tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33216460427609930702024-02-19T19:21:31.361-05:00Deflating Pop CultureAs a Psychology graduate, I have been educated to analyze all that I see. I have tended to recently point this analytical tendency in the direction of media and pop culture. The writings that follow are my thoughts on various types of popculture today. Some may be serious, some may be fluff generalizations or comments on previous things I have viewed, but all are my thoughts.JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-11306141726555627142010-02-14T10:27:00.002-05:002010-02-14T10:36:52.362-05:00Who says education will get you where you want to be?Having spent 4 years in University studying Psychology, and then another year doing a post graduate degree in Public Relations, I thought for sure that I would walk out of that institution into a great job that I would love. Sadly enough, it has been almost a year since I have graduated and the closest I have come to this is literally asking "would you like fries with that" as a server at Swiss Chalet. And yet, people I look up from my highschool, who hardly finished their diploma are clearly more successful than me! They have jobs, they may not love them, but they have a consistent income. What is the point in going through so much schooling to get to the job you "love" if there is nothing out there and instead you stand practicially unemployed after spending thousands and thousands of dollars getting yourself there!<br /><br />I understand that the economic climate is bad right now, but it has gotten to the point of pathetic. Should we really continue to tell the smart kids in school to carry on, and get a great education so they can do what they want, when really they won't get to do anything at all?<br />I had the choice of doing a masters in Psychology, or take a different route in a more applied and creative field of PR. So that is what I did. I often look back on my decision and debate, could things have gone differently. Speaking to friends of mine, it seems not. Having finished their masters last summer as well they are working at Metro, Garage clothing, and struggling to get into their field.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I am glad that I went through the path I did. I love the field I have chosen and the things I have learned, but I beleive the preperation for leaving these schools needs to be changed. Students minds shouldnt be filled with all the jobs they are going to be offered, it should be filled with the reality of the difficulty they are going to be facing and the challenges that exist in entering the real world.<br />Stop lying and tell them the true. Its a tough world out there, so get ready for rejection, failure, and consistent let downs.JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-22594995701856405662009-03-03T09:35:00.003-05:002009-03-03T09:50:57.896-05:00Skittle Skat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBmPOFUBUUY5aHMM44NMHHuJdH-y6wsmyEGlDNEW_Fj6mvoGPw0OPZw9aAo9AtQ2PGl-rvO-xzdMLq28KNw6Jqg7GXJ3D7b2KqtBvWnjf0LBV8XWTRla1o7HkIV-qVf5IZIKK40Oxn2o/s1600-h/skittles.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308973887950291298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBmPOFUBUUY5aHMM44NMHHuJdH-y6wsmyEGlDNEW_Fj6mvoGPw0OPZw9aAo9AtQ2PGl-rvO-xzdMLq28KNw6Jqg7GXJ3D7b2KqtBvWnjf0LBV8XWTRla1o7HkIV-qVf5IZIKK40Oxn2o/s200/skittles.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>A friend of mine had sent me a link to the Skittles website yesterday. I figured this link would perhaps bring me to the website and show me the creation of a new flavour, a new packaging or a new partnership. However, instead it was something quite different. The skittles company has changed their website into their twitter page. By doing this when you log onto the website you are required to tell whether you are over the age of 18 (because skittles are quite scandalous), and then a twitter page pops up and a smaller navigating box stays in the left hand corner. This small box allows you the options to go back to home, games, learn about the company etc., quite the same type of stuff that is found on a typical page, however this information is now taking a back seat to the twittering that is happening on the main page. The main question to ask is, is this PR ploy risky or rewarding? When reading the twitter posts it is hard to tell. For example, some people enjoy the opportunity to tweet about skittles and express happiness with the product, while others take the opportunity to cut it down and insult the PR tactic that has been used. However, although there may be some bad publicity being brought up, the point is that it has got people talking. There are skittles conversations happening all over the place. Thus, the tactic has reached its goal, and therefore created a buzz around the product.</div><br /><div>As well I believe this ploy does a good job or marketing towards an older age group. Using the frequently used social media Twitter, it allows the company to target adults as opposed to young children and broaden the interest in the product. It's even got me blogging about it!</div><br /><div>Although it is risky I think it was a positive risk for the company because it brought the product into public interest, even if just for a short period of time. </div><br /><div>What are your thoughts?</div><br /><div>Risky or Rewarding?</div>JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-71743645454433055802009-01-15T00:00:00.001-05:002009-01-15T00:02:53.311-05:00Long time no blogJust like to meniton I am still here, debating and contradicting lifes happenings and pop culture as I see it. Jumping into a new semester I see myself posting a plethora of interesting topics sure to ignite your interest in questioning what we see happening around us.<br />Thanks<br />JenJMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-69144383598118994892008-12-17T16:57:00.010-05:002009-03-05T10:42:18.675-05:00I'm dreaming of a caucasion holiday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV7WQ1pgeRU7VbmaP5Ycs62YjPVzFBNlcLoFFzYJmd9-mMxx2h92tV7gB5wO6dnm512xhJzzWCmfCo8OzP5CRm1W3PABjaaY2fQbNmnyIyuVaQ5Ghh9-dOjOhNOM6HI1hiEiNdubgcb8/s1600-h/seuss_grinchpc.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309729444816506546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 166px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV7WQ1pgeRU7VbmaP5Ycs62YjPVzFBNlcLoFFzYJmd9-mMxx2h92tV7gB5wO6dnm512xhJzzWCmfCo8OzP5CRm1W3PABjaaY2fQbNmnyIyuVaQ5Ghh9-dOjOhNOM6HI1hiEiNdubgcb8/s200/seuss_grinchpc.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Yesterday I had heard a new country song featuring brad paisley and the boys of blue collar comedy. When listening to the wording, it really made me realize how far our obsession in political correctness has gone. In the song they bleep out words such as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Christmas</span>, white, new, little, drummer, boy, etc., because everything can offend someone. It's so ridiculous, its <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hilarious</span>! How silly we must look as a culture when it we are seen essentially "hiding" what we want to say and blanketing every celebration as a "holiday". In a country where we are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">supposed</span> to respect and appreciate <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">every ones</span> differences it seems contradicting that instead we encompass all celebrations under "happy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">holidays</span>". I am proud to say Merry <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Christmas</span>. I don't even <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">believe</span> in God or C<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hrist</span></span>, but I am not offended by people wishing me a Merry Christmas. I don't expect people to wish me a "Merry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Santamas"</span>. If someone were to say Happy Hanukkah, I would never be offended. Therefore, why is everyone so bent out of shape with saying Merry <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Christmas?</span> Even if you don't celebrate it, you might as well have a merry one!</div>JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-33822042961496562962008-12-09T15:22:00.005-05:002009-03-05T10:46:02.694-05:00I believe in Santa Claus!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOZ8R4g0Sku5LJ5tE7bzRgg8TjmrDzbidu5yth2wGB6BI1mY5jROW8CpVdUCt7r1Hwss0rNRN0K-hgnb7_vAb-YuvDQU15MsEoIlFVyku7bZKnz0UU3PC1vk-DNgjFWrgf5DWs7uIS7c/s1600-h/find-santa-claus-10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278529183455249714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOZ8R4g0Sku5LJ5tE7bzRgg8TjmrDzbidu5yth2wGB6BI1mY5jROW8CpVdUCt7r1Hwss0rNRN0K-hgnb7_vAb-YuvDQU15MsEoIlFVyku7bZKnz0UU3PC1vk-DNgjFWrgf5DWs7uIS7c/s200/find-santa-claus-10.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>When visiting a younger member of my family this weekend I was filled with Christmas spirit. This continued right up until the moment he blurted out in front of some of the child population, "Santa doesn't exist!". Although this was shocking to hear this seven year old say this, the most horrific thing he added was "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">that's</span> what my teacher told me".<br />Teachers hold the power to change the lives of children every day. But when a teacher uses this power to steal the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">innocence</span> from the children it seems to be such a shame.<br />It makes sense that a child would learn the truth of their world (as true as it may be) from their peers and from their own deductive reasoning. However, I completely disagree with a teacher being able to steal this belief from a child. If a teacher can't tell their students that a god doesn't exist, that why can they say that Santa doesn't?</div>JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-56668332214915695692008-11-30T22:59:00.004-05:002008-11-30T23:02:42.015-05:00Simply ImpressedI Came across this picture in my random searching and I felt the need to share.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274666680803456562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x0FLKgMKXDd7GW1j5XZQWoZVmjoJxq9656pXe9XkbNDwtK-6-PRzwQvI0MFLmdDSJlpz0VCq5m_7kiZIFRnn3hQ5gikZIA9DHL0fPQfW6BwSmTxQgRN4CNHSgvq5_Zo0wEVQ5niV-ns/s200/fish%2520bowl.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-37315385639469727202008-11-30T22:23:00.004-05:002009-03-05T10:49:31.586-05:00Commercial Colleges<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoSJTrmQyC5cl4lq0bOn3bUEB547pQiP-6d4AM9V-b7AzXUVhZ2XfvJ9VafuJaEovpXl0g_sZDlENkq4r0YPcrGGZxgZBZNGWXlvhud774c5ZZcfAtS-pupTDOpERqFVl-2MbRxq-fUw/s1600-h/school.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274660918151473602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 117px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoSJTrmQyC5cl4lq0bOn3bUEB547pQiP-6d4AM9V-b7AzXUVhZ2XfvJ9VafuJaEovpXl0g_sZDlENkq4r0YPcrGGZxgZBZNGWXlvhud774c5ZZcfAtS-pupTDOpERqFVl-2MbRxq-fUw/s200/school.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>When watching TV it makes sense that many products that have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">commercials</span> seem more credible. When you are at a store and you see a brand of juice that was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">recommended</span> on a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">commercial,</span> it seems more reliable than one you have never heard of before. However, it seems the opposite for colleges, universities and perhaps schools in general. Maybe it is just me, but I trust colleges that have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">commercials</span> far <em>less </em>than those who don't. I have never seen a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">commercial</span> for Harvard, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">McMaster</span></span>, University of Guelph, Western, or Queens. However, many times, especially on "Peach tree TV", I see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">commercials</span> for these crazy colleges that have people convincing me to go back to school. It is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">because</span> of these <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">commercials</span> that I do not take the school at all seriously. Perhaps it is because I am not the demographic they are trying to reach, or maybe its <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">because</span> of the air conditioning school that boasted "get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">chyou</span></span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cooool</span></span> job" that just ruined it for all of them. I found it to be an interesting paradox that when it comes to important choices sometimes advertising just doesn't cut it at all.</div>JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-16491168548462496082008-11-24T18:28:00.015-05:002009-03-05T10:56:17.068-05:00Where have all the losers gone?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309732832093086114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZga-backPo7kHczYiGox2W1mlHZmP903AyAnfHzf3xt3MfTlBssPOlfldzXUllnSxcmIXp3YC-wQpNDm4O19zaS5VlXeNZL916tI-m1zt8mtqUp5pCKBexgXNpd8Pv2wUpKvZWdFPaE/s200/stanley+hats.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I had a ponder yesterday while watching the Grey Cup. Every year two teams play in a Championship game. This is the same for the Grey Cup, the Super Bowl, the Stanley Cup, the Calder Cup, and so on. In every sport and every game both teams have equal chance at winning. Due to this, a special team of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">manufacturers</span> create hats for the winning team to wear at the moment they are crowned the champions. However, what happens to the hats and sometimes even shirts that are made for the team that loose? Sure, the team that wins have the proper clothing with the proper labels. But where in the world do the wrong labeled outfits go? Are they burned? Are they sent to a far off land where people are dressed in the wrong winners from every year? Are they donated? Do poor people never know who actually won the game? Are they <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">buried</span> at sea or in the desert?<br />To be honest, there must be a logical answer to this, but i just can't think of it. They can't all just be thrown out, can they? If someone could fill me in on where these shirts and hats have disappeared to, I would be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">grateful</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-42025637703015292012008-11-24T18:25:00.006-05:002009-03-05T11:03:19.774-05:00Give me it with sugar coating pleaseLately, I have heard a lot of "tell the truth", and "be honesty". Well, to be honest, sometimes you just need to sugar coating on the truth. I like to hear a lie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">every now</span> and then, especially when I know its a lie that has been told to make me feel better! It soothes me to know that they would go through the trouble of lying to me to spare my feelings. I don't appreciate a lie that is told to cover up something. However, a sugar coated truth is often needed, especially in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">comparison</span> to being brutally honest. For example, that dress looks great, but how about this one? or those "boots are still in", when I can't afford anything else. But not "holy shit this is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">garlicy</span></span>", when I'm learning to cook!<br />In my opinion people say something different than they want. Although I may say I want honesty and it is a desirable trait in a person, to be honest, I like the truth with a little bit of sugar coating. Not to much, just enough to take away the sting.JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-558305104162904072008-11-19T12:26:00.005-05:002009-03-05T11:07:56.058-05:00Advancements?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVAf5i2mhaM-uEspjlB9iIbyOVeMugtc3Plsp0_fDfJYapV7xSV9m1DprNdP2xNqshGnLZvs7jXqyrTB2BVlx4K1ITNbCh6GC4cQkgmg9LuRnFp9eAfo7Qp1t0Eo3glk63RpktlLM8a0/s1600-h/tide.jpg"></a>Apparently being sick and stuck on a couch all day creates a bundle of revelations about <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">popular</span> culture. Watching TV I have seen about a dozen "advancements" in different things. For example, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">detergent</span> that "pops" throughout the day, air fresheners that sense a bad smell, or a toothpaste that does everything under the sun! My debate for these products are, why do we need them? If a scientist can put so much effort into making detergent beads that pop throughout the day to make us smell nice, than why can't these scientists devote their time to other endeavors, such as medical discoveries. I am aware that these sciences are very different. However, as children did these scientists dream of becoming the inventor of a brand new detergent? If all of these creators have the power to make these advancements in useless things, I wonder what they could all create if they worked on more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">detrimental</span> things like cancer, or diabetes.<br />I would use no name no pop detergent if that meant that there would be more people working on these worldwide problems.JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-72105379499420759072008-11-19T12:17:00.003-05:002009-03-05T11:10:12.298-05:00Video Games.. not just a man's world?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwswj3EW7Ya3Kdk6ik90W0_W9gdtJL3U0mHsFGgM2X6zNjfA9t2uBDsgUcSi0X5RVXTdewKE2wY0GI2N8qYzRCEuLnucgemcuqi8kedA0ATm4Pc6DazFbO-s0FkEQYYVVg3Fkmm_tylo/s1600-h/wii_tennis.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270423536226876002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwswj3EW7Ya3Kdk6ik90W0_W9gdtJL3U0mHsFGgM2X6zNjfA9t2uBDsgUcSi0X5RVXTdewKE2wY0GI2N8qYzRCEuLnucgemcuqi8kedA0ATm4Pc6DazFbO-s0FkEQYYVVg3Fkmm_tylo/s200/wii_tennis.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>While watching the news at noon today there was an interesting report on the new advancement of women and video games. The report began by saying that video games are not just used by men anymore, its a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">women's</span> world too. However, watching the report it was clear that this involvement is actually because of two very different reasons. Men enjoy the activity, the skill, and the challenge. Although some women do enjoy these aspects as well, by listening to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">interviews</span> and examining the information, it is evident women are interested in video games for the same reason they are interested in many other activities, the social aspect. Women quoted enjoying talking about it, getting together with friends for parties to do it and talking to people through the video games. Therefore, although women are getting involved it seems to reinforce the true nature of the differences between the genders instead of providing evidence to how they are becoming more "similar" as the report seemed to detail.</div>JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-57490556113269667752008-11-17T20:29:00.003-05:002009-03-05T11:11:54.164-05:00The swearing continuumWhen were new rules set for swearing during prime time TV? While watching prime time TV in the past hour, I have heard "bitch", "shit" "hell" "crap" "dammit" "ignorant <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">skank</span>" "dirty whore" tits" and even dare I say it, "ho-bag". I wonder, was there a date recorded when the only swear word left to be used on TV was the f-word?<br />Although I personally am not offended by the use of these words, well maybe "ho-bag", I wonder when we decided, and what made us decide, that these words were now so socially acceptable?JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-20381163247462902022008-11-12T17:14:00.003-05:002009-03-05T11:20:09.778-05:00Body image and the Disney Princess<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamdWNk46ymbp5bAaOtQKTHhyPjllngQhddYSk_R8hAZ080om3EhjQYXaQO3ooTPwziowJeEIUNWf2TVymEGox3piOFwtHSm4effOnVPOrZLLDDmIDTVpyRZkOO6DJGp6313QUOO9HK_w/s1600-h/Disney+princess.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267904473502548514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamdWNk46ymbp5bAaOtQKTHhyPjllngQhddYSk_R8hAZ080om3EhjQYXaQO3ooTPwziowJeEIUNWf2TVymEGox3piOFwtHSm4effOnVPOrZLLDDmIDTVpyRZkOO6DJGp6313QUOO9HK_w/s200/Disney+princess.jpg" border="0" /></a> There are many things I love about Disney movies. The magic, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">silliness</span>, and the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">imagination</span> they can instill. However, the one thing that I can never shake is the stereotypical representations it holds. Specifically, I wanted to touch on body image, which is a big topic surrounding <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">today's</span> media influence. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Disney</span> princess is beautiful, but much like the Barbie, a complete falsity and physical impossibility. Interesting to note, even in this picture, the princesses are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">positioned</span> much like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fashion</span> or magazine models. Perhaps <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">this is foreshadowing</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">stereotypical</span> magazines to come in the future of young girls?<br /><br /><div>The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Disney</span> princess <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">possesses</span> a perfect hour glass figure found attractive by the male species for reproductive purpose (as explained by the evolutionary theory). Additionally, she is well endowed, has perfectly symmetrical features, an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">extremely</span> small waist size that seems to be an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">impossibility, and long luscious hair</span>. Much like many cultural impressions, due to the idolization of such princesses, young girls are unfortunately influenced by these impossible ideals of beauty.<br />Although I direct this towards girls, it isn't to say that boys are less subject to these <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">stereotypes</span>. Take a look at a Disney hero for example.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7Fn1k6ikXepSSq7qIhQp8Z3Kgox-vABtH6S3zol1FJuBi96T004Kq0Scy11icd49ucdpnaulNCmIEa6KETDOMteORlGolt6ZcMqpwypdfnP4sHOe7gwo6pEy6NjVuBs2vZxslW0ABP8/s1600-h/Alladin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267904946659323634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 101px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7Fn1k6ikXepSSq7qIhQp8Z3Kgox-vABtH6S3zol1FJuBi96T004Kq0Scy11icd49ucdpnaulNCmIEa6KETDOMteORlGolt6ZcMqpwypdfnP4sHOe7gwo6pEy6NjVuBs2vZxslW0ABP8/s200/Alladin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The men are typically tall, with larger legs, smaller waists, larger torsos (again noted as most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">desirably</span> by the evolutionary theory), along with perfectly symmetrical features, and never move an inch of hair. Therefore, young boys as well are subject to impossible standards to live up to, unless they aim for Quasi-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Motto</span>, then perhaps they can reach their Disney Hero goal.<br /></div><div>Essentially, these types of media representations influence children at young age to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">believe</span> a certain kind of beauty, Disney Princess beauty, represents the way they should look.</div>JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-44160363613696615612008-11-12T11:21:00.003-05:002009-03-05T11:23:48.960-05:00Second life and the removal of real lifeAfter doing a presentation on the social media "second life" it has had me thinking about the way our world seems to be on a route of becoming more lonely, even though we have the ability of connecting with more people. The more advanced we have become in technology, the less advanced we become as social beings. If we have the technology and the tools to create a second life in which we can satisfy our consumer, business, and social desires, what will people ever need to leave the house for? Have we become a society that is too reliant on convenience? Has this taken away from our true living? Do we cause our own depression, and weight problems by continually coming up with these ways to make life "easier"?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26olWIbAWfUXATe8x-L1uYzGk3PQFJ9-BRAfhy3uPnXthmT5PwxMDFWmVlfviGlqX6X5tO_UWimzecpWHeWr99TrRrCv6-68qvKjgvE6vWSzjzIdt-fqguszgyxLLOFKFot2OG_cO_to/s1600-h/second-life.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268187125723623314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 139px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26olWIbAWfUXATe8x-L1uYzGk3PQFJ9-BRAfhy3uPnXthmT5PwxMDFWmVlfviGlqX6X5tO_UWimzecpWHeWr99TrRrCv6-68qvKjgvE6vWSzjzIdt-fqguszgyxLLOFKFot2OG_cO_to/s200/second-life.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Although second life, for example, provides amazing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">opportunities</span> for business development and communication with people across the world, it is perhaps inhibiting the communication between the people in our immediate realm. Has convenience gone too far?<br />Is a choice between convenience in life vs really living?<br />Second Life: <a href="http://www.secondlife.com/">http://www.secondlife.com/</a>JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-31680255418130896682008-11-11T10:24:00.003-05:002009-03-05T11:29:38.709-05:00Freud is not all that and a bag of chipsAs a Psychology graduate I must take up my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dis-satisfaction</span></span> with the love and admiration of F<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">reud</span></span></span> and his contribution to Psychology. Sure, Freud was a marker in psychological history, he put psychology on the map per say, but that doesn't mean that he was the best thing to happen to the science since sliced bread! There many intelligent and compelling theorists that deserve mention as opposed to just always falling back on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Freud.</span> For example, when watching popular television shows that claim to be about the smartest of people, for example <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Frasier, Criminal Minds,</span> or The Big Bang theory. One would think they would want to put in the added effort of researching popular credible psychologists as opposed to sticking to good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ol</span></span></span>' <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Freud. Because of this it seems Freud </span>is often mentioned just for the sake of seeming intelligent!<br />The prominent use of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Freud</span> in popular culture, i feel, sheds a light of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mis</span></span>-truth</span> towards those who are less <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">knowledgeable</span> in the psychology field. Sure he was a psychologist, but not the only psychologist. Many of his theories were flawed and unproven, and yet by consistent mention of only Freud it reinforces the idea of pure truth in his ideas. In my opinion there are far more reliable theories and theorists that should be used more often than Freud. Enough with the Freud get some new material!JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-79312317367137173072008-11-05T00:31:00.002-05:002008-11-25T12:48:59.931-05:00A day in history<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfYHRFu3fq6i4iJBP0f2wwtXq6gjmK_prTIqcn_FsjFM-Y8VdqCWZnAgJL7CfXs5q2V0NbctifxRuLxedG_kLkS3Sju9Q4yHbJWIijgVzxJ4FqSU5_WoBu_1D7Ihi2bA3Uw74_f4SKE8/s1600-h/president.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268184683610544018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 98px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 122px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfYHRFu3fq6i4iJBP0f2wwtXq6gjmK_prTIqcn_FsjFM-Y8VdqCWZnAgJL7CfXs5q2V0NbctifxRuLxedG_kLkS3Sju9Q4yHbJWIijgVzxJ4FqSU5_WoBu_1D7Ihi2bA3Uw74_f4SKE8/s200/president.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I feel today I should be looking around and taking notice of where I am and what I am doing when I learned that for the first time an African American is the President of the United States. I feel like its going to be one of those "in my day" stories that you share with your children and their children. Even though part of me is greatly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">relieved</span> to have the American election over with, mostly so I can return to regular programming, another part of me its just yearning to take it all in. To take in the moment and all of the coverage so I can say I remember when America elected their first African American president. Even as Canadians we need to recognize this time and really understand the significance of this change in the government and society. Perhaps its the many speeches, photos, histories and bios I have watched, but I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">truly</span> feel proud of the step that has been made.</div><br /><div></div>JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-39901559571102497332008-10-21T14:50:00.001-04:002008-11-25T12:49:51.007-05:00How could halloween be bad when dogs in costume are so good!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTFuHU0EQ5cFaCp-GRAgoGIxdRmDxFuEMHEkA1t28WVGiVPjcapneXE17uZ2VVKG4YDR74RHfdaJFFbIzvwcdm0n6BYexTH5kOEnOEBdWJ3TY2V_zO3LYumWR1nYUJMfGI5B8xo6OspQ/s1600-h/dog+pumpkins.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259682724514750210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTFuHU0EQ5cFaCp-GRAgoGIxdRmDxFuEMHEkA1t28WVGiVPjcapneXE17uZ2VVKG4YDR74RHfdaJFFbIzvwcdm0n6BYexTH5kOEnOEBdWJ3TY2V_zO3LYumWR1nYUJMfGI5B8xo6OspQ/s200/dog+pumpkins.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EfD2BM7faEGVvC7wA57sHjoA6UVE__-JUHrMhX6L1gm3tD46bJQAzQ0Q_i8YDOHCNJRYCsw4eso9r_pq_ShnC71LAOWnE064Mo3CD3QkEhbciriPY4u3ab231Z1gJktzmIR9SyxBtnQ/s1600-h/yoda+dogs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259682627778588066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EfD2BM7faEGVvC7wA57sHjoA6UVE__-JUHrMhX6L1gm3tD46bJQAzQ0Q_i8YDOHCNJRYCsw4eso9r_pq_ShnC71LAOWnE064Mo3CD3QkEhbciriPY4u3ab231Z1gJktzmIR9SyxBtnQ/s200/yoda+dogs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a-Wgb5j9iBLmCbbPI222v8MtsLzYxe8i6o4d4WJsjcQcjRkV0_k3254U2ucj04PDwaSPGProZ9LjoNTzpiJu5dE15rkV_vGhZb5Y3VE3na5q3wwxGbgyU-X3Ha9Py-gKb-AvwVHhoC0/s1600-h/spider.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259682544102417106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a-Wgb5j9iBLmCbbPI222v8MtsLzYxe8i6o4d4WJsjcQcjRkV0_k3254U2ucj04PDwaSPGProZ9LjoNTzpiJu5dE15rkV_vGhZb5Y3VE3na5q3wwxGbgyU-X3Ha9Py-gKb-AvwVHhoC0/s200/spider.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlY2K2nxC2XIXhUMKQ1n1TySAmIVmGse5XFAQnz8Hf2fjJTkEu5guFI0_zfGf-flTdAk2pvmb5GRqJ2pQ-kaxRLwkQpQOSJ9DNzFbQwkHSRXIgsROcAs_eVMfG_ZU1X1GRGEmEm_0W14/s1600-h/mcdonalds+dogs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259682460813430226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlY2K2nxC2XIXhUMKQ1n1TySAmIVmGse5XFAQnz8Hf2fjJTkEu5guFI0_zfGf-flTdAk2pvmb5GRqJ2pQ-kaxRLwkQpQOSJ9DNzFbQwkHSRXIgsROcAs_eVMfG_ZU1X1GRGEmEm_0W14/s200/mcdonalds+dogs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIuTCT3ADZb_MhwXGpQ-NvrpH1N3ZkrqSQEWDXzhv2ByfjH8A9qDTv2glPvr_FsjuuXfWP8oDljiTI1MBzsXUwGVJ7CpoIjzSNxgxvwxiy5pdMNBYNVcvBZkUT8oeLe3vZHjmWVPQ8U8/s1600-h/hot+dogs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259682369507644082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIuTCT3ADZb_MhwXGpQ-NvrpH1N3ZkrqSQEWDXzhv2ByfjH8A9qDTv2glPvr_FsjuuXfWP8oDljiTI1MBzsXUwGVJ7CpoIjzSNxgxvwxiy5pdMNBYNVcvBZkUT8oeLe3vZHjmWVPQ8U8/s200/hot+dogs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-21024876545384931882008-10-21T13:16:00.002-04:002008-11-25T12:50:56.117-05:00God?So I guess this anger about dis-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">belief</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Halloween</span> may come from my religious <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">beliefs</span> which equal=0. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">believe</span> that religion is more of a hinder than a help in this world. So much bad comes from religion that I cannot even fathom why people involve themselves so heavily in something that no one even has proof of to begin with. Perhaps it is my scientific background that leads me to these opinions, but I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">believe</span> in fact and truth and I find there is none to be found in religion. In my opinion religions may give a good moral code to live by, respect thy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">neighbor</span> etc. But <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">beyond</span> providing ethical guidelines the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">belief</span> in an unknown being seems more of an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">excuse</span> than a truth. For example, when it comes to the creation of things, I think that explaining a spiritual being as being the creator is simply a cop out because there people don't want to or put effort into <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">believing</span> there is another explanation for it. Instead of putting the effort to figure out logical reasoning for things that happen people turn to god, or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">some other</span> form to which there is no real proof of. Personally I am strong <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">believer</span> in evolutionary theory. I am a strong <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">advocate</span> of reproduction of the fittest derived from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Darwin's</span> survival of the fittest. It is a factual explanation for the evolution of our world. I am currently reading the God Delusion by Richard <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Dawkins</span> and so far it has made me feel more comfortable about my position in life. Until I entered University I felt like a lonely sole with my views that I could never speak of because being an "atheist" was a bad word. Not only that but in the media hardly anyone expresses their anti-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">religious</span> views which perpetuate the image of atheism as a wrong doing in our society. Sure there are tons of movies and TV shows about loving god, religious families, etc. But it is difficult for me to even think of one which portrays a healthy, respectable member of society as a non god <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">believing</span> atheist.JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-36803485493076294412008-10-21T12:53:00.002-04:002008-11-25T12:51:52.690-05:00Halloween De-breifingHalloween is about dressing up, watching <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">scary</span> movies, and having fun. Young children don't dress up to insult anyone, or praise a devil, they dress up to have fun, pretend to be someone else for a day, fit in and most important to them, get a lot of Candy! I think people may be putting too much thought into this holiday. Perhaps when the day was first developed it was a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Satan</span> praising day, I am unsure of the origin of this. However, just like most other holidays the original purpose of these holidays have changed and are no longer as prominent to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">today's</span> society. For example Christmas, people associate Santa Claus with Christmas perhaps more than Jesus, at least I'm sure most children do. To me, Christmas is a family holiday, a great <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">excuse</span> for giving and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">receiving</span>, and watching some great <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Christmas</span> movies mostly based on a fat man in a red suit. Easter is about chocolate, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Easter</span> bunny, and family. And Halloween is about dressing up. So why do we have to pick this apart so much? What is wrong with children running around as bees, police officers, cowboys and princesses? Who is it hurting?<br />It is the 21st Century and Halloween is about Candy, dress up and fun, and that is it!JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-77936403262654817432008-10-21T10:11:00.002-04:002008-11-25T12:52:40.208-05:00What is wrong with Halloween???Recently I have been bombarded recently with ideas that Halloween is a pagan holiday and creating a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">culture</span> around it is a terrible thing for children to be involved in. I'd like to gather some of this information to show, but for now I just want to express my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">disbelief</span> and anger in people attempting to push their anti-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Halloween</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">beliefs</span> on me!<br /><br />I wanted to note that I recovered the links that explained the "problems" with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Halloween</span><br /><a href="http://www.sv-luka.org/articles/haloween.htm">http://www.sv-luka.org/articles/haloween.htm</a> + <a href="http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/halloween.aspx">http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/halloween.aspx</a><br />Thank youJMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321646042760993070.post-7472800100348802012008-10-14T15:51:00.000-04:002008-11-13T09:59:13.588-05:00My thoughts on my thoughtsI would like to introduce you to my blog. If you are looking for a space to read about one specific subject I fear you are in the wrong place. My blog will work as my mind does...it will roam all over the place. The tying element of this space will be media and popculture. I want to question anything and everything that happens in my world surrounding this topic. I attempt not to rant, but rather to reflect on the media I see in my daily life and the thoughts that are created from these occassions.JMacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923121070693738481noreply@blogger.com0