How, if at all do you consider yourself an active audience?

I answered question 1

As a media audient, I consider myself an active one. When I am watching a movie, TV, reading a book, or playing a video game, I tend to place myself into characters who have similar characteristics as my. I am somewhat an emotional person and sometimes even shared tears when watching a movie that is very sensational and have some aspect of my life portrayed it.
Even as a result of this, I tend to be sometimes biased in my choice of genre in the consumption of media products. Even when there is no similarities between me and the a character or characters, I tend to choose or select one that has close ties to that of my situation. Someone might say, I am not an open minded then. But I can assure that I'm very open and take risk in exploring other media contents that might be outside the box of my culture, personality and emotional attachments. And therefore make wide selection from different genres. But, sometimes it make sense to indulge in the media contents that you can relate to and kind of avail yourself, in order that you can fully enjoy the experience. After all, the main purpose of being an audient is to entertain yourself or consume information that you think might benefit your well-being. I do not see the reason of engaging in something but tend to be passive. It make the whole experience boring and uninteresting.
When you are active, you tend to create different meaning for yourself and even share that experience with others. Your activeness also make it impossible for the content of whatever media you are consuming to have negative impact on you. Because you can better analyze the information or whatever text in front of you and make an informed decision. It might also help you understand situations, and although you might tend to align with certain characters, you would still  compromise with those you are not familiar or not 'in-tune' with. After all, we are in a democratic world, where we need to disagree to agree.
For example, in one of post earlier in the semester, I commented on one post about non-familiarity with Metal Music. But upon some research on my part, then tend to understand and realized it is after all not as some people deem it as 'devils music.' As it is just a diverse sort of thing. But it takes an active audient to really understand diversity in media production and consumption. The more active audience can be in consuming media, the better understanding there is in enjoying its products and contents.
http://www.mindlab.org/images/d/DOC1030.pdf



  

Hollywood finally accepts normalization of homosexuality

The media finally gears towards the acceptance of homosexuality in the American society. Upon analyzing the documentary, the 'celluloid closet', one could attest that filmmakers all along have not shy away from supporting homosexuality. But, the industry was cautious about how to portray the lifestyle on films, knowing the sensitive nature and how unpopular the homosexuality was in the past two or three decades ago. In the documentary for instance, it was mentioned how the Catholic church was a formidable force against any attempt to promote homosexuality in the society. However, it is ironic to see how the same issue of gay and even sexual misconducts have rocked and tarnished the image of the Catholic church in the past decade. One would wonder at what point did some of the catholic ministers realized it is okay to be gay.
But afters years of homosexuals living in the closet in Hollywood, the filmmakers have find it comfortable to influence societal attitudes towards homosexuality. Everyone in America knows how powerful the movie industry is, as whatever it portrays in movies, have the audience learn to watch it that way. This is a clear indication of how influential Hollywood or the media is and can direct public views, values and certain beliefs in a way no other industry can. Probably, the reason more people now accept homosexuality more than ever before. We all bear witness that, more homosexual scenes are portrayed in movies, shows, and even print media.
I think now that more and more people are beginning to accept homosexuality as a normal lifestyle, more policies and laws on LGBT rights will be taken care of by the government and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, I guess those in the homosexual community would give the achievement to Hollywood and the media in general. 


http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/paul-wilson/2012/05/10/hollywood-driving-homosexual-agenda-40-years