Media Blog Reflection

     My understanding of the media has drastically changed since we began writing these media blogs.  Sure, I knew to some extent that it is a source that feeds us information and influences our decisions.  However, the effect that the media has on all of us goes much deeper than just another thing that influences us.

     People created the media as a way to gain more control over whats happening in our lives, however in reality it is the media that is controlling us.  Merchant's of Cool shed light on the fact that it is not so simple as "the media influences us".  The situation is more like asking "what came first, the chicken or the egg?" in the sense that people and especially teenagers create the foundation of marketing and shape their next move.  In attempts to stay ahead of the game, marketers attempt to sell us the things that we don't know we want.  This feedback loop ensures a solid symbiosis between marketer and the marketed.
     This source exposes us to all sorts of advertising all day and everyday that we think we ignore.  After watching Miss Representation, I've learned that this is not the case and that we, girls in particular, absorb these images that contribute to what we think we should ideally look like.  This documentary has also made me more aware of how much everyone is concerned with a woman's appearances rather than her ability in a high position.
     I've gained awareness of much of the media surrounding me in everyday life after studying marketing techniques.  Mostly when watching TV I can pick out needs or techniques and end up degrading what brand experience they are trying to sell me.  While it is somewhat annoying to be constantly analyzing what's around me without meaning to, it's also nice to be aware that these products aren't actually going to improve the "quality of my life".  I don't think the amount of media I consume will alter all too much because it has been an integral part of our lives at this point.  Despite feeling this way, I also think its important that everyone understands that marketing degrades our confidence in who we are by saying that we are lacking in some way.  By avoiding the creation of such intense love marks, we can shop and consume media safely.