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Presidents Day Assignment
Presidents Day Assignment
COMM 1500
Being critically aware of media messages means to be able to recognize what is true and what is
false in those messages. The problem, however, is we do not even realize media platforms are
sending us subconscious messages, not only to persuade us to buy certain products or services
but also it is shaping the way we think, and that can be dangerous.
For advertisers and publicists alike, we dont necessarily have to be their target market, as they
believe if the message was created powerful enough, then it would have the subconscious
capability of persuading us to buy whatever they are selling. These days, it is crazy how we get
bombarded with lots of ads, distorting our likes, our thoughts, and even our behaviors.
In an analysis of the psychological impact of ads messages, balance theorists explain why
persuasive messages in advertisements were sometimes effective whereas others werent, based
on the sales results. If the results of these ads were not powerful enough, the message would
cause imbalance in the message, and as a result, no sale. (Media Ethics, p. 55). However, not
only ads messages have the power of shaping our views but also films, movies and music.
Regarding movies, to better illustrate my point, an excerpt extracted from the Media Culture
textbook, on chapter 7, contends, Films have also helped moviegoers sort through experiences
that either affirmed or deviated from their own values. Some moviesfor instance, Last Tango
in Paris (1972), Scarface (1983), Brokeback Mountain (2005), Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004), and The
Dictator (2012)have allowed audiences to survey the boundary between the permitted and the
forbidden and to experience, in a controlled way, the possibility of stepping across this
boundary. Such filmscriticized by some for appearing to glorify crime and violence, verge on
occasion, been banned from public viewing. Despite that these films are considered classics
PRESIDENTS DAY HOLIDAY ASSIGNMENT 3
for being all blockbusters, if we dont objectively analyze what messages these movies deliver,
then it would persuade us to the point of doing what the movie taught us, despite we know it is
all fiction. Even so, it can create a negative impact in our society, especially on children and
What questions could we ask ourselves to help us 'stay' in a critically aware mindset?
According to an article called Consumer Responsibilities, by The Manila Times, suggests their
readers (consumers) ask themselves these questions in order to be more critically aware of what
they buy, The consumers responsibility is to be more alert and questioning about the use, price
and quality of products and services. How much is this product? What can it do? Is it safe to use?
What are its hazards to my health? Although these are very basic questions, answering them are
very important in providing guidance and ensuring consumers are aware of what they are buying
and if it is worth buying certain products or services. Nevertheless, I would like to add these
other questions in order to help consumers understand what they are buying and assist them in
analyzing their purchases based on the impact they can cause to them or the society: How is this
product or service going to help me solve my problems? Whats the rhetoric behind the
message? What is the content and context? What are the emotions, knowledge and credibility of
the ad, and the company who launches it? (Ethos, pathos, and logos), who is getting involved in
this commercial?
What does the quote by Jean Kilbourne teach you about being critically aware?
The quote teaches me I shouldnt easily fall for what ads messages convey. I must be aware of
the impact ads messages could cause. For example, I must analyze every color, word, phrase,
PRESIDENTS DAY HOLIDAY ASSIGNMENT 4
image, and what the ads purpose is. Since technology is evolving at a fast pace, it is much easier
to get bombarded with advertisements through our computers and smartphones. The most
dangerous part, however, is that ads are cultivating ideas that can shape the way we think or
behave through powerful messages with the sole purpose of persuading their customers to buy
their products. Then, developing critical awareness should be compulsory in our communities.
Based on the quote of Jean Klbourne, ads sell more that simple products; they shape the way we
view people. Ads message have the power of instilling in us a wrong idea of who we should be,
instead of teaching us to accept ourselves and respect others. Regarding women that appear on
beauty or fashion ads with short, small clothing, the consequences are that these stereotypes of a
beautiful woman have caused psychological problems among women in our society, ranging
Reference
Campbell, R., Fabos, B., & Martin, C. (2014) Media and culture: Mass communication in a
Patterson, P., & Wilkins L. (2014) Media ethics: Issues and cases. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc.
The Manila Times, (2013, August 18). Consumer responsabilities. The Manila Times. Retrieved
from http://www.manilatimes.net/consumer-responsibilities/30829/