November Media Consumption

 

    This is called an 'AI baby holding back laugh' meme. I have started to do research on some internet memes, and some interesting things that I found. A meme is essentially a still image or drawing, with new text or other images over it to create a new meaning. This is called bricolage. I have consumed a lot of bricolages through Instagram reels but what I found interesting is that this meme was originally an artwork, but then with the use of AI. They turned the artwork into a video, which made a whole new meaning. Now people believed that this video was originally made with AI, but with cultural regime of verisimilitude, it was actually made from a still image using technology today. What I like about this is that people can create new forms of comedy, but what I don't like about this is the lack of creativity. AI slowly starts to kill creativity or art by making people rely on it more. Other than my insight on this bricolage, it is pretty much a way for people to comedically show their reactions to others.

    I have also started to consume more western media like breaking bad. A very good show I was recommended by one of my friends was Dexter. This show follows a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department, but what he hides is his desire to kill people. Following the code that his adoptive cop dad gave him; he kills only other murderers to fulfill his desires of psychopathy and fulfill his dad's code. This is a sort of vigilantism show, but throughout the seasons Dexter starts coming across his past through memories that he recessed unconsciously and other situations relating to his desires of killing murderers. What I like about this show is that each season he gains character development, and his perspectives shift on about his sanity, life, and code through the situations he faced through. What I do not like about this show is the number of sexual scenes targeted towards young adults. Other than that, I realized western media probably normalized this and this show did deserve its good ratings through its cinematography and well thought out plot.

    Other media that I have consumed is political media. I often come across its Instagram or YouTube. I often worry about the future of my life and others, so I try to always seek political knowledge since laws and leaders will affect our futures. This person's name is Zohran Mamdani, he is a socialist Muslim New Yorker and was the first Muslim New York mayor and the youngest since 1892. He won the vote by a landslide through his agenda of making things cheaper in New York since it is very costly to afford. He also went on candidate debates and exposed Andrew Cuomo for his unlawful use of funds while he was the Governor of New York. This cause Mamdani to win 50.4% of the votes, because of his alliance with working class families. He is currently working on tax cuts and reduced prices with Senator Bernie Sanders. What I like about this is that we are finally reaching a political stage where the elderly aren't dominant, this is like a new resolution for New York and hopefully younger people start to pursue more political careers so that the new generations can get their needs heard. What I do not like about this is that people often villainize Mamdani for their own political agendas. Other than that, I have started to get more politically involved with news and videos. 

    Lastly, some more media I have consumed in November is Scissor Seven. It is made from Chinese animators and they recently they have come out with season 5 of the show, and this show holds a special place in my heart because of its comedic simplicity and art style while often having the biggest impact on my perspective of life. This show follows a random guy who had lost his memories, and the whole world can use this "life energy" called chi. He became a barber at this little Island and used chi to cut hair. But what he didn't know was that in his past life, he was an assassin. So, the show slowly starts to reveal more of his past. But what made the impact was the side characters. The side character in the show often gets no screen time and are used for comedic jokes. But this show shows emotional character development while still using them as comedic side characters. It always takes tense and serious moments and eases it with comedy. This reflects the passion put into this show, which is why I like it. Other than that, I do not have any complaints with this show.