Language and Technology

Ah, the relationship between technology and language. Language basically created technology while tech continues to change the language. I mean that we humans wrote the code for all the tech – which to my understanding is a language in itself. 

Source: http://www.ncpc.org/resources/enhancement-assets/clipart-and-stock-art/iStock-000003290557XSmall.jpg/view

The technology, in turn, is influencing how we communicate with each other. From watching our diction (word choice) to shortening certain phrases (lol, tbh, thot, jk, brb, ttyl).

We’ve had to start watching our words because of the non-verbal communications that can be, and often are, misinterpreted. Take emails and texting for examples. We have to be extra cautious as to the words we choose so that our message comes across how we intend it to. On a personal note – I know my mom struggles with this, and I am sure many others do. Moving further into our communication habits, we as a race somehow determined certain phrases to be too long to type out and subsequently shortened them. Phrases like, ‘laugh out loud’ (not ‘lots of love’ to all the confused mothers out there), ‘to be honest’, ‘that hoe over there’, ‘just kidding’, ‘be right back’, and ‘talk to you later’. Our language via technology became shorter and more to the point. No longer did the majority of people take time to formulate a longer answer, no instead, they fired back short messages. Our language was shortened to communicate faster, normally using the technology we had developed.

Now I will be completely honest right here. Okay? I have no idea where I was going with this post. I just get aggravated by how people now use poor grammar while I am talking to them and I hate that the useful and progressive technology is to a point responsible for the crumbling language. That’s all. Let me know what you think. ~V

What is a Remix?

When I hear the word remix, I tend to think along the lines of music. Perhaps this is because I am more familiar with those types of remixes. Our professor provided us with a definition of remix and asked us to compare ours to the one she provided. For the most part my definition is the same but it isn’t quite so technical as the dictionary. Usually when I hear ‘remix’ my mind jumps to music, but now that this class has been focusing on identity, my mind also thinks about people and their identities.

On a daily basis I don’t think I encounter a whole bunch of remixes. But watch, as I sit here and think about it, I’ll be able to think of more. Music is a part of my daily life, so that’s one remix. People often remix themselves, and I am constantly surrounded by them. And if you want to get real technical, the words I hear are remixes. Because everything you’ve ever read is just a remix of 26 letters. Trip-y huh? The most memorable of these daily encounters with remixes is perhaps the music. Certain remixes I like/understand better than the original, simply because of how the newer version portrayed the idea. These are a couple of the ones that come to mind. The first is “Heartless” originally by Kanye West, but here Dia Frampton (From the Voice) sings. The second is “Holding Out for a Hero” originally by Bonnie Tyler, but in this remix is sung by Ella Mae Bowen.

Specifically on Bowen’s remix, I like the fact that her version is so different from the original! Instead of hard-core, Bowen takes a slower rhythm and focuses in on the words. Now these are just the two that come to mind, but there are plenty remixes on my iPod.

But remixes are not the same thing as remakes or newer versions of things. Remixes are revamping the whole thing – for lack of better words. A remake would be the newer version of “The A-Team” or “Footloose”. The main idea of the remix can be the same as the original – ideally that is how you identify what the remix is. The components differ from the original to make the remix stand alone or at least next to its parent project. Or at least this is what I think. Until next time, ~V

Virtual Harassment?

The way I see it, harassment is harassment no matter where it takes place. Whether it be in a virtual world or in the real world, intimidation or negative unwanted attention is the same. Even though your body isn’t present in an online situation, your mind is still affected.

By this I mean, that an online character or presence is more often than not, an extension of yourself. When someone attacks – either verbally or ‘physically’ – your presence, the harsh words or actions have a psychological affect, or can anyway. Take for instance the YouTube comments on ANY given video. You all know what I am talking about. The comments never really have anything to do with the video and usually revolve around certain four letter words and racial slang. Those comments rarely make sense, but can sometimes go overboard. Which leads me to cyber-bullying – probably the biggest component of virtual harassment.

Source: http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/11/what-the-law-can-and-cant-do-about-online-harassment/382638/

Having been a victim of cyber-bullying myself, I know that while your body remains intact, your mentality is wounded. No, I take it back. Your body does get hurt too. The nasty words/acts are poison to your body. They seep into your system through your eyes and dwell in your brain. With every tear or wave of anger, the poison grows within. Soon you are depressed and feel an ache in your heart. Whether that be from the words or realizing that person(s) were not who you thought. Or that your deepest fear was proved correct. Listen to your instincts – they are your best friend. Now sometimes the poison will stop at your core. Other times it will continue its way through your body. Attacking your legs, once able to run, skip and sprint, now only able to carry you from one resting place to another. Or your hands – making them tremble like a smoker going through withdraws. See cyber-bullying never really stops once you close the screen. And I know there are people who say, “Just close the computer screen, they are just words”. Bull. Words are the greatest weapon and the greatest defense. They break bones and they heal wounds long suffered. The saying, “Once you see something, you can never un-see it” is true. Once you hear those words and know what that person thinks of you, you will never look at them the same way. So now that I have that out of my system, how do we stop this or police it?

We don’t. That’s right. We don’t police it because how do you regulate what people say? “Freedom of speech” they will cry. But they don’t realize that freedom of speech is – or should – be weighed against common courtesy. Now, that is not to say that there shouldn’t be rules against virtual harassment – there should. It just isn’t plausible to enforce such laws. Ultimately the power of enforcement rests with the users. If people keep the virtual environment up to their social standards, there would be less of a problem. Because, let’s face it. People, even if kicked off and their account is deleted, can create a new account under a different name. It’s not too hard to create a gmail or yahoo email…

We, as virtual environment users, wish and complain about how harassment is viewed, but we are the ones with the power to change the situation. I know it’s a big cliche, but it is true. So, now the ball is in our court. What are we going to do about it? ~V

The Ruins of Second Life

Today I ventured into the realm (?) of The Temple of Portunus to have a look around. Just a couple of observations… Not only was my group of three the only people on the island, but the island was silent. Of course the fact that it was two in the afternoon on a Thursday might have had some impact. Although bright and sunny in the real world, it seemed to be sunset in Second Life. Regardless, as I walked – okay I mainly flew – around I was impressed with the detailing on the island. The stone work and museums were incredibly detailed!

Source: http://secondlife.com/destination/temple-of-portunus

The only real unsettling aspect of the realm, was the intricate building on its own island that was empty. Folks, I mean EMPTY! The walls were bare with rich carpeting lining the halls. Each room held nothing and all opened up to a grand entrance with a small pool. Another girl in my group agreed that the building was a foreboding sight. This just seemed to be the case of this mysterious museum (for lack of a better word ). The other museums and shops on the main island were full of art to buy and other merchandise. These stores threw off the entire island to me, it cheapened the whole goal of this island in my opinion. But I do understand that they have to maintain the ruins (how backwards is that!) however this doesn’t change my stance.

Now, since I’ve mentioned it, the Temple of Portunus is an actual ruin! Located in Rome, it was dedicated to the god Portunus. Situated by the Tiber River, the temple was built to watch over the cattle-barges that traversed the river. The description of the temple does not include who built the island or who keeps it looking nice. But it feels lonely. I personally adore the lights and alone feeling the island projects. At its center is a crumbling amphitheater and a small lounge. That is settled into the cliffs of the island, but leads out to worn wood steps that lead to the beach. If nothing else, this place has a magical, forgotten energy. It is a quiet place to think and watch the sunset.

Here is the actual temple. Not quite so grand, but Second Life literally gives the past a second life. Source: http://www.athanasius.com/rome/portunus.htm

Its purpose is to show people part of the fading past. Or as I take it to be. A grand Roman building suspended in time, while the island begins to grow around the stones. The realm also allows people to find out about this historical site and see it, where they may never have been able to see it in person. The temple shows how far humanity has come. From going to a theater for entertainment, now we can use our phones or tablets to entertain ourselves. We, as humans, have come so far that we can go anywhere we want in the real world ONLINE! That’s pretty neat. Wrapping this post up, I think I’ve said all I have to say. For now, ask me again in 10 minutes….  ~V

Immersive Differences

Source: http://riftmod.com/will-second-life-evolve-into-v-world-from-caprica/

Having recently spent time in the immersive game of World of Warcraft (WoW), I am interested to see how that environment compares to the one in Second Life. Based off the article by Kristin Kalning, a games editor for msnbc.com, I can expect anything.

(See her article here:  http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17538999/ns/technology_and_science-games/t/if-second-life-isnt-game-what-it/#.Vfh8xBFVikp )

In WoW, the game designers carefully crafted each environment, but in Second Life the players are the designers. Players can build what they wish, but I hear that the programming is hard to navigate and they expect you to know more than you might actually. In other words, no help manual at the bottom of the screen… Some might like that, but I prefer to know what I am doing than have absolutely no idea… Another difference will be in how the game is played. WoW is a certified game; Second Life is a free space to do whatever one wishes. Really folks, the name says it all! There are no quests in Second Life, no battles to level up, no experience necessary to  gain new abilities. You can make an avatar and just walk around. Or you can engage in the markets and buy actual stuff. Or spend real money to buy the Second Life currency, to then buy digital goods. Does that make sense to anyone else?! No? Okay.

But Second Life does hold some potential or appeal. In this environment, one can be who ever they want to be. If they don’t like themselves, they can create the person who looks and acts like they wish they did. Also, businesses could take advantage of marketing their companies in the game. Since there are a crazy number of people logged on daily, a companies ad would not go unnoticed. People could also use the immersive world to go places they wish to go or do activities they wish they would participate in.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Life

There is another difference that warrants some attention. The values depicted in each of these games/immersive environments are different. In WoW, there is a strict order of how to advance in the game. In order to advance, you need x amount of experience and yada…yada…yada… So it could be said that WoW values order with some creativity between the lines. Whereas Second Life is all about personality, individuality, and socializing. They seem to value creativity of all sorts, preferably out of the box.

But what do I know. I’m just someone speaking from the outside. Come Thursday that won’t be the case, so we shall see if I gain anymore opinions/insights or whatnot. Until then, ~V

An Element of Nature

One of the reasons I chose to be a Night Elf were the ties to nature. Every time I log on to play, my elf is placed in a very vibrant and nature filled environment. Most of my quests have dealt with cleaning up the polluted areas of the environment, or with helping others. The environment connects with the narrative in the fact that elves are all about nature. Elves help keep the balance alive in nature, this is where many of my quests come into play. Whether it be killing a diseased tree, or collecting blessed waters to heal a friend, Night Elves are constantly cleaning up/interacting with nature.

Source: https://educatinglotus.wordpress.com/2014/06/28/environmental-philosophy-in-the-night-elf-starting-zone-phi-in-wow-4/

Of late I have been on more missions that border along the line of mercy kills. Putting once great creatures to rest that have become corrupted. Side note – the rewards are way worth almost dying! I for one, couldn’t believe the detail that this game includes! The tall grass moves as your character moves through it and all the elements look so real! It even started raining on me the other day! 

From what I’ve gathered, Night Elves are the guardians of nature. They fight the never ending battle against pollution and beings who do not take care of their surroundings. In a way, the Night Elves remind me of Native American Indians – with their love for Mother Nature and respect for the land. I think that’s all for today. Until next time. ~V

Biting Your Tongue

Biting your tongue. If you’re anything like me, you’ve heard this sentence from your mother about everyday. In one ear, out the other…Hey! Sometimes there are certain times when you just have to say something or it slips past your filter… But there are times when our mothers warning comes into play and we realize that they did know what they were talking about. Take for instance the incident a couple of years ago with the Oklahoma City Chili’s waitress was fired for her Facebook comment and picture.

(link to article/video: http://www.news9.com/story/22263606/oklahoma-waitress-fired-over-facebook-post )

Incidentally, I happened to write a paper over a similar topic in high school so I will just reiterate my thoughts again here. I thought her firing was the correct response, because at some point personal freedom of speech is pushed aside for the image/reputation of the business. My paper mainly focused on how employers search through potential employees’ social media accounts, but I still feel it applies to once a person is hired. By her saying that she hoped she wasn’t their server – at least she used the correct ‘their’…small miracles – and saying “FDP” she unintentionally gave Chili’s a bad rep. Chili’s picks who they hire and who represents them to customers, so with her bad mouthing the police it gave some customers a bad view of Chili’s. Perhaps if she had made the comment without including “[she] hopes [she’s] not their server” the repercussions would not have been so severe. Perhaps. Plus it isn’t as if the police officers did anything to aggravate her (in this particular situation). All they did was choose Chili’s as their restaurant to eat at after paying their respects to a lost life.

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/careeradvisors/hr-comics/

I do know of a couple other instances where people were fired from their jobs because of what they posted on social media. Can’t remember exact sources, but this one story has stayed in my mind. A teacher was taking her class – of little children – to the beach and made the comment via Facebook that she wished she could drown some of the “brats”. Needless to say, she was fired. It’s instances like these folks that you really can see your mothers wisdom. Some words were never meant to be spoken, or typed. I think this sort of thing is happening more and more these days because it is just too easy to post what is on your mind. There is less time for you to consider the consequences or how your words might be taken.

Let me know what you think. And I think we should all listen to our momma’s a bit more. ~V

Introduction to WoW

Source: http://wowwiki.wikia.com/wiki/World_of_Warcraft:_Warlords_of_Draenor

I guess now is also a good time to put it on the record that I’ve never played a video game quite like World of Warcraft (WoW). But I am excited to see what adults complain about and peers rave about (or used to ). When our teacher told us she posted a link for us to look at the different races available in the game, I did. And here’s what it amounted to.

I was drawn to the Night Elf as the race because they seemed to stand up for what they believed in and were resilient. They were a race that used to be immortal but when the choice was to keep their immortality and lose the war, they chose to give up their immortality. Even though this is a fictional plot line, I still applaud their selflessness. It is admirable. I made a list of all the attributes I liked in the Night Elf race, because they reminded me of who I wanted to be. I don’t mean an elf myself – but their mentality and skills.

• they are an ancient race (I’ve been told I have an old soul)
• reclusive in nature (tend to be reserved)
• protective of what is theirs (same. I am highly protective of those I care about)
• self-sacrificing (put others before myself)
• get along with animals/able to tame them (I love animals)
• open city to refugees/own to their mistakes (admirable quality I hope to keep)
• excellent marksmen (not the worst shot but definitely not the best)

That’s the general gist of my list. I saw a little bit of myself in their backstory and like I said before, I liked their values. Oh! And my character is in the Hunter class. That also had a bit to do with my list. So long for now readers! ~V

Ghostly Haunts

The post title is referencing my earlier post titled, “An Internet Ghost”. My reasoning was that the posts’ topics are closely related.

On today’s agenda: choose an online presence of mine and examine it to see, in that iteration of myself, who I am. Boy, do I have a lot of options on this one…. I’ll go with Netflix because while it is a family account, I am the primary user. Sorry brother of mine… I think I’ve got you beat. 

Source: http://iosgods.com/topic/14898-netflix-premium-accounts-94/

It seems that Netflix thinks I would be interested in crime shows, a comedy, Dance Mom – YUCK! Wish I could insert the emoji that looks like it is going to be sick… – and various other TV shows and movies. These were off the “Recommended for ________” list/category. The person that this category defines is someone who has an interest in the medical field, likes to laugh and watches a range of shows/films.

If someone knew nothing about me and happened upon the recommended list on Netflix, they could probably determine certain aspects of my identity. They could easily give an age range, and probably guess my gender. I’m not one for the frilly girl movies…I prefer action – Fast & Furious series anyone? As far as my interests go, I would have them fooled there. I can watch Bones and CSI: [fill in city] for days, but I have no interest in the medical field. I’d be passed out in the corner from the blood. Literally. I’ve fainted quite a lot throughout my life. Neither do I excel at cooking – which they could assume that I had an interest in. Now the last part of the prompt deals with how based on this Netflix compiled list, could someone get a good sense of my personality. I’d say maybe. I am a very sarcastic yet reserved person. Not quite sure how that would translate through that list. Perhaps through the comedy show selections. Plus several of the shows contain highly sarcastic and dry individuals.

The person Netflix sees me to be can be tied to the stereotype of being female. Take for example the shows I avoid like the plague, ie. Dance Moms and anything akin to it. Just because I had to pick a gender, Netflix sticks those shows on the recommended list. I bet they don’t appear on a guys list (unless he watches something similar). Hasty generalizations come into play some with the fact that Netflix thinks just because you like one show, you’re going to like this other one.

Regardless of the recommended list, I still think I spend more time looking for something to watch on Netflix than I spend actually watching a show/movie. Who’s with me? ~V