Unit 1: Information Overload

Sensationalism in Costa Rica

       Sensationalism is a method of manipulation used by reporters to cause a sensation, emotion or impression public.In Costa Rica this is not an unfamiliar term, is something that has become very common. Instead of talking about the news, I am going to speak about two media that have changed the course of journalism in Costa Rica. 

       Country a few years ago started to present several newspapers as "la extra" and " la teja" which are sold at low prices and showing something beyond normal so far, for its affordable price people buy them more quantity, but the price is not the problem, but of their contents. They are noted for their news with false, cruel images, news only about events, sports and publications with scantily clad women.

       Here they call this journalism but in reality it is not, because they do not take the time to research and ask their jobs better, many say they are based on deception and mediocrity, but the question arises: Why are the newspapers biggest sellers?.

In my opinion I feel that we have been slowly losing our feelings, we are filled with images of cruel and misinformation that we are creating and increasing inhumanity, a feeling of coldness that is killing our empathy. We must learn to choose the means and the information of what we consume to avoid being victims of sensationalism.

Vocabulary

Intake: consumptionPerspective: Sensible point of view.Newsworthy: worthy of the media`s attention.
Repetitive: repeating the same thing over and over.
Bias: consideration of an issue from only one side, often with a certain prejucide.
Inconsequential: without importance.
Despair: feeling of depression and sadness.
Remedies: solucitions
Barrage: Constant attack, in large amounts.
Immobilized: unable to move or act.
Disengage from: lose interest in something.
Underlyng: basic, fundamental.
Perspective: a way of regarding situations, facts,etc., and judging their relative importance.
Remedy: to restore to the proper condition, put right.
Regardless of: in spite of.
Evading: to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing.
Coverage: the extent or degree to which something is observed, analyzed, and reported.
Focus: to converge on or toward  a central point of focus, be focused.
Lethal: capable of causing death.
Addictted: to occupy with or involve in something habitually or compulsively.

Grammar

Passive Voice

To form the passive you need to use:

                                     Correct form of be + the past participle.
When use it:

1. To shift focus from the agent of the action to the person or thing being described.
2. Dont know the agent of the action, or when the agent is not important.
3. Use when you dont want to mention the agent, particularly to avoid blaming the agent.

Examples:

Active: Too much news distracts you from the things you really need to do.
Passive: You are distracted from the things you really need to do.

Active: The reporter discussed the upcoming election.
Passive: The upcomming election was discussed by the reporter.

Video:

This video about a class of Passive Voice:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxbQ2U3Uuv0

References

Wikipedia. Free Encyclopedia, definition of sensationalism. Consulted on sunday september 22. http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensacionalismo