Obese Stereotypes and the Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Shows

This week in class we discussed stereotypes. One stereotype we discussed in class was the stereotype of obesity in media, such as the weight loss show, The Biggest Loser. I have been watching the show the Biggest Loser for may years now and I can say that there are some stereotypes that are true of being obese and there are some that are false. Some stereotypes that I can say are true after watching the show is that many of the obese contestants on the show became obese because they eat unhealthy food, don't exercise, and don't care about their health. On the other hand, some of these stereotypes may also be false. Some of the reasons an individual may be obese is because of negative circumstances in their lives, such as having a low self esteem or having an eating disorder. I really enjoy this article I found online that discussed the pros and cons of reality TV's approach to weight loss.

The first part of the article spoke about how weight loss shows make stereotypes and encourage unhealthful behaviors from viewers trying to lose weight. It went on to say how weight loss shows treat weight loss like a game and how we should focus on our health, not on size or weight.  After reading this part of the article I do agree with what the writer said that we should not treat a human's weight as a game, but at the same time sometimes over weight individuals need motivation to lose weight. I also agree on what was said about how it should focus on our heath. Weight loss is a journey, it is not something that is going to be gone from one day to the next. At the end of the day our health is what keeps us living and breathing each day.

The second part of the article spoke about the positive impact a reality show can have on an individual. The article began by saying that weight-loss reality TV shows inspire people. It describes how shows such as, The Biggest Loser, "emphasizes support and competition to keep people going." It goes on to say that the trainers are really involved with the contestants on the show. It also says how they have a  huge team and are quite clear that it is not just about dieting but also about maintaining a healthful lifestyle and educating people. "They push them to exercise. They work with chefs skilled in healthful cooking. They try to get them to reach their maximum healthful potential." On the the other hand the second part of the article also spoke about how "they also recognize the possibility of failure [on the show]." After reading the rest of the article I would say that I agree the most with the second part of the article. I honestly believe that shows such as, The Biggest Loser have a positive impact not only on the individuals on the show, but for the viewers as well. From personal experience I think weight loss shows such as these encourage people who are overweight. It not only educates individuals how to lose weight ,but it also shows viewers how to cook a healthy meal at home.

Overall I would say that there will always be stereotypes, whether it be about topics we talked about in class such as Muslims, Christians, the Disabled, Men, or the Obese. At the end of the day you are the only one who can ultimately define yourself.

Link to Article:
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/31/health/la-he-weight-loss-reality-shows-20110131

Misogyny & Music

I'm going to be honest before reading the assigned reading and attending Monday's class I had no idea what misogyny was. After reading the assigned reading and listening to Monday' class lecture I can honestly say that I listen to music in a different way now. When I looked up the meaning of misogyny, dictionary.com's definition was, "hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women." It amazes me this still exists in our current generation. I thought we were past that and moving forward towards gender equality, but I now that I know what misogyny is I do not think we have. When I was looking for an article to write about I found many articles that spoke about unknown artists, but I wanted to find one about an artist everyone knows and has heard their music. At last I found an article on Kanye West.

The article talked about a video Kanye West had released a year ago called, "Monster." The article spoke about how at the beginning of the video Monster it states, "the following content is in now way misogynistic or negative towards any groups of people. It is an art piece and shall be taken as such." I then proceeded to watch the video.... the video consisted of dead women hanging by nooses, dead women lying in bed with Kanye, and at one point when Jay-Z was rapping there was a dead naked model in the background lying on a couch. Even after that introduction saying that the content in the video is not misogynistic, how can a women not take offense this video?! Not only is the video gruesome, but it is just downright offense. How can that be considered "art" to anyone? In my opinion, I felt like the people who gave the ideas behind this video think of women just as objects to men and that we are just around to please them. After watching the video I read some comments viewers left about the video... some said it was a great video and others said what kind of message are they trying to send. I might be biased because I have never liked hip hop or rap music, but after watching a video like Monster and reading the lyrics, I am beyond disgusted in what has become of this genre of music. I have heard people say "oh I don't listen to the words, I just like the beat of the song," in my opinion that is just an excuse. How can you not hear the words in the song? I know most artists are in the music business to make money and nothing else. They don't care about who they offend, they just want to make it big and make lots of money. At the same time I wish they would not portray us women in such an offensive light. Instead of moving forwards, its songs like these that make me feel like we are moving backwards. The only thing I can personally do is not listen to misogynistic music (such as this), buy it, or purchase tickets to their concerts.


Link to First Article:
http://www.salon.com/2011/06/06/kanye_monster_video/

Video of Kanye West's Song "Monster"

Duke University Women's Lacrosse Team Under Fire For Blackface Photo

The Duke University women's lacrosse team has come under fire after a photo was posted on a university website that showed a player in blackface. The photo was said to have taken at a Halloween party at head coach, Kerstin Kimel's house, where a group of juniors dressed up like characters from the Little Rascals movie. One player dressed as "Buckwheat" and painted her face black as part of her costume for the party. The photo from the Halloween party was posted on GoDuke.com last week along with a player's blogpost, but it was removed early Monday. According to the article, Kimmel issued a statement apologizing for the costume, "Some of our costume choices were insensitive and entirely inappropriate. No offense was intended, but that does not matter, because we should have realized how these choices would be viewed by those outside of our program," she said. "On behalf of our coaching staff and our student-athletes, we apologize to anyone we may have offended and understand (that), while we believed we were making decisions in good fun, we should have been much more sensitive to the implications of our actions."

After seeing this article earlier this week in the news I was surprised to see that things like this are still happening in our generation. I have heard the term "black face" before, but to be honest I was not completely sure what it meant. According to Merriam-Webster.com, the definition of blackface is "makeup applied to a performer playing a black person especially in a minstrel show; also : a performer wearing such makeup." Whether "blackface" may have been done out of ignorance or innocent fun, I still think it is so wrong to do something of that nature. I believe that we should educate ourselves on subjects such as these to avoid incidents like this from occurring. I believe if educate ourselves, we can make smarter decisions each day.

Link to Article
http://www.wral.com/duke-apologizes-for-player-s-insensitive-halloween-costume/11765746/

Link to Video
http://www.wral.com/news/local/video/11766051/#/vid11766051

Definition of Blackface
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blackface

Mitt Romney After The Presidential Election Loss

After the 2012 presidential election results came in late Tuesday night Mitt Romney was shocked to say the least. Mitt Romney's advisers describe his reaction to the loss as being "Shellshocked." After Mitt Romney saw that it was clear that he had lost and had to secede, his personal assistant, Garrett Jackson, called his counterpart in the Obama campaign, Marvin Nicholson, to connect the two men. CBS' Jan Greenburg wrote in her article, "Romney was stoic as he talked to the president, an aid said, but his wife cried. Running mate Paul Ryan seemed shocked, the adviser said. Ryan's wife Janna also was shaken and cried softly." The article included a section from the The New York Times' a tick-tock of the events that night at the Boston Intercontinental Hotel said that Bob White, a close friend and adviser, was prepared to tell the waiting crowd that Mr. Romney would not yet concede. But then, Mr. Romney quietly decided it was over. "It's not going to happen," he said." As Ann Romney cried softly, he headed down to deliver his speech, ending his second, and presumably last, bid for the White House.

As election day finally came on Tuesday I was beyond excited to see who would be our new president. In saying that I was excited to welcome Mitt Romney as our new president. When the results came in of who would be our president for the next four years... I was sad, surprised, and basically thought it was a cruel joke. I was so excited for the positive changes Mitt Romney was going to bring to America. I was hopeful that we could go back to the United States that had morals, traditions, and believed the phrase "One Nation Under God" meant truly living for God and living by the bible. I have learned with each passing year that we as a country have sadly lost all of that and have become a country that is very liberal. All I can say is that I am disappointed with America and who they voted in as our president. At this point there is nothing I can do about who we have as a president, but I know that I can pray for him and hope that he leads us in the right direction as a country.

After hearing the results I watched Mitt Romney's concession speech. I could tell by his speech that he was very disappointed with his loss. Mitt Romney ended his speech by saying," I so wish- I so wish I had been able to fulfill your hopes to lead the country in a different direction, but the nation chose another leader. And so Ann and I join you to earnestly pray for him and for this great nation."

 

Link to Article

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/08/mitt-romney-lost-election_n_2095013.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

2012 Country Music Awards

On Thursday, November 1st the 46th Country Music Awards took place in Nashville, Tennessee. The award show was hosted by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley. The show opened up with a performance by Jason Aldean, Erich Church, and Luke Bryan.

The CMA awards had performances from various artists such as: The Eli Young Band, Hunter Hayes, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Little Big Town, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and the Zac Brown Band. Towards the end of the awards they paid a tribute to Willie Nelson he received an award and played a performance of "On the Road Again."

Overall it was a great award show. I really enjoyed the performances from each artist and group. I can't wait till the next awards!

A few of the winners from the awards included:

• Song of the Year: "Over You" by Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton
• Musical Event of the Year: "Feel Like a Rockstar" by Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw
• Music Video of the Year: "Red Solo Cup" by Toby Keith
• New Artist of the Year: Hunter Hayes
• Vocal Group of the Year: Thompson Square
• Vocal Group of the Year: Little Big Town
• Single of the Year: "Pontoon" by Little Big Town
• Album of the Year: "Chief" by Eric Church
• Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert
• Male Vocalist of the Year: Blake Shelton
• Entertainer of the Year: Blake Shelton

Link of Article
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-207_162-57544127/cma-awards-2012-underwood-paisley-launch-country-musics-biggest-night/


Website Link to CMA Awards
http://www.cmaworld.com/cma-awards/home

Lack of Diversity Among Newspaper Journalist Covering The United States Critical Issues

Up to this point in the semester we have talked about various issues that are important to know as we are preparing for our future jobs. In saying that we often talk about diversity and how it is represented in the workforce. I can recall before the midterm talking about how "white, affluent males control media, which reflects their perspective." I had one of those "aha" moments when I saw this article. Before seeing this article I believed it was a valid statement ,but I think its always interesting to actually see something in writing as proof that others see it true as well.

After reading this article in the Huffington Post I learned that there is a "deep lack of racial diversity among the newspaper journalist writing about some of the biggest political issues of the 2012 campaign." In the article it also states that white reporters "wrote 98.2 percent of stories on immigration." A study conducted "found that Latinos wrote .2 percent of stories." The article also states that according to a similar study it was "found that men are overwhelmingly quoted in stories about women's issues."


Overall this article is not new information that I did not already know, but I think that it is a great resource of information. I found the results of the study to be very interesting because I got to see the numbers and the lack of diversity among newspapers journalist that cover critical issues concerning the United States.

Link to Article:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/25/racial-diversity-media-front-pages-study_n_2016081.html

Gang Violence in Chicago

Recently ABC News did a special series on "Hidden America called Don't Shoot: I Want to Grow Up." I really enjoy how ABC News tries to bring current issues that Americans are facing in this time and age. Don't Shoot: I Want to Grow up is a special in which it is interviewing "38 former and present gang members to discuss what is going on." ABC says, "there have been more than 400 murders in Chicago this year, with the murder rates four times what it is in New York."

I was watching the special yesterday and Diane Sawyer was interviewing a 7-year-old boy, named Ralph, whose grandmother was killed just standing outside her house. It broke my heart that Ralph had to go through a family loss at such a young age. In the special he was wearing a shirt that had "R.I.P. Grandma" on it. He told of memories he had with his grandma, which involved eating noodles with her and whenever his grandmother fixed him something they would share it and how he loved it. It is moments like that when individuals who participate in gang violence should think about the other individuals involved, especially children. Children are our future, they are innocent and they have the whole world in front of them to live out their dream. Sadly, due to gang violence this is sometimes taken away from them. I really enjoyed this special series and I can't wait to watch the second part of it today. 

Video shown during the special series 

Link to Article:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/18/abc-world-news-hidden-ame_n_1982264.html

Latinos in the News Media- ALMA Awards 2012

The 2012 NCLR ALMA Awards took place on September 16 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and were broadcast on ABC on September 21. The 2012 ALMA Awards take place to honor the accomplishments made by Hispanics in film, television, and music. The show was co-hosted by Eva Longoria and George Lopez. Many celebrities attended the event, such as Christina Aguilera, Daniel Boneta, Naya Rivera, America Ferrera, Cheech Marin, and many more. Musical performers included Pitbull, Demi Lavato, and Gloria Estefan. In addition to the many celebrities that attended the event, there were also olympic athletes that attended such as Ryan Lochte, Conor Dwyer, Danell Leyva, Leonel Manzano, and Marlen Esparza.

A few winners at the show included:

•  Christina Aguliera won a Special Achievement Award for being "The Voice of a Generation" and she also won an award for Favorite TV Reality, Variety, or Comedy Personality or Act, "The Voice"(NBC)
• Cheech Marin won an Outstanding Career Achievement Award
• Diego Boneta won Favorite Movie Actor for Rock of Ages
• Zoe Saldana won Favorite Movie Actress in Drama/Adventure, Colombiana
• Tyler Posey won Favorite TV Actor, "Teen Wolf" (MTV)
• Naya Rivera won the award for Favorite TV Actress- Comedy, "Glee" (FOX) and she also won the award for Favorite Female Music Artist
• Rico Rodriguez won the award for Favorite TV Actor- Supporting Role in a Comedy, "Modern Family" (ABC)
• Pitbull won the award for Favorite Male Music Artist

On the topic of Latinos in news media I believe this is a great representation of Latinos who are currently working in the fields of film, television, and music. This award show not only awards Latinos who are currently doing very well in their field ,but it gives a chance for them to be spend time with each other. I had not heard of these award till last year because I do not think they are very well advertised as are other award shows that broadcast on television. It makes me happy to see latinos represented in a good way in the media. I think that the media sometimes stereotypes Latinos as being lazy, being uneducated, living off the government, being illegal aliens, and drug cartel members, but award shows like this show that we are so much more than that. We are hard working, talented, and educated individuals. It is award shows like this that make me proud to be Hispanic.

Link to Article:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/21/alma-awards-2012-winners-_n_1905245.html


To learn more about the NCLR ALMA Awards you can visit this website:
http://www.almaawards.com/

Religion and Football Controversy in Southeast Texas Town

Religion in schools has always been a controversial issue in America. The idea of people showing their faith in various ways annoys some individuals, while others love the idea of having a Christian atmosphere in a school setting. Being a Christian, I believe that is is a wonderful idea to have God involved in anyway in a school setting. I believe that it creates a positive, friendly, and uplifting place for everyone. On the other hand others may not agree.... which brings me to the news at hand that has happened this week in a small town in southeast Texas.

In the town of Kountze, football games are often centered around Christianity and the bible. Banners are often created for the football games that "holler the praises of Jesus Christ." This all ended when someone complained to a foundation that fights for the separation of church and state. On Tuesday, September 18, a day after having received a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the superintendent banned the banners, which resulted in controversy nationwide. A Facebook page was created after the ban occurred named, Support Kountze Kids Faith. As of Thursday, September 20th, it had 35,100 members.

Superintendent of the school, Kevin Weldon, explained to parents who call the 2000 U.S. Supreme Court precedent-setting decision requires religion to be kept out of public schools. Some parents support his decision. Others say they will back their children's First Amendment right to hang the banners and are working with the Liberty Institute. Liberty Institute is a Plano- based nonprofit law firm that says on its website that it is dedicated to "restoring religious liberty across America." Mike Johnson, senior counsel for the Liberty institute, said "It's important and fundamental freedom students have to engage in free speech. They are not asking anyone to believe in Christianity or accept the faith. They are just well wishes."


Link to Article:   http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-news/20120920-mix-of-bible-verses-football-stirs-controversy-in-southeast-texas-town.ece

Never Forget 9/11

September 11, 2001, the day where the United States of America was changed forever. It all began when "four airliners were hijacked, two slammed into the World Trade Center towers, one into the Pentagon, the target of the fourth jet was the United States Capitol building, but it crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania as passengers stopped the terrorists from carrying out their plan." It is still crazy to think that this actually happened on American soil. Thousands of innocent lives were lost that day... there were fathers, mothers, sisters, daughters, sons, brothers, uncles, aunts, family members, friends, co-workers, and many more lost that day. Examiner.com states that, "more than 3,000 people were killed that day on American soil, including the 19 hijackers who were mostly from Saudi Arabia."

I still remember September 11 like it was yesterday. I was in fourth grade walking in the hall with my class when I heard teachers talking about planes hitting two buildings. I had no idea what they were talking about ,but I knew something bad had happened. After school ended I went home and I remember watching the news and hearing about what had happened. I may have just been ten years old, but it still made me sad to hear that something so tragic happened in New York and killed so many people. My heart breaks for all the families and individuals that lost loved one that day. I can only imagine how much pain they went through that day and are still going through with each year that passes. While many lives were lost, there were also many individuals that became heroes that day too. Many individuals were brave and truly resembled what it meant to be a hero. I admire all the individuals who performed heroic acts that day including the police men, firemen, and individuals serving in the military. September 11th will always hold a special place in my heart. I will always recognize it as a day where many lives were lost and many heroes were made. To see how far we have come since September 11, 2001 is a testament in how strong of a country the United States is and how nothing can bring us down.

Link to Article:  http://www.examiner.com/article/9-11-the-day-america-was-forever-changed

The Two W'S- Women and Weight

The two W's women and weight. It is something every woman deals with at one point in their life. To some women it is a big deal and to others it may not even be a concern. At least for most women, myself included, our weight plays a big role in our lives. In a way our weight can define us. It effects what clothes we can wear in the morning or throughout the day, our energy levels, and it can even have an effect on our self-esteem. Whatever the concern may be I know for a fact that weight and women go hand in hand.

In the article I read online on E news, Katie Couric said "although, I think she needs to eat more because she's so thin" about Kate Middleton. After reading this article I believe this is a great example of how harshly women are judged by individuals in the media concerning their weight. Not only are women judged by the media concerning their weight ,but they are judged by strangers everyday. The individuals that are often criticized the worst are celebrities and famous individuals, such as Kate Middleton. Many times I believe that celebrities and famous individuals try very hard to keep in shape to the point that they obsess over it and in turn it leads them to not eating and losing a lot of weight. Which results into an even bigger problem. How does weight being criticized in the media affect us normal women? It affects us by us seeing it everywhere... on the television, on commercials, in magazines, and in the newspaper. Where does it all stop? I think will live in a time and age where weight is so obsessed about that it forces women to think about it constantly. I believe that it is great to want to take care of your body and be healthy ,but sometimes I believe the media takes it a step too far. In the end, weight is an issue that will concern women as long as we are alive. As women we can let others comments about our weight affect us in a positive or negative way. After all, it is our body, our weight, and our life... the choice is ours.

http://www.eonline.com/news/343511/katie-couric-says-kate-middleton-is-too-thin

Diversity at the 2012 Republican National Convention

As many know this week the Republican National Convention took place in Tampa, Florida from Monday to Thursday night. I did not get to see the whole televised event ,but I did get to watch Wednesday and Thursday's showing. When I saw the event what I did notice is the great emphasis on diversity that was shown at the convention as a whole. Not only did I see individuals from different states ,but I saw individuals from different races as well. I really enjoyed seeing this and how Mitt Romney's campaign is putting such a big emphasis on diversity. I believe this is such a important issue to consider especially with the presidential elections coming up in November. 

A great example of diversity being shown on Thursday's night was when Florida senator, Marco Rubio took the stage. Marco Rubio is a great example of diversity shown in the 21st century because he represents a minority class that is not often shown in the media. In my opinion, diversity not only deals with the issue of race ,but I believe it can also deal with how men and women are viewed in the public eye as well. In saying that I found it interesting to see a woman speak at the Republican National Convention. Granted it was Mitt Romney's wife, Ann Romney, I still believe that is important to hear what a woman has to say from her point of view. Diversity is a topic that I believe is growing with each day and year that passes by. It is important to not only accept individuals of your own race ,but others as well. As individuals learn to accept others for who they are that is when our country will truly begin to succeed together as a whole.

http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/48819467/#48819467