jumana-110887

[jumana-110887]

Assignment 2:

A critical compilation of topics addressed in assignment 1.

Done by: Jumana Issa Alqsmi

ID: 110887

Date: April 23, 2019

Course Code: Mass2620

[jumana-110887]

Social Media control & Media laws and ethics

Written by: Jumana Issa Alqasmi

ID: 110887

Date: April 15, 2019

1- Social Media control, is there a need? If yes, how. If no, explain.

No, they should not control social media. The following are the reasons why I agree with no:

 Social media platforms are a suitable place for people to discuss their issues freely. These platforms used a lot to express people’s feelings, ideas and opinions. Besides, we have amendments and the government will break them and not give us any privacy.

 Most of the time, we are only hearing one side of the story, which can, and in most cases, will lead to false accusations.

The government, sometimes, seems to appear to favor one side of an argument than the other, but what about what we think? The government will control our minds and our opinions if it is controlling social media.

Freedom for all why would they give us amendments if we are prohibited to use it? They are already in everything we do. It's almost like we have no privacy. They are breaking their own rules. For what our so-called "safety" or is it to keep themselves looking good. So, we need our privacy.

The government has control over the country already so why do they need to control the social media platforms?

To instance:

As a user of social media, we know that platform's administrations have wide control over the content published through the pages and accounts of their users, which is controlled by the terms of use, which must be approved in advance and in a manner that differs from platform to another. 

So, I think the control from the administrations of social media is enough. Why governments don't trust these kinds of control? why they want to imposes their own control?

2- Media laws and ethics - do we have enough, too much or too little of it?

In my point of view, is it enough, I mean in Oman, there are a number of laws that applied to regulate the media, even directly or indirectly way, which are:

Oman Printing and Publishing Law (1984). 

Omani Penal Code (1974) and its amendments. 

Commercial Companies Law (1974). 

Oman Trade Law (1990). 

Telecommunications Regulatory Act (2002).

 Law of Private Establishments for Radio and Television (2004).

Declaration of the state of emergency (2008).

Law of Classification of State Documents and Regulation of Protected Areas (2011). 

Law on Combating Information Technology Crimes (2011). 

Law on Supervision of Artistic Works (1997). 

Electronic Transactions Law (2008). 

The law regulating the obligations of employees in all State institutions and members of the appointed and elected councils (2015).

To instance:

In each law of them, there are a number of sanctions to the people who do not a commitment to it. So, if they increase the number of laws that regulate the media, this will affect negatively because citizens will be cautious a lot.

Understanding of both 1 &2 :

The fact that the government is controlling and watching our accounts on social media platforms, it would be extremely scary and creepy. On the other hand, the laws that applied in Oman to regulate the media are too much, while some of them are limiting people freedom expression. 

[jumana-110887]

Media representations of social classes

Written by: Jumana Issa Alqasmi

ID: 110887

Date: April 8, 2019

1- How are different social classes represented on entertainment, advertising, and news media?

Entertainment:

- Upper class: in the films, they portrays in a nostalgic way and over represented. The elite are viewed as authoritative, dominant, honorable and respectable. The media frames the upper class positively with images of “individuals who are generous and caring. Some of the words and phrases used to describe them are well-dressed, well-educated, well-spoken, living a luxurious life, successful, rich, powerful and influential.

- Middle classes are overrepresented on tv. In most dramas, middle-class families are dominant. 

- Working class: there are very few comedies, films or television drama that focus on the everyday lives of the working class.When they are featured, it is often in an unflattering or pitying manner. Actually, when they focuses on the working class, it is generally to label them as a problem.

Advertisements: 

- The upper class enjoy some certain privileges that only them could experience, for they can spend large sums of money for those special accommodations compared to those with an average standard of living. Aside from that, they are also using person marketing in which an influential person, such as those who belong to upper class to capture the attention of the viewer that will lead to a higher sales. And they always ignore the middle and working classes.

- For example: The ads presenting by Tv and social media influencers are often expensive goods and only upper class have the ability to buy it. Such as make-up, jewelry, cars, and perfumes. News media:

- Upper classes: the media rarely portray them in a negative light, or draw attention to inequalities in wealth or pay. And, the ruling elite often characterized as being honorable with good breeding.

- Middle classes: many stories focus on how they are concerned about the decline in moral values among other social groups.

- Working class: common stories focus on them as welfare cheats or criminals, with working-class youths particularly given tough scrutiny. This often leads to moral panics.

2- What is the impact of these representations? 

- The working class is the most affected because of this discrimination between the classes, while all the opportunities are available to the upper class, and other classes are marginalized by the society because of the bad mental image that presents by the media about them. In fact, the working class may feel depressed and sad, just because they want to reach the upper class and get the same opportunities that they have. Unfortunately, all of this will affect society negatively and make enmity between them.

Understanding of both 1&2:

Media have to be fair in presenting all classes, and lay each class in an appropriate manner. Also, to not marginalize and bias each class to another, to prevent the psychological problems to the people, racism and an unconnected society.

[jumana-110887]

Assignment 3: Web & Social Media literacy (Twitter)

ID: 110887

Date: April 7, 2019

[jumana-110887]

Citizens and self-censorship

Written by: Jumana Issa Alqasmi

ID: 110887

Date: April 1, 2019

1- Citizens don't need to know everything?

No, they have to know everything, they are the ones who will defend their country if something happens, they have the right to express their views and opinions in whatever is happening in their country and be aware of what is happening, as they contribute to the development process. Also, They must be educated about the laws and jurisdictions of the country so that they will be aware of what is wrong and what is right. The citizen's knowledge of the statutes of the country enables them to know many things that determine their life paths, as it includes articles that define the work and the system in the Sultanate and the rights and duties.

For example:

Recently, there is an issue that raises public opinion in Oman, which is the embezzlement that occurred in the Ministry of Education. Omani’s kept asking about this issue and what happened to the persons who did that. Actually, they must know all the details about it.

2- Self-censorship is good for media development & responsible media?

Yes, self-censorship is the act of censoring classifying one's own discourse. This is done out of fear of, or deference to, the sensibilities or preferences actual or perceived of others and without overt pressure from any specific party or institution of authority. Actually, media professionals must have self-censorship to develop the media and they have to enhance the techniques of self-censorship, this is to be more professional and avoid mistakes. Also, they must have self- censorship. Because, without it they will need guidance from the government. Actually, they have to watching and monitoring their words and actions in accordance with the policy of the country.

The link between 1 & 2:

When the citizens know everything that happened in their country and all related information and details, that will make them more responsible and this will enhance their self-censorship and make them more careful about the reputation and position of their country and able to make a difference and changes in their country, and improve it in several fields.

[jumana-110887]

Reading academic article: (Health and Media)

Done by: Jumana Alqasmi ( 110887) & Ayman Alfarsi (115268)

Date: March 26, 2019

[jumana-110887]

Communicating with satire

Written by: Jumana Issa Alqasmi

ID: 110887

Date: March 18, 2019

Satire uses various types of a comic exaggeration to ridicule human institutions or behavior, in the hope of their being changed or corrected. The common devices of satire:  irony, parody and caricature.

The use of satire in dramas & comedies:

Satirical in drama and comedy, the writer uses comic elements to expose the realities of the society or any problem. The writer uses fictional characters to represent the real people, to expose and condemn their corruption. It intends to improve the problems of society by exposing them and by giving their solutions.

The writer uses irony, humor, and exaggeration to show the follies and misdoings of the leaders. A writer can point out towards an individual, a society or even the whole world. Usually, it’s a comic piece of writing through which the shortcomings of the society can be shown to the world in the hope that those who are being criticized will change their characters by overcoming their weaknesses.

For example:

Selfie, a comedy sketch, presented in MBC channel, discuss the different problems that happen in Saudi Arabia in a form of satire, became a hit in the Arab world by mocking some of the region’s most serious issues, from the intractable Sunni-Shiite divide and religious extremism to the brutality of terrorists such as Daesh.

The use of satire in political and social issues:

Political satire is a fascinating way of looking at society. The matters and issues politics is concerned with are the ones that concern us all. They are issues that can help make our lives easier or harder.

It considers as a common, significant and successful type of stair because it is a direct way to convey the message without actually being “direct.”. it is effective to criticize a society that otherwise would not be open to criticism. In a society where openly expressing dissent and critique with the smallest of matters is common, political satire helps spread the same message but in a more creative and effective way.

Social issues: discuss sensitive contemporary social issues, many authors use the form of satire. It gives them the freedom to raise questions about serious matters that people may find difficult to discuss because of their serious nature. Discussing issues with humor and irony can take the sharpest sting out of the issue and make it easier to figure out and find a solution to. 

For example:

Political cartoons are a ubiquitous form of satire which assists the public to interpret political life. It can be very funny, especially if you understand the issue that they're commenting on. Their main purpose, though, is not to amuse you but to persuade you.

This cartoon is an example of satire and it illustrates what has been supposedly fixed and a huge problem is occurring.

Trump in Brussels.” “This is not a pipe.” First published in Le Soir, Belgium, May 24, 2017 | By Kroll.

​

Understanding:

Satire can be effective in catching people's attention since it often shocks and stirs things up. Therefore I believe that the use of satire can be helpful when serious social matters are being discussed Because of the strong impression.

 Editorial cartoonist typically combines artistic skill, hyperbole and satire in order to question authority and draw attention to corruption, political violence and other social ills.

[jumana-110887]

Media representation & Communication styles

Written by: Jumana Issa Alqasmi

ID: 110887

Date: March 11, 2019

1- Media representation of female world leaders:

Female leaders around the world, under the detailed observation of the media, they get judged not just by their qualifications and political capability but primarily by their looks and presentation in public. 

Women in politics are often not in line with known female stereotypes, like being communal and responsible for the family. Instead female politicians are either displayed as career and power driven, selfish and cold or are presented in line with gender norms as soft and weak and their ability to make decisions is often questioned. 

For example, Joyce Hilda Banda: 

Malawian politician who was the President of Malawi from 7 April 2012 to 31 May 2014. 

How Malawian media present Joyce Banda?

 Criticism of Banda was very strong, criticized her by calling her a wannabe tyrant and a greedy politician who was just like most self-interested African leaders.

 In her home country she was criticized as not being a serious politician, and that it appeared that Malawi was not ready for a female president. * Banda’s connection to the Cashgate affair that was regarded as the largest corruption scandal in Malawian history. 

 Banda was thus associated with what might called neopatrimonialism, a concept referring to a system using state resources for personal profits, and the management of official authority for private purposes.

She did not live up to the great expectations regarding Banda being the first woman president of Malawi.

In the context of gender, there were also straightforward critique by some Malawian women regarding Banda: as a woman she was seen to be too weak to aid the economy of Malawi. One author in the Malawian media contributors accused that being a woman in leadership position is not regarded as good as a male counterpart, thus women cannot lead the country.

The existing stereotypes concerning women’s inability to be in a leadership position were regarded as strong and truthful, accord.

How international media present Joyce Banda?

There often appeared references to her previous abusive marriage.

 A fighter and a champion of women’s rights. She was hailed as a new kind of leader, or the face of a new Africa.

Described as Malawi’s Iron Lady, or Malawi’s Lady of Steel, and referring to her overall strength. 

Represented as carrying a heavy load on behalf of other women.

Observations regarding her outward appearances and her dress sense.

 In the context of motherhood, there were references to Banda’s strong grandmother, and Banda being motherly (having motherly looks), as well as being at the same time both a mother and a leader of her country. 

2- How male world leaders use communication styles and techniques?

Nelson Mandela: He was not only a unique and inspiring world leader, he was also a consummate communicator:

Message Development: when reading or listening to a Mandela speech his message is consistently well constructed, audience appropriate and…consistent.

 Expression: he was masterful at utilizing his facial muscles for emphasis whenever he spoke. His smile could light up any room, and served as a huge highlighter when delivering key lines.

 Presence: carried himself like a man 20 years younger than his age. When speaking, it was clear he knew the power of nonverbal communication – he stood straight, shoulder’s back, no swaying, no rocking. He spoke with a measured cadence, and effectively utilized pausing to emphasize key points. Before he spoke, it was clear that a leader was on stage.

 Rhetorical Devices: like legendary orators before him, Mandela artfully utilized rhetorical devices to support his messaging. Examples of devices include metaphor, anaphora, allusion and repetition.

 Quotations: one of the greatest gifts that Mandela has left future orators is a treasure chest of powerful, impactful quotations to open or close a speech or presentation; or to utilize to support key messages.

Word Selection: clearly understood the power of words and language.

Barack Obama: A communication style that makes him a great orator:

 He portrays an image of an highly confident and charismatic communication style while speaking when analysis is done on the baseline level. Along with this it also his personal power which increases his potential in a multifold manner. Being the president of the nation he holds a great deal of positional power and at the same time he is meant to listened to and to be liked by the audiences if his positional power is to be taken into reference. But this is not the case with his as the charm and persona carried by Barack Obama allows people to connect with him and listen to him and like him at the end of the communication process.

 The sense of humor used by him for engaging people and to make them feel attentive and energized all the time. This is quite important being a communicator as this will not only break the monotony of the audiences as well as will maintain stability in their interest level as well. To mention here this is a great strength in his communication style that it acts as a ”hook” for the listeners. There is need to maintain the interest of the audiences and this increases the impact of the communication. Barack Obama holds a great strength making use of which he is capable to enhance the intensity of communication and this makes it comfortable for the speaker to be taken seriously.

Understanding of both 1 & 2:

Female leaders around the worlds are presented by media and the public eye not just with their political successes but more and more often with their outer appearances, superficialities, and private lives. On the other hand, the stereotypical male characteristics, like power-seeking, dominant, confident and combative, are better in line with political responsibilities and expectations, male politicians are often better represented by the media.

 There are a number of communication styles and techniques that are particularly important for leaders, to reach their people or nation and achieve their goals.

https://jyx.jyu.fi/bitstream/handle/123456789/50323/1/URN%3ANBN%3Afi%3Ajyu-201606153087.pdf

[jumana-110887]

The use of persuasive communication style in war, militarism, and in consumerism

Written by: Jumana Issa Alqasmi

ID: 110887

Date: March 3, 2019

Persuasive communication is a fundamental way in the government bodies, PR agencies, and terrorism. They persuade and influence people opinions, emotion, attitudes and behavior as they want and plan to achieve their goals and interests.

persuasion consists of the manipulation of symbols words, pictures, signs, and images. At its most basic level, words and language, and indeed, even though, can be dispensed with. Merely a stimulus or image is all that is required to produce the desired response.

The use of persuasive communication style in the war and militarism:

Psychological warfare is one of the ways used in the war to persuasion, it aimed to use manipulative tactics to persuade a person or people. This process is usually employed through propaganda. 

Propaganda playing an important part in the politics of the war, but was only successful as part of wider political and military strategies propagandists have often represented warfare by using conventional visual codes already established in mass culture. 

Thus, recruitment posters have often been designed to look like advertisements or movie posters. Propaganda in the war is always based on deception, falsification and distortion.

For example:

In World War II, Nazism used persuasive techniques in hes propaganda. Hitler's adviser had his famous saying: "Lie ... then lie ... then lie ... until you believe your lie." The use of persuasive communication style in consumerism:

‎‏Persuasive Techniques in advertising the persuasive strategies used by advertisers who want you to buy their product can be divided into three categories: pathos, logos, and ethos. 

For example: 

Pathos: an appeal to emotion. An advertisement using pathos will attempt to evoke an emotional response in the consumer. Sometimes, it is a positive emotion such as happiness: an image of people enjoying themselves while drinking Pepsi. Other times, advertisers will use negative emotions such as pain: a person having back problems after buying the wrong mattress. Pathos can also include emotions such as fear and guilt: images of a starving child persuade you to send money. 

Logos: an appeal to logic or reason. An advertisement using logos will give you the evidence and statistics you need to fully understand what the product does. The logos of an advertisement will be the "straight facts" about the product: One glass of Florida orange juice contains 75% of your daily Vitamin C needs. 

Ethos: an appeal to credibility or character. An advertisement using ethos will try to convince you that the company is more reliable, honest, and credible; therefore, you should buy its product. Ethos often involves statistics from reliable experts.

https://www.media-studies.ca/articles/war_propaganda.htm

[jumana-110887]

Bullying

Written by: Jumana Issa Alqasmi

ID: 110887

Date: February 25, 2019

What kind of  bullying you or a friend been a victim?

The number of people who are victims of bullying is increased every day. My friend Israa Alrbeai, 23 years old, one of them. She is expatriate in the UK, she always been bullied by the strangers on the street, in malls and by her colleagues in university. And also in her accounts in social media platforms. it's just because she is Muslim and wearing hijab. Israa exposed to harmful and hurting words every day!

The analysis:

Disinformation and labeling:

Western media always broadcast that Muslim women in a negative and bad mental image. They show them in contempt and inferiority way. Also, enhance some ideas such: No women's rights and men's who controlled their life. 

Discrimination:

In media we find a lot of racism, shows that western women are superior to Muslim women in various fields. 

Characterization:

 Everyone in this life must have his own individual freedom. Media has a strong influence on people around the world. So, they have to respect the differences in religion, ideas and beliefs. And to no Interference in the affairs of others.Because each material that sends by media affect people either in a positive or negative way.

Cognitive:

Israa is far away from her country and family, further than this she got a lot of bad words just because she is Muslim and wearing hijab, that makes her cry, frustrated and unwilling to complete her study. All this because the messages that sendings in media about Muslims women!

Understanding:

Media is responsible for a lot of bullying cases. Actually, There are a lot of cases that similar to Israa’s case. So, the Arab media have to defend, enhance and highlight Muslim women in the best form, and not ignore them. 

[jumana-110887]

How labeling and disinformation is played in media.

Written by: Jumana Alqasmi

ID: 110887

Date: February 18, 2019

labeling: 

Media have a clear and effective role in the labeling theory. The responsibility to classify audiences in different types like religion, color, gender and race. Also, Imposes on people to act in a way that reflects how people classify them. In addition, sometimes media call labels to particular categories of the society, it causes a significant impact, especially, if it is negative. For example, if a person may not be a criminal, but his classification within the category of criminals, by people makes him ultimately behave like a criminal.

Examples:

 Media reinforced the mental image that black people are criminals, gangs and bad people. Which led to the consolidation of this image in the minds of people in society. So, they deal with them in an aggressive and racist manner and may severely punish them for what they might do.

 Western media send messages in both direct and indirect ways that Muslims are terrorists. For that reason, western society has believed this lie.

Disinformation:

The number of information and news that reach us daily from media is huge, some of them are might be disinformation. In fact, it aimed to manipulate public opinion and achieve specific goals such as political, cultural, economic, etc. Media is a fundamental tool of spreading this disinformation because of the power of it. The ways that used by media to disinformation: 

- In the short term, it can be used to distract from an issue, obscure the truth, or to inspire its consumers to take a certain course of action. 

- In the long term, it can be used to make strategies, believes and decisions.

Examples:

 News channels distort words by cutting, deleting and changing the path of speech as they want to serve a purpose they have previously planned to convey to the recipient. Al-Jazeera channel distorts of the words of the leaders of the Islamic nation by cutting and deleting. Who believes that a preacher “Yusuf Qaradawi”, who spent his whole life in the service of the Islamic religion allowed wine at the end of his life?.

 Organization of ISIS (Daesh) used media to broadcast disinformation and false news. The latest of which the organization announced that there are available jobs for young people in Iraq, in order to improve their mental image to the world. But, actually, it was totally untrue.

https://www.ned.org/issue-brief-how-disinformation-impacts-politics-and-publics/

[jumana-110887]

Communication Strategies

Written by: Jumana Alqasmi

ID: 110887

Date: February 11, 2019 Communication is sending and receiving information between two or more people. It is nearly impossible to go throw the day without use it. The purpose of communication is to share thoughts, ideas, and information. Actually, we communicate information by some means of communication which are letters, mobile phones, fax machines, computers, television, newspaper, and radio. 

There are certain strategies of communication: discrimination, characterization and cognitive. All of them are affecting the process of communication even in a positive or negative way.

Discrimination:

Discrimination has been prominent in the media since media has begun. Actually, discrimination might be in racism, ageism and sexism. We often see discrimination in the media, especially television while it is more popular around the world. However, tv programs always send messages in direct and indirect ways about several types of discrimination.

For example: Children are constantly being exposed to the television, filmmakers and programmers of the cartoons managed to build that some groups of people are more valued by society than others. While superheroes or beautiful women are white and black characters usually occupies less intelligent and being in the margin. 

Characterization:

The important element in the process of communication is the sender who have a message, information and idea to send and share to others. In order to reach his message to the audiences in a clear and understandable way, must know for who this message is sending and after that using the appropriate ways to describe it like using body language, pictures, gifs and videos. 

For example: A television program which particular for kids, presented the program in a particular way to make the kids more interested and passionate. Also, always using simple words, attractive colors and visuals. 

Cognition:

Communicate make people able to plan, organize, concentrate and remember information. So, they have to enhance their cognition that help them to make self programing which analyzes all the communication processes an individual experiences. Moreover, active self consciousness, which is mean people have to search for the correct information either about people or event, so, they can explain and commentary it in the right way.

For example: a person may sometimes seem disinterested when talking to him despite his good performance in the discussion, and after asking and asking about his situation and talking to those close to him it is clear to him that he has limitations in the hearing. Once approached, attention and concentration are improved. 

https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-communication-definition-importance.html

[jumana-110887]

Done by: Jumana Alqasmi

ID: 110887

Date: December 9, 2018 

The photos show my snap collage😍📸.

[jumana-110887]

Moving from school life to university life absolutely changed us a lot!

Listen to how university life changed me.

[jumana-110887]

[jumana-110887]

Wrapping up all topics on Tumblr

Written by: Jumana Alqasmi

ID: 110887

Date: November 27, 2018

Number of words: 251

In the new media course, we had discussed a lot of important issues. Actually, I was interested when I searching about topics and it helps me to do overthink and expand my way of thinking because the topics that we gave were in a general. So, I have to select a specific point and write about. It is a little bit like a challenge to me. I always was trying to prepare the content before one day at least of the deadline to make revisions.

Some criteria :

-The style of writing: using the same style in all topics ( introduction, body, conclusion).

-All posts contain full information like ID, date, number of words and hashtags.

-All topics were from my knowledge and experience, except the first two topics which were about (MISLEADING ADS and YOUNG PEOPLE & YOUR IDENTITY IN A GLOBAL DIGITALISED WORLD ), I took some information from the Internet and I wrote the sources in the last of the post.

-Not all posts contain pictures.

-A number of words around (250-300).

-All post were uploaded before the deadline.

-Share the topics in twitter with a caption.

Lastly, each topic added a new information to me. Also, it was an appropriate chance to improve my skills in writing and vocabulary. I feel that I improved week after week because of practicing. In addition, I learned how to commitment with the time.

[jumana-110887]

ID: 110887

Date: November 27, 2018

Video duration: 2.39

The video shows one of the local impacts of climate change which is farms fires.