Chapter 3, 4, and 5 discuss how books, newspapers, and magazines have developed from small media publishers, included individuals.
It seems magazines are the most difficult media among the paper media to appeal to readers because of America’s diverse population. However, are the people in the US different just because of their ethnicity? The tastes of readers are diverse even in countries’ where a population range is less obvious. The example of Latina makes me wonder whether they identify themselves as an American or a Spanish American, if they are asked to choose one. If they consider themselves American, the media which is targeting a specific ethnicity, would need to makes sure why this types of magazines are important. We are too much exposed to a media where blond and brunette female models with good figures are featured. They are absolutely beautiful, but it does not mean they have to be the standard of a beauty. The fashion industry completely restricts women in terms of ethnicity. International versions of famous fashion magazines, such as VOGUE and Cosmopolitan, are actually different in terms of contents because the articles are focused on readership. However, many of the pictures feature white models.
Another topic that makes me interested is the attitude of the media toward teenagers as a marketing target. According to the page 156 of the text, “The typical teenage girl isn’t quite sure whether to worry about her pimple or whether to go out and win a Pulitzer. That’s in part why you can have so many magazines.” I doubt this idea. If the modern teenagers have no idea about their future, a lot of messages from the media would unfortunately end up confusion confusion for many teenagers because of information overload. Each magazine has different issues, so teenagers are not sure which information they need or they may get the information and misuse it. If a sexual harassment, racism, and schools violence is featured, teenagers may be interested in these articles rather than being aware of the risk. Interpretation of articles completely depends on the readers.
I hope that the purpose of the media includes not only conveying accurate information but also giving readers a skill to judge which information they need and what they have to learn from the information given.
3 comments:
I was especially glad you brought up the quote “The typical teenage girl isn’t quite sure whether to worry about her pimple or whether to go out and win a Pulitzer. That’s in part why you can have so many magazines.” This is a true comment personally I have been known to purchase a wide variety of magazines including harpers, the New Yorker, Sports Illustrated, the Economist Surfing, and Hoop Magazine just to name a few. Everyone’s interests are constantly changing and people enjoy learning and reading about different lifestyles found in various magazines.
In response to "the typical teenage girl isn't quite sure whether to worry about her pimple or whether to go out and win a Pulitzer." I don't think that Rodman was trying to undermine women in that they are confused about they want and don't know how to process information. I think that women today are torn because never have we been able to be as independent and career oriented as our generation is. On the other side, in the past women have learned that their physical appearance is very important and to use that to get what they want. It can be confusing when values for women are changing. It's no longer that women should look attractive and be a good wife and mother, but now they should have a career. I think that Rodman is trying to touch on that it can be overwhelming as values for today's women are changing.
Interesting point about Latina. Turns out it's probably both.
I've heard angry stories about illegal immigrants who move into California, saturating the job market and enjoying American benefits, while maintaining their Mexican (or other nationality) heritage without involving themselves in American culture. I don't particularly want to touch on illegal immigration (honestly, if they can be proactive and beneficial to their communities, it doesn't make a damn bit of difference to me), but the entire situation creates a tough position for media outlets.
Mexicans will come to America, find opportunities here VASTLY out of their reach in Mexico, but they will still root for Mexican sports teams.
Yes, it sounds trivial, but it's an interesting thought. For those who follow sports, there was recent controversy about Becky Hammond, who is an American playing for the Russian national basketball team. Similar concept. How can the media react to that, when there's no clear definition of loyalty?
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