My Findings in South Korea

So I have this project for my Media and Society class. It's to explore the aspects of Media in South Korean Culture. My sections is Pop Culture. While it's not hard to find the Pop Stars and popular trends that these people are into, it's surprising to find the huge chasm in which separates us from them. South Koreans are pretty cool, they seems inviting and friendly. Of course they have their blend of individuals as do we in the United States. But as I comb through a culture that has been technologically "blessed" with the advent of Broadband internet stretching across nearly the entire country. 64% of their Population use a Social Networking device, such as Myspace or Facebook. They use primarily CyWorld, which is a blend of the aforementioned with Flikr, Youtube, and Secod Life options. The distinct Cutesy interface might not be as popular with Americans but the features are sure to attract a young demographic searching to connect with the outside world. We've often overlooked the technology that allows us to share pictures and video, especially live and streaming, with anyone across the world. While it is an amazing technology that eliminates some of the symptoms of loneliness it can also be a dangerous tool. There is a famous case of the Dog-Poop girl, who was harassed by internet vigilantes for allowing her dog to defecate on a Subway car in Korea, and not cleaning it up. This girl was photographed(Assumably by cell phones) and within hours her picture was up on the internet scolding her for breaking a social norm. The girl was eventually tracked down and her information release to the public. She harassed repeatedly and eventually ended up changing schools and seeking refuge. There is a dark side to this technology. But lest we not forget that everything can be used for good and evil and it is ultimately up to the individual to choose how they wish to utilize power. If we placed more emphasis on morals and good characters, then we can prevent many of the travesties that the internet has been blamed for. Two Asian actresses are said to have taken their lives over the disturbing comments made about them online. In a world where we learning through Media every day. How does one filter out what is real and meaningful, from what verbose and damaging? I can't answer that yet. There's never been a clean cut answer for anything. You kind of have to do what works till a better solution comes along. Ok, I've had my moment of epiphany. I need to recover.

Doc McValentine

That's my Rapport...be sure to comment.

My new haircut!

I cut my hair. There is something so theraputic about cutting your own
hair. I feel refreshed and renewed. But as I sit here watching I love
NY, and I can't help but laugh at what our society has come to. This
is what we will be left with if the Writer's Strike continues. It
scares me to think what our society might cone to without great
literature. When I watch a show, aside from my favorite actress or
actor I pay attention to the words spoken: the superior writing.
Grey's and Ugly Betty are ranked highest with me. If you had a hard
copy of the scripts you'd understand the workthat goes on behind the
scenes. I love NY is soo gross, reminds me of improv TV on ghetto
crack. Tailor Made is a bastard. Wise is so raggedy looking hood rat,
and all the rest of them is a hott mess. I don't even have words. And
they act like NY is such a classy girl, and she's really not. She
looks like a drag queen.

Instinct

Instincts: we are all born with them, it's innate. They are either survival, reactionary, or conditioned (learned). So why is it we oppose them so often. We all know the right thing to do, but are fighting so hard to run in the opposite direction. Like, I had two thoughts that I put to the back of my mind, even though I knew I was right, I convinced myself I was wrong. I felt so vindicated when I realized the thoughts I had were so very true. So chances are if you are battling something, you already know what you should do. You're just looking for an excuse, some reason to feel better about your decision. Because God forbid you're wrong and end up looking like a fool.

This is why I've learned it's best to wait out things that make you look foolish and weed out the things that are already making you feel foolish. We fight the truth because sometimes it means that we aren't in control of our own lives. And to feel helpless is one of the worst feelings we can endure as human beings. And instincts about people can be tricky, because you might know there is good person inside, but what use is it on the inside if no actions manifest on the outside? People can change, people can want to change, and people can even change others. But ultimately someone's true nature will get the best of them, and that's how you know when someone hasn't changed. Words are little things with so much power. When someone continually uses their words to take away your power and isolate you, then you know what you have to do. That instinct is something that is learned the hard way. You can't just flip a switch and turn your feelings off. But you can cultivate a sense of confidence and outrage at the treatment you received. You are better than that, and I would let anyone put me down, friend or lover.

And if your instincts are all jacked up? Borrow someone roses. That's what friends are for.

1Love

Doc McValentine

Sent from my iPhone

N. Valentine

The ones you love...

The ones you love...

I was thinking lately. I know right: me? I have been listening to a
lot of grammar girl podcast, but being that this blog is more from my
mouth to the keyboard, not all of my grammar knowledge will be
reflected. And if I die on this bus ride, you will know it is the
result of the crazy driving of the FIU bus driver from BBC at @ 5:15
on today's date. He's got some road rage issues. Let's start out with
what I have been thinking about. I am a pretty upbeat person. Like it
takes a lot to bring me down in real life . I cry more watching Grey's
than I do for myself, LOL. I guess i've just learned to expect certain
things out of life. But, my main convern lately has been others. I've
watched a lot of good people go through the ringer this year. It's
been really sucky to be helpless. And when I try to intervene it has
ended up unsuccessful. Do I had reserved myself to just look out for
me, and be available only when asked. It's a simple rule, but boy is
it hard to follow, and I used to think it was low selfesteem, maybe I
didn't feel excited about my life so I would try to fix things in
other peoples world. And that wasn't the case. The truth is I do have
a Mother Theresa complex. Which Dr. Phil would probably boils down to
a people-pleaser complex. But whatever, I know there is one person
besides me that worries about others above themselves when their needs
aren't in direct conflict with your own. I guess the only thing we can
do us continue to wish them well and gave faith. I'm more spiritual
but I believe in the power of prayer. But sometimes life has lessons
in store for people and you can't get in the way of that. So just
continue being the awesome person you and I are.

Word is love, Rev Run. LOL.

Just kidding.

Your Funny Valentine

Sent from my iPhone

N. Valentine

To Answer your questions, yes I am still a Tropical Storm...

Always a Bridesmaid and never a Bride right? (I should have switched those out for Groomsman huh? Doesn't have quite the same effect.) Lol. Well I think I'll survive. I'd rather not become a Hurricane. I'd cause way more damage and get this swelled head. So good morning all. That's it really. I am not feeling really poetic this morning. I need to chit chat...get my motor going. love you if you're reading this. You should subscribe...can you do that? Try it out. You'll get up-to-date me news. Duh....

Gripe of the Night

So, I'm flippin' through the channels. There's nothing to watch. I settled on Twitches 2...kinda sad I know. But then I watched a little but of Samantha Who? It's kind of cute. It tries to have this Grey quality with the voice over but it lacks. Finally it rolls around to CSI:Miami....the Medical Examiner is the Black Woman who looks like a man. She does. Don't pretend you don't see those clear masculine features. I'm proud she's black, I'm just upset she's stupid. The woman is in an ambulance that is cold to preserve the body. She is wearing a halter top. She's not even sexy enough to be wearing a Halter Top the whole episode. But she is freezing in this Cryogenic ambulance shivering on the phone. You'd think when she gets to the lab...which is even colder, and they tell her that information. She walks in, in the same halter top. She's doing this digital autopsy, shivering on the phone again. I am so pissed. Put the fool in a sweater, or a lab coat, or ANYTHING. CSI Miami is dumb. The Blonde looks like Jessica Simpson trying to solve a crime. The difference is...this chick has a better script. This is what I hate about TV. Why in Grey's can get real representations of women, and in a show based on Miami, we're all glitz and glam while we solve a crime. Its such utter bull. Miami is so much more than skin...I guess we need better writers on a show about Miami. Maybe one of them should actually be from Miami? That's my Gripe of the night...