Why Isn’t History Criticized?

Do we learn more from media which consists of events that have occurred in the past or the events that occur in “Grand Theft Auto” and “The Hitman” which are forms of media that are only representative of reality?

It seems as though movies like Gladiator and Braveheart which are loosely based on historical events escape the criticism that is received by books like, “The Hitman” and video games like “Grand Theft Auto.”   It should be clarified that I am not an advocate for unnecessary violence of any type when it comes to theatrical productions, however, I do believe that historical movies should be held accountable or at least to the same standards as the other types of media out there.  Especially since the images displayed on the big screen are seen by millions of viewers across the country, the majority of which consist of teenagers who can be significantly influenced by mass media and pop culture.  If this is in fact the case then why don’t we hear complaints accusing Russell Crowe and Mel Gibson of being the bad guys?  If we are going to hold all forms of media equally accountable then they too should receive some of the blame for the random acts of violence committed by our youth.

I truly think that the reason media is too afraid to criticize these films is because they are based upon events that actually happened.  These events are so incredibly realistic that would rather believe that we learn from past mistakes in which case these historical films are not to blame.  There is a definite flaw here that exists yet I cannot comprehend how we can go about to break the mold.

Absolute Truth? Absolutely Not!

Blog viewers, radio listeners and tabloid readers follow mediums without a desire for the truth.  Instead they thrive off the entertainment level provided by each of these separate mediums and care very little about the legitimacy of the content.  Most of the time what is said or written in the media is mere speculation or opinion. 

I think the reason the validity of the input from these sources are rarely questioned is because they usually do not cover matter that the overall majority considers important.  When I read a tabloid, I care very little about the issues or gossips that are raised in the magazine.  If the publisher is able to shed a bit of humor or entertainment on an existing celebrity scandal or political policy even if the information regarding the story isn’t completely valid, then in my mind the magazine has served its purpose.  I read blogs and tabloids not to acquire an abundance of knowledge or absolute truths but instead to kill some free time in my day and hopefully bring a smile to my face.

Cell Phone Sexting

                Our generation should be convicted of sexually abusing technology.  The internet is cluttered with easily accessible pornography, forums are created where mythical creatures intimately interact with one another, and as if that were not enough we have even trended towards exploiting our cell phones. 

                Cellular devices are being used as a tool to facilitate casual encounters, random hook-ups, and even the exchange of naked pictures.  The question I would like to raise is, does the convenience of the text message improve or hinder one’s love life?  The potential embarrassment of an overly aggressive text/sext not only leaves the sender feeling foolish but also can permanently ruin future chances with the receiver.   Yet, given the consequences this practice still occurs.

 I couldn’t tell you whether the majority of inappropriate text messages are sent while the offender is completely sober or intoxicated, but my assumption is that it would be the later.  People like to place blame for their embarrassing text messages and poor decision making on alcohol because it, “impairs their judgment.”  However, we should be held accountable for our actions regardless of our level of sobriety.   Instead of recognizing the inappropriateness, we are taking full advantage of sending these explicit messages via cell phone.   One of the reasons why this practice is so easily adopted is because it does not require us to be present while the text message is being read by the receiver.  The potential awkwardness of the situation is nonexistent until the next face to face encounter with one another.  If this practice continues without holding people accountable then it will slowly be deemed acceptable.  My guess is that it is only a matter of time before the cell phone acts as the leading medium for sexual exploitation.

               

Image over Substance

True love comes in the form of long dark hair, radiantly tanned skin, and beautiful clear blue eyes.   I probably couldn’t paint a picture of my ideal soul mate, but from this less than detailed description, who would be opposed to cuddling up next to that image for the remainder of their life?  Now I understand that we all have different preferences and what works for one individual does not work for another.  So some of you may be reading this right now and saying, “Who is this guy, with such skewed taste?  I like deep brown eyes, like blonde hair and fair skin.”  The fact of the matter is that our individual preferences are irrelevant to the argument and the point I am trying to prove.  Instead I would like to argue that both men and women are trending towards pairing themselves by looks instead of by substance.

                How often do we hear someone say, “Oh she’s way to cute for him” or “he’s so hot, way out of her league.”    These comments and side remarks are being made strictly based on physical attractiveness.  It’s rare that someone will comment on how two people’s personalities compliment one another’s so well.   I’m not here to argue whether this is right or wrong, I merely would like to point out that this issue is prevalent in society. 

                Chapter 7 discuses how political figures utilize media in order to manipulate public image.  In 1960 a nationally televised debate was held between Nixon and Kennedy.  Polls showed that viewers who watched the debate thought Kennedy had won, yet those who listened by radio agreed Nixon made the better argument.  I think the reason Kennedy’s team was so incredibly focused on making him telegenic (synonyms with photogenic except on TV) is because mental images seem to stick longer in people’s minds yet words are soon forgotten.

                Now whether the issue at hand is running for presidential election or running for the top spot in someone’s long term love affair, if your biceps aren’t as big as your brains… then you may as well count yourself out of the race.