Media and Self-Esteem

1. Why do you think people are portrayed this way in the media?


In our world today,  I think people are portrayed a certain way in the media to help sell more of their products.  Without someone looking absolutely amazing for their advertisements, no one would be willing to even look twice at what they have to offer.  Since everyone wants to look amazing like the people in the advertisements, they would buy their product to help them  look flawless. 


2. How are you affected by the images you see?


Of course when i see these images, it makes me want to try out the products and see if it works but I know I won't exactly look like the people in the advertisements.  The images that i see everywhere can lower my self esteem a bit but it doesn't ruin my day or make me do certain things to be the person in the advertisements.  In everyone's mind, I think they all want to be that perfect someone that looks amazing all the time,  but no one can always look that incredible.  Plus at the end of the day, i think everyone loves who they are and what they have.  I am always thankful for every part of me even if it isn't perfect.  I believe everyone is perfect and unique in their own way.  


3. What can be done to reduce the amount of young men and women that are negatively affected by these images??


I think a way to reduce the amount of young men and women that are negatively affected by these images is to stop using Photoshop to make people feel like they are expected to look a certain way.   There should be no editing to change how someone should look because after editing everything about that person to make them look "perfect", that image of them isn't even who they are anymore.  There is no perfect someone, but there is always beauty.  


4.  What would your reaction be to a magazine cover where the subject isn't all glammed up?  Is this a possible route that society should take? Why or why not? 


I think my reaction towards the magazine cover where the subject when it isn't all glammed up would be "WOW! This is the real deal!! (: " Yes, i think it is a possible route that society could take because  it would be a change for people's eyes to see a normal person with no edit or touch up by an advice on a computer but as they notice it more often, they will realize that this person on the cover is a way better role model that someone "perfect".  It can be someone that they look up to and not doubt themselves because they don't look like the someone on a magazine cover.  

To share or Not to Share??

1. What is your personal opinion towards file sharing? Is it right or wrong? Please explain. 


In my personal opinion towards file sharing, I think it is a big deal towards the artists creating their art, but for us it is like our daily routine to just share files as if it is no big deal.  I understand the artist creating their work needs money like the rest of us  and if everyone just shares the files, no money would go towards them. Only one person would buy it and share it with everyone else which would go on until the whole world has it. 


2. If you produced your own piece of art/song/movie, would you hold the same opinion?


Depending on what i am creating, my opinion would be different for creating a painting or writing a new song.  If i created my own art work such as a painting, i would feel appreciated that people like my work enough to share it with others and knowing what they liked most about it would make me feel like a true artist. I think being a true artist is about sharing your talent with everyone in the world and being proud of what you have created even if some people will give negative comments on your art. Now, if i were a singer/artist creating new music i would like for people to buy my music.  But being one of the many people who download music from time to time, i would understand if some people would  download the song legally. If i were a creator of my own song and i was selling it on iTunes, I'm not only producing it for money but for everyone to recognize my talent and to enjoy the music as much as i do.  


3. Do you feel it is morally acceptable to download copyrighted material if it is only intended for personal use?


No i don't find it morally acceptable to download copyrighted material even if it is only intended for personal use.  I know i am one of the victims for downloading copyrighted materials but in my mind, i know it is wrong to do so.  Many artists, companies have lost a lot of money because people now just download everything off the internet and get away with it.  That is why everyone thinks it is a big deal. 

Career Mashing!

The career i would work best in is a programmer analyst.  As a  programmer analysts, you would be focusing on software development, analyzing codes and ensuring enhancements or modifications are completed.  This area is connected to developer and interactive media developer.  Weather you are working alone or on teams, the programmer analyst is responsible for the design and implementation of software programs for computer systems.  A programmer analyst solve computing problems and monitor systems for potential problems, and they also develop programs that meet user needs on a daily basis.


There are many different pathways for your education. One education pathway for becoming a programmer analyst is having a Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering or a related discipline.  Two other education pathways for becoming a programmer analyst is having a college diploma in computer science or software engineering or equivalent experience.


Neda Kazemi is a custom coder Programmer/Analyst, working at Randstad Technologies.  Neda moved from her native Iran to Canada to pursue a career in IT.  She created a new online expense system at Randstad Technologies - a staggng agency that places tech progessionals in temporary jobs at clients like IBM, Microsoft and RBC. Neda's program changed all that making it easier, faster and greener! 

"Working in a respectful, peaceful environment is what I love about my company.  We have team events like charity auctions, potluck lunches and outings.  What makes my job even more exciting is the rapid changes in this industry.  You cannot compare today's technologies with 10-12 year ago.  There's always something new." 

Neda works with the contract admin team, she develops and enhances their online tools for expenses and time sheets.  Meda spends most of her day in coding.  She is constantly building new features and custom layout designs.  "To be a coder, programmer or analyst, you have to be creative.  Sometimes you think there is no way to get something done, so you bend the rules and take a chance.  You find a solution in a whole new way.  A little creativity here and there solves problem." Neda says.