Scrolling randomly down the list of blogs we were supplied with, I closed my eyes and clicked on a blog called Confession of a Journ Student (http://confessionsofjournstudents.blogspot.com/ ). Aesthetically, the blog is rather plain. I’d even venture to use the word dour to describe it. It seems that the bloggers chose to merely retain the basic template they initially chose, opting not to alter it in any way. Unfortunately, it makes the blog itself look rather average and not at all eye-catching. In comparison with the vibrant and well co-ordinate aesthetic structure of a blog like Revolution Readers (http://revolutionreaders.blogspot.com), this blog is lax in its presentation.
In terms of content, I was pleasantly amused. A lot of the posts (primarily by one of the bloggers) are about drinking at Rhodes. Not a critique of it, but rather his own drunken exploits. And interesting read, I must admit. In terms of entertainment I’d have to commend this blog. However, in terms of irony and hypocrisy they would rank far higher. There is another post on the blog entitled “Stereotyping Stereotypical Stereotypes is a no no!”. After reading this I felt the insatiable urge to find this particular blogger and ask him if he did not consider himself to be a ‘stereotypical’ Rhodes student. Such inconsistencies in thought-processes leads one to become slightly sceptical about the blog.
However, a lot of the blog is entertaining and, on occasion, well researched. A post which stands out among the rest (in my opinion) is “Market value degrees will result into a total screw up of life…Ubuntu”. While not exactly full of grammatical genius (the title itself shows some grammatical inadequacies), the article itself, while being critical, is cleverly written and well thought out. If only the entirety of the blog was like this.
Sleeping for 16 hours...so much for life-changing.
Have you ever wanted to just lie there, unconscious? Just to forget – or at least be oblivious to everything? Maybe even create illusions in your mind of “what is and what will never be” (yes, I quote Led Zeppelin often). I thought that sleeping for about 16 hours would achieve just that. I thought I’d be able to empty the bucket of my mind and refill it with something quite different for once. But no, I was mistaken. All that happened was that I woke up feeling drowsier than before with the intense sensation of dry mouth. It didn’t help one tiny bit. Everything I’d been trying to shut out promptly swarmed back into my mind upon my return to the conscious world (whether real or not), defeating the very purpose of my (lack of) exercise. I felt unchanged, as if I had only taken a brief sabbatical from the harshness of reality. I was still the same person. I still had the same thoughts. I remained unchanged. There was no altered state of mind. There was no life-changing vision. There was nothing. So much for sleeping for 16 hours…it cleanses nothing.
The Great Adventure!!!
I had survived, the whole of my first year at Rhodes University, I had survived without entering into a world I was admittedly clueless about, the library. I had successfully managed to avoid at all costs entering into this unusual world, where dorks and nerds flourished, books were cool, and photocopiers were my own worst nightmare.
However, the time had come, it was my the second to last week of lectures before the November exams started and my time as a first year would come to an end, but the time HAD come for me to make my first terrifying adventure into the world of the strange and unknown (the library). As usual my Friday sociology tutorial was sneaking up on me, and it was time that I started doing my usual rounds, trying to borrow the readings that were needed for the tut from a friend, but oh no, this time was different, this time there were no readings to be found...What was I to do, I scurried around trying to find anything I could possibly use, but my mission was a failure. This Friday sociology tutorial defeated me, it forced me to take the adventure of all time, my first adventure into... the library.
I prepared myself, gathered all the necessary materials, materials that could save my life, and I took the long and treacherous journey to... the library. As I entered the humongous doors, doors which lead me to a world filled with unknown creatures and untold triumphs, I was determined not to be defeated once again. I walked with my head held high and my smart face on; this was going to be one for the books... I marched up and firmly asked for the two books I needed, luckily the unfamiliar creature behind the desk understood me (as I had no idea what hog pog he was spitting out) and got the books I needed. But oh no, he asked me for my life card (Student card) so that he could do this thing he called “initialising your card”, what this meant I had no idea, and I didn’t even have the card with me. However, thanks to my swift intelligence and pure charming powers I was able to convince him to hold my drivers card as hostage, whilst I quickly photocopied the books, instead.
I left the creatures station and started my journey to the photocopying room, which was thankfully clearly marked and close by. As I entered this loud room I watched the mortals scurrying around making more noise on these machines, swiping cards and magically producing photocopies, and through my intense craftiness I figured out exactly what needed to be done.
However, much to my dismay what needed to be done required my life card, so I left the room of noise and asked the man behind the desk to keep the books for me, but what I didn’t know was that he was actually an evil creature and would not keep than for me, he just left the books on the shelf... to get taken. I could not let this happen, my sociological future rested in the pages of those books, so I ran, so fast I felt as though time stood still, to get my life card. Finally I had it and the race back to the library began, but this time I was not fast enough and an enemy sociologist had taken one of the books, what was I to do now... then I remembered my supersonic scanning powers, I ran back to the room of noise (the photo copying room) and scanned every mortals book until I found the one that had been unrightfully stolen from me. Huh, I found it, now all I needed to do was come up with a mischievous, yet brilliant, plan to get it back... however, I was mistaken earlier the mortal was not an enemy, she was a k
ind and loving soul, who offered the book to me, without me even having to use any of my special powers on her.
I now had my two books, which magically turned into two photocopies, once my life card had been swiped, triumph!!! I then handed those books in and left with my head held high, I had done it; I had fought the brave fight against this strange world, AND WON!!! But oh no... My driver’s card, the evil in that strange dimension had stolen it, so I was off; once again, to another battle, but this time, it was personal.
However, the time had come, it was my the second to last week of lectures before the November exams started and my time as a first year would come to an end, but the time HAD come for me to make my first terrifying adventure into the world of the strange and unknown (the library). As usual my Friday sociology tutorial was sneaking up on me, and it was time that I started doing my usual rounds, trying to borrow the readings that were needed for the tut from a friend, but oh no, this time was different, this time there were no readings to be found...What was I to do, I scurried around trying to find anything I could possibly use, but my mission was a failure. This Friday sociology tutorial defeated me, it forced me to take the adventure of all time, my first adventure into... the library.
I prepared myself, gathered all the necessary materials, materials that could save my life, and I took the long and treacherous journey to... the library. As I entered the humongous doors, doors which lead me to a world filled with unknown creatures and untold triumphs, I was determined not to be defeated once again. I walked with my head held high and my smart face on; this was going to be one for the books... I marched up and firmly asked for the two books I needed, luckily the unfamiliar creature behind the desk understood me (as I had no idea what hog pog he was spitting out) and got the books I needed. But oh no, he asked me for my life card (Student card) so that he could do this thing he called “initialising your card”, what this meant I had no idea, and I didn’t even have the card with me. However, thanks to my swift intelligence and pure charming powers I was able to convince him to hold my drivers card as hostage, whilst I quickly photocopied the books, instead.
I left the creatures station and started my journey to the photocopying room, which was thankfully clearly marked and close by. As I entered this loud room I watched the mortals scurrying around making more noise on these machines, swiping cards and magically producing photocopies, and through my intense craftiness I figured out exactly what needed to be done.
However, much to my dismay what needed to be done required my life card, so I left the room of noise and asked the man behind the desk to keep the books for me, but what I didn’t know was that he was actually an evil creature and would not keep than for me, he just left the books on the shelf... to get taken. I could not let this happen, my sociological future rested in the pages of those books, so I ran, so fast I felt as though time stood still, to get my life card. Finally I had it and the race back to the library began, but this time I was not fast enough and an enemy sociologist had taken one of the books, what was I to do now... then I remembered my supersonic scanning powers, I ran back to the room of noise (the photo copying room) and scanned every mortals book until I found the one that had been unrightfully stolen from me. Huh, I found it, now all I needed to do was come up with a mischievous, yet brilliant, plan to get it back... however, I was mistaken earlier the mortal was not an enemy, she was a k
ind and loving soul, who offered the book to me, without me even having to use any of my special powers on her.I now had my two books, which magically turned into two photocopies, once my life card had been swiped, triumph!!! I then handed those books in and left with my head held high, I had done it; I had fought the brave fight against this strange world, AND WON!!! But oh no... My driver’s card, the evil in that strange dimension had stolen it, so I was off; once again, to another battle, but this time, it was personal.
I found a good one!
Now I am not the type to analyse, it’s never really been a strong suit of mine, I hate to make people feel inferior, or point out their faults, but I suppose it is needed for personal growth and development, so here goes.
When asked to review a fellow journalism students blog I chose “cowANDchickenANDcoward”, first of the name of the blog is not nearly as compelling and interesting as many of the other blogs, such as “F[read]om Writers”, however, it does offer some great aspects. Let’s start at the beginning, before seeing/reading this blog, a reader should expect a wide range of different story types and genres, with a very stimulating visual canvas. When first arriving at the blog there is a background which is very comical and whimsical, this suits its cartoon inspired title, with three main colours, blue, white and black. Whist a constant coloured background can be very decorative the use of only three colours on the whole blog makes it very one dimensional. However, the blog does include many pictures, which sometimes breaks the constant colour code of black white and blue. These pictures are very complimentary to the blogs, offering the reader a helpful visual when reading. The stories/blogs themselves are mostly well written, with very incising headlines, such as “ Dope time or Doped out?” and “ Fruitless Feminism, but you gotta love Friedan”, these are very successful in drawing in readers, and are insightful and well structured.
I found this blog to be a well rounded and interesting, I would advise any person who was interested in knowing about the adventures of journalism students, or even to just read a good story to take the time and go view this blog.
When asked to review a fellow journalism students blog I chose “cowANDchickenANDcoward”, first of the name of the blog is not nearly as compelling and interesting as many of the other blogs, such as “F[read]om Writers”, however, it does offer some great aspects. Let’s start at the beginning, before seeing/reading this blog, a reader should expect a wide range of different story types and genres, with a very stimulating visual canvas. When first arriving at the blog there is a background which is very comical and whimsical, this suits its cartoon inspired title, with three main colours, blue, white and black. Whist a constant coloured background can be very decorative the use of only three colours on the whole blog makes it very one dimensional. However, the blog does include many pictures, which sometimes breaks the constant colour code of black white and blue. These pictures are very complimentary to the blogs, offering the reader a helpful visual when reading. The stories/blogs themselves are mostly well written, with very incising headlines, such as “ Dope time or Doped out?” and “ Fruitless Feminism, but you gotta love Friedan”, these are very successful in drawing in readers, and are insightful and well structured.
I found this blog to be a well rounded and interesting, I would advise any person who was interested in knowing about the adventures of journalism students, or even to just read a good story to take the time and go view this blog.
Blunt Red Pencils Still Produce Great Journalism
By Kate Couzyn
As we were all told to create our blogs under the same circumstances, it goes without saying that most of them fall into the generic “journalism this – journalism that” genre. What else can one expect when the posts we submit are greatly dictated by the department itself?
Bluntredpencil is one of these blogs – having posted the pieces they have been told to, the bloggers at first glance seem to have fallen into the generic trap. However on closer look we see the development of the journo students as they have broadened their site. Their writing has become mature and (dare I say?) professional compared to their initial posts.
What stands out here are two things; the blog’s use of layout and imagery as a solid source of eye-catching, attention-grabbing skill, and works very well to encourage us, as the readers, to take up an interest in actually reading what the bloggers have to say. The photos and images used are relevant and well thought out, such as the “Right Left” picture on the post “The Hour of Opposites”.
The posts themselves are diverse and entertaining, with a mixture of current news affairs, fun and entertaining opinion pieces and relevant social commentary. All in all we find with bluntredpencil a prime example of not only what was expected of us as journalism students with our blogs, but of skilful penmanship and innovative ideas ranging from the basics – such as layout and design – to the more intricate writings and up keepings of any blog. I give two thumbs up.
As we were all told to create our blogs under the same circumstances, it goes without saying that most of them fall into the generic “journalism this – journalism that” genre. What else can one expect when the posts we submit are greatly dictated by the department itself?
Bluntredpencil is one of these blogs – having posted the pieces they have been told to, the bloggers at first glance seem to have fallen into the generic trap. However on closer look we see the development of the journo students as they have broadened their site. Their writing has become mature and (dare I say?) professional compared to their initial posts.
What stands out here are two things; the blog’s use of layout and imagery as a solid source of eye-catching, attention-grabbing skill, and works very well to encourage us, as the readers, to take up an interest in actually reading what the bloggers have to say. The photos and images used are relevant and well thought out, such as the “Right Left” picture on the post “The Hour of Opposites”.
The posts themselves are diverse and entertaining, with a mixture of current news affairs, fun and entertaining opinion pieces and relevant social commentary. All in all we find with bluntredpencil a prime example of not only what was expected of us as journalism students with our blogs, but of skilful penmanship and innovative ideas ranging from the basics – such as layout and design – to the more intricate writings and up keepings of any blog. I give two thumbs up.
The Review: Bloggers nightmare!
Having ones blog evaluated by someone else is not exactly the most desired thing! Not knowing what they may say or write. How critical they’re going to be of the post and so on. Well as a journalist student, we should be open with our ideas and thoughts and be able to write what we think without double thinking, ‘am I being too harsh or too kind?’, ‘am I right in saying this?’ and so on.
I decided to review a blog called RuScandalous. To which I will hopefully be both fair and critical in my review.
To start with, the name ‘RuScandalous’ is very fitting in the overall idea of the blog. The blogs idea is to report and write about all the goings on in the lives of the students at Rhodes University!
The idea is to publish all the gossip that’s so rife amongst the students, which again aims at a certain target audience, the students. Aiming their writing to a certain audience does however have it negative and positive effects. The negative one may be that the audience may not be large thus their posts are read only by few but the positive side of it may be that the information produced and posted will be read by students; as it will be in their interest zone!
The layout of the blog is very simple and easy to use which is a great aspect as not a lot of people are fond of complex sites. The colour usage is plain which is kind on the eye and the background of the site is also cleverly chosen. The overall writing posted on the site is very catchy and draws the read into their world.
I decided to review a blog called RuScandalous. To which I will hopefully be both fair and critical in my review.
To start with, the name ‘RuScandalous’ is very fitting in the overall idea of the blog. The blogs idea is to report and write about all the goings on in the lives of the students at Rhodes University!
The idea is to publish all the gossip that’s so rife amongst the students, which again aims at a certain target audience, the students. Aiming their writing to a certain audience does however have it negative and positive effects. The negative one may be that the audience may not be large thus their posts are read only by few but the positive side of it may be that the information produced and posted will be read by students; as it will be in their interest zone!
The layout of the blog is very simple and easy to use which is a great aspect as not a lot of people are fond of complex sites. The colour usage is plain which is kind on the eye and the background of the site is also cleverly chosen. The overall writing posted on the site is very catchy and draws the read into their world.
Polski
With the journ department pushing us all to do something we’ve never done before, I thought it best to do something really constructive! One hour doing something you normally wouldn’t do, was the task. It seemed trivial to me at first, almost immature, as thought the department was being lazy and couldn’t think up anything interesting for us to do, but it all makes perfect sense to me now.
I chose to learn a foreign language for an hour! Being a language lover and a linguistics student, a new language is always attractive to me. So I got myself onto the internet and I found a lovely little site called http://www.apronus.com/polishlessons/lekcja01.htm . Here I found ten free polish lessons, and after having to quickly look up how to pronounce the different characters, I was well on my way.
Before beginning my task I felt excited and eager. As a language enthusiast I was only happy to embrace a new one. I had just finished reading The Pianist and so my knowledge of Warsaw during the Second World War and of Polish culture was at an all time high. With high spirits and an open mind I sat myself down and started studying.
Fifteen minutes in I began to struggle. Not only was it getting hard to concentrate but I was beginning to realise how important it is to have someone with you who can ACTUALLY speak the language. I kept it going for an hour, but by the end of the experience I had realised that learning a new language is not something you can do on a whim. You need the help of an institution or an actual teacher.
The one valuable phrase I did learn was “Czy pijesz teraz mleko?” – Are you drinking milk now?
I chose to learn a foreign language for an hour! Being a language lover and a linguistics student, a new language is always attractive to me. So I got myself onto the internet and I found a lovely little site called http://www.apronus.com/polishlessons/lekcja01.htm . Here I found ten free polish lessons, and after having to quickly look up how to pronounce the different characters, I was well on my way.
Before beginning my task I felt excited and eager. As a language enthusiast I was only happy to embrace a new one. I had just finished reading The Pianist and so my knowledge of Warsaw during the Second World War and of Polish culture was at an all time high. With high spirits and an open mind I sat myself down and started studying.
Fifteen minutes in I began to struggle. Not only was it getting hard to concentrate but I was beginning to realise how important it is to have someone with you who can ACTUALLY speak the language. I kept it going for an hour, but by the end of the experience I had realised that learning a new language is not something you can do on a whim. You need the help of an institution or an actual teacher.
The one valuable phrase I did learn was “Czy pijesz teraz mleko?” – Are you drinking milk now?
Politics Suicide!
Politics Suicide:
Running side by side with my friend Adele to a Politics lecture, spot checking our watches and quickening our pace to get to the lecture before he closed the doors! Little did I know that this would be the one and only politics lecture I would ever attend!
Gasping for air and throwing my bag on the table, I sat myself down and placed my phone on the table. Adele had readied herself for the lecture, placing her notes in front of her and holding a pen. ‘I wouldn’t be on your phone in this lecture if I were you!’. Adele had warned me before entering the lecture that people who were playing on their phones would be publicly humiliated! Oh did I find this out!
Ten minutes into the lecture I sat playing on my phone and occasionally glimpsing at the lecturer, Professor Peter Vale, who unbeknown to me had spotted my illegal activities already. Waiting for the perfect moment, when I wasn’t looking he stopped talking and loudly yelled, ‘The girl playing with her hair, you are really annoying me! Stop it!’. I spun round looking to see who he could possibly be talking about but he gazed was fixed firmly on me! I sat very quietly, trying ever so hard to bring my blush down from a fiery red to a normal blush. The lecture carried on and I continued to stare at the slides and slowly grabbed my phone and continued to text when he wasn’t looking.
Towards the end of the lecture, he randomly picked people to answer some questions and who did he pick? Me! He asked me a question (having no idea what he was going on about) and I simply shrugged and said ‘I don’t know.’ His response was ‘You don’t know! You’ve been annoying me all this time and you don’t know the answer!’
My face turned the same colour as the inside of a furnace. I was so embarrassed!
Nevertheless, I ran out that lecture swearing never to return!
Running side by side with my friend Adele to a Politics lecture, spot checking our watches and quickening our pace to get to the lecture before he closed the doors! Little did I know that this would be the one and only politics lecture I would ever attend!
Gasping for air and throwing my bag on the table, I sat myself down and placed my phone on the table. Adele had readied herself for the lecture, placing her notes in front of her and holding a pen. ‘I wouldn’t be on your phone in this lecture if I were you!’. Adele had warned me before entering the lecture that people who were playing on their phones would be publicly humiliated! Oh did I find this out!
Ten minutes into the lecture I sat playing on my phone and occasionally glimpsing at the lecturer, Professor Peter Vale, who unbeknown to me had spotted my illegal activities already. Waiting for the perfect moment, when I wasn’t looking he stopped talking and loudly yelled, ‘The girl playing with her hair, you are really annoying me! Stop it!’. I spun round looking to see who he could possibly be talking about but he gazed was fixed firmly on me! I sat very quietly, trying ever so hard to bring my blush down from a fiery red to a normal blush. The lecture carried on and I continued to stare at the slides and slowly grabbed my phone and continued to text when he wasn’t looking.
Towards the end of the lecture, he randomly picked people to answer some questions and who did he pick? Me! He asked me a question (having no idea what he was going on about) and I simply shrugged and said ‘I don’t know.’ His response was ‘You don’t know! You’ve been annoying me all this time and you don’t know the answer!’
My face turned the same colour as the inside of a furnace. I was so embarrassed!
Nevertheless, I ran out that lecture swearing never to return!
Mastur-crasti-nation
How do you know when to stop? Is that point marked by the amount of sweat on your brow? Is the finish line accompanied by cramping muscles and aching tendons? I couldn't let those things stop me. I neither deserved the repreive nor could I afford to stop. this was a position I had got myself into knowing exactly what I would have to do to fix things up again.
They say that procrastination is a lot like masterbation: it feels great while you are doing it but at the end of the day, you are only screwing yourself. This little mantra is something I have kept in mind throughout my first year at varsity. Why is it, then that I find myself in my current situation of having too much on my plate with not enough hours in the day to accomplish said tasks? So much in fact that I had to spend an entire night in the music department to practice for an exam!
When I say I spent the night in the department, I mean I took a kettle, coffee and a pillow into one of the practice rooms at 7pm one night and I only left at 8am the next morning. What an experience. To my consternation, this exercise in flagellation was actually rather pointless due to the fact that in my lesson the next day, I was too exhausted to put to use all the work I had done the previous night.
Note to self (and anyone wise enough to read this): DON'T LET IT GET THIS BAD!!! You will end up regretting it. Oh and don't forget the side order of judgement that it comes with. For some reason, everyone who tries to get involved, believes that what they have to say is news that you yourself have never thought of before; that you shouldn't have left your work load to the last minute. Well duh! We all know what we should be doing with regards to work load; consistent daily work and revision.
Telling people that they should have done things the proper way, serves no real purpose. It just serves to agrivate the person being lectured.
So here I sit: with my instrument in my hand, trying to make up for lost time alone in the dark.
They say that procrastination is a lot like masterbation: it feels great while you are doing it but at the end of the day, you are only screwing yourself. This little mantra is something I have kept in mind throughout my first year at varsity. Why is it, then that I find myself in my current situation of having too much on my plate with not enough hours in the day to accomplish said tasks? So much in fact that I had to spend an entire night in the music department to practice for an exam!
When I say I spent the night in the department, I mean I took a kettle, coffee and a pillow into one of the practice rooms at 7pm one night and I only left at 8am the next morning. What an experience. To my consternation, this exercise in flagellation was actually rather pointless due to the fact that in my lesson the next day, I was too exhausted to put to use all the work I had done the previous night.
Note to self (and anyone wise enough to read this): DON'T LET IT GET THIS BAD!!! You will end up regretting it. Oh and don't forget the side order of judgement that it comes with. For some reason, everyone who tries to get involved, believes that what they have to say is news that you yourself have never thought of before; that you shouldn't have left your work load to the last minute. Well duh! We all know what we should be doing with regards to work load; consistent daily work and revision.
Telling people that they should have done things the proper way, serves no real purpose. It just serves to agrivate the person being lectured.
So here I sit: with my instrument in my hand, trying to make up for lost time alone in the dark.
The Competition- What I Think is Going on Out There
Blogs are funny creatures. they start out with a specific intention in mind and then, they GROW. they really do seem to have lives of their own. a prime example of which would be the blog, "For Love of Lace", (http://www.forloveoflace.blogspot.com/).
the intrepid students who manage and post this blog, have taken it upon themselves to run a sort of commentary from the eyes of a first year journalism student at Rhodes University. the blog setup is very straightforward if not minimalistic but it serves a definite purpose. the colours used for the background are eyecatching without distacting from the blog posts themselves, which make for the meat of the content.
as for the writing, most of the members of the team are adept wordsmiths. there is however, a tendency for the writning to get too flamboyant and self-absorbed. Often the use of too many images and metaphors can blur, if not block the reader from the crux of what you are trying to say.
over all, i feel this blog serves its purpose in acting as a diary for a team of first-year journalism students in Grahamstown. unfortunately this blog loses valuable points for missing the all-elusive "so what" factor. the only real adjustments i would make if I were a writer on the team would be to constantly check that we are still on the same wavelength as our readership and to write more concisely and less "chocolate-boxy".
the intrepid students who manage and post this blog, have taken it upon themselves to run a sort of commentary from the eyes of a first year journalism student at Rhodes University. the blog setup is very straightforward if not minimalistic but it serves a definite purpose. the colours used for the background are eyecatching without distacting from the blog posts themselves, which make for the meat of the content.
as for the writing, most of the members of the team are adept wordsmiths. there is however, a tendency for the writning to get too flamboyant and self-absorbed. Often the use of too many images and metaphors can blur, if not block the reader from the crux of what you are trying to say.
over all, i feel this blog serves its purpose in acting as a diary for a team of first-year journalism students in Grahamstown. unfortunately this blog loses valuable points for missing the all-elusive "so what" factor. the only real adjustments i would make if I were a writer on the team would be to constantly check that we are still on the same wavelength as our readership and to write more concisely and less "chocolate-boxy".
Sheep Go To Heaven, Goats Go To Hell.
By Kate Couzyn
I overheard a conversation in the Jacaranda Labs this weekend about sexuality. Two young women behind me were chatting about lesbianism as they worked. “Its just not what God intended for us” said the one, immediately incensing and disgusting me. “Exactly”, agreed the other girl, “They’re going against nature”.
Here we find an example of something that has always been an issue to me. Religious fanatics who think they know everything about sexuality. With my best friend currently entering into a lesbian relationship, I took more offense than usual. How can she possibly be unnatural? Why should she go to hell for loving another human being? More importantly than that, how can homosexuality be unnatural if it’s been around since the dawn of life?! Perhaps it’s not my place as an atheist to point this out, but the bible makes mention of homosexuality often. This proves it was around even then, and it points to homosexuality being a natural and logical evolutionary state.
In the natural world there are plenty of examples of animals enjoying homosexual acts.
Now you can go and do all the research you want, but I assure you, there is no example of a species which does not exhibit homosexual behaviour, excluding animals that don’t actually have sex at all. There are dozens of examples of hermaphrodites in the animal kingdom too, such as hyenas, who show signs of enjoying trans-sexuality and bisexual sex.
If you’re going to be a closed minded sheep, I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself. For those of us who embrace homosexuality – well it only means there are more people in the world to love.
I overheard a conversation in the Jacaranda Labs this weekend about sexuality. Two young women behind me were chatting about lesbianism as they worked. “Its just not what God intended for us” said the one, immediately incensing and disgusting me. “Exactly”, agreed the other girl, “They’re going against nature”.
Here we find an example of something that has always been an issue to me. Religious fanatics who think they know everything about sexuality. With my best friend currently entering into a lesbian relationship, I took more offense than usual. How can she possibly be unnatural? Why should she go to hell for loving another human being? More importantly than that, how can homosexuality be unnatural if it’s been around since the dawn of life?! Perhaps it’s not my place as an atheist to point this out, but the bible makes mention of homosexuality often. This proves it was around even then, and it points to homosexuality being a natural and logical evolutionary state.
In the natural world there are plenty of examples of animals enjoying homosexual acts.
Now you can go and do all the research you want, but I assure you, there is no example of a species which does not exhibit homosexual behaviour, excluding animals that don’t actually have sex at all. There are dozens of examples of hermaphrodites in the animal kingdom too, such as hyenas, who show signs of enjoying trans-sexuality and bisexual sex.
If you’re going to be a closed minded sheep, I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself. For those of us who embrace homosexuality – well it only means there are more people in the world to love.
Dance "music"... I love oxymorons.
Imagine paying R200 to see some guy stand on a stage in front of a ludicrous amount of shiny vinyl equipment. He puts on a pair of bulky headphones. Then he presses a button. Lights start flashing. Our entertainer then flicks a switch or two, maybe even endeavours to turn some knobs. He then starts bobbing his head up and down, pushing buttons and flicking switches as he bobs. Would you pay for this?
Chances are you would because society says: “Dance music is awesome!” If this is the case then I hope you will provide the poor of this country with a sizeable amount of fleece, you sheep. But seriously, I can’t seem to grasp this infection that people insist is some sort of skilful art form. These so-called tracks are made generally made on a mass-shared program called ‘Fruity Loops’ (which, funnily enough, can be downloaded off Apex DC). This proves something great and wonderful and life-changing for all of us: anyone can make dance music. I’m sorry to say it, but not every poor sad mortal can play a solo like Jimi Hendrix or Eddie Van Halen. Not every near-sighted crowd-follower can keep rhythm and explode drum kits like Keith Moon (The Who) or John Bonham (Led Zeppelin).
The unfortunate point I’m trying to make is that not everyone can play an instrument like the master artists I’ve mentioned. But anyone can mess around on Fruity Loops.
Chances are you would because society says: “Dance music is awesome!” If this is the case then I hope you will provide the poor of this country with a sizeable amount of fleece, you sheep. But seriously, I can’t seem to grasp this infection that people insist is some sort of skilful art form. These so-called tracks are made generally made on a mass-shared program called ‘Fruity Loops’ (which, funnily enough, can be downloaded off Apex DC). This proves something great and wonderful and life-changing for all of us: anyone can make dance music. I’m sorry to say it, but not every poor sad mortal can play a solo like Jimi Hendrix or Eddie Van Halen. Not every near-sighted crowd-follower can keep rhythm and explode drum kits like Keith Moon (The Who) or John Bonham (Led Zeppelin).
The unfortunate point I’m trying to make is that not everyone can play an instrument like the master artists I’ve mentioned. But anyone can mess around on Fruity Loops.
Jokes: Comical or just plain sad?
In most cases, jokes are often used to break the ice in rather tense and awkward situations. People use comical comebacks as a weapon and social queue for those who may be seen as socially inapt. This on the other hand may be seen as a stab at those who are shy and introverted.
However, consider this situation; you find yourself in a rather awkward and silent group. You decide to crack a joke like a knock, knock joke! For example;
Knock, knock!
Who’s there?
Cow!
Cow who?
Don’t be silly, cows say moo not who!!
This would definitely crack that silent air with a hammer and start a conversation based on poor jokes and similar instances. On the other hand this may turn out for the worse and cause a complete stale mate situation. The uncomfortable air turns thicker and it’s basically time to excuse yourself from the group and say that you need to replenish your drink with something with a little more kick.
Not all jokes are bad or completely useless, but one may need to consider the correct joke for the correct situation. It’s also based on timing. One could also consider the idea of character and that a person may just have the knack for to telling jokes and really pop that balloon of intenseness and silence.
From a personal point of view, jokes may be the best thing since the mark of communication. It may help in the best and worst situations and could be your saving grace! Think before you say anything; judge the situation and always remember the joke. Don’t forget it half way through because that’s just plain sad!
However, consider this situation; you find yourself in a rather awkward and silent group. You decide to crack a joke like a knock, knock joke! For example;
Knock, knock!
Who’s there?
Cow!
Cow who?
Don’t be silly, cows say moo not who!!
This would definitely crack that silent air with a hammer and start a conversation based on poor jokes and similar instances. On the other hand this may turn out for the worse and cause a complete stale mate situation. The uncomfortable air turns thicker and it’s basically time to excuse yourself from the group and say that you need to replenish your drink with something with a little more kick.
Not all jokes are bad or completely useless, but one may need to consider the correct joke for the correct situation. It’s also based on timing. One could also consider the idea of character and that a person may just have the knack for to telling jokes and really pop that balloon of intenseness and silence.
From a personal point of view, jokes may be the best thing since the mark of communication. It may help in the best and worst situations and could be your saving grace! Think before you say anything; judge the situation and always remember the joke. Don’t forget it half way through because that’s just plain sad!
Save the strangers!
When mixing paint colours you need to make sure that the colours’ are equally distributed, otherwise the colour you are aiming to achieve will never be exactly the tone you need it to be. All the different races are put onto one pallet, into one world, but unless they learn how to work cohesively and equally, the world will never achieve its full potential.
Oh and I know, I know how over played this topic is, how the journalism department has literally drained ever racial opinion and thought we’ve had onto paper, and how the last thing you would want to hear more about is racism.
However, it seems like through a strange natural phenomenon I still have I little more to say. As Norman Schwarzkopf once said “Judge them as you find them. Never prejudge anybody, based upon any of those things that sometimes people are prejudged on.” (http://www.quotemonk.com/quotes/racism-quotes.htm). This thing called judgement, what is the point of it; all it causes is hurt and anger, and is that really fair? To cause hurt and anger for a person whom you do not even know, states say ask why they should risk their own soldiers to save strangers lives, and the answer is this, because we are human, we are supposed to therefore act as humans, and act how we would want people to act towards us, and no individual wants to be judged.
Racism is a cruel and unnecessary crutch for people who can’t understand their own lives and emotions, and all I have to say to those people is, LEARN HOW TO WALK ON YOUR OWN, or you’ll forever be falling down.
Oh and I know, I know how over played this topic is, how the journalism department has literally drained ever racial opinion and thought we’ve had onto paper, and how the last thing you would want to hear more about is racism.
However, it seems like through a strange natural phenomenon I still have I little more to say. As Norman Schwarzkopf once said “Judge them as you find them. Never prejudge anybody, based upon any of those things that sometimes people are prejudged on.” (http://www.quotemonk.com/quotes/racism-quotes.htm). This thing called judgement, what is the point of it; all it causes is hurt and anger, and is that really fair? To cause hurt and anger for a person whom you do not even know, states say ask why they should risk their own soldiers to save strangers lives, and the answer is this, because we are human, we are supposed to therefore act as humans, and act how we would want people to act towards us, and no individual wants to be judged.
Racism is a cruel and unnecessary crutch for people who can’t understand their own lives and emotions, and all I have to say to those people is, LEARN HOW TO WALK ON YOUR OWN, or you’ll forever be falling down.
an eye for an I?
An Eye for an Eye
Ok. So we now have a president in power willing to acknowledge that we have a serious crime problem in our country. Not only does he say these sweeping statements but he has started to act upon this issue (something seriously lacking from the Mbeki era). In the beginning of the year, Mr Zuma said that, ahead of the 2010 world cup, police need to make serious inroads into the infestations of crime that have become synonymous with South Africa(http://www.mydigitallife.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1049691&Itemid=43).
In September, Zuma promised to get rid of the red tape that told our police to fire a warning shot before firing on criminals. This basically means that the police may now shoot to kill without warning. I am sure you can just imagine the roar of approval coming from citizens long tired of being the victims of so many acts of violence. There were, however several concerns about police getting trigger happy at the expense of innocents.
Well we have recently had one of our first casualties as a result of the new policy. Many know the story about Olga Kekana, who was out partying with her friends in a grey car when the police, mistaking the vehicle for a hi-jacked one, opened fire, wounding three and killing Olga ( http://www.newstoday.co.za/cgi-bin/newstoday/show.pl?1254232026).
The traditionally negative Australian press had a field day. They used words such as “Zuma’s buddy” to refer to South African police commissioner Bheki Cele. This move on Zuma’s part may have been made to quell the anger of a nation and in so doing, he will probably win major popularity points but this is definitely a short term solution that may and probably will cause huge and negative ramifications later on… this is definitely just the easy way out.( http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=84316)
Joe Wilson's Heroic Effort
by Kate Couzyn
On September 9th, Republican Joe Wilson let his emotions run away with him and shouted out “You lie!” in the middle of Obama’s speech to Congress. There’s been a lot of controversy in America since Obama launched his campaign to provide free health care for all American citizens. Many, however, believe that this care is also intended to be given to illegal immigrants and non-citizens.
FOXnews.com (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/09/congressman-yells-lie-obama-speech) paints Wilson in a negative light. They focus on the reaction of the public, of other congressmen and of members of Wilson’s own party –all of whom have condemned him for the outburst. The article even goes so far as to call Wilson “contrite”, which assumes that he is in fact sorry. Of course America doesn’t see any aspect but the negative on the subject. Obama is their newest hero, and the only really positive result – politically, that they have enjoyed in years.
But they fail to see the bravery Wilson exposed that day. I’m not saying I agree with him, but I do think that Obamarama has been taken too far and people need to be a little less tenacious about him. Joe Wilson may have broken the conventions of Congress, but the world needs more politicians who care enough about their cause to get worked up and angry. Mediaite.com (http://www.mediaite.com/online/rep-joe-wilson-newest-hero-to-some/) takes a more relaxed approach. They realise that many Americans feel the way Wilson does, and they should be considered. The most interesting analysis of the incident, I feel, comes from a blog entitled Truth and Common Sense (http://truthandcommonsense.com/2009/09/09/joe-wilson-hero/). Here, the typical republican view is voiced, and you know it’s not all that inaccurate. I admire Wilson’s passion, though not his dogma –but then Obama is just as dogmatic isn’t he.
On September 9th, Republican Joe Wilson let his emotions run away with him and shouted out “You lie!” in the middle of Obama’s speech to Congress. There’s been a lot of controversy in America since Obama launched his campaign to provide free health care for all American citizens. Many, however, believe that this care is also intended to be given to illegal immigrants and non-citizens.
FOXnews.com (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/09/congressman-yells-lie-obama-speech) paints Wilson in a negative light. They focus on the reaction of the public, of other congressmen and of members of Wilson’s own party –all of whom have condemned him for the outburst. The article even goes so far as to call Wilson “contrite”, which assumes that he is in fact sorry. Of course America doesn’t see any aspect but the negative on the subject. Obama is their newest hero, and the only really positive result – politically, that they have enjoyed in years.
But they fail to see the bravery Wilson exposed that day. I’m not saying I agree with him, but I do think that Obamarama has been taken too far and people need to be a little less tenacious about him. Joe Wilson may have broken the conventions of Congress, but the world needs more politicians who care enough about their cause to get worked up and angry. Mediaite.com (http://www.mediaite.com/online/rep-joe-wilson-newest-hero-to-some/) takes a more relaxed approach. They realise that many Americans feel the way Wilson does, and they should be considered. The most interesting analysis of the incident, I feel, comes from a blog entitled Truth and Common Sense (http://truthandcommonsense.com/2009/09/09/joe-wilson-hero/). Here, the typical republican view is voiced, and you know it’s not all that inaccurate. I admire Wilson’s passion, though not his dogma –but then Obama is just as dogmatic isn’t he.
New legislation smells worse than the cigarettes they’re banning
So there’s some ‘new’ legislation about smoking in public places. According to Activate our oh-so-understanding government is passing laws which will prohibit smokers from indulging in their nicotine fixes in all the usual places smokers like to smoke. You know: in cars that have babies in them, in schools, in crèches. Wait! What am I saying! This is retarded! Why would anyone with any form of a conscience or sense of morality smoke in those places? We’ve already been told not to smoke in public buildings. We’re following them that far.
Things have deteriorated though. Now smokers aren’t allowed to smoke OUTSIDE the entrances of public places which are even PARTIALLY enclosed. This is what the Mail & Guardian said: “Smoking was now illegal in "partially enclosed" public places such as covered patios, verandas, balconies, walkways and parking areas”. If you want to follow that up then please feel free to click right here: http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-09-01-new-tobacco-laws-come-into-force. Anyway, the point is: THIS IS RIDICULOUS! From what I can gather no one will be able to smoke a pre-politics or post-politics cigarette outside Barrett. Well…people will be able to but there’s a chance that society’s watchdogs (ie. non-smokers) will tell Big Brother and that poor unfortunate smoker will incur something absurd like a R500 fine. We’re students! Do we look like we have R500?
Anyway, those self-righteous bureaucrats from the National Council Against Smoking reckon that these new laws are being met with much positivity from the nose-led fools that have infested the South African population. Peter Ucko (an allegedly free-spirited kind of guy) seems deluded or has just not met me or any other smokers in the world yet. http://news.iafrica.com/sa/1958002.htm will prove this fact.
BUT! What’s going to happen to wonderful establishments like the Winston Pub in Durban? People write songs about that place! Not just local bands like Sibling Rivalry but also foreign bands like America’s Mad Caddies. The Winston is amazing: it’s this dodgy little pub on the corner of Clark and Umbilo Road. It’s a melting pot of all that is alternative: a bunch of metal-heads, punk kids, surfers, stoners, reggae masters, hip hoppers and just about anyone else who doesn’t seem to fit in at 80’s or Joe Cool’s. And you know what? Many of them like to enjoy a chilled out cigarette with their Black Label quart while talking to the mohawked barman named Mitch. Go here to get a bit of an idea of the Winnie: http://www.durbanlive.com/live/venue_view.jsp?events_s=8&venue_id=8391.
Anyway, main point is: WHO IS PETER UCKO TO TELL THESE PEOPLE THEY CAN’T SMOKE INDOORS???
Peace, love and prosperity.
Tweet: The new smoking laws create boundaries regarding where you can smoke. Concocted by non-smokers, the laws are the 1st sign of a health-crazed Jihad. Who they to proclaim our boundaries?
Things have deteriorated though. Now smokers aren’t allowed to smoke OUTSIDE the entrances of public places which are even PARTIALLY enclosed. This is what the Mail & Guardian said: “Smoking was now illegal in "partially enclosed" public places such as covered patios, verandas, balconies, walkways and parking areas”. If you want to follow that up then please feel free to click right here: http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-09-01-new-tobacco-laws-come-into-force. Anyway, the point is: THIS IS RIDICULOUS! From what I can gather no one will be able to smoke a pre-politics or post-politics cigarette outside Barrett. Well…people will be able to but there’s a chance that society’s watchdogs (ie. non-smokers) will tell Big Brother and that poor unfortunate smoker will incur something absurd like a R500 fine. We’re students! Do we look like we have R500?
Anyway, those self-righteous bureaucrats from the National Council Against Smoking reckon that these new laws are being met with much positivity from the nose-led fools that have infested the South African population. Peter Ucko (an allegedly free-spirited kind of guy) seems deluded or has just not met me or any other smokers in the world yet. http://news.iafrica.com/sa/1958002.htm will prove this fact.
BUT! What’s going to happen to wonderful establishments like the Winston Pub in Durban? People write songs about that place! Not just local bands like Sibling Rivalry but also foreign bands like America’s Mad Caddies. The Winston is amazing: it’s this dodgy little pub on the corner of Clark and Umbilo Road. It’s a melting pot of all that is alternative: a bunch of metal-heads, punk kids, surfers, stoners, reggae masters, hip hoppers and just about anyone else who doesn’t seem to fit in at 80’s or Joe Cool’s. And you know what? Many of them like to enjoy a chilled out cigarette with their Black Label quart while talking to the mohawked barman named Mitch. Go here to get a bit of an idea of the Winnie: http://www.durbanlive.com/live/venue_view.jsp?events_s=8&venue_id=8391.
Anyway, main point is: WHO IS PETER UCKO TO TELL THESE PEOPLE THEY CAN’T SMOKE INDOORS???
Peace, love and prosperity.
Tweet: The new smoking laws create boundaries regarding where you can smoke. Concocted by non-smokers, the laws are the 1st sign of a health-crazed Jihad. Who they to proclaim our boundaries?
How boring life really is...via tutorial...
A tut…another tut. Like the last one I somehow feel like I haven’t learnt a whole lot. I did, however, come to realise how mundane the average day of a human being is. We just wake up, go to work or some supposed ‘educational institution’, go back home, eat and then sleep. It’s so generic. And on a broader scale, what are we doing with our entire lives? We’re born, we go to pre-school then we go to primary school then high school. After that we tend to go to universities or something to that effect and thereafter we’re expected to get jobs. Then after a few years we retire from these jobs so as to whither the rest of our years away, awaiting our deaths. Life in general has just become something so mundane, so mediocre, so unbearably standard.
However, I learnt that the people who influence this mundane life of mine are vastly different. There is a massive gap between the lifestyles of my friends and my family. For example, my friends Guy, Leo and Sahara live fairly similar lives. They’ve all dropped out of school (Guy was the only one to finish high school but he dropped out of university at the end of first year). Wake up at about 2pm every day and start the afternoon off with a bong or two. This is followed by hours and hours of procrastination and general substance consumption (I will not refer to it as abuse because that would be false representation). They play music, they go surfing, they play games, they go for walks. They are, quite simply, bohemians (or sponges on society – whichever way you want to look at it). My family, however, is ridiculous. Both parents are doctors, sister is a law student who’s about to finish top of her class. She’s going to work at some big law firm. How sad. Nevertheless, all these people shape my life in some (strange) way, yet they are all so different.
However, I learnt that the people who influence this mundane life of mine are vastly different. There is a massive gap between the lifestyles of my friends and my family. For example, my friends Guy, Leo and Sahara live fairly similar lives. They’ve all dropped out of school (Guy was the only one to finish high school but he dropped out of university at the end of first year). Wake up at about 2pm every day and start the afternoon off with a bong or two. This is followed by hours and hours of procrastination and general substance consumption (I will not refer to it as abuse because that would be false representation). They play music, they go surfing, they play games, they go for walks. They are, quite simply, bohemians (or sponges on society – whichever way you want to look at it). My family, however, is ridiculous. Both parents are doctors, sister is a law student who’s about to finish top of her class. She’s going to work at some big law firm. How sad. Nevertheless, all these people shape my life in some (strange) way, yet they are all so different.
Tuesday's Tedious Tut
Another week, another Journ tut. This time we were expected to fill in concentric circles with the names of the most influential people in our lives? Because, you know, that's something that you can easily decide within five minutes. It did force me to confront a home truth though. The only reason I put my mother's name in one of those circles (the last one) is because I felt guilty for not thinking of her first, like a good girl should. Or better yet, putting her right in the centre of the first circle, next to my name, just because I know this is how I ought to feel about her. So to be honest the entire exercise just made me feel like a bad daughter, because I feel closer to my firends than to my family. Another point I felt was important is the fact that I personally do not tend to look up to people I don't actually know. My idols are always my peers or people I actually come into contact with on a day to day basis.
Lastly, we read out sentences we'd all contributed and took note of the way different words create different intensities of the same emotion. Its probably a good skill to have, but I dont think many people these days have acquired it. Still, it brings me back to a time when a man's likable young daughter was called an "amiable ward", not "a kif chick, eh."
Lastly, we read out sentences we'd all contributed and took note of the way different words create different intensities of the same emotion. Its probably a good skill to have, but I dont think many people these days have acquired it. Still, it brings me back to a time when a man's likable young daughter was called an "amiable ward", not "a kif chick, eh."
Michael Jackson Madness
Many newspapers, magazines, bloggers, and even tweeters have reported on the matter of Michael Jackson’s new song. However, the article on News 24 titled "New Jackson song released", and the article on Times LIVE titled "Michael Jackson single to be released" specifically caught my attention. Both these headlines are similar and not very creative; however, the articles themselves vary in the way they have report the story.
News 24 reported this article in a factual manner, it quotes relevant sources, provides some background information, is well researched, and refers to many aspects of recent Michael Jackson events. The author also reports the story in a positive light, clearly showing support for the artist and his career, further more the author seems to be promoting the artists upcoming movie and C.D. However, I found this article to be reported in a very shallow way, it didn’t talk about any different or interesting information. It relied on a stereotypical analysis of a popular event.
Times LIVE also reported this article in a factual manner, bringing in the same factual characteristics mentioned above, as well as showing the same amount of support and positivity. However, this article was different in the way that it went deeper, it gave us a more interesting and valuable (acknowledged sources of information) story, which was focused and clear. This article also provided a visual, which draws the reader in will help them engage with the story.
However, each article will be interpreted differently by a different reader, and therefore it is up to each individual reader to decide their preference.
News 24 reported this article in a factual manner, it quotes relevant sources, provides some background information, is well researched, and refers to many aspects of recent Michael Jackson events. The author also reports the story in a positive light, clearly showing support for the artist and his career, further more the author seems to be promoting the artists upcoming movie and C.D. However, I found this article to be reported in a very shallow way, it didn’t talk about any different or interesting information. It relied on a stereotypical analysis of a popular event.
Times LIVE also reported this article in a factual manner, bringing in the same factual characteristics mentioned above, as well as showing the same amount of support and positivity. However, this article was different in the way that it went deeper, it gave us a more interesting and valuable (acknowledged sources of information) story, which was focused and clear. This article also provided a visual, which draws the reader in will help them engage with the story.
However, each article will be interpreted differently by a different reader, and therefore it is up to each individual reader to decide their preference.
It's what you know that counts...
Have you ever wondered what the world would be like without the media’s conflicting influences? Would it be naked and boring or would it actually be a better place all together? No matter how much we question this, the media’s influences is a reality that we all have to face at some stage in our lives, whether it is a negative or positive impact, it is inevitable.
As individuals we choose how we want to portray ourselves to the world, from the clothes we wear to the subjects we choose to study, it all boils down to who we want to be in this world. As we choose the fashions we like from the millions of unique other choices we are given, we should be able to do the same with the media we are influenced by. This, however, does not always occur the way we want it to or as easily as it is to pick a shirt off a clothes line to wear for the day. The media is a complex and varied industry which has powerful influences that are not always controllable. This is where I, Tegan Johnson, aim to be of service to the many readers that will hopefully read this blog.
The media influences people through many different devices, such as television, magazines, internet, newspapers, radio and even Facebook, Twitter and other blogs. It is easy to become lost among the many stereotypes that the media sends out to manipulate and persuade the minds of the world. To be lost in today’s society cannot be a good thing, we need to learn how to filter through the messages that the media around us sends to our minds and be able to criticise successfully and thus find out our own self image and unique style of thinking, dressing, acting, and living.
In Journalism first year, we are taught about media and its powerful influences, it is an extremely crucial lesson in life to know what happens around us especially what is having an impact on our lives often without us even being aware of it. Journalism has taught us to be wary and to criticise and assess the message s which the media sends out to us through its disguised devices of mass influence. I believe that we, as young South Africans have the ability to know what we want and need and what is necessary for us, sometimes we need a little help though and I hope to be of some assistance to you in your decision making process.
Now, I am not a hugely intellectual person, I do not have degrees from various high class universities, I am not going to sit here and preach to you about what to believe and what not to believe. All I can do is stick to what I know, and I hope that at least something that I say will, in some way, keep you away from being lost.
As individuals we choose how we want to portray ourselves to the world, from the clothes we wear to the subjects we choose to study, it all boils down to who we want to be in this world. As we choose the fashions we like from the millions of unique other choices we are given, we should be able to do the same with the media we are influenced by. This, however, does not always occur the way we want it to or as easily as it is to pick a shirt off a clothes line to wear for the day. The media is a complex and varied industry which has powerful influences that are not always controllable. This is where I, Tegan Johnson, aim to be of service to the many readers that will hopefully read this blog.
The media influences people through many different devices, such as television, magazines, internet, newspapers, radio and even Facebook, Twitter and other blogs. It is easy to become lost among the many stereotypes that the media sends out to manipulate and persuade the minds of the world. To be lost in today’s society cannot be a good thing, we need to learn how to filter through the messages that the media around us sends to our minds and be able to criticise successfully and thus find out our own self image and unique style of thinking, dressing, acting, and living.
In Journalism first year, we are taught about media and its powerful influences, it is an extremely crucial lesson in life to know what happens around us especially what is having an impact on our lives often without us even being aware of it. Journalism has taught us to be wary and to criticise and assess the message s which the media sends out to us through its disguised devices of mass influence. I believe that we, as young South Africans have the ability to know what we want and need and what is necessary for us, sometimes we need a little help though and I hope to be of some assistance to you in your decision making process.
Now, I am not a hugely intellectual person, I do not have degrees from various high class universities, I am not going to sit here and preach to you about what to believe and what not to believe. All I can do is stick to what I know, and I hope that at least something that I say will, in some way, keep you away from being lost.
What’s the point?
You are probably thinking what’s the point of reading this website? Well, that’s very easy really. People need to know what is what and why these events are happening. Well my space will be filled with wonderful criticism about movies and other entertainment and media consumption!
We cannot go without having been exposed to these sorts of media. Day by day, people are given the opportunity to see different sides of media and we, as consumers, have to be critical in order to absorb the correct information. Though we are seen as passive consumers, absorbing all the information given to us without understanding the underlying meaning of the text. By simply absorbing the information given to us proves that people do not show the skill of criticism. With regards to this space, my mission is to provide out readers with a critical outlook on the media as a whole. Movies, radio, internet and so on provide consumers of the media with vital information but it is up to the consumer to critically define the lines between the acceptable and not acceptable information.
We have to as journalist, look at the media as critically as possible. We cannot simply sit back and believe everything that we are told. Devouring all the information that may or may not have any sort of purpose, yet we are willing to accept it as it is. We have to look at why they may be saying what they say, when and in what tone. What point of view are they coming from? What sort of writer would produce this sort of information? A lot of thought needs to be put to good use when analysing all media based and media produced information.
With regards to our blog, we as the authors aim at showing the readers how we think and the reason as to why we think this way.
We cannot go without having been exposed to these sorts of media. Day by day, people are given the opportunity to see different sides of media and we, as consumers, have to be critical in order to absorb the correct information. Though we are seen as passive consumers, absorbing all the information given to us without understanding the underlying meaning of the text. By simply absorbing the information given to us proves that people do not show the skill of criticism. With regards to this space, my mission is to provide out readers with a critical outlook on the media as a whole. Movies, radio, internet and so on provide consumers of the media with vital information but it is up to the consumer to critically define the lines between the acceptable and not acceptable information.
We have to as journalist, look at the media as critically as possible. We cannot simply sit back and believe everything that we are told. Devouring all the information that may or may not have any sort of purpose, yet we are willing to accept it as it is. We have to look at why they may be saying what they say, when and in what tone. What point of view are they coming from? What sort of writer would produce this sort of information? A lot of thought needs to be put to good use when analysing all media based and media produced information.
With regards to our blog, we as the authors aim at showing the readers how we think and the reason as to why we think this way.
mission statement
Why should you read my blog? My mission with this space is to get people to think critically about the world, specifically the media that saturates EVERYTHING. You cannot go for more than 5 minutes in today’s world without being exposed to a song, a quote, advertising, television, the internet, the radio…etc. I feel that we, as consumers of media, have become blasé about the way in which we consume such media. I feel that the stuff we are exposed to can contribute substantially to the way we view the world and how we compose our own identities.
Consequently, I feel that we should look at media with much discretion and thought. You have to look for the motives of the people responsible for producing the media you consume. Why are they saying what they are saying? Why are they saying it like this? What do they want from me? These are questions that need to be asked before even considering assimilating an opinion on the item in question. This might sound highly pedantic but I feel that as soon as you have an opinion on something, you have chosen to take a particular stance and in doing so, you have added to your own identity as a journalist, student or human being.
By analysing media on our blog, we intend on showing people how we think before we consume media. We hope to get other people to join this process of thought. We are not as worried about the actual opinions we convey or receive. We are just concerned with getting people to think critically about what they see and hear. This is because the nature of the world in which we live is such that it is nearly impossible not to consume media and therefore not be influenced by it unless you were to live as a hermit in a cave somewhere. We find that media is being made more and more consciously (in that the people who are responsible for its construction, do so with specific aims and goals in mind when they envisage people consuming their work). The industry of media construction can have a lot of power in the world today. They could easily begin to govern the manner in which we think. This is why I believe we need to promote critical thinking in the sphere of media consumption.
Just Not What I Thought....
Most of us in JMS 1 are only 18/19 years old. What do we really know about the world other than liquor and cigarettes and tri-varsity behaviour? Even with the will and the ambition to write hard-hitting news and blog pieces, how can we really achieve this when we have barely any life (or journalistic) experience compared to the ‘grown up’ journalists out there?
I started Journalism because I wanted to be thrown into the middle of all the world’s chaos. I wanted to be a part of covering wars and exposing politicians and saving society one hypocrite at a time. I’m sorry to say I have been disillusioned. Journalism nowadays is something almost anyone can do. We don’t need a degree to become one and we certainly don’t need to go into countries ourselves to get the scoop on a current war or disaster etc. We could sit at home for the rest of our lives, typing out bogs and embroidering the internet with our opinions and be considered journalists. Just for commenting on a political situation on a popular blog.
This doesn’t mean though, that I have anything against my peers in the journalistic field, nor my lecturers. It’s just important to be honest about how one feels about journalism and I’m not going to write lies here just to impress my lecturers and my tutor.
Life as a journalism student runs you into the ground. Assignments, blogs, tutorials, articles for local and national newspapers, building a portfolio, being forced by your course work to look deep into your ‘self’ and dredge up what you find. Then there are your other three subjects that demand work from you. Life as an actual journalist can’t be that different. “With great power comes great responsibility” said Tobey Maguire. Journalists are responsible for influencing the opinions of the masses. How can we possibly justify wielding this kind of power without applying the strictest possible rules against bias and prejudice. No human being alive can write a few words on a subject without peppering it with their own opinions, however subliminally, and considering that each individual blog, magazine and newspaper has their own prescribed agenda, how can anyone ensure that the writings of journalists aren’t negatively affecting impressionable citizens? Its just too much responsibility and I am just too much of an opinionated person to take on the job of a journalist.
Blogs offer a retreat from traditional journalism though. With a personal blog you don’t have to worry about unfairly influencing other people’s opinions. You are simply exhibiting your own. Blogs also allow the freedom of being able to write about whatever you like, whenever you like and in whatever tone you choose to write it. This is not possible when working for a magazine or a newspaper.
So, its here in our blog, that we choose to chew up and spit out the media we consume and bring to you our honest opinions, not what we were told to write by our seniors.
I started Journalism because I wanted to be thrown into the middle of all the world’s chaos. I wanted to be a part of covering wars and exposing politicians and saving society one hypocrite at a time. I’m sorry to say I have been disillusioned. Journalism nowadays is something almost anyone can do. We don’t need a degree to become one and we certainly don’t need to go into countries ourselves to get the scoop on a current war or disaster etc. We could sit at home for the rest of our lives, typing out bogs and embroidering the internet with our opinions and be considered journalists. Just for commenting on a political situation on a popular blog.
This doesn’t mean though, that I have anything against my peers in the journalistic field, nor my lecturers. It’s just important to be honest about how one feels about journalism and I’m not going to write lies here just to impress my lecturers and my tutor.
Life as a journalism student runs you into the ground. Assignments, blogs, tutorials, articles for local and national newspapers, building a portfolio, being forced by your course work to look deep into your ‘self’ and dredge up what you find. Then there are your other three subjects that demand work from you. Life as an actual journalist can’t be that different. “With great power comes great responsibility” said Tobey Maguire. Journalists are responsible for influencing the opinions of the masses. How can we possibly justify wielding this kind of power without applying the strictest possible rules against bias and prejudice. No human being alive can write a few words on a subject without peppering it with their own opinions, however subliminally, and considering that each individual blog, magazine and newspaper has their own prescribed agenda, how can anyone ensure that the writings of journalists aren’t negatively affecting impressionable citizens? Its just too much responsibility and I am just too much of an opinionated person to take on the job of a journalist.
Blogs offer a retreat from traditional journalism though. With a personal blog you don’t have to worry about unfairly influencing other people’s opinions. You are simply exhibiting your own. Blogs also allow the freedom of being able to write about whatever you like, whenever you like and in whatever tone you choose to write it. This is not possible when working for a magazine or a newspaper.
So, its here in our blog, that we choose to chew up and spit out the media we consume and bring to you our honest opinions, not what we were told to write by our seniors.
The Magnificent Mission Statement of Rodney Jingle-Jangles
By Himal Ramji
This purpose of this post is just to tell you – my loving audience – how I will be writing my posts on this fine blog and what they’ll be about.
The purpose of our blog (Writer Than You) is to consume media, digest it, analyse it and then communicate it to our audience. Hopefully my posts won’t be as obsessively optimistic or stupidly cynical as most of the media ‘reviews’ I’ve read in my young and tender life. Apparently we’re blogging for journalism students and what students need isn’t another generation telling them what to think or feel or do. What we need is the views of our peers because, let’s face it, we follow what our friends say a lot more closely than we do with the words of our lecturers or tutors or parents. We need to thoughts of people we can relate to. Our analyses of the plethora of media in this world won’t be dull and dour like a lot of what we read nowadays. No – it will be spectacular!
We’re just students. We’re journalism students. And this is a blog. It’s not as if we’re going to censor ourselves in the same way many journalists are forced to – if you don’t believe me, feel free to read a newspaper and find something witty and riveting. And that’s exactly how the posts of Writer Than You will be written. They will be witty and they will be riveting. We’ll draw the reader in, we’ll toy with their minds but, in the end, they will benefit from the majesty that is Writer Than You.
Importantly, there will be none of this conformist, self-preserving, commercial retardation. We are not businessmen or scientists paid by big corporations. Instead, we are the only real voice in this world simply because we have nothing to lose or gain (apart from our DP’s and potential degrees, but that’s a topic for another time). We will tell the truth. We will hide none of our thoughts. We will represent and we will converse. Nothing can stop this blog.
This purpose of this post is just to tell you – my loving audience – how I will be writing my posts on this fine blog and what they’ll be about.
We’ll be covering movies, music, newspaper articles, magazine articles and a whole range of media topics. We’re going to be honest and critical with a flash of eloquence, wit and flair. There will be arguments, agreements, commendations, tears and possibly death threats. This blog will appeal to your senses and force you to think outside that box you’ve been forced to inhabit. I welcome to you all to the phenomenon that is Writer Than You.
This purpose of this post is just to tell you – my loving audience – how I will be writing my posts on this fine blog and what they’ll be about.
The purpose of our blog (Writer Than You) is to consume media, digest it, analyse it and then communicate it to our audience. Hopefully my posts won’t be as obsessively optimistic or stupidly cynical as most of the media ‘reviews’ I’ve read in my young and tender life. Apparently we’re blogging for journalism students and what students need isn’t another generation telling them what to think or feel or do. What we need is the views of our peers because, let’s face it, we follow what our friends say a lot more closely than we do with the words of our lecturers or tutors or parents. We need to thoughts of people we can relate to. Our analyses of the plethora of media in this world won’t be dull and dour like a lot of what we read nowadays. No – it will be spectacular!
We’re just students. We’re journalism students. And this is a blog. It’s not as if we’re going to censor ourselves in the same way many journalists are forced to – if you don’t believe me, feel free to read a newspaper and find something witty and riveting. And that’s exactly how the posts of Writer Than You will be written. They will be witty and they will be riveting. We’ll draw the reader in, we’ll toy with their minds but, in the end, they will benefit from the majesty that is Writer Than You.
Importantly, there will be none of this conformist, self-preserving, commercial retardation. We are not businessmen or scientists paid by big corporations. Instead, we are the only real voice in this world simply because we have nothing to lose or gain (apart from our DP’s and potential degrees, but that’s a topic for another time). We will tell the truth. We will hide none of our thoughts. We will represent and we will converse. Nothing can stop this blog.
This purpose of this post is just to tell you – my loving audience – how I will be writing my posts on this fine blog and what they’ll be about.
We’ll be covering movies, music, newspaper articles, magazine articles and a whole range of media topics. We’re going to be honest and critical with a flash of eloquence, wit and flair. There will be arguments, agreements, commendations, tears and possibly death threats. This blog will appeal to your senses and force you to think outside that box you’ve been forced to inhabit. I welcome to you all to the phenomenon that is Writer Than You.
Tuesdays tutorial was...interesting. I feel the task of filling out an identykit form is kind of condescending because there is no way to summarise anything about a person from just 2 pages of generalized questions. That point could have been emphasized in fare less time. In all the other aspects though, I felt that I learned quite a lot about myself as a journalist.
the tut forced me to look at why I am studying for this degree. i realized that the tut got me to the point that i am presently at where, I know I don't want to be a field reporter, which is what got me to study in the first place. I can see that I can't handle the pressure of feild journalism or any hard news. I see that my strength definately liees in critical media analysis. in that aspect, I am pleased i was there.
the tut forced me to look at why I am studying for this degree. i realized that the tut got me to the point that i am presently at where, I know I don't want to be a field reporter, which is what got me to study in the first place. I can see that I can't handle the pressure of feild journalism or any hard news. I see that my strength definately liees in critical media analysis. in that aspect, I am pleased i was there.
Comments (ie criticism) on le tutorial exorcism
By Himal Ramji
For the second tutorial of our blogging course for JMS1 we had to fill in what was called a ‘Suspect identification form’ and another form which seemed to serve the purpose of telling us more about ourselves.
Both of these, I think, served little or no purpose other than to prove that a form or mere words cannot encapsulate a human being. It seems overly practical but far from realistic to expect a double-sided sheet of paper to teach us more about ourselves.
In terms of the ‘Suspect identification form’ we were asked about our physical appearance as well as any peculiarities, where we are likely to be found, and our habits. Somehow I fail to grasp how this has any bearing on who we, in fact, are. There are just far too many variables involved in each descriptive trait which could explain that characteristic of that individual. But maybe there is a chance that the shape and texture of your eyebrows defines your character.
The exercise only seemed to deteriorate further when we turned over the page. We were struck with a list of 35 adjectives (all of which had positive connotations). We were then meant to list four of these adjectives to describe ourselves in the fields of love, family, study and journalism or blogging. In the end we were to tally up the recurring adjectives because this can apparently tell you a fair amount about yourself. So I am allegedly caring and opinionated. Somehow I find that hard to believe but if a piece of paper is able to define me then maybe I am the one at fault here.
After this period of deep reflection we rambled our way through a page of writing about ‘Why I (do not) want to be a journalist’. I really think it would have been more effective if we had handed in our short pieces of writing – maybe it would have helped curb the disillusionment many journalism students are suffering.
All in all if I said that I thought this tutorial exercise helped me understand myself or get to know myself better in any way I would have to accuse myself of being a blatant liar.
For the second tutorial of our blogging course for JMS1 we had to fill in what was called a ‘Suspect identification form’ and another form which seemed to serve the purpose of telling us more about ourselves.
Both of these, I think, served little or no purpose other than to prove that a form or mere words cannot encapsulate a human being. It seems overly practical but far from realistic to expect a double-sided sheet of paper to teach us more about ourselves.
In terms of the ‘Suspect identification form’ we were asked about our physical appearance as well as any peculiarities, where we are likely to be found, and our habits. Somehow I fail to grasp how this has any bearing on who we, in fact, are. There are just far too many variables involved in each descriptive trait which could explain that characteristic of that individual. But maybe there is a chance that the shape and texture of your eyebrows defines your character.
The exercise only seemed to deteriorate further when we turned over the page. We were struck with a list of 35 adjectives (all of which had positive connotations). We were then meant to list four of these adjectives to describe ourselves in the fields of love, family, study and journalism or blogging. In the end we were to tally up the recurring adjectives because this can apparently tell you a fair amount about yourself. So I am allegedly caring and opinionated. Somehow I find that hard to believe but if a piece of paper is able to define me then maybe I am the one at fault here.
After this period of deep reflection we rambled our way through a page of writing about ‘Why I (do not) want to be a journalist’. I really think it would have been more effective if we had handed in our short pieces of writing – maybe it would have helped curb the disillusionment many journalism students are suffering.
All in all if I said that I thought this tutorial exercise helped me understand myself or get to know myself better in any way I would have to accuse myself of being a blatant liar.
editors and articles
so today, I shadowed an editor for a local community newspaper. I had absolutely no idea what he was going to ask of me or what we would end up doing for the day. It turned out that there was a memorial service/lecture for Neil Aggett (for those of you uninformed, he died in detention for being an organizer of a workers union under apartheid). We walked through the chapel of Aggett's old school and as we approached as set of benches close to the lectern, my editor told me to sit there on my own. I did. then the academic procession began and I realized I was going to be sitting next to all the speakers in front of the entire audience.
the once the main speaker had been introduced, he got up to stand at the podium and started to speak. he spoke of far-off things like globalization, democracy and seeking social justice. i diligently took notes.
between all the verbal and academic wankery, came several strong messages, the man had very strong views on the current global economic status quo. he used the platform to berrate the USA for being the richest country in the world while have some of the most serious social ailments. he read out some facts; the united states currently has one in every 100 black men aged between 30 and 34, in prison. the number of people in the prison system of the US, is greater than the entire populations of Botswana and Lesotho put together.
He also juxtaposed the apartheid lagacy of descrimination, exploitation and violence with the way the financial pinacle treat the rest of society and of how globalization has been very bad for far more than to whom it has been good to.
My editor then left to go for a swim (i know hey) and he told me to write up an article and to write up a 120 word piece for the radio. I had no idea what angle he was looking for.
seeing as it was his memorial, i chose to write on the lecture from the side of an Aggett sympathizer and i proceded to tell the story of how Aggett lived and died and what we can learn from this.
I then showe dit to my editor when he showed up. he ate my soul for breakfast saying that i had written soft blog style writing that he would never be able to print. we then had a long chat about how I need to find the story beyond the platform and that i need to ask for a briefing before the event.
helpful words of wisdom. i just wish he could have been more approacheable. why is it that editors feel the need to have cub journo's learn by fire ALL the time? It is n't fun to feel like an idiot all the time. and the worst thing is that I am volunteering to get told that i don't know what i am doing. I told my editor that I have no idea what I was doing, in the hope that he might guide me with all his years of field experience. well all he said was that i will learn in time. WTF!!!
confused much??
Naarvissie
the once the main speaker had been introduced, he got up to stand at the podium and started to speak. he spoke of far-off things like globalization, democracy and seeking social justice. i diligently took notes.
between all the verbal and academic wankery, came several strong messages, the man had very strong views on the current global economic status quo. he used the platform to berrate the USA for being the richest country in the world while have some of the most serious social ailments. he read out some facts; the united states currently has one in every 100 black men aged between 30 and 34, in prison. the number of people in the prison system of the US, is greater than the entire populations of Botswana and Lesotho put together.
He also juxtaposed the apartheid lagacy of descrimination, exploitation and violence with the way the financial pinacle treat the rest of society and of how globalization has been very bad for far more than to whom it has been good to.
My editor then left to go for a swim (i know hey) and he told me to write up an article and to write up a 120 word piece for the radio. I had no idea what angle he was looking for.
seeing as it was his memorial, i chose to write on the lecture from the side of an Aggett sympathizer and i proceded to tell the story of how Aggett lived and died and what we can learn from this.
I then showe dit to my editor when he showed up. he ate my soul for breakfast saying that i had written soft blog style writing that he would never be able to print. we then had a long chat about how I need to find the story beyond the platform and that i need to ask for a briefing before the event.
helpful words of wisdom. i just wish he could have been more approacheable. why is it that editors feel the need to have cub journo's learn by fire ALL the time? It is n't fun to feel like an idiot all the time. and the worst thing is that I am volunteering to get told that i don't know what i am doing. I told my editor that I have no idea what I was doing, in the hope that he might guide me with all his years of field experience. well all he said was that i will learn in time. WTF!!!
confused much??
Naarvissie
Hitting screens near you!
All ye movie lovers, come forth into my realm! The land of those who live and breathe movies; those who cannot eat another slice of bread till the release of the ever anticipated movies! For those of you who have been holding their breathe till the last possible moment, turning blue and purple and your eyes nearly popping out. Well, hold your breathe no longer and pop your eye balls back into your head (as you will need them!) my movie lovers for I have the news of all news… G.I. Joe has landed!
If you haven’t seen the movie yet, bow your head in shame and walk away immediately! But for those who have seen it; you get a big gold star on your forehead. But on a serious note... what an amazing movie! I mean Channing Tatum is… what’s the word… HOT…. no that’s not it… Wonderfully handsome!
Based on the idealism of amazingly crafted outfits and most outrageous choreographed stunts; the audience is swept away by the intensity of the movie from start to finish. An action packed film with a sprinkle of romance, caters for a lot of peoples requirements!
This is a must see movie. Get down to the movies now and get watching!!!