Blog #5

I have been thinking if I would be able to give up everything and live in solitude in the middle of the woods for one year.  It would be very difficult and I would like to think I could do it, but in reality, I'm not sure if I would be able to do it.  Giving up technology is one thing. I think I would be able to do that because I like to spend time reading instead of just sitting on the computer.  I don't think that I would be able to give up interaction with other people though.  Interaction with others is one major thing that our society thrives on today.  I think it'd be very difficult for a lot of people to give up interaction but giving up technology is something that we are all able to do.

Blog #4

        Many people have said that we are the dumbest generation but every generation has been considered the dumbest generation for years now.  What the older generations don't realize is that we are smart.  They only want to consider a person smart if they know about history, science, or politics.  They say that because we cant answer a question about one of those topics then we might as well be considered the dumbest generation. What they dont want to consider is that we know a lot about other topics.  We watch the video in class of random adults of various ages try to answer questions but they couldn't answer the simplest ones.  I don't think that anyone should clump everyone in a specific genereation together and call them dumb. there will always be someone who doesnt understand anything and someone who appears to be a genius.

Blog #3

I think that we have be taught how to feel in certain situations.  We have been taught these feelings by our family members, friends, as well as society.  Its hard to tell what a persons real emotions are because they have been taught how to react.

As far as the virtual world goes, I think it has had more of a negative impact on society than a positive impact.  As far as I have noticed, the only positive impact has been that it helps to build confidence in those who play the game.  it has negatively impacted people because they get so wrapped up in the game that they lose who they are. They become their character and forget about their friends and their jobs.  The game becomes their life and their main goal is to keep the electricity running (so they can play the game). I do have to admit that some of the gamers do take a step back into reality and continue to work and still spend time with their familes but will still drop everything to play the newest game. 

Assignment #2: Finding A Balance

     On page 12 of  Culture Jam, Lasn says, "[...]it's reasonable to assume that it will take dozens of generations to adapt to the new electronic mass media environment that's rapidly replacing the 'natural' one." 
     I think that Lasn makes a good point here.  Everyday we are bombarded with new electronics that change the way we communicate, exercise (or prevent exercise), and live.  There is always a new cell phone, lap top, gaming system, and ways to exercise being thrown in our faces.  When cellphone companies added cameras and videos to their phones a lot of issues arose as far as where cell phone cameras are allowed to be used. Nowadays you can go into most public bathrooms and you will see a sign saying the the use of cellphone cameras is prohibited. It changed the way we are living our lives because you need to be caustious when you are sending something out into the world. It's a lot easier to have a photo get in the wrong hands.
     As far as exercise and gaming systems go, I understand what they're trying to do.  Video games has definitely caused a few problems in our society.  I know way to many people that will sit in front of their tv and play Call of Duty all day, everyday.  Over the past few years they have come out with exercise games such as Wii Fit.  I think it's great that they're trying, but there really is no replacement for going out for a run or a bike ride or going hiking. 
     I think that all of his technology will take some getting used to.  It would be a great start if everyone would take a step back from their everyday lives and just go outside.  We need to start enjoying the natural things in life.  If we can do that, then maybe the technology won't seem as important and we can get used to the idea that there will always be something new coming out.