Respond to at least 3 of the following topics/issues. Instructions for responding to the links can be found in the previous blog post. Questions? As always, just ask! Happy viewing/reading/opining!
View the following video from this week's "60 Minutes" and respond to one or more of the issues raised in the story.
Where "Selma" Meets Hollywood
Should there be more of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this stunning discovery before moving forward with the manuscript's publication?
'Mockingbird' Sequel Prompts High Hopes--and Controversy
How big of a deal is this? Was his on-air apology enough, or should Williams resign? What if the inquiry finds no further issues of mis-remembering?
Brian Williams Faces "Fact-Checking" Inquiry at NBC
UPDATE! Brian Williams Suspended
Should Super Bowl ads mostly/only entertain, or is there room for more serious messages, such as the Nationwide commercial? What about the other "serious" spots?
Super Bowl Commercials Go For Heart, Not Just Funny Bone
Article 1: As I was watching the movie I was in theaters I was very astonished by her approach on telling Martin Luther King's story in a way that non haven't really heard too much about. I was even more surprised that she and other cast members didn't win any awards the night of the Oscars. The way I see it isn't so much racism maybe a little but it's more of a "not accepted in society yet" kind of thing. Its not every day an African American woman is nominated for best director. Some people just can't give that credit to African Americans yet but with that being said, that doesn't mean this is the last time we will see a black woman striving to be one of the greatest directors.
ReplyDeleteArticle 4: As I was watching the super bowl with a couple of guys, the commercial came on with the saying "...like a girl" I remember debating with the other guys why do women find that phrase so insulting. I realized that those type of commercials really should be in super bowl ads because they raise awareness about tabooed topics. I believe for viewers discretion that isn't a problem but when it came to the nationwide commercial it kind of ruined the mood for those watching the superbowl because you're watching it to have a good time and then you get an ad that's kind of depressing. I believe there are other ways to raise awareness on children's preventable deaths, but during the super bowl really isn't the proper setting for it.
Article 2: I highly agree that there should be a deep investigation to this sequel because of Harper Lee's health conditions. Should there be and investigation? Yes there should, but will there actually be one? No because corporate America believes that if they make a sequel to one of the best selling books of all time, prices would sky rocket just as To Kill A Mockingbird did. Unfortunately that's kind of how the industry works and poor old Harper Lee might not have a say in this controversy but only time will tell till after the book is release. by then people can tell if the contents in the book are really from Harper Lee.
Article 3: The Super Bowl is an event that brings everyone together to have a good time. But it's also a great time to raise awareness many things going on. I believe there is room for more serious messages, such as the Nationwide commercial. Commercials like that will make people rethink a bad decision and influence a good one, but not just to your child but to anything you do in general. I don't have any kids, but I do have a nephew and from now on when I babysit him I'm going to be even more cautious and aware around him.
ReplyDeleteArticle 4: Brian Williams misleading the public with the tale of a forced helicopter landing in Iraq and events related to hurricane Katrina is a shocker. He is NBC's Icon and is one of the most trusted men in the news industry and country in general. It was the right thing for him to apologize on-air, but I think he should still resign. He should still resign because now you have to call in question his future new that he will tell about, whether it's fact or fiction. This is just like the dilemma with the book "Escape from Camp 14" by Blaine Harden. The main character of the book(shin) has recently confessed that some of the details he reported in the story aren't true and he lied. Now you have to call in the validity of the rest of the book. Even if the inquiry finds no further issues of misremembering, whose to say it won't happen again in the near future. This is why I think he should resign.
Article 4: The super bowl was an amazing event but it caught me off guard with the advertisements. I was not expecting such meaningful commercials but I think it was a great idea. This is the best time to bring up awareness in society because this is when millions of people get together to watch an event. While watching the super bowl I noticed very few funny commercials, majority of them were very touching. While reading the article they mentioned that some of the advertisers were trying to celebrate Fatherhood in their ads. I noticed during the Super Bowl that they incorporated fatherhood with Dove Men products and Nissan cars. It was great message especially since this is a sport watched mostly by men. However I did not like how they made such a depressing note with the Nationwide commercial and I have to agree with Joab about how they could of raised awareness in a better way. I think the advertisers did a good job by creating these powerful messages but I wished they had more amusing ads because it made people come back to the game with less enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteArticle 2: I never read "To Kill a Mockingbird" but I have heard many great reviews. I think publishing "Go Set a Watchmen" would be a great idea because it could answer many questions that Nelle Lee's readers have. I could understand why the conspiracy of her not writing the book was made. The article states that "after writing "To Kill a Mockingbird" she never published another book after", which made me curious as to why not? Why wouldn't you feel inspired to write another novel especially after releasing a book that had over 40 million copies? Or maybe she really did write the novel and just felt that if she did write another novel it wouldn't have been as successful. I never read the book and now I am curious as to what is the real story. Unfortunately Nelle Lee can not hear nor see so she therefore can not make a true decision as to what she really wants. It definitely would boost the publishing industry, like the article states, but it would not be fair to not give credit to where credit is due.
Article 1: I have had the pleasure of watching Selma twice and I thought it was an amazing film. It made me even prouder to be an African American and love my culture even more. I work at a movie theatre and I was actually very surprised at how many people came to watch Selma. I never knew that it would make it to number two in the box office. It was very nice to see people of all races come to see this movie and how greatly it impacted a lot of people as well. Its unfortunate but not surprising that it didn't win an Oscar nomination for best actor or director. I thought it might have at least one nomination but just knowing the history of who wins these nominations, shows my reasoning. But the video says that 94% of voters are Caucasian and 77% of that are men, so therefore results may or may not be biased. Regardless it should have won at least one Oscar for either Best Actor or Best Director because it was a remarkable film.
Marvin A. Cisneros
ReplyDeleteArticle 2
I personally agree with the view of the writer of this article because it is definitely grabbign many readers attention by releasing a book the was first mode over 50 years ago and written by an author the one said the she would only release a single book. Her thoughts where the once you reach the top theres no more space to grow, and if she ever write another book the only way it was going to go is down. I also find it interesting how the one book has sold more the 40 million copies and the now with this new book the was made before this great selling book its now in the n.1 selling ranks on the web. Also with the roomers that this book might not have been wrote by the same author it gives buyers more intention to buy the book and find out.
Article 1:The issue of a women trying to be a great director, what’s wrong with that, she can make one of the best movies of the year and still not be nominated, I think that’s just not right I think that anyone who makes something great should be credited for it, it doesn’t matter the color of their skin.
ReplyDeleteArticle 4: The Super Bowl ads have always been great, but sometimes there just to entertain and people tend to forget the issues in our world, there is room for a serious message, instead of seeing commercials for camel cigarettes and how there “good” for you, why don’t they air a commercial for what a cigarette can do to your body and the dangers that it can provide to you, Issues like texting and driving and drinking and driving should be addressed lots of people don’t take these issues seriously.
Article 3: It is slightly a big deal, because he lied multiple times and changed his story. Williams apology was okay it wasn’t that believable, Williams should resign due the fact that when he reads the news or even talks on television people won’t look at him the same way just as a joke but if the inquiry do not find anymore mis-remembering and he proves himself loyal he should slowly come back.
Marvin A. Cisneros
ReplyDeleteArticle 4
I believe the the commercials meat there purpose, by the reason the i believe the by them trying to catch the hears of viewers its a better idea then to get their laughs because they are having fun with the game and maybe a silly little laugh will not get their attention. in the other hand if they target their harts it would catch their attention even thought the commercial not always make sense. Also the actual game gets viewers exited and to any football fans who enjoy viewing football won’t easily get exited with anything else. one of the commercials the target it the heart and its a great example is the “Nation Wide” commercial.
Article 2: I've never heard of these accusations against Harper Lee that she didn't write “To Kill a Mockingbird”, and I've also never thought that she had only ever had one book published. Even though I had never heard of anything else she had written, I just assumed everything else she could have possibly had written just wasn’t as popular. I can see how only ever publishing one book, and not making an effort to try and create something new, with that much success is slightly suspicious. However if she does come out with this new book, that is supposedly a sequel to her original, it could dispel the accusations against her. Harper Lee is nearly ninety years old and cannot hear or see as well as she once could, so it is almost impossible to know whether or not she truly wants this book published. I would say that the final decision on whether or not to publish the book should be in the hands of her family, but her sister passed away a few years ago and she has no children or other immediate family to help her anymore. I don’t believe anyone has the right to publish her book for her, and since there is no way of knowing whether or not she wants it published, the idea should be dropped, even if it can bring traffic to bookstores and possibly help the industry.
ReplyDeleteArticle 3: I believe it is quite a huge deal that one of the most trusted men in the news industry, Brian Williams, is revealed to have lied about “being under fire” when he was in Iraq in 2003. Even though he apologized on air, it doesn't matter because the only reason he apologized was because Stars and Stripes newspaper looked into it. Williams's apology only came after people from this newspaper contacted crew members of the Chinook helicopter, the helicopter that Williams claims he was aboard when it was hit by two rockets and small-arms fire. These members said that Williams was not aboard the aircraft during the incident, and that he had arrived on another, undamaged helicopter an hour after the crippled Chinook had landed. After his six month suspension, which its reported he’ll be losing out on roughly five million dollars in salary,I don’t think it’ll be wise for NBC to bring him back, having him back would degrade their integrity. I believe Brian Williams should just resign now instead of waiting until after his suspension, he probably has enough in savings from making ten million a year for the last few years that he should be well off financially, but his career in the news industry is essentially over.
Article 4: I thought it was a nice change from seeing purely comedic commercials at one of the most viewed events in the nation, with ones relating to serious issues.I remember seeing the “LikeAGirl” commercial months ago on YouTube, and I thought that it has a really important message and too bad it probably won’t be on TV for long, in fact prior to the Super Bowl I had only ever seen the commercial online. I was surprised to see it during the Super Bowl and glad that its message was broadcasted to a large audience. I have to say I disagree with Joab’s last statement about the preventable death advertisement being played during the Super Bowl as not the proper setting. I do agree that the advertisement probably ruined the mood for some viewers, but I think the Super Bowl is one of the perfect times to show an ad to raise awareness over serious issues. When else would you be able to raise awareness on children’s preventable deaths for an audience the size of the Super Bowls.
Article 2: Let's face it, just because of the sheer margin of profit this book may bring in will undoubtedly make it extremely difficult for anyone to prevent it from being put on the shelves. Regardless for the "moral public's" (or at least I hope...) sake we should make sure that it is in the author's wishes to have this book published. For all we know there may be a reason that it has remained secret for so long and that may be because it may not live up to the legacy that "To Kill a Mocking Bird" has set. However we must keep in mind that the profit margin of the expected sales will make an overview of the author's health or the context of the situation difficult to find out before the release. Rest assured though that after the sequel has hit the shelves it will be far easier to find out about a scandal, but we can at least try to draw attention to the fact the author may indeed have never intended to release this book.
ReplyDeleteArticle 3: Reading both of the articles concerning the fact Brian Williams simply embellished his story in Iraq (I refuse to use the term "misremebered" it makes me flinch every time I hear it...) I can understand how an average human being who is not used to being in a combat situation can get flustered enough to make such a mistake. And any human being should be forgiven for making a mistake under those circumstances. However it was Williams job as a reporter to keep his composure and give as detailed and accurate account of the event of focus as possible. This mistake will and has hurt NBC as a whole, and we will expect to see a drop in ratings in the short term. Sadly social media sites such as twitter, despite helping get the public worked up when a disaster strikes, have given the public a very short attention span. So NBC may very well recover in 6 months. (as long as no other embellished stories are found...)
Article 4: Before I start my tangent I would like to point out exactly how hard it would be to limit certain messages on TV albeit for a certain event. Nerveless even in that case limiting one point of view can allow other ads to be blocked for certain "offences" if that precedent is set. (which can be heartbreaking if a funny ad falls under that category.)
Now getting to the point personally I have seen the nationwide ad and saw it as very attention grabbing and well done. Not to mention some are even causing some controversy which gives the ad even more attention to begin with. Send a powerful, quick, impact-full, and lasting message; these are all things advertisements are made to do. If an ad fails to do these things then it is not really an ad as much as a time filler than now is it. (An expensive time filler in this case...) Since we were not expecting these types of ads during such a festive time they really got our attention which is why they were designed this way. As far as whether or not they should be shown during the Superbowl I am on the fence and personally do not see anything too terrible about them. Just look at what is constantly on the news lately, and those ads seem pretty tame then.
Article 4: I feel the ads/commercials were perfect for this years superbowl. Over the years all the commercials were trying to be was funny even though most of them weren't. I had a reason to pay attention this year and not go get a snack from the kitchen or something. I like how this year there was a mixture of fun and stern. Going from "the Brady bunch" commercial to "...like a girl" and fake pizza call commercials. I understand a lot of pro wouldve liked more fun and and smiles but, how much fun and smiles can you have to cover up the tears and frowns.
ReplyDeleteArticle 4: I feel the ads/commercials were perfect for this years superbowl. Over the years all the commercials were trying to be was funny even though most of them weren't. I had a reason to pay attention this year and not go get a snack from the kitchen or something. I like how this year there was a mixture of fun and stern. Going from "the Brady bunch" commercial to "...like a girl" and fake pizza call commercials. I understand a lot of pro wouldve liked more fun and and smiles but, how much fun and smiles can you have to cover up the tears and frowns.
ReplyDeleteArticle 1: Selma was a very informative film. I disagree with the fact because she is an African America women she didn't win an Oscar nomination. There were plenty of good movies that came out the year of 2014. It's really sad how people automatically assume they didn't get the same opportunity as someone else because of there sexuality or race. Everyone's always saying how they want racism to vanish but then there actions contradicts what they believe in. Selma was very informative and a clear picture but that doesn't mean it deserves an Oscar for best movie or best director.
ReplyDeleteArticle 3: Brian Williams should not resign, misleading the public was a huge mistakes but life is full of mistakes. He already apologized so why should he be punished more? It's a big deal considering the fact he is one of the most trusted news men in the news industry but everyone isn't perfect. Every news broadcast adds there own spice to exciting news that will grab viewers attention. If he's only had two mistakes of misremembering information NBC should be able to move on from the situation.
Article 4: In the month of February thousands probable millions of Americans celebrate the biggest NFL game called the super bowl. This years they entered commercials to make some viewers aware of things. I think it was a good idea because lots of people were watching the super bowl game so it grabbed a lot of attention. The super bowl shouldn't only be entertainment they should add more commercials raise awareness. I disagree with Joab the super bowl was a great idea to help raise awareness considering some people just ignore the problems in society
Article 1 Selma:
ReplyDeletePersonally being someone who has a deep appreciation for history, I commend the people who put Selma together. For a person of color it gives me a sense of pride and power but, it’s very disappointing seeing black excellence being ignored on such a high scale. A movie that’s supposed to bring Dr. Kings image to life and the significance of Selma is seen as betrayal to a former president and does not receive the type of ovation that it deserves. With everything going on in the past few months with Ferguson and Eric garner, the phrase black lives matter has become a very popular trend. Black lives meaning black excellence as well and it is very demeaning seeing such a great film and reflection of one of the most dignifying moments and persons in history unrecognized.
Article 4 Super Bowl:
I believe it was a very smart idea to put serious commercials. It may have been awkward to have serious topics during what is supposed to be a joyous event but, there’s a large amount of people who watch the super bowl. Therefore the messages sent across in those serious commercials and ads would get across to people a wide range of people who need to listen. People don’t normally pay attention to things such as, criticism of girls and the effects of drunk driving on perhaps a cartoon that comes on weekly. If it brings greater awareness to people than why not put it on something that is viewed globally?
Unfortunately I did not see Selma but, from the people who did see it ive heard parts and seeing view grades. I heard it was a great and a very inspirational movie. It's upsetting that Selma did not receive and award for the movie but atleast we still know it was a great movie and I am looking forward to seeing it
ReplyDeleteArticle 4 : I believe that the commercial ads during the Super Bowl should be both entertaining and some should have serious messages also. It should mainly be half and half because the Super Bowl is a game that many individualswatch and gets many peoples attention so many will watch the commercials and actually might think about it. Many businesses have made a lot of money due to the commercials that have been advertised, which shows it has got people’s attention. In this time many individuals only know about things when they either watch TV or on some form of electronic. After many people watched the Super Bowl many went to school or work the next day and probably said “did you see that ad last night during the game”, that makes more individuals know what’s going on especially if it was a serious message.
ReplyDeleteArticle 2:
I believe there should an investigation before this book is published. To Kill A Mocking Bird by Nelle Harper Lee was published many years ago and now Nelle Harper Lee is 88 years old and now a book that she wrote during her life is said to be the sequel of To Kill A Mockingbird. I feel if she wanted it published it would have been exposed when she wrote it. Someone probably went through her stuff and found it knowing she would make money off of it but really and truly an elderly woman like Nelle Harper Lee, money can't solve her problems and nor is she going to be able to see her money and where it's going.
Article 3:
I believe that Brain Williams should just resign. I agree with Kevin how can a person exaggerate something and then be trusted to inform people in the future. His credibility is gone. Many may even stop watching NBC if he's on it. Kevin example to the novel is very similar to Brian's situation, when I was informed that certain parts of the story weren't true it made me question everything that was written and made me lose interest in reading the book.
Article 2: I've never honestly read to kill a mockingbird but Ive also read good reviews from it. I think they should publish "go set a watchman" and should move on from who published to kill a mockingbird if it was a family member friend or what. If anyone wanted to speak up before they would've.
ReplyDeleteCourtney Buckhannon
ReplyDeleteArticle 4
I believe that it is important for the Super Bowl ads to display serious messages. I believe this because the society we live in today there are very few people who actually think about solutions for the problems we have today. For example the "Dove Men+Care" commercial shows fathers how to care for their children by being a stronger man. Which is very important in our world today because there are many children that grow up without a father or a father figure. Another commercial I think that was serious is the "Coca Cola" commercial about turning online bullying to positive comments. In the pass few years, there have been young teens committing suicide because of all the hatred. By displaying serious and or positive messages during a world live event could be the first step to fixing the problems in this society.
Courtney Buckhannon
ReplyDeleteArticle 2
Although I've never read or seen the movie To Kill A Mocking Bird I heard it was very successful. Hearing that she has came out with another book makes me question did I really miss something good? Go Set a Watchman is suppose to clear up or answer any questions or confusion about the previous book and movie. By publishing Go Set a Watchman would be a great idea for people to have a better understanding of what happen. There have been rumors about Nelle Lee and how she probably did not write To Kill A Mocking Bird. Also, how she was afraid of publishing Go Set A Watchman because she feared it would not succeed her fans expectation. Since Nelle Lee is not 100% alert or fully understands what is going on the book should not be publish. I feel this way because it's almost like they are taking advantage of her for success. At the same time success would be great but if her decision was not to make the book public then why should they disobey her decision. For me that is just wrong and disrespectful so for that being said the book should remain where they "discovered" it.
Courtney Buckhannon
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As I read this article and watch the video I'm beyond confused on how someone apparently "forgot important information." Granted, people make mistakes and forget things but we are talking about world news and people's lives in danger. It did happen about 12 years ago which is a long time but there is no excuse for this misinformation. Although, Brian Williams has apologized and was suspended from the news station I believe he should be permanently fired. I feel this way because me as an individual watch the news to get correct or at least accurate information. How can we trust someone who can't even recall real live events? Therefore, I believe Brian Williams should be fired.
Marvin A. Cisneros
ReplyDeleteArticle 1
I like how african americans were able to gain their rights, and are now able to do pretty much anything any white person does. Even thought there is still some racist between some off them many people now are married and have children that are half american and half african american. I also like how selma meets the requirements and makes it in to hollywood. Also how she explained how she struggled to get a movie in place how no one gave her $20 Million dollars to make any of the films she did. This is how people make a revolution in society by trying hard and not giving up like, a great example would be Martin Luther King.
Article 4: Yes super bowl is all fun & games & brings family & friends together , which is exciting. But, there is definitely room for more serious commercials. The " Like a girl" commercial means alot to be because it shows how guys think of us girls which is "weak". But us girl's see our selves as very strong people. The commercial with Kim Kardashian is very irrelevant to me because no one cares about Kim's outfits, trips, or life. That commercial is irrelevant to society because I t doesn't help us at all.
ReplyDeleteArticle 2: I haven't read to kill a mockingbird but I've always heard that it was a success. Although this novel leads to Go set a watchman to go against her will & publish her novel that she didn't want published it really disrespectful in my eyes. If she felt that this book wouldn't compare to her first book , I don't think it's anyone's business to go against her wishes, especially because she is so old. I feel as if she is even being taken advantage of, which she was trying to avoid.
ReplyDeleteI honestly do feel like Brian WillIams should be suspended without pay because this is a very serious issue. There is a huge difference in being in one of the helicopters that got struck that day and being in a following helicopter. I think he just faked and tried to make it look like the helicopter he was in crashed and he survived a tragic accident.
ReplyDeleteArticle #1:
ReplyDeleteI remember watching the movie Selma and it was a really good movie, I like how Ava DuVernay did everything she could to make this movie and how she made Martin Luther King seem like he was still alive, she wanted to make him more than just a simple holiday. 50 years ago many African Americans dealt with so many racism, hatred and fighting for equal rights. Even though the African Americans today have rights, there is still hatred and racism towards them.
Article #2
Article #2
ReplyDeleteI personally have not read "To Kill a Mockingbird" but I have heard from plenty of people that it's a good book and that I should read it. I don't know why Nelle Harper Lee wouldnt want to publish her book "Go Set a Watchman she probably thought that the book wouldnt be successful as to so many copies being printed. I dont think that there should be an investigation to this sequel, why do people worry to much about another person life, I understand that people make wrong choices, but I think that Harper Lee didnt want to publish the book just yet because she was probably worried about people criticizing her at a young age.
Article #4
ReplyDeleteI believe that the Super Bowl ads should have Nationwide commercials, commercials concerning serious spots around the world, and also commercials to entertain the viewers. I know that the Super Bowl unites family and friends and allows them to have a good time, but its good to show nationwide commercials because it lets the viewers see actual events that are actually going on around the world. Some viewers might get offended towards some commercials, but i'm sure that its put out there to help the viewers see things from a different point of view.
Article 2: First, i loved To Kill A Mockingbird, it was an amazing book. I feel the new book wouldn't take anything away from the first one. And even if she didn't write the book, does it matter? It was a fine piece of art and i'm grateful for it being published.
ReplyDeleteArticle 3: I feel he should resign. I've never heard of anyone mis-remembering before and how could someone mis-remember something like this? So what else has he "Mis-remembered"? Honestly he might of made up that story just to feel special and appreciated.
Article 1: I Feel that everyone interprets history different. Ava DuVernay sees it her way and she saw it as Lyndon Johnson being a bad guy at first when he was in office. He wasn't always a good guy and she's not going to put the sugar-coated version of him on film to make everyone feel good. She filmed her interpretation of history, that may not be the same as everyone elses.