Although it is quite embarrassing to admit it, I am definitely one who loves reading all the latest magazines, latest news and updates, and looking at pictures. I probably have 3 different subscriptions to magazines. Since this artifact portfolio is titled “My Gender Portfolio,” I have found that the most interesting way to present my portfolio was to include artifacts that commonly appear in my daily life. I love magazines; I wrote about my favorite show; and I wrote about the people closest to me. There is an almost journal-like feel to my portfolio, as many artifacts were documented when I either saw them, read them, or it actually happened to me.
One thing I find to be an extremely big issue in our society is the control media has over this society. A control that makes us feel guilty about our looks, our material belongings (or lack thereof), and so on. Many of my artifacts highlight this effect that is continuously present in the media. We live in a country that is so concerned with all the physical aspects and I truly hope that changes one day. Therefore, I attempted to also feature advertisements, articles, and so on that I saw that gave a fresh, positive outlook on image. Our book “The Gender Communication Connection” by Gamble and Gamble (2003) provides us with many concepts and information to show us the advancements media is making in its coverage of reality.
Another way in which this was an almost journal-like recording of my interests, was the types of media I chose in the film and television genres. Not for all entries, but for many, I chose my favorite films and shows. Although these are my favorite, I used this outlet as an opportunity to discuss various themes I have seen present on them such as conflict, gendered communication, gender stereotypes, and more.
I also attempted to write about the books I appreciate greatly or that strongly relate to my life. The Bible has been a huge aspect of my life. My religion, like I discuss in my artifact analysis paper, has shaped my life, the way I act, my morals, and more. Another book I chose was “Tiffany’s Table Manners;” I find manners to be one of the most important and appealing characteristics in others.
While proofreading and making the final edits to “My Gender Portfolio,” I have found that this portfolio represents many interests of mine. Although the exact discussions and examples within my posts may not represent me, I have a general compilation of my interests. Between the artifacts I chose and the subjects I chose, there is a general idea of the control the media currently has over the ideals and beliefs of our society. There are many theories present in my portfolio to either represent the changes or represent how the theories are carried out.
