Saturday, September 14, 2013

Reading and Discussion #4


Crafting a compelling message or creating an engaging impression is not easy (particularly when trying to reach an increasingly digital distracted and time poor audience). It is equally difficult to make sure that the intended memories stick to the right brand.” (Hollis, 2011)

I pretty much agree with the entire article, picking one quote was difficult.
  •   I choose this quote because the trick to advertising is the first impression and grabbing the viewer quickly.
  • Everyone is distracted these days except, perhaps, the very old and the very young. The agencies want those with the expendable incomes and impulsive buying tendencies.  
  • Ads are placed everywhere, including laptops and social media. We are constantly bombarded with every brand at every moment. So in order to get noticed the advertiser must craft a message that is quick and powerful. 
  • With bright bold colors, celebrity images and, if TV or radio, loud booms or love songs.
  • It is all about the good vibrations.
  • It’s also about brand recognition. Bells and whistles don’t work if the target audience doesn’t remember the product. A tween girls needs that Maybelline® fingernail polish, while shopping with her Mom. The guy needs the Axe® body wash to appeal to the ladies. 

                            
Hollis, N. (2011). Why Good Advertising Works (Even When You Think It Doesn't). Retrieved from http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/08/why-good-advertising-works-even-when-you-think-it-doesnt/244252/


I choose this ad because:
  • It appeals to women of all ages .
  • It is bright and bold 
  • Maybelline is a well known brand
  • Sarah Michelle Geller is a celebrity known across generations.


  • What reasons for teaching media literacy resonate with you? Why?

Because teaching media literacy must include the ability to skillfully read and write in a variety of message forms. It’s not your grandfather’s pencil and paper anymore. These forms include iphone cameras, camcorders and computers. Media includes so much more than television and radio. Media literacy must be used as a tool to build links between the classroom and culture. What I feel is tragic is that comprehensive media literacy programs are so far behind the curriculums.

  • Why is media production important for teaching media literacy? What are the challenges?

Because posting videos on social media is a common as breathing; students need to learn skill and responsibility. Unfortunately the reason many of these videos go viral is because their creative abilities are squashed by parents and school systems’ who will only approve what the parent or school system wants. This is not new, during the sexual revolution of the 60’s and the Vietnam War of the 70’s , journalism students were not permitted to express their views, but only those of the administration. This is true today, parents and communities become very uncomfortable when the topic turns to concerns of the student.  

  • How did the deconstruction and creation of a magazine cover address the 4 key concepts of media literacy programs? Give specific examples.

1.       Messages are constructed. Becoming aware of the size of print and images that make the message. Arnold was promoting his new T3 film. He was the biggest image. To entice people to look like him the magazine but text next to his bicep.

2.      Messages are representative of the world. Arnold is a world renowned figure and fitness is universal. The message of the magazine appeals to many cultures.

3.      Messages have economic and political purposes and contexts. The Esquire  magazine with Arnold had  big political context. He was elected governor of Calif. The purpose of texts and subtexts are to sell the magazine. Advertisements and teasers are the big money makers.

4.      Individuals create meaning in media messages through interpretation. Everyone will read a message differently. I am older and more cynical and really don’t believe what I see at first glance. Deconstructing the magazine covers only proved to me, that a book, magazine or video cannot be judged by the cover.

  • Explore the Common Core Standards and find three standards that media literacy would help you address in your content area or interest.

I teach adult students in a fast paced health career program. Students should graduate from  high school prepared to read,  write, listen and speak. I choose 3 writing standards, because our students come to our program very weak in these areas.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

·         My students must be able to assess a patient and write in a clear and coherent way. We call it SOAP for subjective, objective assessment, plan and place it in the media program the hospitals use.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
      ·         I have my seniors do a project that involves research and presentation. So they must be able to do all of this standard.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others

·         This fits right into Pierpont’s and probably Fairmont’s general education requirements. My students are required to work in groups to present a class lecture. All of these core standards are used.  

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