The Truman Show
Final Thoughts
"Reality"-Group 1: Carla, Emily, Gaby, Jena, Alec, Jasmin
"Advertising and Product Placement"-Group 2: Paula, Joshua, Vivian, Maria, Jamie-Ann
"Responsibility and Ethics"-Group 3: Janeal, Christina, Theresa, Justinne, Camilliah
You will hold a discussion on your topic within your group only on the blog. You are responsible to post your own original post and then respond to each of your other group members.
Reality
-What does the term “reality” signify to viewers? To makers? (in Truman’s world) To Truman Burbank?
-Are we truly real?
-What is real in our world?
-How is Seahaven like our world? Because for us too it’s difficult to distinguish between the real and the phony. Are we real? Can we trust our mentality?
-Do we see reality as it is or as we are? What and who conforms our mentality?
Advertising and Product Placement.
-Why might product placement be effective for selling, enticing, and creating a product image (seeing fictional people use real products)?
-Is this incorporation of image and fiction into lived experience also connected to how we perceive TV, perceive reality, perceive ourselves?
-Can we identify some of the appeals and strategies used by advertisers in general (stereotypes, nostalgia, glamour)?
-How is product placement used in professional sports? (For example Michael Jordan and Nike, Venus Williams and Reebok)
Responsibility and Ethics
-What is wrong with Seahaven?
-Who holds power over “The Truman Show”? How did they get that power? Who is responsible for the actions being filmed?
-What is wrong with our world?
- In the end, who exercises the power to change or construct a different reality?
-Responsibility or control is also at issue in considering reality. Is something more or less real if it is controlled? Who gets to control? How are our lives controlled?
-Who takes responsibility for (constructing) reality? Who in the film does? How is Christof’s way of doing this different than Truman’s? Who else is involved (viewers, actors, technicians)? What parallelisms can be found between the way the media control Truman’s life and the forces that control our lives?
Responsibility and Ethics
ReplyDelete1. Seahaven is perfect in every single way. It is Truman's own personal utopia where nothing wrong ever happens. The town is beautiful and the people are friendly and considerate. However, the one thing wrong with Seahaven is that it is artificial. Seahaven is a microcosm built especially for Truman to live in. In fact, even the sky and weather is fabricated. Moreover, no one in Seahaven is "real" except for Truman
2. Cristof holds power over "The Truman Show." Truman was selected out of five babies. and adopted by the television corporation. Cristof then created "The Truman Show" and began to film him even before he was born. Cristof also controls what is being filmed and at what angle. There are approximately 5,000 cleverly hidden cameras in Seahaven. Cristof orders his team to switch between cameras in order to capture the perfect shot. He also ceases transmission in times of emergency.
3. Our world is full of lies and deceit. Furthermore, it is filled with rude and inconsiderate people who do not care what happens to you. Our world is filled with things that can hurt you.
4. In the end, it is Truman who exercises the power to construct a different reality. Cristof attempted to control Truman's faith through the use of extreme weather. He even goes as far as attempting to kill Truman to prevent him from leaving Seahaven. However, when Truman is giving the chance to leave Seahaven he takes the opportunity. Therefore, Truman took control of his faith and went out into the "real world."
5. Something is less real if it is controlled. If something is controlled than the events that follow are affected. If it is not controlled than anything can happen and it is more authentic because it has not been altered in any way. People can control their own lives and what happens in it. They can choose the people to be around and how the want to live our lives. However, they cannot control everything such as nature. Our lives are controlled by laws, morals, and other people in our lives. For example, when you are younger your parents control your lives based on what is best for you.
6. In the film, Cristof takes responsibility for constructing reality. He created the show and designed Seahaven for Truman to live in. He also controls the weather and events that happen in Truman's life. Cristof's way is different than Truman because Cristof controls all elements of Truman's life. Truman does not control anything in his life until the very end of the film when he decides to leave Seahaven. Moreover, viewers do not interact with Truman but watch his life on television from their homes. Additionally, actors are involved in the Truman show by acting as Truman's friends and neighbors. Everyone living in Seahaven is told what to do and what to say. Furthermore, technicians place hidden cameras and spot lights all over Seahaven. Significantly, Truman's life is controlled by what will appeal to the audience. Therefore, love interests are introduced and emotional situations are created. This relates to the forces that control our lives because people are always trying to appease other people. They are concerned over what others think of them and change themselves as a result.
#3
DeleteIn question 1 you said that Seahaven is a place full of friendly and considerate people. In number 3 you said that the world we lived in now is full of rude and inconsiderate people. Would you prefer the kind and considerate people from Seahaven even though it was all an act or would you prefer the rude and inconsiderate people from our society whose feelings are authentic?
Replying to 5
DeleteI agree with the idea that a controlled life is less real. But if life were to be controlled, but you were happy in the process, would it really matter? Is "ignorance is a bliss" good or bad in this case? Sure everyone should have their own individuality, but does freedom always equal happiness? Someone could be under control throughout their life, but if they were given the necessities for living, luxuries, and emotional support and care, would it still be unethical? Although living in a fake/simulated world sounds inhumane on the outside, living ignorantly has no real effect until discovered.
In response to #5:
DeleteI completely agree with you when you say that something controlled is less real. I also agree that certain things cannot be controlled such as nature and that they will always affect our lives in a way unimaginable.
Replying to #3:
DeleteAre you saying that because you're pessimistic? Our world is not full of just lies and such. Though it may seem to you as full of bad things and danger, consider the positive factors for it is the only world we can live in.
Advertising and Product Placement
ReplyDelete1. Product placement is effective for enticing people because it is a glamorized version of how the product works. People in commercials are always shown using the product they are advertising in such a happy and idealized way that it convinces consumers that they need the product to live a happier life. Advertisers constantly picture animated characters playing basketball with Nike shoes to appeal to children. Their favorite characters are using these products, so they have to too. This kind of advertising is used constantly throughout The Truman Show, when Truman's wife would advertise knives and Mococoa coffee seemingly out of nowhere.
2. The usage of images are incorporated into our reality because celebrities are constantly wearing these expensive, glamorized products. Whether it is Gucci socks or True Religion shirts, this product placement is always being incorporated into the reality that we live in. We may perceive ourselves as unequal to the people who portray certain images or wear expensive products. If we buy what other people have, we will fit in into society. This strengthens the connection between images and reality.
3. Advertisers use stereotypes either by race or by gender. For example, makeup companies always advertise their products to women, by feeding off their insecurities by implying they will look "more beautiful" by using their product instead of their competitors. Boys are always portrayed as liking castles, and "masculine" things whether they are Legos or toy trucks, while girls are almost shown as liking pink and being incredibly feminine and domesticated. Laundry products such as detergent almost always show women doing this mostly domesticated work. Advertisers use nostalgia to bring the people watching back to a simpler and easier time.
4. Product placement is used in all professional sports. NASCAR drivers' cars are filled with product placement and sponsors, which helps give attention to these companies. This shows that there is a relationship between the celebrity and a company. If a celebrity endorses a company, people will flock to buy that company's products. Rappers now sign contracts with shoe companies to promote their albums of their craft. Basketball players are constantly creating or wearing name-brand shoes. This convinces the common man that they should buy these shoes as well, to be like their idols. This kind of advertising is called a celebrity testimonial.
responding to #3:
DeleteI feel that the need to use stereotypes to endorse products would also create a false image and security. Since cosmetics has a feminine image, companies, such as Nature Republic, has used male idols to advertise their products and show that yes, it is totally fine for grown men to be using facial creams. Using stereotypes create a borderline and boundary for both genders. Advertisers should steer away from that because they are telling people to portray the perfect, ideal image of a man or woman and restricting them from exploring different options.
Replying to #1
DeleteI agree with you that the products on TV are used so glamorously that they make us feel that we need them in our lives to be happier. When people especially children see someone they idolize using something they automatically want it too. However, product placement can be subliminal too, where you don't even consciously realize a product was in a movie or TV show you watched but your brain still does and that's why you want something so badly without even knowing why.
1- Truman’s life was all an illusion. His marriage, job, house, best friend, his mother where all planned out and controlled by Christof. Truman was the “real” star of his own illusion who hadn’t been introduced to any other life. The viewers enjoyed watching an illusion more than living their real lives.They found this illusion starring someone real , more amusing that the reality they lived in because it represented a utopia and a “good life”. The makers of the “Truman Show” especially Christof created this illusion to demonstrate what the world should be like and how life should be lived. He wanted to represent what reality should be by creating an illusion. But to Truman this “utopia” meant nothing and reality meant everything.He knew that everything, which was perfectly constructed for him, was fake and that the struggles of the “unknown” world is the reality he is trying to discover. Escaping the “utopia” would take him to reality.
ReplyDelete2- A real person isn’t someone who can’can't walk through walls. A real person is someone with a genuine personality, someone who makes others feel good about themselves, someone who puts the happiness of those he/she loves before him/herself,someone who stays true to their promises and has his/her words in sync with his/her actions. We are truly real if we offer “true love” to the ones we say “I love you” to, if we speak the truth.
3- The uppermost love we have for others, the indescribable care and the strong bonds are real in this world full of lies, deceiveness, and backstabbing. The sincere relationships with others are what make this world real despite all the fraud and phonies.
4- The daily routine in Seahaven is the day to day life in our world. The children go to school, adults are off to work and mothers are the housekeepers.But there's much more than that to this world.There's the struggles, the problems we face, and the obstacles we need to learn how to leap over. Sometimes our minds can be our enemies when we are in a constant fight with it. Sometimes when we can't trust our conscience and mentality we go to depend on our hearts.
5- I think we see reality as we are.We see the world from our own point of view.By how life treats us.We create our own reality by what we experience and what we see. If we have been having bad luck all our lives we say that this world is bad and if we have been living a good life we say that this world is good. Our conscience conforms our mentality.
Replying to #2 & 3
DeleteIn your responses to #2 & 3 you state that people who have empathy and strong bonds with others are the only genuine people in the world, but I feel as though you are false. It only seems like these types of people are 'genuine' because that is what is taught and assumed in our society, to show love to others. In reality, these genuine people are developed because they copy actions from what they see from others. They truly are not thinking by themselves, therefore cannot be called genuine.
Replying to 2&3
DeleteI would also like to add that while love is indeed true, this isn't always correct. I am not sure that love can every really be proven. There can be acts and words of love, but in a world full of corruption as ours can be, lies exist. Therefore I do not believe, unless we can read minds, that there is any way to truly prove love. But for the sake of a "bright-side," we like to believe that all love is true until it is proven not.
Frauds and negative situations are as real as love and happiness. Just because things are difficult and unwanted does not make them any less real. Our world is built on unwanted corruption and it is our choice to understand the circumstances and live with it. Love can conquer and bring support, but there are situations that love cannot heal.
DeleteResponding too #4;
DeleteI completely agree with this answer, I specifically like how you went into the parallels between Seahaven and our world. However, the following the hearts part is a little tricky, what if what’s in our heart is bad? Like Greed, or selfishness.
DeleteReplying to #4
I agree with your point that we are constantly trying to escape our own problems. It is funny that even our own minds are predictable.
Topic: Responsibility and Ethics
ReplyDelete1. Seahaven is the peaceful island where Truman lives, works and grew up. It is conveyed as a place where nothing ever goes wrong, “The Perfect World”. The only problem is Sea Haven is the set of a popular reality show called “The Truman Show”.Everything from the sunset to the moon is fabricated. The island has over 5,000 cameras that record Truman’s every move and stream it live across the country as a 24/7 reality show. The people that live and work on that island are all hired actors one of which includes Truman’s wife Meryl. Basically, the only truly real thing in Seahaven is Truman himself.
2. Christoff has full control over “The Truman Show”. Christoff came to acquire this power when Truman was the first to be born out of five unwanted pregnancies. He was adopted by the television corporation and immediately thrusted into the limelight. Christoff is responsible for the actions being filmed. As the shows Director he controls what events take place in Seahaven and which camera to use to capture each moment.
3.Our world is composed of hate, bigotry and lies.
4. Truman takes it upon himself to abandon Sea Haven in search of the real world. After realizing that the only place he has ever known is a complete fabrication he conquers his fear of the water in his quest for the truth.
5. Something is less real if it is controlled. Raw behavior and results produce raw outcomes. If something is altered or controlled then the authenticity of every action that follows is compromised. If one is seeking an uncut reality then they have to strip away any control of the situation they have and lets it run its course. Our lives are controlled everyday by law enforcement, the government, careers and education systems.
6.Christoff takes responsibility for presenting an acceptable reality to Truman. Christoffs approach to constructing reality is exactly that, constructed. Christoffs reality is a man-made, fabricated environment that, if accepted, can function as a realistic world.On the other hand, Truman seeks an unedited uncut reality. He would rather have an authentic and raw universe than one that is counterfeit and falsified by outside sources. Regardless of how pleasant this produced world may seem it is not a reality Truman wants to partake in. In The Truman Show Christoff manipulates Truman’s life for the sake of his TV show. Similarly, in society big name companies and corporations manipulate ordinary people to gain more money.
Replying to #3 I would like to add that although our world is composed of lies, the same goes for Seahaven. Nothing in Seahaven is real except for Truman himself. Truman lives in a false world where everything, including the sky is a lie. Furthermore, he is constantly lied to by his "friends" who are just actors being told what to do and say. Therefore, both worlds are full of lies.
DeleteIn response to #3:
DeleteAlthough our world is composed of "hate, bigotry, and lies" it is most definitely not all of the world. Many countries other than the United States are not facing such a reoccuring epidemic such as racism and bigotry, however many are still encountering these issues as well. With all of the hate still prevalent in the world, happiness and optimism does still peek through the shades every now and then. Thus, the world is not primarily composed of hate, bigotry, and lies, but they do play big roles in our society over Seahaven's society.
In response to #3
DeleteI agree with your beliefs about the world's flaws. But when concerning the character of Truman and his "society" there is no bigotry and hate, but the lies are massive. Do you believe that a world full of lies are justified if society follows ignorant happiness without hate and bigotry? It's impossible to fix society's problems of hate, bigotry, and lies, but which one has more impact than the others?
Replying to #5:
DeleteI would not say controlled, but more of influenced by law enforcement, the government, and so on. We still have the ability to control out actions because we have a free will. However, we are influenced by others to make good decisions.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteReality
ReplyDelete1.) Reality signifies darkness and cruelty to the viewers and makers of “The Truman Show”, which is why they turn to the Truman Show, to ignore reality and focus on a man who is naive and lives a unproblematic life. Truman is unaware of what true reality is because the reality he knows was staged his entire life. As the movie progresses however, he is aware of there is something missing from his life in Seahaven, but he does not know what. To Truman, reality signifies unattainable clarity.
2 & 3.) In the world we live in, we are not real. Yes, people exist along with other organisms on this macrocosm, but our personalities and opinions are not truly genuine. As humans we recycle ideas we see our entire lives because we do not know how to do anything else. Therefore our beings are not truly genuine because we accept the world we grow up in and do not question its existence. We are only real physically, but not mentally.
4 & 5.) Seahaven can be compared to our world due to their purview on Truman’s life. Truman’s life is their safe haven, because it is pure from corruption. Our world is the same, due to the media covering more entertainment updates rather than the corruption happening around us. People consume the former more to ignore the problems happening around us because it is easier to deal with. We cannot trust our mentality because we see the world how we want to see it and not how it actually is. We see reality as how we are and others around us conform to our mentality, but what other choice do we have? We conform to this mentality because we do not know how to do anything else.
Replying to 4&5
DeleteI have to disagree with your idea that our world is pure with corruption and that our mentalities deceive us because of our unwillingness to accept the truth. I believe that just because we do not focus on corruption as much, does not mean that it is not there. And just because we do not know the whole truth, that does not mean that we simply refuse to acknowledge it--we just can't see it.
Replying to 2&3:
DeleteI believe that we are real mentally. We are able to produce our own thoughts without any judgement or criticism from others. These raw thoughts are are very much real and true to our own personality. We are true to ourselves, mentally, but we may not be true to others. We may recycle ideas, but that is because social normalities tell us to do so. We do diverge from this and share genuine thoughts with others as connections grow stronger. Genuineness is not based on the environment around us it is based on how we express ourselves through actions and words.
Replying to # 2&3 :
DeleteOur personalities can be real because not everyone accepts the life they are born in and not everyone just goes with the flow of society.Some people actually form their own distinctive personalities and even go against what they were taught as kids because they might not agree with it.
Delete2&3; How do you explain being able to mourn a lost one? Too feel ineffable compassion and love for your significant other?
We human beings, are very real mentally, we have overwhelming emotions that comes from our own personal thoughts and experiences, sometimes all that is real is depression unfortunately, which is a chemical in balance, all mental.
DeleteResponding to #4&5
Our mentality isn't always reliable because we do not have full control. Our reality can be altered by ideas inserted by charismatic leaders or revolutionaries, like in the past. Despite the fact that we perceive our personal bubble as unique, new ideas can always alter perspectives.
(To Ms. Lab: I forgot to put the group subject. To my group: I'm sorry you have to scroll all the way down here from the faulty one.)
ReplyDeleteAdvertising and Product Placement
1. It is a win/win situation for the product company and the creators of The Truman Show with product placement. If a product from an unfamiliar company or a well-known company is featured on national film, it must be very good to be featured. The actors in the movie advertise these products during scenes that may seem appropriate. For example, an overly enthusiastic Meryl attempted to avert Truman's focus on his surroundings by offering him to make a chocolate drink using Mococoa. The audience may want to use advertised products when they see the actors using them.
2. The incorporation of image and fiction is connected to how we perceive reality, TV, and ourselves. Many of the things we are subjected to by the media become simulated in real life. People follow trends and want to be caught up with the times. In addition, the situations that happen in movies or shows draw inspirations from real life situations. Soap operas, news, dramas, action -- everything is exaggerated for viewing pleasure.
3. Advertisers use a variety of strategies to influence their audience. Ethos is used the most. Especially in health advertisements, the audience's fear of death is aroused when raising awareness for something such as smoking or a disease. In many fashion magazines, brand names try to have diverse models showcase their works. Diversity contributes a company's promotions. Uniqlo, for instance, is a Japanese clothing brand but is very successful in America. Just because a brand name may have a origin different from your own does not mean you cannot involve yourself in its franchise. Advertisers attack our senses so they bring out our desires for something, such as perfume, food, and makeup. They would use what would make sense towards a specific audience.
4. In professional sports, athletes are showcased in action with the products. Athletic wear and technology is not only meant to be eye-catching but also durable and convenient. Product placement in professional sports is subtle because blending the products into the athletes' everyday life would appear natural. Advertisements will have famous athletes do the promotions because if an audience sees professionals use a brand name such as Michael Jordan or Nike, they would want these products. This subtle product placement encourages student athletes or any ordinary person to spend hefty amounts on these products to improve their performance.
Replying to Vivian #3
DeleteI agree with you when you say that Diversity helps to grow a company's progress. However, I believe pathos is used more often than ethos. For food products, especially restaurants or Doritos, the advertisers try their best to convince you that you need their product now. This taps into your emotions and makes you believe that eating their product will give you emotional satisfaction. The pictures of food are airbrushed to make your tastebuds salivate.
Replying to # four,
DeleteI agree with your point that product placement occurs in professional sports by implementing it in the athlete's gear. The subtle but consistent presence promote a certain perception of the brand and it does make the athlete more inclined to buy Nikes. You should also mention how Nike also appeals to many demographics and its iconic logo have been associated with high degrees of athleticism because of its sponsorships with professional athletes.
Topic: Reality
ReplyDelete1. Reality to each person is the world as they know it. To the viewers and makers of the Truman Show, their reality involves not just the day-to-day schedule of work or school, but also the corruption and crime. For Truman, however, he knows only the former. His life is completely perfect, from friendly neighbors and loving family and friends. His entire life is set out for him, and as a result, that is the only reality he knows.
2. We as people are only truly considered real to those who know of our existence. In the entire world, we are merely one out of a whole seven billion people. And out of that seven billion people, maybe only a pinch of that will know you exist, but the rest? They don't, because to them, Emily Pham, or whoever you are, isn't a person. To us, our own lives may seem long, but to the macrocosm of the world, it is minuscule.
3. Something considered real is something that can be seen or felt. To us, the life of another person whose name we have never even heard of on the other side of the world may not be real, but would you deny the existence of your mother for example? No, because she is tangible. Therefore, what is considered true in our world can only be what can be proven.
4&5. Seahaven is not much different from our own world. Like us, they go to school, go to work, eat, sleep, form relationships, etc.--all as normal as we do. The main difference is that Seahaven is not a true world, but instead a made-up town of a TV show. But regardless of this difference, both worlds are considered reality to those who live in it because, like I had said earlier, their reality is all they see and, consequently, all they know. Therefore, we cannot truly know if we ourselves our real. Perhaps we are just like Truman, who only knows the phony world of Seahaven that he was forced to grow up in. As the viewers, we know that Seahaven was created by Christof and so he was the one who had built and conformed Truman's world. To us, we do not know who our Christof is because in the end, the Truman Show proves to us that even our mentalities cannot be trusted to tell us what is really the truth from what is not.
DeleteReplying to #4 & 5
Along with Seahaven’s reality being the only reality Truman knows, Seahaven’s world is also similar with ours because of their mentality. Like us Seahaven bowdlerizes negative media and only focuses on the positive (Truman’s life) in order to forget about the corruption of the world. Our media can also be seen doing similar.
replying to # 3 :
DeleteIn your reply, you said that something considered real is something that can be seen or felt and that what is true can only be what is proven. Take oxygen for a very simple example. Oxygen cannot be seen with the naked eye nor can it be felt but it has been proven that it exists because it is crucial for our existence.
Replying to 2:
DeleteYou are real to people around the world. You are one who makes up seven billion. However, you are only seen as a number rather than a person who lives their own life. Even if ou are in a different part of a globe you are still a real person.
DeleteReply to #3
You stated clearly that something that is real, is also felt or seen, how about the very thing holding you too the ground, gravity, that too can not be felt or seen.
DeleteReplying to #4&5
When you state that "we do not know who our Christof is", do you suggest that our own realities are controlled by a God? Technically, Christof is Truman's God, his literla creator.
Reality:
ReplyDeleteReality is the ability to conform to the environment that is presented, according to the maker of the Truman show. The viewers are blinded to reality because of the way the Truman Show fabricates life's natural flow. The makers believe that reality is tangible and can be manipulated to fit the desires of the viewers and create an interesting plot. In addition, many events were planned by the makers to confine Truman inside of Seahaven. Truman is unsure of reality throughout the film. He begins to realize that his life is very repetitious and pure, which challenges the natural occurrences that make up reality.
I believe that we are only truly real when someone or something drives us to be. Truman felt a sense of reality that diverged him from the path that was set for him, in addition to Sylvia who came to reality when she realized that the show cannot come between her and her feelings. People act differently to suit their environment, when people are placed amongst professional, they will act proper as opposed to when they are with close friends. We are only real when we speak our own minds or become critics, without boundaries and limitations. People are pressured to behave a certain way when faced with different situations, however, if we feel no limitations we can express who we really are.
Our world is as real only as our eyes perceives it. We can choose to look at many aspects of the world as either real or fake. Political and social issues are real, however, many issues such as celebrity gossip is not. Celebrities that fight with other celebrities usually stage these acts as a marketing tool to gain popularity. Many political debates, environmental issues, and social discrepancies are issues that are very real and almost unavoidable. The events that happen in Seahaven are controlled by the makers, therefore making the Truman show very fictitious. However, many issues in the Truman show are mirror real world situations, such as the need for change and adventure. People wish for changes in every day life to escape the drab of an office job. In addition, Truman often hides his true feelings and intentions from others which many people do. He fears that everyone will know about his skepticism about his environment and his wish to reunite with Sylvia. Many people hide from their desires because of judgement or fear.
We see reality as it is presented to us. People cannot change the reality that they are presented with, so they must live with it. We act upon what is seen as social norms rather than always acting truthfully. People construct what they are going to say or avoid certain topics because they do not want to cause an argument when having a discussion. We cannot trust ourselves or others, because we all change ourselves to fit the wishes of others or to conform to what is socially acceptable.
-Carla Cagandahan
I don't exactly/fully agree with when you said that "People cannot change the reality that they are presented with". We are born into a specific life but that doesn't mean we can't change that life and create the life we want to lead.We are presented with a reality at birth but as we grow older and view different aspects of life in different ways we develop our own reality and we begin to live it.
DeleteIn your response you mention political and social issues are real, however, they can be fabricated like how celebrity gossip is. Political figures often bluff attacks on others, which many people believe. The media often exaggerates environmental and social issues as well, to satisfy viewers.
DeleteReplying to #1
DeleteIt is quite ironic that the viewers find Truman's life to be real, when in fact, it is also a fabricated reality that the show's creators concocted for profit. It appeals to the viewers because it is literally heaven, with no problems or the complexities of relationship drama. It seems as if Seahaven is also the viewer's reality since it is an international pastime to watch the show 24/7. Just imagine watching some movie for that long... You will lose your own self. The Truman Show is nothing more than flat-screen cocaine for people sick of their boring lives.
Delete#1
Truman’s life is nothing more than a lie madero by overbearing, physcolo directors. Seahaven is a town that appeals too people so much because it’s whatching one of their own, in a fixed habitat, like as if we grew tired of animals and started to watch ourselves.
Reality
ReplyDelete1. To the viewers of the Truman Show, their reality was watching Truman live his day to day life. As they had come to terms with the fake lives that they lead, millions tune in to watch Truman with no restrictions, as Truman does not have to deal with lies, violence, drama, and discontentment with life. Truman symbolized their messiah of escapism. To the makers of the show, their perspective of reality was keeping Truman confined in the bubble of Seahaven. They were his adoptive parents, manipulating the his world in order to keep him safe and oblivious to a harsh reality. To Truman Burbank himself, his reality was Seahaven, with all it's quirks and oddities. He subconsciously accepted the life presented to him and went along with it like a clueless child.
2. We are not real. We are only real in our own decisions. Because of social media, it is very easy to pick out the best photos so that all our "friends" can see what a great life we're living, despite the fact that it probably sucks. We present a reality that everything is going great and it will stay that way. Only our actions define how genuine we are, as most things are easy to say, but hard to do.
3. In our world, what is real is how you treat others and yourself, and what you stand for. You may convince everyone to think that your an honorable person, but if your just a scheming cheater behind closed doors, what good is it? You are defined by what you believe in, there is no black and white when it comes to your beliefs. The most real man or woman is one who will stand for what he or she believes in despite the pull of peer pressure and conformity.
4. Seahaven is much like our world because we are constantly presented with separate "realities". These are fed to us by television, movies, the Internet, social media, video games, anime, Korean dramas, pornography, or any sort of entertainment to be frank. Entertainment on its own is fine as a pastime, but when people are addicted to it just to neglect their own lives, there is a problem.
5. Reality is seen as our own small bubble. We all live certain experiences that each of us as individuals will only live through. Sure, we can share these experiences, but how we go through them is an intricate part of our identity as human beings.
Replying to #3
DeleteIf we are real only in our decisions, can we not just act without sincerity? Actions can be done and they can seem genuine, but in reality they were insincere. The only person who knows the true intent is the person performing the action.
Replying to # 3 :
DeleteIn your answer for # 3 , you state "In our world, what is real is how you treat others and yourself". But what if someone treated the other so well but it was all fake,all the kindness and good treatment was a lie to obtain a certain goal.That definitely wouldn't make it real because its all an act. Even if the treatment was bad that can still be fake.Someone can be treating a person badly just because his friend dislikes that person so that "someone" treats that person disliked by his friends badly to simply just agree with his friends and not be left out for thinking differently.
Replying to #2:
DeleteWhile social media is a gateway to showing off or fabricating your own reality, there can be truth behind someone's post. People share genuine happiness with those around them to prove that life is not bland and nihilistic. Social media gets a bad reputation for giving off a false sense of reality. The people using the platform can view it as negative or positive depending on their experience.
DeleteReplying too #3
You had mentioned that how you treat people is a critical part of what is real, what if you backstab someone? How does hat fit in?
Responsibility and Ethics
ReplyDelete1.) Seahaven’s purpose is to create a personal world for Truman Burbank to live in. The entire community is based on setting an atmosphere for Truman to focus on daily life for the sake of television. The issue with Seahaven is that it’s a masquerade. The feelings and emotions of all its residence is all acting and manufactured. Truman is the only person that’s genuine, his entire life has been fed with corporate lies for entertainment. Truman’s character is a true man of real emotions while everything around him is constructed and deceiving.
2.) Christof is the person in charge of Truman’s life on “The Truman Show”. He knows Truman more than Truman knows himself. All of Truman’s actions, feelings, and life decisions were directly influenced by Chirstof’s plans for a good plot for the show. Christof’s corporation legally adopted Truman before his birth, so technically, Christof is the “father” of Truman. Christof explains that within Seahaven’s biodome, there are over 5000 minuscule hidden cameras meant to follow Truman around wherever he goes.
3.) I personally believe that the flaws in our world overshadow the good aspects. Problems such as corruption, false promises, ideological differences, and war occur more than their morally just counterparts.
4.)The ending of the film portrays the reality conflict between Christof and Truman. Truman’s two options are to live freely in the real world or continue to stay in his simulated life without fear or consequence. Ultimately, Truman decides to live reality in the real world. In this scenario, Truman has control over his own individuality and privacy that no corporate leader like Christof can control.
5.) If a reality is controlled by a higher authority, life would not seem real in a sense of freedom. Living life determined by a procedure takes away individuality and prevents individuals to express themselves. In the film, every time Truman expresses the thought to venture beyond Seahaven, Christof tells the actors to disprove his ideas influencing him to stay. In our modern world, societal influence controls our realities. Social media allows us to view how society functions because of its accessibility to millions of people’s thoughts. It is common for people to succumb to social norms to “fit in” and people who are opposed to the mainstream media are seen as “outcasts”. This modern reality of connect-ability makes a variety of topics difficult to discuss. I believe that in today’s age, society believes that the popular opinion is the right choice and any opposition is considered “wrong” and slandered for their different beliefs. Our lives are pressured by society to mindlessly agree with the majority rather than having the time to think for ourselves and determine what’s morally right or not
Part 2
Delete6.) The film clearly explains how Christof managed to create Truman’s reality by constructing a planned community around him. The only person with genuine feelings and thoughts was Truman himself. However, all the events in Truman’s life, such as education, work, and marriage were all pre-planned by a corporation. Truman’s environment was merely an artificial ploy for entertainment. Although the outside world knew Truman’s reality was fake, the appeal of the show was Truman’s perception of life. What Truman saw was real, his reactions were real, his emotions were real, and to Truman, this fake reality was just regular life. In our modern world, especially people who have succumbed to mainstream media, are unaware of the influential power of corporate business, celebrities, television, the internet, etc. Television advertisements and corporations fool the masses into believing what products are good or not. People constantly follow celebrities’ political/ideological beliefs mindlessly without having a second thought to think for themselves. The internet has unlimited access for knowledge and useful information, but instead it’s taking advantage of to explore trivial trends or fake news. The influence of these aspects on daily life impact the individuality of a person by making us followers, not independent individuals. The influence of social media prevents us from understanding who we truly are as people.
Replying to #2:
DeleteI agree that everything in Truman's life is influenced by Cristof. Cristof seems to care deeply about Truman's well being as a father would. However, like Truman said, Cristof "never had a camera in his head." Cristof does not know Truman's true feelings and how he thinks. Truman's mind is the one private thing in his life.
In response to #4:
DeleteI agree that Truman ultimately became the only person responsible for his reality. In contrast, I do not feel as though a corporate leader was in control of his life, but more so a manipulative man.
#6
DeleteIt is definitely true that social media can conform anyone to fit its standards. Much like Truman's manufactured reality, Seahaven, people today turn to social media as a safe haven from the corruption that plague society.
Advertising and Product Placement
ReplyDelete1. Product placement is effective for selling, enticing and creating a product image because it gives people the illusion that their lives could be just like ones of people in Hollywood. Movies and television shows give people unrealistic expectations and hope that are too far fetched to be obtained in real life. So when people see products that they can easily purchase they cling to that bit of "Hollywood" and hope. Even if people's lives are not going well, they could feel relived when they have a product in their home that a celebrity also has. In "The Truman Show," people idolize Truman, therefore when items are shows in the show people rush to buy such because it makes them believe that they can have something in common with their idol.
2. Yes, I believe that this is an actual portrayal of how we perceive reality and TV but not ourselves. I think that when the public watches television shows, they believe that that is how life is supposed to be. The products that celebrities use in movies and shows are thought to be the idea items that we all need to improve ourselves. That is what differentiates people's views of reality as opposed to how we view ourselves. People view reality as being like the one shown in movies and they perceive TV as an ideal world, one that they should aspire to reach. In turn, we view ourselves as always needing improvement-always needing to be more "TV like". An example of this is the products that celebrities promote on their social media. Since they are greatly admired, their massive amount of followers feel an a need to buy these products.
3. Advertisers mainly focus on the gender stereotypes to appeal to the different audiences. Women are portrayed as delicate housewives and most of the "feminine" advertisement is related to cooking, cleaning and tending to other members of the family. For men, most products try to emphasize the masculinity that is ideal. Things from tools to car related products target men. Additionally, advertisers also use ethos as a weapon to persuade the public to buy their items. This is mainly done by causing fear in the viewers and making them believe that without certain products their livelihood is at risk.
4. Product placement is used in professional sports by showcasing popular athletes to increase sales. This is done either by having athletes endorse a brand or by individual players creating different products for brands. An example of this is Stephen Curry's collaboration with Under Armour to create the SC30 Collection
Steph Curry Collection. Due to the increase in his popularity in that year, and the millions of fans he has attracted, the brand seized the opportunity to make sales by using his name. This tactic is specially effective because sports are a big factor in American culture. By associating products to admired players, brands make a larger profit.
Replying to #4
DeleteYou mentioned collaborations. Collaborations are extremely beneficial when incorporating the right people at the right time. Celebrities and companies using each other for successful promotions also tend to be creative and interesting. That's why companies bring in huge profits from these endorsements.
Replying to #2
DeleteYou are right when you say that images are constantly being incorporated into our everyday lives. However, I do not believe everyone wants their lives to be more "TV like". Advertising constantly try to convince to us that our lives are imperfect, and that we will never be satisfied until we buy their product. Perfection is rarely shown in TV shows, and reality shows themselves are created to show how celebrities live in their "normal" lives and activities.
Replying to # 4
DeleteI agree with your point with product placement being a success due to the emphasis of sports, especially in the US. Many great athletes who endorse certain products reel in profit for his respective sponsored brand. Your reference to Steph Curry served as a great example for product placement in professional sports!
Topic: Ethics
ReplyDeleteSeahaven is wrong as a whole due to not only its lack of impurities, but its lack of reality. Seahaven is a sheltered dome containing a mini society that revolves around Truman which is highly unpractical. It is a television show rather than a town, island, or destination. All of the "citizens" from Seahaven know of its true form besides Truman.
Christof holds power over "The Truman Show." Christof is the director and the creator of "The Truman Show." Christof has held power over this show since its came about when Truman was in vitro and in addition, he is responsible for the actions being filmed. He tells his staff which camera should be displayed to the public and he even tells some of his actors what specific lines they should say in order to create different results and tensions.
In the movie, Christof tells Truman that "our world" is no better than Seahaven. The faults with our world are the lies and lack of predictability. In Seahaven, he was able to find patterns of repetition in his every day life that were not subject to change such as when people would pass his house or confront him on the street. Our world does not shelter anyone nor does it feel the need to.
In the end, the beholder can exercise the change to construct a different reality. Christof said in the end of the movie, “We accept the reality with which we are presented.” Using this ideology, the beholder of a certain reality can change it at any time purely by presenting themselves with new opportunities, redirecting focus and energy, and by not accepting what everyone else has. By standing up against the reality handed to you, it gives you the option to shape and mold your own.
Somethings may be controlled in order to make sure nothing is led out of proportion. However, it is arguable whether something is still real or a result of reality if it is controlled. I do not believe something is real if it is controlled primarily because if perhaps a fight for example is mediated, then one of the parties involved will restrain what they may say. If they restrain their actions in any way, that is not a direct result of reality, but merely a lesser value of it. In most situations, I feel as though each individual provides themselves with their own restrictions and parameters. Unless it is an external mediator controlling the course of reality, many people learn to control themselves,
Many people may assume responsibility for constructing reality, however, I feel as though specifically family and friends shape reality. We accept what we are raised on and we learn from our parents or the ones who raise us. Therefore, if our parents or teachers or friends tell us something, it is not unheard of for us to believe it; thus causing our acceptance of reality. Christof assumes responsibility of constructing Truman's reality. Christof's way of doing this is different than Truman's because Christof shelters Truman and plans his life before he reaches it, differing from Truman, who is eager to see the unsheltered world before him by the movie's end. Every "citizen" of Seahaven, behind the scenes employee, the employers, and Christof himself are responsible and involved in the development and construction of Truman's reality. The scenic views created by the cast; the comments and emotions displayed by the actors; and everything in between have contributed to Truman's reality. Some parallelisms that can be found between the way the media control Truman's life and the forces that control our lives are the need for balance.
Replying to #6 You mentioned that family and friends shape reality. I believe this is true for everyone. People are affected by the people and world. This is why parents are weary who their children are friends with. As people grow older they begin to pick who is in their life and are indirectly shaping themselves. People who their friends are and who they want to associate with. However, this is not the case for Truman. Everyone in Truman's life is picked out and used to shape his life and personality.
Delete#3
DeleteYou explained that what was wrong with the world are its lies and lack of predictability. I agree that our world is full of lies but I view the lack of predictability as more of a strength rather than a fault. The inability to predict the future makes our world more raw and spontaneous. This rawness is what drives Truman to search for the real world. Moreover, if everyone knew exactly what would happen every second of the day nobody would push their limits or try new things. Resulting in a dull and monotonous universe.
Response to #6
DeleteI agree that friends and family do directly impact a person's perspective on reality. While the audience knows Truman's reality is merely staged, Truman himself believed it was real for the first 30 years of his life. Christof hired actors that portrayed Truman's parents since his birth. Truman's "friends" were also actors. However, the actors raised and grew up with Truman and gave him his reality. Do you think the actors emotionally care and experience a deep connection/attachment with Truman, or do you think they're only selfishly in it for the money and fame?
Replying to #4:
DeleteI do concur with how we have the ability shape and mold our reality and future. But what about the outer forces that stop this? Surely, they are factors to our decisions.
ReplyDelete1.) To the viewers, reality seems to be an actual human life, which explains why the show was so popular. To the Makers, I believe it was whatever they made it out too be. To the person it affects all, Truman Burbank, it was what he thought was real, the reality he was brought up with.
2.) Yes, we as humans are very real, we are filled with potential and raw emotions and that is all very real, however it’s when you add so many other things into the equation that it gets complicated, and now all we can see that we consider to be real real, is what we show to others online.
3.) What is real in our world is what we live for, whether it be loved ones, a career, basically everything that makes up happy.
4.) Seahaven is like our world because in our world everyone puts on an act too, what they post on social media is how, they want the world too see us now. Since phones have now been added to the equation with social apps, it’s sometimes hard to tell whether a person is real or phony. As people yes we are very real but in my opinion, we shouldn’t trust our mentality.
5.) We see reality in both how it is and how we are, we are a smart species so we see things how they really are, but who we are also plays an important role on how we look at reality. Our mentality is conformed to depend too much on experiences and everything that surrounds a person( most importantly the people that said person is exposed too from the very start) so if you have bad experiences from the start and you have a hard life, your mentality about the good things in life can change, and how you view the world can too.
Replying to #3
DeleteNot everything that makes people happy can be considered real. For example, the Truman Show caused an abundance of happiness worldwide and the show was far from reality. In fact, the consistent innocence the show produced is what caused its fame, viewers wanting to escape from harsh reality.
Replying to #4:
DeleteWith the addition of social media and phones, I agree that we have become a little bit fake to others wether it be through a post or text. However, a profile on social media should not be used to judge if a person is a phoney. Social media is a platform where people express their thoughts, while people may seem fake, it's hard to call out someone as fake based on a profile.
DeleteReplying to #5
As human beings, we differ from animals because our ability to look at the world with a kind of existential dilemma. Animals see the world how it is, the trees, the streams, and the mountains. I agree that we see it as our experiences, yet, knowledge can change our perspectives as well.
Replying to # 3 :
ReplyDeleteI don't exactly agree that everything that makes us happy is real because a fake relationship with one deceiving side can make us happy because just like Seahaven, it is perfect and happy but fake.That's why the truth hurts, because it is what is real which at times is not perfect.
Responsibility and Ethics:
ReplyDelete1) Seahaven, Truman's home, is literally a haven. Truman's world is too perfect and contains no bad influences. Though it was considered the island everyone wanted to live on, everything was fake. Truman's entire world was fake, from the weather, to the people, to even the animals on the show. Seahaven was one of the biggest TV sets in Hollywood, containing over 5,000 cameras. The set was for the reality show, "The Truman Show", where Truman was the only real person on the series.
2) Cristof, the director of "The Truman Show", had the power. He was the one who called out which cameras to pull up on the big screen, controlled the weather, and even gave out stage directions to the other actors who interact with Truman. Out of five babies, Truman was chosen before he was even born. He was filmed in the womb, the day of his birth, and was later became known as the reality TV star the world loves.
3) Our world is full bad things and good things. It is our reality where we must accept the troubles and dangers that are to come.
4) It seems only people are capable of altering their own reality through their actions. As it was Truman's decision to break free of his bubble, he changed his reality by making this decision. He could have continued living in his perfect world, but he wanted to explore the real world, our world. This movie inspires people to change their reality for the better of themselves. But in reality, how far can we really go?
5) If something is too good to be true and is controlled, it seems fake and artificial. If something is real, it would carry downsides or problems to the situation. Mostly, each individual should have the ability to control themselves and their actions. They are responsible for themselves. They should have the ability to control their reality and shape their own path/future.
6) In the film, Cristof takes responsibility for constructing Truman's reality. Though Cristof thought he knew Truman more than anyone else, he was never aware of Truman's strong feelings on escaping Seahaven. Instead of Truman controlling his own life, it was Cristof controlling it. The viewers see the life of Truman and adore him. The technicians help regulate what goes on in Truman's life. The actors are there to influence Truman with his decisions. Similar to the media controlling Truman's life, it is like our parents controlling us as young children. Our parents are there to keep us away from danger, to teach good ethics, and so on.
Replying to #3
DeleteCould you elaborate on what the "good" and "bad" things are?
1. Product placement is effective for selling, enticing, and creating a product image. Advertisements has always been around to promote a certain product, but it has become more prevalent due to social media and the Internet. Product placement occurs within all forms of entertainment, such as movies, T.V shows, and Internet content. In the movie, "The Truman Show", Truman Burbank’s wife, Meryl, advertises various products that are depicted as beneficial and necessary in one’s everyday life. By placing an emphasis on a specific brand’s use and presence in following scenes, a consumer will be more inclined to prefer that product over another brand. We subconsciously reflect the product’s fabricated reputation, especially if a liked character benefits or disapproves of it. Humans often display a monkey see monkey do behavior, as we imitate others’ seemingly preferable or adverse actions. In fact, a boost of Peanut Butter Reese’s sales occurred after its feature in the movie E.T., when Elliot, the main character, use the candy to lure the beloved E.T. within his grasps. This scene led to the unforgettable and iconic friendship both protagonists displayed and shared. The Reese’s candy’s quasi-innocuousness appearance proved to be a successful execution of product placement
ReplyDelete2. This incorporation of image and fiction into lived experience is also connected to our perception of the media, ourselves, and reality. The media’s regulation of certain topics and connotations associated with it have grown increasingly conventional and prevalent in our lives. Emphasis on particular brands and trends, appearing virtually everywhere, have subconsciously molded an individual’s tastes and mind. Furthermore, a brief visit to social networks such as Instagram result in viewing a flood of endorsements led by popular users; this marketing creates a reputation for the product, often dubbing it superior to other brands. The wide-spread advertising coming in all shapes and forms set certain ideals and unwritten rules are set for the majority to follow.
3. Advertisers use a variety of appeals and strategies to successfully sell their products. Their strategies include the usage of pathos and ethos through relatable, moving scenes or a well-known, respectable figure endorsing the product, respectively. A consumer creates judgments on certain products from previous knowledge or experience of the item; advertisements take advantage of one’s impressionable mind towards what she or he prefer. If an ad were to portray Lysol as a cleaning product that maintains a family’s well-being and cleanliness, a buyer would be more inclined to purchase as it carries a beneficial reputation. Typically in skin-care commercials such as Proactiv, the advertiser provides a dermatologist and a well-known, relatable figure to vouch and validate the product’s purpose. Subconsciously, we consumers will associate Proactiv with effectiveness, since the dermatologist--a pundit for skin care-- and the celebrity have claimed it to be.
4. Product placement is used in professional sports by its appearance in the athlete's respective gear. A professional athlete is sponsored from brands ranging from Champion to Nike in order to generate sales and a reputation amongst other individuals participating in similar activities. In many Nike commercials, an athlete is shown to display great feats of fitness and athleticism, instilling a favorable and reliable image inside the consumer’s mind. When watching a professional volleyball match, many athletes are shown to sport brands spanning from Mizuno to Nike knee pads, shoes, and uniforms. As a young volleyball player intently watches Jenia Grebennikov, a well-known French libero, execute flawless volleyball plays with Asics branded clothing , the young player will likely prefer Grebennikov’s Asics shoes over the Mizuno ones. These brands flock and race to sponsor players who receive plentiful recognition from their talent.
Replying to #4
DeleteYou say that brands always use fit and active players to sponsor their clothing. Advertising agencies also use retired athletes of the past, such as Larry Bird or Michael Jordan, to advertise their product and create a brand centering around the athlete. This combines both nostalgia and celebrity testimonial to create an ineffable effect on the public and on all people who buy their products.
#2&3
DeleteSocial media is a great way to start trends, especially on Instagram as you mentioned. I would look around posts and see an Instagram version of something compared to a common version. Social media fabricates what the public eye sees, making them believe this is what they are supposed to be.
Advertisers also call back celebrities or idols as Josh mentioned. If one well known group does a promotion for a company, such as the cookie brand Lotte, of course the sales would be successful. But if Lotte continues to call back the group and make a serial ten second advertisement every few weeks, it's stock value as well as the group's popularity increases significantly. That's why humans love to use each other.
Replying to #5: I agree that people should be able to control their faith. However, there are so many things people simply do not have control over. For example, no one gets to choose their family. Additionally, although Cristof has the ability to alter Seahaven's weather, it is not reality. There are plenty of natural disasters that cannot be prevented or avoided. The only thing people have control over are their actions and who they want to be around.
ReplyDeleteAdvertising and Product Placement
ReplyDeleteProduct Placement can be effective for selling, enticing, and creating a product image because if you have a character that people perceive as cool using a product that product will become perceived as cool and everyone who wants to be cool will want that product. Everyday on TV we see actors promoting something in their movies from Coca-Cola, in one movie I've heard about there's a Coca-Cola vending machine that saves two guys from an explosion, to BMW's. If people see someone on TV or in a movie that they think is better, braver, smarter, etc. than them using a product they then need to have that product because they feel that they will become more whatever just like that celebrity or character. Having the same product as someone they look up to makes them feel happy and closer to that person they look up to.
Yes, this incorporation of image and fiction into lived experience is connected to how we perceive TV, reality, and ourselves because some of the shows we see on TV is what we feel the world should be like, some are fantasy and adventure which we wish our lives could be like, and the rest is just “reality” TV which is usually fake that represents how fake we are in the “real” world.
Some of the appeals and strategies used by advertisers are fear (of missing out, of death, of loneliness, etc.), nostalgia, music, humor, etc. For example, I still remember this commercial (the 877-393-4448 one) from about 6 years ago all because it was written as a song. Nostalgia is also very big too. On Netflix they rebooted Full House as Fuller House and all the Lisa Frank products are coming back from the 90s because people missed them and feel a sense of nostalgia at seeing them making them want to watch and buy the products. Also fear can propel someone to do something. In the case of fearing death, life insurance commercials always bring up how you don't want to leave your family with nothing but debt. Also fearing that you are missing out on something everyone else has can propel you to buy something you don't really even want or need.
In professional sports, product placement is used very heavily. For example, Gatorade has tons of athletes from Serena Williams to Lebron James to promote their product and because these are such famous and amazing athletes that people are seeing drinking Gatorade those people also want Gatorade because they feel it will make them a better athlete.