New and digital media; Pareto's law - mr hasley

1) What is Pareto's Law? Sum it up in a paragraph.
- Pareto's law is also known as the 80-20 rule. It states that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. Business-management consultant Joseph M. Juran suggested the principle and named it after italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. He observed in 1806 that 80% of land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population; Pareto developed the principle by observing that 20% of the pea pods in his garden contained 80% of peas.
- 80% of media is owned by 20% of institutions.

2) What other industries or examples can you apply the 80/20 rule to?
- 80% of media is owned by 20% of the institutions,
- 80% of wealth is owned by 20% of the richest people,
- 80% of Italy's land was owned by 20% of the population,
- 80% of a company's profits come from 20% of its customers,
- 80% of a company's complaints come from 20% of its customers,
- 80% of a company's profits come from 20% of the time its staff spend,
- 80% of a company's sales come from 20% of its products,
- 80% of work is done by 20% of a team,
- 80% of a company's sales are made by 20% of its sales staff.

3) List three arguments in FAVOUR of Pareto's Law applying to the internet
- Microsoft owns Hotmail and Skype,
- Google owns android, gmail, youtube, blogger,
- 75% of user volume is from 5% of the top sites.

4) List three arguments AGAINST Pareto's Law applying to the internet
- Wikipedia is user generated information therefore it is not always true and definetly not reliable,
- For example, Twitter is not facts and there could be many rumours that internet users post on to the social networking site
- For example, Facebook is also a social networking site that many people rely on to find out things therefore is not reliable; also many people get bullied from these social networking sites therefore making them less safe as well.
- Blog's are also made by the internet users therefore is not always reliable and the things written are not always useful or accurate/true.

5) Even if Pareto's Law applies to internet ownership, does it still apply to the content we read online?
- Pareto's Law does still apply to internet ownership as alot of the content that we read online as a lot of what is written/posted over the internet is user generated information. For example, 80% of the content on Facebook is supplied by 20% of users.

Hegemony in the age of New and Digital media - mr halsey

1. Research the Ian Tomlinson case. What would the traditional, hegemonic view of the police be in a case like this? How did new and digital media create a different story? What does the police officer's subsequent aquittal suggest about the power of new and digital media?
- In the case of the Ian Tomlinson case the traditional and hegemonic view of the police would be that they are right. The reason for this is that the police represent the justice system and if they are viewed as being in the wrong it would cause a great deal of controversy and questions from the general public. Also, as the Ian Tomlinson case occurred during the protest in London the police would have said it was a cause of defence rather than an innocent attack, therefore portraying the police as to being in the right.
- New and Digital media was however able to prove that the police were in fact in the wrong and that there really was no reason for the attack on Ian Tomlinson. New and digital media was able to create a different story as it showed the reality and was able to prove that Ian Tomlinson was in fact completely innocent.
- ...

2. Do you agree that new and digital media challenges the traditional, dominant hegemonic views? Why?
- I do agree that new and digital media challenges the traditional, dominant hegemonic views, the reason for this is that it shows different interpretations on the hegemonic view and there is almost always a group of people who would oppose the traditional, dominant/hegemonic view. For example, on a new article the public are able to post comments bellow the line therefore allowing them to express their opinions and views. This would therefore challenge traditional, dominant/hegemonic views as if there are more comments and members of the general public that oppose the hegemonic view it is likely that others would start to re think their views and find the faults in the hegemonic view.
- The reason to why new and digital media challenges the traditional, dominant/hegemonic view is because 

Hegemony theory - mr halsey

Hegemony theory
The dominant or leadership; this is commonly by one state or social group over the others.
The Hegemony theory is a Marxist theory and was introduced by Antonio Gramsci and came up with this theory to see whom was dominant and who was subordinated.

Royal Family:

• All pictures of the Royal family shows them as prestige and role models as well as wealthy and the perfect family - no picture have been shown with them looking like they have any problems or like any other 'normal' family in Britain.
• The typical, dominant or hegemonic stereotype of the royal family is that they are good and society should follow their views and actions as they are the primary role models to the whole world.
• The royal family are always in the news and there is an awful lot of coverage on them - always representing them as good there is never something bad on them.
• http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/20/royal-baby-pictures-william-kate-george - shows how prestige they are as they are failing to look normal and obvious they are royal.
• The royal wedding was highly important and took over much of the news their showed the royal family as dominant and hegemonic as the whole of London had shut down solely for the royal wedding to proceed and thousands of people had gone to see it. 
• Furthermore, the royal families hegemony has been obvious as a new bank holiday had been introduced solely for Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding.
• Although, the royal family are meant to be role models for everyone and are known as the most hegemonic family in society articles seem to show different.
• Articles are different as they show alternative views of the royal family, for example changes over the years ..http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/may/08/queens-speech-changes-royal-family
• The previous post has a picture of Prince Charles and Camilla sitting next to the queen, this is significant as the chances of them sitting next to one another would have been unthinkable a decade ago.
• Many also debate on whether the royal family is beneficial to Britain or not - there are many diverse views ..http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-the-royal-family-bad-for-britain
• They are also shown as disrespecting and in some ways racist - Prince Harry dresses as nazi at friends birthday, however he apologises (makes it okay?) http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4170000/newsid_4171000/4171069.stm
  
  

Cultivation theory; top boy - mr halsey

In today’s lesson we watched the channel 4 TV teen drama ‘Top Boy’. Throughout this opening we were able to identify many different negative as well as positive representations of youths, these representations were evident through the characters. For example, there was youths hanging around on the corners of streets also their clothing portrayed the youth as untidy, not presentable and scruffy as their ties were down and they were wearing joggers and hoody’s. The uniform clothing was also a negative representation as they were not only presenting themselves but the school as well. However, there were also some positive representations throughout the opening scene on Top Boy. For example, once the young boy reached home he instantly began looking for his mum and could not find her therefore decided to stay home to wait for her. His friend also decided to stay with the boy in order to keep him company. This is a positive representation as it is evident that the boy is caring for his mother and his friend is sticking by his friend’s side.

Additionally, Top Boy is a prime example for Gerbner’s cultivation theory, the more the audience watch the representations in the TV the more they are likely to believe these representations in the real world. For example, there is drug dealing and swearing used by youths throughout the TV drama therefore giving off a negative representation as well as portraying youths as dangerous therefore audience may follow these TV representations which leads them into viewing black males as stereotypically dangerous. This would also relate to Alvarado’s theory as the youth that deals drugs is a black male therefore relating back to one of Alvarado’s characteristic for black people which is ‘dangerous’. 

Post colonialism theories (fanon, alvarado, said) - mr horsley

* Fanon
- Fanon reienforces the theory that African-american people would have to put on a "White-mask" in order to fit into society.
- "White mask" (Halloween)
Examples:
1.  The Arab is having to adjust how he behaves according to the white people. 
2. When white people visit other countries such as India the people who sell stuff usually adjust the way they act in order to fit in as they view Americans or British people as superior
3.  The Asian family have to put on a "white mask" in order to fit in with the white family; this is evident through the clothing of the men as they are dressed in English suits. 

* Alvarado
- The black stereotypes of Dangerous, Exotic, Humorous and Pitied
- "PHDE" - Pitied, humorous, dangerous, exotic
Examples:
1.  This image demonstrates Alvarado's point of black people being pitied. The example of 'single parent families' is significant as it is known to be common with African-American's therefore making people feel pity towards them.
2.  Chris rock is a famous comedian therefore reinforcing Alvarado's theory of black people being 'humorous'.
3.  The 2011 London Riots is an prime example of black people being stereotyped as being dangerous. As shown in the picture, the police have targeted an black British individual therefore showing him as a dangerous also, all the police members are white therefore showing the difference between the cultures and showing them as superior and safe. 
4.  This image shows the 'exotic' stereotype for African-Americans as their clothing could be considered as exotic also, the drum playing and musical side could be seen as something unusual therefore demonstrating the exotic side of black people.

* Said
- The theory of Orientalism; East vs West and Civilised vs Uncivilised. 
- "East vs West"
Examples:
1.  The image shows children in the Western society being taught with computers therefore showing wealth and how civilised they are as they are able to work with adults on technical devices. 
2.  This image shows the eastern society and how uncivilised they are as a child is having to beg. This demonstrates the differences between western and eastern as the western through the media is always shown as superior and civilised where as the eastern (such as in the picture) are shown as deprived, in poverty and uncivilised therefore relating to Said's theory as he states there is a defined difference shown between Western and Eastern (unnecessarily). 
3.  This illustrates the difference between western and eastern as a western girl is being kidnapped by a eastern person (evident by the hand). Therefore, once again relating to Said's oriental theory. 

Orientalism; Yasmin (post-colonialism) - mr horsley

1. Does the first ten minutes of the movie Yasmin, represent a positive or negative representations of British Muslims?









2. To what extent does it reinforce or challenge Said's theory of Orientalism - that the west is superior to the exotic or dangerous eat?

Edward Said; Orientalism theory (post-colonialism) - mr horsley

ABOUT EDWARD SAID'S ORIENTALISM THEORY:

• Edward said was born in 1935 and died in 2013,
• Wrote a book called 'Orientalism' in 1978,
• Challenges the difference between east and west,
• From the start of European colonisation the west cam in contact with the less developed countries of the east,
• Edward says: The east is represented as being uncivilised and dangerous where as the west is represented as civilised and safe - these stereotypes are most commonly shown through the media,
• Said blames the Europeans for dividing the world into two parts; the east and the west (civilised and uncivilised) - artificial boundary are they are all human and there should not be a 'them and us' or 'theirs and ours',
• Europeans defined themselves as the superior race compared to the 'orientals' - justified the colonisation by this; saw themselves as doing a favour for the east as they though of themselves as 'doing their duty towards the world to civilise the uncivilised world',

Alvarado and Fanon theories (post-colonialism) - mr horsley.

ALVARADO:
Key themes in racial representations;
* EXOTIC
- e.g. Carnival, food, voodoo/tribes, clothing, music, rap.
* DANGEROUS
- Gangs, socially, dysfunctional (1 parent etc.)
* HUMOROUS
- e.g. Chris Tucker, sidekicks
* PITIED
- e.g. Children in need, white people raise money for others, poverty, comic relief.

FRANTIC FANON: 
* The only way black people would be acepted in the western culture is by putting on a white mask.
Typical black stereotypes:
* INFANTILISE:
- Such as the 'cute' children of the charity posters,
- 'simple-minded' / 'step n fetch' (black preform for white).
* PRIMITIVIZE:
- The 'exotic and virile' tribal warriors,
- 'bare-breasted maidens' with a 'natural sense of rhythm',
- Sporting prowess.
* DECIVILIZE:
- The 'gangta', 'pimp' etc.
* ESSENTIALISE: 
- Undifferentiated mass ; 'all look the same to me'
"PUTTING ON A WHITE MASK".

Representations; daily mail article - mr horsley.

Post-colonialism article response (300 words):

In the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony indicate the modern version of Britain and shows it as a diverse and multi-cultural society. In the opening there are many different countries flags that are shown as well as multi-cultural traits. As we look further into the opening ceremony there is an educated middle aged white women living with a black husband, her father and her children, happily in a semi-detached house. Although this was supposed to represent modern England, this opening ceremony was highly criticised by a Daily Mail publisher, Rick Dewsbury. He complained bitterly of the ceremony’s ‘politically driven multiculturalism’, he went on to observe: “This was supposed to be a representation of modern life in England but it is likely to be a challenge for the organisers to find an educated white middle-aged mother and black father living together with a happy family in such a set-up.” This could therefore relate to Frantic Fanon’s theory of black people having to wear a white mask in order to fit in with society.

Dewsbury’s article also relates to Fanon’s theory as if they do not wear a white mask there would most likely be some sort of conflict or dysfunction within society. Dewsbury goes on to say: “this multicultural equality agenda was so staged it was painful to watch”, this indicates his racism and dislike towards those who are not white. This once again relates to Fanon’s theory as Dewsbury makes it extremely clear that he does not want to see multiculturalism on TV or in society therefore if everyone ;wears a white mask’ the multiculturalism will no longer be as painful to watch.

Test one; learner response - me horsley.

QUESTION:Why might some people in the media object to Robin Thicke's song and video for blurred lines?

WWW:
* You've covered the wider issues and brought in the VMAs which is good to see.

EBI:
* Lack of depth and theory (brief mention of Butler in conclusion). No other examples provided.

LEARNER RESPONSE:
* What is your personal opinion on the question?
- In my opinion, Robin Thicke's song as well as his music video for Blurred lines is highly sexually explicit. This is evident through the lyrics as he objectifies women as living in the shadow of their lovers/men. As Robin Thicke uses the phrase "good girl" several times in the song it suggests he is relating back to the stereotype of the virgin/whore dichotomy. Furthermore, his song also suggests women should play a good girl and bad girl role in order to satisfy the man's desire. I believe, feminist's would highly object against this song as well as the music video as it relates to Angela McRobbies theory as women are being objectified for male pleasure.

Feminist; the end of men? - mr horsley

- 
Research Judith Butler's approach to feminism. How might Butler respond to Rosin's writing in The End of Men?

To what extent do you agree with Rosin's hypothesis that women are taking over modern society? Give examples in your response.
- I agree to a certain extent with Rosin's hypothesis that women are taking over modern society in 2013. The reason for this is that not so long ago women were not even considered as the breadwinner or even a secondary earner in a household as it was always men who cared for the family financially. However, in modern society women are beginning to get higher paid jobs than men such as becoming doctors, dentist etc. This is mainly because girls tend to achieve higher than boys in school now therefore resulting in them taking over the higher paid jobs where as men continue with their 'manly' jobs such as plumbing, building etc.  Furthermore, some could argue that Robin's hypothesis is not at all accurate as society does not allow women to take over modern society. The reason for this would be that they are typically characterised as to being weaker than men and dependant upon men. Also, women are still paid less than men in modern society therefore downgrading them and not allowing them to 'take over' modern society. They are usually paid less because women are known as to taking more sick leave than men as well as the risk of them getting pregnant therefore having to take maternity leave causing the company/work place to find a part time member of staff which usually means more work for them.

Can we find examples in modern media that support Rosin's suggestion that women are taking charge? You may wish to argue the opposite - that men still dominate the media scene.
- 

Feminism: essential reading - mr horsley

1. Was the Twitter boycott an appropriate response to the online threats prominent women were receiving?* In my opinion the twitter boycott was not an appropriate response to the online threats prominent women were receiving as although it may have opened Twitters eyes and made them 'nervy and watching their back' it did has not stopped prominent women from  receiving online threats. This is a reoccurring issues which is hard to ignore however, much more than just a Twitter boycott would need to be done in order to reduce/stop the online threats.
   
2. Should Twitter have done more in response to those threats?
   * This was obviously a sensitive and big issue and Twitter should have known this from when this began. Furthermore, Twitter should have addressed this issue instantly and stopped it or blocked these threats as it is clear it would have been a sensitive issue for many people and the Twitter boycott could have been easily avoided.
   
3. Should young women in 2013 take an interest in feminism? Do young women need to 'reclaim' feminism?
   * I believe young women in 2013 should take an interest in feminism as although women have more freedom and are treated with more respect now, women are still not equal. Therefore, women need to 'reclaim' feminism and keep fighting for the right of equality.
   
4. Why has the internet been effective in feminist campaigns?
   * Because people are able to express how they feel and give their opinion/views out of the internet without being judged therefore voices can be heard more efficiently.
   
5. What is your opinion on page 3 of the Sun still featuring a half-naked young woman in 2013?
   * I believe it is the ladies choice to be posted on page three therefore if they do not mind being posted half-naked on page three then others should also not mind. However, young children are beginning to buy The Sun therefore parent's might have a issue with this as it could be a bad influence.

Hearst Corporations - ms rodden

History

* George Hearst turned the Examiner over to his son, William Randolph Hearst

* Hearst corporation is known as a career that will; 'forever change the definition of American journalism'

* Newspaper owners
* Hearst magazines began in 1903 with the publication of Motor magazine, they later acquired many popular tittles such as the cosmopolitan and good housekeeping
* Began producing film reels in the mid-1910's, creating one of the earliest animation studios; International film service
* 1920's - 1930's, Hearst had the biggest conglomerate in the world
* Great depression hit Hearst hard, therefore had to sell the Washington times-herald to McCormick-Patterson
* 2012 Hearst partnered with NBCUniversal to turn G4 into Esquire network

Media products owned/produced by Hearst Corporation

* Magazines publishing

* Newspaper publishing

* Business publishing

* Cable networks

* Television broadcasting

* Radio broadcasting

* Internet businesses

* TV production

* TV distribution

* Newspaper features distribution

* Business information

* Real estate

Internet products owned/produced by Hearst Corporation

* Magazine publishing
*Newspaper publishing
*Business publishing
*Internet businesses
*Business information
*Newspaper features distribution

Financial information about Hearst corporation

Pareto's law - ms rodden

I am against Pareto's law, the reason for this is: - Audiences become producers and consumers.

I am for Pareto's law, the reason for this is:-