Media Literacy Topic #3 - Part A

Subjective or Objective?

PART A 

• List some movies that you really like and some of the things they have in common

The Fighter, The Dark Knight, Clerks, In Bruges, Pirates of the Caribbean, Taken, Kung Fu Panda, Interview with the Vampire, Tropa De Elite, The Departed, My Name Is Khan, The Big Lebowski, Brokeback Mountain, Waiting, Cinderella Man, Gladiator, Diarios de Motocicleta, Jeux d'enfants, A Single Man, Reservoir Dogs

Some of these films have sidesplitting but sometimes raunchy dialogue. I have a knack for fantasy-adventure films. I enjoy a good drama from time to time. I like foreign films quite a bit- especially those that are socially conscious. Health Ledger was my favorite actor and I’m partial to his films. It took all I had not to write Casanova down.

• Now list some movies that you dislike and some of the things they have in common

Transformers, Hostel, Saw, Fantastic Four, Street Fighter, Captain America (1990 version), Any Horror Movie, Sci-Fi Movie

Many of these films are poorly written, rely on effects too much, or belong in a category I like to call 'horror porn.' I have a personal dislike of Sci-Fi. The most recent Star Trek movie was not bad. It is just hard for me to 'get into' them.

• List the qualities that would make you see a movie

I enjoy a good gangster-crime flick. In regards to that genre, Safe House was probably the last gratifying film that I viewed. The director can influence my decision. Kevin Smith does not have the greatest track record but I have seen all of his films (even Jersey Girl). I enjoy Christopher Nolan’s films too. The same thing can be said for some actors. Heath Ledger, Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Liam Neeson, Ian McShane, Leonardo DiCaprio, Colin Farrell,  and few others. As I type I’m noticing a male-dominated list of names.

• List the qualities that would make you avoid a movie

Any movie that is highly reliant on special effects always has the potential to be a disaster….Transformers.. cough, cough. This may also explain my utter hatred for 3D movies. I am not saying all movies that use special effects are bad. After all, I listed Pirates of the Caribbean as a favorite. The key word here is potential. But yes, if I am suspicious that this is the case I will avoid such a movie.

• Pick one medium that you use regularly, such a magazine, television show, or blog. What biases can you find? Are they similar to your biases? If so, how?

Bias is evident on CNN and Fox News

I read CNN news quite a bit. There is no doubt that they are a liberal news provider. And whenever I read something that’s odd I usually go to the Associated Press for clarification- I consider them nuetral. In regards to politics, CNN does cast a more positive light on Democratic politicians. Regardless of the party the majority of legislators are skilled liars in my book. Not to mention, the 2011 Congress was the least active it’s been in 50 years. Now to answer the question: Are CNN’s biases similar to my own. I would answer saying, “Somewhat.” Do I have staunch democratic views? Yes. Do I believe in healthy debate (unlike most liberals and conservatives)? Yes. This “my way or the highway” approach is crazy. One has to respect a difference of opinion.