Alstatt, Robert
Title In Class Essay 3
Today the world is fast pace with so much getting filter thru multiple eyes. Know one really knows the truth. Shekhar Deshpanda has written an article “The Confident Gaze” describing how this filtering is being played out in the magazine The National Geographic. Deshpanda worn the readers of the National Geographic that we must understand how National Geographic and other forms of educational publications are used. Deshpanda from his article writes “It is a magazine of choice of teachers of history, anthropology and culture in general schools” (Deshpanda). I remember my days as a youth and going to the school library. You know there was no internet in my day. The way I would see other cultures and what I thought to be outrages or even odd was to look at the National Geographic magazine. I would imagine that I was the great hunter after the big cat or even Tarzan sometime yelling” ahhhh ooo ahhhh” or something like that. Deshpanda brings interesting perception and uses it to tech us to not get fooled by the glossy some what staged pictures of these magazine. Taking from Deshpanda article, “While we admire the accomplishments of its photographers to bring us the rest of the world, we forget that the photographs and the contexts in which they are placed represent a very conscious effort by the editors to make the world a happy place and a happy place for the Western eye” (Deshpanda). I see can see why Deshpanda is concerned and I do feel that he has a point. The National Geographic as do other magazine, do depict images that are eye catching. These magazines are in business to make money and we many not what to think it the west is where the money is. The magazines do a great job of providing us with picture of place that we may never get to go to or will only see in them. Yes are this picture stage setup yes but we readers understand this and want this. These magazines are only providing what we as there clients expect. Further more I do not believe that the National Geographic magazine has ever been adoptive buy the educational board as accredited teaching material. I believe that the magazine is a publication that sales a view of what you are missing out there. They are not trying to be a text book, but they are trying to be entertaining and informational. Readers of these styles of periodical need to use them for conversational starters, to bring out question to used them in discussion in education and not as the educator.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Summary: Deshpande - Elizabeth Blake
In Shekhar Deshpande’s recent essay, “The Confident Gaze,” Deshpande explores the hidden meaning behind National Geographic and their article on India’s 50 year anniversary of freedom from Brittan, something our nations have in common. National Geographic, while being a non-profit organization has a very American view of the development of budding democracies. Deshpande asserts out that the magazine is dangerously close to being a “blatantly ethnocentric” magazine posing as objective journalism. Deshpande discusses the framework their photography provides for a sugar-coated idea of India’s overall well being. ”National Geographic has made an aethstetic of its own photography.” Deshpande insists. “It is slick, it is technically flawless or even adventurous, and it attempts to sanitize and universalize the uncomfortable as well as different elements of other cultures.” Thus creating a palatable story for a group of people who desire to feel socially and worldly conscious while not bringing themselves down.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Oops what year is it
Oops what year is it?
The Confident Gaze
by Shekhar Deshpanda
The National Geographic misty lens
Shekhar Deshpanda article the confident gaze is a call for vision, for its reader to wake up and see the photographic message depicted in The National Graphic magazine. Deshpanda is educating his readers on the deception or as in his words “While we admire the accomplishments of its photographers to bring us the rest of the world, we forget that the photographs and the contexts in which they are placed represent a very conscious effort by the editors to make the world a happy place and a happy place especially for the Western eye”(Deshpanda par 9). Deshpanda is leading his reader to discover the hidden message the glossing over of the truth, the real vision not the made up view. Despanda brings this out clearly stating “The pictures of the monsoon or the image of a woman cooking food on the pavements of Calcutta are devoid of their documentary contexts. They are great in providing excruciating detail of misery, the unpreparedness of a youngster in the rain or the paucity of food and water on the pavement. From the worn out bricks to the tobacco stains on the teeth, the photographs are rich in their content, but entirely dishonest in their relationship to the environment or the context. It is as if that world needs to be in appropriate way to Western observer, could he not see it in its bare essentialities” (Deshpanda par.13). Deshpanda views could hold water and probably does with people of the 1950s and early 1960s but in today’s world we are for more educated and understand that it is a money drive world and you must appeal to your audience. The National Geographic magazine doesn’t just materialize it all take money and the western eye is where it is. By the way back to Despanda article he talks about a photograph of the van and the white man and the three women and how this supports his argument. Reread it, this picture is from 1947 think about it. In 1947 photographic technology was adventurous it just wasn’t aim and shoot you didn’t just pull your camera out of your pocket. Taking a picture was a process and the one lady describe as if to be mesmerized by the camera, no doubt, India in 1947 I can safely say this was the first time she saw a camera and the two other woman where most likely afraid of it. Read what you want into photographs just don’t let people tell you what you should see.
Bobby Alstatt (Nihilist)
The Confident Gaze
by Shekhar Deshpanda
The National Geographic misty lens
Shekhar Deshpanda article the confident gaze is a call for vision, for its reader to wake up and see the photographic message depicted in The National Graphic magazine. Deshpanda is educating his readers on the deception or as in his words “While we admire the accomplishments of its photographers to bring us the rest of the world, we forget that the photographs and the contexts in which they are placed represent a very conscious effort by the editors to make the world a happy place and a happy place especially for the Western eye”(Deshpanda par 9). Deshpanda is leading his reader to discover the hidden message the glossing over of the truth, the real vision not the made up view. Despanda brings this out clearly stating “The pictures of the monsoon or the image of a woman cooking food on the pavements of Calcutta are devoid of their documentary contexts. They are great in providing excruciating detail of misery, the unpreparedness of a youngster in the rain or the paucity of food and water on the pavement. From the worn out bricks to the tobacco stains on the teeth, the photographs are rich in their content, but entirely dishonest in their relationship to the environment or the context. It is as if that world needs to be in appropriate way to Western observer, could he not see it in its bare essentialities” (Deshpanda par.13). Deshpanda views could hold water and probably does with people of the 1950s and early 1960s but in today’s world we are for more educated and understand that it is a money drive world and you must appeal to your audience. The National Geographic magazine doesn’t just materialize it all take money and the western eye is where it is. By the way back to Despanda article he talks about a photograph of the van and the white man and the three women and how this supports his argument. Reread it, this picture is from 1947 think about it. In 1947 photographic technology was adventurous it just wasn’t aim and shoot you didn’t just pull your camera out of your pocket. Taking a picture was a process and the one lady describe as if to be mesmerized by the camera, no doubt, India in 1947 I can safely say this was the first time she saw a camera and the two other woman where most likely afraid of it. Read what you want into photographs just don’t let people tell you what you should see.
Bobby Alstatt (Nihilist)
In the essay,” National Geographic’s Misty Lens”, By Shekhar Deshpande, Deshpande reminds the readers of this magazine of all of the priceless pictures that are on every page throughout the magazine. He also brings to our attention that the photos that are taken are not what we think they are and that there is more behind the beautiful photo than we think. He also reminds the audience that the magazines job is to sell magazines and to put things in magazines that people in the western eye wants to see. He states, "[W]e forget that the photographs and contexts in which they are placed represent a very conscious effort by the editors to make the world a happy place and a happy place especially for the Western eye" (pg. 2) This means that the photographs can be misleading along with the stories that go with them which overall gives the western eye a false understanding on how other cultures actually are. All throughout Deshpande’s essay he continues to talk about how the photographs in National Geographic are what attracts the audience and the stories behind them are not accurate to what is actually going on in the photo and in that culture. Deshpande states, "The primitive, often a focus of the magazine,... [Provide an image] of what 'would have been' if the West had not taken a march toward 'civilization'" (pg. 2). This means that the photos are used to meet and western eye and to sell, which means its job is to make money and to entertain. The problem with this is that it gives us a false idea of what other civilized cultures are like. And progress for a struggling country is ultimately trying to make other countries like western civilization.
National Geographic (Slavik S)
In the article “THE CONFIDENT GAZE” by DR.SHEKHAR DESHPANDE we read about the National Geographic magazine.
It is the magazine that is view by a lot of Americans and well-liked for its photographs and worlds explorations, ect.
“While we admire the accomplishments of its photographers to bring us the rest of the world, we forget that the photographs and the contexts in which they are placed represent a very conscious by the editors to make the world a happy place and a happy place especially for the western eye”. (page 2) The author tells us about the magazine and its values in America. The magazine shows Americans what they want to see. As we look at the pictures in the magazine we often compare ourselves and in the most, if not all pictures we see ourselves being lucky and having better life.
In another part of the article author states: “Human suffering becomes worth a good image.” This means that suffrage is valuable in this magazine. Also, Americans look at another part of the magazine, where Deshpande states: “The idea of progress is always in terms of weather the others have taken steps to be “Western.” (page3) Again we tend to compare ourselves to others while viewing the images from the magazine.
It is the magazine that is view by a lot of Americans and well-liked for its photographs and worlds explorations, ect.
“While we admire the accomplishments of its photographers to bring us the rest of the world, we forget that the photographs and the contexts in which they are placed represent a very conscious by the editors to make the world a happy place and a happy place especially for the western eye”. (page 2) The author tells us about the magazine and its values in America. The magazine shows Americans what they want to see. As we look at the pictures in the magazine we often compare ourselves and in the most, if not all pictures we see ourselves being lucky and having better life.
In another part of the article author states: “Human suffering becomes worth a good image.” This means that suffrage is valuable in this magazine. Also, Americans look at another part of the magazine, where Deshpande states: “The idea of progress is always in terms of weather the others have taken steps to be “Western.” (page3) Again we tend to compare ourselves to others while viewing the images from the magazine.
Taylor on Deshpande
In “The Confident gaze” by Shekhar Deshpande He talks about the way National Geographic takes their photos and how these pictures are sheltering us from the “real world”. He states:
“While we admire the accomplishments of its photographers to bring us the rest of the world, we forget that the photographs and the contexts in which they are placed represent a very conscious by the editors to make the world a happy place and a happy place especially for the western eye”.
This is saying that a lot of the time pictures are taken around the world in places that have a lot of poverty or violence, we do not see the real India, or Iraq, or wherever, because either we don’t want to see it or they don’t want us to see it. Then he says, “ While it covers or represents such issues or situations, it can sanitize and even beautify the blood and gore of the conflict. This means that even through all a countries issues National Geographic’s photographers can make the place look beautiful. Deshpande does not agree with the way that National Geographic captures other countries, he believes that their should be truth inside their photos.
Confident Gaze - Tim
Deschpande, author of "The Confident Gaze" describes the popular magazine, National Geographic, as a means to show the world to other people with some bias on their views as a nation. In his words, "What attracts a common reader is that the magazine provides a balance of images of both, once irreconcilable aspects of life in other cultures. That increases the comfort level of its readers. They get education through information that is "balanced" and they get entertained in the beauty of its representation, which denotes such an urge to give the reader his money's worth”. This means that people of certain nations or groups will not typically migrate towards the magazine issues unless there is a balance of bias, showing the subject of review in the light that the audience desires, but not too much. He furthers this when he says “While we admire the accomplishments of its photographers to bring us the rest of the world, we forget that the photographs and the contexts in which they are placed represent a very conscious effort by the editors to make the world a happy place and a happy place especially for the Western eye”. This suggests that Western people cannot fully grasp, or do not want to grasp, the world as it truly is. We would rather see things in a positive view rather than deal with the struggles and tribulations that are everyday life for the photographed people. In a sense it is much like the material that is censored for younger audiences. If a video game is deemed ‘too violent” then the violence and gore are tuned down, or removed all together.
Word Count: 275
Despande - Brandon
Shekhar Deshpande, in article "The Confident Gaze", he questions the ethics instituted by the National Geographic magazine. Deshpande states that some of the pictures in the magazine are only designed to make you happy, and not realize what is going on in the world. He claims "[i]t is as if that world needs to be posed in the appropriate way to the Western observer, he could not see it in its bare essentialities"(Deshpande), meaning that as Americans, or westerners in general, we aren't prepared to deal with the horrors of the third world. We do not want to see what is happening in the world, in its true form, and what we could be if he hadn't "marched" toward civilization. According to Deshpande, National Geographic believes "Human suffering becomes worth a good image", in that the poor living conditions of other countries, sometimes is only a money maker to them.
Deshpande Summary
In Shakhar Deshpande's essay 'The Confident Gaze' he describes National Graphic and its popularity. He goes on to describe a specific issue that was released in 1997 with the title 'India turning fifty'. On the cover of this issue is a close up on a thin child painted red. Deshpande comments on this stating that, "The "innocent" attractiveness of the photography of National Geographic, its ambiguous representation of the knower and the known...have made for the success of the magazine...it attempts to sanitize and universalize the uncomfortable as well as the different elements of other cultures." What I think this means is basically National Geographic success is based off information that is watered down for the 'Western eye'. focusing on the poverty of India and the country's progress on "catching up" with western society. Instead of focusing on more important issues as Deshpande points out "...the wars and the subsequent arms race since Independence. The regional conflicts are more important than the difficult conditions of people in keeping pace with their material wealth." What I think Despande means here is that Americans put an emphasis that the more stuff you have, the better off you are. He explains that a more important issue is the conflict that is experienced in India.
Summary of National Geographic by Alexandria
Alexandria Perezchica
English 100
5/27/10
Summary of National Geographic by Alexandria
The article “The Confident Gaze” by Shekhar Deshpande is regarding how National Geographic may not be giving their viewers an accurate aspect of life in other cultures. Deshpande seems to think the magazine isn’t fairly representing cultures because of the Western Society’s inability to understand it, because it is so foreign to them. Deshpande states “It is slick, technically flawless or even adventurous, and it attempts to sanitize and universalize the uncomfortable as well as different elements of other cultures” (2). The essence of Deshpande’s argument is that the editors of the magazine are trying to put other cultures in a type of box, one that our American society can comprehend and relate to. They are basing other cultures to have some of our ideology when in fact theirs is almost the complete opposite. The magazine is doing this to “make the world a happy place and a happy place especially for the Western eye” (2). An for the world to be a happy place the magazine often illustrates these authentic cultures to some what resemble the American ideology and values. So not to distress what Western society believes is the correct way of living.
I can understand why Deshpande is saying that National Geographic is misrepresenting these cultures, but I don’t believe it is their entire fault because they are only fulfilling consumerist needs by giving them what they want to see and read about. It is also known that the magazine is valued for its wonderful photography and the articles are there to give their readers enough information to make them feel connected to these cultures, but not enough to demonstrate what the culture is like as a whole.
Some magazines give you the ability to feel powerful and at a higher level than other people, yet at the same time permit you to have compassion for the people that you are criticizing. Deshpande is firm that this is how National Geographic is selling their product. Deshpande states “[t]he primitive, often a focus of the magazine, serves the same function by providing images of what ‘would have been’ if the West had not taken a march toward civilization” (3). Basically, Deshpande is saying that Western society can look at the images displayed in National Geographic and in a sense feel better about their lives because they feel they have made more progress than these “Third world” countries.
English 100
5/27/10
Summary of National Geographic by Alexandria
The article “The Confident Gaze” by Shekhar Deshpande is regarding how National Geographic may not be giving their viewers an accurate aspect of life in other cultures. Deshpande seems to think the magazine isn’t fairly representing cultures because of the Western Society’s inability to understand it, because it is so foreign to them. Deshpande states “It is slick, technically flawless or even adventurous, and it attempts to sanitize and universalize the uncomfortable as well as different elements of other cultures” (2). The essence of Deshpande’s argument is that the editors of the magazine are trying to put other cultures in a type of box, one that our American society can comprehend and relate to. They are basing other cultures to have some of our ideology when in fact theirs is almost the complete opposite. The magazine is doing this to “make the world a happy place and a happy place especially for the Western eye” (2). An for the world to be a happy place the magazine often illustrates these authentic cultures to some what resemble the American ideology and values. So not to distress what Western society believes is the correct way of living.
I can understand why Deshpande is saying that National Geographic is misrepresenting these cultures, but I don’t believe it is their entire fault because they are only fulfilling consumerist needs by giving them what they want to see and read about. It is also known that the magazine is valued for its wonderful photography and the articles are there to give their readers enough information to make them feel connected to these cultures, but not enough to demonstrate what the culture is like as a whole.
Some magazines give you the ability to feel powerful and at a higher level than other people, yet at the same time permit you to have compassion for the people that you are criticizing. Deshpande is firm that this is how National Geographic is selling their product. Deshpande states “[t]he primitive, often a focus of the magazine, serves the same function by providing images of what ‘would have been’ if the West had not taken a march toward civilization” (3). Basically, Deshpande is saying that Western society can look at the images displayed in National Geographic and in a sense feel better about their lives because they feel they have made more progress than these “Third world” countries.
The Confident Gaze - Emily M.
In our English 100 class on Tuesday afternoon we were asked to view a photograph from National Geographic. As students, we were just supposed to focus on the straight forward things that we noticed about the photograph. Things such as the colors being portrayed, basic things about the persons face, and shaping of the photo. Then we were asked to write down our thoughts about what each thing we noticed meant without reading the little excerpt about the photo. This was how we saw India for that day.
In Shakher Deshpande's article, "The Confident Gaze", this is sort of what he’s saying. That we put our own thoughts in a bowl and we pick out what we think, let’s say India, is about. We learn about their culture, and the people just from looking at a picture. We don’t see the pictures as hurt, pain, gore, or violence. We choose to see them as beautiful because that’s how the photographers from National Geographic pose them. Deshpande’s states, “We forget that photographs and the contexts in which they are placed represents a very conscious effort by the editors to make the world a happy place, and a happy place especially for the Western eye”(Deshpande- pg 2, paragraph 3). Here I believe that he’s saying we don’t want to think about the hardships that others are going through, when were millions of miles away from them to help. We look past the pain the picture is portraying and we focus on the beauty (India) is giving us.
I believe that Deshpande also leans on the idea that we, as the Western Culture, are the ones wanting to help everybody. We want to be able to view a people and say “wow”. That because a civilization is not like us, it is something to “Ah” over and view pictures of that we bring our own meaning to. National Geographic gives their readers what they want to see. But by this are they ignoring reality? National Geographic is meant to inform our culture of different societies, of different people. But are we really getting the whole picture through their photos, or are they simple covering up reality with beauty to allow us to continue living our lives without a care for those other civilizations?
In Shakher Deshpande's article, "The Confident Gaze", this is sort of what he’s saying. That we put our own thoughts in a bowl and we pick out what we think, let’s say India, is about. We learn about their culture, and the people just from looking at a picture. We don’t see the pictures as hurt, pain, gore, or violence. We choose to see them as beautiful because that’s how the photographers from National Geographic pose them. Deshpande’s states, “We forget that photographs and the contexts in which they are placed represents a very conscious effort by the editors to make the world a happy place, and a happy place especially for the Western eye”(Deshpande- pg 2, paragraph 3). Here I believe that he’s saying we don’t want to think about the hardships that others are going through, when were millions of miles away from them to help. We look past the pain the picture is portraying and we focus on the beauty (India) is giving us.
I believe that Deshpande also leans on the idea that we, as the Western Culture, are the ones wanting to help everybody. We want to be able to view a people and say “wow”. That because a civilization is not like us, it is something to “Ah” over and view pictures of that we bring our own meaning to. National Geographic gives their readers what they want to see. But by this are they ignoring reality? National Geographic is meant to inform our culture of different societies, of different people. But are we really getting the whole picture through their photos, or are they simple covering up reality with beauty to allow us to continue living our lives without a care for those other civilizations?
Jim on; Deshpande
Dr. Shekhar Deshpande is an Associate Professor and Director of the Communications Program at Arcadia University. Born in India, he ha taught a variety of courses in media and film studies, visual culture and cultural studies. He continues to publish in the areas of identity, media criticism and film and cultural studies (Arcadia Univ. website).In his article, “ The Confident Gaze”, Deshpande makes the claim that National Geographic Magazine give their subscribers, “ But a simple equation of progress “on our terms” would make this magazine blatantly ethnocentric” (pg3, par.2), and, “What attracts a common reader is that the magazine provides a balance of image of both, once irreconcilable aspects of life in other cultures. That increases the comfort level of its readers” (pg.3, par.2). Just to be clear on the meaning of ethnocentric, The American Heritage Dictionary defines ethnocentric as, “1.Belief in the superiority of one’s own ethnic group. 2. Overriding concern with race” (pg.450).
The thought that Deshpande is putting out there, is that National Geographic is showing the American people the world though a rose colored lens. NG tends to show us the world with beautiful imagines that perhaps take something away from the real suffering that may go on behind the actual reality of life in the culture that NG is deplicting. That in an almost slight of hand sort of way, NG is pandering to American ethnocentrism by showing, as Deshpande states, “colorful images of temple, equally “exotic” designs of the saris, and the color of piety and devotion in Indian’s multifaceted religions”(pg3, par,2). Although Deshpande is revering to an article in NG regarding India’s 50th aniversary of independence form British rule in this statement, the template is the same for all the cultures that NG presents to its subscribers.
I myself can not disagree with what Deshpande is saying in this article. I would say that he is right in his assessment of what the magazine does. I would also say that NG does not portray itself as anything but what Deshpande claims. NG does not consider itself a news magazine; NG claims that it is an exploration magazine, dedicated to exploration, education and science. NG is a non profit organization that is dedicated to the development of these causes. NG is a business that has been very successful in all these aspects while consistently maintaining one of the highest subscription memberships in the USA. NG makes no excuses for the way they run their organization or how they present the information they offer their subscribers. NG is giving their subscribers what they are paying for.
Is NG giving the American people a skewed view of the world? Or are they just giving their consumer what they want?
When we were given this article in our English class, I was quite surprised at the responses that were given to the picture, we were asked to analyze. It is a picture of young Indian boy of perhaps 10 to 12 years of age. The picture shows him from the shoulder up, colored in the Holi colors. I would say the comment that I heard the most, was that the child looked under fed. The child is slender in build, but I have found this to be a common trait among the people of warmer climates. I thought how easily a nation who's children suffers obesity in now epidemic proportion; quickly see a slender child as on the verge of starvation. Deshpande himself, when describing this child states, “(T)the cover page featuring a photograph of the face of a child with red Holi colors, with clear, intense dark eyes gripping the lens of the camera and the beholder of the image is striking”(pg.1par.3). As I gazed on this picture myself, it was the clear, intense dark eyes that received my attention. I saw nothing in the child’s eyes that told of starvation, misery impending doom or even the sadness that I see in so many American children’s eyes these days.
I have to wonder if the American point of view has changed a bit in resent years. Do we want to see the worst, even in the soft NG version of the world? Are Americans to a point were not even the washed down version of life on this planet, that Deshpande’s idea of National Geographic portrays, is enough to keep Americans happy? Have Americans become so unhappy with their culture that they seek others misery, even when it is just not there?
What will National Geographic do now?
The thought that Deshpande is putting out there, is that National Geographic is showing the American people the world though a rose colored lens. NG tends to show us the world with beautiful imagines that perhaps take something away from the real suffering that may go on behind the actual reality of life in the culture that NG is deplicting. That in an almost slight of hand sort of way, NG is pandering to American ethnocentrism by showing, as Deshpande states, “colorful images of temple, equally “exotic” designs of the saris, and the color of piety and devotion in Indian’s multifaceted religions”(pg3, par,2). Although Deshpande is revering to an article in NG regarding India’s 50th aniversary of independence form British rule in this statement, the template is the same for all the cultures that NG presents to its subscribers.
I myself can not disagree with what Deshpande is saying in this article. I would say that he is right in his assessment of what the magazine does. I would also say that NG does not portray itself as anything but what Deshpande claims. NG does not consider itself a news magazine; NG claims that it is an exploration magazine, dedicated to exploration, education and science. NG is a non profit organization that is dedicated to the development of these causes. NG is a business that has been very successful in all these aspects while consistently maintaining one of the highest subscription memberships in the USA. NG makes no excuses for the way they run their organization or how they present the information they offer their subscribers. NG is giving their subscribers what they are paying for.
Is NG giving the American people a skewed view of the world? Or are they just giving their consumer what they want?
When we were given this article in our English class, I was quite surprised at the responses that were given to the picture, we were asked to analyze. It is a picture of young Indian boy of perhaps 10 to 12 years of age. The picture shows him from the shoulder up, colored in the Holi colors. I would say the comment that I heard the most, was that the child looked under fed. The child is slender in build, but I have found this to be a common trait among the people of warmer climates. I thought how easily a nation who's children suffers obesity in now epidemic proportion; quickly see a slender child as on the verge of starvation. Deshpande himself, when describing this child states, “(T)the cover page featuring a photograph of the face of a child with red Holi colors, with clear, intense dark eyes gripping the lens of the camera and the beholder of the image is striking”(pg.1par.3). As I gazed on this picture myself, it was the clear, intense dark eyes that received my attention. I saw nothing in the child’s eyes that told of starvation, misery impending doom or even the sadness that I see in so many American children’s eyes these days.
I have to wonder if the American point of view has changed a bit in resent years. Do we want to see the worst, even in the soft NG version of the world? Are Americans to a point were not even the washed down version of life on this planet, that Deshpande’s idea of National Geographic portrays, is enough to keep Americans happy? Have Americans become so unhappy with their culture that they seek others misery, even when it is just not there?
What will National Geographic do now?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Summary of Deshpande - Darci Peterson
In his essay, "The National Geographic's Misty Lens", Shekhar Deshpande reminds the audience of the beautiful photography we see in National Geographic. The magazine is known for its brilliant photos. With that in mind, Deshpande brings to our attention that the photography is done to sell which means they take and present photos to appeal to the Western eye. He claims, "[W]e forget that the photographs and contexts in which they are placed represent a very conscious effort by the editors to make the world a happy place and a happy place especially for the Western eye" (pg. 2). This means that the Western eye, wants to see happy things and therefor, to sell magazines, National geographic sanatizes and shows the beauty of the world. There is some bias in the photography resulting in a misunderstanding of different cultures through dishonest visual stories.
Though out his essay Deshparde uses examples of stories that the pictures in National Geographic tell and what they have in common. As he explained before, a photo in their magazine shows only what the audience would like to see meaning that the information is censored or in a sense inaccurate. It is often the exotic people who are unlike our culture that draw our interest. Deshpante explains, "The primative, often a focus of the magazine,... [provide an image] of what 'would have been' if the West had not taken a march toward 'civilization'" (pg. 2). The West views the photos of other cultures that are different than the one we live in rather than civilized. This results in others using the West as an example. Social progress is considered to be change that brings a culture more like ours. The more cultures do this the more power we have to influence other cultures. Ultimately, Deshparde is claiming that the way we are shown the world by National Geographic is not completely true. The photography and techniques are used to both inform and sell, therefore there will be a balance of truth and entertainment. It is the world at a misted lens.
Though out his essay Deshparde uses examples of stories that the pictures in National Geographic tell and what they have in common. As he explained before, a photo in their magazine shows only what the audience would like to see meaning that the information is censored or in a sense inaccurate. It is often the exotic people who are unlike our culture that draw our interest. Deshpante explains, "The primative, often a focus of the magazine,... [provide an image] of what 'would have been' if the West had not taken a march toward 'civilization'" (pg. 2). The West views the photos of other cultures that are different than the one we live in rather than civilized. This results in others using the West as an example. Social progress is considered to be change that brings a culture more like ours. The more cultures do this the more power we have to influence other cultures. Ultimately, Deshparde is claiming that the way we are shown the world by National Geographic is not completely true. The photography and techniques are used to both inform and sell, therefore there will be a balance of truth and entertainment. It is the world at a misted lens.
confident gaze Meagan Cronin
In an essay by Shekhar Deshpande “The Confident Gaze”, she describes a photograph that was taken by a National Geographic photographer of an Indian boy all covered in red dust, with these huge dark brown eyes staring back at you that almost tell you a story and are full of emotion. He then also begins to go on describing how the magazine National Geographic is a magazine that uses pictures to draw in the reader. It is almost like the magazine does it on purpose, to make it so that people can look at the amazing pictures and still be able to somewhat understand what is going on in the article. Deshpande states “Its impact is felt most in the photographic realm. That says a lot. It could appeal to the semi-literate as well as to the literate by providing an entry into a field that needs to be taken with caution and respect for the “other” world”. (3) What Deshpande is meaning to get across with this quote is how if people are not that good of readers, being able to look at the pictures will still help them understand the story. I know that when I am looking at a National Geographic magazine I usually tend to just look at the pictures. Deshpande believes that National Geographic almost sugar coats the articles that they put out with pictures, like even though there might be a war going on for example photographers will take pictures of women and their children smiling. Deshpande states “While we admire the accomplishments of its photographers to bring us the rest of the world, we forget that the photographers and the contexts in which they are placed represent a very conscious effort by the editors to make the world a happy place and a happy place especially for the Western eye”. (3) Basically what Deshpande is saying is how, many of the photographs are taken in a somewhat positive setting. “and it attempts to sanitize and universalize the uncomfortable as well as different elements of other cultures”. (3) As the essay goes on Deshpande describes how in the magazine article it talks about the life in India “without any references to the real troubles of the people or the global conditions in which the country is implicated in”. (4)
The Confident Gaze - Corrina Brown
After reading Deshpande's roughly three page article you get a good idea about what he feels National Geographic Magazine does or rather what they don't do with their photographs. Deshpande feels that National Geographic magazine doesn't portray the truth in their photos but rather "beautifies" them to make them more viewable to the Westerner's eye. "It is as if that world needs to be posed in the appropriate way to the Western observer, he could not see it in its bare essentialities." Deshpande here is claiming that for some reason Americans could not handle the pain and suffering that is actually happening in the countries that National Geographic photographs. Of course we all are aware of the fact that most other countries viewed in National Geographic are struggling but Deshpande doesn't think we would be able to handle seeing this suffering with our own eyes. Deshpande also states "It is quite sensitive to trouble spots and trouble contexts; it does not pretend to evade such situations. But while it covers or represents such issues or situations, it can sanitize and even beautify the blood and gore of the conflict." Again I will say Deshpande is claiming that National Geographic is in areas where people are struggling on a daily basis, war is happening in the backyard of once family neighborhoods, but we don't see the entire truth of these happenings in the photos throughout the magazine. Desphande believes that photos show the "happy" part of what is going on in these places. Instead of photographing the bare truth the photos are edited and made to look more presentable to our Western eye.
Robert G. Brown-Summary of Deshpande
If ever there was a reason and a time to declare “That opinions are like assholes, everybody’s got one”, this article entitled “The Confident Gaze” grants me that privilege to assert this declaration. Although Shekhar Deshpande attempts to support his claims that National Geographic’s primary attraction to it’s readers is the magazine’s ability to portray a balanced perspective when covering controversial issues to our Westernised World, sadly enough his attempts fail, due to a lack of illustrative evidence and a fixed personal perspective that is driven by subjective rather than objective interpretation of the material he presents. He claims “This power to transform the most repulsive results of human actions around the world into images that are digestible is what makes for the culture of National Geographic.” (pg. 2 par. 6) How does one do this without distorting the impact of the message that one is trying to convey? The point is, you can’t if you are attempting to bring the “truth” of the matter to the forefront. To hide or soften the matter related to arriving at the truth offers no benefits whatsoever to either side searching for the truth. Does offering more comfort to the issues surrounding homelessness generate stronger and more effective solutions to its eradication? I don’t think so. Does presenting a prettier picture concerning the realities of fetal abortion generate a more tolerable society responding to this ongoing matter? I don’t think so. Another claim he makes is “What attracts a common reader is that the magazine provides a balance of images of both, once irreconcilable aspects of life in other cultures. That increases the comfort level of its readers. They get education through information that is “balanced” and they get entertained in the beauty of its representation, which denotes such an urge to give the reader his money’s worth.” (par.2 pg.3) I feel that he presents a diminished capacity to the real meaning of balance in respect to the portrayal of content. If you’re going to talk about life in a balanced manner, you can’t just refer to all of its good while neglecting the bad; you have to include both. To try and edit the content and present it as balanced after the edit is a lie. In order to generate the kinds of real change that a person or culture need to make in order to achieve their intended goals, sometimes you need to shove their noses right into the “shit” in order for this realization to spring forth. One of the main reasons for National Geographic’s success is because of its demonstrated consistent ability to produce this unbiased information in pictorial and documentary form. A great example of this was when they were covering the Vietnam War and presenting to the public all of the atrocities of the war. The truthful impact that this material presented greatly influenced the war’s end, regardless of who won, and it wasn’t us. So, next time you decide to interpret what or how National Geographic Magazine is presenting its material, try and do it from a “clear lens” vs. a “misty lens” perspective and maybe you’ll arrive at the truth.
summary of Deshpande's article
After reading the text"India turns 50", i found that it was mainly focused on how we portray images of other countries. The text mainly focused on how we as americans see other countries thru the magazine "National Geographic" and how we portray them in our own minds. I understand what the writer is saying, specifically because he referred to terms as the people of India were possing for these pictures. Overall it was a description of NG's look at how we as society take a look at other countries. I find that he is saying that "Western Culture" is demonstrated as high and mighty, and we view other countries strictly through what we see in the magazine instead of what we see in person, and have an unfair judgement.
Accoridng to Deshpande," The "innocent" attractiveness of the photography of National Geographic, its ambiguous representation of the knower and the known as the most "natural" and inevitable parts of our world are what have made for the success of the magazine. " (Despande1) I see how Deshpande is taking the role and explaining why society is being judgemental especially " Western Culture" and as how the magazine has amazing success based on how we percieve the world, not how it actuallly is. I see Deshpande reffering to "Western Culture" as being better than, and supposed to feel self pity for other cultures, also giving us a false view of other countries cultures, which gives society a completely unfair view and judggement of other cultures. This is a major point is describing National Geographic, but also stays as a majorly controversial path. Following up later in the article, Despande says accordingly, "Power to transform the most repulsive results of human actions around the world into images that are digestible is what makes for the culture of National Geographic."(despande2) After reviewing the text, i see all the supporting evidence of how Despande is saying that national Geographic, is taking the worst situation, and ultimately making it look appealing to our eyes. This is very confusung to me, why he would come with different claims, but i can see his view. In my opinion, this article is very confusing. I understand his side, but taking a second look at the article, he touches on the subject of transfering grotesque images into reasonable images. I tis confusing, but at the same time I see his point of how National Geographic is based, and how they ultimatley are making their magazines, conversions of digital media, and forms of video text. Thats all folks.
Accoridng to Deshpande," The "innocent" attractiveness of the photography of National Geographic, its ambiguous representation of the knower and the known as the most "natural" and inevitable parts of our world are what have made for the success of the magazine. " (Despande1) I see how Deshpande is taking the role and explaining why society is being judgemental especially " Western Culture" and as how the magazine has amazing success based on how we percieve the world, not how it actuallly is. I see Deshpande reffering to "Western Culture" as being better than, and supposed to feel self pity for other cultures, also giving us a false view of other countries cultures, which gives society a completely unfair view and judggement of other cultures. This is a major point is describing National Geographic, but also stays as a majorly controversial path. Following up later in the article, Despande says accordingly, "Power to transform the most repulsive results of human actions around the world into images that are digestible is what makes for the culture of National Geographic."(despande2) After reviewing the text, i see all the supporting evidence of how Despande is saying that national Geographic, is taking the worst situation, and ultimately making it look appealing to our eyes. This is very confusung to me, why he would come with different claims, but i can see his view. In my opinion, this article is very confusing. I understand his side, but taking a second look at the article, he touches on the subject of transfering grotesque images into reasonable images. I tis confusing, but at the same time I see his point of how National Geographic is based, and how they ultimatley are making their magazines, conversions of digital media, and forms of video text. Thats all folks.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
SElfe Summary Corrina
In Selfe's essay she simply believes that the world of American advertisements is basically blinded by the reality of what America really is. America is believed to be the melting pot, the place for all races, all genders, everyone to come together and live happily. However most of our advertisements show "mighty white" as Selfe calls them. A happy white "perfect" family. In reality America is filled with people from all over the world. She also shows ads that have strict gender rules. The men leading there families, the women in the kitchen. Now a days it can be the complete opposite. While I feel that today many ads aren't as biast as they used to be, many times the hidden messages is still a little off of what reality is. All I say to that is we must be smarter than the ads. Or being the next generation to change things we must portray America truthfully.
Is Google Making us Stupid? Corrina Brown
How awesome is it to be sitting at home watching the news or some show that is trying to help educate you on certain things that happen in this world and when you have further questions you can just hop on the computer and research whatever it is you want? Instead of waiting for a free chance to squeeze some library time into your already busy schedule. Although the internet helps us all in many ways, it is making us a little bit lazier. We have virtually everything at our fingertips. We are constantly changing speeds and bouncing around subject to subject. I don't believe it is the computers fault that we are becoming so reliant on it and lazy but rather our new crave of having everything we want right away!
Monday, May 17, 2010
heck ya dude
Jordan Nicholes
5/17/10
Summary
After re- reading Cynthia Selfe’s essay over again I think that the message that Selfe is trying to get across is that that Americans are selfish people and don’t care for other people and only think about themselves. Although this may be a true fact I think that it is unreasonable to say that all Americans act this way or think this way. America is the land of the free and the home of the brave so Selfe is entitled to think what she wants but I can’t say that I agree with a lot of what she is saying. On page 304 Selfe states that, “ "Unfortunately, if Americans have no collective imaginary context for, or historical experience of, a real global village, nor do they have any real experience with an undifferentiated land of opportunity. Our cultural experience, indeed, tells us something very different-that America is the land of opportunity only for some people." I don’t think that Selfe should be able to generalize Americans in such ways. I think that she thinks that she is a lot better than the people in America and that Americans should think and be more like her. She also states on page 294,” "One of the most popular narratives Americans tell ourselves about computers is that technology will help us create a global village in which the people of the world are all connected-communicating with one another and cooperating for the commonweal....This story, as you can imagine, is appealing at a romantic level to many Americans. It is also, quite terrifying. Becoming just another member of the tribe, just another citizen of the global village, suggests the possibility that Americans could be asked to relinquish their current privileged status in the world." I don’t really understand this. We try to be as one and become united but it never works and never will work. Everyone and everything we always be different in some ways.
5/17/10
Summary
After re- reading Cynthia Selfe’s essay over again I think that the message that Selfe is trying to get across is that that Americans are selfish people and don’t care for other people and only think about themselves. Although this may be a true fact I think that it is unreasonable to say that all Americans act this way or think this way. America is the land of the free and the home of the brave so Selfe is entitled to think what she wants but I can’t say that I agree with a lot of what she is saying. On page 304 Selfe states that, “ "Unfortunately, if Americans have no collective imaginary context for, or historical experience of, a real global village, nor do they have any real experience with an undifferentiated land of opportunity. Our cultural experience, indeed, tells us something very different-that America is the land of opportunity only for some people." I don’t think that Selfe should be able to generalize Americans in such ways. I think that she thinks that she is a lot better than the people in America and that Americans should think and be more like her. She also states on page 294,” "One of the most popular narratives Americans tell ourselves about computers is that technology will help us create a global village in which the people of the world are all connected-communicating with one another and cooperating for the commonweal....This story, as you can imagine, is appealing at a romantic level to many Americans. It is also, quite terrifying. Becoming just another member of the tribe, just another citizen of the global village, suggests the possibility that Americans could be asked to relinquish their current privileged status in the world." I don’t really understand this. We try to be as one and become united but it never works and never will work. Everyone and everything we always be different in some ways.
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