The image of men and women are constructed by media

At17 is a team debut in 2002, the duo, with their singing, playing and creative ability as a selling point. They broke the existing framework and derived gender norms of the socially constructed constraints. They rare to be able to break through stereotypes of female roles and gender relations, showing the different gender identity and subjectivity, but they are less welcome of men.

Lyrics detailed description the scene of two girls kissing. Although it clear to point out that they are "practicing" how to kiss with boys, but "silent for a few seconds , then burst out laughing"which shows the ambiguous feelings among girls, perhaps some of the girls had experienced and dare professed feeling. "

This song was broken the love between men and women that has always been described. It switched to describe on the love between female and female. There is a definite breakthrough. However, this expression is not being appreciated by the society, so they had to express subtle and with hints.

The Society has established the imagination of girl group, which is dominated by a male viewpoint. The main selling point is their beauty or even sexy, clothing, focusing album packaging, love news and advertising endorsement. Theme of songs are inseparable to young girls feeling.

In contrast, Western countries in expressing love for the same sex would be more direct, nerver beat around the bush. But I like this song because the lyrics are really interesting. It can be regarded as "begun to taste the forbidden fruit of lace," walk in the curious to the stage of try who is feeling a bit shy and special. "The taste of her cherry chapstick" directly showing the feeling after kissing a girl. She did not resist, even like it. In the West, this bold and direct expressions, obviously not the same with us. They do not bother to distinguish between male or female, love is love, this blurs the boundaries of gender stereotypes.

Student name: Grace Yip

Media images detached from the external world

Hong Kong advertisement became more creative, they are no longer just ordinary display a products, also added a lot of ideas, emotions, and even exaggeration to sell. The exaggeration of advertisement can be said to cultivate and incite our desire. The construction that is often created by the creator so advertising exaggeration is effectively connected to the public of potential psychological which achieve publicity. Therefore, there is the phenomenon of media images detached from the external world. 

Using a classic advertisement for example, the advertisement of Yakult. The beginning of advertisement is the encounter of Judy and Suzuki. Judy recalled the impression of Suzuki who was a handsome guy and they had a period of wonderful and sweet time. But return to reality, Suzuki looks older, also ugly, then Judy left hurry. This advertisement brings out, as long as every day we drink Yakult, our body will remain healthy even to keep young.

 

The postmodern signifies the hyper -real reflects the effects of discourses of power upon our impression of reality. Also, the world we encounter is abstracted from reality- hypermediated and hyper -real. The more exaggeration advertisement will give the left a deep impression. In addition, it can attract attention and people have a clear feeling. This ad aired a few years later which I still remember, its effect can be imagined. Thus, exaggerated advertising is valid, as wholesome Yakult is also true. But too much of exaggeration of media images,eventually divorced from reality, so that the masses numb to pursuit. Overly expanded or reduced product performance will lose contact between the media images and the external reality.

Student name: Grace Yip

Mobile phone create a portable personal territory

The separation of public space and private space plays an important role in modern social life. However, mobile technology blurred the boundary of private and public space to a large extend.

Mobile phone is extremely popular in Hong Kong, young people is almost equipped with one. It provided convenience to people since there are many things we can instantly know. Smartphone users are inclined to wrongly think they have privacy even they walk on the sidewalk. We usually be more careless in private conversations in public places, less pay attention to our own side of things.

Simply put, smart phones give people the feeling of walking through the public space in the privacy of bubbles.

For example, The indecent video in Beijing UNIQLO  which crazy pass this midsummer. The content as a pair of young men and women occurred in the dressing room of explicit sexual behavior film. Our understanding of free, open, civilized are constantly evolving. Their behavior should have been carried out quietly, but they moved to public space recklessly. Boundaries between public space and private space is gradually blurred.

Now, whether in the MTR station or street corners, we can send text messages, playing Skype calls, view Facebook updates, e-mail or reading news. Absent-minded passerby might might become a security risk cities who would become the object of ridicule. In the past, if I get lost in the urban areas I would take the initiative to ask strangers. Now, Google Maps can help lead the way, so probably I would not ask the road.

Blurring of the boundary is bad to our everyday life, smartphone can completely change our behavior. Smartphone users are always in the private sector, this phenomenon is undermining the fundamental role of the public space. Since mobile phone create a portable personal territory.

Student name : Grace Yip

The medium is the message

How important that the technology order our sense? The potential effects of mass media content has been the focus of public concern. Most people lack the awareness of personal experience of an environment, but mostly from the media coverage, recognized the"second-hand real" which showing the importance of the media in community and public. McLuhan mentioned "The medium is the message", I fully agree. 

In technological determinism, the technological base creates the social superstructure, such as the class division, social values, representative democracies. The media has always been regarded as a bridge between the public, society and government. Using the umbrella revolution which occurred in last year as an example, public dissatisfaction with the government was not so strong originally, people informed that social situation through Facebook or other media, which gathered a group of people to express their wishes through actions. I was one of people who was not satisfied with the government and stand up. First do not comment on their action was too aggressive or not, we can see the role of the media, not only reporting the important social information, also distinguish right from wrong which is playing the inevitable social responsibility. The influence of the media can be as far as our way of thinking.

I understand everyone would have different views on the social policies. Therefore, I would like to use another example.

I believe that all girls want to find a boy who loves her so much. I am no exception. And the best way to express love, in addition to usual care, that is the gift. For a while, PANDORA became the most desired gift in Hong Kong. But precisely because its price is not cheap, it was criticized for worships money, the symbol of Hong Kong woman. With the online critical voices constantly which make people deterred and fear of being tag. When we loss the reflection on self-worth, it is terrible since the emergence of the media would affect our values directly. 

Thus, the media determine our way of thinking.

Student name: Grace Yip 

Social media, a platform to give vent?

With a good social functioning although the history of social media is not too long. They quickly swept the world. Using Facebook for example, like, sharing and open a group have helped individuals to build a virtual 'interpersonal circle." The popularity of smart phones and mobile networks which causing people use frequently. I am no exception. I would express my feelings and emotions through Facebook, Instagram, WeiBo no matter happy or sad. Therefore, I think, social media is double-edged sword which has no good and bad points. The key is that the manner and method to use of users.

The "share" function of social media deepen the understanding between friends. With this function, I can know where friends gone, what has been done, at the same time ,we can also share our feelings and life. Deep friendship can let me comfort the soul because I will get more support from friends. Social media has been able to enhance self-confidence since it's "Like" function which can sure others and build higher self-image. 

But, we can not ignore hidden dangers. 

Social media provides a platform for sharing, some bad information can spread faster, such as pornographic, violent pictures, rumors spread on social networking sites, etc. I think immature teenagers especially in our age, are highly vulnerable to the impact of these bad information on their adverse physical and mental development. We all have the back space and front space, we should be more careful when meet someone online since they might not necessarily true . Also, if we fail to make good control, obsession on those variety of social media, it may affect their daily study, the performance of work, even communication with others. 

This double-edged sword of social media can provide a convenient grip well for us, but also may bring harm when we do not have well control. (308 words)

Student name: Grace Yip