Do we let the terrorists actually win?
This text talks about our bizarre pleasure and fascination we get from the disturbing images and idea of Terrorism or catastrophic events. Baudrillard writes, “The terrorist exploited the ‘real time’ of images… at the same time as they exalt the event, they also take it hostage. They serve to multiply it to infinity and, at the same time; they are a diversion and a neutralization” (Baudrillard 228). While this quote very accurately reflects reality, and our obsession and constant fear being injected into our systems on a daily basis, is it really the terrorists who are responsible, or our very own media? Have we turned against ourselves? By replaying a horrifying image of 911, we instill fear into the people and make sure that there is no chance of forgetting it. Every time it is re-enacted on the news with the horrifying images, it re-triggers the fear response. This in turn, leads to a snowball effect where everything appears to relate back to these horrifying events. We are all guilty of thinking back to these images because they have been so infused into our minds. While working in NYC the summer after 911, when there was the national black out, the only thing that raced through people’s minds was WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!! Also, this past summer in NYC when the steam pipe exploded because it was old and rusted, again the initial response was we are under terrorist attack again. It is the adrenaline rush that people actually enjoy, and so I think we stay in our virtual reality to make sure that we stay fearful and exhilarated! Of course by our media instigating this, we are actually the ones who help the terrorists WIN… because as Baudrillard claims, “the terrorists’ victory is that all other forms of violence and the destabilization of order work in its favour. Internet terrorism, biological terrorism, the terrorism of anthrax and rumour—all are ascribed to Bin Laden” (Baudrillard 230). We are the ones who let the terrorists win, we let them get to us. Maybe we actually want them to win, so we have a story to tell… could this be a possibility?
Our media empires, replay these images with a new sense of built up fear and, “fiction” added on top of them to make them even more dramatic and effective. By making them in real time it is as though it is happening right now, even though it was an event with a definitive ending point, the media does not let us believe so. Only when it is redone it is so much more elaborate, because already our imaginations and fiction has grabbed hold. Reality is just not as fascinating as fiction!
An example of the re-enacting of horrifying events is that of Columbine. The website; which is constantly up is continual, implying that it is happening in real time. Not only can someone re-enter this website over and over and over again, you can do walk through tours in an interactive process as though you were there when the shootings happened.
By showing images in the present from events from the past, it blurs the usual concept we have of linear time, that things happened in the past and now we are in the present. There is a new concept of time and space.
All of what Baudrillard talks about leads to his words, “terrorism would be nothing without the media…” (Baudrillard 229). This concept could not be more true. The media harnesses the terrorist attack and exploits the people’s emotions and fear by reliving the experience in an overly dramatic and symbolic sense. It creates a feeling of fear and terror in the world, similar to the concept of the mean world syndrome. The world is constantly out to get us, and for some bizarre reason, as Bhartes says, we gain pleasure from this text. We are fascinated by it and marvel at it, which is why we are constantly glued to our television sets!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
kMO 2/14
Unfortunately I was unable to attend our last class meeting. Therefore, in order to try and grasp some of these concepts I decided to read everyone else’s posts.
After reading “Cuckoo’s” post regarding the “cult of new” I began to digest the type of concepts being discussed by Habermas. We are indeed a society that is fixated on having the newest, most expensive, top-of-the-line products. We are driven forward by an untouchable force to "out-due" what has already been “done.” In relatin to this topic CMC 100 taught me the impacts image had on the mass media market and potentially more importantly the effect of aesthetic appeal on a single individual. I hate to admit it but I too have fallen victim to this infectious routine and find myself depending on technology to help me survive the day…
The absorption of technological advancements into our culture is becoming alarmingly obvious and dangerously common. “July” touches on Habermas’ concept, “pleasure derives from pain.” To all those out there who don’t know who Perez Hilton is I highly advise you visit his website (www.perezhilton.com). His posts are described as, “being delivered with an irreverent and cruel slant. He often posts tabloid photographs over which he has added his own captions or "doodles." His blog has garnered both positive and negative attention for its brash attitude, its active "outing" of closeted homosexual celebrities and for its role in the increasing coverage of celebrities in all forms of media.” There is no better example of “pleasure derived from pain.” This website receives over 8 million hits a day…
Starfish’s explanation of the controversial quote “modernism is dominant but dead” was fantastic. I struggled to grasp how something can be both active and inactive at the same time. For example, Latin is a dead language because it is no longer spoken. However, it is the basis for a large portion of the English language therefore it is still active.
Thanks to all of you who helped me understand what I missed in class!
After reading “Cuckoo’s” post regarding the “cult of new” I began to digest the type of concepts being discussed by Habermas. We are indeed a society that is fixated on having the newest, most expensive, top-of-the-line products. We are driven forward by an untouchable force to "out-due" what has already been “done.” In relatin to this topic CMC 100 taught me the impacts image had on the mass media market and potentially more importantly the effect of aesthetic appeal on a single individual. I hate to admit it but I too have fallen victim to this infectious routine and find myself depending on technology to help me survive the day…
The absorption of technological advancements into our culture is becoming alarmingly obvious and dangerously common. “July” touches on Habermas’ concept, “pleasure derives from pain.” To all those out there who don’t know who Perez Hilton is I highly advise you visit his website (www.perezhilton.com). His posts are described as, “being delivered with an irreverent and cruel slant. He often posts tabloid photographs over which he has added his own captions or "doodles." His blog has garnered both positive and negative attention for its brash attitude, its active "outing" of closeted homosexual celebrities and for its role in the increasing coverage of celebrities in all forms of media.” There is no better example of “pleasure derived from pain.” This website receives over 8 million hits a day…
Starfish’s explanation of the controversial quote “modernism is dominant but dead” was fantastic. I struggled to grasp how something can be both active and inactive at the same time. For example, Latin is a dead language because it is no longer spoken. However, it is the basis for a large portion of the English language therefore it is still active.
Thanks to all of you who helped me understand what I missed in class!
Cuckoo 2/14
Herbermas ideas became somewhat clearer after Thursday class. On concept that grabbed my attention was the quote “the cult of the new”. This relates to today’s society so well. We are a society so fixated on having what is considered to be the best. No matter how old something is if something better comes out we automatically want it. While newer things are always appealing, this desire to have the new is driven strongly by advertisements. They will spend millions of dollar persuading consumers to buy their new product. They will do so with out fail because we are society always looking for the newest product. Partially due to image, we believe that we will up our image if we have the newest form of technology.
A company that always seems to have new products is Apple. They are constantly having a new product out that is considered the best. As soon as they come up with something they will advertise it as being greater and better, but within a month they will have an updated version out because they figured out all of the little glitches. So why not wait a month to get the version that has had the glitches worked out? Our society is so tied up having the newest and greatest that we are to inpatient too wait. Another great example is cell phones. There are always new phones coming out with better features that draw us towards them and make us want to update what we already have.
A company that always seems to have new products is Apple. They are constantly having a new product out that is considered the best. As soon as they come up with something they will advertise it as being greater and better, but within a month they will have an updated version out because they figured out all of the little glitches. So why not wait a month to get the version that has had the glitches worked out? Our society is so tied up having the newest and greatest that we are to inpatient too wait. Another great example is cell phones. There are always new phones coming out with better features that draw us towards them and make us want to update what we already have.
romulus 2.14
I had forgotten to pay my cable bill in November, and continued to ignore it until it was shut off. On top of the writer's strike that last in excess of 2 months, i had no reason to really tune in. I am ever so grateful that this happened. The number of activities I was able to engage in skyrocketed. I even went on craigslist.com and purchased a Wii from a guy who I totally stereotyped according to the amount of information that he had given me. The Wii is a great example of what is "modern". The ultimate interactive gaming experience is exactly how I describe this piece of technology. After months of pondering, I wanted to opt for a PS3 but it was not as fun. Disney has taken an initiative to update Disney Land. Consumers are no longer interested in a passive experience at the parks.
Modern American politics is struggling with an increase in participation and thus criticism. With popular votes challenging the ancient electoral college votes, times have changed.
I wanted to reflect on what makes us modern. When people are active in their communities and pursue their individual goals, that is a factor. Harvard is now releasing scholarly research papers to the general public, that is a factor. Harvard as well as a number of academic institutions are seeing that knowledge needs to be available to anyone who wants it, not just their own students. Society always benefits when intelligence increases. This in turn allows the learned to challenge aspects of hegemony.
The Wii also connects with the internet providing channels for the news and the weather. There is also a Mii community where those with Wii's cannot connect and communicate much like on the XBOX.The system also eliminates the need for a dvd player and is a better use of time than watching TV, which I love but would rather watch it on my time.
Modern American politics is struggling with an increase in participation and thus criticism. With popular votes challenging the ancient electoral college votes, times have changed.
I wanted to reflect on what makes us modern. When people are active in their communities and pursue their individual goals, that is a factor. Harvard is now releasing scholarly research papers to the general public, that is a factor. Harvard as well as a number of academic institutions are seeing that knowledge needs to be available to anyone who wants it, not just their own students. Society always benefits when intelligence increases. This in turn allows the learned to challenge aspects of hegemony.
The Wii also connects with the internet providing channels for the news and the weather. There is also a Mii community where those with Wii's cannot connect and communicate much like on the XBOX.The system also eliminates the need for a dvd player and is a better use of time than watching TV, which I love but would rather watch it on my time.
Starfish 2/14
After class on Thursday, Habermas’s idea of modernity became clear to me. After having struggled with the concept that Modernism is “dominant but dead,” I finally understood how such a statement could be true. I found myself looking at the study of the Latin language. Latin is considered a dead language. It is no longer spoken prominently in the world, and yet it is studied in classrooms everywhere. Latin, therefore, is dominant and dead at the same time.
Another concept I found interesting was “the cult of the new.” We are a culture obsessed with obtaining the best new thing that’s out there. I look at myself and know I am a victim of the cult of the new. In my lifetime I have had 8 different kinds of cell phones. Just when I think I have purchased the newest form of technology, the best cell phone out there, a new version or better version comes out and I want the upgrade. I feel that advertising has a lot to do with “the cult of the new.” In CMC 100 we studied this in detail. Everyday we get hit with thousands of advertisements. These ads tell us that we are not okay the way we are and we need to do something about this, whether it be buy a certain makeup or get an upgrade on your cell phone. Even though many people think they are unaffected by these messages being sent to them, they are in some shape or form influenced by these ads. I believe that advertisement is an element that has made us into the cult of the new. Like we said in class, putting new improved on a billboard or ad works in our culture. This whole concept is frightening. It is almost as if we have no choice. It is natural for us to be obsessed with the new, because this concept is a part of our culture.
Another concept I found interesting was “the cult of the new.” We are a culture obsessed with obtaining the best new thing that’s out there. I look at myself and know I am a victim of the cult of the new. In my lifetime I have had 8 different kinds of cell phones. Just when I think I have purchased the newest form of technology, the best cell phone out there, a new version or better version comes out and I want the upgrade. I feel that advertising has a lot to do with “the cult of the new.” In CMC 100 we studied this in detail. Everyday we get hit with thousands of advertisements. These ads tell us that we are not okay the way we are and we need to do something about this, whether it be buy a certain makeup or get an upgrade on your cell phone. Even though many people think they are unaffected by these messages being sent to them, they are in some shape or form influenced by these ads. I believe that advertisement is an element that has made us into the cult of the new. Like we said in class, putting new improved on a billboard or ad works in our culture. This whole concept is frightening. It is almost as if we have no choice. It is natural for us to be obsessed with the new, because this concept is a part of our culture.
BubbaNub 2/14
Where is modernity? Likewise, where is post modernity? Do both even really exist. Is it not true that the second after you say now, it becomes then? How can modernity then ever be described in a present state? Is that why/where the idea of postmodernity stems from: "Postmodernity definitely presents itself as Antimodernity" (98). With such difficult concepts swirling around in our heads it is no wonder Doc Rog had a mental breakdown in the shampoo aisle of Walgreens. Any observers would naturally think, ah yes, here is a man who is utterly distraught by the fact that he has all this shampoo but no hair to wash with it. However, maybe just maybe he is overwhelmed by the "hyperstimulated sensitivity" of it all; the fact that he has so many choices and varieties that he can consume in the "modern" age when just a week ago he was in a society whose "modern" concepts reflected something very different. Perhaps he is not upset about his hair, but rather the fact that he has found himself lost in time and place, not sure what is modern anymore and possibly slipping into an era of postmodernity. Then again, maybe the man just wishes he had some hair........and I am here to say it is alright Doc Rog, your teaching is only enhanced by this. For instance, we are able to clearly see the projector displayed on your forehead even if you are in front of the screen. It is a blessing in disguise!
July 2-14-08
In the readings there was an interesting, but true quote that caught Dr. Rog’s eye and mine too. I believe it was covered in the Lyotard readings from Tuesday’s class. The reason why I picked this quote was because it is straightforward and not hard to interpret. Also, it explains the world we live in today and the people who run it.
I would like to start with the quote from page 43, as stated “Pleasure derives from pain.” This quote simply shows how society likes to see individuals suffer, but they do not want to go through hardships of their own. For example, Brittney Spears has been the talk of the town for years now, but it wasn’t for her new album or endorsement deal, it is because she is going through stardom depression. Since she was a big teen idol for most young girls her life has always been shown on cameras, even when her career was at its worst. Brittney may have lost some of her music or idol fans, but she suddenly gained new fans from jumping out of the car with no panties, becoming a party girl, having numerous break-ups, and shaving her hair. These examples are just the minor wrongs that our society has feed off of. It is sad but celebrity obsession has come to its worst in the last decade. Instead of these fans being supportive and trying to help the young star they rather critique, but continue to watch every news line that has her in it. That is kind of ironic! We as a society feed and feed into the wrong of others until it happens to us or someone close to us, then we think we can relate.
This obsession causes the media to perpetuate negative and degrading images of these celebrities. Although I used a celebrity in my example, this doesn’t mean it only pertains to this community because I believe everyone can look back and remember an incident where you were happy to see another individual at their worst or you knew about someone’s problem but didn’t care to help because it might affect you. If you can, then you are a victim of this quote.
I would like to start with the quote from page 43, as stated “Pleasure derives from pain.” This quote simply shows how society likes to see individuals suffer, but they do not want to go through hardships of their own. For example, Brittney Spears has been the talk of the town for years now, but it wasn’t for her new album or endorsement deal, it is because she is going through stardom depression. Since she was a big teen idol for most young girls her life has always been shown on cameras, even when her career was at its worst. Brittney may have lost some of her music or idol fans, but she suddenly gained new fans from jumping out of the car with no panties, becoming a party girl, having numerous break-ups, and shaving her hair. These examples are just the minor wrongs that our society has feed off of. It is sad but celebrity obsession has come to its worst in the last decade. Instead of these fans being supportive and trying to help the young star they rather critique, but continue to watch every news line that has her in it. That is kind of ironic! We as a society feed and feed into the wrong of others until it happens to us or someone close to us, then we think we can relate.
This obsession causes the media to perpetuate negative and degrading images of these celebrities. Although I used a celebrity in my example, this doesn’t mean it only pertains to this community because I believe everyone can look back and remember an incident where you were happy to see another individual at their worst or you knew about someone’s problem but didn’t care to help because it might affect you. If you can, then you are a victim of this quote.
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