Best video games of 2016

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/dec/04/simon-parkin-best-video-games-2016-witcher-watch-dogs-2-dishonored-2-the-last-guardian

The best video games of 2016 have been released here!

"Fiction may be unable to compete with reality when it comes to whiplash-inflicting narrative twists, but it can provide a sanctuary into which the embattled and anxious may retreat. Video games in particular provide a comforting framework for the human mind."

Documentary and Bias

A truly gripping 10 part documentary series about US man, Steven Avery from Manitowoc County, who was wrongly convicted of a rape and was jailed for 18 years before DNA evidence proved him to be innocent.  The documentary then takes a turn when Steven is accused of sexually assaulting and killing Theresa Hollbach; the state, who were involved int he first case, are on the trial and prosecute him.  The documentary is carefully crafted and the audience has no where to be positioned but on the side of Steven, his family, and his nephew Brendan Dassey.  We do not see much from the defending side, even the evidence that is presented seems made up, too obvious, or misconstrued.  The editing is effective and really makes the audience side with Avery; we feel everything he feels and can do nothing but helplessly sympathise.  The clever use of editing and cliffhangers (or break bumpers) between episodes means that you go nowhere, but continue watching!

13th, Representation and black identity

A Netflix original documentary, 13th, is absolutely fascinating and is a must watch for anyone studying Representation or Identities in the media - particularly of black people.  It accuses the US state of essentially 'turning' slaves into criminals so that they could be re-locked up, undertaking menial tasks and essentially being subordinate to the bourgeoisie/ruling class.  The documentary explores how presidents including Nixon, Regan and Clinton essentially making up figures, creating moral panics, devising stupid initiatives (Just say no to drugs campaign) that essentially framed criminals.  The amount of prison inmates from ethnic backgrounds drastically increases over time, to the extent where the US state are able to make money out of them as their prison system is privatised.

The 13th amendment states: "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."  This is obviously ironic and the state essentially turns slaves into criminals to force them to become slaves, just with a different name, again.

FAKE NEWS!

Fake News seems to be something that is dominating newsfeeds on social media; it is sooooo easy to concoct a story, lie and post it on the internet.  Due to the lack of regulation of the internet, not only journalists, but Joe Public can post anything.  One journalist said classed these stories to be fake news, and not lies - but is there a difference?  Journalists are governed by IPSO (used to be PCC) which states that they cannot just make up news - this would be dematory, libelous and slanderous.  Since the phone hacking scandal, many victims now take out high court injunctions to escape being victims of sometimes, their own actions.  However, has this move now meant that journalists and users of social media alike are able to post anything they like?

A good read:  Facebook, fake news and the meaning of truth:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-38106131

Guerrilla Advertising - the lengths institutions go to to get noticed!

http://justsomething.co/street-advertising/

Guerrilla Advertising just screams creativity - the link above just shows the lengths advertisers get to to get their brands noticed.  The way in which audiences interact with these scenarios, displays, exhibitions, whatever you want to call them, is vital and pivotal for them to remember the concept in the hope to buy and part with their cash!

Class, race, wealth: Britain is a nation blighted by divisions

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/nov/29/britain-blighted-by-divisions-theresa-may-integration-casey-report

For those of you studying Identities in the Media for Mest 4, AQA, may like to choose an identity such as British identity, class or even racial identities in Britain.

This article proves to be an interesting starting point, particularly looking at the impact of Theresa May's new government/cabinet and whether social integration is taking place; especially after a report showed this week that it was down to schools to monitor immigration when May was the Home Secretary.