Women in the Media

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfElbe4kvNw

Kayla Ginsbach
Abbie Guthrie
Zach Hughes
Jordan Jenkins
Luke Martin
Jessica Poore

Honey Boo Boo

I have never been one to watch reality TV shows. I honestly think they are a total fake, and they are only doing what the producer wants them to do or say. My thoughts were always like, "Why do I care what these people are doing? They are only making a fool out of themselves for all of America to see." I may still think that but after reading and seeing the interviews of the Honey Boo Boo cast, it  altered my opinions a little bit.

I felt sympathy for that family because the show really does make them out to be total hillbillies. They may be more open than other families and more country, but I feel like the show portrays them in a negative way. Do you really think the mother is completely okay with how America sees them? I honestly think no. Maybe I am completely wrong, but I would be embarrassed if the whole world saw my family in a negative way. They are obviously being paid a good amount of money for this show too, so maybe that is the reason why they do not care as much. They can now give their kids a better future and more opportunities, and who would argue with that?

Not until after the interview we watched in class did I see the difference between her in the show and in "real" life. She seemed way more intelligent and a mother figure. In conclusion, I just find it really sad how the media portrays families in reality shows to make money.

Binge-watching

Our reading for class was about binge-watching. It really had me think, "have I ever binge-watched?" Even if I knew I did, I do not think I would want to admit it. Binge-watching to me, has a negative connotation. Similar to a coach potato, or being lazy and unproductive. So have I ever been that coach potato?

First of all, I am in college. On top of all that work, I am an athlete. I really do not have the time to sit down and be so into a show for several hours. I may turn on the television while I am doing my homework for a few hours. But I am not exactly "into" the show that is playing. This is me during the week, on the weekends and break it may be a whole different story.

There was a time during winter break that I was introduced to Friday Night Lights on Netflex. I honestly do not know how I ever shut off my computer. I never thought I would be so interested in something that I would sit there and watch an entire season in a day. But I suppose being snowed in your house for two days does not give you many options...

My conclusion? I think everyone is guilty of binge-watching at least once. Whether that be on a Sunday watching Pawn Stars, or taking two days off and watching an entire show. I do not think it is a bad thing, but rather a get away. It takes your mind off of reality and lets you relax.

Girl image

35% of girls ages 6-12 have already been on at least one diet. Some may read that and think no way, girls that young are too young to think of themselves in a negative way. For our group project in class, we talked about how woman feel the need to be "skinny" to be attractive. Sadly, this starts at a very early age. we conclude our project by saying men actually do not always like really skinny girls.

Statistics such as these really speak to me. Not just because I think it is sad that young girls have to worry about their self image, but also because I was one of those young girls. I always tell people I was an obese child, and they laugh at me because I am very fit now. The reason why I am so fit and active now is because of all of the experiences I have been through.

I was made fun of for being fat, for eating all of the time and large portions. It was not by random classmates, but sadly from my brothers and sister. I would be bribed to loose weight in order to have things. It was emotionally draining, and my biggest fear to this day is to gain weight. But I would be lying if I said I was not thankful a little bit for being pushed to be healthy. Maybe my siblings did not do it in such a positive way, but I would not be fit today if it was not for those experiences then. I definitely would not be the person I am today either. I am not quick to judge, I am understanding, I am motivating, and I am a very hard worker. 

Organic

The week before spring break we watched a video in class. The video was about our meat and what the real process was to get it. I would be lying if I said I did not close my eyes in some of the parts. To be honest, it was pretty horrific. I know that in order to get meat, animals have to die. I just could not stand the living conditions that these animals have to go through. I forget the name of the one farmer that spoke, but he at least took care of his live stock. He made sure they had good food and living conditions. He did not feed them any steroids or harmful substances. He cared more of the quality of his product rather than quantity. For that, he has many loyal customers. Sure money is always important, but he would rather be known for how great his product is than just trying to sell numbers.

This video really touched me, because recently I started Advocare. I had to start buying more protein, veggies and non processed foods. After watching this video, I have bought all organic products. Not just for the reason of how they treat their products, but it is also healthier. I knew I wanted to start eating more healthy and organic was just another step in the process. Sometimes, it may be more expensive but I feel better after eating healthier. I just think about how I am helping a farmer who wants to make a difference, and that is a good enough reason for me.

Logo's

Being an athlete for as long as I could remember, I have never thought about Logos or brand named clothing. I would just wear whatever I thought was cute, or honestly whatever my mom would buy me. It probably was not until high school that I noticed girls wearing Nike pro or Under Armour clothing.

I am a runner. I have been a runner since 6th grade and I now run for Ball State XC and Track. I have learned that clothing for runners tend to be on the pricy side. I used to run in any brand of shorts or spandex, but I have learned to love those high dollar Nike Pro spandex. Why? Maybe it is because I like how they fit. Or also it would be because that is what makes you a "good runner". That is what all the talented runners wear, so maybe it would make me faster?

Every year for Christmas I would ask for new running clothes. I literally live in athletic clothes so I am always needing more. But every year my mom would buy me 1 piece of Nike clothes and 5 pieces of "off brand" target running clothes. Do not get me wrong, I still like those target brands. They are still pretty good quality. It is just not the same as THE Nike pro attire.

Obviously, I like the name brand clothing. I had no idea there were "rules" to wearing some of them though. There was one day at practice we were all talking about Nike and Adidas. I was then informed that you could never wear those two brands together and if you did you would have to hide one of the logos. For example, if my spandex had a Nike swoosh on them and my socks had Adidas, I would have to fold my socks over so no one could see the Adidas logo. It is only for those two logs. You could wear Nike and Under Armour together no problem though. Crazy right? I had no idea there was such a rule. But you can bet your bottom dollar I never break it.