Reading 5

I found this reading very interesting because it relates to what someone my age could potentially be dealing with. Hazing has been going on since universities and Greek life began and only in the past few years has it become a media target. Since casualties during these rituals have been increasingly more frequent as the years as passed, just as bullying laws have been cracking down. This article touches on the Penn State and FAMU incidents that resulted in hazing and pledging bans. Personally, I do not think this will be effective. Forty-four states have out lawed hazing already and the news is still riddled with haunting stories of students drinking and exercising themselves to death. Greek life will never be banned from schools; therefore hazing will never end. So even though what the author quoted the Presidents of the universities saying I believe to be untrue, I like the alternative he gave. I think that giving students the opportunity to bond and grow closer through activities that wont put anyone at risk is a great idea. The students said that they get a sense of belonging when they perform these, sometimes, disgusting rituals but maybe giving them an alternative will be even more effective keeping everyone safe, and making everyone happy. 

Reading 4

To me, this reading about Q.U.B.E seems like it is one of the programs embarking on a new age of video games. It is often said that children are sponges and pick up everything around them. I can also agree that they are a main client base for many video games, ranging from Mario to Call of Duty, causing accidents that draw major media coverage. Since they have come out, games have been harshly criticized for “promoting violence in children” even though the simplest of things can have the same effect.

Because of this, I believe the industry is attempting to put a different spin on what they are promoting. I think futuristic games like Q.U.B.E. are following in the same footsteps, as their competitors like Wii Fitness and Brain Age Academy by Nintendo, both encouraging healthy activities. Wii Fitness is an exercise-based game, which keeps players up to date on where they stand. Brain Age Academy has brainteasers that are supposed to increase brain activity and enhance overall knowledge. Q.U.B.E is quick understanding of block extrusion, which is supposed to be the “cross word of the plugged-in generation”. I think the underlying reason behind the creation of these games isn’t because gaming execs are suddenly worried about youth’s knowledge. It is because they know that many companies are promoting healthier choices, which have grown more popular and do not want to be left behind. They are trying to stay above water. 

Reading 3

This reading was hard to interpret because I didn’t understand the trailer or the analysis considering I haven’t seen any of the movies in this trilogy. But I have to agree that it is very frustrating when you read a phenomenal book only to be disappointed when the movie comes out short. It sounds as though the Lord of the Ring characters took on completely different roles from the book to the movie, which can be an unpleasant surprise when you are sitting in the theatre. So clearly film interpretations can stray from the main focus of the characters, changing the plot however, I think Mr. Wecks it getting a bit extreme. Obviously books are given more creative liberty because there are no limits to the imagination. Especially when dealing with books like Lord of the Rings who’s plots and worlds are driven by ingenuity, translating the exact characters are more difficult then critics and fans realize. I’m sure Jackson and his extensive team of co-workers in Hollywood did their best to stick to the main themes and ideas of the book while still making sure the film was profitable. And with the massive following that this trilogy already has in place, I think that this film, no matter how accurately it depicts the books, will be successful. 

Reading 2

"At the Time of the Louisville Flood" seems like it is trying to convey the hypocrisy of the message on the wall. The Great Flood of 1937 left thousands homeless with nowhere to go. Even during such devastating circumstances, because of the time period, African Americans were still treated as second hand citizens. When seventy percent of Louisville was under water, Mother Nature did not take race into consideration when it came to who would survive and who wouldn’t. Unfortunately the emergency response did which left African Americans waiting in obscenely long lines just to have a meal. So I am assuming that the message in this picture is trying to point out that the media was depicting a false image of America.

I think the second image is showing the progression of America in a similar situation from one era to another. Milvertha Hendricks is clearly an African American wrapped in an American flag blanket. This proves that blacks were given aid in the relief acts as compared to the first image of them waiting in lines to receive help. I believe the claim in this picture is pretty straight forward, pointing out that times have changed and when it comes to saving lives race is no longer an issue.

            

Reading 1

            This reading definitely got me thinking about the hidden messages in this popular series. Although I haven’t read any of the books, I have seen every movie and a lot of the interpretations in the article seemed like a bit of a stretch. Devout Christian leaders seemed to be over interpreting the dialogue in the series. The excerpt of Hermione giving Harry a motivational speech on how you are who you are, no matter what kind of magic you’re capable of sounds like a generic message. All movies contain motivational messages that encourage one to believe in them and not let outside influences effect the person they aspire to be.

            This series was unnecessarily ridiculed for the simple imagination of a young writer. JK Rowling started this series when she was a young adult and continued writing. It was a very unexpected miracle that the series took of as it did. I do not believe that she began writing this series with hidden intentions to erupt a religious war and media frenzy over a children’s novel. The fact that authors wrote entire novels debating every word that came out of Ronal Weesley’s mouth seems ludicrous if you consider the audience and origination of the story.