Finals Week, Final Post

I think the most important thing I learned from the class is that media is changing everyday. Journalism is not the way it has been traditionally. The future of journalism is unsure. But one thing is sure, and that is that the Internet is steadily becoming the greatest media venue in history. The present and future of journalism involves blogging, Twitter, online newspapers, and many other revolutionary ways to learn more about the world around us. Convergence has led to this great acceptance of the Internet and the changes the field of journalism is undergoing. As a college student, the things I learn about journalism will mostly likely be obsolete by the time I am actually seeking a career as a journalist, but it's almost certain that most journalistic work will be directly dependent on the Internet.

Week 10 - Disney Danger

I think Disney poses a threat to other media companies more than to children. They're absolutely colossal in the world of media and their monopoly makes it virtually impossible for us to escape the grasp of their media messages. Disney definitely isn't the first to produce content that might change the perceptions and ideas about themselves and others that children grow up. Television is littered with all kinds of images and messages that children probably shouldn't be exposed to, but they are nonetheless. Disney's content is mild in comparison to the programs that air on most prime time networks. I think that most little kids aren't concerned about Ariel losing her voice and only being able to attract the prince with her body. As a child, I know that I didn't see it that way. Disney produces images that are not reality, but so do any other media company. I think that Disney doesn't quite deserve all of the criticism society has given them. After all, if parents are willing to let their children watch Disney shows, then they don't really have the right to tell them that they're inappropriate.