Who are you? What is it that sets you apart from everyone else? Is it your crazy personality? Your group of friends at uni? Your family’s beliefs? Your culture? Your hobbies? What is it exactly that defines you?

Before reading this week’s readings I thought that it was those things such as personality, hobbies, friends and culture that created my identity and at the same time impacted on my individuality. I thought that both identity and individuality as two equal entities, in the sense that they both contribute to one another – individuality creating ones identity, and ones identity influencing ones individuality. However, after reading the first reading During points out that it is the traits of an individual such as their – gender, race, class and location that comprise an identity. Therefore, it is the individual’s thoughts, desires, and personality (things that you can’t necessarily identify or categorize) that constitutes individuality. Thus individuality is what sets you apart from everybody else in comparison to the identity which During argues reduces it as it only focuses on one trait to identify the individual completely. Furthermore During notes that individuals in fact, have little power to choose what features will be used to identify them as these are determined socially, from the outside as “Identities…are not given in terms of what individuals are as a whole, but in terms of more or less arbitrarily selected features that they possess.” This has changed my understanding that although identity and individuality contribute to one another they are NOT two equal entities. Identity is rather superficial as it is based on the exterior of an individual for example if you saw me without having any previous relation or conversation with me, you could identify me as an Asian female of middle class.  On the other hand, individuality is reliant on those internal traits that can hardly be exposed through ones appearance but rather discovered by another through human interaction and understanding. Sure on can dress to show their personality, smile or frown to show their mood but these physical attributes do not do the individual’s individuality any justice as individuality can only be exposed through the understanding/relation of/with a person. Additionally During argues that “it is wrong to contend that individuals comprise nothing but their identities.”

Furthermore, Identity has the power to change depending on the social constitution of the time for example before September 11th Muslims were just considered as people of the Muslim faith however, post September 11 Muslims now carry the identity of being a terrorist. And as all Muslims are not terrorists it is obvious that based on one trait of an individual – in this case one’s religion, identity does reduce individuality as it aligns that individual with all the traits connotations such as being a terrorist.

Although, I do believe Identity has the power to be altered however only achieved through human contact that is by communicating and developing a relationship between the individual and another person. Through this process of human interaction individuality is exposed and a person’s perception of the others identity can be changed, developed or still remain the same.

“Without identity there is no such thing as a socially situated individual” these identities are based on partial traits, gender, race and ethnicity carry a higher value and is what mostly places us in society. There is no individuality without identity, as individuality is the smaller yet important facets of an individual. As just being a ‘man’ or a ‘woman’ doesn’t characterize the person wholly and doesn’t identify them as an individual. Therefore individuality is important. However with examining both concepts I believe that the traditional sources of identity are in decline. For example the female way of being that was consistent before the liberation movement in the 70’s saw women as nuclear, without much choice in diverting from such an identity. It is what society deemed as acceptable and the identity they were molded into since birth. However since feminist theory has emerged and since the liberation this has diverted and it can be argued that such traditional views are in decline. Now women are not bound to domestic subservience. Germainne Greer argues that there is a female identity, and it is different to all females as each are different and in possession of their own individuality however she still argues that though feminists have been arguing for years that there is a self defining female energy and a “female libido that is not merely in response to demands of the male, and a female way of being and a female world, we are still not close to understanding what it might be.” This highlights that identity is complex and dynamic and it is difficult to narrow down what it may be in just simple terms of ones gender.

With this modern take on femininity a new identity has emerged that women are expected to continue with this image of femininity, as that is what casts them as female. Looks and aesthetic appeal have become more prominent and pressure has been placed on women to look a certain way in order to be deemed as ‘beautiful’. This is a different kind of identity that many seek however is inaccurate as the medias portrayal of such an identity, is often false and out of reach. So women are expected to conform to something in order to achieve something else, even though it is quite fictitious in a sense.

The following clip highlights how images of women in magazines give a false indication to what women look like through certain media and also how the identity of what is deemed to be ‘beautiful’ is actually one that is intensely and purposely crafted.

There are still forms of identity that are programmed into girls at a young age and place pressure onto the way in which they want their identity to be formulated and furthermore, how they want to be seen. Impacting greatly on their individuality. This other video highlights such pressure, and the dominance of such a female identity in the media.

‘Self-branding’ is another issue within identity. “Current inflections of self-branding are the product of an economy and culture in the West intent on constant innovation and flexibility,” Hearn argues. These are expressed to celebrate ‘the self’ as such. Facebook offers inventions of various self’s. It can become a definite sign of social identity. With facebook, what we upload to the site can cast or brand us as a particular type of person, even if inaccurate. An indication that this ‘self –branding’ is a product of Western innovation is that a new forum is created for social identity and how we can be seen.

Through domesticating modern media we have allowed it to become part of our everyday life, it becomes something that we as humans rely on without looking at the consequences for doing so. As Silverstone mentioned the reference to ‘wild animals then, wild technologies now: what is the difference?” there is a threat presented by domesticating the media. Allowing these machines to become such powerful resources of our everyday life, we become addicted to the technology and are forever hunting down looking for the latest versions of these contemporary forms of media. We the consumers become the consumed submerged in our daily desires to engage in these forms of media within the space of our private dwellings. The impact it has on our lives is overlooked and often irrelevant to many.

Our unconscious mind is constantly connected to and revolving around media within the home. The invention of TiVo for example shows the lengths to which consumers have gone to meet their needs (addiction) in having access to that particular for of media. We are allowing ourselves to be exposed and confronted by media as it contextualizes the world around us. The segregation between the ‘private’ and ‘public ‘is being redeveloped and brought together through the use of domesticated forms of media.

Everyone places focus on aspects of Silverstone’s reflection on the domestication of media in different ways but each form a better sense of understanding, as with the relation to Lachlan and his puppy. It’s not something we think of in that sense but it creates a deeper and more practical relation for the everyday person. Dera points out a highly important aspect of domesticated media, it does alter the conventions of thinking, and it is a cycle it will continue to develop and be passed along generations until eventually it succeeds in ‘redefining the boundaries between humans and machine’. The technology evolves constantly and we are always moving with it wanting to be part of it as we allow it to control our lifestyle and contribute to our social behaviours.

I like to think that I’m not consumed by these machines but reflecting on my own habits I can see that my mobile is always within arm’s reach, my laptop remains on throughout the days when I’m home in sleep mode so as to be quickly accessed, I have TV shows I refuse to miss and if I do I watch them online. There are forms of media placed within my house that are used without thought every day and not once questioned in such a way as to how it affects my life, behaviour, values, or outlook on society

After creating a well thought of brainstorm, I am now able to talk about in detail of how these methods apply to the subject that I am interviewing. How does the methods play a part into the individuals life and how does it affect their day to day routines. Another method to create an interesting research paper is to basically apply as well the readings that we are assigned per week and per lecture. Thus with all the readings and the detailed methods steps, the flow of the paper would be smooth.

Lastly, the matter in which the paper is written depends on who the audience are we trying to present it to. The style in which the research paper is written should be formal and also directed towards a serious or casual audience that wants to discover in general how does the media play a part within an individual.

Mainly, I contend that they’re a few key things a report of this kind needs to have included in them. Firstly quotes and key examples from the subject to give it validity. Explaining your interview in terms of what why, how, when the interview used as a supplement research device was enacted. In speaking of this I noted that an unstructured interview would be the most appropriate for a qualitative research paper. This is because and forms of wording could be used, added in and in any structure. This allows flexibility as well as unique answers.

Furthermore, the paper must include an inclusion of new theories and development of new concepts as well as the ones provided in the readings that the subject’s media habits reflect. Tables and graphs are also good to use here. However, considering the above information it is important for it to be discussed within a certain structure. That of title, introduction, theoretical framework, methodology, findings and then an overall discussion.

I personally found the second reading by Liamputtong much more useful as I tend to write speak like which isn’t really good for something that needs analytical and academic writing. The presentation is highly important as implied as the finding even if impressive can lose their importance if not presented properly. The reading opened up a lot of areas where improvement or just basic attention to detail can make a huge difference. Who knew there was such depth in researching and putting together information? I’m now at little more at ease with how to present my findings with writing style in relation to “who I am writing for” and “purpose” of the report. The structure made a lot easier through the use of heading to break down the areas in which were examined. Also making it more visually appealing as it’s not presented as a slab of words. And using “I” creating a place for yourself within the research is important however too continually say “I did this” or “then I” makes it sound informal thus as baz suggested it’s important to find ways around that. Also the use of a structured and well organised interview will help with the overall collection and analysis of the subject’s media usage. I think it’s interesting that we are using one subject our research is completely one ended and primarily focused on one person. It’s interesting to note when reading this week’s reading how we would have to alter and change our approaches if we were taking a broader approach.

The second reading, “Writing a Qualitative Research Report” by Liamputtong definitely clarified how I should go about writing my research report. Firstly, Liamputtong cites Morse who defines qualitative writing as a piece of writing that “must be a convincing argument systematically presenting data to support the researcher’s case and to refute alternative explanations”. This definition as well as the whole paragraph under the heading “the nature of qualitative research writing” was useful to me because I actually completely understood what I actually was aiming to achieve throughout the report. With this understanding it gave me an idea of how I would then structure my report. However, Liamputtong’s reading gets even better as he provides a suggested structure and headings which Luke advises us that we use. In comparison to my previous assignment and this one, I know I have a better understanding of the assignment in general as well as how to write/structure this task (which I found difficult before.) Thus, if you are stuck or confused I suggest reading this week’s reading as it gives you straight forward instructions, suggestions and advice on how to do this whole assignment.

On another note, with the language to use Liamputtong writes “the language is not as objective or formal as in quantitative papers. A writer usually uses the first person (“I”) in describing the research process” additionally Wolocot argues that “since the researcher’s role is an ‘integral’ part of qualitative study, descriptive accounts need to be made in first person.” However, Luke (our tutor) reminds us that although you can/should use “I” but DO NOT overuse it, instead use the passive voice. For example: “For my research I did this……” replace it with “The research was conducted through….” That was just a tip that helped me, hopefully it will help you too.

Anyways Goodluck with all your assignment, cya monday!

my advice = DO THE READINGS, they are really helpful as I mentioned throughout this whole blog

xx B

In terms of actually writing up the report, the Liamputtong chapter highlighted some interesting points. First, the structure seems to be somewhat similar to the research proposal, with a greater focus on results discussion and analysis rather than describing procedural issues. This assignment should analyse more deeply the themes of the research (in my case mobility and convergence), yet should still have a recognisable structure. As someone who tends to use words quite lavishly, I took particular notice of the warning by Strunk and White that “a statement should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences”. Liamputtong suggests that the report should be written with constant reference to a main theme – this is what I intend to do, however, I will have two themes (mobility and convergence) that are, to a certain extent, related. Finally, I think the criteria towards the end of this reading will be useful for me when I am proof-reading my assignment, so I can check it off to ensure that I have written an effective assignment!

Lukin in her article shows how the associated meanings drawn by words and written language, that have the ability to emphasise or degrade stories presented to us by the media. Its interesting to see the way in which we as media followers react to such events purely based on the media coverage and the angle/ swing placed on it by media. Similarly Clark focuses on a different topic but the ways in which various “names” can evoke a sense of bias by the writer or speaker. The sex scandals and rape cases clearly indicate a balance within a story or incident. The use of words can twist or indicate the angle at which the media are trying to spin a story. Thus within the media word choices play a huge role in how things are presented to us and the meaning drawn from these.

shanin clancy

In the article linguistics of blame language is said to have a large effect on how and where blame is placed. The article examines articles from the sun on the subject of violence against women. The attacker of a woman is not always held responsible for his actions even though the acts reported in the sun tend to be of the most brutal kind, the victim (always a woman) may be blamed. The way in which language is used can portray the woman in a particular way. The author suggests the idea of ‘naming’ analyses. In the negative, the paper names the attacker as a beast, maniac, ripper etc. the absence of these names is more significant though as without them indicates “that the sun does not find the attacker or his actions shocking’. And finds the paper misogynist and pitiful and outraging to women everywhere. It is even subtle usages of languages that permit discrimination to emerge and substantiate within society. By not naming the attacker as a beast they aren’t acknowledging the harm and blame that should be placed on him. Therefore naming the victim becomes significant. Only certain named victims are linked to ‘beastly’ attacks. Like mum, married, housewife, and daughter. But labels where the attacker is named sympathetically, victims of ‘non fiend’ attacks are given different labels like BLONDE, unmarried, Lolita, divorcee. Implying that these things are bad but in reality it is moderninity that allows these variations of women to be created. There is nothing wrong with unmarried but this implies there is, so by the sun implying that the attack was ‘allowed’ in a sense because of these women and that their lifestyle falls out the sides of ‘normality’ that they deserve it. This labeling also limits women’s choice to be a Lolita if they want to be a Lolita and taps into the still standing detrimental stereotype that women encounter and must argue against every day. And can I just ask blonde? Really? If a blonde is raped then the attacker due to this gets of being called a beast or if she was unmarried? But if she was brunette, married with three kids then the attacker would be a ripper? This is just another attempt to punish women from diverting against the stereotype and passive female figure.

The use of language has created this stereotype which the Sun shockingly exploits in regards to rape victims. And this has been created by language and stereotype. Feminist theory and feminists like Laura Mulvey have acknowledged a concept of ‘looked- at –ness’ which allows this stereotype to exist. ‘Looked-at-ness’ is now a widely accepted concept inside the ‘male gaze’ concept which denies consciousness on the part of the looked at object, rendering them an object for visual harassment, despite the fact that this ‘looked-at-ness’ is usually directed at an ‘object’ that is human, possessing emotions, thoughts and individuality. This coded looked-at-ness falls under the heading of the male gaze, as an objectifying tool used to activate the male fantasy in its varying agendas. ‘The controlling male gaze presents ‘woman as image’ (or ‘spectacle’) and man as ‘bearer of the look’. Men do the looking; women are there to be looked at, ‘…obsessively subordinated to the neurotic needs of the male ego’. There is a ‘male gaze’ and this ‘male gaze’ allows people like those in the sun to demean women by naming their attacker insignificantly. This objectifies the woman into an undemanding entity, purging them of their capacity for action and simply rendering them at the mercy of the stereotype.

This week I couldn’t really care about the signs, yes they mean different things for different people and so on but I am more than enraged about Kate’s article. So I will end with the wise words of Germaine Greer; “Most of the women in this world are still afraid, still hungry. Still mute and loaded by religion with all kinds of fetters, masked, muzzled, mutilated and beaten.” Their ability to act against their objectification is being subdued by the men around them whether through religion or the glass ceiling of the workplace or through language which labels them as someone whose rapist isn’t as ‘beastly’ because they are not married, or through language and articles like in the sun.