Manipulating The Public Through Media

I chose this picture of a British Soldier in Basra, Iraq, because I think that it shows that what the public is exposed to may not always be the truth - especially when the topic is controversial, such as the war. The photo, taken by Brian Walski of the Los Angeles Times, is actually two separate photographs doctored together to make a new, more captivating image. In one of the original pictures, the soldier has his hand up, but the civilian 's head is turned away. In the other original picture, the soldier's hand was down, but the civilian is facing the soldier. When these two images were spliced, and then combined, the result is a photograph that makes it seem as though the anxious civilian is not following instructions of the soldier who is trying to keep him safe.

This picture was originally published on the front page of the Los Angeles Times in April 2003. After the Times figured out that the image had been manipulated, Walski, a 30-year old veteran of the journalism business, was fired per the company's policy against altering news content. Walski claimed that he combined his images in order to improve the composition. It is clear though, when examining the photographs that each image conveys a different theme to the viewer. Walski's interpretation deliberately created a biased opinion in support of the invasion of Iraq. This manipulation makes it seem as though the citizens of Iraq are under incompetent and need the military to protect them.

To see the original pictures in comparison to the doctored image, check out this site: Doctored and Original Images Side-by-Side

Edit Your Heart Out

I had passed through the CLT (Center for Learning and Technology) at Trinity University once before Thursday (February 18, 2010), but never stopped to find out what all the computers and equipment in the room were designated for. Robert Chapman, the Instructional Support Manager for the Center, greeted the class and took us on a tour of the facility. Chapman, is in charge of TLearn and many other internet operations within the University. On the tour, he pointed out many technological resources that are available for the Trinity community. The Center is equipped with numerous Macs and PCs that may be utilized for Photoshop, Adobe, movie editing, and other high performance computer software. Chapman also explained that there are cameras that are readily available for rental use, as long as there is written teacher consent. Although equipment that leaves the Center must be checked out, the computers and software are open for any Trinity student to use for either academic or social purposes.
My knowledge about CLT was nonexistent before Mr. Chapman's tour. Now, I know that I can readily access software to edit my photographs and make them seem more professional and flawless. Furthermore, if I want to make a movie with my friends in the dorm, we can take all our footage to the Center and piece it all together to be cohesive. Not only can I use the resources in CLT for personal reasons, but I can also complete my academic projects on the computers there to give them a professional look. I know that my laptop does not the the ability to accomplish projects as nicely as if they were done on upscale machines such as those located in the Center. Needless to say, I will be making many trips in the future to the Center for Learning and Technology.

Mr. Jason Hardin: Trinity University's Copyright Guru

On February 11, 2010, Jason Hardin, Manager of Access Service at Trinity University gave an informative presentation about copyright issues in the realm of technology. He covered everything from the history behind copyright law, to the wording of the statute, to what the exact United States mandates prohibit. Mr. Hardin further adressed an issue facing every college student in America: illegal music downloading. He stated that he believed motion picture and music recording industries are suing college students at an increasingly common rate because downloading illegally since they have a limited budget, but an ever-present desire for new music.

In order to minimize the amount of students that find themselves in this dilemma, Trinity University has enacted the Higher Education Opportunity Act (2008). Provisions that fall under this act are:

1) There must be an annual disclosure made to students regarding campus and copyright policy, 2)There must be a plan developed to combat un-authorized file sharing

3)Must implement a system to provide alternatives to illegal downloading

So, what is a college student in need of the latest song supposed to do? In Mr. Hardin's vast opinion on copyright infringement, he suggests steering clear of any illegal downloading. Even though it's accessible, easy and free, in the end, it just isn't worth it. And, I have to say, that I agree. In the long run, it will be cheaper to buy the song for $1.29 on iTunes, instead of risking getting caught in a messy lawsuit of illegal downloading and forced to pay $1,290 per song acquired.

Mr. Jason Hardin: Trinity University's Copyright Guru by Larissa Lozano is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.