Tim Tebow and the Media

Group Members: Corey Beliles, Heather Jacobs, John Massingale, Madelyn Webster

Madelyn Webster 6

Based on the movie we watched today, it is wrong that Michael Jordan refused to stand behind a Democrat because he did not want to offend Republicans who buy his line of shoes. It is also noble that Muhammad Ali evaded the draft. To me this is complete absurdity.  

First of all, Michael Jordan was an incredible athlete and regardless of his ties to corporations, that should not be forgotten. He is still the greatest basketball player of all time. The fact that he was sponsored by Nike and was in Nike commercials and had a line of shoes through Nike etc. means that he is not just an individual anymore. What he did affected an entire multi-billion dollar company. Being in that role means he SHOULD watch what he says and not side with any particular side on political issues because it jeopardizes not only people being his fans but also effects the business of Nike. It is my opinion that when you sign on to do what Jordan was doing for Nike, you are obligated to not piss off potentially half of their customers.

Second of all, evading a draft was illegal. It was a crime. I personally do not condone professional athletes who are the role models for many young children breaking federal laws. Muhammad Ali broke the law and was praised for it. This teaches all the children who watch that it is okay to break the law if you do not believe it. “The law says I can’t steal but I think this person deserves it so I’m going to just do it” I understand that this may be a slightly extreme example, but the principle is the same.

It is not that I disagreed with the whole video, I just think that so much of what we see in the video and more and more in the media these days is creating a warped perspective of reality and this needs to be stopped. 

Madelyn Webster 5

As a girl whose grandpa owns a farm, I like to say that I agree with this whole eating locally and healthy deal. I guess the fact is that I really do stand behind it… just not with it.

I will eat home grown tomatoes, corn, green beans, string beans, and any other veggie grown on the farm until the cows come home (pun intended). I love that my family splits a cow directly from our friend. I have always loved farmer’s markets and growing our own garden, but it never fails that when I drive past a taco bell, I get the urge to pull in.

Some people do not eat this dog grade meat selling institutions food. I however have from a young age LOVED Mexican food, and the cheaper I can find it the better. I know for a fact that what I’m eating is literally no better than what I feed my dog for dinner every night, but I can’t make my store bought meat taste that good! I’m really beginning to think that there is crack in those tacos. That or they somehow attached a magnet to the inside of my stomach that forcefully drags me down the road to the nearest taco bell.

It’s not just taco bell either. Have you ever had a McDonald’s Coke? It is the best refreshment to ever come in contact with your mouth! I can do without their food for the most part but I am a slave to their Cokes. I think part of it is that I know how bad it is for me and that somehow makes it taste even better. I don’t know for sure about that, but what I am sure of is that I feel the need to hide the bag or cup after every visit to these places. I’m not proud of my addiction! Is there an addicts group for fast food? 

Madelyn Webster 4

Sarcasm… the second language I am fluent in. I love a good moment of witty banter; some well worded, pointed, and often offensive words. All said in good humor of course. It really might be one of my favorite pass times. I have been called “aggressive” more times than I can count and I guess that could be why. According to what was said in class, women who are very sarcastic are viewed as bitches and aggressive so I guess it makes sense. It has never bothered me to be called these things though. In fact I take it as a compliment. According to Tina Fey, who we all know is a hilarious woman, “Bitches get shit done”. I would say that the majority of my sarcasm that gets taken the wrong way is to men who are excellent dishers but not so great at taking it back. If I have to be the one who introduces them to that, then so be it, someone has to break the ice. In response to those men who cannot take the heat, I really don’t care what they think of me anyway. I would never want to waste my time dating a guy or even being good friends with someone who is unable to go back and forth without getting their panties in a wad. Lucky for me I found someone who appreciates my sarcasm, along with my corniness, and weirdness which I would have to say are my other great comedy assets. So call me what you want, it doesn’t bother me a bit… I’ll go on making snarky remarks after everything you say. 

Madelyn Webster 3

Women are misrepresented in the media, men are misrepresented in the media, kids, dogs, cats, just about everything you see is misrepresented in the media, and you know why? It sells. No one wants an ugly doll. I can see the politically correct ads now “Here is our new every girl doll, she has a birthmark, she is pleasantly plump, her clothes are just a little drab and definitely not designer brand, she is just like every real girl in the world” Who wants to buy that? Let alone watch it on TV… I mean am I the only one guilty of going to see a movie because the main actor is swoon worthy? I don’t think so. The issue I have with this whole deal is not the media, because they just take what consumers want and bring it to them. My issue is with the American people themselves. Our culture is so centered around sex that it is seen in literally every aspect of our lives. Who can blame the media for using it if it works? When we as a culture stop buying Victoria’s Secret, stop watching shows that have explicit scenes, and stop listening to music that talks all about sex, maybe then a change will occur. Regardless of what it is, the media will use whatever the most successful way to make money is. Making money is their only goal and it is their job! Again I ask can we blame them for doing their job? I for one say no. Who we should blame is the corrupt society that we live in, the one that lets sex rule our lives.

Madelyn Webster 2

I apologize in advance for those who may be offended by the little rant I am about to give. Actually, maybe I don't because that is exactly what this rant is about... people being offended. It came up so much during the discussion of branding how people were offended by the branding, and on the hipster day people were offended that they were or were not considered hipster. Here's a news flash for all of you easily offended people out there. The majority of the things that hurt your feelings, are not put out there for the sole purpose of making you feel bad. Take statements for what they are and do not read into them so far that you find something to be offended about. Just because someone has a differing opinion than you doesn't mean you should be offended. If everyone agreed all the time we would live in the most boring place you can think of where we all have unicorns that poop rainbows, but we clearly do not live there so people need to toughen up. Grow a thicker skin and be able to defend your views with facts. I am all for discussing my differing views with someone who knows what they are talking about and is willing to hear my thoughts on the situation. My last point is that you should have confidence in who you are. Do not let people who have negative things to say get to you. If someone wants to stereotype you for something that you truly are... LET THEM and wear it with pride, if not, change that and prove to everyone you are not what they said. Let comments motivate you, not offend you. I'm sorry if this post seems harsh but the fact is that is everything we said these days didn't have to be sugar coated, we would be able to get a lot more done.

Madelyn Webster

In the midst of all of this Manti Teo drama, I thought it was a good occasion to talk about how my Media Logic would not allow this to happen. In other words, how Manti Teo is obviously either lying, or a complete schmuck. I know that a lot of what I see on the internet is not true. I also know that Heisman nominees, and NFL prospects normally have no trouble getting the ladies. This is where I have trouble buying the story Teo is trying to tell. Does he not know that it is easy to lie on the internet? Did he not find it a little weird that he of all people could not get this girl to meet up with him? He is after all a household name. I am nowhere near famous. The majority of people at Ball State do not even know who I am, but if I had and online boyfriend, you can bet they had better be willing to meet me or its game over. At the very least he should have skyped her or something. I mean if he had only seen one picture of the girl I do not feel like he had a real relationship with this girl. He is claiming that he got "catfished" and it may be true but like I said if he did... he has the IQ of a squirrel. Now whether he lied or is just dumb, it shouldn’t make a difference as far as his NFL standings. The man can play football and that is really all that matters as far as that is concerned. There was really no harm in the situation, besides Teo’s much bruised ego, so make your own decisions as to his character, but you cannot argue with his future career in football.