Class 4 : Class 4 The Power of the Media
Before you read: : Before you read: What do you remember most about Michael Jackson?
His songs
Thriller
His clothes
His dancing
His face
His private life
Read the text : Read the text Michael Jackson has died aged 50 after having a heart attack at his Los Angeles home. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors spent over an hour trying to save him. His brother Germaine told reporters: "The family request that the media please respect our privacy during this tough time." Jackson was perhaps the greatest singer and dancer the world has ever seen. He transformed the music industry forever. The pop icon greatly influenced generations of singers with his unrivalled professionalism. Michael was known as the king of pop and there is perhaps no one close to challenging his legendary status. He will be remembered forever for his talent, his unforgettable songs, and his Moonwalk dance.
Discussion: : Discussion: Do you agree that
How much has the media contribute to create a certain image of Michael Jackson? “He will be remembered forever for his talent, his unforgettable songs, and his Moonwalk dance.”
Here is the rest of the text : Here is the rest of the text Complete the gaps with the given words:
Tributes to Michael Jackson have __________ in from all over the world. Pop star Madonna said: "The world has lost one of its __________, but his music will live on forever." Jackson’s ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley said she was “so sad and __________”. She added: "This is such a __________ loss on so many levels, words fail me." Pop star Justin Timberlake wrote online: "We have lost a __________ and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music." Jackson began his __________ as a child in his family group The Jackson 5. He went on to become globally famous as a solo artist with __________ hits such as Billie Jean and Bad. His album Thriller, released in 1982, is the biggest-selling __________ of all time. It has sold 65 million copies worldwide.
confusedsmashgreatsalbumpouredgeniuscareermassive
Keys: : Keys: Poured
Greats
Confused
Massive
Genius
Career
Smash
Album
MJ was not the only one to be scrutinised by the media… : MJ was not the only one to be scrutinised by the media… Politicians are also a common target.
Listen to this interview about French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s private life
Complete the sentences with the missing words : Complete the sentences with the missing words People have become more interested in Nicolas Sarkozy’s private life due to his __________
Carla Bruni’s family was threatened by __________ and __________
Her reputation in Italy is far ___________ than in France.
She is accused of not being very __________ in her relationships.
Sarkozy and his ex wife Cecilia were already ___________ during the campaign.
Sarkozy allegedly sent Cecilia a romantic __________ before his wedding.
Sarkozy was married _________ before Carla.
Cecilia is planning to _________ soon.
keys : keys Marriage to Carla Bruni
Communists and left-wing terrorists
Worse
Stable
Separated
SMS / Text message
Twice
Marry
Debate: : Debate: Should the private lives of public figures be open to press scrutiny?
The arguments below apply mostly to politicians and other public officials, for example judges and civil servants, but are also partially applicable to celebrities such as film and pop stars, footballers, etc.
Pros : Pros The people have a right to know about those in power over them. Their salaries are paid for by the people (whether through taxes, in the case of politicians and civil servants, or by revenue generated by films, CDs, TV, etc., in the case of celebrities). The decisions of public political figures affect many aspects of people’s lives; in exchange the people have the right to make informed judgements about the kind of leaders they have. Any attempt to restrict what may be reported about public figures in the press could easily become a conspiracy to keep voters in the dark and to manipulate them.
Public figures seek this status knowing that it will bring attention to their private lives – pop stars, footballers, etc. Constant scrutiny is the price of fame. Many celebrities actively seek media exposure in order to advance their careers, revealing many aspects of their personal lives; once success has been bought in such a fashion it is hypocritical to complain of “press intrusion” into those few aspects the star would prefer to remain hidden.
Cons: : Cons: The ‘public interest’ is not the same thing as what the public is interested in. There will always be a fascination in learning intimate details about the lives of the powerful and famous, but this should not be a reason to deny public figures the right to privacy that the rest of us enjoy. Nor should public figures be held to higher standards of personal behaviour than the rest of society by a sensationalist press seeking only to sell newspapers. If newspapers were forced to focus upon the policies and public actions of politicians, rather than their personal foibles, democracy would be better served.
Many public figures achieve celebrity status largely by mistake; it is a by-product of their pursuit of success in their particular field. For example, most professional footballers wanted when young simply to become the best player they could be, at the highest level they could reach. They do not wish to be “role models” and claim no special moral status, so why should their private lives be subjected to such public scrutiny?
What do you think? : What do you think?
A song to reflect…Drowned World /Substitute for Love : A song to reflect…Drowned World /Substitute for Love I traded fame for loveWithout a second thoughtIt all became a silly a gameSome things cannot be boughtI got exactly what I asked forWanted it so badlyRunning, rushing back for moreI suffered fools so gladlyAnd now I findI've changed my mindChorus:The face of youMy substitute for loveMy substitute for loveShould I wait for youMy substitute for loveMy substitute for loveI traveled round the worldLooking for a homeI found myself in crowded roomsFeeling so aloneI had so many loversWho settled for the thrillOf basking in my spotlightI never felt so happy(chorus)Mmmmm, ooohhh, mmmmmFamous faces, far off placesTrinkets I can buyNo handsome stranger, heady dangerDrug that I can tryNo ferris wheel, no heart to stealNo laughter in the darkNo one-night stand, no far-off landNo fire that I can sparkMmmmm, mmmmm(chorus)Now I find I've changed my mindThis is my religion. Videos de Madonna
Now to finish… : Now to finish… ‘Fame? I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy’s dog.’
Madonna
Enjoy your holidays!!! : Enjoy your holidays!!! Marcela