Blog Post #1

Topic 1:

When looking for classes to sign up for this term, I came across this Journalism course and immediately felt a rush of elation. Not only was the information offered in this class concerning media extremely relevant to today’s society - I was also thrilled to discover there would be incorporation of a variation of informal, creative style writing that happens to be my very favorite. It seemed to be that it would not only awaken me to the contemporary age, but also expand my abilities to express myself.

Though I am not a journalism major, it does align with my interests rather well, and I will look into it as a possibility when transferring to a university. In my time spent at LBCC, I have expended much of it soaking in everything that the English department and Writing courses have to offer, and am quite content devoting a term to journalism, as well.

As far as what I am most interested in taking away from the course, there are really two things. Firstly, I want to have a better understanding of how different media outlets work so that I can get as much pertinent and accurate information from them as possible. And second, I want to be able to use them to my advantage – whether I am attempting to expand a community, get the public’s attention, or push products. I believe this class will provide these essential tools for careers anon.

Outside of college, I have many passions. Writing is a great interest of mine: my desk is littered with poetry, and my laptop contains the beginnings of my first novel. When I have spare time, I paint or sketch whatever seizes my attention. Music has always been important to me – I started learning piano when I was around 12, and have just recently commenced a quest to master drums, as well. Cosmetics are an immense passion of mine. I delight in experimenting with lipstick and perfecting my technique of the ever-challenging winged eye-liner.    

The most prominent of my interests, as of now, is running. I became semi-serious about this type of exercise a couple years ago, realizing it was a splendid cardio alternative to martial arts. However, I wasn’t pushing myself at that point, the furthest distance being only about a 5k. More recently, I have begun to increase my distances, as I want to challenge myself, and am near my goal of half-marathon. I not only enjoy the results running has provided me physically, but also can appreciate it as a de-stressor. I will continue to set goals and meet them, and am motivated in seeing all the progress I have made thus far.

Topic 2:

When it comes to gaming, I have to say my experience is limited. I was brought up without access to video games, and when given the opportunity, they did not amuse me. That is not to say I won’t try them if asked, but my attention span for the diversion is close to nonexistent. I don’t keep games on my phone or computer and would prefer to fill my time with other hobbies.

I cannot say that I entirely agree with Ms. McGonigal, though I do not entirely disagree either. She does make valid points about how games equip the player with “urgent optimism”, good “social fabric”, “blissful productivity”, and “epic meaning”. However, I do not feel that games/gaming can solve world problems. In most cases, the spirit that comes with the game stays with the game, and the players do not embrace the positive attitude as an inspiration after they turn their x-box off. When gaming, it’s a toss of a coin between the destruction of a functioning member of society and a player whose time spent online has become truly advantageous.  It comes down to how the gamer understands and employs the diversion. As for the specific benefits, gaming isn’t the only activity that can improve those functions. There are other ways of motivating yourself to learn and problem-solve.

Honestly, watching “Second Skin” made me a little sick to my stomach. The cases were obviously extreme, and I know that many players maintain a sort of “middle ground”, but it was a glimpse inside the gaming mindset that I found disturbing. I have friends who devote sizable chunks of time to video games that in a fashion I find borderline unhealthy. Yes, there are benefits to games. It may give a full life to someone who feels they are without a voice here in the real world. It is a way to express who you want to be. But games are not without fault. Many of the players develop obsessive tendencies over the pastime, and when there is no balance, it will become an addiction.

The key to unlocking the benefits without the harm is in moderation.