knocks, and sex tourism documentaries. I also googled LasikPlus to prepare for my visit to the doctor in Jacksonville. The one thing I am surprised I have not done is listening to music. It just hasn't happened this week.

In regards to television my mainstays seem to be ESPN, Comedy Central, and CNN. SportsCenter, half-hour discussion sports shows (Pardon the Interruption, Around the Horn, etc.), and several NFL preseason games were watched. When I’m in the car I have my station tuned to ESPN 102.1. Needless to say I enjoy my sports! A weekly subscription of US Weekly comes to my house as well. I spent about 30 minutes reading celeb news on Wednesday. As trashy and pointless as these types of magazines are a few of the articles do catch my eye and keep me in tune with popular culture.

The majority of my time is spent buried in textbooks however. Due to my independent study course on sex tourism a considerable amount of my time is spent reading, highlighting, outlining, writing chapter summaries, and preparing PowerPoint slides. Did I mention I’m also taking 21 hours this semester? I stay busy between my part-time job and academics. I’ll be taking my Justice Administration book to work tonight. Obviously, I’m using the internet for academics as well. I learned to use Blogger this week. It’s pretty simple and awesome!

What does my media use say about me? I think my media use says a few things. It signifies that I’m an avid sports fan. The news I read shows that I have liberal political views and in interest in pop culture. The social media I use shows that I like to communicate with my friends and family. My use of Pirate Bay does show that I am participating in an illegal activity. While I know my actions are wrong the ease of access makes me take the dumb risk. My educational textbooks show that I’m an average college student that is working towards a degree. It says that I’ll live a repetitive and mundane existence until the beginning of December.

In regards to the media I trust I’d say the most reliable source has to be my news media. If I’m looking for factual reports I know SportsCenter and CNN are reliable. In regards to CNN, much like Fox News, you have to learn to read between biased agendas. Anything referring to our government is always questionable. While the internet has brought greater transparency there are still internal events that are kept from us. Not to mention certain news events get more exposure than others (unequal distribution). As we know exposure does not necessarily dictate importance however. The documentaries are not a bad source either but you also have to remember that these can also be one-sided.

I have no doubt that I enjoy the movies and sports programs that I watch. They are a good way to unwind and forget about work and academics- even if it’s only for a few hours. Skype is definitely important because it keeps me in contact with my girlfriend. At the very least I try to give her an hour of my time a day. Facebook and YouTube are great as well. While making a YouTube video this week I had fun filming myself and connecting scenes from In Bruges.

I’m open to broadening my exposure to different media- with an exception. I have to, at the very least, be interested in the subject or theme. For example, I doubt you’ll ever spot me reading a magazine from the National Rifle Association. Although I have nothing against the Second Amendment I am not a gun enthusiast. Nor do I want to read the political mudslinging. I will admit that I do display favoritism…. but doesn’t everybody? Don’t we realize what we like by subjecting ourselves to what we don’t like? I’m willing to open myself up to new things but at some point our personalities take over. Music is a great example. I like rap and rock. I’ve listened to country. I’ve listened to a lot of songs and I have never enjoyed the genre. I was hesitant about classical music. I gave it a try. I now like it. I don’t love it but it’s perfect to study to or blog.