Totes Casual

In this post about Taylor Swift's upcoming 23 covers of Cosmo magazine, the journalist, Quinn Keaney, sounds just like one of Swift's fans. This article begins with a subtitle of "Is she even real?" This grabs the reader's attention immediately because phrases like this are often used by today's female, teenage population. The writer ends the second paragraph with, "Totes casual," after explaining that Swift will be on twenty-three magazine covers in upcoming months. Again, she is relating to the reader by using this type of language. Keaney continues by addressing the audience as "Swifties," Taylor Swift's fandom name. She also says, "hang onto your cats." This reference will make Taylor Swift fans feel special for catching it because Swift is known to love cats. By making this small remark, the writer is connecting to the audience even more. 

The norms enforced in this piece of media are that Taylor Swift is legendary; so much so that she will appear on twenty-three covers of Cosmo. In general, people like Taylor Swift. She is seen as a sweetheart with weakness for falling in love -- relatable to many teen girls. Sometimes this gets her into trouble, especially when she is seen with One Direction star Harry Styles. The point is Taylor Swift is well known and it just makes sense for her to be featured on this many covers. The message being sent by this article is that Swift deserves this. She has worked hard and the writer, along with majority of the readers, believe this is something people will want to read about once the magazines hit the shelves. The bias of this article is that of people who like Taylor Swift and her music, as well as her accomplishments as an artist. The bias is of the opinion of the fans of Taylor Swift. I think the point of this article was effectively made. Quinn Keaney got her point across by using language that relates to her audience. The way she portrayed her message made the point even more effective. 

Apple Leaks

On October 15, 2014, Apple's new iPads were inadvertently leaked. (http://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/apple-launch-new-ipad-mini-3-and-the-ipad-air-2-revealed-early/story-fnda1lbo-1227092065712) The article discusses the features that are expected to be included in the new products as well as the guesses of new features from the reporter. The article is directed at those who are interested in the "newest thing." The audience keeps up to date on the latest technology and are think that the release of information a day early is more exciting than waiting the extra 24 hours. During the entire article the reporter makes predictions about the newer versions of the iPads. These are not backed by any evidence, but merely speculations. He uses terminology that "regular" people are not necessarily aware of; therefore limiting the audience and comprehension of this article.

This piece sends the message that Apple is unable to keep their advancements under wraps. The article ends with, " Could Apple pull off a surprise? Possibly." This enforces the norm that Apple products are usually unveiled early, without Apple's intention. The reporter of this article is bias to the idea that Apple has many ideas but is incapable of keeping them secret. The point being made in this article is that Apple has difficulties keeping a secret of their ideas. The reporter pokes fun at Apple's bad luck of their products always being leaked early. 

Matthew McConaughey and Lincoln

Recently Lincoln released a new commercial featuring their new car model. The spokesperson of the advertisement is Matthew McConaughey. The thought of the commercial isn't bad. Matthew McConaughey is a likable person, (in some movies) and Lincoln produces high-class cars. However, I do not think that this commercial could have been more poorly executed. 

The only norm enforced in this media is that bulls are strong animals; most people would agree with that. As McConaughey states, or rather mumbles just loudly enough to hear, he "can respect that," that is the strength of the bull. I don't believe there was a clear message during the course of the entire commercial. It fails to tell the consumer any details about the car or what it has to do with the bull standing in the middle of the road. The bias present in this advertisement is that Lincoln cars are strong, but not strong enough to take on a bull. Lincoln wants to prove its strength and respect for the bull by leaving it alone. By the end of the commercial, I decided that Lincoln was not successful in getting their point across. 

In my opinion, Ellen's version was much better. :)