DeLaWho? DeLaWhat? DeLaWhere?

The Fall '04 semester is officially three days old and it looks like it could be unfolding to be a riveting and interesting one at that. I am taking two math courses (Operations Research, Probability and Stat), Geomorphology, and Ethnicity and Racism in American Media. Although, it may very well end up being a busy and challenging semester, it could also be a very rewarding one. In a couple of weeks, I am going on a field trip to Ironbound, Maine with the Geology department for 4 or 5 days. Ethnicity and Racism in American Media seems as though it is going to be very thouught provoking. Today, Dr. Lotz introduced us to some of the basic elements of Criticism of Media especially TV. It was pretty basic stuff. But, there was one quick topic that was discussed...the fact that the networks are not state-run, but are commercial. Therefore, they are simply putting on programs, so that they will hold you there through the commercials (their money makers). The programs usually feature upper-middle class, stylish, beautiful, , young, white people because that is the target audience for most of the commercials...that's where the money is. All of this in no way is new information to me. But, it made me think about the racism and lack of diversity that has been ingrained into our daily media consumption. Since most of the programming and commercials are targeted at the aforementioned group, they almost completely ignore the non-white and/or less wealthy people. What ends up happening is a vicious cycle of segregation for the sole purpose of profit. While TV does not directly influence anyone's viewpoint on the world, it does slowly but surely sculpt a certain idea of the world for an individual. With the commercials and programs focused on one group of people, it seems to put one class on a pedastal. With the current media system, we are creating a hidden, yet active form of racism that will unfortunately never be corrected.....Just throwing some thoughts out there.

I am glad to be back in Ohio, a swing state in the upcoming election. Just a week into school, Howard Dean is coming to Denison on Sunday and supposedly, John Kerry will be in Newark on Friday. I shook Clinton's hand as a wee-tot in '91 or '92...and I vaguely remember being lifted up on somebody's shoulders to reach for his hand. For some reason, I am unsure if I will go see Kerry on Friday...with today's media coverage, I will simply be going there to hear him drive the same point into the ground. He isnt exactly the most exciting speaker...I probably still go. Time will tell.