Personal Reflection

Throughout the course, I have gained knowledge in delivering my opinions and thoughts with the use of ‘Blog’. Blog was one of the successes by web 2.0, where it serves public the freedom of speech (Franciso and Penalvo, 2008, p. 215). It has given me an opportunity to exercise my critical thinking and to express them in various aspects of news, in which that one would have limitation in the olden days.

I also learnt that it is vital to have the combination of texts and images to clearly deliver ones message. According to Walsh (2006), texts and images convey different effects. However, if both are place together, they will rectify a statement clearer (Schriver, 1997).

Too, I have learnt to produce an effective layout and design, which is also important in exercising an effective blog.

In conclusion, the course had enhanced me to understand the importance of different issues in publication and design.

(155 words)

References:

Francisco, J & Penalvo, G 2008, Advances in E-Learning: Experiences and Methodologies, Idea Group Inc (IGI), United States of America.

Schriver, K, A 1997, 'The interplay of words and pictures’ in Dynamics in document design, Wiley Computer Pub, New York, pp. 407-430.

Walsh, M 2006, The ‘textual shift’: Examining the reading process with print, visual and multimodal texts, Australian Journal of Language and Literacy, Vol. 29, no.1, pp.24-37.

Different Belief Leads To Different Concept - Cultural Context

Picture of Peter Mayle

[Source: http://www.fodors.com/wire/PeterMayleF.JPG]

As reported by BBC (2012), a book named ‘Where did I come from’ has been banned by the Malaysia Government recently. The book, authored by Peter Mayle first publishes as an educational reading in 1984. The content of the book narrates about a love story of a couple who have had intimacy and becoming parents of their newborn-baby (Malaysian Insider, 2012).

However, Datuk Muhd Khairun Aseh asserted that the level of obscenity in the book has gone beyond the extent of an educational book (The Star, 2012). And for this reason, on February 2012, Malaysian Government has call upon all bookstores to pull back the book.

After the banned was announced, this issue of ‘sex education’ had drawn attention among the public. In extent to this issue, I personally think that the book have its forbidding content which leads to the Government decision. As such, Malaysia is a multi-racial country (Daniels, 2005, p. 252), and that the implication on obscenity vary depending on religion and ethnic groups (Halstead, Reiss and Reiss, p. 4). On the other hand, as to cater to the sensitivities of certain public, the government could possibly produce a local version of sex educational book. Seemingly, the book by Peter Mayle has its educational value, which also teaches the young ones about the knowledge of sex.

With the advance technology in this 21^st century, young children are highly exposed to the subject of sex through internet or even television (NST, 2012). According to Ampikaipakan (New Straits Times, 2012), there are plenty of news on television about raping and busing, and it has already exposes children to sex. Hence, it is a need for the younger generation to be educated with the right perspective of sex. In truth, a book which aims to educate children on sex would provide knowledge on what is right and wrong and it would be a solution of being ignorant.

In conclusion, I would enhance and look forward to a day where Malaysian Government would allow educational book about sex, which I believe it will help to deliver the right prospect of the implication and value of sex.

(355 words)

References:

Ahmad, Z, A & Rahim, R 2012, ‘Home Ministry stops sale of ‘Where Did I Come From’ book by Peter Mayle’, The Star, 21 February, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/21/nation/20120221175525&sec=nation>.

Ampikaipakan, U 2012, ‘Kids will ask, where did I come from?’, New Straits Times, 28 February, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/kids-will-ask-where-did-i-come-from-1.52753>.

Chong, D 2012, ‘Home Ministry shelves children’s book on sex education’, Malaysian Insider, 21 February, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/litee/malaysia/article/home-ministry-shelves-childrens-book-on-sex-education/>.

Daniels, TP 2005, Building Cultural Nationalism in Malaysia: Identity, Representation, and Citizenship, Routledge, New York

Malaysia ‘bans Peter Mayle book Where did I come from? 2012, BBC News UK, United Kingdom, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17112635>.

Advertising Tool / Marketing Strategy through Feminism - Sexual Appeal

Madonna: First Frangrance Advertisement

(Truth of Dare)

[Source: http://thecandyperfumeboy.files.wordpress.com

/2012/04/madonna-by-mert-alas-marcus-

piggott-for-truth-or-dare-fragrance-2012-02.jpg]

Sex functionality has always been one of the advertising tools in the commercial world (Dines and Humez, 2003, p. 250). It has been constantly use as a representative means for products selling. According to Falk and Falk (2005, p. 127), the utilization of sex appeal in product trade tend to be common not only in the western country, but throughout the world. As such, the world of advertising has become immensely competitive (Nolan, 2008, p. 118). Hence, as the rivalry turn more and more challenging, the use of attention grabbing elements is needed. In this sense, the use of sex appeal or feminism element comes into the play in the business world of perfume.

Based on the Daily Life article (2011) by Oakes, Madonna’s first fragrance ‘Truth of Dare’ has intrinsically brought up the issue concerning the undue use of sexuality art in the perfume trade. In the article, Oakes apprises that women often appear in the perfume advertisement in undress scene, pre-orgasmic voice, and with the position of one being abuse. As said by Caro (Daily Life, 2012), one of the easiest way for the marketers to grab hold of the public’s attention is by the use of soft porn.

In my perspective, the reason why advertising company uses feminism images as perfume advertisement is mainly to create awareness among target audience about the brand itself. Referring to Professor Tom Reichert (O’Guinn Allen & Semenik, 2011, p. 350), it is a wisdom choice if an advertising company uses sex approach to deliver its messages to its audiences, as it is an effective method to distribute its brand’s repute within a short period of time. Based on a research done by the University of Georgia, the use of sex-appeal in any business can be extremely effective in creating a better remembrance on a product (O’Guinn Allen & Semenik, 2011, p. 350).

Nonetheless, there are many possibilities to explicitly explain the use of sex appeal in delivering a perfume advertisement. In consequence, one of the reasons would definitely due to advertising tactic to delineate the use of sex appeal by Madonna or any other celebrities for perfume advertisement.

(354 words)

References:

Dines, G & Humez, JM 2003, Gender, Race, and Class in Media: A Text Reader, 2nd edn, SAGE Publication, United States of America.

Falk, G & Falk, UA 2005, Youth Culture And the Generation Gap, Algora Publishing, United States of America.

Nolan, P 2008, Capitalism and Freedom: The Contradictory Character of Globalisation, Anthem Press, United Kingdom.

Oakes, S 2012, ‘The highly sexual art of selling perfume’, Daily Life, 21 May, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://www.dailylife.com.au/dl-beauty/the-highly-sexual-art-of-selling-perfume-20120518-1yvd4.html>.

O’Guinn, T, C & Allen, C, T & Semenik, R, J 2011, Advertising and Integrated Brand Promotion, Cengage Learning, United States of America.

Understanding different cultures and religion - Cultural Context

According to Malaysian Insider (2012), The Star publication had publishes two articles regarding pork dishes during the Ramadan period, under the section of Ramadan Delights on 10 August. The next day, the Home Ministry had call upon the Star seeking for explanation and public apology due to the sensitivity of publishing non-halal images.

The definition of Halal means consent in the world of Islamic (Halal Malaysia, 2012). The term is used in relation to food, and to indicate that Muslims are allowed to consume one particular kind of food. In essence, pork is categorized as one of the non-halal food, which Muslims are not allowed to consume based on the Islamic Law.

According to the Article 8 of Religion and the Judiciary in Malaysia, ‘everyone is equal and shall practice no discrimination despite of the race, religion and culture’ (Wang, 2001). Otherwise, it will be an immoral act of disrespecting the belief of other religion. Every homosapien possesses dissimilar interest and liking, hence, different religion has their different ways of behaving and thinking (Teasdale, 2001, p. 12). Fundamentally, due to every religion’s belief, everyone shall respect to all of the existing religion despite of the diverse cultural practice.

Prominently, due to the harmonious living and respect, one should not go beyond any act of culture sensitivity in publication, which is much expose to various cultures and races. In consequence, The Star had voices out its guilt in producing such publication, and that they have too apologized for the discontemplation on Islamic, said Irwan, the Wira Perkasa Chief (Malaysian Digest, 2011). The authority had too agreed to forgive The Star for their deceptive act (Malaysian Digest, 2011).

In addition, I strongly acquiesce that every race in Malaysia or any parts of the country has a duty in respecting other people’s religion. As such, it does not only involve the act of abiding, but also the foundational importance of morality approach (Slote, 2010, p. 114). Hence, it is vital to engaged in other religion to gain knowledge on their tradition, also to overcome the preconception and misunderstanding between races. Ultimately, respecting each and every religion will bring harmony.

(353 words)

References:

Halal Definition 2012, HALAL MALAYSIA, Malaysia, viewed 10 June 2012, <http://www.halal.gov.my/v3/index.php/en/about-halal-certification/halal-definition>.

Slote, M 2010, Moral Sentimentalism, Oxford University Press, New York.

Teasdale, W 2001, The Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality in the World’s Religions, New World Library, California.

The Star still on hot seat over non-halal Ramadan feature 2011, The Malaysian Insider, Malaysia, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/the-star-still-on-hot-seat-over-non-halal-ramadan-feature/>.

Wang, C, CK 2001, RELIGION AND THE JUDICIARY IN MALAYSIA, Wang Law, Malaysia, viewed 10 June 2012, <http://www.wanglaw.net/files/Malaysia32.pdf>.

Zolkipli, D 2011, Non-Halal Ramadan Ads: Perkasa Hands Memorandum to The Star, Malaysian Digest, 12 August, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://www.malaysiandigest.com/news/29120-non-halal-ramadan-ads-perkasa-hands-memorandum-to-the-star.html>.

The Importance of Journalism Ethics in Today's Media

Original Picture of the funeral stride for Kim Jong II

[http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/12/29/

world/asia/29korea2/29korea2-articleLarge.jpg]

Picture after photoshop editing of funeral stride for Kim Jong II

[Source: Source: http://media.monstersandcritics.com/

galleries/3360877_27965/0304422955085.jpg]

According to the ABC News (2011), the New York Times revealed that the photo taken during the funeral stride for Kim Jong II was altered for publication in the North Korea. The original picture illustrates a handful of dawdlers messing up the regimented lines; however, the people and their footprints were eliminated in the publication, presenting a perfect order in the crowd lining up while the cortege passes by (ABC News, 2011). This issue has essentially raised immediate concern from the public.

Likewise in Malaysia, one of the mainstream newspapers ‘Berita Harian’ had violated the journalism ethics by editing the original picture of a Bersih Rally man holding a Malaysia flag, to holding a knife (Youtube, 2011).

By looking at all these actions, by what means of journalism ethics? Based on Berry (2008, p. 80), one of the fundamental elements of journalism ethics is the responsibility of the newspaper, which includes fair play, accuracy, decency, impartiality, as well as truthfulness. These element attempts in providing as an instruction of journalism not only in United States, but also other countries (Berry, 2008, p. 80).

I personally think it is vital for the public to know what is right and wrong from primary information. Seemingly, Bersih rally is an electoral reform supported by Malaysian protestors calling upon the government for a fair election (Aljazeera, 2011). Nevertheless, the government has a huge control over the main stream media in Malaysia (Malaysia Today, 2012). Hence in some ways where it might be minuscule to observe, the authority had possesses the information as how they want the readers to conceive. However, news should focus on the factuality rather than the package, which deeply related to responsibility confront with power (Berry, 2008, p. 81).

As said by Kress & Van Leeuwen (2006, p. 19), each picture has its own possibilities, not everything realized in images can be realized through words. Hence, it should depend on the readers to the truth of reading the message. In conclusion, photo editing in publication is severely repentant, as it has failed not only to provide the truth, but immorally deceive the public.

(352 words)

References:

Aziz, M, AS 2012, ‘Media assassins ‘spinning’ under pseudonyms’, Free Malaysia Today, 8 February, viewed 10 June 2012, <http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2012/02/08/media-assassins-spinning-under-pseudonyms/>.

Berry, D 2008, Journalism, Ethics and Society, Ashgate Publishing Ltd, England.

Jazeera, A 2011, ‘In Pictures: Protests suppressed in Malaysia’, ALJAZEER, 9 July, viewed 10 June 2012, <http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2011/07/201179124249763194.html>.

Kress, G, & Van Leeuwen, T. 2006, Reading Images, Chapter 1: The Semiotic Landscape: Language and visual communication, pp. 16-44.

MalaysiaKini 2011, Man in Bersih 2.0 picture fiasco reveals himself, video, YouTube, 17 July, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMPLx2QQaw0>.

Mooney, M 2011, ‘North Korea Restores Order to Kim Funeral With Photoshop’, ABC News, 29 December 2011, viewed 10 June 2012, <http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/12/north-korea-restores-order-to-kim-funeral-with-photoshop/>.