A Gift From Kenya

The Maasai people are obviously very compassionate and sensitive to suffering. The cows were perceived to be a perfect gift for America. The representation aspect in this situation was though the cows dind't really have a place in Manhattan, the healing and selflessness they represented was definitly a salve to the new yorkers after 9/11. This shows us that despite the cultural differences that may alter a message, the concept and heart can be translated if we take the time to understand and consider the circumstances and environment of that culture.

Two Communication Models

The two models of communication described in the book are the transmission model and the cultural model. The two work together to ensure that communication occurs.
Transmission model:
The transmission model focuses on the source, message and receiver model. The message is relayed to one person and then transferred to another individual. It focuses on how there is static that always occurs because of ones persona interpretation of the message based o their back round and pre-conceived notions. Therefore one message an have multiple meanings depending on the reciever.

Cultural model :
The culture model expands upon the fact that different cultures with different beliefs will need to have a message tailored to their understainding in order to properly recieve it. The culture model also gives a little more meaning to the message. Especially if the message has been passed through generations, they become integral to the beliefes and values of that culture.

Media Representation

According to Professor Hall, representation is the way in which meaning is given to the things depicted. Representation "re-presents" the meaning that was already contained in what is depicted. When we talk about the issue of representation, we are really referring to the use of a stand in. The media uses stand ins to re-present information in a more appealing format all the time. Take for example, When P-Diddy got on board with the rock the vote campaign, or more recently, with his anti-drunk driving campaigns. The information has always been there, Telling people to vote and not drink and drive. However when the information is re-presented in a way that speaks to its target audience, you have a much more effective persuasion and communication tool on your hands.