what it means to be identified as an immigrant

An issue that I would like to represent in my project is the immigrant situation, specifically in the United States. Historically, immigrants have been presented in the news and in general media in a negative light.
There has been a view that they are undeserving of being in this country and “lazy” or “uneducated.” However, in recent years, there has been a shift in how immigrants are presented in media forms. Since the
increase of immigrants or children of immigrants in this country, there have been more media released that present a realistic view of immigration. This shows the more positive side of immigration, and I will be
reviewing some examples of these valid representations.

Vox’s article on the Trump Administration’s release of videos and pictures from inside holding facilities for immigrant children showed the reality of immigration in this country. This article provided views from
both sides of the issue but gave photographed evidence as well. By presenting information on the horrific reality of these detention centers, the article didn’t show a distorted view of how immigrants are treated.
It displayed children being forced to sleep on floors in cages simply for having been brought to the U.S. by their parents. This provided proof that immigrants aren’t described by the stereotype of criminals, immigrants
are children, and this country is treating them like criminals.

The Atlantic’s video “What Will Happen to Undocumented Doctors?” provided an inside view into the situation of DACA medical students. This video presented the view of intelligent and hardworking young adults
who came to the U.S. as immigrants and are now being faced with the difficulties of Donald Trump’s presidency. Trump has said that he wishes to eliminate the DACA program, which would cause all of these students to
lose their chance to become doctors. The young immigrants in this video were presented as educated individuals who want more than anything to help people and for them and their families to have the U.S. as a legal
home. The DACA students make the point that they are seen as “likable or marketable immigrants” and provide the view that all immigrants should have the same opportunities. The worries and troubles of this unstable
lifestyle were revealed in this video.

These new representation characteristics are fair and more correct than they have been in the past. By providing a realistic view of who immigrants are, as well as the incredible things they are capable of, the negative
stigma begins to fall apart. This new representation in some media is essential in breaking this stigma. There still exists many media forms that share a negative view of immigration in the United States, but a change
is being made. I would challenge any stereotypes in the media that immigrants are not capable of being here and succeeding, as this view is untrue and unjust. To represent any immigrant or foreign group under stereotypes
is an injustice to their capabilities and strength as a people. And I entirely support and enforce all media forms that are beginning to represent the reality of immigration in this country, as well as the incredible success of
many foreigners.

genre research - fashion!

Hi there! For this posting, I’m going to be studying the fashion magazine genre.

Content-wise, this genre contains magazines that describe current trends, styles and customs in the fashion industry. The front page usually features the “masthead”, or main title
of the magazine. Well-known fashion magazines such as
Vogue may cover their masthead partially since they are so easily recognized. Another important facet of this genre is the
model usually displayed aesthetically on the front page. This model is a celebrity on many occasions to draw more attention to the magazine,
such as Beyonce featured in Vogue. There is a very idealistic representation of the models and fashion trends displayed in these magazines in an effort
to target the teenage and young adult age group. And the design of these magazines will differ depending on the fashion genre the magazine is focusing on.
For example, if the focus is street fashion, there will be more of an urban design and theme, such as Fruits.

Production wise, magazines nowadays benefit greatly from new printing technologies which enable fast and productive distribution. Digital printing and
Offset Lithography are two examples of these current and successful printing processes. Cameras are also essential in fashion magazines with the popular
Nikon D3X dominating fashion photography. The Canon EOS-5D is said to be a cheaper alternative.

VOGUE: Vogue is a leading magazine in the fashion and beauty industry. The magazine utilizes many celebrities on their covers, such as Selena Gomez,
Madonna, Taylor Swift, and Kendall Jenner. The varying thematic focus of these magazines changes the colors and design as well, as evidenced by Selena
and Madonna’s colorful issues in contrast with Taylor’s dark one. This thematic focus can be seasonal as well as topic-oriented when evaluating different magazine
issues. The magazine also features many articles advising readers on how to dress for certain seasons and how to create the best looks.

SEVENTEEN: This magazine has a decidedly different focus in comparison with Vogue, but still implements many of the same techniques to draw in their audience.
Since the magazine is targeted towards teens, they make an effort to use celebrities that will appeal to this audience. Such as Demi Lovato, Hailee Steinfel, and Rowan
Blanchard. The magazine also utilizes common technique by displaying articles that talk about sales on select clothing lines, the trends for the holiday season, and the
best accessories for the year.

Other examples:

BAZAAR

FASHION

ELLE

MARIE CLAIRE

COSMOPOLITAN

genre research - animals!

This genre has many conventions that distinguish it from other genres. One of the most noticeable conventions is pictures with animals perceived as "adorable" or "cute."

These pictures are used to draw attention and create feelings of attachment and affection in viewers.In general, these magazines aim to portray pets as innocent, beautiful
creatures that should be protected at all costs. For this reason, the magazines provide opportunities to help change government policy regarding animal protection and treatment.

They also provide information on volunteer opportunities, allowing people to form connections with the animals.  These connections are also displayed through personal stories
from people that show pets in a good light. These personal stories transition into plenty of general advice on raising different kinds of pets.This advice is a staple of the genre. It
helps pet owners be better informed on health issues, as well as new products that could be helpful for their pets.Lastly, when these magazines are created, there is generally an
effort to produce very colorful spreads and focus on a certain animal species.

The magazine genre is marketed through other sources that correspond with animal lovers. Their audience is mainly composed of dog/animal owners, preteens, women, and young
children at times. For example, websites that advertise animal advice and products have information about these magazines.They are also popular in veterinarian offices, which helps
to advertise them.

These magazines are marketed as essential in raising pets and being a successful animal lover.

The magazine “Animal Sheltering” is a prime example of an animal magazine. The magazine advertises a pet finder program and offers information about an animal care exposition where people can learn about animal welfare internationally. They also provide information about the latest programs and connections in animal care. These include resources for helping save the lives of animals.

The magazine “Animal Tales” is another prime example of an animal magazine. This is a children-based magazine to educate 6-12 year-olds. It has endearing images and stories.

The spread is very colorful and it puts animals in a very positive light. It provides information on working with animals in careers like marine biology.

It also has quizzes and drawings, to be more fitting to the younger audience it has.

Other animal/pet magazines:

1. Dogster - stories on amazing dogs, advice on giving dogs attention and preparing them for vet visits and making dog food, and sicknesses that can occur to dogs.

2. All Animals for Members
3. Kind News for Kids
4. Pet Age Magazine
5. Animal Wellness

introductions

Hello, my name is Maya Rojas and this is my blog! I’m using this platform in order to document the progress of my portfolio project for AICE Media AS. I am excited to begin working on my end of year project so early on in the year, because I know that I will be better prepared for the end of the year. I chose to construct a magazine opening because I felt that I would be able to better showcase my abilities through this type of project. Although the film opening idea was interesting, I knew it wouldn’t be fitting for me.

I’m still debating on what I wish to focus on for the project since there are quite a few genres that interest me. A few genres that called to me were animals and fashion. I find that these are both topics that I could create creative ideas for. However, I know that I need to confer with my partner as well on what we’re going to select for our final portfolio. My partner, Annique, is interested in health as well.

I’m intrigued by the photography aspect of the magazine spread as well. Photography is something I’ve always been interested in, and we’ve learned a few ways to improve our shots during this class. I hope to create a unique perspective on my genre through the pictures on this spread. :)

Thanks for reading!