Youth Media Observation
I actually enjoyed viewing this teen space. I was shocked to see relevant issues and how teens portrayed them. The one film that interested me the most was babies, bottles, and diapers life of a teenager when pregnant. It was interesting to see how teens reacted to pregnancy both male and female.
There was a couple who were expecting a baby and thought it was the greatest thing that a child would be raising ac child. The boy said "it doesn't get better than a kid raising a kid". I'm not sure if that is the message we want to send to our youth. In the same video you saw mothers struggling to make ends met and they talked about how hard it was. I think that the first couple needs to experience what it is like to be a parent before commenting on how easy it will be. You hear most of the girls that they have given up there future and that they are committed to this child for the rest of its life "its not about me anymore it's all about her". That statement shocked me because that is what parenthood is all about putting your child's needs first before yours. It was good to see the contradiction in the video from parents and those who are expecting a child. Caring for child is not easy and in essence you lose your childhood.
This was a great teen space where they can post issue's that they are concerned about whether it is religion, the Sean Bell case, or gangs. They have the freedom to take presiding issues and speak freely about them without persecution. The website wasn't eye catching but you were intrigued by the videos caption. I wanted to view all of them because i think they have really good points. Another excellent point is that they included facts in the movie. One example is that "1 and 3 girls have had sex by the age of sixteen". Another is "that the US spends $7 billion on teen pregnancy each year". This is saying lets teach them safe sex and make birth control accessible to alleviate this problem. Overall, i enjoyed viewing the movie's and found them informative with facts to back them up. i belive that this website relates to the Greenfield article. She was able to photograph the change that was happening in the world where this website includes video segments. The teens are digital natives so they would use the interent to post there thoughts and concerns. Where Greenfield used her photographs in a book to deliver a message, unquiely the same representaion.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
assignment # 3, Juno's Anaylsis
Juno’s Traumatic Life Experience
I enjoyed watching the movie but think it is a misrepresentation of teenage pregnancy. Juno made it look easy without much trouble from her parents and father of the child. It showed that casual sex without a relationship is okay. Even though they did have feelings not once did they say they were boyfriend or girlfriend. I found the whole story line kind of odd. Especially when she went to the abortion clinic the representation was totally wrong. People are out their protesting with nasty signs and verbally harassing clients coming in. The movie is distortion of what teen pregnancy really embodies.
I have witness two teen pregnancy and what these teen mothers went through. Their parents were awful putting them down constantly and threatening to kick them out of the house. One of my friends lived with me because her mother would say and do these unspeakable things. My other friend was kicked out of the home and lived with her boyfriend. Over time the relationships seemed to get better but were never the same. In watching Juno and how her parents were only upset for the quick second is a distortion of what really happens in the home. Teens watching this movie will make an assumption about pregnancy that may not be true for their family lifestyle. The movie also shows Juno carrying the burden. The means dad is responsible free, not a good message to send.
The intention of the movie is to show what teenage mothers go through when pregnant. The implication of the movie suggests that pregnancy is somewhat easy and not much responsibility if you choose adoption. Also, that life moves on when the baby leaves and you will never think of that child again “not true”. The last scene shows Juno playing her guitar and life is back to normal. The point I want to make is that pregnancy at any age not expected can be difficult to deal with. Especially being a teenage you give up your childhood to a full time job of being a parent. Something that Juno chose not to do.
I enjoyed watching the movie but think it is a misrepresentation of teenage pregnancy. Juno made it look easy without much trouble from her parents and father of the child. It showed that casual sex without a relationship is okay. Even though they did have feelings not once did they say they were boyfriend or girlfriend. I found the whole story line kind of odd. Especially when she went to the abortion clinic the representation was totally wrong. People are out their protesting with nasty signs and verbally harassing clients coming in. The movie is distortion of what teen pregnancy really embodies.
I have witness two teen pregnancy and what these teen mothers went through. Their parents were awful putting them down constantly and threatening to kick them out of the house. One of my friends lived with me because her mother would say and do these unspeakable things. My other friend was kicked out of the home and lived with her boyfriend. Over time the relationships seemed to get better but were never the same. In watching Juno and how her parents were only upset for the quick second is a distortion of what really happens in the home. Teens watching this movie will make an assumption about pregnancy that may not be true for their family lifestyle. The movie also shows Juno carrying the burden. The means dad is responsible free, not a good message to send.
The intention of the movie is to show what teenage mothers go through when pregnant. The implication of the movie suggests that pregnancy is somewhat easy and not much responsibility if you choose adoption. Also, that life moves on when the baby leaves and you will never think of that child again “not true”. The last scene shows Juno playing her guitar and life is back to normal. The point I want to make is that pregnancy at any age not expected can be difficult to deal with. Especially being a teenage you give up your childhood to a full time job of being a parent. Something that Juno chose not to do.
Talking Point #9
Henry Jenkins Article
I read this article and found it informative and an easy read. I understood the text clearly and what the author was trying to convey. I do not agree with the author but realized the point he was trying to make. The author seems to think that there is no risk to myspace users especially teenagers. I disagree because there is a risk of sexual solicitation as well as teen reputations being exploited.
That is my main concern is that teens are posting inappropriate pictures that could result in reputations being ruined in future years. It is important to realize that pictures on the internet are permanent and any employer can goggle and find those pictures. So something a teen did 10-15 years ago could come back to haunt them. Also, sexual predators will attack teen websites to solicit them for sex. If you have teen that enacts in these behaviors myspace can be a very dangers space for them to be on. In understand the argument that myspace is a teen space where they can define themselves. This is true if only they aren’t on the website all day long, putting appropriate pictures, and not talking to strangers. I also agree that government funded institutions should restrict access to myspace . I don’t see the website as a learning tool or even appropriate to access in these spaces. I think myspace is recreational and if you want to access it at home that is up to the individual.
The author gave valuable points at the end of the article that will help parents talk to their children about these websites. I truly believe having an open conversation with your children will only help them realize the risks of the Internet. Overall, I liked the information put forth in the article but did not like the justification of the author. I found them weak and incoherent to what teens actually do on these sites. I could relate this article to Prensky and how teens are digital natives. The computer is their personal space and they define themselves on myspace.
I read this article and found it informative and an easy read. I understood the text clearly and what the author was trying to convey. I do not agree with the author but realized the point he was trying to make. The author seems to think that there is no risk to myspace users especially teenagers. I disagree because there is a risk of sexual solicitation as well as teen reputations being exploited.
That is my main concern is that teens are posting inappropriate pictures that could result in reputations being ruined in future years. It is important to realize that pictures on the internet are permanent and any employer can goggle and find those pictures. So something a teen did 10-15 years ago could come back to haunt them. Also, sexual predators will attack teen websites to solicit them for sex. If you have teen that enacts in these behaviors myspace can be a very dangers space for them to be on. In understand the argument that myspace is a teen space where they can define themselves. This is true if only they aren’t on the website all day long, putting appropriate pictures, and not talking to strangers. I also agree that government funded institutions should restrict access to myspace . I don’t see the website as a learning tool or even appropriate to access in these spaces. I think myspace is recreational and if you want to access it at home that is up to the individual.
The author gave valuable points at the end of the article that will help parents talk to their children about these websites. I truly believe having an open conversation with your children will only help them realize the risks of the Internet. Overall, I liked the information put forth in the article but did not like the justification of the author. I found them weak and incoherent to what teens actually do on these sites. I could relate this article to Prensky and how teens are digital natives. The computer is their personal space and they define themselves on myspace.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Assignment #2
Teens being misrepresented by MySpace and Facebook
I have been looking at teen spaces lately and have been astounded by the images I have seen. I have witness teens doing and posing in pictures that will come back to haunt them in later years. Whether they were drinking underage or kissing a multitude of different partners the images were devastating. Being a teen a few years ago I did certain things that I was not proud of. When I was a teen the internet did have myspace and facebook so we didn’t put our pictures on the net. Times have changed and teens have no problem putting inappropriate pictures on the net.
I have taking the opportunity to check a few Internet websites from teens that I work with. One picture had a two teens and one had knife under the other teen’s throat. The other teens had pictures of them drinking underage and some pictures showed girls kissing each other. Two girls kissing is not the issue, but if you claim that you are straight you are performing an act that shows different aspect that carries a notion. I wanted to push that teens are not aware that these pictures will carry a ramification for them in future years. When they are going out a finding a prominent job and they come across a myspace page where there is a knife being held to your throat, employers will fawn upon it. The Internet is a public space but whatever pictures you put up it will stay there and anyone can retrieve them. I was interested to put up links to these websites but for confidentiality reasons I will respect the teens wish’s and will not do so. I spoke to them and explained that these pictures many cause a problem in future years. Some understood my point and others thought that I was crazy.
The teens in the facebbok and myspace page were of all different ages. There was an immense sexual representation in some spaces from both girls and boys. There were teens with their partners showing their affection towards each other. As far as race and class there were different ethnicity's and people for different social classes. Even if they did not have a computer they would use their friends and find ways to access a computer. These teen spaces are very important to them and will find any way to post the latest pictures. The implication from the teen’s perspective is to have fun and show what they did this weekend. The intention maybe innocent but certain photos will catch up to them in their adult lives.
This goes to show that teens are digital natives (Prensky) to the Internet. “Students today are all “native speakers” of the digital language of computers, video games and the Internet” (Prensky). I can definitely agree with Prensky’s argument, teens have phones that must access the Internet because they are simply bored with a regular phone. When I go to work I don’t see my phone until I’m done with my shift. The teens are constantly playing on the phone and checking new websites out, I can’t get them to work. I love to work with the teens because they teach me knew things and bring me up to date on things, but they cannot work without their phone nearby. “Computers games, Email, the Internet, cell phones and instant messaging are integral parts of their lives” (Prenky). This statement really defines who teenagers are today, digital natives. It was interesting to see in kid nation that they wanted more out houses than a TV. That surprised me because TV is an important part of their lives.
I wanted to make a clear statement by saying that teens are using Internet spaces in ways that may hurt their future. It may seem cool that you are on myspace and have more than a 100 friends but there will be consequences for inappropriate pictures. Whether it is other teens, parents, or employer’s people will view these sites and be shocked. I was glad that I was able to do this because I never explored these sites before. It absolutely was an eye opener for me. Being aware of what our youth is exposed to will only help us, help them understand the circumstances.
I have been looking at teen spaces lately and have been astounded by the images I have seen. I have witness teens doing and posing in pictures that will come back to haunt them in later years. Whether they were drinking underage or kissing a multitude of different partners the images were devastating. Being a teen a few years ago I did certain things that I was not proud of. When I was a teen the internet did have myspace and facebook so we didn’t put our pictures on the net. Times have changed and teens have no problem putting inappropriate pictures on the net.
I have taking the opportunity to check a few Internet websites from teens that I work with. One picture had a two teens and one had knife under the other teen’s throat. The other teens had pictures of them drinking underage and some pictures showed girls kissing each other. Two girls kissing is not the issue, but if you claim that you are straight you are performing an act that shows different aspect that carries a notion. I wanted to push that teens are not aware that these pictures will carry a ramification for them in future years. When they are going out a finding a prominent job and they come across a myspace page where there is a knife being held to your throat, employers will fawn upon it. The Internet is a public space but whatever pictures you put up it will stay there and anyone can retrieve them. I was interested to put up links to these websites but for confidentiality reasons I will respect the teens wish’s and will not do so. I spoke to them and explained that these pictures many cause a problem in future years. Some understood my point and others thought that I was crazy.
The teens in the facebbok and myspace page were of all different ages. There was an immense sexual representation in some spaces from both girls and boys. There were teens with their partners showing their affection towards each other. As far as race and class there were different ethnicity's and people for different social classes. Even if they did not have a computer they would use their friends and find ways to access a computer. These teen spaces are very important to them and will find any way to post the latest pictures. The implication from the teen’s perspective is to have fun and show what they did this weekend. The intention maybe innocent but certain photos will catch up to them in their adult lives.
This goes to show that teens are digital natives (Prensky) to the Internet. “Students today are all “native speakers” of the digital language of computers, video games and the Internet” (Prensky). I can definitely agree with Prensky’s argument, teens have phones that must access the Internet because they are simply bored with a regular phone. When I go to work I don’t see my phone until I’m done with my shift. The teens are constantly playing on the phone and checking new websites out, I can’t get them to work. I love to work with the teens because they teach me knew things and bring me up to date on things, but they cannot work without their phone nearby. “Computers games, Email, the Internet, cell phones and instant messaging are integral parts of their lives” (Prenky). This statement really defines who teenagers are today, digital natives. It was interesting to see in kid nation that they wanted more out houses than a TV. That surprised me because TV is an important part of their lives.
I wanted to make a clear statement by saying that teens are using Internet spaces in ways that may hurt their future. It may seem cool that you are on myspace and have more than a 100 friends but there will be consequences for inappropriate pictures. Whether it is other teens, parents, or employer’s people will view these sites and be shocked. I was glad that I was able to do this because I never explored these sites before. It absolutely was an eye opener for me. Being aware of what our youth is exposed to will only help us, help them understand the circumstances.
Final Project
I am interested to work with Danielle, She has an interesting point about teenagers starving themselves to fit a certain body image.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Assignment #1
The way teenagers think about work!
I conducted an interview at work regarding teenagers in the work environment. I asked basic question regarding why they are working and what do they spend their money on. I also asked why this a good place to work. I was amazed in their response but intrigued by what they said. Many have a view of teenagers as lazy and not part of the working society. In my analysis this theory is proven wrong and teenagers are a significant part in the restaurant business as well as the working society.
Many of the teenagers are working for basic needs and to pay for college. There was another teen who was working to satisfy his probation requirements. Also, there was a single mother working to pay for her child and her basic needs. There was a spectrum of different answers that I received which made the analysis diverse. These teens were different ages from 16-19 years of age; they also had different ethnicities and class differential. One thing that astounded me is that they all felt like Gregg’s was a family and was accommodating to their schedules. With this being said teenagers know what it feels like to be in a family and are respectful that the restaurant will accommodate their schedules. Many would argue that teens are self-centered and they do not think about things like this because they are to busy partying. The article Christensen wrote, agrees with my argument by stating that media and certain shows have a negative portrayal on teens “our society’s culture industry colonizes their minds and teaches them how to act, live, and dream”. Even though Christensen is talking about how certain TV shows have negative effects on kids and how some show’s teaches them that money is everything which is not the cases with the teens employed at Gregg’s. Yes, they are working for money but are spending it wisely on accomplishments they would like to see happen in their futures and for basic needs.
There is a quote from the Thomas Hine article that really represents what teenagers are “The teenager is the symbol of Americans’ rising aspiration, the repository of hopes, the one who will realize the American dream”. The teens I work with get this, that working hard and receiving and education will only promote their success and better their future. Teens are not an alien form they have emotions and aspiration that they would like to achieve. There are some teens who denote this quote but for the most part they are hard-working motivated individuals looking to better their future. Also they are in touch with their feelings. I was shocked that a sixteen year old told me that Gregg’s felt like a family. I would have never guessed that many felt this way. It is awesome that they enjoy coming to work and the restaurant would not run without most of them. They are an important part of the working society and fun to work with digital natives. I constantly learn new things from them whether it is trying to work on a sidekick or the new hip words, either way its fun.
I wanted to push the glass by stating that teens are hard working and in touch with their feelings. When I work with a teen I don’t need a special book. I read them for who they are and it is exciting to hear about their stories and why they enjoy working at Gregg’s. Teens are normal so read them for who they are!
Many of the teenagers are working for basic needs and to pay for college. There was another teen who was working to satisfy his probation requirements. Also, there was a single mother working to pay for her child and her basic needs. There was a spectrum of different answers that I received which made the analysis diverse. These teens were different ages from 16-19 years of age; they also had different ethnicities and class differential. One thing that astounded me is that they all felt like Gregg’s was a family and was accommodating to their schedules. With this being said teenagers know what it feels like to be in a family and are respectful that the restaurant will accommodate their schedules. Many would argue that teens are self-centered and they do not think about things like this because they are to busy partying. The article Christensen wrote, agrees with my argument by stating that media and certain shows have a negative portrayal on teens “our society’s culture industry colonizes their minds and teaches them how to act, live, and dream”. Even though Christensen is talking about how certain TV shows have negative effects on kids and how some show’s teaches them that money is everything which is not the cases with the teens employed at Gregg’s. Yes, they are working for money but are spending it wisely on accomplishments they would like to see happen in their futures and for basic needs.
There is a quote from the Thomas Hine article that really represents what teenagers are “The teenager is the symbol of Americans’ rising aspiration, the repository of hopes, the one who will realize the American dream”. The teens I work with get this, that working hard and receiving and education will only promote their success and better their future. Teens are not an alien form they have emotions and aspiration that they would like to achieve. There are some teens who denote this quote but for the most part they are hard-working motivated individuals looking to better their future. Also they are in touch with their feelings. I was shocked that a sixteen year old told me that Gregg’s felt like a family. I would have never guessed that many felt this way. It is awesome that they enjoy coming to work and the restaurant would not run without most of them. They are an important part of the working society and fun to work with digital natives. I constantly learn new things from them whether it is trying to work on a sidekick or the new hip words, either way its fun.
I wanted to push the glass by stating that teens are hard working and in touch with their feelings. When I work with a teen I don’t need a special book. I read them for who they are and it is exciting to hear about their stories and why they enjoy working at Gregg’s. Teens are normal so read them for who they are!
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