The film makes the claim that relationships have changed because of the internet. Social networking sites have created a new foundation for how people can connect, but in some cases, the people we meet are not who they seem. New (potential) danger has been brought into the world because of how easily people can create false identities. Regulations should be enforced on these websites to ensure the safety of all who use them.
In 2009, Philip Markoff committed three robberies, killing one victim. He became known as the Craiglist Killer as he met these women through Craigslist.com. Using websites to give meet people on false pretenses is wrong, especially if there violent. But, the formation of these websites allows this to happen. It’s becoming more common for bad guys to connect with people on these sites. More often, assaults are connected back to a social networking site. For years, young people have been educated on “stranger danger” but today that stranger, it seems, has changed his/her form. This stranger can appear to be attractive, kind and intelligent. But it could be all a lie, as in Yaniv’s experience. As a society, we trust the Internet to inform us, to let us share our opinions, to connect. But that trust can not and should not extend to every use of the Internet. People need to be informed on the importance of privacy. If social networking site users keep their profiles available only to friends and family, they won’t be at risk.
The film Catfish is an example of a best case scenario for social site abuse. But too often, people are being harmed for meeting people who are not who they appear to be online. Technology has changed the way we communicate and connect, but bad guys will always remain. It’s important to move cautiously towards online relationships as not everyone will be as fortunate as Yaniv Shulman
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Documentary Post 1
Catfish, directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Shulman, follows Yaniv Schulman as he builds a relationship with a woman on the social networking site, Facebook. Yaniv Schulman is a photographer and receives a painting done by Abby Pierce, an incredibly talented eight year old painter. He soon becomes in contact with the rest of the family and starts a romantic relationship with Megan, Abby’s older sister. They keep in touch through Facebook and phone conversations, but soon Schulman starts to sense there is something unusual about Megan. She sends him MP3s of her music, but Schulman finds the same songs on you tube.com, sung by a different artist. He determines that she lied about being a singer. Next, she tells him that Abby has sold many pieces at an art gallery downtown. Schulman discovers that the art gallery doesn’t even exist. Joost, Ariel and Yaniv Shulman decide to travel to Michigan to confront Megan. They arrive at Angela’s house (Megan’s supposed mom) and suspect that Angela has been the mastermind behind the Megan and the collection of lies. She affirms their suspicion. Angela is Megan. In fact, there is no Megan. Angela used photos of a model! For months, Angela had been posing as 16 different characters on Facebook. She created a circle of friends and made Yaniv believe she was someone she really isn’t. This film has much to say about the dangers of social networking sites. It’s easy to create a false identity for yourself and who you come in contact with, may not be who they seem. The film makers never criticized Angela for what she did, they instead sympathized with her. Angela stated, that the personalities she created were just fragments of herself: who she was, who she wants to be, who she’ll never be. The film emphasizes how easy it can be to create your own fantasy world, but reminds the audience, all actions do have consequences.
Most of the film is shot with eye level composition, which is the most natural camera position. Most footage is candid. As Yaniv makes all these discoveries about who Megan really is, the audience is right there in the moment with him. There is no formal interview. Because it is eye level, it’s as if Yaniv is telling us his thoughts. This makes him seem personable. It’s like the audience is on the journey with him. The documentary also uses a point of view shot composition, meaning the camera reveals what a character is actually seeing. As Yaniv messages Megan, the audience often sees the conversation. We see the pictures on Facebook, the you tube videos . There is also a lot of footage of maps and roads and GPS routes. This element of travel emphasizes distance and how far apart Megan and Yaniv are, yet how close a friendship they had. Despite being thousands of miles apart, Yaniv and Megan (actually Angela) were able to make a unique connection. There was a relationship between the title and something Vince, Angela’s husband, said. He stated, “This guy came up with the idea that if you put these cods in these big vats, put some catfish in with them and the catfish will keep the cod agile. And there are those people who are catfish in life. And they keep you on your toes.” This speaks to one of the themes of the movie. Without the people who “keep you guessing and keep you thinking” everyone would be boring and dull. Angela proved to be a catfish. At the end of the film, there was a sequence of follow ups. It ended with the phrases: “Nev is on Facebook. He has 732 friends. Including Angela.” The audience is left with a good impression of Yaniv. It establishes ethos. He appears to be an understanding and empathetic young man. The mood of the film was incredibly informal, but usually online dating is just that. The way they edited and produced the film was appropriate and fitting for the subject.
Most of the film is shot with eye level composition, which is the most natural camera position. Most footage is candid. As Yaniv makes all these discoveries about who Megan really is, the audience is right there in the moment with him. There is no formal interview. Because it is eye level, it’s as if Yaniv is telling us his thoughts. This makes him seem personable. It’s like the audience is on the journey with him. The documentary also uses a point of view shot composition, meaning the camera reveals what a character is actually seeing. As Yaniv messages Megan, the audience often sees the conversation. We see the pictures on Facebook, the you tube videos . There is also a lot of footage of maps and roads and GPS routes. This element of travel emphasizes distance and how far apart Megan and Yaniv are, yet how close a friendship they had. Despite being thousands of miles apart, Yaniv and Megan (actually Angela) were able to make a unique connection. There was a relationship between the title and something Vince, Angela’s husband, said. He stated, “This guy came up with the idea that if you put these cods in these big vats, put some catfish in with them and the catfish will keep the cod agile. And there are those people who are catfish in life. And they keep you on your toes.” This speaks to one of the themes of the movie. Without the people who “keep you guessing and keep you thinking” everyone would be boring and dull. Angela proved to be a catfish. At the end of the film, there was a sequence of follow ups. It ended with the phrases: “Nev is on Facebook. He has 732 friends. Including Angela.” The audience is left with a good impression of Yaniv. It establishes ethos. He appears to be an understanding and empathetic young man. The mood of the film was incredibly informal, but usually online dating is just that. The way they edited and produced the film was appropriate and fitting for the subject.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
AOW April 15
In the article “Lena Dunham's 'Girls' Navigate New York City Life,” David Bianculli reviews a new comedy series on HBO entitled “Girls”. The show is already being called the next Sex and the City and Bianculli gives it an excellent review. He calls the writing “complete,” “very funny,” and “brilliantly clever” (1).
Bianculli is a guest host and TV critic on NPR’s Fresh Air. From 1993 to 2007, Bianculli was a TV critic for the New York Daily News.
Context: The show is premiering today, April 15. Reviews are often written a few days before a new show airs to inform people on whether or not they should tune in.
The purpose was to convince the audience to watch the show because of its excellent and realistic writing and acting.
The audience intended for this article is listeners/readers of NPR and those interested in the show.
Rhetorical devices used: detailed summary and comparison. Bianculli paints a clear picture of what to expect without giving too much information away. Instead of going into too much detail, he just explains how much he loves the show: “And it's during this opening scene, when Hannah realizes she's about to be launched into the next phase of her life, that I fell in love” (2). He goes on to compare this show to others that share a similar plot, which gives the audience a better understanding of what to expect: “The first episode's opening scenes remind me as much of Sex and the City as they do other, earlier single-working-woman TV comedies. The Mary Tyler Moore Show in the '70s, with Mary Richards landing a job at a Minneapolis TV station…” (3). Bianculli is charmingly honest and his high praise has convinced me to watch the show.
http://www.npr.org/2012/04/13/150505453/lena-dunhams-girls-navigate-new-york-city-life
Bianculli is a guest host and TV critic on NPR’s Fresh Air. From 1993 to 2007, Bianculli was a TV critic for the New York Daily News.
Context: The show is premiering today, April 15. Reviews are often written a few days before a new show airs to inform people on whether or not they should tune in.
The purpose was to convince the audience to watch the show because of its excellent and realistic writing and acting.
The audience intended for this article is listeners/readers of NPR and those interested in the show.
Rhetorical devices used: detailed summary and comparison. Bianculli paints a clear picture of what to expect without giving too much information away. Instead of going into too much detail, he just explains how much he loves the show: “And it's during this opening scene, when Hannah realizes she's about to be launched into the next phase of her life, that I fell in love” (2). He goes on to compare this show to others that share a similar plot, which gives the audience a better understanding of what to expect: “The first episode's opening scenes remind me as much of Sex and the City as they do other, earlier single-working-woman TV comedies. The Mary Tyler Moore Show in the '70s, with Mary Richards landing a job at a Minneapolis TV station…” (3). Bianculli is charmingly honest and his high praise has convinced me to watch the show.
http://www.npr.org/2012/04/13/150505453/lena-dunhams-girls-navigate-new-york-city-life
Sunday, March 25, 2012
AOW March 25
In the article "Scenes from a Beautiful Life" plane crash survivor Stephanie Nelson tells of her journey to recovery.
The authors of this article are Cathy Free and Alicia Dennis for People Magazine. People Magazine is celebrity and human interest magazine that was first published in 1974.
The context: Stephanie Nelson and her husband Christian went for a plane ride one summer afternoon in Arizona. They crashed and Stephanie's face was destroyed with burns that covered 80 percent of her body. Three years later, her life has normalized and she has accepted the tragedy that happened to her and her family. The Purpose: Stephanie Nelson had to discover what made life worth living after her appearance had altered so significantly. She learned that despite all the pain and despair, it is important to move on and find joy in simple things. It is what is in side that makes a person beautiful. This article was written for readers of People magazine. The rhetorical elements used are narration and usage of quotes from Nelson's blog. The authors use narration to offer an emotional interpretation of what life was like for Nelson after the crash. For example, "She recognized her vivid green eyes, but the face gazing back at her was that of a stranger" (1). Quotes from Nelson's blog were also used to give readers a look at what exactly Nelson was thinking during her recovery. The readers get to know Nelson better and sympathize with her hardships. It also lets us see what life was like then, and how good life is for her now. The authors were successful. The article was very moving and had a very inspiring message.
This article was found in April 2 issue of People Magazine.
The authors of this article are Cathy Free and Alicia Dennis for People Magazine. People Magazine is celebrity and human interest magazine that was first published in 1974.
The context: Stephanie Nelson and her husband Christian went for a plane ride one summer afternoon in Arizona. They crashed and Stephanie's face was destroyed with burns that covered 80 percent of her body. Three years later, her life has normalized and she has accepted the tragedy that happened to her and her family. The Purpose: Stephanie Nelson had to discover what made life worth living after her appearance had altered so significantly. She learned that despite all the pain and despair, it is important to move on and find joy in simple things. It is what is in side that makes a person beautiful. This article was written for readers of People magazine. The rhetorical elements used are narration and usage of quotes from Nelson's blog. The authors use narration to offer an emotional interpretation of what life was like for Nelson after the crash. For example, "She recognized her vivid green eyes, but the face gazing back at her was that of a stranger" (1). Quotes from Nelson's blog were also used to give readers a look at what exactly Nelson was thinking during her recovery. The readers get to know Nelson better and sympathize with her hardships. It also lets us see what life was like then, and how good life is for her now. The authors were successful. The article was very moving and had a very inspiring message.
This article was found in April 2 issue of People Magazine.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
AOW March 18
The article entitled “Is Your Purse Making You Sick?” explains that because purses often go everywhere with women- to the bathroom, the floor, the gym, they can carry tens of thousands of germs.
The author of this article is Elizabeth Shimer Bowers. Bowers is a freelance writer and covers a variety of topics including health and ghost writing. This article was found on Everyday Health.
The purpose of this article was to inform women that their purses can contain bacteria and germs. To solve this problem, it was explained that it is important to keep your purse out of bacteria danger zones and to practice good hygiene. Context: Women’s purses are an extension of themselves, but they may contain germs that are harmful to their health. The audience intended for this article are women and readers of Everyday Health. Rhetorical elements used include: appeal to ethos and listing of information. Bowers interviewed many doctors for this article who explained the science behind this problem and also practical solutions. For example: “The germs most likely to live on your purse? ‘ “Primarily bacteria, including staph and E. coli species, which can result in infections,” ’ says Susan Stuart, MD, a dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology in California.” Bowers also had a list of solutions which makes it easier for the audience to see the main points. I never actually thought about how dirty my purse is. This article was definitely a wake up call and I will try to be more aware of where I place my purse.
The author of this article is Elizabeth Shimer Bowers. Bowers is a freelance writer and covers a variety of topics including health and ghost writing. This article was found on Everyday Health.
The purpose of this article was to inform women that their purses can contain bacteria and germs. To solve this problem, it was explained that it is important to keep your purse out of bacteria danger zones and to practice good hygiene. Context: Women’s purses are an extension of themselves, but they may contain germs that are harmful to their health. The audience intended for this article are women and readers of Everyday Health. Rhetorical elements used include: appeal to ethos and listing of information. Bowers interviewed many doctors for this article who explained the science behind this problem and also practical solutions. For example: “The germs most likely to live on your purse? ‘ “Primarily bacteria, including staph and E. coli species, which can result in infections,” ’ says Susan Stuart, MD, a dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology in California.” Bowers also had a list of solutions which makes it easier for the audience to see the main points. I never actually thought about how dirty my purse is. This article was definitely a wake up call and I will try to be more aware of where I place my purse.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
AOW March 11
In the article. “Moms of Boys Are Jealous Shrews, So Here's a Contract for Your Son's Future Wife” Jenny Isenman describes the tasks a daughter in law must take to show appreciation to the mother in law. Isenman is a humor columnist for a blog at suburban jungle.com. The purpose of this article was to be ridiculous and to show that mothers are very attached to their sons. Daughter in laws should be sensitive to the fact that they “took away” someone’s son and should go to extremes to appreciate their mother in laws. The audience intended for this article are readers of Huff Post and in general, women. The rhetorical element mainly used is exaggeration. For example: “My husband has told me time and time again to cut the cord... no f*****g way! I'm waiting until that thing rots and falls off” (1) and “If he's 40 and wants me to lie with him and scratch his arm, I'll be all "Move over, Megan," or whatever his unappreciative, son-stealing wife's name is” (2). Isenman is annoyingly pessimistic. Sure, she really loves her son, but maybe she’ll also really love her daughter in law? Why does there have to be competition between a mother and daughter in law? She’s just being childish and truthfully, I feel sorry for whatever kind woman marries her son. She most likely wrote this article to make all those mommies out there laugh, but to me, she just looks a bit insane. Isenman: calm down. Your son will never cut you out of his life…unless you continue with these obsessive thoughts. Your son is five years old. Don’t forget that.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jenny-isenman/moms-of-boys_b_1320116.html?icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl13|sec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D142553
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jenny-isenman/moms-of-boys_b_1320116.html?icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl13|sec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D142553
Sunday, March 4, 2012
AOW March 5
In the article, “Controversial Kids Movies” certain Disney and Pixar films are examined for having hidden (racy) messages.
The article was posted on Moviefone.com which is a website that gives movie listings and information on movies.
This article was written in response to several allegations that arose because of what some people believed were inappropriate scenes.
The purpose of this article was to show the ridiculousness in some accusations. It proved that the kids films are usually just kids films- with no hidden meanings on feminism, sexism or smoking. These films do nothing to corrupt teens, despite what some parents may believe.
The author of this article used the rhetorical devices of humor and description. The author successfully undermines and makes fun of the allegations. For example, “It took only two weeks before conservative critics began perpetrating the idea that the recently released "Muppets" movie was a vehicle used to brainwash your children into being anti-oil and anti-one-percent. Of course, it's no surprise that Miss Piggy got the last laugh on that” (1). The writer also gave a summary of the scene so that the audience is on the same page. For example, “This episode of Disney sex conspiracies involves everyone's favorite Shakespeare adaptation, "The Lion King." During the film, there's a scene where Simba looks off into the night sky and sees what appears to be the word "SEX" scrawled in stars. However, the animators stated that it actually says "SFX," standing for special effects” (2). The writer also supplied the actual photo so that the audience could make an opinion of it themselves.
The audience intended for this article is people who enjoy movies, in this case, specifically the kid kind. Also, people who go on moviefone.com.
The writer was successful. He/she provided the necessary information, used a humorous tone so that the audience could infer she was mocking the allegations and at the same time, allowed the audience to form their own opinions.
http://news.moviefone.com/2012/02/28/controversial-kids-movies_n_1307421.html?1330538186&just_reloaded=1#s735609&title=The_Lion_King
The article was posted on Moviefone.com which is a website that gives movie listings and information on movies.
This article was written in response to several allegations that arose because of what some people believed were inappropriate scenes.
The purpose of this article was to show the ridiculousness in some accusations. It proved that the kids films are usually just kids films- with no hidden meanings on feminism, sexism or smoking. These films do nothing to corrupt teens, despite what some parents may believe.
The author of this article used the rhetorical devices of humor and description. The author successfully undermines and makes fun of the allegations. For example, “It took only two weeks before conservative critics began perpetrating the idea that the recently released "Muppets" movie was a vehicle used to brainwash your children into being anti-oil and anti-one-percent. Of course, it's no surprise that Miss Piggy got the last laugh on that” (1). The writer also gave a summary of the scene so that the audience is on the same page. For example, “This episode of Disney sex conspiracies involves everyone's favorite Shakespeare adaptation, "The Lion King." During the film, there's a scene where Simba looks off into the night sky and sees what appears to be the word "SEX" scrawled in stars. However, the animators stated that it actually says "SFX," standing for special effects” (2). The writer also supplied the actual photo so that the audience could make an opinion of it themselves.
The audience intended for this article is people who enjoy movies, in this case, specifically the kid kind. Also, people who go on moviefone.com.
The writer was successful. He/she provided the necessary information, used a humorous tone so that the audience could infer she was mocking the allegations and at the same time, allowed the audience to form their own opinions.
http://news.moviefone.com/2012/02/28/controversial-kids-movies_n_1307421.html?1330538186&just_reloaded=1#s735609&title=The_Lion_King
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