Questions for Ch. 12

1. In chapter 12, Woodward and Denton discuss the two types of ethical behavior: Discerning, which is knowing when something is right or wrong, and commitment, which is being devoted to doing the right thing. However when you think about influences in our society and the many cultural differences from around the world, who is to judge what is the right or wrong thing to do? It is so easy for us to judge people based on our own personal values, but what if our ethics are wrong? Can you think of an instance of when you had to put your own personal bias aside and try not to judge someone for believing in something contrary to your views? Is there an example from your personal life when you had to exercise "commitment"--where you had to do the right thing even in a tempting situation?

2. Also in Chapter 12, Woodward and Denton goes on to talk about how easily students nowadays are able to justify cheating. Due to the competitiveness in school and jobs, the temptation to cheat in order to get ahead gets the best of many people. Since being successful and obtaining a good job is so important in our society, do you think the high societal standards and the expectation to be the best is to blame for students cheating? Do you think there is anything parents and teachers can do in order to try to lessen the pressure to do well for students, so they don't end up cheating but rather doing well on their own?

3. Woodward and Denton also bring up the fact that in news media, though information is presented to the audience, we as receivers need to take responsibility in listening to the messages. Just because something is presented to us, doesn't mean we should believe it right away. As receivers of the information, we need to be smart in decoding the messages and do our own investigation before jumping to conclusions and believing the first thing we see. When you listen to the news, do you believe what is being said right away? Are you likely to take the time to look at other news sources and other types of media to make sure the information is correct?

response to Kenny's Question 11/24

Woodward and Denton describe the influence of celebrities in our culture and how at times they are held to a much higher ethical standard than the rest of us. This, however, can become a problem as many do not want to be. One profession that Woodward and Denton mention has a lot of problems with this is athletes. “Interestingly, a growing number of athletes deny any such responsibility. They believe they are paid to play the game, and they are not obligated to accept any other responsibility,” (358). When I read this, one instance that came to mind was the Michael Phelps smoking weed photo. After the photo was released many people were very upset and Phelps came out with an apology right away. Many supporters of his argued, however, that he is just a 20-something year old who was partaking in something that many people his age do. The entire conflict was a media frenzy and in the end was eventually left alone. I would like to know, however, your stance on this. Do you think that athletes should be held to a higher standard just because they are in the public eye? Should Michael Phelps have apologized for his actions and promised to not do it again?

I definitely think that athletes should be held to a higher standard because they are in the public eye. Because of their positions as role models, they should be more responsible and have a clean image. Even though these athletes didn't ask to be role models to people, it doesn't change the fact that they're not. This is just something that comes with their profession and something that they should be aware of. If athletes want the money, fame and recognition, they should be willing to pay the small price being a good role model. I think that Michael Phelps' decision to apologize for his actions was very smart because he took responsibility for what he did recognized that he did something wrong. It is a good way for people who look up to him to realize that no one is perfect and that when you do make bad life choices, you can learn from them and move on. I don't think that fact that Michael Phelps smoked weed makes him a bad person at all, however since he is in the public eye as an athlete, it is inappropriate for him to be seen doing this.

Response to Arianne's Question 11/17

2. In Blakesley’s article he also discusses the aim of rhetoric in films as identification (pg. 117). He states that for the audience “identification functions as desire, as an assertion of identities...we pursue that identification as one way of expressing our consubstantiality.” As humans we enjoy the opportunity to pretend and desire to be someone else, and the use of film is powerful in drawing that desire of identification out of the audience. I can still remember how much I wanted to be a Power Ranger when I was younger, and in my mind I thought I could do all the stunts and fighting. Can you think of a character that you desired to be when you were younger, or a character that you identified with in films? What about that character allowed you to make that identity connection?

When I was younger, one person on television that I wanted to be was Sabrina the Teenage Witch because I thought that life would be so amazing if I were able to have magical powers and control what happens. I think what attracted me to the character was the fact that she was someone that I could see myself being friends with. She was fun, charming, friendly and just very likable in general--something that definitely would appeal to kids my age at the time.

Sabrina's character was someone who was realistic. She wasn't the prettiest girl at the school, but also not the most awkward. She was just any typical girl that would blend in with the crowd. Add in the fact that she is also a witch and has magical powers and you've hooked every little girl in. Who wouldn't like to have some kind powers?--if that girl at school was being mean to you, you can somehow make her do something to embarrass herself in front of everyone, or if you're struggling in school you can automatically understand everything with the wave of a wand. The fact that Sabrina was someone you can identify with, plus the fantasy of being a witch, is something that would attract anyone's attention. It is almost as though this person is you, but a little better.

I think writers definitely have a way of finding and creating characters that represent someone you can relate with. I feel as though the character has to be almost an extreme version of yourself, but also realistic at the same time. The character has to react in a situation the way you think you would most likely act. It is a lot to take into consideration. If there is a movie or show that has too many characters that people are not able to relate to or identify with, I don't think it would be successful.

Questions

1. Many of us obviously watch television and movies for entertainment and know that most of the situations that happen are not ones that would occur in real life. Blakesly's article explains to us how film rhetoric works and how identification with characters is an important part of movies and TV. However, whenever we watch TV and movies, we always choose to identify with characters who are in some way similar to us--whether it be our personality, looks or the way in which they handle situations. We almost automatically have a bias towards that specific person, which is what the writers and directors want: the audience to identify with their characters. In order for the general audience to be able to relate to these characters, I feel as though it's almost necessary to use stereotypes to ensure that a wide enough audience will be able to identify. What stereotypes have you seen on television/ movies for women? Men? Do you think these stereotypes are harmful or just for fun?

2. As we've learned in almost every communications class, there are two main types of communication: verbal and nonverbal. Most people know that even when we are not directly talking to each other, we are always communicating. For example, two strangers are sitting in an empty room doing homework, they don't say a word to each other the entire time. Do you think they are still communicating with each other in a way? If you were in this situation, what nonverbal messages do you think you would be sending?

3. Woodward and Denton bring up the idea Persuasion is the most difficult when you are trying to persuade someone who is very "ego involved". When people have a strong viewpoint on something or are very stuck on a certain point of view, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to change their mind on something. When morals and ethics are involved in the situation--in many cases it is--it could almost be seen as being offensive if an opposing opinion is brought up. Have you ever had an experience where you were unable to sway someone's opinion through persuasion? Why do you think it was so difficult to do so?

Persuasion and Consumption

I decided to look at how bars promote their products and services so I thought it would be interesting to take a look at Moe Bar's marketing strategy. I chose Moe Bar because it is attached/ part of Neumo's which is a music venue, so rather than just advertising for the bar, Moe also advertises for Neumo's and their upcoming performers.

Even before walking into Moe Bar, we could see posters and flyers for the bands that were set to perform posted all over the walls leading up to the entrance. Since the flyers were so cluttered it was a little difficult to distinguish between upcoming acts and bands that have already performed. After we actually got into the bar though, the ads were much easier to keep track of. On either side of the bar were flat screen tvs that showed pictures of the bands and the dates they are supposed to perform. It was constantly changing every about every 30 seconds so we are able to clearly see the information being shown and actually take note of it. In addition to just showing pictures of the bands and their tour dates, the bar also plays their music in the background so people are able to listen to it and get a sense of what they would hear if they were to purchase tickets to see the live show.

Another thing I've noticed that Moe Bar does is put up album covers of very popular bands that have performed at their venue--bands such as The Flaming Lips, Blur, Pavement and Radiohead. Most of the bands are supposedly very popular. I've never really heard of most of them, but at the same time, someone like me might not be their target audience since I don't have much of an interest in that type of music. I thought it was a good marketing strategy to showcase the most well-known names they've had on their walls. In a way, this builds credibility as a legitimate and popular venue for the bands to perform at.

In addition to advertising for their performers, I noticed quite a few political campaign signs in various places around the bar. Most of which were supporting Pete Holmes for City Attorney. I was sort of questioning why a bar would have any affiliation with political candidates, but I did some research on Pete Holmes and realized that one of his main platforms is that a vote for him is a vote for Seattle arts and nightlife, which is definitely something Moe Bar and Neumos can both relate to. I'm not really sure as to what exactly Pete Holmes plans on doing for Seattle Nightlife and the arts, but I'm sure people at the bar will see his name and associate it with a good time if they see it at Moe Bar.

I found it surprising that the bands got more advertising than the actual bar promotions. They definitely leave out a lot of information that has to do with the bar itself. For example, Moe Bar has happy hour everyday from 3-7 with really good drinks specials such as $2 wells, but many people may not be aware of that because the advertisement for the bands overpower the bar advertisements. Not until you actually sit at the table do you realize that these specials are available. Since this is an established bar, consumption isn't much of a problem here. They have great business and word of mouth advertisement always helps. However if they choose to put up a few signs around Capitol Hill telling people about their cheap happy hour, I'm sure they would get more business.