Weekly News #16

SOURCE: BBC NEWS - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-35818409

In this weeks news I read about how tech giants 'Sony' will be releasing a virtual reality headset for their worldwide console, the 'PlayStation'. The headsets price has been released at £282 (399$) which is $200 cheaper than 'Facebook's Oculus Rift and $400 less than the HTC Vive , all rival products that are expected to be released around the same time. This article is a clear reminder of the ever advancing technology in the modern world, and the rivalry that rises up between the various companies as similar products are released in the hope that each individual companies product is most successful after being distributed between the current worldwide audience who are becoming ever more immersed in the video games, as technology advances,  subsequently making the various games more real for video gamers allowing them to completely escape reality as they enter a different world. Research has shown that around 53 million people will own their most recent console, the 'PlayStation 4' when their newest product is released, providing this innovative way of playing games on 'PlayStation' with a massive audience which means the product is almost certain to be a massive success when released predicted to make around 1.6 million by 2017. 

National & Regional Identity - Reality Television

I will be exploring how reality t.v programmes like 'Geordie Shore','The only way Is Essex' and 'Made in Chelsea' represent the specific region displayed in the title in both positive and negative ways. Regional dialect,accents and specific activities the various groups may partake in are usually all evident in this particular genre of television, possibly giving the passive audience the impression that these activities are the normality for the people situated in these areas. These television programmes also often play on stereotypes in order to engage the audience possibly for the intention of entertainment or to make the experience relatable for people who recognise the particular slang used or activities/locations that are ongoing and constantly shown through out the show. These stereotypes usually resulting in the characters featured in these shows being rather archetypal as they are put in place in order to inform the audience of an element about the chosen region often resulting in characters that only one intention and consequently have a very shallow depth of character. One key example of this is how 'Scotty T's' only intentions through out the 'Geordie Shore' series is to go out and 'pull birds', this archetypal character possibly being relatable to the viewer or recognisable in the viewers group of friends, resulting in an entertaining experience due to 'Scotty T's' actions and personality possibly being funny for viewers maybe due to him being relatable in some way, or again humorous for viewers unable to relate to the programme due to his stupidity displayed through out the programme. 

The Untouchables - Film Analysis

'The Untouchables' is a 2011 biographical comedy drama directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, the film explores themes of; class, humanity, disability, insecurities, wealth, love, humour, and friendship as we see the lives of two completely different people collide resulting in an possibly unexpected positive outcome for both characters. Driss (Omar Sy), a young black man living on a poverty stricken estate, and Philipe (Francois Cluzet) , an elderly white disabled millionaire come into contact after Driss unwillingly attends a job interview in attempt to gain a signature towards claiming his benefits, consequently meeting Philipe and soon after being given a job as his personal handler. The film was a huge success worldwide earning itself the title of second highest selling French film of all time, gaining an astounding $426.6 million at the box office with just a $10.8 million budget, this success possibly aided by distributers (The Weinstein Company) who were key in providing the film with the ever important American audience. The film possessed and cleverly played against many stereotypes in the duration of the film, allowing the characters to immediately become recognisable and have a level of characterisation and depth to them. I personally think the major theme displayed through out the film was humanity, I believe this due to the characters evidently being very different in class (and many other aspects) , and both characters living two extremely different lives, yet they are still able to show affection and care for one another, overcoming the barrier that may be seen by many people in the modern world between these two very different people.  

This film will be very useful as a case study for our media exam surrounding representation as there are many examples of both positive and negative representations of gender,age,disability,race and class, throughout the film. I personally think the representation of disability was positive in this particular film, our protagonist Philipe is consequently paralysed below the neck after a hand gliding accident leaving him wheelchair bound and constantly needing help with literally everything in his every day life. However even though Philipe is the victim of a devastating incident leaving him unable to live a completely normal life due to his mobility , he continues to demonstrate his determination in many forms through out the film as it is clear he is set on living a life as enjoyable as it can possibly be, his love and passion for art and hand gliding is displayed in the film proving the clear determination he possess as his disability is not able to stop him from doing what he loves. 

Weekly News #15

SOURCE: BBC NEWS - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-35696238

In this weeks news I discovered an article with a headline stating: 'Doctors urge schools to ban tackling in rugby', this article immediately informing me in the first sentence that more than 70 doctors and academics say injuries from the 'high-impact collision sport' can leave lifelong consequences for many children in severe cases. This article made it obvious of the many injuries you may sustain during a child's rugby game (ligamentous tears,dislocated shoulders,fractures and concussion), all which could lead to short or long term after effects after the injury is sustained, some of these being memory loss, diminished verbal abilities and stunt of growth. All of these injuries and after effects making the sport of rugby for children at first come across as a ridiculous idea due to the health of many children being put at risk in order to play a contact sport. Gaining a different perspective on the matter from p.e teacher Jonny Cross was also interesting as he stated that the contact sport of rugby helped build character in the children and gave many students a well needed challenge, boosting their confidence individually and academically, also informing the reporter that the students are taught the correct postures and techniques in order to protect themselves and potentially avoid serious injury in matches. Overall this article was very interesting and thought provoking due to the obvious topic of injuries being sustained  in rugby games possibly being made more serious after being informed of the severe consequences it may have on the current generations children. I also do believe the contact sport is an outlet for many children and does provide them with a confidence boost, and if played regularly the sport also has the positive effects of keeping you in good shape due to the determination and energy needed to play a rugby game at any standard. Finally I agree that the situation should be taken 'extremely seriously' by the RFU (Rugby Football Union) and researched further after being informed of the serious health impacts the nation wide sport of rugby can have on many children.