The Super Bowl

This past weekend was one of the most, if not THE most anticipated sporting event of the year…. THE SUPERBOWL But one of the unique things about the Super Bowl is that many of the viewers are not even sports fans. And why is that?? Because of the commercials!!!

Every year, the Super Bowl receives massive amounts of viewers. This is a media viewing that is amazing to me. The time blocked out for the Super Bowl, the hours that it consumes, people stick around for almost all of it. Unlike other shows or performances or broadcastings, when commercials are used for a bathroom break or snack time, the commercials are what keep people riveted to the couch. People are invested in these media clips and advertisements because companies spend millions and this is where their best work for advertising will be seen.

I felt that this year’s bunch of commercials were not as good as the ones in years past. There were a handful of good ones, but hardly any that really stuck out to me or really hit the mark. Often there are commercials that make me truly feel something. Whether it is humorous or serious or just straight up clever, a brief 30 seconds can be very influential.

The media is an amazing tool. Because of the media, company after company was able to display and boost their name and product. Super Bowl commercials are the perfect example of mass media. They are seen by many and can influence many. Media can bring people together, and it can be great for sharing messages and informing large amounts of people.

Music Part 2

This week I kept coming back to music, so I decided I have more to say. This has been an interesting week. With ups and downs, I’ve felt like I’ve been on a rollercoaster. Like California Screamin’ in Disneyland. You go upside down and it’s fast and crazy but it’s soooo much fun. And mentioning Disneyland, they of course have incredible music and you can’t help but sing along to the catchy songs while walking around the park. (Can you imagine Dineyland or just Disney in general without music??)

My week started with watching the Live production of Grease on Fox on Sunday night. And this whole week I’ve been wishing/wanting my life to be a musical – and it’s almost felt like it at times. There is a song for everything. No matter my mood or the setting or the people I’m with, there is music for every occasion. And this week as I was walking to class or out of class or while at the gym or while driving to work, I always had a song in mind that I wanted for that particular moment. And it was quick and easy to go find it.

The accessibility of music today is astonishing. I have Spotify Premium and it is amazing to me, and my absolute favorite. I can listen to as much music as I want whenever I want. I can find a new song with three clicks and design my own playlists in a matter of minutes.

This week I felt so so lucky to have so much choice in the music I listen to. I had moments where I wanted Tim McGraw’s new song “Humble and Kind.” There were other times where I wanted to listen to Justin Bieber, a time for Piano Guys, a time for Andy Grammer, a time for Oldies, and of course time for more country. I’m still working on being more conscious and aware of what I’m listening to, and with that being a work in progress, I really just realized how much I appreciate that I have the choice.

Music

This week’s lecture on music really got me thinking. What we listen is so important, and has more of an impact and effect than we realize. I am always listening to music. It’s rare that I don’t have music playing. I’ve gotten to a point where I almost can’t stand not having music on—which I think is becoming a problem. I mean music is great, but sometimes I think I need to take the opportunity to have some peace and quite and let myself think and process my thoughts in silence.

However, because music is such a common and constant thing with me, I want to be more aware of what I’m listening to. There are so many songs that I know I love the tune and beat but I could not tell you what half the lyrics are. As I’ve come to really listen to some of them, I’ve realized that they have far from positive messages. I want to try to cut out some of those songs that I can swap for music that still has an upbeat, fun tone, but can provide better messages and feelings.

I feel like cournty music is hit or miss for most people – you either love it or you hate it. I LOVE country music. I feel like there are a lot of positive and really good lyrics and messages in country (along with some funny ones about drinking lots of beer in trucks J). But one of my favorite country songs is God Gave Me You by Blake Shelton. For years this has been one of my go to songs. Whether I’m in a good mood or I’m feeling sad, I always go back to this song. It's songs like that that I really appreciate. And it’s music like that that I want to have on my playlists. I love music, and I love what it can do, I just want to make sure I get the most out of it.

YouTube

I start a 4 minute music video, and an hour or so later I’m finally closing YouTube in my search browser. Oh how I can waste time on YouTube!!! Youtube is something that is all inclusive and can keep my entertained for hours. It has music, and videos, and tutorials. It has informative and pure entertainment purposes. It has TV shows and videos and segments of just about anything. I mean really, what doesn’t YouTube have??

YouTube is somewhere I typically go for music and laughter. If I want a good laugh, I’ll go watch a funny YouTube video. I’ve also seen that YouTube has become a common social tool. When with a group of friends on the weekend, more often than not, a funny YouTube video will be pulled up for everyone to watch at some point during the night. Or friends will send you links to videos and it then becomes the topic of conversation. There is a YouTube video for just about everything!

I think that there is lots of positive content on YouTube, it is definitely a time wasting site, but I would say the majority, or most commonly watched things on YouTube is not harmful content. Like any form of media, there are negative aspects, but with tutorials and music and funny videos that can make everyone laugh, what isn’t to love? Trying to use YouTube in moderation is obviously important, but I think YouTube can be great for fun and informative tips and entertainment.

HARRY POTTER

This week I’m on a Harry Potter kick. I am currently in the middle of a Harry Potter marathon. As many times and I’ve read the books and seen the movies, the story never gets old. I love the magic, I’ve become attached to the characters, I appreciate the creativity and imagination that was put into it; and I appreciate the imagination it brings out in me.

With trying to have a more critical lens and media eye while watching these movies this time around, I’ve picked up on more details.

I believe the content to be good. The story of good vs. evil is a classic. The ever present and much needed conflict to keep the story interesting does just that—it compels us to continue. It keeps the viewer coming back and keeps the viewer entertained.

Watching these movies this time through, I’ve really noticed how much I truly appreciate the content. There are many admirable characters that stand for good values and have good morals. There is fighting and defending for what is right. There are trials to overcome and friends and allies unite to become a stronger and better force.

One thing that I really got thinking about is the target audience. Though the books might be classified as young adult, I think many people see Harry Potter as a story for children. Though I wouldn’t disagree, I do think most children would thoroughly enjoy the series (along with all other age groups), I picked up on a lot more details that make the movies extremely dark and scary. Therefore distancing them from younger individuals.

I believe the movies to be fairly accurate and true to the story, but I started to think about how the films don’t exactly align with a majority chunk of their target audience. The content is suspenseful and intense. I know of young kids who have read the books and love them! But their parents won’t let them watch the movies yet. And do I blame the parents? No! The movies are SCARY.

I love the content of the books and the movies. I love the story and the details and the way it makes me feel. But from a media lens and with a new perspective, I picked up on new details and wonder about what could maybe have been done differently to be able to better encompass a larger audience.

But in all honestly, and to wrap things up, LONG LIVE HARRY POTTER. And RIP Alan Rickman (aka SNAPE)!!!