Arguments, Identities, and Genres

In our world today there are many genres that are used to convey information. Back then it was in the form of books and papers, then the telegraph, and then came the radio. Which became a huge chapter in the sharing of information in the United States. Although that all changed when the television came into existence. Turning the American population from a genre based on listening to watching.

Today a large part of the way that we consume media and information is in the form of video. We watch news on the TV, videos on social media, and videos to help us remember important events. There has even emerged a social platform based solely on video, called YouTube. Igniting a new era of our consumption of information. Having such an influence on our culture it's important to have the understanding and ability to communicate through video.

Video is a genre that is integrated in our culture and can be at times done poorly. In order to create a proper video the videographer must consider the perpective of the viewer and develop a story that will develop as the video progresses. The video must also have a purpose, if there is no reason that the viewer should watch the video who would want to watch it. Is the video meant to convey a certain emotion to the viewer? There are hundreds of short videos that are put out in the media that convey comedy to the viewer. This began with the start of social media company vine. Allowing individuals to create quick videos, many aimed to making the viewer laugh. Here is one vine that has seeped into our culture (Vine). Is the video meant to share a story with the viewer? Many videos are made that convey real or fictional stories to viewers. Creating a whole industry where viewers pay to watch a video called movies. Here's a trailer for an upcoming movie coming out 2020. Or maybe convey a message to them? There are thousands of commercials and ads that aim to advertise or teach viewers. One example are the old tobacco ads back in the day. They were short but still conveyed the message of luxury and style. Take a look at the Samson Shag Tobacco Lion Ad.

After you have found a purpose you need to develop the story what you want to tell and how you want to tell it. You can't forget to consider the audiences perspective and cater the video to how the audience might feel. Consider the Samson Shag Tobacco Lion, it's just a lion talking although the feeling of spunk and style that he gives off might influence the viewer the think that smoking might make them more like the lion. It's all from the image that the video presents to the viewer.

Video is a prominent genre in our generation and we must be able to understand how it can be used to influence us and the culture around us.