Obama vs. Cyrus (extended)

Defining a celebrity in today’s specular society can prove to be a difficult task. Between singers, actors and actresses, TV personalities, journalists, YouTube sensations and, in this case, politicians, the term ‘celebrity’ can adopt a range of definitions. Marshall outlines a celebrity as "a particularly powerful and persuasive trope for contemporary culture" (Marshall, 2013). This definition can alter the interpretation of a ‘traditional’ celebrity and the major characteristics of them, making the classification of these individuals very broad. However, it is these two characteristics – powerful and persuasive- that highlights the effects these individuals have on society and thus adheres to the title of a celebrity.

Nonetheless, alternative definitions have arisen in today’s era and consequently a change of characteristics that make celebrities celebrities have surmounted because of the surge of the specular economy.

The specular economy can be defined as “a two-way mirror projection on to the screen and the circulation of and interaction with those images and texts into the wider world” (Marshall, 2010). The rise in social media has resulted in a change of celebrity behavior. Celebrities now hold the power in the world of the media. The paparazzi have always “…been about revealing something private to uncover a hidden truth about the individual beyond their image” (Marshall, 2010), however the power has changed and now celebrities are creating their own image through the construction of their identity on social media sites. The specular economy has now developed so that “the technology now affords and privileges the interaction and exchange between and among users” (Marshall, 2010).  

It is through Barack Obama’s 2008 electoral campaign that the power of social media and its two-way communication really justifies its influence and prevalence in society. Although Obama may not be a fame grabbing, ‘traditional’ celebrity, his power and persuasion alongside being the first African American in power, and thus a revolutionary president for the United States, means he could be considered a ‘celebrity’.

Obama’s first electoral campaign saw to a victory and this could be attributed to his social media activity during this time. He hired 100 extra staff to monitor and control his online presence in an effort to gain a following through the “…technologically savvy Millennial generation of 18-24 year olds”, (Hendricks, J A 2010). He used Twitter and Facebook “…strategically and dynamically to motivate, involve, and generate enthusiasm among the electorate during the 2008 campaign…” (Hendricks, J A 2010). This strategic capacity to reach out to the most technological demographic equated to a victory for Obama. It is through this victory that the power of digital media unveils. He formed an identity that was no longer controlled by the representational media, which can be defined as “large public and private media corporations” (Marshall, 2013). Obama’s identity was not left to be created or destroyed by the American media, instead he used the power of the specular economy and its appeal to individualisation and personalisation to build a distinctive personality that was well-known and respected throughout the US.

Obama bridged the gap between the public and private sphere and subsequently produced a positive and profound result from the use of social media. Combined with the amounting specular economy and its ripple effect, social media provides an opportunity to develop constructive personal presentations.

Pop-culture celebrities whose career relies on the following of impressionable youths and young adults pose a threat to personal representation in the specular economy. The versatile platform that is social media is allowing celebrities to display themselves in scandalous and imposing lights. Some celebrities have continued to illustrate their glorified lifestyles through their social media accounts. Certain celebrities have not taken advantage of the self-promoting social media allows, but have instead continued to show their large and exuberant lifestyles.

Today’s celebrities live in a time and society in which they can choose to control their own identities to the public, this is called the presentational media. Marshall defines this as “identifying media that is performed, produced and exhibited by the individual or other collectives” (Marshall, 2013). It is for this reason that celebrities, particularly of the pop-culture genre should use this as a way to elicit a positive and respectful personality. However, in some instances, this is not the case. Celebrities are finding themselves at the forefront of social media scandals, which are proving to be detrimental to their image. Alongside their image, the specular economy is at risk. The youth of today are becoming more and more reliant and entwined in the community that is social media. Celebrity news and gossip is easily accessible to the world and consequently the susceptible society is vulnerable to cultural trends and morals established by celebrities. Marshall believes that celebrity lifestyles and scandals are changing trends of behaviour in society. He states “in this democratisation of public personal revelation, it has changed the inherent value of celebrity discourse in the now surplus of available images and potentially salacious stories emerging in public online ways through millions of users” (Marshall, 2010). Digital media is providing enhanced elements of news, or, alternatively, celebrity scandals. Images and videos and the method in which they are disseminated are proving to be very powerful and persuasive. Advanced exhibitions of insights into celebrity lives and the speed at which this news can now travel is attesting to be more influential than ever before.

For example, Miley Cyrus’ recent behaviour in public and also ‘private’ (although displayed on her own Twitter account) shows how easily the specular economy can be persuaded. Her obvious change in attitude has been a hot topic in the media, however it this publicity that is intensifying her unconstructive image. She is now a known public figure, although for bad reasons, she still has potential to infringe upon the youth of today. Previously known as Hannah Montana, children’s awareness of her mediocre behaviour is causing uproar. She used to be a role model to young girls, but now her sexual, and at times almost pornographic film clips that are easily accessible on YouTube are proving to be damaging to her identity.

However, it is not Miley that is most at risk, it is the specular economy that follows and adores her persona. Celebrities should hold a sense of moral obligation. They are public figures that set trends and “describe significance and value in contemporary culture” (Marshall, 2013). Conversely, these actions can set “long-term trends and developments that are at play more pervasively in our culture” (Marshall 2013). Her current personal image is built on scandals and controversies, which can disintegrate into society through the flows and scapes of globalisation.

  

Stemming on from the negative effects of celebrities and their change in ideals since the rise of social media is the broader implications that this online platform has established in society. The exclusivity and the way in which people present themselves online have changed society’s morale. A user of social media is asked to “respond to friend requests. And in other instances, we can defriend, or ignore or banish friend requests” (Marshall, 2013). The exclusivity of these actions is bound to hinder the morals and actions of the broader community, not to mention the way in which we interact with each other as a result.

Social media is changing the priorities of the community. Personal image and how this is displayed through audio and visual on the Internet has become of primary importance to the specular economy. In this day and age, individuality and individualisation is a common desire for a person. Expression of self is being sought after by consumption of digital media. From “the amazing variety of mobile phones further differentiated by covers and add-ons… to the differentiated toothbrush and its variation of design in battery-powered structures; from the expansion of ‘expression’ and ‘desire’ as represented by the expansion of television channels to the differentiation of use of television from video games to personal home video” (Marshall, 2013), shows how society accentuates their unique identities through consumerism.

An example of societies confusion in relation to priorities is Ashton Kutcher’s succession of Twitter followers. As stated by Marshall, “Ashton Kutcher famously ‘raced’ CNN to surpass a million followers … on Twitter in 2009” (Marshall, 2010). This milestone for an individual has become a fact that reiterates the importance of celebrity stardom to the specular society, rather than news reporting regarding pressing world issues. This shift in priorities has the potential to corrupt society and its morals.

In conclusion, celebrities have an influence over specular society to create a profound impact via social media platforms. Alternatively, it is also this influence that can be a detriment. Envisioned through the comparison of Barack Obama and Miley Cyrus, the outcomes of social media can be positive and negative respectively. However, it is the negative personal portrayal of significant celebrity figures that also have the potential to inflict broader moral implications on society. 

References

Hendricks J. A. 2010 Communicator-In-Chief: How Barack Obama used new media technology to win the White House. United Kingdom: Lexington Books. p.xi-19.

Marshall P. D. 2010, ‘The Specular Economy’, Society, vol. 47, pp 498-502

Marshall P. D. 2013, Persona Studeis: mapping the proliferation of the public self, Journalism, June 4, online edition.  

We should all be like Captain America.

In the reading this week Klein (2004: 361) suggests, “Hollywood is becoming Asianized in diverse ways, while Asian film industries are in turn becoming Hollywoodized.” In the decade since the publication of this article have Klein’s observations been sustained?

Asia and America are two very different cultures that hold their own unique qualities and characteristics. However, I believe that these two genres of film should not be compared in a competitive nature.

It is clear that Hollywood has adopted Asian concepts, and continued to do so since Klein’s article was published. Nonetheless, my personal opinion on film is that it is an art, as well as entertainment. I say art because, through it you learn new concepts, ideals, perspectives and, in this case, cultures. 

If considered an art by others, film has the potential to be very influential in changing a person’s perspective, and thus I believe that the Hollywoodization of Asia and visa versa is a great method to teach others about different cultures and embrace globalisation.  

Klein believes “While the ability to produce spectacle is precisely what Hollywood desired from Chan, it wanted his unique contributions to enhance – rather than challenge – its established mode of storytelling” (Klein, C 2004), illustrating the positives of adopting and displaying others cultures through film.

Through addressing other cultures in film, and in particular blockbuster films, large audiences can be reached and new opinions can be formed. Film provides a platform in which viewers can learn about different cultures, ideas and outlooks. This denationalisation of film, I believe, holds more positives for society than negatives.

However, to completely contradict myself, I bring it my next point- the negatives. I believe that for every Asianized film in Hollywood there is a film that, for lack of a better term, wreaks Americanisation.

The first film that jumps to mind when thinking of an overtly American film is The Avengers. Putting the whole ‘save the world and putting my nose where it doesn’t belong’ aspect aside, Captain America, obviously, symbolises America, and illustrates what American’s believe they are- diplomats- in an overcompensating way.

The character of Captain America, you may have noticed, is the only character that doesn’t have a weapon, but has a shield. I raise this point, because when thinking of huge Hollywood blockbusters, The Avengers holds all the characteristics of this in the sheer amount of people it can target. Through displaying Captain America as the non-threatening, least violent character they are essentially self-promoting.

I guess my point is that with the Asian concepts that Hollywood have adopted, they do display a knowledge of other cultures and acceptance for these, but they also find a way to reiterate their culture through film too. I believe that since the publishing of Klein’s article Hollywood has still possessed Asian qualities in film, however they have also not shied away from explicitly promoting their own ideals and culture.

But, who am I to say that is a bad thing? Its not, it’s allowed. I guess in a sense, it’s a way of being patriotic in this globalised world.

References

Klein, Christina 2004, ‘Martial arts and globalisation of US and Asian film industries’, Comparative America Studies, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 360-384.

Image source: http://abduzeedo.com/avengers-kickass-wallpapers

Obama v Cyrus

Celebrity: how have celebrities changed in response to the rise of social, digital or mobile media? Consider the broader implications with regards to the ‘specular’ metaphor.

It is Barack Obama’s political campaign in the lead up to the 2009 election that displays true justice to the power social media holds in todays society. 

During his campaign trail, Obama hired 100 extra staff to monitor his social media activity. He targeted the “…technologically savvy Millennial generation of 18-24 year olds”, (Hendricks, J A 2010) and used the Internet “…strategically and dynamically to motivate, involve, and generate enthusiasm among the electorate during the 2008 campaign…” (Hendricks, J A 2010).

Although possibly not considered a ‘celebrity’ in the traditional, commercial sense, he still presents an image of desire. Marshall defines a celebrity as "a particularly powerful and persuasive trope for contemporary culture" (Marshall, D 2013), and Obama possesses both of those characteristics. 
  
Obama’s social media activity throughout his campaign enticed a range of demographics that would not normally vote in an American election, to do just that. He used his identity and what he stood for to gain traction in the election, which subsequently led to his victory. 

If more celebrities used social media to prevail their positive intentions and instil optimistic views, this may permeate throughout society. 

It is the likes of Miley Cyrus that are becoming a detriment to the specular society. Her current profane behaviour contrasted with her role model-like past, is what will leave society negatively affected by celebrity actions delivered through social media.   
 
Miley Cyrus’ disgusting behaviour is attracting more attention than it would have pre- social media. In the act of criticising her, she is only gaining more publicity. The sheer amount of people social media reaches and the prevalence within the young community, means the mirroring of celebrity actions will become more and more of a risk, or alternatively, a positive.  

(Image source: http://www.celebuzz.com)

References 

Marshall, P. David (2013) “Rankings and Reputations: the Proliferation of Lists and the play of Klout”,Persona Studies.13 June 

 

Hendricks, J A (2010). Communicator-In-Chief: How Barack Obama used new media technology to win the White House. United Kingdom: Lexington Books. p.xi-19. 

 

Interactivity and Virtuality

Computer and console games are considered a large portion of ever-changing new media. Developing from television consoles, to hand-held consoles in just my lifetime, it is a fact that gaming will continue developing and evolving in today’s culture.

The entertainment faction for first-world countries is an always emerging and changing industry, effecting society in countless ways. However it is the virtual worlds that have a lasting impression on gamers, which stems to affect the whole of society.

It is due to the virtuality and interactivity aspect of computer games that this industry has the potential to influence the community more so than its counterpart or alternative entertainment medium, film.  

The ability to control what happens in games and also control the endings and results, allows players to get more absorbed and in touch with the virtual world than any other entertainment channel. To contrast other forms of entertainment, gaming allows the player to be ‘active’ in their use, which can sometimes mean players get attached to the game and sense of control it instils.

The control the game allows means “…there is an emancipating and liberating significance of this plurality and loss of reality” (Raessen J, 2005). This loss of reality can be positive and detrimental to society. On one hand, the loss of reality means players can release frustration or anger into the violent games such as Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto. Contrastingly, this loss of reality, can mean players lose a sense of normalcy in reality. It could possibly result in acts of violence or crime in everyday life, due to confusion between fiction and factual reality. This is considered an element of virtuality.

Virtuality can be described as “… a digitally produced reality that can have effects which are comparable with effects of factual reality.” (Raessen J, 2005)

It is for these two reasons, interactivity and virtuality, that age restrictions and careful consideration in the creation of games should be taken. Not to mention the fact that games incurring violence and crime, are more accessible with smartphones and tablets in today’s society.  

References

Raessens, J 2005, ‘Computer games as participatory media culture’, Handbook of computer game studes 2005, MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass, pp. 373- 388

Creating a community online

Good office morale and a safe and challenging workplace are key ingredients to a successful business. Through employee blogging this is being increased. Although workplaces may not encourage employee cynicism on online platforms, it is a long-term fix for businesses and their overall success. 

By developing an online space for employees to discuss positives and negatives surrounding their work, it creates a sense of community and alliance within the office, which builds relationships and subsequently morale. 

In Richards and Kosmala ‘In the end, you can only slag people off for so long’, Schoneboom (2007) is cited. He “believes work blogging forums have moved on from being sites for explicit cynical attacks on employers to more settled and organised vocal movements” (Richards, J., and Kosmala, K., 2013), reiterating the positive outcomes of employee blogging. Additionally, the “anonymity afforded by such communication technologies” (Schoneboom, 2007) provides complete openness and truthfulness in these forums, allowing bloggers to give advice and encouragement to others work experiences.

Alongside blogging’s accessibility, the entire E-world offers sustainability to workplaces through the information that can be sourced by employees. Businesses that abide by workplace laws and ethics are more likely to be successful over a longer period. This is because employee job satisfaction and productivity is achieved in workplaces that honour their employee’s rights and needs.

In Moyo’s ‘Digital democracy: enhancing the public sphere’, the endless information provided by the Internet is addressed, “… most of the information online from the media, civic organisations, government, political parties and some international organisations is freely accessible” (Moyo, L 2009). The information that can be obtained by employees through government sites will provide them with an understanding of their rights within a workplace.

This understanding combined with a forum to inform each other of these rights will instil a safer and more enjoyable workplace for all. 

References

Moyo, L 2009, ‘Digital democracy: enhancing the public sphere’ Creeber, G and Martin, R (eds.), Digital Cultures: Understanding New Media, Open University Press, Maidenhead, pp. 139-50

Richards, J., and Kosmala, K., 2013 ‘In the end, you can only slag people off for so long’: employee cynicism through work blogging’, New Technology, Work and Employment, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 68 – 77.

Bring on blogging!

Can the blogosphere act as independent and impartial public sphere? 

The delivery of news has progressed in today’s modern, democratic societies across the globe. Independent sources of news and opinion are springing up in various forms and mediums. The blogosphere, alongside social media sites and public art are just some of the methods of distribution of opinions and views. 

I believe to achieve a complete democratic society freedom of speech and press are a quintessential asset. The rise in public sphere action, in Habermas’ view, will help “achieve a higher level of moral and political maturity, that is, to constitute itself as an open, just and egalitarian community” (Dodd, 1999, p. 110). 

The public sphere’s opinion is by far the most important view in a democratic society. Governments that listen to the community are a legitimate democratic and free union. 

The Australian election is a great example of how the media has influenced its society. In the image above, it can be seen how the Australian community was potentially swayed in voting. The media and its limited ownership are obstructing independent thought and opinion. 

Rupert Murdoch’s media empire illustrated its strong alliance to the Liberal party. Considered to be the Fourth Estate, which is meant to be free of government or market persuasion, clearly displayed a particular political view during the vital federal election. 

This is why I believe that blogging, social media and public art, such as Banksy, can provide a great outlet for independent thought and opinion. Without an authoritarian voice, these platforms can achieve a truly liberal society. Contrastingly major newspapers that possess an obvious political persuasion are not being true to their readers. People turn to newspapers to create their own opinions and for newspapers to provide an impartial view on politics and other issues. However in this economic climate, newspapers are driven by the market and thus are not providing impartial views. 

In my opinion, cyber libertarianism is a powerful and effective way to express free and uncontrolled opinions. It is the next wave of democracy and this can be seen through the recent Egyptian revolution, which was achieved through the use of social media platforms. 

Dodd, N 1999, Social theory and modernity, Polity & Blackwell, Cambridge, UK, pp. 110

 

Squashing creativity

Innovator or pirate? Creator or thieve? Experimenter or cheat?

With seven basic musical notes is it fair to call someone a thief for copying, transforming and/or combining original works with new creative ways?

In my personal opinion, I think not. I believe that music and all art for that matter, should be explored, pushed and prodded. From probing and testing, new and inventive effects and results emerge.

The beauty of art is its ability to evoke emotion from the observer, and I believe no two emotions are the same. The link between music and emotion is extraordinary. Therefore, the sentiments drawn from a piece of music is different for each person. Mashup artists and DJ’s are simply exploring and delivering a unique response from someone else’s work of art.

Take these two songs as an example.






Zimbabwe by New Navy evokes happy, upbeat feelings, whereas Flume’s remix derives a completely different emotional response.

I believe it is unfair to consider Flume’s song as theft. It is a completely different take on concept on the original work. It is work similar to this that will be greatly affected by laws and restrictions on originality.  

I do agree that there are some forms of art and innovation that should be protected from outsider’s interpretation and thus copyright, patent and trademark laws should be in place. However, when it comes to music mashups and remixes, I think diverse versions complement the original work. It is creativity at its finest. It is news ideas stemming from old. It is appreciating someone’s work and helping it grow and expand.

I believe introducing copyright and piracy laws into the music realm would be detrimental to the expressive form of art. It would squash creativity and restrict imagination and vision. It is after all, the observer’s emotional response that makes each piece unique and dissimilar to the other.

“Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known” – Oscar Wilde

Post-colonialist films

What art movement or art genre, type, style or sub-culture has influenced or changed the way you view a culture other than you own? How and why?

My understanding of colonialism has advanced from my recent viewings of post-colonial films set in Africa.

European countries such as, France, Britain and Germany, amongst many others have attempted to colonise African settlements. It is through films like Xala, that African countries bewilderment can be recognised.

European empires have forced their cultures, politics and economies onto independent countries in an effort to expand their nation states and gain natural resources from these lands.

The confusion of African culture is brought to the fore through the method of film. Post-colonial films highlight the muddled lifestyles of these countries. Whilst watching the subtitled films I have noticed an inconsistency of language, a switching between the native tongue of the country and French.

Alongside a confusion of language comes a confusion of economies.

Xala follows an upper-class African family that is struggling with the forthcoming marriage of their father/husband who undergoing his third marriage. He is a polygamous man with three wives, which is considered a normalcy for some African cultures. 

French and German cars such as Renault and Mercedes are driven to and from the wedding. Coco Cola is offered to the two original wives and they accept this beverage in French, “oui”.  

This mix-up of cultures is an obvious detriment to the traditional African family. The African community obviously struggles with its sense of self and understanding of their own ethnicity.

It is through post-colonial film that I have gained a new perception on colonialism. I admit that I was never that knowledgeable on such African cultures before, however the complexity of these cultures has furthered my knowledge on colonialism.

Colonialism has left countries unsure, insecure and confused about their own cultures, languages and religions. Post-colonialism indicates the gradual acceptance of these, now, complex societies, and their now unstable idea of nationality and race.

Team work assisting globalisation

As society develops as do the effects of globalisation. Humans are competitive specie that bounce off one another to constantly advance their lifestyles. Globalisation has its positives and negatives, however if it is viewed as humans working collaboratively, it lessens the negative impacts. I believe the web globalisation has created is a positive and inevitable achievement for humans. It has encouraged knowledge and advancements in a broad range of categories. For example, the understanding of space stemmed from the competition between the Soviet Union and the USA.

This knowledge has been spread and comprehensive information of the environment and world we live in has only progressed positively. It is through the scapes explored in the lecture that we can see how each scape affects the other. In the Rantanen reading the idea of the ‘three phases of globalisation’ is explored. However, I believe it can be contested that globalisation does not eventuate from three categories, but instead many many more. Waters claims that globalisation and its effects can be broken down to “…the economy consists of 'social arrangements for the production, exchange, distribution and consumption of goods and tangible services', and culture is 'social arrangements for the production, exchange and expression of symbols that represent facts, affects, meanings, beliefs, preferences, tastes and values' (1995: 7—8).”

Conversely, factors such as geography, for example, are not considered. An example may be the acquisition of rice in Australia. Rice needs lots of water to grow, Australia is an arid country, therefore are Australian’s just meant to not eat rice? This may be a petty example, but my point is that because a country cannot produce its own products, it should be able to source it elsewhere. Likewise the example of cancer also shares this property. If a cure for cancer was discovered in Britain, does Australian’s suffering from cancer then not undergo treatment because an Australian did not find the cure. Globalisation is the sharing of information and the quality to source the best country, person, government, race, sex or economy to assist in its progression.

Summarising, I believe the flows and scapes of globalisation should be considered a great achievement that will provide humanity with advancements. Competitiveness should not be frowned upon, nor should working as a team to achieve something, and this is what I believe globalisation is.