Well everybody, it's over. I must say, that I will never forget doing these weekly blogs, as I have grown as a person, and learned that the common advertisement isn't just something simply thought of within a matter of minutes, it's something that takes much thought and effort.
The Media that I consume completely overpowered my life. I'm sure that many other people can vouch for the fact that most of what they do is directly based off of Media. What I buy, eat, or drink is mostly based off of the advertising that goes along with it, and yes, I have to say, that it works. If I see a commercial on television for the new iPhone, something sparks inside of me saying that I MUST HAVE THAT PHONE, even though it's not much better than the one I have now. It's the idea that I will have something that was shown on television, or at least that's what I think.
Being aware of my media consumption does change my view on marketing and advertising, however. For example, the new ads on TV for the SPCA, where they portray to cats to be like orphaned children. Before I took my critical thinking class, I had no idea that the creator of the commercial was picking my brain by using the need to nurture. But now, since I understand what the need to nurture is, the commercial does not have as profound an effect on me now than it once did. I'm not sure whether or not this is a good thing, because companies might be losing my emotional side, and I will consume less.
My media consumptions have changed this semester. I no longer am immediately hooked on to the hottest and latest product. This is mostly because I realize that this "hottest and latest product" is only going to be that for a couple months. Then, something better will role around. Advertisers will always make their products better than the last, because they are in a competition with other advertisers to become the best, even when something like this is impossible. It's like setting a world record. World records are always broken, but eventually, at this rate, won't they keep getting better? Swim records have been broken year after year, and, at this rate, the records could become 0 seconds. It's the same with advertising. All of the products will always get better, and there is nothing that anybody can do about it.
It is important to have media literacy so that you are not tricked into doing anything stupid by an advertiser. For example, most infomercials out there usually have a product that they will sell for $19.99, but then they will bribe you by giving you another product for the price of one. However, what most people don't see, are the tiny words that are not legible that say, "just pay processing and handling." So, in reality, you aren't getting a deal at all.
Being an educated consumer is important because giant corporations will take over the world if you are not. If you are not an educated consumer, they will dig into your brain until they are your brain. They will become you and control you.
Keeping this log helped me become a better consumer. I now pay attention to the media around me, and I understand when it is not the media that I should keep an eye on.
I must say that taking this class was very important for my life. I see everything in a new perspective, and it is up to other people to judge whether or not it's a good thing, because it only matters to me. Thank you Mr. Maxwell for successfully becoming a critical thinker.
It is time to sign off,
Jesse
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