Media Letter

Dear Senator Hatch,

I am writing to you regarding an important issue that I feel should be considered in our national and state policies. The issue at hand is violent video games. I am sure this is a subject has crossed your desk many times before, but I hope you will take a few minutes to hear me out.

In November of 2010, the Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association case decided that violent video games were protected under the free speech clause of the First Amendment, and  decided against a policy that would require individuals under a certain age to have parental supervision in order to purchase certain violent video games. While this was seen as a victory for the video game world, it should be viewed as an enormous fail for our children. 

Violent video games pose a very real and well-documented threat to individuals, families, and society as a whole. While there are many studies that find there is not a strong correlation between violent video games and increased violence among individuals, we should be more concerned with the overwhelming amount of evidence that shows how violent video games increase aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Although this topic is well-researched, it is grossly under-reported by news and media outlets that benefit from companies that produce violent games. Despite the consistent findings that indicate the negative effects of violent video games, these games are available to purchase for any customer willing to pay, regardless of age.

The effects of violent video games are very real, and yet no action is taken against regulating these games. Although video games have ratings, these ratings do not prevent any individual who has enough money from purchasing them. There is a dire need to change this. Not for the sake of limiting individuals, but for the sake of protecting our children. The content of these games range from first-person-shooter experiences to the encouragement of criminal activity, including theft, prostitution, and murder. With games involving such explicit content, how can we sit idly by while children and adolescents of all ages are permitted to purchase and play without question?

There is a policy widely throughout Utah that places plastic covers over obscene or inappropriate magazine covers featuring explicit titles and under-dressed women. This movement was started by a concerned mother who wanted to protect her children’s innocence while waiting in line to check out at the grocery store. If this kind of preventative measure is available for sexually explicit content, why is a similar regulation available to prevent underage children from purchasing graphically violent and disturbing games? 

I am not necessarily asking for the same policy that was denied in California to be implemented in Utah. I am, however, asking that this be a more frequent topic of discussion within public policy. There needs to be a change in the way such explicitly violent material is regulated and obtained. The ratings are simply not enough. We need to take the safety and wellbeing of our children into consideration and stop tossing it aside for the sake of marketing. 

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Lindsey LeCheminant

Home Movies with a Twist

Last week our lecture about media and the family got me thinking about how modern technology has changed media in the family. This is a pretty obvious statement, but I was more specifically thinking about family home movies. I think videos are such a great way to keep memories of family, and now we have so many different ways of doing it! For example, my husband and I starting teaching our nephews how to longboard for fun. I took a lot of videos, and then compiled them into one with some music to make one fun video of all the things we did.

No one will probably appreciate it as much as we do, but it's so fun to be able to share with our family who is far away. Making videos like this is one of my new favorite hobbies!

Ridiculous Reliance.

This week I"m on a facebook/social media fast (with the exception of blogger, of course).

I really wish I would just do this more often. It's so refreshing to not scroll through pictures and statuses for what feels like days thinking it's somehow important or fun. And yet, not being on facebook also makes me painfully aware of how much I actually do need it for certain things.

I know need is a strong word, but it's true! Yesterday I had to have my husband check my facebook for me to make sure I hadn't gotten any notifications from my online class that I'm in right now. Part of the class requirements is having a facebook, which is actually the only thing that prevented me from deleting it all together at the beginning of the semester. I know it serves its purpose for class discussion and getting help from each other, but would it really be so bad if we just used Learning Suite or email like normal classes?! The class relies completely on facebook for communication, and it's frustrating to say the least.

Facebook/social media serves so many purposes and is relied on so heavily now, that it's difficult to pull away from once you have it. It is truly something I wish I could get rid of for good, but every time I try to go through with it, I'm reminded of all of the events, ward reminders, etc that I rely on through facebook. It's gotten ridiculous.

Surely this can't be how it will be forever? Are we stuck being reliant on social media? How will it change over the next ten years? These are all questions I can't even wrap my head around. What do you think?

How Do You Spell Gullible?

This morning I opened my email and saw this...

Uh...what? The roller wedge? This can't be real. So I clicked on it.

I was a moron and didn't see the giant TUESDAY FOOLS DAY at the top, and only saw that horrendous death machine called a shoe, or "roller wedge."

When I did see the "Psych! April Fools!" I about died. You got me, Charlotte Russe. You got me good. Also, excellent advertising. You got me to open an email to see your free shipping because of the most ridiculous product I've never heard of. Very clever.

Charlotte Russe: 1

Lindsey: 0

You Tried.

I recently saw an Australian Snickers commercial that depicts construction workers yelling and hollering "messages of empowerment" to women on the street. While the construction workers were just actors, the reactions from the women were very real.

I think it was supposed to be cute or something? But I was kind of just annoyed.

Initial Thoughts:

+ I think hearing "gender bias" in an Australian accent is probably the funniest thing I've ever heard. That whole scene actually really cracked me up.
"Want to hear a dirty word? GENDAH BIUS!" #lolololololol for days.

+ In case you didn't notice, the women at the beginning are definitely still creeped out by being yelled at from across the street. Women or men, nobody likes to be yelled at when they're walking down the street minding their own business. It's unsettling. I'd kind of like to know how many women were actually impressed and giddy over being hollered at by construction workers (something we are socialized to react to in a negative way, no matter the "message" being sent) and how many were too scared or offended to hear what was being said.

+ Whether they are yelling positive messages are not, why are you hollering and not working? You are at work. This is weird. Pick up a hammer or something.

+ Stereotyping construction workers to be lazy, sexist creeps. Hmm...that doesn't seem like a positive message to send.

+ I was kind of impressed by the commercial until the very end tagline from Snickers: "You're Not You When You're Hungry." So...these men are only acting this way because they haven't had lunch yet? When their bellies are full, they go back to acting like sexist, misogynistic pigs? Uhhmmm....fail, Snickers. If you are only capable of treating members of the opposite sex like human beings when you are hungry, than please, by all means, starve.

It's Like a Disease

Here it is, guys. Another blog post about Frozen. You can leave now if you want.

Sorry.

But not sorry enough to not talk about it.

This past weekend, I was finally able to watch Frozen for the first time!! And ya know what? I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it. I do agree with Dr. Coyne's post about Frozen in that Elsa and Anna were sexualized a bit and Anna = Rapunzel's Norwegian ginger twin. But also I'm obsessed with Kristen Bell (because this) so I'm actually fine with it.

What I'm not fine with, is the way this movie has lodged itself deep, deep within the recesses of my brain AND IT WON'T FREAKING LEAVE.

I'm not kidding, I've had the music from that movie stuck in my head for the last four days non. stop. This wouldn't be a problem, except my poor husband. Every time I'm home, I'm singing the songs. When my husband politely asks me to stop, I do for about four minutes before I just start talking to him in Frozen tunes.

This definitely happened:

Me (to the tune of "Do you want to build a snowman"): DO YOU WANNA MAKE SOME DINNER?

Him (normal speech): Yeah that sounds great. I'm getting kind of hungry.

Me: COME ON LET'S EAT SOME FOOOOOOD

Him: Please stop.

Me: WE NEVER EAT HERE ANYMORE, GO OUT THE DOOR, EATING TACO BELL  EVERYDAYYYYYY (this is actually not true - but it worked with the song, so...)

Him: PLEASE.

Even though he liked the movie (and I caught him watching it the next morning in Spanish),  I think my husband is at his wit's end. And I literally cannot stop.

Help.

There's An App For That.

Quite a while ago, I came across a photo editing app called Perfect365. I'm a big fan of Instagram and editing pictures, and ya know, free, so I downloaded it. For a long time it just sat there on my phone, going unused. Finally, one day I decided to open it and try it out.

Turns out, it's an app that allows you to do your makeup in photos. I got a good laugh out of it. Especially when I found the settings that would do crazy makeup and even add wigs. Exhibit A:

Freaky, right? I thought it was pretty hilarious. That was, until last weekend when my husband and I took a picture on our Saturday afternoon adventure and I decided to play with the picture a little because I wasn't wearing any makeup and I figured it would be a perfect use for the app!

Somehow this turned into a weird obsession over the next couple hours. And then I discovered that the app can actually thin out your face and make your eyes bigger, among other things. It will even thin out your eyebrows for you. Essentially, it's the photoshop for your crappy Instagram pictures.

It wasn't until I was trying out the thinning face feature that I had an overwhelming sense of "What am I doing?!" After just barely learning about unrealistic expectations in the media, here I was turning what was actually a fine picture in to something that wasn't real so it would "look better." I was pretty disgusted with myself once I realized the destructiveness of what I was doing, so I ended it right there. 

Media (and Satan) have the sneakiest way of making you think things are important when they just really aren't. Trying to look perfect all of the time is one of them. The app's tagline is "The easiest way to make you look great." Uhhh how about looking great by building self-esteem? Being happy? Taking pride in your unique features and what makes you you? Better yet, how about not caring so much about "looking great" and wearing sweatpants every day because you can and because you just freaking like it?

Sorry. I'm getting carried away. But this little app gave me a new perspective, and I'm so glad I'm more "media-aware" that I was able to catch myself on what I was doing. Needless to say, I won't be using that app anymore. Even over silly Instagram photos, it is just too easy for me to trick myself into thinking I need to "fix" my physical features in order to look good, and I'm just really not okay with that. 

Empathy vs Sympathy

I am currently in a Child Life class that preps us for experiences as Child Life Specialists, and we talked about an interesting idea while discussing how to best help our patients: empathy vs sympathy.

There are few things I love more than short, yet powerful videos that make a point quickly. And I think this video did a fabulous job communicating a meaningful message using interesting images, slight humor, and very straight-to-the-point statements. Thinking about all of this, it became clear to me how much the facets model of advertising really applied. It was easy for me to pick out the facets in this video, even though it isn't really advertising a product.

Also, big fat nerd status over here. It's fine.

Anyway, it really is a great video. Take a look for yourself!

Stranger Danger

A friend of mine shared this really great article (supposedly) written by a police officer. Written by a police officer or not, there are some really great and potentially life-saving tips in here, so I thought I would share.

Here's the link.

So share with everybody!

On a more light-hearted note, here's a really great video (because there must always be a video if this blog is worth reading at all) that I found that is kind of related, and 100% cute and funny.

Happy Friday, ya'll.

Sustainable Beauty

If you haven't seen it yet, stop whatever you are doing immediately and watch this video:

What an absolutely beautiful role model for girls everywhere. If for whatever reason you can't watch the video right now, here's the gist:

With more role models like Lupita Nyong'o, women and men alike can turn the media around and make some serious and much-needed changes on society's idea of beauty. I think this video perfectly echoes what Dr. Coyne's closing remarks were on Monday, so I really don't have much to add. 

Body & Soul

Last night I had the awesome opportunity to attend BYU's Fiesta. If you have never gone before, I HIGHLY recommend it. The tickets for the show were $3 and it was an absolute blast.

To be honest, I only went for a project I have in another class, but I am so happy I went. Being able to see people celebrate their culture that they love so much is just an awesome experience, and the joy and excitement they had was so contagious.

This event combined two of my favorite things in the world: music and dance. It doesn't matter if it's traditional folk dance, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz - there is something about dance that can communicate messages in a way no other medium can. It's cheesy as heck, but this is one of my favorite quotes and I think it holds a lot of truth:

So, for your viewing pleasure (and also because I feel like I can't post on this blog and not include a video), here are some of my favorite dances of all time (all taken from So You Think You Can Dance, because obviously):

The Economics of Sex

In light of our lecture on sex in the media, here is a really interesting and awesome video I found this week called "The Economics of Sex." It gives a perfect insight into how sex has changed the media so much - in this case, the dating world.

JUST, NO.

Man, guys. This week.

I never want to do it again. Like, ever.

I have spent more time sitting and staring at a computer this week (thanks, midterms, papers, and projects) than I have in my whole college career. And it was miserable. I never want to see a google doc staring me in the face again! I think I can actually feel my muscles turning to dust from lack of use. UGH.

Even writing this post is making me want to throw myself on the ground and scream and kick and whine and cry like those crazy kids you see at Walmart sometimes. I'm just so, so, done with technology and media. No more TV, no more computer screens, no more social media, and no more movies! Just kidding on that last one. I don't think I could go a weekend without watching a movie. #movieproblems

But I digress. Especially on a week that has been so devastatingly beautiful outside every stinkin day, the very last thing I want to do is be inside typing on a computer or laying on my lazy butt.

So, this is my media post for the week. If you want the one with stuff in it besides hating media, here it is.

I'm out.

Everyone Look At This.

Everyone look at this music video.

It's sad, but also very cute in a weird sort of way. I like it.

Also, everyone in the world should be obsessed with Kina Grannis because she is wonderful and talented and the best thing ever. AND SHE'S MARRIED TO IMAGINARY FUTURE AND THEY ARE SO CUTE I COULD DIE. Their babies are going to be so musically talented it's gonna be ridiculous.

Here they are singing together because adorable:

Happy Friday, ya'll.

Nerd Alert: I Watch Kid Shows And I Like It

I'm not a total weirdo. I don't watch and enjoy just any kid show. But there is one show that I suppose is for kids, but it is easily the coolest show that has ever graced the TV world.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

I will unabashedly love this show forever. It is just too cool not to love.

This obsession does not stem from childhood reminiscence. I saw this show for the first time as a senior high school. Yep. Remember how my parents don't believe in paying for tv? Well, because of that I was never exposed to Avatar until my friends were having a marathon one night. At first, I was resistant. "I'm not into that anime kind of stuff." FOOLISHNESS. This is not your run-of-the-mill "anime" and now that I've seen it, I don't even put it in the same category.

The (extremely watered-down) premise of the show is this: people can control elements, and there is only one person, the "avatar" who can control all four elements. Epic adventures, awesomeness, and hilarity ensues. Just watch the trailer:

I wish I had thought about this show when we talked about prosocial media in class, because this show is a PERFECT example of prosocial television that is great for middle childhood aged kids (or if you're 21, whatever). Of course it has violence, but every act portrayed has consequences, has justification, and revolves around good vs evil. The main character, Aang, is a monk for crying out loud. Being the Avatar, he has the responsibility to bring balance to the world, which requires kicking some bad-guy butt every now and again. But there is never a moment/episode that he does not struggle with it enormously, because he is so determined to resolve things peacefully and in a way that won't hurt anyone.

It's all just so great. Seriously. The script is mature enough to be entertaining for a much older audience, but the lessons taught are SO great for kids. And if you made the mistake of seeing the movie without ever seeing the show, than have no fear, because the two are absolutely nothing alike.

Enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Confession: I love Valentine's Day.

Second confession: I'm not even a little sorry about it.

I don't see what there isn't to love about letting the people around you know that you like them a whole lot. And not necessarily in a romantic way, but in a "Hey! I think you're great!" kind of way. It's the best.

This week I was lucky enough to find this awesome video of guys singing to girls they don't know. It's much less creepy than it sounds. Just watch.

ADORABLE. Letting people know they are awesome -even when you don't know them- is always a great idea. People should do it more often.

So whether you're taken, single, have your eye on a special someone, or are taking a break from love and stuff: get out there today and let someone you know that you're thinking about them! Even better, let somebody, even if it's a perfect stranger, feel special. Everyone deserves it.

You're Welcome.

I came across this adorable video this week. Amidst the stress of approaching midterms and a million projects, papers and assignments due, it's nice to see pure, unadulterated happiness. If Ellen isn't prosocial media, then I don't know what is.

Here are parts one and two of Ellen having a little boy named Elias on her show. First of all, he is by far the sweetest, most hilarious six year old I've ever seen, and he is just overflowing with compliments for other people. You can't see him and help but smile. Oh, and he's a 7-year old piano-playing prodigy who has already played at Carnegie Hall. You can be impressed now.

I loved the first, but I think the second interview is even better.

If you're ever having a bad day, just watch some Ellen. It'll do ya good.

Rain

As I'm sitting here on my couch in my cozy little apartment, I'm grateful to have a roof over my head instead of being stuck outside in the rain. 

But at the same time, I look outside at the very Seattle-esque weather today and can't help but feel joy in my heart for things I so often take for granted, like the rain. 

I'm feeling all sappy and stuff because of this sweet video that I'm sure many of you have already seen at this point thanks to social media. But in case you haven't, you're in for a treat. Here's a little girl experiencing rain for the first time.

There is absolutely nothing more precious in this world than the wonder of a child. The best moment is at :27 when she reaches her hands to the sky and just lets out the most honest "WOW" I've ever heard. 

For whatever reason, this video did more for me than just fill the daily cuteness quota. It struck a chord within me on a level I never expected from a silly youtube video. It has made me think about appreciating things a little better in life. Life is hard and comes with it's troubles, but really, everything around us is just. so. amazing. 

There should never be reason to lose that wonder. The world did not become less marvelous and awe-inspiring, but we've just become complacent with allowing the extraordinary to become ordinary. I hope we can all take a note or two on this little girl's enthusiasm over a little rain and learn to enjoy life a little more.

Super Bowl Surprises

Let's have a moment of silence for the Broncos.




Thank you. Moving on to what's important: good things about the Super Bowl. Because for once, there were so many!!

If you didn't watch, I understand. First of all, not everyone loves football. Secondly, who could even want to love it when the commercials are primarily composed of beer and half naked women?

No thanks.

But this year, something about the whole Super Bowl was completely different. So different, in fact, that it kept my husband and I talking the whole drive home from my sister's house. Instead of focusing on the beer, hyper-sexualized women, dirty jokes, and straight-up potty humor, the Super Bowl had a sort of...soft feel to it. Commercials included puppies, soldier's homecomings, "if you're happy and you know it," a new definition of American unity, and the most adorable return of Cheerio's best spokesgirl.

It pretty much blew America's mind.

Not to say that the old ways were obsolete, but there was really an entirely different atmosphere about the commercials and the Super Bowl production itself. The pre-game show included a wonderful tribute to how awesome the U.S.A. is and a beautiful segment to pay respect to one of the announcers (commentators?) who couldn't be there due to the death of his father just a few days before. If you've got some time, you can watch that here:

Tell me you aren't impressed. Seriously, cool points to the pre-game show producers, because wow. Not to mention the second tribute to the troops during the incredible half time show by Bruno Mars.

I will shamelessly freak out over that performance. It was so good. My favorite part? No naked women. Not a single one. Granted, there was a shirtless 51-year-old dude rocking out pretty hard (thanks, Red Hot Chili Peppers), but somehow that isn't nearly as offensive to me as thirty 20-somethings walking around in what (sort of?) used to be some kind of bathing suit before somebody's Catnip-crazed feline got a hold of it and tore it to shreds.

Bottom line: Bruno Mars blew everybody away with actual talent and pure entertainment, without any need of gimmicks to pull it off. With the exception of the first song (and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, sorry), it was good old fashioned performing at it's best. Here's the finale song with troops dedicating the song to friends, family members, etc. If you're me, get the tissues:

It was so refreshing to not have to switch stations because of the crude content that usually accompanies the Super Bowl. I am really hoping that everything that happened this Super Bowl is a sign of things to come and not just a fluke!

Warrior

Last night I had the opportunity to watch the movie Warrior for the first time. If you haven't seen it, here's the preview:

Then again, maybe don't watch it. I feel like it's almost better going into the movie blind and without expectations. This preview simply does not do it justice.

Much to my surprise, I really loved this movie. The story is fairly deep and complicated, so I won't spend the whole post talking about the plot line. But this movie was incredible. It was so packed with emotion and stress unlike any movie I have seen in a long, long time. The movie is centered around mixed martial arts, and some of the fight scenes are pretty intense and hard to watch (note: I'm also a BABY), but the movie as a whole was really amazing. Not because of the fighting, but because of the relationships portrayed in the movie between these two brothers and their father.

I couldn't help geeking out as the entire Family Processes SFL 160 class (amongst a slew of bits and pieces from other HD classes) ran through my brain for the whole movie as I analyzed the relationships between each character. Dorky as it may have been, I love movies that can make you think that way! Not necessarily in a Human Development mentality, but movies that just make you think and dig a little deeper. Plus, I'm a sucker for movies with deeper meaning, especially when that deeper meaning is the complexity of human relationships.


Although the movie focuses on the sport of fighting at face value, the real storyline of familial hurt and healing was done in such a powerful way that you can't help but feel effected by it. If we hadn't been in the presence of other people while watching it, I would have been sobbing. Emotional problems, amiright?

I highly recommend Warrior it to anybody! What are some good movies you have seen that left you with strong emotions or deep thoughts?

THE ADDICTION IS REAL.

This media class is great. And sometimes I also hate it.

I love that it makes me more aware of the media around me.
I hate that it makes me more aware of the media around me.

Because of this new found awareness, I recently came to a nasty realization. I think I have a very real addiction to my phone. I'm one of those people.

This past weekend, I dropped my phone in the toilet. *facepalm*

I am proud to say that it was the first (and hopefully only) time that it has ever happened to me. And spoiler alert: my phone is fine. Thanks to the glorious people of the internets, I found a pretty great tutorial on what to do when your phone gets dunked in water. Who knew rice was both delicious and a phone life-saver?! But I digress.

Bottom line, my phone was stuck in a bag of rice for about 36ish hours. That is literally a day and a half. Part of which is spent sleeping, so it really was not a big deal and just an inconvenience, at best. But I was amazed/ashamed at how difficult it was! I had no idea how attached I had become to that stupid phone! Every time I had a spare minute, wanted to look something up, needed directions, etc. my hand/arm would get this really strange feeling and I would instinctively pat my pockets or purse looking for my phone. It really got to the point where it was embarrassing and just sad.

As miserable as it was, it really gave me perspective. Technology is so amazing in that it allows us to do so many things. We have reached the point where we are actually carrying a mini-computer right in our pocket! How cool is that?! What isn't cool is abusing that technology and allowing it to become an extension of your body. I really hate that. And I don't want to be a part of it anymore. I struggle with the desire to toss it all out the window and revert to a flip phone, but also recognizing the convenience of being able to receive emails and get directions and know all the secrets of the universe WHENEVER I FEEL LIKE IT.

What do you think? Is smart phone/technology addiction avoidable or is it just a necessary evil?

What Is Wrong With Me.

This week I was introduced to this video of a girl who had just gotten her wisdom teeth pulled:

It's long, she is whiny, and basically sobs uncontrollably throughout the entire video all because she wants to go to Target so badly. And I laughed so hard I literally cried. And almost peed my pants (too much?).

Anyway, just like videos that make me cry like a baby, there are some videos out there that I just cannot watch without completely losing my cool and cracking up like a crazy person. And a lot said videos are of people having an emotional break down over silly things. For example, this video of Kristen Bell crying over her love of sloths. If you haven't seen this already, I require that you watch it before going on with the rest of your life. It's hilarious.

Why are emotionally compromised people (under the right circumstances of course) SO HILARIOUS. Maybe it's because they are relatable? Maybe because it's absurd? Maybe it's because I really am heartless and will surely pay for the hours spent laughing at other people's expense?

Seriously. I have an issue. Karma will come. And I will suffer. I'm sure of it. In the meantime, I'm going to go get lost in the vortex that is Youtube and not feel bad about it. Happy Friday, ya'll!

The Thief of Joy

This week I had a very proud moment when my mom posted this quote to Facebook:

What a wonderful reminder that comparison brings nothing but envy, lower self-esteem, pride, self-doubt, and a slew of other unpleasant emotions. Essentially, THE OPPOSITE OF JOY. Duh.

This quote went along perfectly with an article I had already been planning to post about, so I was really excited when it came across my news feed. The article I want to discuss shows a photo series done by a group of moms aiming to empower women to stop comparing themselves to other moms. It's appropriately named "Stop the Mommy Wars." 

With blogs, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and [insert a million more social media sites here], it is so easy to see into one another's lives and make snap judgments and comparisons about people we don't even know. And frankly, it's stupid.

After taking so many Human Development courses, I've learned more about children and parenting practices than most people who aren't HD majors may ever learn in their life. And yet after all the theories, research, practices, and "do's and don'ts" I've learned in the last four years, I've also learned this: if you are sincerely doing your best and you aren't a psychopath, your kid will probably turn out just fine. Really.

That is what makes this photo series so great. Instead of an article focused on telling you the "Top 38 Ways to Improve Your [Insert Fictitious Problem Here] Now!", its purely about women relating to each other as mothers and just respecting one another's decisions. That's all. Not advocating, just accepting that different people make different choices.

So. Many. Tears.

Growing up, I was never really a weepy person. I certainly never cried in movies or shows. I was told once (by a boy) that I was heartless because I didn't cry at the end of The Notebook. Spoiler alert: it is really, really sad. The end. 

All of a sudden around my second year of college, I became a freaking basket case. I will cry at basically anything. Happy, sad, if there is any amount of "feeling" for the person or character portrayed, the water works will surely turn on. Ugh.

This week was no exception as I came across a slew of very emotional videos.

The first is happy, sweet, and exciting. It shows "Peter Pan" proposing to his real-life girlfriend and stage-love "Wendy." Here's the link to the article that goes into more depth about their story (it's adorable). But here's just the video itself:

The second is emotional for the opposite reason. It pulls on the heartstrings, it's sad, it's inspiring and I was a MESS when watching it. Beyonce fulfills a 12-year-old girl's dying wish to dance and sing with her. Bless Beyonce. Bless this little girl. I gotta go cry again. Bye. 

And in case you aren't in tears yet, here's one more of people just doing really wonderful everyday acts of kindness. All caught on the dashboard cams of Russian citizens (dashboard cams are mandatory there). 

It never ceases to amaze me how much emotion media can evoke in people. Whether it's happiness, sadness, pain, anger -- pretty much every human emotion across the board. It's incredible to me. I think the ability to empathize with others is one of the greatest aspects of being human. I both love and hate it when media is able to have such a profoundly emotional effect on me. 

Crazy.

Guilty Pleasures & Things That Make Me Want to Die

In short: the Kardashians.

Last night as I tried desperately to find any source of procrastination I could find to avoid writing a paper, I stumbled across perhaps one of the most abhorrent things I have ever laid eyes on.

The 2013 Kardashian Christmas Card.

Bad: This thing even exists?
Worse: People actually care that this exists?
Computer Thrown Out Window: THIS.

To spare you clicking on that link, here is the Christmas card I am referring to (warning: you can't un-see this):

Side note: I do not watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Mainly because I have never had cable in my life (read: true story). Although my childhood self may disagree (where my Disney Channel movies at, amiright?), I don't feel like I missed out on much by not having cable or satellite. In fact, I think it's because of my lack of exposure that I have such a low tolerance for shows that feature people like the Kardashians.

Please don't misinterpret what I'm saying. I'm only human. I love stupid reality TV drama. Lovelovelove it. Dance Moms, The Bachelorette, and Say Yes to the Dress are some of my favorite guilty pleasures. Key word here: guilty. Guilty because they provide absolutely no other function than to turn my brain into mush after a long day. And let's be honest, who doesn't love the reassurance of knowing that no matter how crappy your day may have been, there are still people broadcasting their crazy all over national television, so obviously your life can't be that bad.

However, the Kardashians (and other reality tv celebs like them) are their own breed of reality TV evil. This is why:

They are famous for no. Reason. At all. And I hate it.

But I hate it even more that there are thousands upon thousands of women idolizing them, wanting to look and be like them. This is particularly infuriating to me because the first thing I noticed in the "Christmas card" (whoever decided this could be called a Christmas card should be punched in the face, just saying) was the absurd amount of Photoshop. Some may not recognize it at first glance, but as a well-practiced photographer and someone who spends their free time looking at before and after photos, it's pretty easy to spot. This shouldn't be a surprise. It is a pretty well-known fact now that just about every magazine cover you see is essentially fake. There is not a single celebrity that shows their face or flashes their abs that has not be retouched, airbrushed, or skinnied-up and filled-out in all the right places. How is that fair? These people are already rich and attractive, but now they get to have professional photographers airbrushing any trace of imperfection and enhancing (and creating) the very features that women wish and dream about for themselves? No. That is so, so wrong.

I know this is long, but I'm about to make my point here.

As I felt my brain leaking out my ears and I desperately tried to suppress the urge to beat my computer screen with a sledge hammer, I couldn't help but feeling just incredibly frustrated, and mostly sad. The tragic truth is this: glitz, glam, beauty, and here it is - sex - sells. Which is why it is such a miracle that a show like Duck Dynasty, that features a very openly religious and loving family, is the highest rated cable television show in history.

And yet, Keeping Up with the Kardashians remains. Even worse, Photoshop remains overused and provides our society with a sickeningly skewed view of what beauty is. People - mostly women - tune in and laugh and drool over the glamorous lifestyle of these random rich people and indulge in the beauty tips that will never achieve the unreal perfection portrayed on the front of a magazine. All of this ultimately amounts to one thing: a lot of people feeling really bad about themselves for an image that isn't even real. And that breaks my heart. It scares me to know that my children will grow up in a world where the idea of beauty is not even a real thing to begin with. My point is pretty much summed up in this:

I know there are a lot of people, like Dove, doing a lot of good in the world to try and adjust society's definition of beauty and what's desirable. I just hope it will have enough of an impact to keep the craziness at bay for a little while. I am hopeful that with the knowledge of the restored gospel, I can hold onto what worth really is. That I can teach my children that their worth is not defined by the world's standards of beauty or status, but that they are the children of a King on High who loves them more than the world ever could.