Now I’m not sure if you’ve “met” Antoine Dodson, the brother of an attempted rape victim who spoke on WAFF48, a news channel in Alabama, about the crisis and his thoughts on the matter. Or, if you’ve met Antoine Dodson, lead singer of Bed Intruder ranking at the top of the Billboard charts. If not, watch this…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=civOdWxd4Kc
This Youtube phenomena, is not a home video, or webcam shot. It was a very serious emergency that happened to Antoine on July 28th of 2010. Since then, Antoine has become an internet sensation, splits the profit of being a musical star, has Facebook fan pages, his own Youtube page, and now hosts events—all because of a news broadcast.
There now begins the argument of whether, the sensationalism of Antoine Dodson’s sister’s rape, is appropriate, demeaning or down-right hilarious. Despite all values and the importance of news, I have to represent the latter. Baron and Davis highlight the difficulty television has as a medium to educate its audience, especially in the case of television news. They say:
Information is frequently presented in ways that inhibit rather than facilitate learning. Part of the problem rests with audience members. Most of us view television as primarily an entertainment medium. We have developed many information-processing skills and strategies for watching television that serve us well in making sense of entertainment content but that interfere with effective interpretation and recall of news. (Baron and Davis 254)
Therefore, we’re not necessarily watching the news to continue learning as we did all day in school. We’re watching the news and television for entertainment, and so despite the seriousness of Antoine’s situation, our entertainment shifts from the depth of the issue to how unbelievable hilarious Antoine’s voice and verbatim is. A podcast shown here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=civOdWxd4Kc further elaborates the argument of whether we are laughing at or with Antoine, and are we supposed to be laughing in the first place? I’m interested to know your first impressions of the video and Bed Intruder song, and if you feel it’s appropriate or a result of the television medium.
None the less, this was a small newscast at a small news station in Alabama. How did this moment get auto-tuned all the way to Billboard charts? I’d like to suggest the theory of fandom. Regardless of what Antoine Dodson fan’s interests and intentions may be, there are a lot of them. We discuss fandom in terms of The Beatles and Bieber, but a spot on the 6 o’clock news? Denis McQuail states:
The absence of stable identity and connection is seen as leaving the individual open to irrational appeals. With the refinement of advertising and public relations campaigns in the early twentieth century, along with the success of wartime propaganda and the dramatic rise in popularity of film and radio, fears of the immense and inescapable powers of propaganda techniques grew.(McQuail 346)
Is it a certain type of person that’s open to the “irrational appeal” of Antoine Dodson’s outburst? Or is Youtube enabling a new sort of fandom, that counts and displays every fan that’s watched the video? I personally feel that this is a new and unique situation, that defies the expectations and dependence public relations and advertising were given credit, in terms of fandom. Are there any other examples of fandom that started from an ordinary person on a newscast, or has Antoine developed into a musical star, like Justin Bieber, where this fandom is normal. I think it’s an interesting situation to discuss especially in terms of news and fandom (do those words belong in the same sentence?).
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Father Knows Worst
The reality of everyday life in 2009, the positives, the negatives and everyday irony make Lisa The Drama Queen worthwhile. A hilarious day in the Simpsons life begins with Homer dropping the kids off at the recreation center—“a place to be dropped off at.” In Lisa The Drama Queen, The Simpson’s writers depict everyday doings as what they really are in their most comical way. “Arts and crafts—with no crafts,” sharing ear buds to listen to Josh Groban, and “lower your expectations Lisa” all fit into the reality of how a normal day is, and the things we usually over look.
What wasn’t overlooked in this episode however, was Lisa’s friendship. Juliette, another outcast struck a bond with Lisa over criticism on her imaginative work. Lisa mistakes Juliette’s imagination for similarity when the teacher sets intellectual boundaries for the girls. The way the writers depicted their friendship was very funny. Lisa was trying to find the perfect candy bar to make the right impression when saying “I don’t wanna come on too strong.” She also embarrassingly made evident her excitement at having a best friend in front of Juliette and has to ask—“Are we still cool” to which Juliette luckily replied yes.
Soon she realizes what they shared in common “Equalia,” their fantasy land, is what ultimately sets them apart. Lisa looks at Equalia, as an academic escape from her daily reality, where Juliette shows a definite imbalance in her dependency on this completely fabricated world of theirs, where they worship Josh Groban and hang out with “giraffopusses.” When Lisa says “I don’t want to go to Equalia anymore. It’s nice but I have to live in the real world,” It plays on the realistic innuendos that were present throughout the episode as well as what is right and wrong.
What wasn’t overlooked in this episode however, was Lisa’s friendship. Juliette, another outcast struck a bond with Lisa over criticism on her imaginative work. Lisa mistakes Juliette’s imagination for similarity when the teacher sets intellectual boundaries for the girls. The way the writers depicted their friendship was very funny. Lisa was trying to find the perfect candy bar to make the right impression when saying “I don’t wanna come on too strong.” She also embarrassingly made evident her excitement at having a best friend in front of Juliette and has to ask—“Are we still cool” to which Juliette luckily replied yes.
Soon she realizes what they shared in common “Equalia,” their fantasy land, is what ultimately sets them apart. Lisa looks at Equalia, as an academic escape from her daily reality, where Juliette shows a definite imbalance in her dependency on this completely fabricated world of theirs, where they worship Josh Groban and hang out with “giraffopusses.” When Lisa says “I don’t want to go to Equalia anymore. It’s nice but I have to live in the real world,” It plays on the realistic innuendos that were present throughout the episode as well as what is right and wrong.
Lisa The Drama Queen
The reality of everyday life in 2009, the positives, the negatives and everyday irony make Lisa The Drama Queen worthwhile. A hilarious day in the Simpsons life begins with Homer dropping the kids off at the recreation center—“a place to be dropped off at.” In Lisa The Drama Queen, The Simpson’s writers depict everyday doings as what they really are in their most comical way. “Arts and crafts—with no crafts,” sharing ear buds to listen to Josh Groban, and “lower your expectations Lisa” all fit into the reality of how a normal day is, and the things we usually over look.
What wasn’t overlooked in this episode however, was Lisa’s friendship. Juliette, another outcast struck a bond with Lisa over criticism on her imaginative work. Lisa mistakes Juliette’s imagination for similarity when the teacher sets intellectual boundaries for the girls. The way the writers depicted their friendship was very funny. Lisa was trying to find the perfect candy bar to make the right impression when saying “I don’t wanna come on too strong.” She also embarrassingly made evident her excitement at having a best friend in front of Juliette and has to ask—“Are we still cool” to which Juliette luckily replied yes.
Soon she realizes what they shared in common “Equalia,” their fantasy land, is what ultimately sets them apart. Lisa looks at Equalia, as an academic escape from her daily reality, where Juliette shows a definite imbalance in her dependency on this completely fabricated world of theirs, where they worship Josh Groban and hang out with “giraffopusses.” When Lisa says “I don’t want to go to Equalia anymore. It’s nice but I have to live in the real world,” It plays on the realistic innuendos that were present throughout the episode as well as what is right and wrong.
What wasn’t overlooked in this episode however, was Lisa’s friendship. Juliette, another outcast struck a bond with Lisa over criticism on her imaginative work. Lisa mistakes Juliette’s imagination for similarity when the teacher sets intellectual boundaries for the girls. The way the writers depicted their friendship was very funny. Lisa was trying to find the perfect candy bar to make the right impression when saying “I don’t wanna come on too strong.” She also embarrassingly made evident her excitement at having a best friend in front of Juliette and has to ask—“Are we still cool” to which Juliette luckily replied yes.
Soon she realizes what they shared in common “Equalia,” their fantasy land, is what ultimately sets them apart. Lisa looks at Equalia, as an academic escape from her daily reality, where Juliette shows a definite imbalance in her dependency on this completely fabricated world of theirs, where they worship Josh Groban and hang out with “giraffopusses.” When Lisa says “I don’t want to go to Equalia anymore. It’s nice but I have to live in the real world,” It plays on the realistic innuendos that were present throughout the episode as well as what is right and wrong.
Itchy Scratchy And Marge
Itchy, Scratchy and Marge was a Simpsons episode that featured both reality, possibility and A LOT of societal inferences. When Maggie, the youngest and seemingly less affected of the three children based on age, begins directly imitating the violence that the mouse and cat duo Marge tries to find the source of this violence. While the family is sitting in front of the television and Bart and Lisa watch with an exaggerative laugh, the brutal fighting starts to affect Maggie on the spot. Marge realize this and immediately decides to make actions.
After banning the Itchy and Scratchy show in their house, Marge seeks a greater response from the general public. The creator’s initial reaction to her plea for non graphic imagery is sarcastic, uninfluenced and rude. Playing into the humor of the show, Marge’s plea for Itchy and Scratchy to get along, is answered with them bonding over the death of a squirrel that strongly resembles Marge’s character.
However, when parents start responding to Marge’s actions and the show is forced to become amicable and therefore unwatched, Springfield turns into a 1950’s utopia. Children on swings, the youth interacting pleasantly and parents worry- free make the audience wonders if this world is possible without the detrimental effects of today’s television. When another controversial piece of art though is criticized for doing the same, we are faced with a reality check.
The world today is inevitable with our technology and modern lifestyle. What is exploitation to one, is beauty to another… and the world we are a part of is what we must try to make the best of.
After banning the Itchy and Scratchy show in their house, Marge seeks a greater response from the general public. The creator’s initial reaction to her plea for non graphic imagery is sarcastic, uninfluenced and rude. Playing into the humor of the show, Marge’s plea for Itchy and Scratchy to get along, is answered with them bonding over the death of a squirrel that strongly resembles Marge’s character.
However, when parents start responding to Marge’s actions and the show is forced to become amicable and therefore unwatched, Springfield turns into a 1950’s utopia. Children on swings, the youth interacting pleasantly and parents worry- free make the audience wonders if this world is possible without the detrimental effects of today’s television. When another controversial piece of art though is criticized for doing the same, we are faced with a reality check.
The world today is inevitable with our technology and modern lifestyle. What is exploitation to one, is beauty to another… and the world we are a part of is what we must try to make the best of.
Gone Maggie Gone
“Gone Maggie Gone” was an expression of a greater knowledge regarding society. Small hints and one liners gave the episode a depth that intentionally made viewers think twice. I felt the episode dealt with large scale issues that through animation and a lack of series plot, could display more intertextual references. “Gone Maggie Gone” touched viewer sensitive topics—religion and politics. Both portrayals were equally biased, and in a surprisingly liberal direction regardless of its Fox Networking.
In the episode Marge is struck with temporary blindness. This was due to the solar eclipse, which enabled much of the episodes drama to unveil. When Maggie is taken by the Catholic church (which is conveniently interfering with society for the view the director had given) it is up to Homer and Lisa—who intellectually are from two very separate sides of the spectrum. In order to retrieve Maggie Lisa, goes undercover within the church as a nun exploiting every stereotype throughout her journey.
Before their encounter with freemason and illuminati references Lisa uses religious principle to solve the very un-Christian- like puzzle set before her. Lisa’s search for Maggie through the church land her right in the hands of government powers which creates the dynamic between religion and government and the lack of “separation of state and religion.” There are historical references to prove this theme in “Gone Maggie Gone.”
The end of the episode combines the themes from the episode with normal Simpson family values. Each character through the unique situation they were placed in display normal characteristics creating a perfect balance between reality and sitcom entertainment.
In the episode Marge is struck with temporary blindness. This was due to the solar eclipse, which enabled much of the episodes drama to unveil. When Maggie is taken by the Catholic church (which is conveniently interfering with society for the view the director had given) it is up to Homer and Lisa—who intellectually are from two very separate sides of the spectrum. In order to retrieve Maggie Lisa, goes undercover within the church as a nun exploiting every stereotype throughout her journey.
Before their encounter with freemason and illuminati references Lisa uses religious principle to solve the very un-Christian- like puzzle set before her. Lisa’s search for Maggie through the church land her right in the hands of government powers which creates the dynamic between religion and government and the lack of “separation of state and religion.” There are historical references to prove this theme in “Gone Maggie Gone.”
The end of the episode combines the themes from the episode with normal Simpson family values. Each character through the unique situation they were placed in display normal characteristics creating a perfect balance between reality and sitcom entertainment.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
How the Test Was Won
Blogging and watching The Simpson’s as a first timer was fun! “How the Test Was Won” challenged boundaries with animation that I found interesting. What could be said, I suppose is that animation does not necessarily have plot boundaries—which is potentially fascinating when put inside a semi-non-fictional community.
This ability enabled the writer to emphasize all of his points with visuals if necessary. One thing that was both entertaining and thought invoking was the montage of Homer facing a series of horrific injury that, luckily, was paid for! The montage ranged from every day injury to getting eaten alive by beavers. However because of the animated montage, at the time, I thought very little difference between the two giving “The Simpson’s” an entirely new element… for me.
Popular culture became more accessible through animation as well. The opening moments from “The Simpson’s” included a comical family reference to famous television families throughout history. This directly included pop culture in a way that would otherwise seem like poor directing or a lame attempt at including other television. “The Simpson’s” strong resemblance and humor was because of animation. I don’t feel I’d normally laugh at an orphanage being bombed with pianos but “The Simpson’s” made it possible.
Mr. Flanders is my character, but unfortunately did not appear in this episode for an analysis. That is why I focused on something else like animation, that I feel could heavily affect Springfield as a community. This week the abduction of Springfield’s least competent students seemed to prove a similar point.
I hope I did this right.
This ability enabled the writer to emphasize all of his points with visuals if necessary. One thing that was both entertaining and thought invoking was the montage of Homer facing a series of horrific injury that, luckily, was paid for! The montage ranged from every day injury to getting eaten alive by beavers. However because of the animated montage, at the time, I thought very little difference between the two giving “The Simpson’s” an entirely new element… for me.
Popular culture became more accessible through animation as well. The opening moments from “The Simpson’s” included a comical family reference to famous television families throughout history. This directly included pop culture in a way that would otherwise seem like poor directing or a lame attempt at including other television. “The Simpson’s” strong resemblance and humor was because of animation. I don’t feel I’d normally laugh at an orphanage being bombed with pianos but “The Simpson’s” made it possible.
Mr. Flanders is my character, but unfortunately did not appear in this episode for an analysis. That is why I focused on something else like animation, that I feel could heavily affect Springfield as a community. This week the abduction of Springfield’s least competent students seemed to prove a similar point.
I hope I did this right.
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