Media has it positives and negatives. One of these negatives is that as kids grow up in these social network, internet worlds they also apply it to their lives. In order for them to get involved the advertising has to be enticing with bright colors and uniqueness, and what is being advertised must be entertaining (Aaker 2010). Maybe that is why sex sell so well, because it is the most enticing thing to sexual beings like humans and I think it is safe to say there is nothing more entertaining than sex, in the right context of course.
Regardless, I do not understand this mentality. I have watched peoples faces as I tell them about human trafficking in America and I can see all the emotions I experienced when I first learned about it, but then nothing happens. For me, the anger, horror, and desire to see justice did not wear off. I have not been able to figure it out. What makes me different? If people admire me for my passion, why don't they strive for it as well? I had a discussion with a friend about this and she brought up the idea of desensitization. Since then I have been processing it and just like people get good idea's in the shower, I come up with cool idea's at 1:00AM.
I think this is what makes me different. I grew up in a christian home, which really means nothing. But in my home I was sheltered from the media in all of it's glory. I was not allowed to watch sexual or violent programs. At the time, it was very annoying and a bubble burster to one developing independence, but I am so grateful. I believe, because I was sheltered from those things, whenever I hear or see something violent it changes me forever. Whereas those who grow up seeing it all the time, it's no big deal and just a part of life. It gets brushed aside like a scraped knee. It's not a scraped knee! Someones arm has just fallen off and they are bleeding all over society and you just toss them a band aid as you walk by. I am sorry, but that ticks me off to no end.
I will get off of my soap box on how frustrated I am with humanity right now. Instead I would like to thank my parents for putting up with my attitude when they told me I could not watch things all of my friends were, for punishing me when I did, and for standing their ground in a culture that accepts just about anything. Because of that I have a sensitive spirit tied directly to my morals which controls the steering wheel of my heart. Because my parents "sheltered" me, I have a higher value for the gift of life and empathy for others. Mom, Dad, thank you for guarding my heart and giving me the opportunity to experience passion like I do for justice.
Aaker, Jennifer. & Smith, Andy.
(2010). The Dragonfly Effect: Quick, Effective, and Powerful Ways To Use
Social Media to Drive Social Change.
