Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Posts for Week Six (due Monday 10/3 by 4 p.m.)

My Dear Vultures,

For this week's post I'd like you to focus on the topic of contemporary television. Right now, we're witnessing another "golden age" in T.V. thanks to the proliferation of high quality shows by networks like Netflix, AMC, HBO, etc. We also have more freedom and control than ever before when it comes to watching what we want to watch when we want to watch it. Some might argue that T.V. is surpassing film, for the first time ever, as the dominant form of entertainment in America. This brief video created by Northern Illinois University pretty much sums up the current landscape of television. What do you think?

You can take your post in any direction you want, but remember to offer an analysis or interpretation rather than merely gushing about your favorite show. Feel free to engage this video, or the essay we're reading this weekend as a starting point. You can even write about Mad Men if you like.

Can't wait to read these! 

43 comments:

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    1. Now that you mentioned how there were no black men filmed in "Mad Men", I realize it. All of the stars, both actors and actresses were "ideal" group of people. They all share that common, elite features that cause people to fantasize them for their physical appearances (Tall, fair skin, bulk). Nowadays, when we watch televisions or any films at all, we see a diverse group of people. Not only that, we see people of different heights, weight, etc. I also really notice how fancy they dressed back then, and now, everyone is going for casual. Also, women have to go out of their ways to swoon men, as if being promiscuous isn't enough. Women were pressing each other, like you mentioned, to dress and act certain ways to receive notice and favor from men. Nowadays, I find it reverse or relatively equal. Men chase women and see women as more valuable.

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    3. Right! I agree with you. We know that society has changed, but it's much different having it visually depicted. What really stood out was how shocked he was that she was the boss and the fact that he had been expecting a man. Nowadays, having a female boss is not surprising. I like the part about morality because it seems like they were more carefree since there wasn't such a high emphasis on being moral all the time.

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    4. Speaking of the women being phone receptionist I just want to point out where the girl showing Peggy around showed her the "nerve center" of the office. What took me by surprise was the specific instruction given. "Never snap, yell, or be sarcastic with them and above all always be a supplicant" Then the door opened on 3 women all on the phone. Going into the scene I thought that the door would open on men around a big round table but it opened on 3 women. Then the meaning behind the instruction was clear. Even calling the office the nerve center was a way of depicting women as unstable and overly emotional. It was insulting and definitely took me by surprise.

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  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQIlaVff4EY

    So, funnily enough, as soon as I heard the video we were meant to watch this week was about this being the new golden age of television, I immediately thought of the episode of PBS Idea Channel I’ve linked above, titled “How is Technology Changing TV Narrative?” Funnily enough, it happens that the point that this video makes is actually brought up near the end of the video in the original post. For one, I adore this channel, and highly recommend it; the purpose behind PBS Idea Channel is relating the sorts of theories and analyses usually reserved for collegiate-level discourse to infinitely relatable facets of pop culture (usually something from the internet). The point this video makes is that the capability to stream media and binge watch things has changed the ways in which television writers have started developing their storylines. My current favorite example of this is probably American Horror Story (though I haven’t yet started the new season!). This example is a bit unique in the larger scale of this trend, since each season is its own universe and storyline, but the fact that each season when viewed in a vacuum could be seen as somewhat akin to a miniseries, but the concept holds the same from season to season. The episodes don’t have a clear resolution at the end of each of them; usually it’s some form of cliffhanger, and this is generally done in such a way that it makes you want to keep watching it (usually a season at a time, usually all at once). This habit of television to embrace a more long form storytelling structure is probably my favorite recent development of television, and has led me to fall in love with series far more often than I used to seem to before I had the ability to stream things regularly without resorting to piracy. Longer framework for storylines gives television so much more depth than was easily achievable in the past, and the sorts of intimate analyses and breakdowns of characters that are commonplace today make it far easier to find some way to relate to the characters in any show. I’m glad the subject of this blog post gave me the opportunity to share PBS Idea Channel with y’all in such a manner; it’s one of my favorite channels on YouTube currently. I highly recommend it.

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    1. Disregard the repeated use of "funnily enough" at the beginning of this. That's what I get for getting all excited about sharing a thing. >_> I wish these posts had an edit function for moments exactly like this.

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    2. Cool YouTube channel and good point about binging on serials instead of the one-and-done episodic narrative. And God I love American Horror Story's dynamic casting. A sort of hybrid between the two.

      Great post Quinn!

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  3. After watching mad men, I realize that our generation/culture is not as bad as I thought. I always see this generation as "spoil" and prone to drugs, sex ,technology, and other materialistic things. However, now I think it is very much the same or neutral compare to a couple of decades ago, or in fact, better in some cases. In mad men, it was a patriarchal society, how women seem to revolve around men. Peggy was sweet, honest, and innocent but she was put into a society that urged her to change her identity to "fit in". Her trainer is telling her to wear revealing clothing, to be noticed or "respected", or "normal"to the point where she has to use contraceptives. Though, even when women were that promiscuous and easy, men tend to send them off and overlook them- (as in the case of the trainer and Peggy) when men still believe free sex is fantasy. We complain about how technology takes us away from family and love ones physically now, but family was also distant back then because they emphasize on other values rather than loyalty and love, like pride , success, manlihood. Also, I thought this generation was going downhill because of drugs, but at least this generation doesn't smoke as much as men in Mad Men's period because even the doctor had a cigarette in his mouth. Everyone smoked and it was the norm and men would give women death glares when were asked to drop their smoking habit. Also, back then, just like now, advertisement s try to push its products by "freeing" men's guilt. Their market strategies were to convince people that "whatever you're doing is okay". Therefore, from watching Mad men, I was expose to cultures back and draw parallels to today. I think that each period has its own good and bad practices… and I no longer feel that the newer generation is in trouble, because decades ago also have flaws. (Cina)

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    1. I agree with you that "Mad Men" shows how much our society has changed throughout the decades. But I feel that even though there are many negative images that this show display to the reader like showing sexism, I also feel that our society still displays these qualities. For instance, still in many jobs women don't earn as much as men.

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    2. Every generation has something going on with them that causes previous generations to look upon them with derision, just because of the fact that youth do things differently than older folks expect them to. It changes your perspective a little to realize that the loudest voices campaigning against selfie culture are all backed by people who were taught from a young age that disliking your body was healthy, and the "normal" way to exist was to systematically pick apart your body into a series of critiques over every imperfection. So many things that we do as a society now are no worse than things done by the youth of yesteryear, we just have a much more focused lens on exactly what those stupid decisions are now.

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    3. i agree with Hai dang. As a witty social history viewed through the tempestuous prism of office and sexual politics, Mad Men is big fun ... classy entertainment with a brain.

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    4. I strongly agree with you. Each generation just takes what the previous generation has done and turns it into something else. For example, how our generation looks at the current cartoons with disgust in regards to the cartoons that we watched as kids.

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  4. Watching movies has always been my favorite thing to do when I have down time. Television has definitely reached new viewers and interest because of innovations like Netflix and Hulu. As a kid, I loved going to the movie theater and looked forward all week to go on Friday nights. I would frequent blockbusters all the time, and it was crazy to see them slowly disappear. I have noticed more and more that I would rather just stay inside and watch television. I only recently in the last couple of years started binge watching TV shows on Netflix because the entire seasons are so easily accessible. I thought it was very ironic that in class we watched Mad Men because it is the first show I binge watched. It probably took me only two weeks to finish the six seasons. One of the reasons television shows get so addicting is because of character development and elongated storytelling. The viewer gets familiar with the characters, to the point of actually caring to see what happens to them. One would argue that actors perform better in television shows because of the amount of time a show runs. The actor is able to work on his character, which makes it more entertaining and believable. TV shows that would not normally be a success are starting to profit because of companies like Netflix. Movies used to make all the revenue with blockbuster hits at the box office and rental stores. After the technology advanced, those numbers are slowly declining. I think we are definitely in an age where television trumps film.

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    1. I love movies as well! I have always been a huge movie person, still to this day. Netflix was an amazing discovery to me, it gave me the opportunity to go back and watch movies that I hadn't seen in years and watch other movies that I never gave a chance the first time around. Netflix is also a great avenue for discontinued shows and independent films! The first show I ever binge watched on Netflix was American Horror Story! I have been a fan and hooked on it ever since!! All Hail the Flix!!!

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    3. I used to always look forward to seeing the newest movie that was coming out, but now like you've stated it's declined, mostly for me because I don't have much time to go out and see one. Going to blockbuster as a kid was one of my favorite treats and I was always so excited when my mom would let me pick out a movie. Just like Saphirna said, these things made us leave the house to go and do. But I think that is why Netflix and Hulu are so popular now. These options are so convenient and accessible for people to get ahold of and they are also cheaper than taking a trip to the movies a couple times a month.

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    4. I agree that the drawn out character development in television shows now adds significantly to their value. I think it makes the show easier to immerse yourself in, and really gives television an edge over movies. Recent movies I have watched seem almost rushed. Everything happens so fast it's harder to become connected to characters and really involve yourself with it. The most powerful emotional responses I get from viewing anything comes from television now. If the quality of television continues to improve as it is now, I'm not sure I'll be able to get anything done anymore!

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  6. I agree, this is definitely the “golden age” for contemporary television! T.V shows are at such a peak in entertainment and media right that it is more than just about the show! Shows tie into current events, media and fashion! I want to take a look at the hit show Empire and bring attention to its fashion. If you haven’t noticed by now, since season one Empire has been like a fashion show inside of a television show! Each star has a specific look and style and it is hot! I want to focus on “Cookie Lyon’s” fashion, played by the wonderful Taraji P Henson. Her pieces are always over the top, sexy, and attention grabbing for sure. Her outfits also pop with color and speaks for her character a lot. Cookie Lyon is a hard core, loud, demanding, focused business woman and yet you still her see soft spot in every episode, which is caring for her family; and to say the least, her outfits reflect this attitude. I think it is a huge deal that fashion designers are using popular television shows, like Empire, as platforms to advertise and reveal their work. It makes since though, especially for designers most dramatic looks, they would need a character on television, like Cookie Lyon, to show off their pieces and make consumers want to find out where that outfit came from. It’s genius! The outfits always make good conversation because they’re both so dramatic and flamboyant that you have to bring it up to someone or so sexy that you have to find out where you can get it! However it goes, this is a huge step for television shows and it means that television shows have become so popular that even high fashion designers want to use it has a avenue to make their clothes popular.

    http://www.eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/cookie-lyons-empire-fashion-fox.jpg

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  7. Television has become a major part in our society today. I agree with the authors of “are we in a new golden age of television?” with their statement that television has surpassed the two previous golden ages. Although there are many other reason why television has become popular such as having have many episodes, increasing in the number of actors, and having higher demands, I feel that there are two main reasons why television has become more popular than ever. The two main reason is that there has been an increase in technology and there are many different types of shows that we can watch.
    One of the reason is that our sources and connections have increase. For instance, due to technology, many new sites such as Hulu, Netflix, ABC, and etc. offers almost all shows anytime the viewers want. Unlike before increase in technology, television have become more flexible and convenient for the audience. Personally, when I was a child I would miss shows or didn’t have time to watch television. But due to the internet and many websites that provide these shows, I am able to watch almost any shows anytime that I want.
    Another reason why television has become so popular in our society is because there are many different varieties of shows that the audience can choose from to watch. Currently, television shows rage from horror to funny and fantasy to reality. By having different types of shows, more people are willing to watch television. For instance, if majority of the shows that are created are horror films, people who don’t like then will ignore television, but if there are other varieties that the audience can choose from, then the range of audience increases.

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    1. I agree that range of genres that we can choose from as an audience also provides us with a certain freedom. Streaming devices like Hulu makes it more appealing to viewers by Categorizing shows making it more appealing to audiences.

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  8. Over the years, the options have grown for how we can watch television. Now we have Netflix, Hulu, Movies 123, and many other options where we can watch any show at any time. This is perfect for people like me. I’ve always had a great appreciation for a good movie or show, regardless of the genre. During the summer I went to the movie theater at least ten times. My favorite shows are Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Pretty Little Liars, and Vampire Diaries to name a few. Grey’s Anatomy is a show about doctors who become surgeons. It is on its 13th season, so it is definitely filled with signs. I believe the mixture of races signifies the presumed equality of every race. The show features whites, blacks, and even Asians. Grey’s anatomy does a great job with this aspect and all of the people blend and interact well. The creator of Grey’s anatomy was sure to have some sort of woman power in the show, with including some females attendings (a doctor who has completed their residency and has already declared a specialty learned during residency). Doing this gives female viewers the impression that we’re equivalent to the men. However, the chief of surgeon is a man, which validates America’s patriarchal structure. During the many years the show has been running, no woman has ever been the chief. While women haven’t received the opportunity to become chief, their relationships are so close and personal, the woman really do make many of the decisions. Also, Grey’s Anatomy has a homosexual couple on the show. Since gay rights is such a controversial topic in America, this show does it justice, by featuring two very successful and respected lesbians. The show is 13 seasons in, so I could write a book about the many signs, but these are just a few that I view as most essential.

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  9. I agree that we have met a new "Golden Age" of television. The freedom that we have now is unmatched! Movie theaters have not quite become outdated (yet), but I think we all can agree that the small screen is taking over. During previous times going to the movies was an activity that middle class citizens would go to it was like a big deal. Now everyone has access to the movies but not only has that everyone to luxury of bringing movies to them in the comfort of their own homes. Let us be honest here! In order for the average American to go to the movies it has to be a big blockbuster film or a nice first time date, maybe a second date. The reality of the small screen and the internet is that we have access to streaming services that can allow us to watch the same movies in theaters in the comfort of our own homes. The wonderful invention of Roku and Firestick, even Hulu and Netflix allows us access to all of our favorite shows without the Hassel of only watching it once it airs on cable television. This makes me question whether or not in a few years if cable will be as much as a priority in the home. With access and all this freedom to choose what we would like to watch, it is always going to be that Netflix series that you hear all the jabber about amongst coworkers or that new season of a television show, that just was released onto Hulu. So much freedom but I can only imagine the amount of freedom that is soon to come!

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    1. I don't think cable will be a priority any longer in homes because there are too many ways to get what you want these days, and for a cheaper price. And I completely agree about the movies. I can't remember the last time I went to one. It would def have to be a date night or a girls night to see something interesting or a chic flick. It's not the same anymore. Usually it's just easier to grab a pizza and redbox.

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    2. There really is no telling what features and freedom innovators will come up with next regarding how we access TV and movies. I definitely agree that word of mouth is also an advantage that companies like Netflix have. Many shows that I have binge watched were actually recommended to me by my friends and family.

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    3. I agree that just like home phones and how they went out of date in place of everyone having a cell phone, cable will be replaced by streaming services.

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    4. Definitely, cable will obsolete very soon and broadcast like Netflix and Hulu will take over. I think the price will be cheaper for now, but as time changes so will the price because it will be the new demand. We have so much access though to TV shows then we have every before in life. You can pull up a whole series on your smart phone and watch it from where you would like. You no longer have to wait to get home or go out to the movies. Some people are able to see a movie before it even comes out to movie theater.

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    5. I do think that networks such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime would eventually take over. But who knows when? Also, I still enjoy going to the movies, but I find that I would rather stay at home and binge watch instead.

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  10. Watching half the episode of Mad Men, honestly in my opinion not much has changed. Maybe just a little, but most men still feel the same. I'm not really sure what we should be talking about, but I'm going to point out the fact that women today are still treated less in the work field. Yes it has improved but we're still considered lower than men. Watching Mad Men, this is the first thing that came to mind for me. Having to be someone that you're not in order to make someone feel bigger than what they are is absolutely ridiculous. I felt sorry Peggy.
    In the very beginning when the black man was doing absolutely nothing wrong and his boss came over putting him down as if he was the issue when it was the main character talking to him completely upset me. It only reminded me of the BS black men are going through today.
    Do I think this a new "Golden Age"? Sure, but there will always be a new "Golden Age".. television is def better in my opinion because all I have is Netflix. I cancelled cable months ago. Even when I had it I never watched it, and when I did.. I had On Demand and caught up on my favorite tv shows on the weekends. I do enjoy a good movie from time to time though. I'm excited to see what's to come now that we're in the film category. This should be more interesting.

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  11. It’s hard to say whether we are in a golden age of television. We will not know for sure for another decade or so in the future so we can look back at this time with the right context. We can definitely say that we are in a turning point in what we consider television, and how we watch it. The rise of Netflix and its competitors have changed the way shows are distributed. Now there are very popular shows that almost everyone watches or has heard of that are not even broadcasted on actual television. I first noticed this with “Orange is the New Black.” “Orange is the New Black” is an original Netflix show that can only be viewed on Netflix, yet due to the popularity of the streaming service, the show got extremely popular. Other streaming services have taken Netflix’s lead and produced their own shows as well. Amazon Prime has been the most recent in trying to create a successful original show, and hired Woody Allen to direct it, who initially declined but Amazon kept offering more and more money. They also got Miley Cyrus to star in the show. The show was a flop among critics, which means Netflix still has an edge on quality shows. I think film is still seen as a more artistic medium than television, with movies being held at a higher regard than most television shows. There is potential for that change though if TV shows keep getting more and more popular.

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  12. Watching the Mr. Robot. This show is completely engrossing. After watching the first two episodes I was hooked. Rami Malek is really outstanding as Elliot Alderson, and he will be the reason that you return again and again. Other exceptional stand-outs are Elliot Villar as Vera, Martin Wallström as Tyrell Wellick, and of course Christian Slater as Mr. Robot. The story itself is interesting, and while I've heard some complain that it "gets slow" or that it "drags on": I would have to disagree. Instead, I would say that the story unfolds very "thoughtfully," and it leaves enough bumps along the way to always pique your interest. Honestly though, besides the wonderful characters and story, the cinematography is the biggest pull for me.
    All I can say is that the camera work is beautiful and artistic. For instance, you'll oftentimes have Elliot's head in the corner of a frame rather than just straight-on... as if to tempt the viewer to look around in the scenery... almost as a simple play off of Elliot's paranoia. Scalpel precision is used to capture delicate facial expressions, subtle eye movements, and collect every ounce of energy that the cast gives off.
    I feel that I'm running myself ragged here, but I literally could go on-and-on about how many things I like about this show. Mr. Robot is a great show to me. Great cinematography, a stellar cast, and I can't get enough of it-- an instant classic.

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  13. This week I will be posting once again about the Netflix Original SuperGirl. Besides the show being really good it points out the obstacles that women have to face in the workplace and in society, as I described in my last post. After reading a classmates post about their being only the "ideal" group of characters in the show we watched in class ("Mad Men") I noticed that in Supergirl it was almost the exact opposite. All the lead characters are either women or an African American male, granted there's only one but he's still a lead character, while of course there are white men in the cast the main characters aren't the overly masculine type of men seen in "Mad Men". The white male characters in Supergirl are all inferior to the women in the series (funny role-reversal if you ask me). Even the one white male who is a lead character is portrayed as non-threatening and is definitely in the "friend zone". The lead character Cat, who is Supergirls boss and is titled the Queen of Media, is the public face of the company as well as the CEO and when her character is called into question by a hacker airing her dirty laundry she is challenged by the man she called “the walking personification of white male privilege”. This episode portrayed everyone as an equal player in getting the company pass this relapse and sends the message that the world is changing and you can either change with it or be left, in this scenario, unemployed.

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  14. Netflix over the years has become insanely popular, and now a days it seems like almost everyone has it. This Saturday there was a frenzy when Netflix crashed for almost three hours. The company came out with a new show called Luke Cage, and because of the massive audiences, Netflix went down and there were a lot of viewers who were not exactly happy. Many took to twitter to let out their frustration, most of the tweets ranged from sad, angry, and funny. One tweeted out “ Netflix has been down for about five minutes and I’ve already has 2 breakdowns in result of it”. Or things like “ I talked to my family today. They seem like nice people. #Netflixisdown”.
    I agree that television is surpassing film, because of the help of companies like Netflix. Some people even only use Netflix and forget about the cable TV. Netflix appeals to so many people because it has a lot to offer, like old and modern TV shows, original shows/movies, independent films, and so much more.
    One of the reasons why I, and most people, love Netflix so much is because you can watch it at anytime, anywhere, and your favorite shows are always there. Nothing to me beats a night where I can binge watch House of Cards for hours on end. Having cable TV is great because you can watch what is on that night and not have to wait for it to go on Netflix or Hulu, etc.
    Going to the movies are always nice too, but it seems like now a days, nothing beats cuddling up in your bed, turning on Netflix, and watching your favorite TV show (or movie) without having to leave your room. Movies will always be there, but I do think that now and for a long time still, television will be our dominant form of entertainment. Television now has transformed into long forms of storytelling, which allows for people to enjoy and bond with their characters for a longer period of time. Also all the producers have the power to surprise viewers whenever they want and that helps keeps the viewers attention and keeps them coming back for more.

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  15. When I was young, I used to get so excited to see a movie. I'd get fully enveloped in the movie for the hour or two and then go home. Now the tides have changed and I rarely go to movies. For what I pay to see a movie, I can receive unrestricted access to well developed television that serves the same purpose as a movie, but has many more hours of entertainment. Now instead of talking about movies, people rave about shows. We are certainly in a new golden age in the quality of television. Not only can we experience this new level of entertainment, but we can do so without ads. Now more than ever we are sick and tired of advertisements and it shows. This combined with the rising levels of discontent with advertising, People are "cutting the cord' so to speak, and freeing themselves from the constant bombardment. I wonder how advertisers are going to deal with this loss in their most valuable advertising channel, and how they'll adapt. I also wonder what will be the next innovation in television, and what it will do to our watching habits.

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  16. In the television show “Mad men” you see a predominantly Caucasian cast set in the 1906’s. Based off that time and comparing it to today’s age. Our country has come a long way in allowing people from many different background to succeed, but it still show we have a long way to go before we can break that stigma that this is a “White Man’s World”. In one part of the movie Actor John Hamm is talking to an African American server who happens to smoke a particular brand of cigarettes. The managers notice that these two are having a conversation and asked Mr. Draper is he bothering you. The manager didn’t know that Mr. Draper was having a mutual conversation with the server, but assumed that he was bothering one of his customers. This is kind of a reflection on today’s age but 10 times greater because we are going through a time. Where we have had multiple shootings and killing based off the color of someone’s skin and assuming that they might be a threat. So, we are still dealing with the same situations in today’s age, but in a different way and are able to stand up for what is right vs. back then you were not able to really speak up and show that all men are created equally.

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    1. There's an odd element to Mr. Draper's character that intrigues me. Unlike the manager, Mr. Draper treats the waiter with respect. He invites him to chat, making eye contact, listening intently, and even taking notes on the man's opinion. We know how important this project is and how busy Mr. Draper must be. This seems to suggest that Mr. Draper is ahead of his time in his respect for all people. This idea was furthered when he confided in his mistress about the stress of his project and sought advice. However, when he's actually at work he adopts the same mindset about minority groups(Lots of jewish slurs) and women.

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  17. "Twelfth Night or What You Will", movie analysis:

    The opening part of act five within this movie favors the actual play, it stays true to the language that is used in the textual version, and the actor’s obtain the meaning that is portrayed within the textual version as well. The realization and reaction is portrayed when Viola and Sebastian see one another for the first time seems real and true- the actors played it as if they were not expecting the ending to be what it is. The realization within the others faces when they saw the two together is even more surprising, and it heightens when Sebastian pulls of Viola’s disguise- revealing that she is a female. Costume wise, the director chose to have Sebastian and Viola look exactly like twins and the actors heightened the similarity between them by deciding to act like one another as well. The way that the mood and persona of the individuals alters, when Malvolio walks in changes the idea of this being a comedy. Everyone reacted sorrowfully and pitifully when Malvolio was revealed again; and the lack of mockery and laughing from everyone else takes away the humor within this movie.

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  18. It seems like every time I’m on social media someone is posting about being broken hearted, the use of money to overcome their broken heart, their hate for their ex, or their dream guy or girl. Many people claim that good men and healthy relationships are dead. No one seems to trust their significant other mostly being because of social media. But my story will play upon the emotions and gives people hope. This couple got married yesterday they are trending all over social media with the hashtag #foreverduncan. This man proposed to his girlfriend on social media at 12pm. He took her phone so everyone on social media new about his upcoming surprise. She went about the day celebrating on becoming a fiancĂ©. There were various videos on her preparing for the day. As soon as she was ready she was escorted to a secret location blindfolded. They put her arm into her father and the untied the blindfold. At 6 pm she was escorted into the door of her WEDDING! Her husband threw her a surprise wedding which had everyone she loved there. She had on a beautiful dress and me her well-groomed husband at the end of the alter. She was overwhelmed with emotions and you could tell that was real love. These videos are trending everywhere. I’m glad that out of all the bad things that are happening in this world that happened just at the right time. Even though things like that are rare it’s still possible.

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  19. From the very beginning, Netflix has become quite popular. It contains many different shows and movies that allow the audience to watch whenever they feel like it. No longer do we have to wait or watch a show/movie at a certain time. This is perfect for those people who work doing the day, or night. With just a click of a button, you have every shows/movies on your t.v. or computer. Growing up, I love going to the movies whenever I get the change to; however, as technology expand I find that it’s a lot more comfortable watching shows and/or movies at home, on my bed. Netflix, Hulu, ABC, etc. offer different type of of shows and movies that accommodate to every audience. Since technology is still expanding, I wonder when will cable be out-of-date, just like going to the store and renting movies. Since Netflix became extremely popular, they came out with shows of their own, known as “Netflix’s Originals.” These shows aren’t air on the t.v., but it is directly on the internet. There shows are interesting, which makes the audience intrigued. People who loves a good show, would join to watch their original series. This is how Netflix gain more audience, as well as money. Overall, I do think that high quality shows on networks are a great invention.

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  20. From the very beginning, Netflix has become quite popular. It contains many different shows and movies that allow the audience to watch whenever they feel like it. No longer do we have to wait or watch a show/movie at a certain time. This is perfect for those people who work doing the day, or night. With just a click of a button, you have every shows/movies on your t.v. or computer. Growing up, I love going to the movies whenever I get the change to; however, as technology expand I find that it’s a lot more comfortable watching shows and/or movies at home, on my bed. Netflix, Hulu, ABC, etc. offer different type of of shows and movies that accommodate to every audience. Since technology is still expanding, I wonder when will cable be out-of-date, just like going to the store and renting movies. Since Netflix became extremely popular, they came out with shows of their own, known as “Netflix’s Originals.” These shows aren’t air on the t.v., but it is directly on the internet. There shows are interesting, which makes the audience intrigued. People who loves a good show, would join to watch their original series. This is how Netflix gain more audience, as well as money. Overall, I do think that high quality shows on networks are a great invention.

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  21. Idiot Box or Nah
    My newest favorite, “Atlanta” on FX follows the ironically named "Earn", a Princeton University dropout and struggling Delta employee who continually screws up in life. With dreams of becoming a famous rapper he is always broke and having his baby mama bail him out of jail for petty crimes. The show integrates the local hip hop scene and attractions, giving a realistic yet amusing look at life as a common poor black Atlanta resident. I have only lived here for two years and can relate while getting a good laugh and learning the lingo.
    The broad selection of dramedies for cable paid TV like "Atlanta", staple dramas for the big four like "NCIS", and download only series for the web like "House of Cards" proves that the idiot box is definitely still thriving today. Amazon and Netflix have essentially become their own channels/production companies. Viewership is much more scattered than ever and it is a difficult feat to grab a majority of the ratings, which makes "The Walking Dead" and even moreso "Game of Thrones"' global success so extraordinary.
    The big four channels (ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX) no longer hog the share. We have the freedom to cherry-pick from a laundry list of shows of all genres and eras in the palms of our hands. Pop culture in the mid 90s to mid 00s saw a shift to reality shows. The Survivor, Fear Factor, American Idol era. We have since moved back to scripted TV in this new golden age.

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  22. While I agree that we are in a golden age of television and concur that it has surpassed film as the dominant form of entertainment, I feel that the term “television” is a bit misleading. Honestly, the golden age of television owes its title to internet based streaming services and on demand content. Studies show that a rapidly increasing number of households are “cord cutting”, which means abandoning cable service completely. According to eMarketer’s senior analyst Paul Verna, “Widespread availability of digital content makes cord-cutting a viable option for a growing segment of the viewing population.” Viewers are ditching their pricey cable packages for a plethora of on demand content and who can blame them? At over half the cost of traditional cable packages, which include a ton of channels that go unused and lengthy contracts, internet streaming is definitely a favorable, more economic option. The only real value I see in cable at this point in time is in live sports coverage and original programming like The Walking Dead on AMC.

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