On 17th September, Australia Classification Board announced that they will be banning Left 4 Dead 2, which is set to be released worldwide on 17 November, due to high impact violence.

According to the following link ( http://www.kotaku.com.au/2009/09/heres-why-left-4-dead-2-was-banned-in-australia/), the Board finds that the “interactive nature of the game increases the overall impact of the frequent and intense depictions of violence. This coupled with the graphic depictions of blood and gore combine to create a playing impact which is high.”  Despite the high hostility towards  the “terribly archaic classification system” as claimed by many of the Australian gamers, I do agree with the Board’s reasoning for the banning of such violent games.

Mean World Syndrome is a phenomenon where the violence-related content of mass media convinces viewers that the world is more dangerous than it actually is, and prompts a desire for more protection than is warranted by any actual threat. This means that they tend to overestimate the amount violence that actually occurs in their communities and in the rest of the world. People who are exposed to less media violence, are hence perceived to have a more realistic sense of the amount of violence in the real world.

Though many gamers might beg to differ and criticize such theory for being non-sensical and overly critical, the cultivation theory, coined by George Gerbner, proves otherwise.

In the cultivation theory, Gerbner argues that mass media is highly responsible for shaping and “cultivating” viewers’ conception of social reality

Attached below, is a short clip that explain the relationship between the cultivation theory and gaming violence

In short, the clip suggest that

1. Mass media imposes long term effects which can be small, gradual or indirect, but are cumulative and significant

2. “Murder Simulator unethically train children with the use of weapons, and also harden the emotionally to the act of murder.

3. Most believe that the video games are more threatening to violent tv shows, due to the fact that the gamers personally uses the controller to make an on screen character act out the violent behaviours.

Cultivation theory presents television as ‘not a window on or reflection of the world, but a world in itself’

I believe that the media heavily influences our perception of violence today. Heavy viewers and avid gamers are more susceptible  to such “numbness” of violent behaviors and acts due to their constant exposure to them. As it may tend to induce a general mindset about violence in the world, quite apart form any effects it might have in inducing violent behaviours. This is further proven by the clip above. In addition, in a survey of about 450 New Jersey schoolchildren, 73 percent of heavy viewers compared to 62 percent of light viewers gave the TV answer to a question asking them to estimate the number of people involved in violence in a typical week. The same survey showed that children who were heavy viewers were more fearful about walking alone in a city at night. They also overestimated the number of people who commit serious crimes. ( http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/short/cultiv.html). In short, many of these heavy viewers are completely disillusional and are unable to make out the difference between what is real and what is not.

Hence, I find the Australian Classification Board’s decision to ban the video games, due to high impact violence, a justifiable one.

On October 15, a media frenzy was sparked when Denver International Airport was temporarily shut down and military helicopters were sent out to rescue a 6 years-old boy who was feared to be aboard a helium balloon that hurtled 50 miles through the sky. However, after 5 hours of frenzied search, the missing boy walked out of his attic, unhurt, claiming that he have fell asleep in it. Honestly, who believes in this hyped up media frenzy? A boy aboard a helium balloon that hurtled 50 miles through the sky? Is this some form of publicity for the recent movie “UP” ? Oh please.

After 3 days of wild speculations,authorities announced what millions, including myself, have already suspected: It was staged. The light of truth was shone during an interview on CNN’s ” Larry King Live”. During the interview, the Heenes asked their son why he did not come out from hiding when they called his name.

“You guys said we did this for the show,” the boy responded.

Sherif Alderden of Larimer County called the incident a “hoax,” adding that investigators believe that the evidence indicates that “it was a publicity stunt” used by the family in hopes of “better marketing themselves for a reality television show at some point in the future.”

And for all who didnt know, Richard Heene is an infamous self-promoter who will pursue all sorts of off-the-wall stunts to capture media attention. Flying saucers, mountaintop helicopter stunts, storm chasing, reality TV shows — nothing is beyond him.

This is just what the media wants us to know and believe in.

However, viewers and readers are not too quick to accept whatever information and view the media throws at them. Though in this case where many are in approval of the media’s view, there were still a small handful of people who are skeptical about it; claiming that the media is overly judgmental and harsh when pursuing this matter. I mean, who knows? This whole incident might not be true, and the statement made by the boy might have been simply manipulated to fit the accusation!

http://forums.vogue.com.au/showthread.php?s=ad85c5c472954ea29342a725fc80fd3b&p=5722963#post5722963

http://trance.nu/v4/forum/viewtopic.php?t=173708

Well, my point is, unlike the past, where the media was all powerful over the mind of the viewers, viewers today are able to resist media manipulations and interpret messages in their own way.

With alternate forms of mass media, like the internet, newspaper and radio, being made available today, viewers are able to voice out their opinions more freely and with more ease. Through blogs and internet forums, netizens are able to constantly share their views and opinions on everyday’s topic and news, which ranges from global to any other senseless news. This introduction of alternative media have made way for the obstinate audience theory, which sees receivers as creative and responsive viewers.

But of course, the informations and news we are receiving today are not as straightforward and transparent as they seem. As media hegemony, a theory that suggest the media is seen to reflect and reproduce ideas and values that upholds the interests of the power elite, is clearly relevant today. Such hegemony is clearly significant in Singapore and China, where informations are heavily filtered by the government and higher authorities, in favour of their own views. Today’s audiences, while able to sift for themselves and choose to believe what is true and what isnt, are still susceptible and liable to take what is written/said in the media at full value. This is especially true with younger audiences who are impressionable and tend to be more naive than a more mature, or experienced audience .

However, if asked, i will choose to  believe that viewers are aware of such political agenda embedded in most media text and are constantly deciphering such distorted views.

A pictures speaks a thousand words. Yes,the topic i am blogging about this week is on issue of being gay. No, I am not referring to the term traditionally used to refer to one being happy and carefree, but the term used in reference to homosexuality. Before I begin, I would like to clearly state my stand on this issue. Well, I am definitely not bias towards gay, but neither am I an advocate to it. So yes, I hold a perfectly neutral stand or view towards this unique and appraisable act of love.

However, the culture that provides us with the template for living proves otherwise. Since we were young, we have been brought up with the concept and belief that any intimidate relationship should only exist between people of different genders. Such cultural influences have caused us to immediately reject any ideas or actions that do not conform to such teachings. Since homosexuality deviates from such teachings and social norms, homosexuality have hence been defined an as act of deviance.

Culture, i feel, will have an inevitable and deep impact on us, especially if its influence is effected on us from a young impressionable age, going on to shape our personal principles and ideals, which on the surface may seem entirely our own, but actually owes part (if not most) of its roots to culture.

However, cultures do not always remain stagnant, but progress and change with time. In today’s society, the once foreign and widely rejected acts of homosexuality are now slowly accepted by the masses. Though such love and affection between people of similar genders are still pretty deviant to many of us, the level of discriminations is not severe as before.

Recently in the United States, President Barack Obama surprised the world by praising the gay community for taking its major step in equal rights, and pledged to stand by them in the fight for the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in the country.

(http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/10/obama.gay.rights/index.html)

Honestly, I am having mixed thoughts about his sudden stand on this issue. I mean, why would the most influential man in the world so daringly defy the socially defined attitude or stand of being anti-gay? Was he trying to change this traditionally defined culture, with his self-assuming influence? Or is this just another one of his publicity stunt or campaign, which he amazingly enjoys? Well, I believe time will tell. However, I would personally love to witness the formal, as it will prove a giant step as far as culture is concerned.

As I have always wonder if challenging a culture is an act of deviance.

Tired of unrealistic and predictable love stories with a happy ending? Well, then I believe 500 Days of Summer is the probably the right show for you. Oh and if you are wondering why are there 500 days of summer in a year, don’t worry; it just proves that you are still sane.

Summer ( Zooey Deschanel ) is an independent and intelligent lady who isn’t interested in love after a bitter divorce. Tom ( Joseph Gordon Levitt ), on the other hand, carries a childhood fantasy of him finding his true love and living with her happily ever after. And I won’t want to spoil the show, by going too much into detail about how the show will progress and all. But like how the film so boldly tells us right at the start of the show: this is not a love story.

However, there are certain parts of the show that I personally find quite interesting and true to life, as far as romance is concerned.

2. I am personally a subscriber to the belief that people are more inclined to form a relationship with those they perceive as similar to them. And common interest plays a vital role in such belief.

2. The Joy and Happiness in Romance. This scene is probably one of the most heartfelt scenes in the movie. As it simply brings us back to the very core of love and romance. The nostalgic feeling of waking up in the morning and feeling as if he/she is the luckiest person in the world is probably something everyone can relate to when they are in love.

3. Expectations vs Reality. Like it or not, most relationships do not progress or work out the way we expect it to. So often, the media presents us a fairy tale concept of how a relationship should be like, that we tend to turn a blind eye to the harsh reality of it.

4.The next clip probably has no relation to relationships in general. But I personally enjoy this part of the movie as it is something so lighthearted and one that we can easily relate to. Role playing in Ikea? Definitely something I would enjoy doing with the partner.

Well, I am not doing a movie review here, but 500 days of Summer is definitely a must watch, as there is so much we can bring out of and relate to in this movie. To end my post, I would like to share with you something that I chanced upon recently on the internet. Its about how kids perceive love. (http://home.att.net/~scorh2/MeaningOfLove.html )

Enjoy!

“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.”

“Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your french fries without making them give you any of theirs.”

“Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.”

“When you tell someone something bad about yourself and you’re scared she won’t love you anymore. But then you get surprised because not only does she still love you, she loves you even more.”

However, it was not the whole hyped up media coverage on the investigation of the homicide that caught my attention, but the funeral that was held on Saturday, 26^th September, that set me thinking.

Watching through the video of the memorial service and viewing the pictures taken, it gave me further insight on how different forms of non-verbal communications can be played out in one single event. So much so that even when one mute the memorial video, he or she can still unmistakably tell that a funeral ceremony is taking place, through the various indicators of non verbal communication.

1. Kinesics : Study of Body movement

The bowing of his head, with his hands placed together in front of him, is an outward expression of  the love and respect he have for his sister, Annie.

2. Paralinguistic – Study of non-verbal cues

- The tense and silent atmosphere of the ceremony, the solemn tone used by her brother and long pauses in between each sentence, clearly depicts the emotional attachment the brother has for Annie.

3. Objectics or Artifacts- Study of how meaning are conveyed through physical objects.

- The Coffin, an funeral artifact, is a clear indicator that a funeral is taking place.

4. Oculesics- Study of non-verbal meaning associated with the eye.

- From her tear soaked eyes and dipping brows, we able to tell that the lady above is deeply affected by the lost of Annie.

5. Haptics: Study of touch in communications.

-The comforting gesture and touch offered by Annie Le’s fiance, Jonathan Widawsky to Annie’s Mum clearly tells us the emotional state Vivian Le is in.

6. Proxemics: Study of space and distance in communications

- The above pictures also depicts the close relationship shared between the fiance and her mum, as he have clearly entered her personal space, with a light hug.

7.Physical appearance: Judge a person by their appearance

-From their yellow skin tone, small eyes and jet black hair we can tell that they are not native Americans but of Asian origin. ( they are Vietnamese by the way )

- And from the way they are dressed, mostly in black suits and dress, it tells us that it is non-joyous event that they are attending. As the colour black symbolizes death and respect.

Lastly, to the family members and friends of Annie Le, I would like to express my greatest condolences and may she rest in peace

On 19^th August 2009, South African runner, Caster Semenya came to the world’s attention, when she won the 800 metres World Athletics Championship in Berlin. For any 18 years old athletics, it will be a day of pride and glory, both for your country and for yourself. A day when you are expected to be drowned in unending praise and be blinded by the media limelight. And yes, 18 years old, Caster Semenya, did receive the latter, but for all the wrong reasons. She was heavily scrutinized due to suspicions about her gender, which was a result of her superior race timing, and masculine physique. And was suspected by many as being a hermaphrodite.

Hermaphrodites basically has elements of both sexes and in some cases, they may have both ovaries and testicles. For most hermaphrodites, they are assigned their gender at birth, based on the appearance of their genitals, which are often not very accurate. And such conditions are extremely rare, nearly close to one in a million.

Whatever the definition of hermaphrodite is, I am deeply upset by how the world has reacted to such unpleasant news. Just because someone does not fit into our traditional/ stereotyped mold of what a person is supposed to look like, does not give us the right to cast her straight into exile. Where in this case, a science laboratory, where multiple test are done, just to determine her gender. Yes. HER gender

I am honestly quite skeptical on human interpretation on many situations today. Subjective interpretations are basically norms and association of meaning, shaped by the culture, social world and a minimal amount of our past experience. And often, we would come to a mutual understanding or consensus about a word, action, subject, which are generally accepted by the masses within our culture. Well, I have to agree that in a way, it helps by making things or situations more comprehensible when they are mutually categorized and agreed on. However, there is a fine line between being overly judgmental and rigid, and simply following a set of interpretation, while exercising flexibility.

In the context of genders, I will have to agree that there is nothing wrong for us to categorize or define females as species with breast, female genital and species who possess feminine attributes, such as gentleness, being more loving and sentimental etc. Such gender classifications are basically subjective interpretations shaped by the social world today. However, when such interpretations become too rigid, its consequences are often clear and critical. For instance, a female who possess a single masculine attribute, such as being more muscular, deviates away from our social interpretation of a female, and is then cast into a category of abnormalities. Extreme as it seems, we are shaped to interpret many situations with such extreme views today. Like how Semenya was made to suffer publicly, just because she does not fit into our social and traditional mold of what a woman is expected to look like.

As quoted in a recent interview, the chair of South Africa’s sports committee reportedly said that Semenya is “like a raped person” because of the brutal, public humiliation she has endured. What started out as a competition and a chance to represent her country has turned into a public struggle of trying to fit people into specific gender categories.

South Africa’s Minister for Women, Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya also mentioned in a letter sent to the U.N Division for the Advancement of Women that the questioning of her gender is based on a stereotypic view of the physical features and abilities attributable to women and that such stereotypes demonstrate the extent of patriarchy within the world’s sporting community.

“This is a woman who was raised a female. She will always be female, no matter what people say.” – Lesiba Rammaabi, Semenya’s uncle.

And yes, no matter how she looks like, she is still a female afterall.

Well basically, the media today shapes our perception of beauty. Like it or not, we are all, in one way or another, influenced and held captive by these standards ascribed to us by the media. In the event that we do live up to such unrealistic standards, we will be ridiculed or ostracized by others for not being “beautiful” enough. Yet often, we don’t realize that these perceptions are really products of insidious advertising – that is, this is what the media wants us to believe. And as a result, many people out there are willing to go any length just to make sure they meet the standards set by the media.

I personally find this quite worrying, based on the fact that our perception of beauty has been quite unassumingly shaped and created by these advertisements. Back in 1613, Sir Thomas Overbury coined the popular phrase “Beauty is only skin deep”, and I am a complete advocate to this saying. For I believe that the only way to look beautiful is to feel beautiful

Below, is a link i chanced upon recently

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/09/07/o.self.esteem.repair.kit/index.html

In a nutshell, self-worth is not defined by the attention people pay you, but instead is directly related to how you view yourself. For instance, when the author was growing up, she often used her physical appearances to fish for compliments and retrieve wanted attention. As a result, she learnt to define her self-worth against how much attention and social acceptance she could attract.  While psychologists say that it is normal to want to be liked and approved of, the author allowed it to develop into a problem when she could not see any other way of defining her self-worth. Through a series of experiments with her therapist, she began to understand that she was already plagued with the mentality of unworthiness since she was young. Hence, in order for her to overcome it, she had to face up to her past, and accept the fact that she was indeed worthy of anything just by being herself.

“What’s wrong with exterior beauty?”, you may ask.

Nothing!

However, things start to go wrong when we see beauty only as skin deep. Would the supermodel I marry look the same after 30 years? If she does, it would probably involve tons of botox, facelifts, liposuctions, or whatever the plastic surgeon deems fit. Even if she does look the same, I definitely would not be interested in a young-looking woman limping around with chronic back pains.

My point here is that we should not fall prey and completely subscribe to the media’s definition of beauty, as we will never be able to catch up with it. But instead, we should learn to work on and appreciate our inner beauty, for it never fades.