Soap Operas: 101

"I think people like stories that continue so they can relate to these people. They become like a family, and the viewer becomes emotionally involved. There seem to be two attitudes by viewers. One, that the stories are similar to what happened to them in real life, or two, thank goodness that isn't me." 

-H. Wesley Kenney, Executive Producer of General Hospital (1988)

New York Times Magazine, 2 April 1988

I love music just as much as the next person.  I also love TV, romance, and stories that get you hooked.  But what happens when the two are combined?

For my SFL 358 class, we are doing a "Coding Analysis Project."  We were required to pick a topic, and then something in the media to code.  For example (and this is not my group's project): listen to music for two hours and coding lyrics based on references to alcohol or drugs.

I don't want to give my group's project away (and quite frankly it's irrelevant to this post) but we have been watching a TV series that is not really my favorite.  But remember what I said earlier about liking music, TV, romance, and a good story?  Yeah.

Problem #1: I don't even care about the characters, and yet I do.  I want to keep watching, but I don't at the same time.  I am beginning to feel some kind of emotional connection to the characters.

Problem #2: The stories are not the most happy, and it has been affecting my mood, and I'm making up silly excuses to watch it.

Problem #3: It's a friggin soap opera - for teenagers!  The show is not even that good (in my opinion), and I don't support it in anyway (what it supports and preaches).

Problem #4: This is the biggest problem - I am frustrated with myself.  I know all these things.  No, I am not watching it for pleasure - but I am getting some kind of enjoyment out (ridiculous)!

So - what do I do about it?  Or what can WE do about it individually?

To get off the topic of ME for a minute, I want to address the general public.  What shows do we watch that are characteristic of soap operas?  I'm not talking about the obvious choices, i.e., Days of Our Lives, Guiding Light, or The Young and the Restless.  Think hard about this, because most likely you watch at least one.

Back to me!  Here are some of my "guilty pleasure" shows - in other words SOAP OPERAS:

• The Vampire Diaries
• The Good Wife
• Bones
• Dallas
• Nashville

This is not an extensive list, just examples (and please note that I have quit watching all of these for specific reasons).  Each one of these shows has a continuing storyline, a romantic relationship (or more), and DRAMA of some kind.  So what attracts us to those things??  And why do we willfully choose to indulge ourselves??

For me, I am able to get out of my uneventful life and focus on someone else's problems and adventures.  It is nice to get out of your own skin every now and then.

But the problem I find in each one of these shows - including the one I am currently coding for for class - is this: they hook you in; snatch on to one of your "weaknesses"; hit you in the gut with an emotional story - we find something in them that we relate to, find interesting, have something we want (or something we can't have).

Are those good qualities?  I refer to them as carnal desires.

I was talking to my husband about this, explaining to him that I've been in kind of a slump all day because one of the shows I was watching was very heart-wrenching.  I wanted the characters to be happy, and was rooting for them.  But I was letting myself become consumed by their emotions - and they are not even real stories or people, it is a fictional show.  I found myself doing research on how the season ended, what happened, and what the "buzz" or "hype" was after such a dramatic turn of events.  I was listening to sad music, not being productive, and getting WAY too wrapped up in something I claim to not care about.

I had to snap out of it.  So guess what I did?

Thank you, Blake Shelton for having upbeat, in-your-face, happy music!!  What was I doing being so overwhelmed with frustration and sadness??  How often do we let the media overrun us and control our emotions?  That's why I had to quit watching those shows listed above - they were affecting my emotions, moods, and attitude more than I should have let them.  Are YOU watching something that is bringing you down in some way?  To quote President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Stop it!" (kind of out of context, but you get the idea.. hopefully..)

Let this be a small lesson in self-regulation (for me anyway).

Happy Birthday! to me..

Just a heads up - this post might be a tad self-serving, but it will be good, I promise!

First things first, it is my birthday.  But I have a question: how does Google know that it is my birthday??

Seriously though, isn't that a little weird that an Internet browser knows when my birthday is??  Regardless of how strange that is to me - it is also really cool!!

Now, onto the nitty gritty.  Guess what I get to do for my birthday??  That's right - I'm going to the Blake Shelton: Time Times Crazier concert.  Woot woot!

I would like to thank my husband for this of course.  Before giving me the tickets, he made a card with this lovely gem of a picture that said, "Care to join me?"  Um..  Yes, of course I do!  Ahh!!  I couldn't be more excited!!  I have the best husband ever!!

The picture above of Blake is from the Lip Sync Battle that he and Gwen Stefani did on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.  Here is the video for it if you haven't seen it yet.  It's definitely worth your time!  Bask in all of it's glory, you will be glad you did.

Needless to say, I am a very happy birthday girl.  Blake Shelton is one of my most favorite artists, and I love watching him on The Voice each week.  I was singing praises and shouting for joy when I opened up the tickets; I pretty much looked like this this morning...

Too happy about this?  No.  I don't think so.  Just excited.  And showing my gratitude.  A BIG shout-out to my husband for such a great present!  And now I look like this at work, singing along to his album (and I will be all day)...  

As Gus and Shawn on "Psych" would say, "You know that's right!!"

In order to stay true to the title of my blog (All Twittered Out), I need to mention Blake's Tweet from this morning (see below).  Thank you, +Blake Shelton for coming to Salt Lake City on my birthday - I am so excited!  And thank you, +Shawn Fielding for the tickets - you're the best husband a girl could ask for!  Oh, and I can't forget to sport the new "Team Blake" t-shirt that Shawn got me as well.

How's THAT for media - Google, pictures, concert, music, videos, t-shirts, Twitter - all in one blog post!  And a very Happy Birthday to me, if I do say so myself.  It's going to be a good day (and night)!!  Thanks, y'all!!

Wanted: Encouragers (there is a surplus of critics already)

As I mentioned in my previous post, I work full-time in the Especially For Youth office on campus at Brigham Young University.  The last few days here in the office have been slower than normal, and a tad quiet; this can given me some opportunity to sit and reflect on some things.

While sitting in my office this week, I was awakened to all of the positive media I am surrounded by.  Everywhere I turn, I see uplifting messages - old EFY banners, pictures of my family, quotes from the leaders of the Church, etc.  I don't know how long it's been since I have really paid attention to my working environment, but I have been reminded this week how calm and peaceful I feel here.

Look at some of the media messages I see everyday (see image to right).  These are messages of hope, love, and faith.  These messages keep me going throughout the day.  These messages keep me centered and aware of who I am.

These are positive media messages.

Why do messages like these resonate so well with people?  Because they are positive, uplifting, and encouraging.  Who wouldn't want those kinds of things in their life?

Media has just as much power to strengthen someone as it does to tear someone down - why is that?  Take a look at some ads for me (see below).

How do these make you feel?

Do they give you hope?

Do they make you feel good about yourself?

What is the focus?

Why does media have such an impact on how we view ourselves and the world around us?  Because it is powerful and triggers our emotions.  Thoughts like "I'm not skinny enough," "Bad things happen, so there is no point," or even, "I wish I looked like that," get into our heads, set up camp, and we allow them to stay.  So, how do we break this trend of letting negative media affect us?

We need to spread more of the good; encourage those around us; focus on the positive; and even #ShareGoodness.  There is so much good in the world, we shouldn't pass it up as often as we do.  It is easy to get down and out, but so much better for us to be strong.

"Wanted: Encouragers [We have a surplus of critics already, thanks." -The World


I am so grateful to work for a program that focuses on the good and helping people want to be better.  Can we help in that effort?  Encourage more positive media, and let's nix the negative.

Bang Bang: Lyrics vs. Tone

I am SO glad that we talked about music today in my media class.  I started writing this blog yesterday after posting my "Trending Now" blog, because it just hit home for me for some reason.  Hope you enjoy this one - brace yourself!

I was driving through campus yesterday evening, and as I was doing so, I heard - blaring from a car passing by - "Bang Bang" by Jessie J, with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.  Have you heard it before?  Here is my advice about the song:

DO NOT LISTEN!!!

I work full-time for the EFY Programs, and one of my many tasks is to help compile music for the dances.  This is an extensive process, and more so than you may think or want to believe.  Here is a list of only some of the criteria we use:

• No swear words (including references to "god," "God," "Jesus," etc.)
• No hidden messages or innuendos
• What other music has the artist produced (are they overall a "good" role model)
• What does the music video portray
• LYRICS!

Now, this may seem a strenuous task, and it is, but at least I know what I am listening to - can you say that about your music?  Let me use some examples from "Bang Bang" to prove a point:

• "We dipping in the pot of blue foam..."
• This has two meanings: (1) marijuana and (2) satanic spells
• "Bang bang..."
• Reference to having sex - a lot of it and roughly
• "Kitten so good it's dripping on wood..."
• Simply put, kitten=female private parts and wood=male private parts
• "Got a body like an hourglass, but I can give it to you all the time..."
• Would you want your daughter described that way?  Or being that explicit with her intentions?

I could keep going, but I need to stop there.  The point is - this song is all about sex.  And sex in a completely S&M, hard core, sort of way.  Did you know that?  Do you sing along to it?  I do when it is on.  The lyrics and the beat get stuck in your head; it is catchy and addicting - in a totally inappropriate way of course.

The following question was posed in class today: "Do lyrics or tone have more of an influence on behaviors?"  I would say 98% of the class said tone, but in actuality, data shows us that lyrics have a stronger effect!  Content really does matter, even in the music we listen to.

As a lover of music myself, I know how tricky it can be to find music that is both catchy and appropriate; most of the time you can find one without the other.  But don't lose hope!

Let me share with you some of my favorite songs, and songs that have been approved for use at the EFY dances.  Can you tell a difference in these and songs like "Bang Bang?"

• Best Day of My Life - American Authors
• Hey, Brother - Avicii
• Now You're Gone - Basshunter
• Sin Ti (Don't Wanna Miss A Thing) - Dyland y Lenny ft. Pitbull
• We'll Be Coming Back - Calvin Harris
• Haven't Met Yo Yet - Michael Buble
• Mirrors - Justin Timberlake
• Happy - Pharrell Williams

That is just a small portion, but a pretty solid list of songs that are appropriate AND catchy.  Do you know the lyrics that are in your favorite songs?  Do you understand the meanings that are sometimes hidden in them?  Take some time to evaluate your playlists; I know I will, and that I do, on a regular basis.

Let me end here, because I know that I could just chat about this topic all day (and that there will be more blogs about specific "popular" songs).  To leave on a more positive note, here is one of my favorite, danceable, happy, clean tunes for you.  Feel free to bask in all the positive mojo vibes, of course!  :)

TRENDING NOW!

Who hasn't heard or seen the show "Duck Dynasty?"  If you happen to be living under a rock, here is a short clip for you to bask in:

Anyway, this video is beside the point.  I was on Facebook today (like that's anything new) and trending was "Sadie Robertson's Cowboy/Jazz Dance With Stars Brings Tear to Dad's Eye."  This was literally trending on every site: CCN News, Twitter, Facebook, Huffington Post, Access Hollywood - you name it!  

I suppose my question is this: why are reality television stars so popular?

Sadie Robertson is actually one of the more respectable reality TV stars I think, but why do we spend so much time obsessed with famous people's lives?  Are they really that much better than ours?  Do we not have anything else to be doing or think about?

Now, I get that I don't have the opportunity to dance with Mark Ballas, but does that make me (or you for that matter) any less important?  How much of our attention do we give to famous people?

More importantly I want to ask this question: what is trending in YOUR life?  Do we jump on the media bandwagon of what's popular?  Or do we spend time with things that may be more important, just less popular or trending?

Don't get me wrong - I love Duck Dynasty, and I think Sadie is killing it on DWTS this season!  But this trending issue today got me thinking about what is trending in my personal life.  Am I up on my homework or scripture knowledge or family news more than I am with all the juicy reality TV drama/gossip/news?  If I was Facebook, what would be in my "trending column?"  Think about it.

In other news - Sadie did in fact make her dad cry with her latest performance: 

TiVo, TV your way.

So my husband went to a family dinner last night, but were pretty bummed that it was at the same time as the Seahawks vs. Broncos football game.  But, we could not believe what we saw when we arrived at dinner: my brother was watching the game on his iPad!

Now I know you are thinking something like, "What's the big deal?"  The BIG DEAL is this: he was recording the game at home (5 miles or so away) on his TiVo and watching it on his iPad.  He could fast forward, rewind, stop recording, pause - anything he would have been able to do had he been at home watching it.  He had full control of his television and recording device even though he was 5 miles away and on a different wireless network.

How does this even work?! "Tivo, TV your way." is right!!

Needless to say, my husband and I were in awe of this, and grateful that we were able to watch the remainder of the game.  How crazy is it that we have that much control now?  What do we even do with that much power?  We can go literally anywhere with our television in our hands.  Heck, I am just grateful most of the time to be able to record shows to watch them later; I don't even know what to do now that there is an option of watching my recorded TV (or live TV for that matter) on my phone, tablet, or computer away from my residence.  This feat is mind-boggling to me.

Is having your remote control in your hand everywhere you go TOO much?  What do we do now that we can watch our television anywhere now?  Are we too connected or too obsessed?  Don't get me wrong - my husband and I were elated to be able to finish the game, but it really got me thinking about how far media has come and where it is heading.

The real point of this post, obviously, was that the Hawks won - in overtime!  We would never have known the outcome (well, just not instantly)...  Go Hawks!

But what are YOUR thoughts on this?  Too much?  Or can't get enough?  Comment below.

Infant Exposure to Media

I am doing kind of a different thing today with my blog post.  I wanted to share the short essay I wrote for my SFL 358 class (Media, Family, and Human Development).  I promise that it is short, and totally worth the read.  A BIG "thank you" to my sister-in-law, Anona, for helping with this assignment.  Definitely insightful and worth processing your own thoughts and feelings about infants and media use.  Enjoy!

Introduction

I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing my sister-in-law, Anona, about her opinion on infants and the media.  Anona provided some great answers to the questions that were posed, namely feelings on infant exposure to television; videos aimed at infants; and overall opinion on whether or not she allows her infant to watch television.  This was such an eye-opening experience for me into parenting and media-use, and helped me better understand the purposes behind infant media.

Analysis

Infant exposure to television.  Anona is one who enjoys reading parenting books and articles on recent studies about child development.  Most of what she has read is about the importance of limiting infant TV time.  She does not like to let her kids watch TV, but especially as an infant.  Anona believes that “ten ‘educational’ shows will never equal in developmental value to ten minutes of reading a book to your baby."  Anona is the mother of three girls, with the youngest being 18 months old.  Never has Anona turned on a show specifically for her youngest; the only time that her infant is allowed to watch something is if her older sisters are.  To other moms of small children, Anona said that it is okay to let them watch a show every once in a while, but to recognize it for what it is – an electronic babysitter – and to not confuse it for being an educational tool.

Videos aimed at infants.  The attitude that Anona has in regards to videos specifically aimed at infants, is influenced strongly by her mother.  As a child, Anona remembers watching a program every now and then, but states that her mother was very careful that she “watch shows marketed as educational, and never Power Rangers or cartoons or anything with no redeeming merit in her eyes."  Shows like Little Einstein’s versus other “fluff” programs seem to be age appropriate, and educational in some respects.  So, educational or not, her opinion on “videos aimed at infants” is this: children should know how to entertain and play by themselves, and recognize that TV is a sorry substitute for real life at any age.

Overall opinion.  Now that Anona is a parent herself, she likes to let her children interact with one another, playing dress up, doing puzzles, reading books, and even fighting with one another to work out their social issues.  Anona feels better about herself when she takes the time to read, play with, and have her children help clean and run errands – “I feel like they are using their brains in active ways and not passively accepting what is presented to them in a TV show."  However, she understands that sometimes a mom/parent needs a temporary babysitting measure is needed, “like a month ago when I was nauseous all day from being pregnant, preparing to move, and renovating another house all at the same time;" but no need to worry, because she will shortly be back to her parenting template!

Conclusion

Not only does Anona use personal experience to shape her views on infant’s and TV, but she does research – asking friends, reading studies, etc.  Balancing the media act with a 6-year-old, 4-year-old, 18-month-old, and another on the way is tricky!  What is deemed appropriate for the oldest may not be so for the infant.  Be aware of what your children are watching, when they are watching, and their age.  Though she believes that TV for infants may not be the most “appropriate” thing on the block, Anona is grateful for it. 

Thanks for reading!  What are your thoughts on infants (and children in general) and their exposure to media?  And what do you think the data shows us...?