Blog Evaluation

- Had you ever used a blog before attending RTF 305? If so, what was its focus?


I have used a blog prior to RTF 305, for personal interest focusing on fashion & interior decorating.


- What were the positive aspects of using the blogs in the course?


Several positive aspects of using the blogs in the course were solidifying concepts by making you explain the material on your own terms, and having to connect it with something already familiar. The ease of creating blog posts made this review process highly enjoyable and convenient. The blogs helped give the course a modern feel and allow for some creativity I found positive in a course so large. Blogs gave me the feel I stood out in a massive class by letting me express myself in my own way.


- What difficulties did you encounter in using the blogs?


Difficulties were minimal but one particular issue was at the beginning of the semester not understanding how to embed videos directly into my blog. (Something easily solved by a quick google search)


- If you had difficulties in using the blog, how were you able to overcome the difficulties you encountered?


Google, reading through others' blogs, emailing my TA and searching through blog forums.


- What types of blog prompts were more or less interesting or difficult?


The blog prompt requiring one determine the specific timing of shots in the film were a challenge without the movie at hand or a DVD player etc. Overall all the prompts were extremely fair. Most interesting to me were ones allowing you to choose works and films familiar to myself to link with a concept. I found this entertaining as it allowed me to dissect something I admired and made me appreciate it even more.


- Would you recommend using a blog in future course, either in RTF 305 and other undergraduate courses at UT-Austin?


I would highly recommend using a blog in future courses. The blogs require no paper or materials, or textbooks, etc. making the work efficient and less stressful. I also enjoyed the ability to look at other students' blogs to see what my peers are doing and their different perspectives.


- What would you suggest to change or improve the blogging experience in the future?


My experience with blogging went very well and I would only suggest it be used more in other courses. Sharing videos, images, and thoughts between students through this medium is comfortable for me and likely others used to internet interaction/searching.




Yes, you can use my blog in a paper or report.

Globalization & Top Gear

Globalization involves the spreading of ideas and increased communication across borders. A particular element making globalization extremely prevalent is the desire for understanding. The unknown is a threatening notion in an extremely populated world. People can easily feel out-of-the loop when they are existing amongst a mass of striving others. Globalization is a remedy to this feeling of isolation and insecurity.

Hybridization is the fruit of globalization. From the communication and globalization of particular trends, media, and ideas a third culture may grow. Interaction is productive in a globalizing world. What works in one country may be spread to another in hopes for similar success. Hybridization is still influenced by power relations but allows for a stronger international agenda where shared values and motives are highlighted.



A particular example of such hybridization in media is the show Top Gear. Originally a British only series, Top Gear featured 30-minute episodes focusing on cars and with multiple presenters. Now Top Gear can be found in the US, Russia, Australia, and airs on numerous international television programs. Not only has the concept of judging cars and testing them spread, but the series has influenced car manufacturers globally.

"I am powerful"

To encourage women's fellow support of one another worldwide, Care.org developed a series of advertisements showing diverse women and the message "I am powerful." These images can be seen especially in airports where people from various parts of the world coincide in an area heavy with advertising. The  simple construct of the ad is extremely "powerful" to me for its blatant message and un-photoshopped depiction of a real woman. 


The advertisement makes one think about what it means to be powerful by being the direct opposite of what a normal "powerful" ad is. There is no muscular man or weapon, or sexually hyped woman in the image and the juxtaposition of normalcy with the word powerful may cause people to ponder how this seemingly unimportant person is powerful. I find this series of ads very beautiful for its raw content. The idea "nothing sells like celebrity" is challenged by these ads and they are powerful for this very reason, they counteract the norm.


To embody the very "product" these advertisements sell is what I feel make the ads so strong. Rather than trying to deceive viewers or consumers with a taunt to the senses, these ads show a part of reality. Simplicity and honesty goes a long way when looking for support. The exclusion of a celebrity is what i find powerful. It provides irony to a message often tied with someone of wealth or stereotypical beauty. I think people are drawn to these ads because they are different and it creates a feeling of curiosity and appreciation for something new. These emotions the ads create help sell the idea of coming together to end poverty, by drawing not only the viewer's eyes but also the heart.

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