THE LOVE GURU

“GET OVER IT” says Deepak Chopa (best selling author and Mike Myers friend for 15yeats)
VS.
'Nobody wants to see a dumb movie that also offends people, whereas you can defend a smart movie that offends people.'—Charles Keil, director of the Cinema Studies Institute at the University of Toronto

Mike Myer’s comedy flick The Love Guru might be banned in India. This comedy is set to hit the theaters on June 20th 2008; however it is causing massive controversy with many Hindus.
The movie includes Justin Timberlake, Jessica Alba, Verne Troyer and Mike Myers as Guru Pitka. Hindu groups around India requested that the India’s Central Board of Film Certification ban screening of the movie. Majority of India’s population is Hindu, and they believe that the movie makes fun of their religion and beliefs. Rajan Zed, the president of Universal Society of Hinduism says “the film appears to be lampooning Hinduism." The Hindus feel that this movie shows a negative roll of Hindus. A representative of the Mumbai-based Hindu organization named Bhavna Shinde says “stop distributing or screening the movie till Paramount has made necessary changes ... so that it will not hurt the feelings of the worldwide spiritual and Hindu community.”

The movie is about an American named Pitka(Mike Myer) who’s raised outside of his country by gurus. He returns to America in order to break into the self-help business. He has one challenge, which is to settle the romantic troubles of a Toronto Maple Leaf’s hockey player who’s wife left him for a rival athlete.

Hmm…well there are many movies that are Indian American. For example Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle is a 2004 comedy film. It sure had contents of Indians. Kumar! Is an Indian name, and in the movie he was going to go to med school however smoked marijuana. Shouldn’t that issue have been made big? The movie could have portrayed that “Young Indian men smoke marijuana, and are forced to go to med school despite the fact that they don’t want to”. Directors and producers make movies that will be accepted in the modern society. Also the movie BORAT had the same situations, a racial matter. Borat’s choice of locale was Kazakhstan. It did not have a real international voice and is a country that no one really knew about before the movie was released. The movie has such a critical success.

Mike Myers spent some quality time with Deepak Chopra the best selling author. They have been friends for 15 years now. Myers spent time with him to find out and learn a little more about the Indian Culture. Deepak Chopra says “Get over it”. He said this about the controversy people are creating over a movie.

One Hindu leader in Canada is also demanding to edit the film before realized in Canada. Kanayalal Raina, "It should not be released in Canada without editing. There are only some portions that are offensive, not all, so it doesn't mean that we should completely ban the picture, but it should not be released until it's edited properly". Paramount Pictures is kind of nervous about the controversy and have decided to screen the movie for Hindu leaders before release.

Personally I don’t think that it should be a big deal. Like, it is a comedy movie? If everyone started to take things offensively then there would be no comedy. I mean most movies now have a cultural sensitivity, and the directors I’m sure don’t mean to offend people, it’s just a movie. The audience watching the movie should make the decision either to take it offensive or not.

Movie Trailer

Media Usage

Which family member uses it most?

TV- Mom

Telephone- Dad

Cell- Me

Computer- Me

Which family member uses it least?

TV- Dad

Telephone- Sister

Cell- Mom

Computer- Mom

Use is restricted?

TV-No

Telephone- No

Cell- No

Computer- No

Unrestricted?

TV- Yes

Telephone- Yes

Cell- Yes

Computer- Yes

Mostly for entertainment?

TV-Yes

Telephone- No

Cell- No

Computer- No

Mostly for homework?

TV-No

Telephone- No

Cell- No

Computer- Yes

Expensive?

TV-No

Telephone- No

Cell- No

Computer- No

Cheap?

TV- Yes

Telephone- Yes

Cell- Yes

Computer- Yes

Favourite Media tool
- Dad – Phone and Newspaper

- Mother- TV and Telephone

- Sister- TV and Computer

- Me- TV and Cell Phone

Least favourite?
-Dad - TV

-Mother- Computer

-Sister – Telephone

- Me - Radio and Newspaper

Do children of different ages or sexes prefer different items?Yes, children of different ages or sexes prefer different items because the older the children get the better things you prefer, and also when a child is younger their parents have great influence on them.

Which item is used the most? The item that is used the most is most probably the television. It is used the most because everyone sit is in the living room where everyone sits together and spends some time.

Which item is used the least?The item that is least used is the radio. No one really listens to the radio because of the useless commercial and also because it takes a long time to find a good radio station.

My 72 Hour Media Experience

Drove To The Mall
- Saw ad on billboard for a new Honda accord
- Saw ad on Bus stop bench for a real estate agent
- Saw a billboard advertising Crown Royal
- Heard Nicklebacks “Rockstar” playing in the truck beside me at the intersection
- Saw another car covered with signs advertising glasses for an optical store
- Saw a ad on the side of the bus advertising Sunny and hays morning news
- Saw a phone number on top of an apartment building so you can call to inquire

Walked to my Friends house
- Talked to him about call of duty 4 for play station 3
- Played Call of duty online talked with random people about the ps3i which is a camera and microphone in one
- Saw an ad on TV advertising Motorola cell phones
- While looking through a magazine and at the end looked at a page of some other magazines you can subscribe to

Drove to my Cousins house
- Saw an VW with a Big VW decal on the rear windshield
- Looked at the back license plate of some cars while I was driving behind them and noticed the frame around them advertising Better Way, Park Dale Auto etc.
- Took out the mail from the mailbox one of the letters was from Honda, my uncle told me when an individual buys a new car they send them letters with flyers that include new cars every year

Drove to Staples
- Saw an add for new diamond sherddies on a billboard
- Walked into staples and saw a little booth with the easy button on it and sum pamphlets
- Bought quick tax and saw a lot of ads inside staples advertising many different products

Turned on the computer
- Searched websites on how to unlock Apple Iphones saw adds about apple products and Ipods you can purchase online
- Got a pop up for free screen savers
- Saw adds for the new Mac Book air

The media is full of information that is useful in many different ways and also many different reasons. Although most of the information is not necessary for all people, it is still open to everyone. There are a lot of things that surprise me when it comes to interactions with the media, especially the fact that there is so much information that an average person could not possibly pay attention to. If an individual really pays attention to the media then eventually the individual will start to realize, although most people do not really care, but are still affected by t ever day, whether they like it or not. It is understandable that the media has to involve a great number of information to provide for the world. The media is useful when you need it, and annoying when you do not. This is basically the best way I can describe media and my point of view.

Exploitation or Adaptation ?

When you think of Gwen Stefani what comes to mind? The famous blonde singer, with the four Harajuku girls. Love, Angel, Music and Baby (L.A.M.B) are the names of the Harajuku Girls, part of Gwen Stefani’s entourage. Harajuku is a place in Tokyo known for its style and fashion for Japanese Youth’s. The word “Harajuku” is used to describe the feminine and elegant style of young people dressed in any fashion style, including characters from an anime, movie, cosplay, babies, dolls and goth.

To me personally, the Harajuku Girls that accompany Gwen Stefani seem that they aren’t allowed to have an identity and speak in public. What I don’t understand is that how these girls can put up with not being able to speak to the public or media. It is like they are just “THERE,” like remote controlled dolls. However, the other side to it is that it could be because Gwen just loves Harajuku fashion and wants to make a statement about it that includes her.

Harajuku is also the place for young Japanese people to show their dance and passion. There is no place like Harajuku but in Tokyo. In the song Rich girl by Gwen Stefani, she says “I’d get me four Harajuku girls, inspire me and they’d come to my rescue, I’d dress them wicked, I’d give them names, Love, Angel, Music, Baby, hurry up and come save me” What is she trying to say?

Below is a picture of what Harajuku girls look like in Tokyo

Isn’t that different from what Gwen has been portraying? Yes it sure is. She shows the Harajuku girls as wonderful, colorful, happy, cute, dollish, giggly manikins that MOVE but don’t talk. Is Gwen adapting Japanese culture to fit into North American popular culture, or is she exploiting these girls for her own commercial gain?

Personally I think Gwen is exploiting these girls for her own commercial gain. Let’s be real, why would a famous artist hire four Harajuku girls to follow her around and be in her videos? I think she treats them like puppets, and I’m sure you all agree. They don’t even dress like the REAL Harajuku girls; they dress the way Gwen wants them to. In various You Tube videos they all say how happy they are to work and be with Gwen Stefani. The feeling that I got while watching the videos was that the “Harajuku” girls look upon Gwen as an older sister or a role model. In the picture below if I was to judge it not knowing who they are I would say that the four Asian looking girls are idolizing the actual blond woman.

ALSO

Gwen has clothing line called L.A.M.B (Love, Angel, Music, Baby). The clothes that are sold don’t EXACTLY look like the Harajuku style. Below is a picture of a dress from L.A.M.B.

www.l-a-m-b.com

Different from the REAL Harajuku style in Tokyo isnt it ?

Below are videos of L.A.M.B talking about themselves and Gwen

LOVE


ANGEL


MUSIC


BABY



WORK CITED :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harajuku

http://www.l-a-m-b.com/

http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/tokyo/harajuku_girls.htm

Politics in Media - Natalie Maines, Kanye West, and Pink

Natalie Maines, Kanye West, and Pink

Major TV news broadcasters such as BBC, CNN, CTV and NBC are some of the news channels that people depend on for gossip and what’s new. Many people believe that what they are being told on TV is true information. The audience doesn’t always receive the WHOLE story. Usually only the interesting and most dramatic thing is told. This is Politics in Media and the audience is greatly influenced by it.
Natalie Maines, a popular American singer from the Dixie Chicks made a comment at a concert in London, England where she said, “Just so you know, we’re ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas”. Ok so she is a popular American singer and is saying that about the president? What do the citizens have to say about the comment, especially the ones that support the president? This was ALL over the news and internet.Natalie Maines greatly got criticized for what she thought. When she realized that this is getting all over the media she decided to apologize and said “As a concerned American Citizen, I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful”. Personally I don’t think she should have apologized, because what happened to freedom of speech?

The apology from Natalie Maines:

http://www.thespeciousreport.com/2003_dixiechicks.html

Not only did Natalie comment about President Bush but also Kanye West.



On Live television, Kanye West states “George Bush doesn’t care about black people”. This comment was clearly made on live television surprisingly. His mike was cut off before he could continue, but the message went all throughout America and International countries. Personally I think that this also touched the issue of racism and history in America. Once again, what happened to freedom of speech? Think of it in a political way. Why wasn’t this issue made as big as Natalie’s? Perhaps because the comment Kanye made was about black people. If this was made a bigger issue, it would raise many more racism issues. Kanye said it on live television in front of a bigger audience than Natalie’s audience. Personally I think that Kanye’s comment was much more serious than Natalie’s. He also said "I hate the way they portray us in the media, if you see a black family, it says they’re looting. See a white family; it says they’re looking for food”. President Bush sure does have lots of people that dislike him.

Below is the video of what Kanye West has to say about this



Natalie Maines and Kanye West had something to say about President
Bush. Who else? Let’s see. Watch the video




That’s Right! PINK. She wrote the song Mr. President which was not approved for release as a single in the US. However Pink was more then glad to see the response from her fans and online broadcaster You Tube.

Natalie Maines, Kanye West, and Pink have different singing style and audiences. Natalie’s comment targeted Texans and supporters of America, Kanye’s comment targeted all of America, mostly the black community and Pink’s video most targeted all of America. Notice how Natalie’s comment was made a bigger deal then Kanye’s? And we all know Pink is a singer who will speak anything that is on her mind whether you like it or not. So after these three separate situations, what do you think? Political reasons for the outcomes?

Some protest songs from other eras are :
- “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” by James Brown
- “Get up, and Stand Up” by Bob Marley
- “Minority” by Green Day
- “Diamonds from Sierra Leone” by Kanye West
- “F--- the police” by N.W.A

WORK CITED :
http://www.thespeciousreport.com/2003_dixiechicks.html

http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/14/dixie.chicks.reut/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/03/AR2005090300165.html

http://www.spike.com/video/2678975

Avril doesn't have to try ? Why ?

Who is Avril Lavigne? If you ask any Canadian what comes to mind? A punk/rock Canadian image, her straight hair, smokey eye make up, but has anyone ever thought about her plagiarizing scams? YES, plagiarizing scams, she has been doing it again with “her” song “Girlfriend” now.

When I first heard the song “Girlfriend”, I was really impressed, less did I know she stole it from The Rubinoo’s song “I wanna be your boyfriend”, see the similarity already? However Avril Lavigne denies the claim by a member of The Rubinoos. She also says that the songs “girlfriend” and “I wanna be you boyfriend” have no musical similarities. The Songwriters Tommy Dunbar and James Gangwer filed a lawsuit against Avril and Dr. Luke in claim for stealing “I wanna be your boyfriend” from the Rubinoos. Is this a catch or did Avril really steal? What do you say? "We are not so naive as to chalk it up to some sort of cosmic coincidence," Dunbar said. "The lyric, the meter, the rhythm - they're identical." [1]. The band lawyer, Nicholas Carlin announced that a settlement has been reached. “Terry McBride insisted he would rather settle the matter out of court as a way of avoiding a costly legal battle” [2] Guilty ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeADpzTQ3hY [3]

There is a video of the two songs. Do you personally think that the song “Girlfriend” was made without ever being aware of the fact that there is a song out there named “I wanna be you boyfriend”? They are both extremely similar in sound and style. Fishy huh ? Avril states, "I had never heard this song in my life and their claim is based on five words," "All songs share similar lyrics and emotions. As humans we speak one language. … Simply put, I have been falsely accused of ripping their song off." [4]

“Girlfriend” is not the only song that has been said to be stolen and released. “I don’t have to try” is another song that has been claimed to be stolen by Peaches, another pop-punk Canadian. Below is the link, watch it and judge for yourself.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2i3ky_peaches-and-avril-lavignes-songs [5]

That’s right Avril doesn’t have to try all she has to do is copy and steal.

After viewing all these video's and taking your opinion about Avril into consideration, what do you think? Did Avril steal or is she just inspired? She did not admit that she stole these songs, and also claims that she never heard the song “I wanna be your boyfriend”, does that mean she is was just inspired and came up with the songs on her own?

Below are some interesting youtube links where Avril has been said to steal:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AK4nxPulDYw

“I don’t have to try” :
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tPKb-8akv0E&feature=related

“Keep Holding On” :
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ymUhCCxDPVk

Avril and Deryck: Couple of copy cats :
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nTSa2mnnYP0&feature=related


Sites Used
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/01/10/avril_lavigne_plagiarism_suit_settled_ou

http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00009927.html

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2007/07/07/avril-songwriting-fireback.html

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/07/10/did-avril-lavigne-bite-a-peaches-track-too/

http://www.hecklerspray.com/now-avril-lavigne-rips-off-peaches/20079151.php

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AK4nxPulDYw

Payola: Mariah Carey and The Music Industry

So have you ever wondered why one specific song keeps playing on the radio over and over again? Sometimes we listen to the radio and wonder how is it possible that this song keeps on hitting the top spots? This is because of the powerful “payola”. The word payola comes from a combination of “pay” and “victrola” record players. So what exactly is payola? Well, payola is the illegal practice of payment by record companies for the broadcasting of songs on radio. Record companies simply give a copy of the record perhaps along with a hundred dollar bill, laptops, digital cameras, ticket to a famous game, walkman, a cruise ticket, and many other expensive pleasures. However record companies were banned from offering valuables to radio stations in 1960. It was U.S federal law that made it a crime with a $10 000 fine and a year in prison. The more times the radio plays a song, the more the audience is going to have to listen to it. The number of times a song is played can influence the popularity of the song. Payola is like food manufacturers paying for shelves in grocery stores.

Mariah Carey’s “Touch my body” was released on Feb.12th on radio and is her 18th chart-topper. It has passed Elvis Presley for the most No.1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, and also now is second to the Beatles. She says “I didn’t do this. This is not me. It is the grace of God.” Could it be that “payola” is something to thank as well? An issue to consider is, did Mariah Carey’s “Touch My Body” make it to the Billboard Hot 100 chart because “payola” was involved? In Elvis’ time they had to SELL the most copies to be on top instead of having the song being played on the radio with the possibility of payola involved. The music industry would do anything just for their record to be on tops and to make money.

An article from Feb.13th 2004 proves that payola is used. It says “…Gave a Jessica trip to WKSE to secure Jessica spins and switch foot.” Jessica also known as Jessica Simpson, for whom SONY laid big bucks to turn her into a star.

Another issue to think about is how Jennifer Lopez’s song “Get Right” did and “I’m real” become such a hit. It is obvious that it was “bought”. The record companies paid radio stations to play the song “get right” and that is how it gained popularity. However it is your opinion.

SONY BGM Music Entertainment was caught engaging in the illegal practices of payola, after a year long investigation by New York state attorney general, Eliot Spitzer. One of the documents they found was a bribe that took place at New York’s WKSE-FM station where the employees got plane tickets to New York, Miami, and Florida in exchange for playing Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m real”. Now think about it, the song you listen to on the radio, are they really being voted for or are they randomly shuffled by radios? Now Sony BMG is ordered to pay $10-million for the use of payola. State attorney General, Eliot Spitzer says “Radio stations are airing music because they are paid to do so in a way that has not been disclosed to the public,” The attorney general says they found evidence such as demanded documents, emails, and other materials from companies such as Warner Music, Universal Music Group and EMI that Sony BMG paid for vacation packages for radio programmers. Sony hired independent promoters to pay radio’s to get more airplay for records.
The $10 million will be distributed to non-profit groups supporting music education.

INTERESTING LINKS:
BIG RADIO SETTLES PAYOLA:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/05/AR2007030501286.html

SONY BMG :
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/25/business/25cnd-music.html

SONY SETTLES PAYOLA INVESTIGATION: http://www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2005/jul/jul25a_05.html

Payola-The Dirty Industry Practice-That's Ruining Hip Hop:
http://p099.ezboard.com/fpoliticalpalacefrm57.showMessage?topicID=348.topic

LA Music Critic Says Public Not Payola Rules Airwaves:
http://p099.ezboard.com/fpoliticalpalacefrm57.showMessage?topicID=359.topic

A Response to Robert Hilburn's LA Times Article on Payola:
http://p099.ezboard.com/fpoliticalpalacefrm57.showMessage?topicID=364.topic

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

-> Did Mariah Carey’s “Touch My Body” come on top because of payola?

-> Do you think payola is right of wrong?

-> If you owned a record company, would you pay radio stations to play your songs?

-> Do you think the reason some songs get their popularity is because of payola?