In the spirit of me having to be at the airport in about 4.5 hours (it's 11:42 pm) to catch a flight to Tangier, Morocco with SU abroad, I figured it would be rather appropriate to write a little about Spanish conflict with Morocco. I had no idea this even existed until I saw an article pop up on my Publico news feed. When I googled the term "Spain denies Morocco" quite a few links came up talking about past conflicts between the governments, so I read a little into it.
From what I could understand, there is a lot of violence and attacks going on in Morocco. There is currently what is being referred to as a "state of terror" in Laayoune, Morocco due to all the violence and killings. There has dispute among whether or not Morocco had sovereignty over the Western Sahara. In 1975, colonial Spain had withdrew it's power from Rabat, Morocco, leaving the territory to Rabat rule. However recently, the Spanish deny that they had ever declared Morocco in control of the Western Sahara. A quote from a Polisario Front representative, talking about the issues currently in Morocco reads: (rough translation)
"First, Spain is directly responsible. According to former legal adviser to the United Nations, Hans Corel, Morocco, not contained in documents available to the UN, or as a colonial power or as the manager of the Sahara, but as an occupying country. Therefore, Spain remains the responsible power until the end of the decolonization process."
It is hard to tell what side Publico is taking in this case. If the denial of Spain were coming directly from Zapatero, I would say that they were mocking him for taking back something he had said. However, the article is a bit unclear. What I did get from the article is that Morocco, or this representative atleast, wants Spain to finish the decolonization process that they started.
Seeing this for the first time was a surprise to me. I don't often see stories of Spanish conflict with other countries in publico, and I am wondering if it holds much weight in other Spanish newspapers. It is definitely something I would like to know more about. U.S. publications weigh heavily on politics and international relations. Although I have learned a lot about Spain in my time here, I really couldn't pin point anything I'd heard as far as conflict with other countries or territories prior to seeing this article.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Ad Spots in Class--Nov. 8th
After watching a number of Spanish ad spots in class yesterday, I knew it was what my next blog would be about. It was very interesting to me to see how Spanish advertising is similar as well as contrasting to American advertising. Although I could not understand a lot of the messages well due to the language/culture barrier, there were a few common trends I noticed among the advertisements.
For one, the sound/music scoring seemed pretty consistent. I wasn't sure if I thought this just because, in my perspective, most Spanish music sounds the same to me. In watching the commercials, I felt like they weren't very diverse as far as scoring, it seemed they just picked a random Spanish tune to stick in the background, and then did their production over it. Although I am not familiar with the themes or meanings of the songs, it seemed that it could have used a little work in some cases.
Also, a lot of the messages weren't very direct. Sometimes the point they were trying to make, or joke even, took too long for me to think about, or I didn't have the prior knowledge to understand it. With ads, I have found that most are marketed at a very simple understanding, as to not go over the consumer's head and completely miss their interest.
My favorite ad that I saw was the Aquarius ad. It really provoked a mood and feeling in me, the production, sound and photography were fitting, and it overall had a great message. It was the type of ad I could picture seeing in the U.S., where as some others seemed a little spotty, like they had somewhat low production costs, which sort of made them look like home videos.
Overall, Spanish advertising was still similar in basics, as far as production and the way they try to capture an audience. From my perspective, although it was difficult if I didn't have prior knowledge of Spanish culture (i.e. recognizing popular show or cartoon references), I realize that a Spanish person would probably have the same issues in recognizing our advertisements.
For one, the sound/music scoring seemed pretty consistent. I wasn't sure if I thought this just because, in my perspective, most Spanish music sounds the same to me. In watching the commercials, I felt like they weren't very diverse as far as scoring, it seemed they just picked a random Spanish tune to stick in the background, and then did their production over it. Although I am not familiar with the themes or meanings of the songs, it seemed that it could have used a little work in some cases.
Also, a lot of the messages weren't very direct. Sometimes the point they were trying to make, or joke even, took too long for me to think about, or I didn't have the prior knowledge to understand it. With ads, I have found that most are marketed at a very simple understanding, as to not go over the consumer's head and completely miss their interest.
My favorite ad that I saw was the Aquarius ad. It really provoked a mood and feeling in me, the production, sound and photography were fitting, and it overall had a great message. It was the type of ad I could picture seeing in the U.S., where as some others seemed a little spotty, like they had somewhat low production costs, which sort of made them look like home videos.
Overall, Spanish advertising was still similar in basics, as far as production and the way they try to capture an audience. From my perspective, although it was difficult if I didn't have prior knowledge of Spanish culture (i.e. recognizing popular show or cartoon references), I realize that a Spanish person would probably have the same issues in recognizing our advertisements.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Political Cartoons in Spain
Or should I say, religious cartoons? Call me crazy, but I think this would be violating the law of separating church and state in the U.S. This cartoon in particular that I found on the Publico website was titled (more or less) "The new generation, less Catholic." This caught my eye because it was interesting to see the taboo that Spanish culture deals with. In my eyes, Spain seems very liberal. As previously discussed, as far as government goes, it is likely that Spaniards would see our left wing democrats in the U.S. as relatively conservative.The article following this cartoon goes on to discuss how it has been seen that generally, the younger generations of Spain are "maturing with less adherence to Catholicism." To me, I can relate with religion in the U.S. My father's side of the family is very Italian. My grandmother grew up in a very "by the books" Catholic family, and was taught that not going to church was a sin, a typical catholic misconception. I myself was raised as Catholic, as well as confirmed in the church by decision of my father. However, I have my own beliefs as far as Christianity, and they do not side much with the Catholic church's laws and regulations as to how to get to heaven. While trying not to make this into a religious debate, I have found to identify more with my mother's faith, as do many kids my age. I believe more so of having a personal relationship with God, and that by asking him into my heart, confessing my sins to only him, etc, I will get to heaven, not by any steps that the Catholic church is asking me to complete. Which is why I am not surprised that Spanish youth is stemming away from this ideal either.
The article also talks about the high rate of premarital sex in youth in Spain, which the U.S. can also relate to. The cartoon takes a funny perspective on the issue, depicting a Pope running around asking it's public to wear condoms, seeming a little desperate to keep his followers. It may just be that the youth considers the position of the church too radical, which is an easy conclusion to come to when issues such as gay marriage are becoming more accepted in society.
I guess the conclusion I am trying to make from this cartoon, is that although what it represents are very much so like issues in the U.S. having to do with religion and youth, I'm not quite sure the U.S. media would ever come right out with a cartoon as controversial as that. Just another interesting difference!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Spain
With my mother being a survivor of breast cancer, I am particularly attentive to the media during October, breast cancer awareness month. Normally during this time at home, I would be doing fundraising walks with my mother, or going to charity functions with her to support a fight for the cure. I was very interesed to see how the issue of breast cancer affects the Spanish, and the ways they go about publicizing for a cure and support.
As I was watching the news (el sexto) with my señora the other night, I came across a few spots for the cause. There was one commerical of a group of women speaking about the disease, all having their heads wrapped in a light pink scarf, representing the breast cancer awareness ribbon color. At the end of the commercial, they all took their scarves off to reveal what little hair they had left from the chemotherapy, but wearing it proudly. It made me happy to see that this cause is advocated for pretty universally. We have almost identical commericials and spots in the U.S. It was also interesting to see that even here, the issue still holds much attention in the media.
Shortly after this commerical ended, the news came back with a reporter present in a doctor's office. He began to describe current health care initiatives and efforts toward scanning women for breast cancer, nearest clinics, new fundraisers etc. Soon after speaking, the camera started to pan to the left, leaving the reporter in the right foreground. In the background was clearly depicted a woman in the middle of her doctor's appointment, getting a mammogram, full frontal to the camera. Also clearly depicted, were her naked breasts.
By now, it's no surprise that this is a surprise! I have become somewhat more adapted with the liberalness of nudity in the media in Spain, however this just did not sit well with me. I told my mother about it and she seemed appauled that something like that would be exploited, and found it inappropriate to be so freely showing nudity, during a very serious procedure. I myself wasn't aware any woman would want to be filmed while this was going on anyway! In the U.S., while you may see a woman on a broadcast sitting in a doctor's office prepping, they would never show the procedure itself with the woman being naked. To me, this would be similar to showing a man being examined "down there," which I have also yet to see in Spain on live television. It puzzles me a little why this is acceptable, but I guess I'm still suffering a little culture shock!
As I was watching the news (el sexto) with my señora the other night, I came across a few spots for the cause. There was one commerical of a group of women speaking about the disease, all having their heads wrapped in a light pink scarf, representing the breast cancer awareness ribbon color. At the end of the commercial, they all took their scarves off to reveal what little hair they had left from the chemotherapy, but wearing it proudly. It made me happy to see that this cause is advocated for pretty universally. We have almost identical commericials and spots in the U.S. It was also interesting to see that even here, the issue still holds much attention in the media.
Shortly after this commerical ended, the news came back with a reporter present in a doctor's office. He began to describe current health care initiatives and efforts toward scanning women for breast cancer, nearest clinics, new fundraisers etc. Soon after speaking, the camera started to pan to the left, leaving the reporter in the right foreground. In the background was clearly depicted a woman in the middle of her doctor's appointment, getting a mammogram, full frontal to the camera. Also clearly depicted, were her naked breasts.
By now, it's no surprise that this is a surprise! I have become somewhat more adapted with the liberalness of nudity in the media in Spain, however this just did not sit well with me. I told my mother about it and she seemed appauled that something like that would be exploited, and found it inappropriate to be so freely showing nudity, during a very serious procedure. I myself wasn't aware any woman would want to be filmed while this was going on anyway! In the U.S., while you may see a woman on a broadcast sitting in a doctor's office prepping, they would never show the procedure itself with the woman being naked. To me, this would be similar to showing a man being examined "down there," which I have also yet to see in Spain on live television. It puzzles me a little why this is acceptable, but I guess I'm still suffering a little culture shock!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Ciutadan's Campaign--nude?!
Well this campaign promotion for Albert Rivera's election came as quite a surprise to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anpQadSAuHU&feature=player_embedded
Cataluna is preparing for their upcoming elections and this party in particular, the Ciutadans, represents a group of people who believe in revolution and rebellion against the Nationalism government. The group was formed in Catalonia in July 2006 in response to a stand made by Catalan intellectuals critical of the nationalist government, and eager for a new political party to "address the real problems faced by the general public." Albert Rivera, the current candidate for this party running for president of Catalonia, is leading a group of people of different ages and genders down the street behind him in this promo, ending with a sign saying "Rebel." The spot was supposed to reflect a "civic revolution" against the current status quo in Catalonia. Some of the issues they are against include things like laws allowing only the speaking of Catalan.
While I understand their desire for revolution and change, this advertisement definitely caught me off guard. It definitely isn't something you'd see in the states without an immense amount of controversy (in the very least.) Most likely it would never be allowed, or the candidate would face some consequences. Not to mention, this particular candidate has apparently posed nude before in support of his cause, and now just recently added a group of people to his campaign to further enforce his presence. I admire the liberalism in the media in Spain, but I thought the message was a little extreme. To me it said, "if you don't let us make change, we're just going to walk around naked in protest."
However, being a public relations major myself, I am a big believer that no publicity is bad pubilicity. Rivera definitely succeeded in making his mark and getting everyone's attention in standing up for his party, and for that I give him credit, and wish him the best of luck!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anpQadSAuHU&feature=player_embedded
Cataluna is preparing for their upcoming elections and this party in particular, the Ciutadans, represents a group of people who believe in revolution and rebellion against the Nationalism government. The group was formed in Catalonia in July 2006 in response to a stand made by Catalan intellectuals critical of the nationalist government, and eager for a new political party to "address the real problems faced by the general public." Albert Rivera, the current candidate for this party running for president of Catalonia, is leading a group of people of different ages and genders down the street behind him in this promo, ending with a sign saying "Rebel." The spot was supposed to reflect a "civic revolution" against the current status quo in Catalonia. Some of the issues they are against include things like laws allowing only the speaking of Catalan.
While I understand their desire for revolution and change, this advertisement definitely caught me off guard. It definitely isn't something you'd see in the states without an immense amount of controversy (in the very least.) Most likely it would never be allowed, or the candidate would face some consequences. Not to mention, this particular candidate has apparently posed nude before in support of his cause, and now just recently added a group of people to his campaign to further enforce his presence. I admire the liberalism in the media in Spain, but I thought the message was a little extreme. To me it said, "if you don't let us make change, we're just going to walk around naked in protest."
However, being a public relations major myself, I am a big believer that no publicity is bad pubilicity. Rivera definitely succeeded in making his mark and getting everyone's attention in standing up for his party, and for that I give him credit, and wish him the best of luck!
Monday, October 11, 2010
"No one can be proud of being a homosexual dysfunctional"
Today I came across an article in Publico, quoting a New York Republican politician Carl P. Paladino displaying his ideology of homosexuality in Brooklyn.
The article talks about Paladino implying that children should not be brainwashed into thinking living a homosexual lifestyle will bring them as much success as one in a heterosexual family and marriage. He then goes on to say that he is not homophobic, nor does he wish anything bad upon those that are. According to an article in the New York Times, New Yorkers are ¨considering moving out of the state if he becomes governor."
It was interesting to me to see something like this turn up in a Spanish publication. To be honest I was very surprised at how much Spain talks about American politics, culture, music, etc when I came here, because we hardly ever features stories about Spanish politics and such in our publications. Although it was an upsetting article to hear from a U.S. politician, it sort of reinforced it seeing it in a foreign newspaper. I feel as though that one little article amongst an array of democratic-liberal article sort of makes the U.S. seem very prejudice and close-minded, just because of this one, ultra-conservative politician. It was a very troubling article in general, and not the best example of the U.S.
The article talks about Paladino implying that children should not be brainwashed into thinking living a homosexual lifestyle will bring them as much success as one in a heterosexual family and marriage. He then goes on to say that he is not homophobic, nor does he wish anything bad upon those that are. According to an article in the New York Times, New Yorkers are ¨considering moving out of the state if he becomes governor."
It was interesting to me to see something like this turn up in a Spanish publication. To be honest I was very surprised at how much Spain talks about American politics, culture, music, etc when I came here, because we hardly ever features stories about Spanish politics and such in our publications. Although it was an upsetting article to hear from a U.S. politician, it sort of reinforced it seeing it in a foreign newspaper. I feel as though that one little article amongst an array of democratic-liberal article sort of makes the U.S. seem very prejudice and close-minded, just because of this one, ultra-conservative politician. It was a very troubling article in general, and not the best example of the U.S.
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Recent Terrorism Warning
One of the most present stories in the media today, in both the USA and all of Europe, are about the resent terrorist threats from Al Qaeda this past week. There has been a warning to take precautions in all airports, subway stations, buses, etc while traveling throughout Europe, especially the UK, France and Germany.
This of course has all of our parents in a panic. I myself will be traveling to Amsterdam this weekend and am a little nervous. However, since I did my presentation, I have been using Publico.es as my news source in Spain (the translated version of course.) This morning I came across an article pertaining to the terrorist warning, saying that the EU was a little disappointed that the information was leeked to the U.S. because they are now preventing citizens from traveling to Europe. To my understanding, Europe seems to be taking it a lot lighter than the U.S.
"London is aware that the possibility of an attack by Al Qaeda is always present but does not believe that this threat is different today from other times of year."
Also, "The paper said British officials see no link between drone attacks the U.S. military is doing in the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the alleged series of coordinated attacks in Europe that U.S. talks."
I could be getting this wrong because of the choppy translation, but I'm a little confused as to why it would be a problem for the U.S. to take such precautions. Is this a bad thing? Or is there just a miscommunication somewhere?
This of course has all of our parents in a panic. I myself will be traveling to Amsterdam this weekend and am a little nervous. However, since I did my presentation, I have been using Publico.es as my news source in Spain (the translated version of course.) This morning I came across an article pertaining to the terrorist warning, saying that the EU was a little disappointed that the information was leeked to the U.S. because they are now preventing citizens from traveling to Europe. To my understanding, Europe seems to be taking it a lot lighter than the U.S.
"London is aware that the possibility of an attack by Al Qaeda is always present but does not believe that this threat is different today from other times of year."
Also, "The paper said British officials see no link between drone attacks the U.S. military is doing in the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the alleged series of coordinated attacks in Europe that U.S. talks."
I could be getting this wrong because of the choppy translation, but I'm a little confused as to why it would be a problem for the U.S. to take such precautions. Is this a bad thing? Or is there just a miscommunication somewhere?
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Público
Since I just finished doing my presentation on Spain's newspaper Público, I figured that would be an appropriate topic to blog about. Upon studying this newspaper, it was very difficult to take notice of the liberal attitude or youthful target audience due to the language barrier. It's hard to tell what phrases in Spanish may be perceived as opinionated, or biased, because they don't all directly translate into English. However, I realized I didn't have to read too much into the actual text to see what the newspaper was all about.
The paper itself is styled like a tabloid, which I found very interesting. In the states, seeing a publication like this is pretty much a big red flag for celebrity gossip and papa razzi. However, I realize it seems as though it is used for the appeal of a younger audience. The paper is very colorful, and the front page always has a glorified top story. It sort of reminds me of Time Magazine, the way it is formatted, except it's an actual newspaper.
The headlines are very blunt, all including subheadings that pretty much tell you exactly what the article is about in very few and simple words. Young people like that sort of stuff. Also, this paper seemed to be very "on-the-go" to me. Being an American, we're pretty much all about convenience, and finding the quickest way to do things, especially when it comes to getting information. At school I never really have the time to sit down and read a paper. I get all of my news online, I have a New York Times "widget" on my Mac Dashboard where I can get quick headlines and blurbs about what's going on, and that's usually all I need. However, I don't think I'd find it too troubling to grab Público before class everyday and glance it over. I like the way it is formatted and how youthful it is. It's a nice reminder that reading the news the old fashioned way doesn't always have to be boring.
The paper itself is styled like a tabloid, which I found very interesting. In the states, seeing a publication like this is pretty much a big red flag for celebrity gossip and papa razzi. However, I realize it seems as though it is used for the appeal of a younger audience. The paper is very colorful, and the front page always has a glorified top story. It sort of reminds me of Time Magazine, the way it is formatted, except it's an actual newspaper.
The headlines are very blunt, all including subheadings that pretty much tell you exactly what the article is about in very few and simple words. Young people like that sort of stuff. Also, this paper seemed to be very "on-the-go" to me. Being an American, we're pretty much all about convenience, and finding the quickest way to do things, especially when it comes to getting information. At school I never really have the time to sit down and read a paper. I get all of my news online, I have a New York Times "widget" on my Mac Dashboard where I can get quick headlines and blurbs about what's going on, and that's usually all I need. However, I don't think I'd find it too troubling to grab Público before class everyday and glance it over. I like the way it is formatted and how youthful it is. It's a nice reminder that reading the news the old fashioned way doesn't always have to be boring.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Advertising in Ibiza
This past weekend, I, as well as a bunch of other SU abroad students, spent the weekend in the infamous Ibiza. It was quite a fun time and very tiring. While we were there, and when we weren't laying on the beach or dancing until 5 a.m. at one of the famous clubs, we got to take the time to really explore the island. It came quickly to my attention that this island seems to strive primarily from it's nightlife and tourism.
Upon driving to our hostal from the airport, nearly every billboard that was passed was an advertisement for a club. Many of the clothing stores and stores in the outdoor markets were filled with merchandise to advertise these clubs or the DJs that perform at them. The island in turn gave off a very carefree vibe, and it seemed that everyone that was there were just visitors, vacationing for the weekend.
The way the billboards and ads promoted these clubs was in a very vibrant way, with obvious sex and partying and suggestion, something that isn't acceptable to be advertised so obviously in the U.S.
All in all, this island was probably the only I've been, and will ever visit, that thrives and exists purely for tourist pleasure. It was interesting to see the way it sustains itself through it's advertising of nightlife and beaches. I wonder if the interest will ever run out?
Upon driving to our hostal from the airport, nearly every billboard that was passed was an advertisement for a club. Many of the clothing stores and stores in the outdoor markets were filled with merchandise to advertise these clubs or the DJs that perform at them. The island in turn gave off a very carefree vibe, and it seemed that everyone that was there were just visitors, vacationing for the weekend.
The way the billboards and ads promoted these clubs was in a very vibrant way, with obvious sex and partying and suggestion, something that isn't acceptable to be advertised so obviously in the U.S.
All in all, this island was probably the only I've been, and will ever visit, that thrives and exists purely for tourist pleasure. It was interesting to see the way it sustains itself through it's advertising of nightlife and beaches. I wonder if the interest will ever run out?
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Politics in Spanish Media
In beginning to watch the news and media in Spain, I started to pay close attention to the present political issues. It was at first difficult for me to understand what was going on, due to the language barrier and different government here. It then became clear that the majority of political media coverage is centered around the issues with the Basque socialist group called the ETA. Through paying attention to newspaper articles and coverage on television, I was able to learn more about politics in Spain, just as we do in the U.S. However, not only are our current political issues a bit different, but also, we have different ways of portraying them to the public.
It became clear to me through also listening to the lectures in graphics that Spain seems to be very sensitive to socialism, and sees it as a very negative way of government. I myself am a supporter of Obama, and am aware that many conservatives/Republicans in the U.S. see him as a socialist. However, in my opinion, things such as universal health care and being given the financial opportunity to attend college, based on the amount of work you put toward it, are all positive things for our country, even if they are seen as "socialist." I think the main issue Spain has with socialism is due to the struggles they have with terrorist groups such as the ETA, and certain parts of their country wanting independence from Spanish rule. It is interesting to see how Spain's media voices these concerns.
Many of the different newspapers here have a very obvious bias, which is more than I can say for the states. While we do have some newspapers that are known to be a little more left wing or right wing than others, Spain pretty much puts their opinion right in your face, beginning with their headlines. This made me realize how frowned-upon media bias is in the U.S., but really, it's nothing more than someone voicing their opinion, as we do everyday.
It became clear to me through also listening to the lectures in graphics that Spain seems to be very sensitive to socialism, and sees it as a very negative way of government. I myself am a supporter of Obama, and am aware that many conservatives/Republicans in the U.S. see him as a socialist. However, in my opinion, things such as universal health care and being given the financial opportunity to attend college, based on the amount of work you put toward it, are all positive things for our country, even if they are seen as "socialist." I think the main issue Spain has with socialism is due to the struggles they have with terrorist groups such as the ETA, and certain parts of their country wanting independence from Spanish rule. It is interesting to see how Spain's media voices these concerns.
Many of the different newspapers here have a very obvious bias, which is more than I can say for the states. While we do have some newspapers that are known to be a little more left wing or right wing than others, Spain pretty much puts their opinion right in your face, beginning with their headlines. This made me realize how frowned-upon media bias is in the U.S., but really, it's nothing more than someone voicing their opinion, as we do everyday.
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