Induction week
This induction week has been a great way to start off the semester. We began to understand what we should expect during the course, including discussions of what our personal definitions of media was, and what it meant to us as a whole. We took a tour of the college, which involved a creative writing task and worked in groups to discuss what was in the news at the moment, which turned into a great opportunity to respond to the articles we ranked in a creative manner.
What's in the news?
During this exercise we discussed in groups what we consider the top 5 stories in the news today, why they are important to the British public and ordered them by importance.
1. The current war between Russia and Ukraine, in particular an article from 'The Guardian' which reports on Vladimir Putin reaching out to Kim Jong-un.
This news story takes the number one place of order of importance as this devastating war between Russia and Ukraine not only has had catastrophic consequences for citizens of these countries, but could also have a tremendous affect over the British public as a whole.
This possible conflict between two world leaders could result in dire consequences for surrounding countries and allies regarding the rise of nuclear weapons. The pain and suffering of such civilians is devastating, and makes the entire globe stop and think about the state of the world at the moment. An article like this that reports on potentially dangerous situations and raises awareness to the British public is important as it reminds the public that anyone could be affected if such disagreements should occur between famously controversial leaders. Though it may be a rather upsetting read, this story is eye catching and beneficial for raising even more awareness to charities and rescue teams.
2. The cost of living crisis in the UK at the moment- article from the BBC
The cost of living crisis is sweeping it's way through Britain at the moment, and this article reports on the dire consequences it is causing for many people all over the country. This article holds the number 2 spot in the ranking as it relates to much of the British public, whilst bringing attention to what can be done to help, whilst pointing out devastating statistics and real life examples of citizens affected.
3. Spanish football federation president sexual assault scandal- article from the BBC
This BBC news story covers the reported non consensual kiss football manager Luis Rubiales planted on Spanish footballer Jenni Hermosa shortly after the team won the match. This controversial situation is a sickening insight into the rampant systemic sexism regarding women's football and the normalisation of powerful men in all-female industries taking cruel advantage of their power and creating unsafe situations in the workplace. The non-consensual kiss of 'celebration' turned a moment of victory and empowerment for a group of women into a grotesque reminder of how the focus is often brought back to a male counterpart and turned into assault. The topic is controversial amongst football fans worldwide including members of the British public and brings up a much needed discussion on women's rights.
4. The Barbie movie becoming the highest grossing movie in Warner Bros- article from the PR newswire
Since the Barbie movie has become the highest grossing movie in Warner Bros, it comes across as not only a win for cinema chains, but also an important advantage for feminism as many influential messages are hidden within the film. This news story expands on the importance of a film like this becoming as popular as it has, due to the powerful message of a 'what if?' scenario regarding the role reversal of men and women and genius satire commentary of the problems society faces today. This has been a powerful message for not only Britain, but the entire world, as it conveys and rises conversations that need to be discussed.
5. The moon is slowly drifting from earth and making days longer- article from UNI lad
This story reports on the recent study that claims the moon is slowly drifting from earth which over time, could have the potential to make days longer. This article takes last place as although this is an eye catching headline and seems like a dramatic event, the statistics show that it would take 200 million years for a 24 hour day to become a 25 hour day as the moon is only moving at a rate of 3.82 centimetres per year. This gives evidence that this situation is not one that people of Britain should be dwelling on at this particular time as there are bigger issues that should have our attention.
Responding to the story
I chose to respond to the article that reports on the Barbie movie becoming the highest grossing film that has ever been released by Warner Bros, and decided to write about the advantages that the immense popularity of this film could potentially have to shape young minds.
The Barbie movie has become the highest grossing film released this year, and not without reason. With having made 1.38 billion dollars, it's not only a win for chains of cinemas, but also a huge step in aiding an inspiring and thoughtful feminist message reach young women and girls worldwide.
Hidden amongst the hilarious fiasco of pink, glitter and Ryan Gosling, came an influential message in the film, in which the director Greta Gerwig executes flawlessly. Men and women, although we wish to be viewed as equals must admit that we play different roles in society. For centuries, men have been seen as superior, with jobs of higher importance and a drastically different grasp on life, due to how they have been treated. Women were not even considered to obtain a position of power, but were seen as a mere accessory to men, which is a harsh patriarchal standpoint that is still happening today, and although not as dramatic as it once was, the systemic inequality between men and women is still slightly taking a toll on young girls minds, whether it has been imprinted on them in school, family or friendships.
The Barbie film challenges this idea from the very beginning and begs the question- what if the roles were reversed? Barbie herself is seen as the main character in the story line, as are all the other Barbies amongst her, who hold the roles of doctors, lawyers, journalists and even the president. The fact that all of the female Barbies hold important, society praised careers is a refreshing narrative, and although only fantasy, has the potential to become a reality to the film's target audience- young women and girls. Throughout the film film, there are numerous references to the Ken dolls only being an accessory to the barbies, and having obvious non-significant jobs, which to an older audience in particular comes across as an ironic commentary regarding the disregard of women holding careers of importance. Although this may only be a satire role reversal perspective, it makes young people realise that today's way of living is often not fair, and helps them realise that they have the potential to make their aspirations a reality. Overall, the Barbie movie has had many comments and reviews claiming the film was 'cheesy' and 'un-funny', when in fact perhaps the powerful message of equality and acceptance is the opinion we should all take from this film, as it is a message to the minds of young women worldwide.
During the induction week we also took a tour around the college and took photos, notes or anything that inspired us to write a creative piece about the tour afterwards:
Tour around the college-creative writing
A capacious, bustling environment I shall spend the next 2 years of my life leaves me fascinated, as I stride through the halls, any sense of reluctance vanished from within me almost immediately. My heart, previously located thumping sporadically in my throat has since relocated to the comforting normality between my rib cage, as such normality has also been restored within myself, safely encapsulated by the relief of blossoming friendships and shared interests. As we wandered through the endless rows of learning resources and breezed past flocks of interests and gaggles of eager minds, I picked up a book that interested me no more than the countless novels and magazines I refrained from putting down in the past. I picked up this book as a reminder of time, an inkling of tiny writing and worn pages to mark the first day I felt independence in the unremorseful fact that I could freely explore my own interests without the gravitational pull of added pressure that would not loosen it's grip for so long. The recording studio with buttons and knobs that seem as if they could create a masterpiece with just one turn. The canteen and shop, chuckling with new characters and unfamiliar faces which enticed no fear, but instead greeted my wandering eyes with a mellow smile of welcome. At that moment I knew that whatever literary greats or historical prize winners I aspired to be, this was where I could make it happen.
Tutor feedback
The News Stories exercise: Effective reasoning for choices made well throughout analysis of the articles and articulated skillfully
between famously controversial leaders - try the word infamously - see if that works
women is still slightly taking a toll - consider cutting slightly - in journalism this would be considered a qualifier or fluff - something that isn't needed - also it adds uncertainty to a piece. We will cover this more in later sessions.
The article is very good, confidently written with a strong purpose.
My heart, previously located thumping sporadically in my throat -- great line
Great piece - like a little pencil sketch.
Great opener - enjoyable read.