ESPN, 10/21/09

In this week’s discussion I really understand, enjoyed and agree with both of the readings. When we look at Jenkin, I am able to see how far the world has come as there are now many conversations between people who don’t even know each other nor can see each other. The topics of conversation are attributed to things that are seen in the media. This can be seen in blogs and such as people discus any number of topics without ever seeing each other. With the increase of non face to face communication there comes an increase in, if you will, amateur videos and such online. With the increase of sites like youtube, it allows amateur works to arise and express themselves, even if it something as weird as a video about a kitty. Such sites can make money from nothing else but the advertisers. Furthermore, with these increases, it takes being a fan to a new level. For Instance, I have noticed, it is no longer enough to only be a fan of a sports team or movie. They must also have such things as non mainstream merchandise, unpublished videos, blogs, and information that the general public has not seen on TV or the regular movie. When we look at Marx, I like his quote, “It is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, but, on the contrary, their social being which determines their consciousness.” I have always agreed with the fact that society constructs the way that we think. I believe, while individuals have their own thoughts, it is society that constructs more of who we are. Thus, that is why are why there are so many differences in people from country to country. Furthermore, we are constructed by the ruling class which, in our society is the class with the most money and material things. It is the ideologies that contrast who we are which we get from the ruling class, and like Althusser says there are two kinds, the RSA and the ISA, both which contribute to our being in society. I just wonder if there is a way for us to break out of letting society and the ruling class control are thoughts and actions, or will even trying not to have them effect us, still effect us in some way, even if it is are subconscious?