My Media Profile

1. I believe that media is somewhat important I my life, as it really depends on the type. I could happily do without a lot of today’s pop culture such as artists like 50 Cent who seem to only sing about drugs, alcohol, and other such inappropriate topics. I also have absolutely no connection to social-networking like Facebook or Twitter, and am glad of it since they appear to consume people’s lives. Furthermore, television shows like Jersey Shore are ridiculous and it is kind of sad that people get so much entertainment out of them. On the other hand, there are certain kinds of media that are extremely important to me. My life revolves around books, anime, and manga. Life would be boring without my favourite fandoms like Harry Potter, Fullmetal Alchemist, and the Mortal Instruments. I also rely heavily on the internet for both school and entertainment purposes. To summarize, certain types of media are not at all essential in my life, while I love others. This is why media is only somewhat important to me.

2. The most important types of media to me are…

Video Games

Although I do not classify myself as a real “gamer”, I do enjoy playing Wii, DS, or even GameBoy games in my spare time. Being able to sit back and fight a few monsters is quite stress-relieving. A few if my favourite games include Legend of Zelda, Sakura Wars, and Super Mario Brothers.

Internet

The internet is extremely important on my life. First, I need Google. How else would I find out about things quickly? Whether it is information for a school project or how to make a Hylian shield, Google helps you find it all. The Internet is also the main way to watch anime. The shows never play on television, and they are extremely expensive if you can even find them in the first place. With the Internet, I can watch anything I like for free. Overall, the Internet provides easily found information and sustains my anime addiction.

Books

I believe books are the most influential media in my life. I have always loved reading, and I get attached to certain series. I adore Harry Potter so much that my friends and I are attempting to create a BCI Quidditch team. Books are so amazing because they let you escape into another world for awhile so you can forget about whatever is happening in your own. If you are worried about something, you can simply read a book and forget about your troubles. Furthermore, most novels have great messages and can teach valuable life lessons. They are even good for the brain unlike television or the Internet! In my opinion, books are the best form of media. They are not only entertaining, stress-relieving, and teachers of important life lessons, but they are even good for you.

3. Personally, I disapprove of a lot of modern pop culture. Certain aspects are fine, but those are few and far between. Some things I dislike include the increasingly inappropriate and revealing clothing; increased number of songs about drugs, alcohol, and worse; and the popularity of ridiculous shows like “Jersey Shore” or “Here Comes Honey Boo-Boo”. The movies that are being released recently are also disappointing. Many are (sometimes horrible) interpretations of a book or comic like “Twilight”, or it is a redo of a previous movie. In addition I don’t like how dependent people are on technology like cell phones and social-networking. Technology is extremely helpful for quick and easy communication with others. However, you never need to be talking with someone 24/7, especially if you are meant to be focusing on something else. People text so often that texting language has even made its way into everyday speech. People speak using acronyms like LOL or BRB, which I find really weird. Social networking is also just as bad. Although I am fairly unfamiliar with it, it seems to take up a great deal of teenagers’ time, and is seen as extremely important. Another negative aspect of Facebook is that many people say things that they wouldn’t have the courage to say face to face.  This can and does lead to cyberbullying.  I manage to get along fine without social networking. I think that if people continue to be so dependent on technology, they’ll end up like the humans in Wall-E (but probably not as extreme) who have no awareness of the world around them. (See video below). Despite my general disapproval of today’s pop culture, there are also some features that I do like. For instance, I like that nerd culture is more recognized. A ton of super-hero movies have recently been released and I enjoyed most of them. I also like some of the popular TV shows like “Big Bang Theory” and “American Idol”. Other than these few things though, I don’t really like modern pop culture. Nerd culture may be more acknowledged, but fashion, music, and television have become increasingly inappropriate. Many people can barely function without their technology. Overall, I think we are headed in a bad direction.

This is a short clip from the movie "Wall-E" that demostrates what could happen if people become too dependent on technology. It is a bit of an extreme view, but it gets the point across.

4. If I was stuck on a desert island (fully equipped with electricity and the necessary technology) and could only have one movie, one video game, one TV show, and one book with me, I would choose…

Movie - Forrest Gump

     “Forrest Gump” is a movie with a bit of everything. It has humour, romance, action, and an interesting, feel-good story. Although Forrest (played by Tom Hanks) may not be too smart, he has a big heart and is kind and honest. I love the movie enough to watch it over and over again, so if I can only have one movie, it has to be this one.

Video Game - Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

     Out of all the Zelda games I’ve played (and there have been quite a few) this is by far the best. For those who haven’t played it, it follows the story of a teenage boy named Link trying to rescue his friend Zelda from evil forces. He eventually learns that he is part of a larger plan and must help save the world from complete destruction. With amazing graphics, a lovable cast of characters, a fantastic soundtrack, and such an incredible plot, this Wii game is undoubtedly my favourite.

TV Show - Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

     Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an anime (Japanese TV show) and my absolute favourite. Morals about family and friendship, a bit of romance, alchemy, and awesome fight scenes are all put together to make one amazing anime. I literally cried watching this show, and although I watched it awhile ago, it remains my absolute favourite. Furthermore, it followed the original manga (Japanese comic) by Hiromu Arakawa, so the story was accurate, not some weird adaptation that has no connection to the initial book, like the Twilight movies. Finally, with only one show to watch on a desert island, it’s great that this anime has so many episodes (64 plus 4 bonus episodes).

                             The Official Funimation Trailer

                                                 Book - Harry Potter Series

     For anyone who has read the whole series, they know why I picked these books to take to my desert island. The story is amazing and heart-wrenching and you could never guess what exactly is going to happen next. J.K. Rowling also did an incredible job developing such a detailed world of magic that you could almost believe was real. These are not the only reasons why I love the series so much though. Lots of other books I have read have great characters, plots and well-developed worlds. The difference is that I grew up with the Harry Potter series, and the characters in them. As Harry and his friends got older, I did too. I don’t think I’ll ever connect with and become attached to another series like I did with Harry Potter. For these reasons I would, beyond a doubt, take these books to my desert island so I can read them over and over again.