Collective Identity

1) Read the article and summarise each section in one sentence, starting with the section 'Who are you?'

Who are you?
The section focuses on how identity is created through the use on Media, Culture and Society

I think, therefore I am
The section is about how images used to be based on social constructs that define relationships. Identity is created based on aspects of life that aren't essentially controlled by us like religion, Class, Gender and the role we play in the family we were born into.

From citizen to consumer
Consumerism is a estension of identity and this was used in advertisements to persuade people to purchase items that they want and not needed this idea was influenced by the works of Psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. Edward Bernays said, "it was based on not behaving as active citizens but as passive consumers", this supported the idea that identity could be constructed in terms of an externalised image which formed in the Post-Industrial consumer boom of the early 20th century.

The Rise of the individual
in the late 60s and 70s occured the start of san epidemic, the need to be individual reacting against conformist ideologies. People wanted to be seen as unique and different resulting in these people to feel empowered. Freud suggested ideas about 'The Self' imlyed that within ourselves there was a 'essential self' - the core of who we actually are. people began to challenge this, Lacan suggested 'Fragmented Self' the idea that we dont have simply one identity but obtain many.He added that fragmentation leaves use incomplete and we seek to complete our selves by imagining an ideal state of self.


Branding and lifestyle
Branding is associated  with personality and advertisement rather than selling the item is selling and identity or personality .


Who will we be?
The rise of social media and how data mining has risen to meet needs of consumers.

2) List five brands you are happy to be associated with and explain how they reflect your sense of identity.
Apple: I'm like the idea of modern technology moving forward and the aesthetics of the product emphasis on this idea because of its minimalist design.

Timberland Boots: These boots over several centuries have been a big part in the hip hop culture from the late 80s and early 90s till now and my enjoyment towards the genre has influenced me to become associated with the brand

Playstation: enables me and my freinds to enjoy our time with each other when we are at somebodies house.

Mercedes: my love for cars and the SLS AMG

Raf Simons/Rick Owen: Also apart of urban culture in recent years and the design and quality of the designers clothing is very good

3) Do you agree with the view that modern media is all about 'style over substance'? What does this expression mean?
People have begun to purchase wellkown brands over the unkown firslty because of the products branding and the associations that come with the brand that portray a certain ideology however with quality brading comes quality products, so i agree with the expression Style of substanc or form over function.

4) Explain Baudrillard's theory of 'media saturation' in one paragraph. You may need to research it online to find out more.              
Media saturation is the constant bombardment of media whether it is TV, magazines, radio, ads etc

5) Is your presence on social media an accurate reflection of who you are? Have you ever added or removed a picture from a social media site purely because of what it says about the type of person you are?      
I believe to a certain degree that our social media does reflect who we are but not completely, as I see that there is a reflection of what we want to be seen or how we want to be perceived. In regards to the picture I don’t really post pictures for the people’s approval.
               
6) What is your opinion on 'data mining'? Are you happy for companies to sell you products based on your social media presence and online search terms? Is this an invasion of privacy?

In my opinion, data mining is a low underhanded tactic to earn money but I respect in terms its smart business. It really doesn’t affect me in all honesty because I am focussed on things I want. It is a clear invasion of privacy as you are monitoring and violating through selling our information without permission.