Virtual Avatars

The virtual world has been a place for people of all types, shapes, and sizes to immerse themselves into. The gaming life lets any person be whoever they want to be. They can choose to be a complete alter ego, or make their own new parallel life outside of their own. I feel the reason having avatars and playing computer games is because it is so customizable, you can start fresh and be whoever you want to be. You have complete freedom to create your own story or even a way to portray yourself as you actually are. All of the avatars, no matter what game or character, is in a way a piece of the creators personality. Whether it's what they wish they could be, or how they see themselves. Avatars can also be an exact portrait in the game in which you play. This is why avatars are utilized so much because they are so open to customization. The alter ego is a great way that avatars are used. A disabled person can become the most able being in any game or digital life replica. They can escape from the difficulties of their real life and live a freer, less stressful one in the virtual world. There will always be a connection between the idea of a whole new and different, more adventurous life than the real one we live in.

Women's Health

This whole debate about women's health and what's offensive to women and what causes obesity in women is stupid to me. Yes some people have eating problems, yes some have low self esteem, and yes advertising the "ideal" woman hurts many female's self image. But i feel that the obesity itself is not the problem, its the confidence. Some people are shunned for weight or their size but i feel if you have confidence in yourself that backs it up then you are just as equal. Its when your self esteem is low and you hate yourself is when the obesity becomes a problem. Women have had this issue with their body forever and problem lies with themselves not offensive advertising. They take it to heart then it in turn ruins their confidence but you have to find your own "inner beauty" and confidence to make yourself proud. The main thing is you be you, and be proud of it. Don't say you want to be skinny but not change anything and just complain about it. If you really wanted to change you would get up and do something about it. I feel it's usually just a guilt trip to get surrounding people to feel sorry about the person, and it is that person's way of getting love. It's not worth it, be proud of yourself, and if you're not proud of something, change it.

Snapshots of the Ordinary

Part of being an American is being in pictures, taking pictures, or just having anything to do with photography. It's great because you don't have to be a professional to do it, any jabroni can pick up a camera of any kind and enjoy his own work or enjoy the hobby of taking photos. The magic behind the snapshot is that "they help us understand who we were and who we are." For example, just about every piece of technology today has something to do with pictures or cameras. Whether it's the cameras on phones, the cameras on laptops, the editing on the laptops of the photos, and just the need of and everyday camera carried in a purse or pocket. Snapshots create a story and they all have meaning, no matter how abstract or random they are. Snapshots are a huge part of social interaction in society, such as the uploading and tagging of random snapshots on someone's Facebook or Myspace. The possibilities are endless and that's why they are such a big part of everyday life. They are able to create the "Kodak Moment" that everyone looks for, which is a photo that significantly describes a cherished moment that one can reflect on. Sometimes these moments are even caught by accident and that is why the Snapshot is so important today.

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A Photo is Worth More Than Just a Picture

Like the article states, when a house burns down, the main three things people wish to save are family, pets, and family photos and pictures. Patrick Cox does a great job of pulling the audience in using everyday examples and commonalities as Americans. He describes photos almost as their own parallel universe and how people are drawn to them and become connected. I feel that he was very accurate in his observations, because pictures and photos are such a big part of our lives today. Whether its just a "good picture" or a place, or even a picture that recreates the memory of that point in time. The connections between people and pictures are unbelievably strong and Cox portrays this strength as the willingness to go into a fire just to save a few sentimental photos. Relating back to myself, I cherish many of my own photos, some only mattering to me, and I know I would do a lot to save them. Pictures are their own database for memories and its easier to relate to these memories with access to a photo that was taken at that time. Trying to recall on a sentimental moment is harder to draw out than it is when you have a frozen moment in time that helps portray your memory or sentimentalism. I know now, that many years from now I'll be able to appreciate all of my old photos and will be more than happy to describe the memory to anyone.