Blog is closed now.
I'll hand back the final blog post grade and comment grade on 7/22 in class.
Dr. B
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Obama a Super Hero? Kids are Jedis?
http://sendables.jibjab.com/originals/hes_barack_obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9dQ1kKyLnw
The first link above is a video about Super Obama, a perfect example of media convergence in politics. As Henry Jenkins might say, this video is “serious fun.” (Jenkins, 218) In the video above, the creators make President Obama into a super hero showcasing all his wonderful abilities that only he has. They also demonstrate the pros and cons of Barack Obama being the President of the United States in this video. As it is clear to see, this video applies to ethos, logos, and pathos. Who wouldn’t want a President that could save the world as Obama is portrayed in this video? It is only logical to have such a human being be your President when they are capable of conquering such obstacles as the ones that our country faces. Oh, not to mention that he is the President so you can’t get much more authority than that. As you can see, “we are already living in a convergence culture.” (Jenkins 223) Also, this type of media gives us good information about our President; however it shows us how “the political role of the internet is expanding without diminishing the power of broadcast media.” (Jenkins, 225) Twelve years ago, you may have never seen such a video about any politician just because the ‘consumers’, us, were not bold enough to become part of the “participatory culture.” Hopefully after viewing the video, you can see that this is the way of media convergence for politics, but there is still more to come.
The second link I am using is from a high school near the local area where I live. The clip is about two anchors that don’t want to lose their job on their daily broadcasting show. So they decide to make their own Star Wars movie to incorporate a rebellion against the tyranny of the media instructor. In this “reimaging” of Star Wars, I believe the fan is trying to demonstrate to the school how they are willing to fight to until death for their jobs. Though these guys may be amateurs, “they are duplicating special effects that had cost a small fortune to generate only a decade earlier.” (Jenkins, 147) This type of film reveals another type of Media Convergence, Cinema Fandom. “The Web represents a site of experimentation and innovation, where amateurs test the waters”, like the ones above. (Jenkins, 152) However, if it wasn’t for their open mindedness to participate in the ‘participatory culture’ they may not have ever become part of the Cinema Fandom. Henry Jenkins said, “fans and other subcultural groups are not going to return to docility and invisibility.” This is entirely true and the kids above are a great example. Once you become part of the Cinema Fandom there is no turning back. Once you are able to use your favorite movies into a medium of expressing an idea, there is no reason for you to go back to your old ways in explain how you believe things should work with just basic words.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9dQ1kKyLnw
The first link above is a video about Super Obama, a perfect example of media convergence in politics. As Henry Jenkins might say, this video is “serious fun.” (Jenkins, 218) In the video above, the creators make President Obama into a super hero showcasing all his wonderful abilities that only he has. They also demonstrate the pros and cons of Barack Obama being the President of the United States in this video. As it is clear to see, this video applies to ethos, logos, and pathos. Who wouldn’t want a President that could save the world as Obama is portrayed in this video? It is only logical to have such a human being be your President when they are capable of conquering such obstacles as the ones that our country faces. Oh, not to mention that he is the President so you can’t get much more authority than that. As you can see, “we are already living in a convergence culture.” (Jenkins 223) Also, this type of media gives us good information about our President; however it shows us how “the political role of the internet is expanding without diminishing the power of broadcast media.” (Jenkins, 225) Twelve years ago, you may have never seen such a video about any politician just because the ‘consumers’, us, were not bold enough to become part of the “participatory culture.” Hopefully after viewing the video, you can see that this is the way of media convergence for politics, but there is still more to come.
The second link I am using is from a high school near the local area where I live. The clip is about two anchors that don’t want to lose their job on their daily broadcasting show. So they decide to make their own Star Wars movie to incorporate a rebellion against the tyranny of the media instructor. In this “reimaging” of Star Wars, I believe the fan is trying to demonstrate to the school how they are willing to fight to until death for their jobs. Though these guys may be amateurs, “they are duplicating special effects that had cost a small fortune to generate only a decade earlier.” (Jenkins, 147) This type of film reveals another type of Media Convergence, Cinema Fandom. “The Web represents a site of experimentation and innovation, where amateurs test the waters”, like the ones above. (Jenkins, 152) However, if it wasn’t for their open mindedness to participate in the ‘participatory culture’ they may not have ever become part of the Cinema Fandom. Henry Jenkins said, “fans and other subcultural groups are not going to return to docility and invisibility.” This is entirely true and the kids above are a great example. Once you become part of the Cinema Fandom there is no turning back. Once you are able to use your favorite movies into a medium of expressing an idea, there is no reason for you to go back to your old ways in explain how you believe things should work with just basic words.
Obama Controversies and Common Sense
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKFKGrmsBDk
Without looking at the info on the side, can you tell who the person in this video is? If you didn’t know, it is Thomas Paine (well, a man dressed up as Thomas Paine) and he is dressed up like this for a reason. This piece provides a good combination of media convergence, grassroots movement, and collective intelligence. This grassroots video was made by a group of people who are trying to reach the American people. According to them, America is being pulled right out from under them. Things such as offering Spanish in all scripts. The fact that the man is dressed up as Thomas Paine is very significant. It is an attempt to show how important it is that the American people need to do something soon before it is too late. This grassroots video is very popular and very influential. Videos of this sort are so influential that institutions are taking their models from grassroots videos, such as this one (Jenkins 219). This video is certainly not for everyone though and certainly didn’t have the same viral effect as the true majority group. With websites like YouTube existing today, it is so much easier to broadcast the videos you post, especially politically significant videos like this. This video is part of media convergence for the because part of media convergence is that every important story or opinion gets told (Jenkins 3).
http://img444.imageshack.us/i/birtdees12107747ur0.jpg/
Do you think Barack Obama was legitimately born in the United States? This political cartoon addresses the Barack Obama birth certificate controversy in a humorous way. In my opinion, I want to believe he was born in the United States. As one of the three rules for being president, you have to have been born in the United States. I find it fishy that there is even a question that he might not have been born in the United States. Anyway, the whole thing is entirely speculation. If he was born in the United States, what is the problem with simply showing your birth certificate? This argument really appeals to people’s logic, or logos. Why can’t the president just simply present his certificate? In the political cartoon, the picture supports the speculations that Barack was actually born in Kenya. If this were the case, he isn’t eligible to be our president. (Much evidence to reinforce my claims needed) The creator of this political cartoon is simply trying to express his opinion and influence others to look into the controversy. Anyone who doesn’t live under a rock has heard about the Obama birth certificate controversy. This is part of media convergence because, according to Jenkins and his definition of media convergence, every important story gets told.
Without looking at the info on the side, can you tell who the person in this video is? If you didn’t know, it is Thomas Paine (well, a man dressed up as Thomas Paine) and he is dressed up like this for a reason. This piece provides a good combination of media convergence, grassroots movement, and collective intelligence. This grassroots video was made by a group of people who are trying to reach the American people. According to them, America is being pulled right out from under them. Things such as offering Spanish in all scripts. The fact that the man is dressed up as Thomas Paine is very significant. It is an attempt to show how important it is that the American people need to do something soon before it is too late. This grassroots video is very popular and very influential. Videos of this sort are so influential that institutions are taking their models from grassroots videos, such as this one (Jenkins 219). This video is certainly not for everyone though and certainly didn’t have the same viral effect as the true majority group. With websites like YouTube existing today, it is so much easier to broadcast the videos you post, especially politically significant videos like this. This video is part of media convergence for the because part of media convergence is that every important story or opinion gets told (Jenkins 3).
http://img444.imageshack.us/i/birtdees12107747ur0.jpg/
Do you think Barack Obama was legitimately born in the United States? This political cartoon addresses the Barack Obama birth certificate controversy in a humorous way. In my opinion, I want to believe he was born in the United States. As one of the three rules for being president, you have to have been born in the United States. I find it fishy that there is even a question that he might not have been born in the United States. Anyway, the whole thing is entirely speculation. If he was born in the United States, what is the problem with simply showing your birth certificate? This argument really appeals to people’s logic, or logos. Why can’t the president just simply present his certificate? In the political cartoon, the picture supports the speculations that Barack was actually born in Kenya. If this were the case, he isn’t eligible to be our president. (Much evidence to reinforce my claims needed) The creator of this political cartoon is simply trying to express his opinion and influence others to look into the controversy. Anyone who doesn’t live under a rock has heard about the Obama birth certificate controversy. This is part of media convergence because, according to Jenkins and his definition of media convergence, every important story gets told.
Cinema Fandom & Politics
*Cinema Fandom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUZ3K0DQFy8&feature=channel_page
Today, the computer offers all kind of opportunities for interacting with media content. There are more people (fans) making the fan-made trailer or clip, movie spoof, etc. In chapter 4 of Jenkins’ Convergence Culture, he mentions that “fan filmmakers are starting to make their way into the mainstream industry” (Jenkins 136). The video link above is a fan-made four minutes trailer. It takes clips from Twilight, Blood and Chocolate, The Messengers, Dido – Don’ t Leave Home, and some scenes from the website, http://www.regretfulsorrows.webs.com/. The fan also chose the audio and editing by him/her. Participation is assembled by the cultural and social protocols. Jenkins points out that today’s “participation is more open-ended, less under the control of media producers and more under the control of media consumers” (Jenkins 137). Many people take the original movies, TV shows, dramas, and trailers transform to their own media. Grant McCracke, the cultural anthropologist and industry consultant, give advice that in the future, “media producers must accommodate consumer demands to participate or they will run the risk of losing the most active and passionate consumers” (Jenkins 138). People that lived in old media era may not have used the video transformation. However, today’s technology is better; therefore, lots people are transforming the commercial media to their own media.
Today, the computer offers all kind of opportunities for interacting with media content. There are more people (fans) making the fan-made trailer or clip, movie spoof, etc. In chapter 4 of Jenkins’ Convergence Culture, he mentions that “fan filmmakers are starting to make their way into the mainstream industry” (Jenkins 136). The video link above is a fan-made four minutes trailer. It takes clips from Twilight, Blood and Chocolate, The Messengers, Dido – Don’ t Leave Home, and some scenes from the website, http://www.regretfulsorrows.webs.com/. The fan also chose the audio and editing by him/her. Participation is assembled by the cultural and social protocols. Jenkins points out that today’s “participation is more open-ended, less under the control of media producers and more under the control of media consumers” (Jenkins 137). Many people take the original movies, TV shows, dramas, and trailers transform to their own media. Grant McCracke, the cultural anthropologist and industry consultant, give advice that in the future, “media producers must accommodate consumer demands to participate or they will run the risk of losing the most active and passionate consumers” (Jenkins 138). People that lived in old media era may not have used the video transformation. However, today’s technology is better; therefore, lots people are transforming the commercial media to their own media.
*Politics
The fifth chapter in the Jenkins’ Convergence Culture talks about “Photoshop for Democracy”. Internet is very developed today. More people choose to discuss on the internet. Joe Trippi, Dean’s campaign manager, describes television as “an inherently passive (and pacifying) technology” (Jenkins 221). He states that “While TV was a medium that rendered as dumb, disengaged, and disconnected; the Internet makes us smarter, more involved, and better informed” (Jenkins 221). Photoshopped images today have political effects, and represents hybrid spaces where people are able to “change the language of politics” (Jenkins 220). The election in March this year has caught attention from foreign countries and was an impressive election. Even though I have not had a chance to experience, however, it was influential. Photoshopped images often map themes from popular culture onto the political campaign (Jenkins 233). The picture above of President Obama was photoshopped. The name of the picture is called “Obama Bin Laden”. There are supporters and opponents in the politic. This image may be created by those who are oppose. There are many people discuss politic today; while Jenkins mentions about that what the people “…are talking about is a shift in the public’s role in the political process, bringing the realm of political discourse closer to the everyday life experiences of citizens…is a shift from the individualized conception of the informed citizen toward the collaborative concept of a monitorial citizen” (Jenkins, 219).
Youtube Spoofs and Political Photoshop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sYBqhOEdRQ
Batman The Dark Night was one of the most seen movies in America this year. Grossing in a total of 1,001,921,825 worldwide the movie continues to grow in fan base. When the first early trailer was released fans worldwide waited in anticipation for the films arrival. This hilarious spoof of The Dark Night’s trailer is a great example of converging culture. Jenkins states, Consumers are learning how to use these different media technologies to bring the flow of media more fully under their control and to interact with other consumers” (18) This short choppy film shows how fans will imitate one of their favorite movies for a quick laugh.
The public will find many ways to criticize a political candidate, and now with technology’s like Photoshop it’s never been more fun. In Converging Cultures Jenkins writes, “The 2004 campaign was a period of innovation and experimentation in the use of new media technologies and popular-culture-based strategies.” As if foreseeing the future in the 2008 election innovation by the public was even more publicized. It’s not hard to find a picture on Google of Barack Obama wearing a turban or a picture of John McCain falling into a casket. People make this pictures to highlight opponents flaws, however voters take them seriously. The hilarious but demining SNL skit of Sarah Palin was estimated to loose her over one million votes. Not all campaign pictures or videos are negative, Obama’s campaign managers understood that by making all pictures of him seem simple and to the point. For example his HOPE picture in red, white and blue gives him the appearance of a sturdy leader.
Arguments through Funny Photo and Fan Fiction
Here is a picture of former presidential candidate John McCain. The picture was taken of him looking down at a Sharpie marker, and bold white letters run across the picture that say, “Man, I miss clay tablets.”
This political art makes a humorous statement toward McCain’s age. The words “clay tablets” have an ancient connotation. The audience for this political message would most likely be young voters. The fact that the picture was found on the internet shows that it is aimed at younger voters as seen in how Henry Jenkins describes the internet as a “pull medium (which serves those with an active interest in seeking out information on a particular topic)”.(pg 213) Voters look for many qualities in a presidential candidate, and a younger candidate may give a better impression of strength and vitality. Although John McCain’s long life has made him a war hero and an experienced politician, the creator of this photo was trying to show McCain’s age as one of his weaknesses. According to Jenkins, a political photo is one way to, “pump up the negatives of a rival candidate” (pg 209). The overall message is that if you are too old you cannot adapt to change. Who knows if messages like this and others helped sway voters to support Barrack Obama to his election in 2008?
Grocery Store Wars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVrIyEu6h_E
Grocery Store Wars, a creative video parody of Star Wars, uses different organic vegetables to represent Star Wars characters. These veggie characters include Cuke (Luke), Obi-Wan Cannoli, (Obi-Wan Kenobie), the farm (the force), Princess Lettuce (Princess Leia), Darth Tater (Vader), and many others. Along with iconic characters, the parody includes many original lines and scenes from the movies. The video even uses original music and noises from the films; a trend common in fan created Star Wars films according to Jenkins: “amateur filmmakers often make use of commercially available costumes and props, sample music from the soundtrack album and sounds of Star Wars videos or computer games”. (pg 146) This video is likely targeted toward Star Wars movie fans, since many the puns would go over the heads of people unfamiliar with the movies. This video’s main purpose is to be humorous and clever, although the parody also makes an argument supporting organic vegetables. The non-organic foods are portrayed as being part of the evil dark side. The main villain Darth Tater is described as being “more chemical than vegetable”. There are even comically exaggerated scenes of vegetables being radiated along an assembly line, dosed with chemical pesticides, and injected with large needles. Grocery Store Wars is a great example of fan participatory culture because it draws content from “commercial culture” and makes something new that other fans can appreciate.
Convergence: Grassroots and Photoshop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8z4E0_-si4
This minute long synopsis is of Hamlet, animated. It involves all of the elements of Hamlet, but also creates a parody of it throughout the course of the video. This features convergence because it involves the fusion of theater, animation and the internet. On grassroots filmmaking like this, Mr. Jenkins states that, “the web provides an exhibition outlet moving amateur filmmaking from private into public space.” This is the exact kind of break that amateur filmmakers needed. The internet allows the mass distribution of works throughout the entire world, and lets the rest of the world find out about these amateur filmmakers. Because of this, people that create home videos are now able to post them on the internet and let anyone view them.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKGFbtnlxZA8Jdi9igbfiC2AfbisffTyz-ZosS6chBqYoESgYQ3kYtd6WrRSPFlp1b4FvFy7yDv-onBE5sAlgXjr_uVyxE-rwIeOmJJvqrVv2xZGlVcANdGWWUtNJJVmGC1fuaxXBS6Oc/s1600-h/obama_hood2.png
For this piece of Photoshop artwork, the artist mixed a portrait of Obama with Robin Hood, with the tag line, “This time, trust us.” This piece of artwork is really showing how people don’t believe in Obama’s policies, and that what he says he is doing is right. Jenkins states that “the 2004 campaign was a period of innovation and experimentation in the use of new media technologies and popular-culture-based strategies.” Even though this quote is about the 2004 election, it still offers a brilliant insight into the 2008 election and the distribution of media. Many of the people that Obama gained his votes from learned about him through the internet. Also, people were persuaded to go out and vote because of the internet, and because they were able to see the outcomes of the recent polls and debates through the computer.
This minute long synopsis is of Hamlet, animated. It involves all of the elements of Hamlet, but also creates a parody of it throughout the course of the video. This features convergence because it involves the fusion of theater, animation and the internet. On grassroots filmmaking like this, Mr. Jenkins states that, “the web provides an exhibition outlet moving amateur filmmaking from private into public space.” This is the exact kind of break that amateur filmmakers needed. The internet allows the mass distribution of works throughout the entire world, and lets the rest of the world find out about these amateur filmmakers. Because of this, people that create home videos are now able to post them on the internet and let anyone view them.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKGFbtnlxZA8Jdi9igbfiC2AfbisffTyz-ZosS6chBqYoESgYQ3kYtd6WrRSPFlp1b4FvFy7yDv-onBE5sAlgXjr_uVyxE-rwIeOmJJvqrVv2xZGlVcANdGWWUtNJJVmGC1fuaxXBS6Oc/s1600-h/obama_hood2.png
For this piece of Photoshop artwork, the artist mixed a portrait of Obama with Robin Hood, with the tag line, “This time, trust us.” This piece of artwork is really showing how people don’t believe in Obama’s policies, and that what he says he is doing is right. Jenkins states that “the 2004 campaign was a period of innovation and experimentation in the use of new media technologies and popular-culture-based strategies.” Even though this quote is about the 2004 election, it still offers a brilliant insight into the 2008 election and the distribution of media. Many of the people that Obama gained his votes from learned about him through the internet. Also, people were persuaded to go out and vote because of the internet, and because they were able to see the outcomes of the recent polls and debates through the computer.
Media Convergence
Politics
Since the recent election of Obama versus McCain, everyone has been questioning as to why Sarah Palin for Vice President? Someone made this poster as a DVD cover for an “upcoming movie.” On the heart, McCain is holding up the issues and controversies of Sarah Palin. Even for credibility there are short comments added by famous people like Bill Clinton. The caption in the bottom looks exactly like on a DVD cover (not to forget the rating – PG). This form of “convergence manages to describe technological, industrial, cultural, and social changes” through other people’s creative ideas (Jenkins, 3). This was possibly done using photo editing software such as Photoshop. It shows all the issues people has been discussing about Palin, with a bit of a comic relief. The creator is holding up all the facts of Sarah Palin satirically and kind of insultingly, but in a way that’s just funny and not offensive.
Cinema Fandom
The provided link gives a whole new aspect to the movie Lion King. It converts the touching story of Simba, into a horrific tale. Where everyone loves the original Simba and his innocence, this clip shows him as a fierce killer, who cares about nothing but revenge. The video uses original scenes and dialogues from the movie but each scene is chopped up in small snippets, accompanied by noises of gun shots. The creator uses random screams and dialogues like “I almost got killed back there” and “give me one good reason why I shouldn’t rip you apart” to emphasize the “evilness” of the movie. Like Jenkins said “convergence occurs within the brains of individual consumers” and that “each of us constructs our own personal mythology from bits and fragments of information extracted from the media.” (Jenkins, 3) Therefore, it is the contribution of all the consumers that allows us to see such a diverse version, using different forms of media and a whole new perspective.
Media Convergence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yFevH0deKE&feature=related
Star Wars, apart from possibly Star Trek, has the widest and most diverse fan base of any franchise. Every year conventions and conferences are held to those who adore and live Star Wars. In this video clip, the fan goes so far as to pretend to be a jedi and dispatch shots from a laser gun. The ‘jedi’ loves the franchise so much that he wants to be a part of the action and wants to be in the middle of his favorite series. Henry Jenkins says in his book Convergence Culture, “This is what happens when consumers take media into their own hands…within convergence culture, everyone’s a participant…” (132)
Barack Obama’s middle name caused numerous racial and ethnic slurs by the media and public. Hussein is infamous in American culture as a result of Sadam Hussein and the atrocities in Iraq. His Muslim background aids in the ridicule that he is ‘sleeping with the enemy’ and brings up images of the 9/11 attacks and Osama Bin Ladden. This image is targeted to opposers of Obama and to possibly sway followers of him. Henry Jenkins says that, while these images are poor substitutes for more traditional political media, it is the “degree to which amateurs are able to insert their images and thoughts into the political process…an in some cases these images can reach a large public.” (222) This saying that the converging culture around us has made it easier for us as consumers and participants to change the way certain event happen, may it be the re-airing of Star Trek or the political slandering of a candidate.
Gnar Wars fan film, Cheney with a gun, and Obama. Gotta Love America
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS4YAhSKfSU
In the “Quentin Tarantino’s Star Wars” chapter of Convergence Culture, Henry Jenkins states, “Amateur filmmakers are producing commercial- or near commercial-quality content in minuscule budgets.” This is very apparent in the fan made video Gnar Wars. When watching this video, it is very easy to spot what makes is appear legitimate. The costumes, the light sabers, the guns, and even the sounds all appear straight off of the big screen. The only issue with this film is Jenkins would consider it “fan fiction” which is exactly the type of thing George Lucas likes to avoid. These filmmakers go even farther off the wall by creating their own character names. According to Lucas, “Films must parody the existing Star Wars universe, or be a documentary of the Star Wars fan experience.” So is lay-man’s terms, a video called Gnar Wars that has its own story just wouldn’t be appropriate.
http://www.brockmills.com/.a/6a00e5527bc5c38833010536fc0284970b-500wi
http://www.brandweek.com/bw/photos/stylus/45295-ObamaAd.jpg
In one the chapters following, Jenkins writes, “The 2004 campaign was a period of innovation and experimentation in the use of new media technologies and popular-culture-based strategies.” One of the very important “strategies” being discussed here is the use of Photoshop for campaign attack ads. Though this was a very big issue during the election, it was also used in the years after to make fun of the current administration. One very large point of attack came when the Vice President shot someone in the face during a hunt. As seen in the image provided, Dick Cheney is photoshopped to be holding a smoking shotgun on the cover of a magazine. Obviously he didn’t really pose for this picture, but it made for a funny image. These opportunities to learn how this technology could better be used during the Bush administrations final years also led right into the 2008 election. However this time around, Obama’s camp decided to depict him as the bringer of hope in a picture with him only in Red, White, and Blue. This helped show the American people that he was willing to stand for all things American.
In the “Quentin Tarantino’s Star Wars” chapter of Convergence Culture, Henry Jenkins states, “Amateur filmmakers are producing commercial- or near commercial-quality content in minuscule budgets.” This is very apparent in the fan made video Gnar Wars. When watching this video, it is very easy to spot what makes is appear legitimate. The costumes, the light sabers, the guns, and even the sounds all appear straight off of the big screen. The only issue with this film is Jenkins would consider it “fan fiction” which is exactly the type of thing George Lucas likes to avoid. These filmmakers go even farther off the wall by creating their own character names. According to Lucas, “Films must parody the existing Star Wars universe, or be a documentary of the Star Wars fan experience.” So is lay-man’s terms, a video called Gnar Wars that has its own story just wouldn’t be appropriate.
http://www.brockmills.com/.a/6a00e5527bc5c38833010536fc0284970b-500wi
http://www.brandweek.com/bw/photos/stylus/45295-ObamaAd.jpg
In one the chapters following, Jenkins writes, “The 2004 campaign was a period of innovation and experimentation in the use of new media technologies and popular-culture-based strategies.” One of the very important “strategies” being discussed here is the use of Photoshop for campaign attack ads. Though this was a very big issue during the election, it was also used in the years after to make fun of the current administration. One very large point of attack came when the Vice President shot someone in the face during a hunt. As seen in the image provided, Dick Cheney is photoshopped to be holding a smoking shotgun on the cover of a magazine. Obviously he didn’t really pose for this picture, but it made for a funny image. These opportunities to learn how this technology could better be used during the Bush administrations final years also led right into the 2008 election. However this time around, Obama’s camp decided to depict him as the bringer of hope in a picture with him only in Red, White, and Blue. This helped show the American people that he was willing to stand for all things American.
Twilight and Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyreQCWMdKE
"The Web has made visible the hidden compromises that enabled participatory culture and commercial culture to coexist throughout much of the twentieth century." (Jenkins 137). In this commercial spoof the charachters ar real but the re-makers made their lips move differently and said their own lines to make fun of the movie New Moon. This in many ways is like Quentin Tarantino's Star Wars because it shows how people take a plot or sceens from a movie and change them into something else. Most of the time these people are doing it to make fun of the movie and just reinacting it. The actors in the New Moon trailor talk about how she is pregnant and how he wants an abortion. In the movie the girl gets pregnant and he does not want the baby so it just makes fun of them by participatory culture.
http://www.samizdata.net/blog/~pdeh/nope.jpg
In this picture of Barak Obama it shows his famous home image. But instaed of Hope it says Nope. This was obviously done by a person against Barack Obama. the point of the messege is that it is trying to say Barak Obama has no hope at all for this country and he does not need to be elected president. "Popular culture influenced the way that the compaigns courted their voters- but more importantly, it shaped how the publicprocessed and acted upon political discourse." (Jenkins 208). Our culture is very unforgiving now a days and will do anything to ruin someones image.
"The Web has made visible the hidden compromises that enabled participatory culture and commercial culture to coexist throughout much of the twentieth century." (Jenkins 137). In this commercial spoof the charachters ar real but the re-makers made their lips move differently and said their own lines to make fun of the movie New Moon. This in many ways is like Quentin Tarantino's Star Wars because it shows how people take a plot or sceens from a movie and change them into something else. Most of the time these people are doing it to make fun of the movie and just reinacting it. The actors in the New Moon trailor talk about how she is pregnant and how he wants an abortion. In the movie the girl gets pregnant and he does not want the baby so it just makes fun of them by participatory culture.
http://www.samizdata.net/blog/~pdeh/nope.jpg
In this picture of Barak Obama it shows his famous home image. But instaed of Hope it says Nope. This was obviously done by a person against Barack Obama. the point of the messege is that it is trying to say Barak Obama has no hope at all for this country and he does not need to be elected president. "Popular culture influenced the way that the compaigns courted their voters- but more importantly, it shaped how the publicprocessed and acted upon political discourse." (Jenkins 208). Our culture is very unforgiving now a days and will do anything to ruin someones image.
Machinima and photoshop fun times
In the chaper "Quentin Tarantino's Star Wars" of Convergence Culture Jenkins discusses the new form of fan made movies known as Machinima which is fan made video produced using video games. According to Jenkins book the genre fist appeared with the release of Doom in 1993. Machinima has become extremely popular among fans of the video game Halo. Many Halo machinima Halo videos can be found on YouTube and other video sites, a popular series being red vs blue. One of my favorite Halo Machinima series is "Master Chief Sucks at Halo"
The series uses scenes from the actual game, and Halo action figures. The basic premise of the series is about a Halo action figure who likes to play Halo but sucks at it, hence the name. The series typifies the combination of various materials described in Jenkins book, in reference to Star Wars fan fiction "The amateur filmmakers often make use of commercially available costumes and props, sample music from the soundtrack album and sounds of Star Wars videos or computer games" -(146)
In "Master Chief sucks at Halo", the main protagonist of the story is a Master Chief action figure, who is voiced by Microsoft Sam, who you may also know as "Your computers default vooice" and the scenes are largely recorded from the Halo video game with music mainly from the Halo series though sometimes sampled from other assorted sources.
For the second part of my post, i typed in political photoshop into google and chose the most amusing result
Obviously a major intent of this photoshop i humor. On a more serious level, if it is possible to have to on a picture like this, the image represents the incompatibility of Obama and Hillary Clinton and could be seen as a argument against Obama choosing her as vice president. This photoshoppery falls into the category of blunt images which Jenkins lists examples of on page 221 such as a picture of Bush's face morphed into Hitler or Kerry morphed into Herman Munster. While the image itself doesnt get people to think much deeper than "i would hate to have to see that thing on TV all the time", the hideous visual combination of Obama and Hillary might get people thinking about how a actual combination of the two on the Democratic party platform would not work as the candidates have such conflicting personalities and views on some issues.
The series uses scenes from the actual game, and Halo action figures. The basic premise of the series is about a Halo action figure who likes to play Halo but sucks at it, hence the name. The series typifies the combination of various materials described in Jenkins book, in reference to Star Wars fan fiction "The amateur filmmakers often make use of commercially available costumes and props, sample music from the soundtrack album and sounds of Star Wars videos or computer games" -(146)
In "Master Chief sucks at Halo", the main protagonist of the story is a Master Chief action figure, who is voiced by Microsoft Sam, who you may also know as "Your computers default vooice" and the scenes are largely recorded from the Halo video game with music mainly from the Halo series though sometimes sampled from other assorted sources.
For the second part of my post, i typed in political photoshop into google and chose the most amusing result
Obviously a major intent of this photoshop i humor. On a more serious level, if it is possible to have to on a picture like this, the image represents the incompatibility of Obama and Hillary Clinton and could be seen as a argument against Obama choosing her as vice president. This photoshoppery falls into the category of blunt images which Jenkins lists examples of on page 221 such as a picture of Bush's face morphed into Hitler or Kerry morphed into Herman Munster. While the image itself doesnt get people to think much deeper than "i would hate to have to see that thing on TV all the time", the hideous visual combination of Obama and Hillary might get people thinking about how a actual combination of the two on the Democratic party platform would not work as the candidates have such conflicting personalities and views on some issues.
The Dark Night Fandom and Propaganda
Cinema Fandom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sYBqhOEdRQ
According to Henry Jenkins, “ the current moment of media change is are affirming the right of everyday people to actively contribute to their culture”(136). People are trying constantly to be up-to-date on the popular culture, and they want to be associated with it. Consequently, they try to contribute to it; they want to have an identity with it. For example, in the “Dark Night Parody”, the producers wanted to be associated with this new film and add their own contribution. They tried to make it their own original little production. Another reason according to Jenkins that people produce their own little fan art is “people do bad art, get feedback, and get better” (140). These people are awed by the productions of artwork that the directors and producers make; they want to follow into the footsteps of these people. However, the only thing that is holding them back is that they are inexperienced. If they get feedback, they they are better able to produce various of their own productions. These people hope that they might someday make it big. In the “Dark Night Parody,” these people did an amazing job in imitating their own trailer of the film. However, experienced amateurs could give them tips on how to have better camera angles or better capture the sound. These films “are intended for audiences beyond the filmmaker's immediate circle of friend and acquaintances” (Jenkins 146-147). The makers of the “Dark Night Parody” wanted their film to been seen by a wide range of audiences, otherwise they would not have posted their video on youtube. If it was intended for an intimate audience, it would have not been posted on the internet where any person could access it. Lastly, according to Jenkins on why amateur film artists produce their own works of art is it “enables them to physically manipulate the characters to construct their own stories”(150). It gives the person the ability to actually fulfill their own fantasies of the characters and become creative with them. They use what has already been created (plot and characters) and make the story their original storyline. In “Dark Night Parody,” the producers personalize the trailer by having the joker 'disfigure' two-faced face by coloring him with sharpie. It is a bit of a hilarious scene, but it was their own personalize touch. They did imitate the film, but they made it lighthearted and comic to satisfy audiences.
Politics:
http://dcastle.deviantart.com/art/Obama-Propaganda-103418532
According to Jenkins, “Popular culture influenced the way that the campaigns courted their voter-but more importantly, it shaped how the public processed and acted upon political discourse” (219). If the public can better identify with a certain thing, in this case “The Dark Night,” they are better able to understand the concept. They are better what the propaganda is referring to. In this propaganda, Obama is photoshopped as the Joker. With the quotes of “Why so socialist?”, it implies that Obama has socialist ideas. This curbs the audience away from supporting Obama. This is used possibly used to “attract undecided voter and register new participants-especially the young” (220). Most teenagers have most likely seen the film and what it is referring to. Teenagers are then motivated to counteract this 'socialist' idea, and possibly vote anti-Obama. Another reason, young people find this pop culture more appealing in dealing with politics is that they “find the language of politics unfamiliar and uninvolving compared to the immediacy offered by popular entertainment” (239). Teenagers do not want to deal with the tedious talk when it comes to ideals; they are impatient and want to get to the point. They want to know what they can identify with and then make a decision off of that.
This political propaganda appeals greatly to the ethos appeal because it tries to counteract with the audience's belief of socialism. Most Americans view socialism as something bad and frightening. For example, the USSR was socialist and they were our archenemy for decades. Americans like the idea that were are a democratic country and have the ability to do as we please. Also, this appeals to the audience's pathos because it arises fear. America was terrified of the USSR for years thinking it would bomb it or arise another war. That form of government is different than what the American people stand for.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sYBqhOEdRQ
According to Henry Jenkins, “ the current moment of media change is are affirming the right of everyday people to actively contribute to their culture”(136). People are trying constantly to be up-to-date on the popular culture, and they want to be associated with it. Consequently, they try to contribute to it; they want to have an identity with it. For example, in the “Dark Night Parody”, the producers wanted to be associated with this new film and add their own contribution. They tried to make it their own original little production. Another reason according to Jenkins that people produce their own little fan art is “people do bad art, get feedback, and get better” (140). These people are awed by the productions of artwork that the directors and producers make; they want to follow into the footsteps of these people. However, the only thing that is holding them back is that they are inexperienced. If they get feedback, they they are better able to produce various of their own productions. These people hope that they might someday make it big. In the “Dark Night Parody,” these people did an amazing job in imitating their own trailer of the film. However, experienced amateurs could give them tips on how to have better camera angles or better capture the sound. These films “are intended for audiences beyond the filmmaker's immediate circle of friend and acquaintances” (Jenkins 146-147). The makers of the “Dark Night Parody” wanted their film to been seen by a wide range of audiences, otherwise they would not have posted their video on youtube. If it was intended for an intimate audience, it would have not been posted on the internet where any person could access it. Lastly, according to Jenkins on why amateur film artists produce their own works of art is it “enables them to physically manipulate the characters to construct their own stories”(150). It gives the person the ability to actually fulfill their own fantasies of the characters and become creative with them. They use what has already been created (plot and characters) and make the story their original storyline. In “Dark Night Parody,” the producers personalize the trailer by having the joker 'disfigure' two-faced face by coloring him with sharpie. It is a bit of a hilarious scene, but it was their own personalize touch. They did imitate the film, but they made it lighthearted and comic to satisfy audiences.
Politics:
http://dcastle.deviantart.com/art/Obama-Propaganda-103418532
According to Jenkins, “Popular culture influenced the way that the campaigns courted their voter-but more importantly, it shaped how the public processed and acted upon political discourse” (219). If the public can better identify with a certain thing, in this case “The Dark Night,” they are better able to understand the concept. They are better what the propaganda is referring to. In this propaganda, Obama is photoshopped as the Joker. With the quotes of “Why so socialist?”, it implies that Obama has socialist ideas. This curbs the audience away from supporting Obama. This is used possibly used to “attract undecided voter and register new participants-especially the young” (220). Most teenagers have most likely seen the film and what it is referring to. Teenagers are then motivated to counteract this 'socialist' idea, and possibly vote anti-Obama. Another reason, young people find this pop culture more appealing in dealing with politics is that they “find the language of politics unfamiliar and uninvolving compared to the immediacy offered by popular entertainment” (239). Teenagers do not want to deal with the tedious talk when it comes to ideals; they are impatient and want to get to the point. They want to know what they can identify with and then make a decision off of that.
This political propaganda appeals greatly to the ethos appeal because it tries to counteract with the audience's belief of socialism. Most Americans view socialism as something bad and frightening. For example, the USSR was socialist and they were our archenemy for decades. Americans like the idea that were are a democratic country and have the ability to do as we please. Also, this appeals to the audience's pathos because it arises fear. America was terrified of the USSR for years thinking it would bomb it or arise another war. That form of government is different than what the American people stand for.
Star Wars and Presidents and Spoofs! Oh My!
Cinema Fandom
Star Wars, a name so big in itself that it really needs no introduction. The series has a virtually endless fan base that frequently have gatherings in which they deck their selves in all of their paraphernalia just so they can get together and talk more Star Wars. It is a prime example of the media “cult” described by Henry Jenkins in his book Convergent Culture. On the Adult Swim television show Robot Chicken, the series creators dedicated an entire episode to parodying some of the most famous scenes from the Star Wars saga, a small portion showed in the link above. These short clips offer a free laugh to those within the “cult” of Star Wars, and are a prime example of participatory culture, a main point in Jenkins book. This is by no means the first time Star Wars has been the target of individuals tweaking the plot. Jenkins talks bout the spoof George Lucas in Love in his book as a way of showing fans displaying a comical side of Star Wars intertwined with Lucas’ real life (Jenkins 139). In fact the entire chapter, “Quentin Tarantino’s Star Wars?”, is full of these examples with names like Boba Fett: Bounty Trail and When Senators Attack IV.
Politics
Jenkins states, “We can see citizens starting to apply what they have learned as consumers of popular culture towards more overt forms of political activism” (Jenkins 208). Again with an act of participatory culture, some individual created the image above using a snapshot of the current president, Obama, with an overlay of the World of Warcraft interface. The creator hints at jokes that those intertwined with the Warcraft universe would understand, and get a cheap laugh out of them (I know I got one). The image incorporates the recently introduced WoW achievement system, displayed here as ‘President of the United States’, along with the quest tracking system showing that all objectives are complete and that the next ‘quest’ is to take the office. All this occurring while the then future president is in a party along with Biden. This is a perfect example of what Jenkins tries to display in his book: “I explore how collective meaning-making within popular culture is starting to change the ways religion, education, law, politics, advertising, and even the military operate” (Jenkins 4).
David Scully
Cinema Fandom and Politics
Participatory culture is a contrast with older notions of passive media spectatorship. Instead as seeing the spectators as consumers or producers we see them as participants. The role of a consumer is changing due to the converging of media and those “consumers” are currently starting to produce their own media. The Web provides a powerful new distribution channel for amateur cultural production (Jenkins137). You can find fans posting videos, commentaries, or “Fan Fictions,” all over the Internet these days. The film clip I choose to relate to this chapter, Quentin Tarantino’s Star Wars? by Henry Jenkins, was a parody of transformers. The people who altered the original cartoon of transformers saw something else in the film. They posted this fan fiction to add their own taste, essentially become a participant and not just a consumer or producer. Jenkins also wrote that,” the Web has made visible the hidden compromises that enabled participatory culture and commercial culture to coexist throughout much of the twentieth century” (Jenkins141). Those two separate meanings now coincide with each other. Fans today are readily able to digitally express their opinions to others who may be fans as well. In the short film I posted the ones who produced it changed the voices to many different other quotes from movies which in turn gave it some comedic scenes. This shows exactly how they wished to share their opinion; perhaps they wanted more laughs throughout the next film? The fan films today are a thriving new way to look at convergence in media.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObkCZlUHoek
The picture I have chosen was clearly altered to fit the perception of producer. It looks to me that this person is again president Barack Obama because to him he sees just another republican. In this picture it is clear that there is both ethical and emotional appeals. The fact that he strongly dislikes the president and also the major point that Barack himself is a democrat but some democrats believe him to be more of a republican. Jenkins writes “collective intelligence can be seen as an altered source of media power” (Jenkins 4). And that “collective meaning making is changing the way politics operate. Politics has changed dramatically with media converging. Something that should be pro Barack can be turned around just by someone else’s’ opinion. Jenkins predicted that the ability to mass-produce and mass-circulate images would have a profoundly democratic impact (Jenkins 223). Anyone can alter a photograph and change the whole intent of that photograph and then circulate it to whomever and wherever. And in that case could change other peoples’ opinion on that matter. Media has changed politics and I am almost sure it will always be apart of politics from now on.
http://coverawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/newrepublic.jpg
Media Convergence of Politics and Cinema Fandom
Henry Jenkins in his book Convergence Culture said that "Convergence represents a cultural shift as consumers are encouraged to seek out new information and make connections among dispersed media content." In this picture of Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama, it shows how much affect the African American culture has affected the world and America itself. The use of technology has allowed us to combine things of great history and modern times together. I would relate this picture to Jenkins because he says how much culture has actually changed through time and also not everything has disappeared. By this I mean, as you can see in the picture; Martin Luther King Jr. was a great leader for a lot of people not only African Americans. King went to India to visit Gandhi and gained a lot of knowledge and information from him. Many people looked up to King. Barack Obama is also African American and this picture shows how King and Obama are very related. As you can see in the picture the words "Dream" and "Change" appear; this relates how King changed the culture and perspectives of colored and non-colored people. Obama wants to follow the same path and make changes and try to satisfy everyone in one of the greatest nations in this world.
For my next piece I chose a fan-made video of The Matrix. This is a clip of the whole series of Matrix and fan made. The Matrix is a movie based on computers and computer programming. So in this spoof, they are using the sources and features of "Windows XP" to show what the Matrix is. In Chapter 3 of Convergence Culture Jenkins shows a comic/cartoon type picture showing the feedback of the movie "Matrix." As you can see the young adults/teenagers in the background are saying "Wow! That was awesome!", "The Matrix was the Best Movie in Ages!", and "I don't get it." As Jenkins mentions that "not all participants are created equal". Every person has his/her own way of looking at things. The two people are talking about how interesting the movie was, all the technology they used and other information. On the other hand, the other guy did not understand the movie at all, because he is not interested in Science Fiction or Computer related movies.
In conclusion, the culture of media and technology has changed a lot; but not everything that was invented goes away. Henry mentions in the introduction of his book that Convergence Culture is combining the old media culture and the new media culture; this gives people the best of both worlds. It also changes the perspective of many people and more people are interested, because of the different changes convergence culture has done.
Henry Jenkins and Media Convergence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuS9OAE7j0c
This classic video of a Star Wars light saber battle is a good example of Media Convergence. In Convergence Culture, Henry Jenkins states that “Consumers are learning how to use these different media technologies to bring the flow of media more fully under their control and to interact with other consumers” (18). This video is a good example of new consumers interacting with media. In the video, several people take elements from the Star Wars universe and use it to make their own video. The people who made the video are consumers of the Star Wars movies. But they are also producers because they create their own content and share it over the internet.
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/images/2008/05/24/obama_worship_campaign_copy_2.jpg
This is a campaign poster from Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. The poster depicts Barack Obama looking into the distance with the text “Change we can believe in.” I think that the poster makes and emotional and logical argument for Obama as president. The picture of Obama depicts him as strong leader and on that people can depend on. The text makes a logical argument by calling for a change from the previous administration, something many people felt was necessary. I think that this poster relates to Henry Jenkins Convergence Culture in that the poster appeals to the audience of today with the message of change.
This classic video of a Star Wars light saber battle is a good example of Media Convergence. In Convergence Culture, Henry Jenkins states that “Consumers are learning how to use these different media technologies to bring the flow of media more fully under their control and to interact with other consumers” (18). This video is a good example of new consumers interacting with media. In the video, several people take elements from the Star Wars universe and use it to make their own video. The people who made the video are consumers of the Star Wars movies. But they are also producers because they create their own content and share it over the internet.
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/images/2008/05/24/obama_worship_campaign_copy_2.jpg
This is a campaign poster from Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. The poster depicts Barack Obama looking into the distance with the text “Change we can believe in.” I think that the poster makes and emotional and logical argument for Obama as president. The picture of Obama depicts him as strong leader and on that people can depend on. The text makes a logical argument by calling for a change from the previous administration, something many people felt was necessary. I think that this poster relates to Henry Jenkins Convergence Culture in that the poster appeals to the audience of today with the message of change.
Media Convergence...?
DISCLAIMER: You know what? I have read the assignment, but I still do not truly understand it. But, I shall give it my best shot. Be prepared...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgL9gr2rYuY&feature=related (Seriously Dr. B and anyone else, if your going to watch this, watch all 9 minutes. I promise it will be worth your time.)
Backstory: Around the end of 2003, me and my older brother decided to create a parody of J.R.R. Tolkein's "The Hobbit" using nothing but The Lord of the Rings action figures, self created props, a Mac Powerbook (TM) and a cheap digital camera that could record only two minutes of film at a time. The Goal: to enter and win the Ambiguous Film Competition. After literally thousands of takes and some crafty musical editing from my brother, we sent off the 40 minute parody only to have it sent back to us because it was ONE day too late from the entry date! Although disappointed, we decided to continue our venture, but we did not show our genius film to the public. So around 2008, we launched a mock television show that not only incorporated the action figures of TLOTR and Star Wars, but of numerous other genres, from other television shows, cartoons, and video games. We called this "television show" Akshun Figyers. (creative, I know) It was not near as good as our The Hobbit on the comedic and creative level, but at least it was shot with a better camera. And so, my brother went on to and completed film school at SCAD (He studied Directing) and I, well, I am writing this Blog. Ok, on to the assignment.
So this youtube video is the fifth installment of our "television show." I picked it because it is my favourite. (If you like it, I encourage you to go back and watch episode 1 and up!) This is obviously the Cinema Fandom point on Media Convergence. Me and my bro incorporated all the fine points about films, such as credits, camera angles, montages, action sequences, plot twists, cinematography, editing... you name it. Yes this show is pretty stupid, but it was done in a very professional manner.
I read from Jenkin's book about all the various fan-made Star Wars films. About how it was free-formed (Like this parody, which was the basis of the underlying comedy in our The Hobbit minus any bad language or lewd references: http://download.theforce.net/theater/tpm/tpm.html) before a certain time frame, and afterward the fan-based films had to follow rules, which put many limitations on the film makers. The book explains that George Lucas loved the enthusiasm from all the amateur film makers, (especially George Lucas In Love) and how he even supported them by creating websites for them to put their films and blogs. He even created a website to allow these film makers to use Star Wars sound effects. But due to the copyright laws, Lucas had to cut back on the freedom of these films so that it would seem that he is still abiding by the laws. (Convergence Culture)
I am relating my video to this to show that even parody film makers must give credit to original content. We gave credit (to the music, movies, shows, action figures, directors...etc) to show our appreciation of the whole industry and to show that we are not trying to steal in any way. We copyrighted our show and movie, but we did not mass produce or sell copies to anyone for fear of possible violation of copyright laws of the trade marks. Convergence Culture is about bringing together the "three Cs": Computing, Communications, and Content. Our show involved computing and is accessible only from computing. Our show presents a mock of communications, a satire on the television show industry. And the content is that of a parody, following a set of rules and ratings, which is appropriate for all ages.
This Picture... well, it really doesn't make sense. Darth Vader, in the ocean, scooping up ocean water, filtering it, putting in a water bottle, only to be put back in the ocean. My take on this picture in relation to Media Convergence, is of the New Frontiers. This picture could imply the stupidity of the "Participatory Culture" that Jenkins defends: "Rather than talking about media producers and consumers as occupying separate roles, we might now see them as participants who interact with each other according to a new set of rules that none of us fully understands." (3) I have no problem with the participatory culture, but this picture is not photoshopped. Even though this picture is staged, (Or is it?) that is a real human in a Darth Vader suit, at the beach, in the water, doing whatever. I imply from this picture that the participatory culture not only lacks common sense, but cognitive sense as well. This is satirically photographed stupidity at the sublime level, and I like it.
Culture convergence
The link above is a home made spoof of the overrated movie, Twilight. This is an example of Jenkin's participatory culture in his book, Convergence Culture. The producers created this spoof to state their opinion on this movie. They are fans of the movie and have created this spoof that could only be understood by people who have already seen the movie or read the book. Like what Jenkin's wrote,"Rather than talking about media producers and consumers as occupying seperate roles, we might we may now see them as participants who interact with each other according to a new set of rules that none of us fully understand."[3]. In this case, the consumers have created something for other consumers to consume, therefore making them producers. Like what we're taught in economics, consumers have the vote, the power, the same applies for the entertainment world. The people, audience, fans, and consumers all have the power. Jenkin's states this in his book, "Fans are the most active segment of the media audience, one that refuses to simply accept what they are give, but rather insists on the right to become full participant." [131]. The producers stayed constant with the setting, lighting, and feel of the movie. The one thing they changed in the spoof is the aura of the scenes. The serious scenes were targeted in the spoof. Something unexpected and "funny" would happen like running into the sliding door or an offset phrase said by one of the characters. THe producers decided to mock the cheesy serious scenes. Spoofs like this have become common in today's world. The consumers feel as if they have to participate in these activites. Jenkin's says,"The Web represents a site of experimentation and innovation, where amateurs test the waters, developing new practices, themes, and generating materials that may well attract cult followings on their own terms."[148]. These spoofs and fan based videos may seem mediocre and abortive. However, they can cause quite a stir. This one has probably had some effective, even though none significant, in the entertainment world based off it's number of views, over 7 million.
The presidential elections this past year have been one of the most controversial, hyped up, talked about elections i've expierenced. Obama came out as the winner in this round. However, with supporters there are those who oppose. This flyer has most likely been created by one of these opposers. It was created during the election, most likely, to sway the views of those who were "stuck in the middle". Jenkins says," ... activists deploying new resources to shape the political future..."[12]. The republican has depicted the way he sees obama in this image. It is the convergence of the president and the controversial movie Borat. As Jenkins wrote," Welcome to convergence culture, where old and new media collide, where grassroots and corporate intersect, where the power of the producer and the power of the media interact in unpredictable ways." [2]. Like the spoof, this media has probabaly had some effect in the political world, however not very signficant. The usage of borat causes a stir and shows that obama is foreign, probably not with the literal meaning, and is immature.
Media Convergence
Henry Jenkins suggests, “The web has made visible the hidden compromises that enabled participatory culture and commercial culture to coexist throughout much of the twentieth century” (137). There is no better place to find converged media than the good old internet. This picture I found on the web of Michael Vick and with the help of Photoshop, Scooby Doo is a good example of what Henry Jenkins is talking about when he says convergence culture. In his book, Converging Cultures, he talks about how media is coming together, or media convergence. This picture has Scooby Doo, a cartoon phenomenon, connected to Michael Vick of the Atlanta Falcons. This image was done obviously by a supporter of animals, and brings up Michael Vick’s whole ordeal with dog fighting. Regardless, this image gets courted across multiple media platforms, and with the help of participatory culture is now projected to unlimited viewers via Google.
http://www.shopmetrospy.com/cNcgraphics/metrospy_obama_bin_laden.jpg
Henry Jenkins stated, “Convergence occurs within the brains of individual consumers and through their social interactions with others” (3). This applies to this political ad against President Barack Obama. This ad is an image of the president with a beard and a turban, an obvious reference to Obama’s middle eastern relations. It also has the words Obama bin Laden ’08, playing on his campaign slogan. The whole ad is against him, believing him to be a terrorist and what not. This is just another example of media convergence out there today.
Charlie Hollman
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