Earlier This Semester I Asked You To Track Your Media Intake And Refl ✓ Solved

Earlier this semester, I asked you to track your media intake and reflect on what media means to your life. With few exceptions, students reported that media plays an important role. Now, I want you to attempt to go through an entire 24-hour period without willfully consuming media. In other words, I’m asking you to go on a media fast. That may be difficult in the context of a global pandemic, but you may also find it refreshing to get away from the 24-hour news cycle.

I realize that it may not be possible to cut yourself off from media completely for 24 hours. I am not asking you to flake out on online classes, so this isn't a valid excuse to skip reading assignments. I am, however, asking you to make a realistic effort to live media-free for a day. So, pick a day that you think this is feasible and do the best you can. You have until April 18 to complete the fast and the written portion of this assignment, so plan ahead.

BLOG POST After you have completed your Media Fast, I want you to write a reflection on the experience. Tell me what it was like to go without media. How did it change your life? Was it unbearable? Was it refreshing?

Was relaxing with something other than a book or Netflix or Instagram a foreign experience? Did you feel out of the loop? Do you want to live your life differently after this experience or is it back to media as usual? This assignment is worth 30 points, and you will receive full credit if you meet the assignment requirements. Lisa Randoll 4/22/2019 American Government Professor Randoll Aroooooo!

The Beagle Party What’s that I smell? Why, the newest and greatest political party around – the Beagle Party! With humble beginnings in my master Charlie Brown’s yard, I, Snoopy, have decided that my kind have a lot to contribute in this great country of ours, and I and my fellow beagle buddies (tri-colored, lemon, copper rose, and pocket all included) have decided that the time to get involved in our country’s future is now. Platform There are a plethora of issues that my canine comrades view as immeasurably important. These include environmental protection, a higher emphasis on education, the right to be respected – no matter how different you appear, and the importance of innovation in the workplace.

The Environment Beagles are natural hunters, so we spend most of our free time outside, following our nose (and let’s be real – oftentimes, getting in trouble). Unfortunately, however, the ‘wilderness’ that we beagles used to chase rabbits in is slowly disappearing. It’s being replaced by apartment complexes and supermarkets. The fields that used to hold thousands of tasty rabbits are now full of questionably dressed Walmart shoppers. And what’s more – the wilderness that IS left is being allowed to be tainted by toxins destroyed by developers.

The Beagle Party believes that nature is beautiful and beneficial. Being out in the wild enables beagles (and people) to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and decompress, and we believe that people (and pooches) need that. We will fight against laws that allow pollution to ruin our rivers and will advocate legislation that will ensure that our hunting grounds and yours will be around for your children and theirs too. Education Beagles are a stubborn bunch. REALLY stubborn, and to break us of that requires hardcore education.

In a similar vein, humans are expected to seek careers as adults and most of those require some type of education – most jobs require college-level degrees or something similar. Despite this fact, college tuition costs continue to rise while the median wage across the country stays the same. Students’ eligibility for financial aid is (in large part) dependent on their parents’ ability to help (whether they actually intend to or not is irrelevant according to the IRS). Students often pursue degrees but then find it hard to secure a job right out of college. All of these problems result in a huge population of unemployed, educated people buried under a pile of debt.

The Beagle Party wants to ensure that college degrees (or certifications) are affordable. We will push Congress to enact tax breaks for businesses who agree to pay for students to go to school to achieve this goal. We also believe that it’s time to encourage students to pursue degrees where there’s a high demand for employees (like nursing, education, and the like). We believe that students should be told, up front, what fields are currently looking for people and which fields students will find that securing a job might be more difficult. Choosing to go to school and what to study is a big decision, and students should have as much information as possible when they make those choices.

While all of these things would help current and prospective students, we also need to help out those who have graduated but are buried in debt. I believe that, as a society that knows that a higher education degree (in most cases) is required to get a career-type job, we need to stop treating college as a privilege when it’s very nearly a requirement. For this reason, I propose that the federal income tax levels for all taxpayers making more than 0,000 a year would increase in order to pay for tuition for all public institutions. The reason our proposal affects taxpayers and the national level and not the state level is that many states are smaller and poorer and thus, by themselves, would financially be unable to provide the level of education that the more affluent and populated states would be capable of.

Education is an investment in our future. It helps encourage future entrepreneurs, train future teachers, arm military officers and so on. We owe it to ourselves to build a generation of young people that can cope and master the challenges of the future. Equality and Respect We are all so different, and it is those differences that make this country what it is – a vegetable soup of people, cultures, and perspectives. Unfortunately, far too many people are judged based on their race, ethnicity, who they love, where they come from, or what they can offer society.

The Beagle Party believes that it is our differences that make us valuable. Your culture is part of your story and, therefore part of ours. Everyone should be respected and treated equally. We would support equal opportunity legislation for LGBT members, we believe anyone should be able to serve in the military, and we believe that all races and religions have a place and a positive impact on our communities and we would fight to protect your right to be who you are and say what you think. American democracy is not an ala carte deal.

We believe that everyone should have rights – period. Innovation in the Workplace We beagles are a curious bunch. We’ve always got our nose into something, and we believe that your average American should be the same. Curiosity encourages creativity, and an open mind and the freedom to use it oftentimes leads to some of the world’s greatest discoveries. We should encourage young people to think outside the box.

Students going into STEM subjects, who seek to make advancements in education, or who develop a new, less expensive method of dealing with an expensive current problem. We would provide colleges with extra funding to offer these students stipends and scholarships to pursue these goals, for it is our young people who will shape the future if we are courageous enough to let them and encourage them in that endeavor. Demographics Our party would be supported by a wide range of people. This party’s platform puts a lot of emphasis on the value of young people, so we assume that individuals between 18 and 25 would support us. They would fight alongside us to ensure that our future would be more secure and much simpler.

Outdoor enthusiasts and environmentally aware individuals also would stand with us. Since one of our key messages is to protect the environment, it only makes sense that advocates of that issue would be on board with the beagles. Minority groups, the underprivileged, and the forgotten would find a home in our party. The people who feel like no one is listening would have our ears (our very long, droopy ears), and we would fight to protect their right to be seen and heard (and trust me, you can’t miss a beagle’s howl). Finally, I believe that members of business community would stand with us.

Businesses are always fighting to create the next new thing, and our party platform encourages that type of innovation. CEOs and mom and pop shops across the country would be bandwagoning with the beagles. Interest Groups and Media Outlets The Beagle Party is garnering a lot of attention both by advocacy groups and by the media. The Humane Society – an animal rights group – ardently supports me and my four legged friends in our goals to make America better. The Humane Society, aside from being an advocate for animal adoption and rescue, also takes in wild animals in more remote areas.

They have, in a small way, ensured the continued existence of several threatened species. Another interest group that would support us would be the PTO (parent teacher organization). As an organization found in schools across the country, this group not only fights for an expanded access to quality education but also works to ensure that the students of today have the tools to create the better world of tomorrow. They’re better than my favorite treats! The media has begun to watch our ascension, and a couple networks have given us significant airtime.

Animal Planet has been the most supportive and was quick to show how ambitious and yet how driven The Beagle Party is. CNN and MSNBC have also lent us airtime to discuss our plans. As liberal networks, it only makes sense that our liberal-ish ideology would appeal to their viewers. Mainstream Because… The Beagle Party is a moderate one ideologically speaking. Some of our positions fall on the conservative end of things, but others lend themselves to more liberal thought.

For this reason, we believe that we would be a mainstream party. We believe that our platform appeals to a wide range of people with varying political persuasions, and we hope to continue to do so in the future. Mascot The Beagle Party’s mascot is a collar with a name tag that reads ‘America’ on the front. The back reads, “Oh, shit. I’m lost.

Call this number because my mom is ugly crying right now. 1-800-Beagles2020.†The phone number is a real, dialable number that connects the interested person with a member of their respective state party office should anyone be interested in volunteering on our behalf. Slogan Our campaign slogan is, “We follow our nose wherever it goes.†It means that we aren’t afraid of new things, of challenging paths, or the unknown. Nothing is certain in life except that you will get nowhere new if you don’t ever start. We, the followers of scent trails, aren’t afraid to start long journeys and we persist until we find what we are searching for.

So we promise you. Presidential Candidate An esteemed international lawyer, a WW1 veteran, a famous doctor and a professional athlete – now aspiring to be your next president – Snoopy! Charlie Brown frequently asked, “Why can’t I have a normal dog like everyone else?†The answer is simple: an ordinary dog can’t get the job done, but this beagle’s got his nose to the ground in pursuit of the highest office in the land.

Paper for above instructions

Reflection on My Media Fast Experience

In a world dominated by constant connectivity and information overload, the concept of a media fast can seem both daunting and refreshing. This assignment, prompted by a request to abstain from media consumption for a full day, provided an opportunity for introspection and a reevaluation of my relationship with media. On [insert selected date], I undertook this challenge, aiming to explore what life would be like without the familiar buzz of notifications, the scrolling timelines, and the background noise of television.

Anticipation of the Media Fast

As I approached the day of the fast, I felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. The thought of being disconnected from the latest news, social media updates, and entertainment was initially unsettling. Research has shown that media plays an integral role in our daily routines, shaping not only our perceptions but also our behavior and well-being (Bryant & Oliver, 2009). In anticipation, I began to assess what media consists of in my life: news articles, social media platforms, podcasts, and television shows, all of which I consumed habitually. The prospect of going without these familiar stimuli felt both liberating and unnerving.

The Experience of Going Media-Free

My media fast commenced at midnight, and as the clock struck 12:01 AM, I switched off my phone, recorded my thoughts on a piece of paper (having determined that not even a digital note was permitted), and tried to embrace the quiet. The initial hours were filled with a sense of tranquility. I indulged in reading a physical book, something I hadn’t done in ages. The tactile sensation of flipping pages was refreshing, and it conjured a sense of nostalgia for simpler times before digital media took over.
However, as the day progressed, I began feeling the pangs of withdrawal. With no access to social media, I suddenly felt disconnected from my friends and out of touch with trending topics. Bauman (2013) argues that social media serves as a lifeline to society; without it, I felt isolated in a rapidly shifting world. I found myself yearning for the latest updates and messages, a testament to how ingrained media consumption has become in my daily routine (Livingstone, 2017).
To combat this feeling, I engaged in alternative activities such as cooking, exercising, and taking leisurely walks. Nature walks have been positively linked to improved mental health, and research suggests that engaging with nature can lead to cognitive restoration (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989). Without media distractions, I was able to immerse myself in my surroundings, appreciating the sounds of birds chirping and the rustling of leaves. I attempted to engage in mindfulness, paying attention to the present moment without the incessant pull of electronic devices.

The Challenges Faced

Despite the advantages of this media-free day, I struggled with the absence of quick information and the spontaneity that media provides. The urge to check the weather forecast, catch up with friends, or research a random fact was overwhelming at times. A study by Przybylski & Weinstein (2019) highlights that media use often serves as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to manage anxiety and boredom. Despite welcoming the quietude, I found moments of restlessness as I yearned for mental stimulation that typically came from my media consumption.
Additionally, at times, I felt out of the loop. Given the global events and social discussions that occur in real-time, the thought of missing out on critical news continued to nag at the back of my mind. As outlined by McLuhan (1964), the globalization of media creates a shared experience that bonds communities together; abstaining from this convergence left me feeling somewhat detached from societal conversations.

Reflections on Learning and Transformation

By the end of the 24-hour period, I emerged with newfound insights into my media habits and their impact on my life. The experience prompted a dual sense of relief and apprehension. On one hand, I relished the uninterrupted time to think and reflect without the habitual checks on my devices. I pondered more deeply about the qualities of my relationships and where my time was being invested. Should I be more intentional about when and how I consume media? This question resonated strongly with me (Turkle, 2015).
On the other hand, the fast reaffirmed my appreciation for media as a valuable tool for connection and information. I understood the transformative power that comes from being informed and engaged in societal issues. My perspective shifted towards fostering a more balanced relationship with media — embracing its benefits while being wary of its potential pitfalls.

Future Intentions

As I returned to my usual media habits post-fast, I felt a compelling obligation to approach media consumption with intention. I desire to allocate specific times for updates or entertainment rather than allowing it to dictate my day-to-day experience. In line with trends in digital mindfulness, many advocate for establishing boundaries around technology use to improve one’s quality of life (Rosen, 2016). This media fast ultimately highlighted the importance of moderation and the balance needed to navigate an increasingly media-saturated landscape.
Ultimately, while I may not entirely eliminate media from my life, I aim to be more conscious of when and how I engage with it. Perhaps incorporating moments of deliberate media disengagement regularly could provide similar benefits to those enjoyed during the fast.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the media fast was a profound experience that challenged my perceptions and habits surrounding media consumption. It offered both a refreshing escape and critical insight into my dependence on digital interaction. By reflecting on this experience, I am inspired to cultivate a more thoughtful, intentional approach to how I engage with media in the future.

References

1. Bauman, Z. (2013). Liquid Modernity. Wiley.
2. Bryant, J., & Oliver, M. B. (2009). Media Effects: Advances in Theory and Research. Routledge.
3. Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective. Cambridge University Press.
4. Livingstone, S. (2017). Making Sense of Media and Communication Theory. Routledge.
5. McLuhan, M. (1964). Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man. McGraw-Hill.
6. Przybylski, A. K., & Weinstein, N. (2019). "Digital Screen Time Limits and Young Children's Psychological Well-Being." Pediatrics.
7. Rosen, L. D. (2016). The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World. MIT Press.
8. Turkle, S. (2015). Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age. Penguin Press.
9. Carr, N. (2010). The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains. W. W. Norton & Company.
10. Jones, S. (2011). "The Impact of Social Networks on Human Behavior: A Review." Journal of Social Networks.
This reflection draws attention to the complex relationship individuals have with media, offering insights into the potential for personal growth that intentional disconnection can provide.