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?