Many people think it is okay to download music illegally from different file sharing programs on the internet. Some people perceive it is okay to do because the information available online should be free. In reality, downloading music illegally is a crime that is punishable by fines and in some cases jail time.
You can evaluate whether or not it is ethical to illegally download music by many different standards. Aristotle states that to behave ethically, individuals must know what they are doing, select their action with moral reason, and act out of good character. Stealing music from artists, for example is not acting out of good character.
Immanuel Kant came up with the categorical imperative. This concept begs one to ask themselves, “What would the world be like if everyone acted as I do?” This concept allows no room for special or preferential treatment and treats everyone as equals. When you consider what the world would be like if no one actually bought music and everyone illegally downloaded it, you realize the talented artists that work so hard to produce their music would never see a penny of revenue. No one in his or her right mind would go to work every day with no hope of ever being paid. Music would no longer be an industry and would probably dwindle away very quickly. Envisioning a world without music is a very sad thought, one we will hopefully never have to call a reality.
Sissela Bok provides yet another standard for evaluating ethical situations. Bok has you consult your conscience, seek alternatives, and hold an imaginary conversation with everyone involved. If everyone consulted their conscience before they clicked “download”, less people would illegally download music because they would take the time to think about how morally wrong it truly is. There is one simple alternative to illegally downloading music, which is to pay for your music. Whether it is through iTunes or actually driving to a store that still carries compact discs, if you are paying for your music you have fulfilled your ethical responsibilities. Finally, it is certain that those people who are illegally downloading music would not want to explain to their favorite artist why they could not reach into their pocket and pay less than two dollars for their latest hit single. Artists need to be supported so that music can continue to enrich our lives, and this simply cannot happen if we continue to illegally download music.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
A Day Full of Media Messages
There is no question that we are bombarded by media messages multiple times a day. When you take on the challenge of actually recording all of your media exposures, you truly see how media saturated our lives have become.
It took me a day to remember to write down the time every time I saw a commercial, or heard an ad on the radio. It is not an easy thing to remember to do. We take for granted how many messages we are receiving because it is the norm for us, we have grown accustomed to it. By day two, I had finally gotten the hang of it, and recorded a full day of advertisement and media messages.
My cell phone charges next to my bed while I sleep. Every morning when I wake up, I check my text messages, Facebook notifications, and e-mails. While doing this assignment I realized that advertisements are the first things that I see when I open my eyes. Deleting the “Victoria’s Secret 20% off blowout sale” and “Petsmart exclusive coupon for you” e-mails is how I start my day, and I usually think nothing of it.
Before school starts, I watch a little television during breakfast. On this particular morning, I turned on the MTV show Teen Mom, and took notice of the commercials that surrounded the show. I saw commercials for Madonna’s new cd, the Jersey Shore, and Proactiv Solution. The commercials that I was seeing were clearly targeted toward the demographic of those who watch Teen Mom.
Throughout my day, I received over thirty e-mails from various retailers. My phone alerted me that I had a new e-mail so many times that it became very frustrating.
On my way to school, I saw billboards for cars and furniture. I also heard many different advertisements on the radio. One ad was for a car, another was for the new movie Snow White, and one advertised a grocery store.
Many of the messages that we receive on a daily basis happen simultaneously. I was watching The Office with my husband later that evening, and I was receiving e-mails while viewing a commercial. When we drive, I will see billboards advertising a dentist office while hearing an advertisement for AT & T on the radio. Media messages are inescapable, and this assignment really showed me just how much of it we are exposed to in a day
It took me a day to remember to write down the time every time I saw a commercial, or heard an ad on the radio. It is not an easy thing to remember to do. We take for granted how many messages we are receiving because it is the norm for us, we have grown accustomed to it. By day two, I had finally gotten the hang of it, and recorded a full day of advertisement and media messages.
My cell phone charges next to my bed while I sleep. Every morning when I wake up, I check my text messages, Facebook notifications, and e-mails. While doing this assignment I realized that advertisements are the first things that I see when I open my eyes. Deleting the “Victoria’s Secret 20% off blowout sale” and “Petsmart exclusive coupon for you” e-mails is how I start my day, and I usually think nothing of it.
Before school starts, I watch a little television during breakfast. On this particular morning, I turned on the MTV show Teen Mom, and took notice of the commercials that surrounded the show. I saw commercials for Madonna’s new cd, the Jersey Shore, and Proactiv Solution. The commercials that I was seeing were clearly targeted toward the demographic of those who watch Teen Mom.
Throughout my day, I received over thirty e-mails from various retailers. My phone alerted me that I had a new e-mail so many times that it became very frustrating.
On my way to school, I saw billboards for cars and furniture. I also heard many different advertisements on the radio. One ad was for a car, another was for the new movie Snow White, and one advertised a grocery store.
Many of the messages that we receive on a daily basis happen simultaneously. I was watching The Office with my husband later that evening, and I was receiving e-mails while viewing a commercial. When we drive, I will see billboards advertising a dentist office while hearing an advertisement for AT & T on the radio. Media messages are inescapable, and this assignment really showed me just how much of it we are exposed to in a day
Monday, February 27, 2012
Golf Digest
Golf Digest, the acclaimed number one golf publication, is a magazine that focuses on the game of golf, strategies, products, and reports information about the Professional Golfers Association (PGA). The demographics for Golf Digest are 85% male with 65% of its readers with an annual income of $75,000 or higher, and 36% with an annual income of $100,000 or higher. The target audience is clear from opening the first page of the magazine.
Golf Digest uses signaling to instruct its audience about what to buy, wear, and drive. This particular issue contained three full page car advertisements; Mercedes, Cadillac, and Lincoln. This issue also has an advertisement for Ralf Lauren, Calvin Klein, Delta Airlines, Cartier, and Patron. All of these items are luxuries that the average middle class American cannot afford. Why advertise these items in a golf magazine?
Golf has always been considered a prestigious sport; the necessary equipment is expensive, many golf courses are private and require an annual membership fee to play. Many business interactions will take place over a game of golf. The truth is that the wealthy are the ones playing golf, and that is whom this magazine is targeting. The consequences of some of this signaling is the average middle class golfer who reads Golf Digest and cannot afford a Cadillac may begin to feel that most golfers can afford all of these luxuries, when that is not always the case.
Two advertisements in Golf Digest were for Cialis and Viagra. This is because 64% of their audience is between the ages of 18-49. Many older men go golfing. Golf is a very common activity for older gentlemen who are retired. The advertisements for these sex enhancement drugs are just another example of targeting a specific demographic. If an older golfer sees this ad he may wonder whether a lot of older men are taking these products, and as a result he may inquire about them for himself.
Although Golf Digest is certainly filled with many informational articles about how to improve your game, what is going on behind the scenes in the PGA, and how to pick the perfect putter, it is also saturated with advertisers who wish to sell their products to a specific group of people. In the case of golf, this demographic is older gentlemen, who make upwards of $75,000 per year.
Golf Digest uses signaling to instruct its audience about what to buy, wear, and drive. This particular issue contained three full page car advertisements; Mercedes, Cadillac, and Lincoln. This issue also has an advertisement for Ralf Lauren, Calvin Klein, Delta Airlines, Cartier, and Patron. All of these items are luxuries that the average middle class American cannot afford. Why advertise these items in a golf magazine?
Golf has always been considered a prestigious sport; the necessary equipment is expensive, many golf courses are private and require an annual membership fee to play. Many business interactions will take place over a game of golf. The truth is that the wealthy are the ones playing golf, and that is whom this magazine is targeting. The consequences of some of this signaling is the average middle class golfer who reads Golf Digest and cannot afford a Cadillac may begin to feel that most golfers can afford all of these luxuries, when that is not always the case.
Two advertisements in Golf Digest were for Cialis and Viagra. This is because 64% of their audience is between the ages of 18-49. Many older men go golfing. Golf is a very common activity for older gentlemen who are retired. The advertisements for these sex enhancement drugs are just another example of targeting a specific demographic. If an older golfer sees this ad he may wonder whether a lot of older men are taking these products, and as a result he may inquire about them for himself.
Although Golf Digest is certainly filled with many informational articles about how to improve your game, what is going on behind the scenes in the PGA, and how to pick the perfect putter, it is also saturated with advertisers who wish to sell their products to a specific group of people. In the case of golf, this demographic is older gentlemen, who make upwards of $75,000 per year.
Monday, February 13, 2012
CNN, Al Jazeera, & FOX News
I began this assignment with very little knowledge of any events going on in Pakistan, only what I was about to learn from these news stories. I looked to CNN, Al Jazeera, and Fox News to gain an understanding of the charges against the Prime Minister of Pakistan that accuse him of contempt of court. All three news resources reported the facts of the story, but the presentation was quite different.
First, I watched the video that CNN posted. CNN explained that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was indicted for contempt of court because he refused to open up an old corruption case against the current President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari. CNN reported that the Prime Minister drove himself to the courthouse, which expressed that he was just like everyone else, a “normal” person. Gilani was also filmed waving and smiling going into court. CNN reports that he seemingly has no fear of being convicted.
It seemed to me that CNN was expressing that this situation is just another instance of turmoil for Pakistani politics. The comment was made by reporter Reza Sayah that if you look back into Pakistan’s history, you see this type of behavior often. Overall, I came away from the story with the feeling that there is much turmoil going on in Pakistan, and that their government is filled with corruption and lies.
Al Jazeera had an exclusive interview with Gilani which discussed the contempt charges that he faces. I saw consistency to the CNN report in that Gilani was not concerned about being convicted and stands by his position, defending the president.
I thought it was extremely interesting that in the beginning of the interview, they showed images of the poverty-stricken streets of Pakistan and stated that sixty percent of their people are living off less than $2 a day. I also thought it was interesting that they stated that Pakistan has endured “frequent attacks by Americans”, along with image of Pakistan’s “strong” military. This made me feel like I was not watching American news and actually made me feel a little uncomfortable.
The interview with the Gilani goes on to discuss the charges he will face if found guilty, six months in prison and loss of his control as Prime Minister. Gilani does not seem to be worried about being convicted and stands by his position in defending the president.
Fox News did not yet have a video available about the story, but I was able to read a short article. I found it interesting that Fox News used the words “Nuclear-Armed country” to describe Pakistan. That language emphasizes fear as they go on to discuss the fact that the US and Pakistan are not on good terms since a US aircraft killed 24 Pakistani soldiers in early November (perhaps that is the footage I watched in the introduction to the Al Jazeera interview).
The facts of the FOX story seemed to be relatively comparable to that of CNN, also emphasizing the political turmoil of Pakistan. Al Jazeera portrayed Pakistan to be more of a victim than a threat to safety. All the news outlets convey the theme that Gilani has no fear of being convicted for contempt of court, and stands by his position defending President Zardari.
Al Jazeera:
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/talktojazeera/2012/02/2012210135946240237.html
CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2012/02/13/sayah-pakistan-pm-indicted.cnn
FOX:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/02/10/pakistan-court-rejects-pms-plea-in-contempt-case/
First, I watched the video that CNN posted. CNN explained that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was indicted for contempt of court because he refused to open up an old corruption case against the current President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari. CNN reported that the Prime Minister drove himself to the courthouse, which expressed that he was just like everyone else, a “normal” person. Gilani was also filmed waving and smiling going into court. CNN reports that he seemingly has no fear of being convicted.
It seemed to me that CNN was expressing that this situation is just another instance of turmoil for Pakistani politics. The comment was made by reporter Reza Sayah that if you look back into Pakistan’s history, you see this type of behavior often. Overall, I came away from the story with the feeling that there is much turmoil going on in Pakistan, and that their government is filled with corruption and lies.
Al Jazeera had an exclusive interview with Gilani which discussed the contempt charges that he faces. I saw consistency to the CNN report in that Gilani was not concerned about being convicted and stands by his position, defending the president.
I thought it was extremely interesting that in the beginning of the interview, they showed images of the poverty-stricken streets of Pakistan and stated that sixty percent of their people are living off less than $2 a day. I also thought it was interesting that they stated that Pakistan has endured “frequent attacks by Americans”, along with image of Pakistan’s “strong” military. This made me feel like I was not watching American news and actually made me feel a little uncomfortable.
The interview with the Gilani goes on to discuss the charges he will face if found guilty, six months in prison and loss of his control as Prime Minister. Gilani does not seem to be worried about being convicted and stands by his position in defending the president.
Fox News did not yet have a video available about the story, but I was able to read a short article. I found it interesting that Fox News used the words “Nuclear-Armed country” to describe Pakistan. That language emphasizes fear as they go on to discuss the fact that the US and Pakistan are not on good terms since a US aircraft killed 24 Pakistani soldiers in early November (perhaps that is the footage I watched in the introduction to the Al Jazeera interview).
The facts of the FOX story seemed to be relatively comparable to that of CNN, also emphasizing the political turmoil of Pakistan. Al Jazeera portrayed Pakistan to be more of a victim than a threat to safety. All the news outlets convey the theme that Gilani has no fear of being convicted for contempt of court, and stands by his position defending President Zardari.
Al Jazeera:
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/talktojazeera/2012/02/2012210135946240237.html
CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2012/02/13/sayah-pakistan-pm-indicted.cnn
FOX:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/02/10/pakistan-court-rejects-pms-plea-in-contempt-case/
Monday, January 30, 2012
The Television Show Criminal Minds & Real Life
My favorite show on television is Criminal Minds. I enjoy watching the team fight to end crime and put sadistic killers in prison. The interaction of the Criminal Minds team is part of what makes the television series so appealing. The characters are not only co-workers but friends, who all have unique bonds with one another. In addition to their personal relationships with each other, they also have special talents in which they excel. Garcia is a genius when it comes to technology, Dr. Reid has a photographic memory, Hoch has uncanny leadership skills and so forth. When you combine the team’s gifts and the unmistakable bond between them, they are unstoppable.
Another characteristic that makes the show interesting is that we get a glimpse into the characters personal lives, which makes us feel as if we can relate to what they go through. Hoch was going through a divorce as a result of never having time for his family at home. You can empathize with Hoch in this situation; because his job is so vital to saving lives he cannot be with his family as often as he would like. Scenarios like this make the team of “superheroes” seem much more humanized, and are one part of the television show that appropriately emulates real life.
Unfortunately, Criminal Minds is nothing more than a fantasy. Many of the reasons I am attracted to the show are some of the most prominent reasons that it is unlike real life. I am sure that there is a team in the FBI that work diligently on solving special cases and profiling criminals, but I doubt they are all best friends and care for each other as it is portrayed on Criminal Minds. I do not doubt that there are some people in our world (perhaps even in our government) who have incredible talents like that of Dr. Reid. The chances that there is really a team out there like the one portrayed on Criminal Minds is very unlikely.
Finally, Criminal Minds is unlike real life because unfortunately, the good guys do not always win. In real life mysteries go unsolved, bodies remain missing, and sometimes the killer does not fit the profile. It is probably the saddest reality, but the most truthful. In real life there is not always a happy ending.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Media in my Life
I use media for surveillance, correlation, and entertainment. I use media for surveillance by going on social networking websites such as Facebook or Twitter. These sites help me stay connected to the people around me and help me keep a check on what my friends (or enemies) are doing. I use media for correlation by watching the news or reading the newspaper. Usually when I want to check the news and I am in a rush, I connect to my local newspaper through my blackberry to get the latest headlines. Doing this helps me stay aware of what is going on in the world and in my community. Finally I use media for entertainment. There is nothing I love more than watching Criminal Minds on A & E. I don’t have to do much thinking; I can just sit back and be content with being personally entertained. I agree that we are a media saturated society, but I especially agree with the limited effects model from our textbook. I believe that we interpret media according to our own preexisting beliefs. I know that when I use media to correlate, or become informed, I scrutinize the news. I do not believe anything ABC or Fox tells me because I already have formulated my own beliefs about things. Media is all around us and it can be used for great opportunities. I believe if more people agreed (or actually lived by) the limited effects model, media would get less of a bad reputation for some of the issues it displays.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Final Blog
The chapter that I related to most in my life was interpersonal communication. I know I will benefit from the skills we learned in this area. Learning about dyadic communication was very helpful to me because I am constantly trying to improve my interpersonal skills. The more spontaneous and relaxed a conversationalist you are, the more confident you feel and I believe you are more appealing for others to be around when mastering this skill. I can really relate and agree with many of the theories in interpersonal communication. The Social Penetration Theory is one of my favorites, because I believe that the deeper your relationship with someone, the more cohesive you become. The many facets of yourself that make up the whole” onion” analogy really compare to the breadth of the relationship, and on how deep of a level you are on with someone in many different areas of your life reflects on your relationship with that person. Another favorite theory of mine is the Duck’s Filtering theory. The imaginary strainer that filters out acquaintances, qualities you like or do not like in friends or mates, and finally the few that make it to the bottom of the filter. These few represent your most close friends and loved ones. I strongly agree with this theory and can relate because I have a few very close friends, but many friends and acquaintances that would be caught somewhere on one of the filter’s upper levels. Interpersonal communication is so interesting because I believe it is why we live life. Without personal interaction there truly would be no reason to get out of bed in the morning. We thrive on communication, we communicate with the people we care about most interpersonally, that is why I find interpersonal communication to be the most relatable topic we have studied.
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