Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Tricky Pictures

I choose the picture of dark smoke billowing from several buildings (#2) because it illustrates the ease with which an image can be manipulated so as to elicit an emotional or psychological response. Anyone with a basic familiarity of the features available through Photoshop could have doctored this image. I also choose this picture because it focuses on current events (the ongoing struggle between the Israelis and Lebanese). This knowledge will filter my understanding of the news I hear on CNN, CSPAN, and other news media.

This picture originated from a Lebanese reporter and highlights Israeli’s air raid on Lebanon during the summer of 2006.The artist manipulated this picture by adding more and darker smoke so as to create the impression that the Israeli bombing campaign was more severe than in reality. Additionally, the photographer probably wanted to gain recognition for his work. By making the picture appear more dramatic, the photographer maximizes the chances that his/her picture will be shown in the news media.

This manipulation was harmful to the extent that it damaged the Reuters' reputation as an impartial and respected news agency dedicated to providing the highest quality news coverage. Moreover, it was damaging to those individuals who saw this picture and were misinformed about the severity of the conflict. Finally, this manipulation was harmful to Israel. Those who saw this picture were more likely to harbor resentment towards Israel as the dark smoke created the impression that Israel was inflicting excess pain and hardship on the Lebanese.

Monday, February 4, 2008

The Trinity wireless internet network allows me to access blackboard, class notes, and readings from almost any point on campus. While this luxury is not a necessary component of my education, it provides me the freedom to work from almost anywhere. Since I carry a Blackberry mobile device that allows me to check my email and visit social networking sites
I do not feel the urge to constantly surf the web on the Trinity wirless network. As a result, I can not claim that the wireless network distracts me from studying. Below you will find an article from the New York Times which details the reasons Mt. Saint Mary College installed a wireless network on its campus:

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C01E4DE1031F933A15757C0A9669C8B63&scp=2&sq=Wireless+Networks+on+Colleges&st=nyt