Abstract The American media's powerful influence can be seen through its portrayal of major events like the Vietnam War. The paper shows that Vietnam was America's first ?television war,? meaning that United States citizens were able to watch video clips of virtually uncensored images of war including exchanges of gunfire, atrocities and wounded and dead soldiers from both sides. It describes how the Vietnam War's images haunted the television, magazines, and newspapers. This paper covers issues including propaganda, television images, the massacre at My Lai, Son Thang 4, Trang Bang, the dulling effects of graphic images, and civilian protests.
From the Paper "On June 8, 1972 during an air raid of NVA fortifications just outside Trang Bang, a picture was taken of a girl running away from the bombings. Kim Phuc, then nine, was wearing no clothes, waving her arms, and had an expression of terror on her face. She and other civilians including photojournalists were mistaken as NVA and targeted by the pilots. Kim received major burns to the majority of her body. Up to this day, a myth exists that it was an American-ordered bombing and was executed by American pilots. This is not true. Both the officer who gave the order and the pilot who dropped the bomb were Vietnamese and operating without the aid of the United States Air Force. Nick Ut, the photographer who took the snapshot, won the Pulitzer Prize that year."
Abstract Compares and contrasts two sitcoms. Examines the TV families of "The Jeffersons" and "The Hughleys." Compares similar episodes to analyze what has changed and what has stayed the same over the past 25 years. Basic premise and characters of both shows. Differing life styles portrayed on each. Topics based on societal changes.
From the Paper "Introduction
"The more things change, the more they stay the same," is how the old saying goes. It has also been said that stereotypes start somewhere. This could not be more true than when applied to the concept of the family as perceived by the pop culture on television. Ever since the days of radio, families all over the United States have spent evenings listening or watching as a make-believe families either laughed or cried themselves through another episode. Through the years the "face" of these families have remained the same, yet many other basic assumptions have changed along the way. This paper will compare and contrast two of those TV families, "The Jeffersons" and "The Hughleys", by comparing similar episodes to examine what has changed and what has stayed the same over the last 25 years."
Abstract Discussion of whether media violence promotes violent behavior in children. Explores issue by examining several journal articles on the subject; the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments presented. How exposure to violence seen on television stimulates aggressive behavior. Makes argument for ethical considerations based on contention that TV violence is bad for children.
From the Paper "Introduction
Due to recent events around the country regarding teen violence, many commentators and critics have pointed to the increase in violent images on television, in movies, and in video games as cause for this violence (Halgin, 2001, p. 186). In "Issue 12: Does Media Violence Promote Violent Behavior in Young People?", R. P. Halgin sets forth two articles, "Media Violence: A Demonstrated Public Health Threat to Children" and "Violence in the Mass Media and Violence in Society: The Link is Unproven" to explore the apparent link between media violence and violence displayed by children (2001, p. 187).
Summary of Articles
In their article, "Media Violence: A Demonstrated Public Health Threat to Children," Huesmann and Moise attack Dr..."
Abstract Discusses the role of language, symbols and religion. Defines the words and terms. Personal or institutionalized system of religion found in almost every culture. Link of culture and language. Language development of children. Role of ethnicity in language development. Their symbolic thinking and learning process. Cultural value reinforcement. Symbolism of sub-cultures.
From the Paper "In order to understand the role language, symbols and religion play in shaping cultural influences, we must first understand the nature or definition of the words - language, symbol and religion. Language is words, their pronunciation, and even the methods of combining them as utilized and understood by a particular community. Even more directly, language is a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of items known as signs, sounds, gestures, or marks, each having its own understood meanings as suggested by objects, actions, or conditions of associated ideas or feelings. A symbol then, is something that represents or suggests something else by reason of its very relationship, association, convention, or accidental resemblance. It may also be an act, a sound, or ..."
Abstract This paper explores the complex workings of the brain and the effect brain development has on the communication capacity of an infant. It examines how a mother's brain activity affects the unborn child, as well as the emotional bond formed in the early years of a child's life. The paper shows that if the mother-child bond is fully developed, the child forms a secure attachment, which allows for better intellectual and socio-emotional development. The paper explores several subjects related to brain development, attachment and bonding and the process of developing communication capacity. It ends with a discussion of the 'Healthy Families' Indiana program, discussing how this program attempts to help parents in this complex and difficult process.
From the Paper "There is other evidence that this six-month period is crucial to language development. Kuhl (Hochberg, 1997) reported on language studies with Japanese and American infants dealing with distinctions between the "Ra" sound and the "la" sound. Both sets of infants were able to distinguish between these sounds at the age of six months. However, by the age of one year, the Japanese children were no longer able to do so. Because Japanese does not distinguish between these two sounds, their brains had discarded the neural connections that helped them distinguish between the two sounds. They were unneeded for their particular language learning. Certainly this has implications for bilingual development. It is during this period of time, according to Kuhl, that the brain is being organized in order to prepare itself for a specific language."
Abstract This paper discusses how, over the years, U.S. culture has managed to integrate bits and pieces of itself into the languages, music, movies, television and the traditional values of foreign cultures, thus changing them. It evaluates how the amount of integration has become an increasing problem as more and more U.S. culture becomes prevalent in foreign cultures and how foreigners may be in jeopardy of losing their cultural identity to U.S. cultures. The paper also includes the effects of influences such as individualism and feminism.
From the Paper "Another section of U.S. culture that squirms its way into other cultures and influences that culture is music. Many great U.S. bands have started their careers in other countries. Jimi Hendrix got his big break by touring the United Kingdom, and most U.S. citizens will never forget that, for some reason, Germans love David Hasselhoff. The big artists in the U.S. today play a large role in foreign cultures. Many bands such as N"Sync, Marylin Manson, and Weezer depend on foreign markets as a major part of their income. The 2002 MTV Asia Awards are a prime example of this kind of influence. There are six international categories for music artists to compete in, and the winners were picked by viewers that called in their votes (Morris). In each of these categories no Asian artists were nominated, and these nominations were mainly of U.S. artists such as Britney Spears, N"Sync, the Backstreet Boys, Linkin Park and Bon Jovi("The Nominees")."
Abstract The first few minutes of a business meeting can be very crucial to a company. When dealing with the Japanese culture, or any other culture for that matter, one may come across things that are very different from what one is used to in America. It is no surprise that different cultures have different values and beliefs. These values tend to come into conflict when communicating with cultures that business people are unfamiliar with. This conflict, which occurs during the communication process, can cost companies thousands of dollars in profits if it is not handled properly. This problem needs to be addressed so that employers and executives have a better idea of how to handle the situation when it occurs. This report demonstrates the issues which need to be addressed to prepare an American for a business meeting in Japan and how the American can make a good first impression. The paper gives recommendations to management and other people who may want to implement a strategy for improving their employees? or their own communication skills.
From the Paper "To understand the business culture of the Japanese, we must understand their day-to-day culture and etiquette. The Japanese are very group-oriented and homogeneous. Japanese will think of the group first rather than themselves. No one is completely independent in Japan; they must always be conscientious about others (Condon 9). Americans are more individualized and focus on themselves before the group. The Japanese prefer to have unanimous agreement rather than agreement by the most votes. They believe in negotiating until agreement emerges and if unanimity does not materialize it is better to defer making the decision."
Abstract This paper explores how the issue of violence on television, which was raised in the past, is once more being given considerable attention in the media, by congress, and in the public at large. The writer comments that one of the driving forces behind the current concerns over televised violence is the fact that the public perceives American society as itself becoming more violent, in spite of crime statistics showing otherwise. The paper makes reference to a number of studies conducted on this topic while mentioning their failure to really answer the questions raised on increasing violence on TV and its effects.
From the Paper "While these questions frame the issue, they are questions that have not been answered. An attempt to answer some of these has been made in various studies, the most prominent of the recent examples being the report by the UCLA Center for Communication Policy. The authors of the report point out that everyone has an opinion about television violence precisely because television is so accessible and important in people's lives."
Abstract This paper explores how Berger's Uncertainty Reduction theory is a useful basis for understanding the interaction between two people, especially when they first meet. It is scientific in approach, and therefore like all theories, has some major weaknesses. However, these shortcomings are not enough to make one completely dismiss the theory. The writer believes the theory is a solid basis upon which other theorists can build superior communication theories.
From the Paper "The Uncertainty Reduction Theory, by Charles Berger, is a scientific attempt to explain the interaction between two people, primarily those meeting for the first time. According to Berger, the main goal of each participant in conversation is to predict the reaction of the other person and to reduce the amount of uncertainty that is inherent in a first encounter. Em Griffin, the author of A First Look at Communication, says that Berger "believes it's natural to have doubts about our ability to predict the outcome of initial encounters""the beginnings of relationships are fraught with uncertainties"? (136). Due to this intriguing nature, Berger aims to discover and justify the links behind the interactional process in a scientific framework meanwhile proving that "uncertainty is central to all social interaction" (Griffin 142)."
Tags: axioms, communication, dialogue, human, interaction, psychology, theory
Abstract An analysis of the move of "USA Today" from a newspaper that had a distinct non-elusive image of being both easy-to-read and easy to peruse into a semi-interactive internet site. This brief, yet coherent, analysis of the problems is divided into three parts: a) The efficacy and power of the "USA Today" print branding; b) The loss of that efficacy and power by a misunderstanding of interactivity on the World Wide Web, and c) suggested implementable options available to "USA Today" management to rectify the problems.
From the Paper "The "USA TODAY" print publication counted its circulation growth by using total number of copies sold, which accounted for its 2.2 million circulation figure, a figure, which, by the way, allowed it to charge premium rates to advertisers. A second way in which "USA TODAY" online differs from "USA TODAY" offline, is in the viewer usability. It must not be forgotten that no special equipment is necessary for reading the offline version (standard print) while to read the online version, the reader must have a) a computer, b) a modem, c) Internet Connectivity, d) a Web browser, and e) patience."
Abstract This paper explores the issue of violence in society. The paper attempts to understand where the violence comes from, beginning with a look at violence on TV and how it effects children. The writer offers statistics on the topic to try and show the levels of violent acts in different areas of society, including those from under-privileged areas who are more accustomed to seeing violence. The paper also offers some brief potential solutions for violent tendencies.
From the Paper "However, most of us will not experience some kind of serious head injury that changes who we are in such an important way. The research on things like violence in television and video games is mixed, and the fact remains that while most people watch television, most people do not become murderers. While some research on television habits shows an increase in aggression (Hough, 1997), it hasn?t been tied to murder and other serious acts of violence."
An examination of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that companies will encounter when conducting global commerce by way of the internet.
Abstract This paper discusses how the internet has unleashed a vast amount of opportunity for business and organizations seeking to expand their customer base beyond the borders of their home countries. It demonstrates how the internet's possibilities are virtually limitless as it has the power to connect anyone, anywhere at anytime to people on the opposite side of the world in just seconds. While there are many benefits of using the internet as a vehicle for international business, the paper focuses on two of them, the capability to reach potential customers worldwide and the ability to lower costs, which helps to streamline operating expenses.
From the Paper "The Internet has forever changed the way the world conducts business. The possibilities are endless and the opportunities for both buyers and sellers are vast. Any business with a web site or any individual posting goods for sale via the Internet is automatically a member of the global marketplace. A small clothing boutique in Indiana with an online store has a potential customer base of people from all over the world. The benefits of using the Internet for international commerce are many; a S.W.O.T. analysis reveals both the pros and cons of conducting international commerce via the World Wide Web. The most attractive reasons for Internet commerce usually are an increased customer base and the opportunity to reduce operating costs. The most significant weakness if using the Internet for international business lies in the fact that not all goods and services can be sold via the Internet and some firms may be at a disadvantage if they try to sell a product over the World Wide Web which sellers usually prefer human contact in order to close the deal."
Abstract This paper focuses on the effects of violence in television programming on a youth's tendency for juvenile delinquency and violence. The introductory part of the paper thus examines the violent content in television programming, particularly programming geared towards children. This section discusses how violent content is often embedded in even the most innocuous children's programming. The next part of the paper looks at the ways television contributes to delinquent behavior among teens and children. This paper argues that television contributes to such behavior in three main ways. First, children tend to imitate the behavior they see on television. Second, depictions of violence and crime often desensitize young viewers to the dire consequences of these actions. Finally, such depictions often falsely give teens and children a much bleaker picture of the world around them, contributing to a "nothing to lose" worldview that can contribute to criminal behavior.
In the last section, the paper looks at ways in which media and television have contributed positively to the behavior and values of children and teens. Towards this, the various ways in which media can have positive effects are discussed.
From the Paper "In its evaluation of almost 10,000 hours of broadcast programming from 1995 to 1997, the National Television Violence Study found that 61 percent of television programs portrayed acts of violence. Most of this violence was glamorized, committed by characters that are otherwise presented as positive role models. While many of the violent acts that would cause serious harm or death in real life, the programs neutralize these lethal effects through the lack of painful effects or through humor (Center for Communication and Social Policy 1998). In addition, less that 20 percent of these programs devote airtime to the long-term effects of violence on the victims, their families, their friends or the community in general. Less than five percent of violent programs feature an anti-violence message. In fact, in more than one-third of these programs, the violent offenders go unpunished (Center for Communication and Social Policy 1998)."
Abstract This paper introduces and analyzes three journal articles on non-verbal communication. The first article is "Methods and Techniques: A Method for Teaching about Verbal and Nonverbal Communication" by Mark Costanzo which discusses teaching non-verbal communication by using the Interpersonal Perception Task (IPT). The second article is "The Effect of Smiling and of Head Tilting on Person Perception" by Emma Otta et al, which profiles a study on head tilting and smiling and the effect it has on the perception of the person. The third article is "The Nature of Rapport and its Nonverbal Correlates" by Linda Tickle-Degnen and Robert Rosenthal which discusses rapport as another important form of nonverbal communication and how rapport changes as a relationship matures.
From the Paper "Ultimately, the researchers discovered that head posture had a "weaker" effect on the viewer than smiling did. What this shows is how powerful nonverbal communication can be, even when first meeting a person. How we perceive their movements and facial expressions can give us clues to how they are feeling, and how we might interact with them. These clues include how happy the person is, how reliable they are, how sympathetic they are, and how optimistic they are. All these qualities were perceived simply from a photograph, not from a physical meeting with the person. The study concluded that smiling is an extremely important form of nonverbal communication, and it is used universally as a recognizable and pleasing form of nonverbal communication."
Abstract This paper begins with a brief statement describing the September 11th terrorist attacks on the U.S. The paper then looks into distinct views that the media has put forth regarding the similar historic as well as tragic event. Furthermore, the paper applies the social theory of suicide by one of the most eminent social theorists, Emile Durkheim to the terrorist attacks of September 11. Hence sociological as well as theoretical analysis of the event under consideration provide a deeper insight into the much-neglected perspective on the issue.
From the Paper "With skyscrapers falling apart, media could not help but make headlines as well as big bucks. However, it did a great job in presenting various viewpoints thereby uncovering the possible motives behind such ruthless act of violence. Many believed and shared the similar notion with the media saying that all of it happened as a result of the rat race for the "viral power" (Arthur & Kroker). However, most of the people be it experts, scholars, social scientists as well as politicians considered these attacks a form of religious fanaticism. Some of the experts from the medical line of profession and many psychologists as well as psychiatrists thought the reason why some of the people could go to such a length to accomplish their vested interested and get motivated so much so as to take away their own precious lives can be the psychological illnesses as well as the obsessive commitment to one's religion."
Tags: terrorism, television, cnn, arab, islam, suicide, bomber, violence, twin, towers, world, trade, center
