MYSPACE AWARENSS

It is no secret that I have joined the masses of others in our generation who have become somewhat obsessed with myspace and blogging in general. Why do we feel compelled to display our thoughts, and our likenesses for all the world to see? Are we exploiting ourselves, trying to create an identity that is far from reality, or simply trying to express our inner creativity?

I don't have answers to these questions, and I doubt that you visited my blog today for a philosoply lecture, but I recommend reading an article about our myspace photos, from today's New York Times.... a few exerpts from which I have posted below.

Its an interesting read for a myspacers and non-myspacers alike. Did YOU take your current profile picture yourself? I did.... read on......

Here I Am Taking My Own Picture
By ALEX WILLIAMS
Published: February 19, 2006

"'Self-branding is a big deal for kids, and self-produced entertainment is a big deal,' Mr. Taylor said. In their pictures, ordinary young women metamorphose into glamour queens or pinup girls, thanks to a few well-rehearsed come-hither poses and mood lighting reminiscent of an old Hollywood studio portrait. Average boys turn themselves into brooding antiheroes by gazing intently into their camera lens in a darkened room, face half buried in shadow."

(This is interesting):

"This month the attorney general of Connecticut, Richard Blumenthal, promised an investigation into MySpace, spurred by complaints of parents that minors could have access to sexual images on the site or could post suggestive pictures that could make them vulnerable to sexual predators. Members have included pictures of themselves in scanty attire or suggestive poses. For many, MySpace functions as a dating site.
But the operators of the Web site, which is owned by the News Corporation, the media conglomerate controlled by Rupert Murdoch, insist that a third of the work force is devoted to policing the site for inappropriate material. Offending members can be banned from the network, and MySpace says it will contact law enforcement officials in serious cases."