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ADCRITIC.com
There is a certainty almost everyone in the United States knows someone directly affected by the big “C,” or has experienced a third-party encounter with the big “C,” also referred to as cancer. With advanced technology on the rise in the 21st century, AdCritic had about as much access to first-hand knowledge regarding cancer and its horrendous effects as the Breast Cancer Society. Had they taken advantage of the opportunity, it would have been duly noted, cancer patients endure continuous excruciating pain resulting from chemotherapy, radiation, and/or alternative medicines. Unfortunately, some patients undergo repeated treatments of the aforementioned methods. AdCritics supposed intended, sexist message to viewers is to perform regular breast exams. The message has great intentions, but definitely the wrong approach. Adcritic failed to consider the insensitive impact their commercial had on cancer patients and survivors, paradoxical message of a sexual nature aligned with the possible loss of breast(s), and the negative connotation associated with the special effects included in the video.
AdCritic carefully strategized a way to capture the attention of the viewers by using an attractive young man, who identified himself as Cam (how we will address him throughout this paper), to address a real life situation “cancer.” Examining breast could lead to early detection, thereby equated with saving lives. That is the implied message. Cam is in a comfortable setting away from the location normally used for such commercials. He speaks of using appropriate techniques to examine breasts, and even offers to help. AdCritic appears very insensitive toward cancer patients and/or survivors. Assuming AdCritic is being satirical and I missed the mark, I extend my apologies, and say “job well done.”
Another perception viewers may have tuned into during this video is the sexual nature. There is an eight hundred number displayed across the screen toward the end of the video and three very young males sitting on a couch. One places his hands next to his ear and whispers “call me” similar to X-Rated commercials. Irony here is, it is highly unlikely someone checking his/her breast for cancer is considering an enjoyable sexual encounter, with three very young looking boys, who didn’t look old enough to have experience of any kind, medical or otherwise. Another point I’d like to mention is studies have shown men have also been diagnosed with breast cancer. Jim Brown, known for his role as Shaft, in the movie “Shaft” has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It would have been interesting to have seen an update where men were calling in on that line. thehevideo, AdCritic seems to lack morale in this video. I know women who have had their breast removed. In the beginning they have difficulty conceiving the notion of ever having sex again. These women’s lamented over the loss of their breast for a period of time. There appears to be mixed messages with this video.
AdCritics choice to use Cam, a young man, who doesn’t appear old enough to have gone through medical school, raises controversy. It lacks ethical appeal. However, Cam may connect to a younger audience in a more lustful way, especially when he says how highly trained and motivated he is. As he moves around the room, viewers can see the soft light, hear the slow music playing, and see an opened bedroom door in the background setting the stage for his initial intent, which is to have sexual encounters with the callers. Cam offers free service, then skillfully places a 1-866-RING-CAM telephone number to connect with his audience. This is what the message conveys. Sadly, at the end, AdCritic concludes the video with a logo of the trusted Breast Cancer Society with the words, you do it under the logo. Use of the logo suggests to viewers that Breast Cancer Society endorses the video.
In closing, I would like to reiterate, cancer is very agonizing to the patient and survivor. On rare occasions, some may have repeated treatments of chemotherapy, radiation, and/or alternative treatments. Their illness should never be risked or compromised resulting from insensitive, demoralized, or receive negative connotations.
Entering the 21st century is evident of the world’s ever evolving state. Needs of society and technology are also changing. The greater the need, the greater the requirement for technological tools. Consider use of technology in the classroom prior to the 21st century. They entered some time around the late seventies, early eighties. The computer used to stretch from one wall to the other, and then another (L-Shaped). Of course, the computer served its purpose during the time. There were also filtering requirements in place for the users.
Now imagine in 2009, we continued to use filtering from the 80′s. What would have become of laptops, cell phones, iphones, ipods…you get the picture? If we are to educate and prepare students to progress in their endeavors, shouldn’t we also want the best technological devices to do so. It is evident that no matter what class a student enrolls in over a twelve year period, he/she will be required to complete a presentation assignment in class. I can’t think of a more effective tool than Glogster. Glogster is a modern version of the poster board project. The student has the ability to include text, and images that relate to material. And later, the student can refer back to the project online as a study tool for exams.
It is understandable CCSD 2009 would want to provide every possible measure to protect students from online predators. We all want what is in the best interest of the student. But at the same time, I believe everyone involved would benefit if the board would appoint a special board to view current policies, find out what is working, and get rid of ineffective policies in addition to creating a special program with broad band systems to block every “student” computer within the schools.
http://voicethread.com/share/694457/
Absolutely amazing! It is understood Dr. Tyson was leading a middle school team of students. However, his message of motivating students in contributing meaningfulness was universal. Since education knows no bounds, Dr. Tyson was able to reach many of his students. His method afforded “all” students an opportunity to partake in meaningful contributions by utilizing self-directed & authentic activities along with independent projects through the use of modern technology.
When Dr. Tyson began to speak, his presence demanded undivided attention in a non-authoritative manner, which I’m sure captured the attention of his students. His willingness to involve students in the process of their class assignments offered a sense of trust and belief for the students. It also assisted in buiding positive images for them. Creating the videos raised the level of learning in school to a higher height, and deeper depth. The idea of having fun as you learned was another additive.
Moreover, while I agree with Dr. Tyson’s method of teaching students, I also believe incorporating technology as a way of teaching requires a balance of teaching (lecture) with actual books (varied resources) because in all actuality, they will not always have the opportunity to interview people for answers to their questions. It is important to keep up with change, but to conform in its entirety isn’t an accurate view of what students need to prepare them to cope in a real society. I believe this is what happened when Dr. Tyson left Mabry Middle School, and why no other teacher and/or administrator has been able to continue his legacy.
Here’s the link to our video clip project.
You know, I can remember when I went off to college as a teenager. I received so many credit card offers in the mail. Thank God, I never responded. Years later I worked for the largest credit card corporation (at the time), and the company sent offers out daily. Parents would call to complain about their infant children receiving credit, and weren’t yet walking. Well, cyber sell’s targeting through websites is no different. Driving forces behind the mission was “money” then and now. Unfortunately, teens are falling prey to the exploitation of adults. Because they hide behind corporations and other companies, there appears to be no accountability when such violation occurs.
Marketing departments spend countless hours devising methods to appeal to young teens. You know it’s really bad when a team of employees resort to selling products to teens by appealing to their sensuality. These images come across the internet. Sad reality is there are no accountability laws in effect to protect the teens from the masked villains.
Learning how to operate wiki has been “the” most interesting part of the class for me because I’m learning how to maneuver through the computer doing something other than checking email and/or working on a class a basic document. Wikipedia is also instrumental when working in a classroom filled with high school students, especially seniors because their patience is very limited. Wiki is another viable source that offers excitement for students. It has been my experience that when students are given assignments/projects using the internet, they actually complete the work and turn it in on time. Often times, there is only one technical savvy employee assisting with technical issues at school, and there always seem to be a computer whiz in the class, who has the ability to fix the problem. I appreciate this aspect because it helps to build confidence for students while alleviating paperwork trails for the educator.
