What Could Have Been..and Could Be

So through the chaos that was mass communication, I wasn't able to complete the activism project or the film/video curation. I was a bit disappointed, because I was interested in both. So I decided I would write a blog about what I would have liked to do, my ideas, my hopes, etc.

I have always had an interest in screenwriting and video production. In Media Studies in high school, we were asked to make a video following a popular television genre. Our group had chosen to do a sitcom, and it ended up being very similar to a Friends episode. I was able to experiment with video editing, as well as adding in effects and playing with the sound. I learned making a 20-minute show takes a lot of effort. The amount of times we yelled, "cut" was ridiculous. I would have enjoyed making a soap opera or something in the horror genre, just so we could emphasize the use of stereotypes that go along with these genres. Not to mention both of them involve a lot of dramatic effect, which would have been enjoyable to create. Now that we learned the effect of shot types and camerawork with regards to semiotics, it would have been fun to try and put hidden messages in our video.

I was not able to take part in any extravagant activist projects this semester. I think I have always had this idea that being an activist means taking huge steps for the greater good. Although I may have not held any interventions or meetings, I took part in Buy Nothing Day last Friday, November 23rd. It felt nice knowing I was one of the many who took part in something that leads the public closer to media democracy.

I strongly believe writing letters and having your voice heard is a great thing. I had a close friend who began writing letters to animal testers when she was very young. Being an animal lover myself, I was greatly inspired by her actions. PETA provides a great article about writing to legislators, businesses, and local newspapers or broadcasts. Along with caring for animals, I also care about what we have done to our planet. Global warming cannot be helped unless people start making an effort to changes things now. David Suzuki also provides a great resource on his website in order to make a difference. He talks about the importance of contacting government representatives and writing letters to voice concerns about the environment.

There are so many organizations out there that need people’s support in order to receive recognition. I think a person can always find one that affects them directly. You don’t have to be a “tree hugger” to make a difference, just do what you can to get your voice heard in some way.