Minding the Gap

most of you will be familiar with the phrase, "mind the gap." it refers to space in between the train car or subway car and the station floor. usually, as you get to your station, there is some catchy toon, then a voice that says something similar to, "now arriving to pickadilly station which intersects with the red, brown, and green lines. when stepping off the train, please mind the gap."

i feel that most people are smart enough to "mind the gap" without a reminder, but of course there are always those that are concentrating on their phone, or ipod, or book, or deep thoughts (we all have those, i think) and step incorrectly. in reality, i don't blame them. i feel that most of us have our moments where we trip (figuratively or literally) or do something stupid. this even happens despite the womenly voice urging us to "mind the gap."

two things now. first, why are there no capitals in this (or any of the following blog posts to come)?! a wise friend of mine decided that they are a nuisance, and i am in agreement. second, what is this blog for? it is a clever way that a professor of mine has allowed us students to be creative and yet educational with our critique of the media we are exposed to. so, over the next few months and beyond, you will find my thoughts on media that come my way. plain and simple...maybe.

finally, why "mind the gap?" what does media have to do with the phrase "mind the gap?" let's be honest, i was trying to be clever. people are always trying to come up with hidden meanings or deep insights, well this is my attempt.

i feel that we are exposed to all sorts of media, whether it be tv, movies, music, video games, advertising, books, etc., and are not aware of how they are affecting us (aka the gap). the average teenager is exposed to 11.5 hours of media a day! i would imagine that it increases for college students and adults. with this overly saturated life of media, its a wonder how it all shapes our decisions and personality. i feel that we are too busy running around with our busy schedules and "important" due dates, that we fall straight into the gap that has so expertly and surreptitiously been put there by "the powers that be." i am not referring to God by any means, but to those that are in charge of mass media. and the gap is growing.

so, instead of being the monotonous voice that becons those around to "mind the gap," i will be attempting to expound upon the day to day media that many are exposed to and deliberately saying something along the lines of "do you see the gaping hole after the doors, that if you fall, your leg might break, or you might step wrong and drop that delicious donut you just purchased at the last station? or spill the coffee on your new shirt that you bought for that interview today?"

but don't get me wrong, this most definitely won't be a nagging and pessimistic view of media (at least for the most part). the two posts that i already have in mind are of uplifting and fun media.