Dominance of US media product

Plot from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1078588/synopsis

Conceived by means of in vitro fertilization, Anna Fitzgerald (Abigail Breslin) was brought into the world to be a genetic match for her older sister, Kate (Sofia Vassilieva), who suffers from acute promyelocytic leukemia. Because of her sister's dependency on her, Anna is unable to live the life she wants; in and out of the hospital constantly, she cannot take part in extracurricular activities such as cheerleading or soccer. When Kate turns 13 she goes into renal failure. Knowing that she will have to donate one of her kidneys to her sister, Anna sues her parents for medical emancipation and the rights to her own body. Attorney Campbell Alexander (Alec Baldwin) agrees to work for Anna pro bono. The film is interlaced with flashbacks that detail the strong relationship between Kate and Anna, as well as how Kate's illness has affected her siblings' lives. Before the result of the case is known, it is revealed that Kate had asked Anna to file for medical emancipation. Believing that she would not survive the surgery, Kate wants to die. Anna wins the case, and due to her sister's wishes does not donate her kidney. Kate later dies at the hospital. The family moves on with their lives, being changed by Kate's death, but every year on Kate's birthday they go to Montana, which was her favorite place in the world.

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My Sister's Keeper is a 2009 American drama film directed by Nick Cassavetes and starring Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, Sofia Vassilieva, and Alec Baldwin. I have watched the movie, and give it 5 stars! it is definitely worth watching. the movie is extremely poignant and i practically cried during the whole movie together with my friend! It is an excellent show to watch. No wonder we love watching US media products.

Why have we become more westernized? Even to us, Christmas is more popular than Mooncake festival! Well, it is because we are exposed to media products on televisions and movies that mostly belongs to the US. The US flim market is very big. Compared to Singapore's recent local flim, the blue mansion, which movie will you choose to watch? most likely, the sister's keeper. It is normal for one to perceive that made-in-america flims are better and of higher quality as they have a larger pool of much capable workers.

US media product has since dominated the media market. It is the biggest exporter of television programmes, main supplier of motion pictures at global theatres and home video markets,and is dependent by many countries to meet their countries' programming needs. For example, mediacorp actually telecast American Idol on channel 5 to occupy prime time TV slots. Singapore has around 4.6 million people. Not everyone watches TV all the time. As, the demand in Singapore is low,we do not produce many singapore-made shows and just slot in american programms to entertain the audience.



I feel that generally US media products are made more creative, interesting and daring compared to Singapore products. Perhaps we already have this idea in our mind that the caucasians are of a much superior race. If you switch on the TV now, which channel will you switch to? We are not picky viewers. It is just that local shows do not appeal to us more. Its might be due to the difference in taste and preference of the each person. I mean, i definitely must give credits to some really entertaining local shows like "Sayang Sayang" and "Phua Chu Kang". These shows are humourous and novel. But what about Singapore Idol? I joined this year's SG idol and I know what it is like. it is exactly the same as American Idol, except the fact that we are still stuck in Singapore.

Agenda of the media

Many singers in the music industry are inspired by michael jackson. Lady gaga is one of them. All the weird costumes, creative cheorography, novel song, truly resembles MJ when he had the one silver glove on,the famous moon walk and the catchy songs.

After the death of Michael Jackson, news were spread like wildfire. It was everywhere on the front page on newspapers, magazines,headlines on gossip news, televisions and radios. Advertisements after advertisements showing tributes to michael jackson. Even his commeration service and funeral service were held and telecasted on television. Its just too much! Even now, his movie "This is it" will on shown on the 28th of October in Singapore.

Like the agenda setting function, one of the mass communication theories, the repeated news coverage on Michael Jackson's death raised the importance of the issue in the public's mind. Since, it has influenced us in many various ways. Tribute to MJ were held in most parts of the world. For example, Taiwan had an event where herds of people gathered to dance MJ dance, Singapore had singers to sing MJ's songs at the Changi airport etc. People who do not know michael jackson now know him. people who are not fans of him, become fans of him. Some of my friends did a MJ short dance on an introduction clip for comms 101 class. Even models posed like Michael Jackson in their photoshoot as shown below.




I mean, why realise the importance of MJ only after he died? why does the radio station play MJ's songs continuously only after he died? why become a fan of MJ only after he died? Isnt it so hypocritical? Or is he really "better off dead" as predicted by MJ himself? His fan base has increased significantly, albums sold billions of copies, his music is re-appreciated again by many, his popularity has increased drastically.

I am not a huge fan of Michael Jackson. however, he is one very talented man. i got to admit that he can dance, sing and creates excellent music to share with the world. it is a pity that he passed away. But his death has since captured much attention from the media. Hopefully there will be a successor in the years to come. Lady gaga perhaps?

Cultural Difference

the video shows that the italian man who went to Malta could not understand what the waitress was saying. Both parties interpreted 2 different meanings. As you can see, culture varies from countries to countries, socities to societies, individuals to individuals. Edward T. Hall once said that "culture interprets one's behaviour". So,two people from 2 different culture interpret each other's language differently.

However, i do not agree that cultural difference always results in a break down of communication between people. Cross-marriages are very common in Singapore. In the past, the older generation were rather against cross-marriages. However, times have changed. People are more open to the idea of marrying someone of another race and religion. It is because of the differences, that is why couples of different race can communicate. Why is this so? Simply, opposites attract. :) perhaps it might be more interesting to marry someone from a totally opposite background from them.





Culture can be learned. However, one must unlearn before being able to learn something different. For example, if a chinese woman married a caucasian, she has to unlearn her previous culture and adapt to her husband's culture: the american culture. slowly, the chinese woman's behavior, perception and way of expression would change. She may be more open, start learning the gesture of kissing on other people's cheek as a form of saying hello, or celebrate Thanksgiving!(a festival that is not celebrated in the chinese culture)

to solve misunderstandings due to cultural differences, i feel that compromising, understanding and patience are very important. A difference in culture is a difference to begin with. Every differences must be resolved for things to work out. If it cannot be worked out, it must be a give and take. someone has to lose at some point in time. It is not easy. However, we can take it as a learning process by learning more about a different culture. dont you agree with me?

Knapp model

Ride for you- Danity Kane





"Ride For You lyrics"

[Verse 1 - Aundrea]
Lately, I've been tryna fight whatever's pulling us under
it's got a hold and really making me wonder
what it takes to get through
I gotta stick with you, my baby
Baby tell me:
Maybe I'm foolishly overreacting
But being without you I can't imagine
It's just to close to the heart and
And I won't stand it if were broken apart

[Chorus - Group]
Do you hear me?
Baby ya gotta believe in the things that make you & me win together
Don't you throw in the towel
I'm keeping my promise to you I got ya back now
When the chips are down
It seems like it's so hard for you to move ahead
Just know that I am by your side
There aint no ifs, buts, or maybes,
I'm gonna stay down and ride for you baby

[Verse 2 - Dawn]
We've been cutting it close with the backwards & forwards
It's rocking the boat; we gotta get control of this
Let's take it back to three years ago
When you said that we could make it through whatever, ever
And to me it sounded like you meant forever, ever
Leaving was not an option, baby, never, never
Now don't you believe in a love that's worth a fight
In you is everything that I'm missing
So give us a chance

[Chorus]

[Verse 3 - D. Woods]
Don't you dare tell me we gotta let it go...
We been on top for too long just to let it go under
I don't wanna hear that
I just can't hear that
and know
Wherever you wanna take me
I'll go
I been with you for too long to start over with another
I know that you hear me
Just tell me you hear me

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Knapp model
1)Initiating
2)Experimenting
3)Intensifying
4)Integrating
5)Bonding
6)Differentiating
7)Circumscribing
8)Stagnation
9)Avoiding
10)Terminating

The stages in Knapp model are not linear. Relationships may regress to a previous stage or skip a step. Sometimes, the period of stage 1 to 5 is shorter than stage 6 to 10. In fact, couples whose relationship has terminated(stage 10) can go back to stage 4. With reference to the lyrics, it states that "Don't you dare tell me we gotta let it go... We been on top for too long just to let it go under " and "I been with you for too long to start over with another". This means that some people stay on with their current partner just because they have been together for a long time. Even if they have arguments, it became a habit. sometimes, one can be immuned to it. Also, they are lazy to find another partner to love again.

I once thought that my first relationship would be my last too. But sometimes no matter how long you hold on and endure the pain, the outcome will still be the same. Things will not work out, even if i keep staying optimistic about everything. If it not meant to be, it will not last.

so what do you think? Share your experiences!!! :)

non-verbal communication

Movie: The Ugly Truth

What does it mean by an ugly truth? To me, its when the truth that hurts...

The plot:

A romantically-challenged morning show producer Katherine Heigl(abby) is embroiled in a series of outrageous tests by her chauvinistic correspondent,Gerard Butler(mike), to prove his theories on relationships and help her find love. His clever ploys, however, lead to an unexpected result.

Trailer:

In this particular movie, Katherine went on a date with this hunky guy,Eric Winter(Colin),who is her new neighbour. She was attracted to his physique,good looks and his occupation(doctor). This links to non verbal communication. Where his physical appearance (age,height,body type etc) attracts her. In this case, Katherine is the receiver as she attach meaning to non-verbal cues. With the help of Gerard,she specially spurge money on sexy dresses and shoes, had hair extensions to portray a more feminine look. This is because men are visual creatures(sickening!), thus first impression is very important. The perception that she wants to portray to him is a type of girl that guys want to protect,but instead, she still cannot hide the fact that she is the domineering kind of girl.

I like this movie because it is very humourous, although there are times where i do not understand their jokes at all. The storyline is simple, direct and applicable to people who just started dating. Your knowledge of the other gender will improve, and you will know what the other gender is actually thinking and understand them better.

This movie also teaches us something. At the last part of the movie, it shows that we still have to be ourself despite having another person in our life. We cannot change our own behaviour, personality, preference just to suit the other party. For example, when Eric fed Katherine cheese by the lake,she ate it just to show that both have the same taste of food and are similar. But as soon as he turned his head away, she spitted it into the pond. Obviously she doesn't like cheese.

Katherine and Gerard were enermies in the beginning. As the story goes on, they became friends while helping Katherine and Eric to get together and then lovers after getting to know each other better. In this way, it makes the story much more interesting. It is definitely worth watching this particular romantic comedy movie, the ugly truth.

P.S: you have to be above 16 to watch it!

celebrities and law

Katie Price-model

http://entertainment.sg.msn.com/Celebrity-Gossip/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3595950

Personally, i think its very foolish of katie to not report the rapist to the police. Just because the rapist is a 'famous celebrity', does that mean that a celebrity can get away with crime and punishment when others cannot? How unfair! Everyone is equal, regardless of race, gender or status. i do not perceive one to be more superior just because they are celebrities. Celebrities are still humans. They do not possess any special magical powers nor any special abilities.

Another issue i wanna emphasize is that katie always wear super low cut dresses or blouses,revealing almost her whole artificial breast. The sexy vibe that she gives people and her skimpy and daring fashion sense, its not surprising that she is the prey for rapists. I feel that fashion sense should be kept classy and simple. dressing in a slutty way is a fashion disaster. A big no no! perhaps, it brings disaster too.(attracts rapists)

Ultimately, im amazed that katie price did not report to the police. To think she actually know the person who raped her, isnt it very painful to keep it to herself? As long as she was violated, she ought to report to the police. Not only can she stand up for her own rights, but she can also send the rapist to jail and make the society a safer place to be in. By reporting to the police, she can indirectly convey a message to females out there that we should not keep quiet and suffer in silence after being assaulted.

On the whole, i feel that allowing the rapist to go scott-free, he will be unfazed by his previous attempt and will continue to sneak an attack on others. This is stark madness! I would rather wonder whether katie will bring him to justice rather than ponder on who will be his next victim.

perverts!

Abusive relationships

Would you call it a fairytale romance that gone awry? Or would you say that it was not a fairytale to begin with?

Well, there are many debates going on about the prominent issue of "Chris Brown assaulted Rihanna". On the covers of magazines, radios, headlines in newspapers and gossip entertainment news. The media portrayed Chris Brown as an inhumane and violent boyfriend. One who could even lay his hand on the person he loved dearly. The fact that he grew up in an environment where violence occurred between his parents and within his family, could possibly be one of the reason why he assaulted our leading pop princess, Rihanna. Such visual exposure to violent acts and living in such a hostile and undesired environment might have triggered the violence innate in him.


we cannot deny the fact that we all view abusive relationship in a negative manner. We are taught by our omniscient parents that bashing a friend up is inappropriate, much less a girlfriend.

I view it in a two-way approach. In a female point of view, i agree that Chris Brown should not beat Rihanna up. After all, she does not belong to him. But most importantly, he should not act like a delinquent. Maybe at that moment in time, he could not control himself. But even so, i do not encourage violence to take place. Can you imagine the impact it had on the fans? Fans totally adore him, regarded him as their role model. However, do you think that their mentality on abusive relationships will change after knowing what their idol had done?

Instead, a public figure like Chris should attain the qualities of a gentleman. As the Chinese saying goes," jun zi dong kuo bu dong shou". it means that a real gentleman should use words in replacement of violent actions.

In a relationship, it takes two hands to clap. Have u ever wondered what issues provoked Chris Brown just minutes before the heated argument? Do you think that Rihanna is totally innocent? I beg to differ. However, the law states that we should not resort to violence in any circumstances. if we did, the outcome would not be in favour to us.

Relating this issue to out society, how would you view abusive relationships?

I perceive relationship as a connection between couples. We look upon each other as an emotional,mental and physical pillar of support. There should not, i repeat, should not be anyone staying in an abusive relationship. i mean, i agree that this issue is very subjective. There are still a vast number of people staying in an abusive relationship because they "assume" that things will get better, or they put the blame on themselves, or they simply just cannot let go. On the other hand, i stand by my morals and feel that abusive relationships will end up nowhere.

a big shoutout to girls out there who has abusive boyfriends: DUMP THEM!!! :)