Thornham responses:
1) The stereotype which this article plays off of is boys play video games, and this community is theirs to reign. What I find interesting is a section on page 131 gives an instance where the girl Lorna was leaning to play a specific game. Joe did not hesitate to give her instructions, or explain the object of the game, and even gave praise when she did well. Does this example give us a better insight towards the opposing theory that boys do not believe girls can not play or play with them, but they just want someone to play with?
2) Thornham argues a couple points on page 136. Owning consoles works as a basis for "rational financial motivation and social functions." In Joe's and Duncan's instances, they stated the social aspect of "keeping in touch with a group on a common topic," is one of the main reasons they enjoy gaming. With this in mind, why do adults and parents find gaming to be a step backwards in their sons' social and communication skills? It seems obvious that these boys understand how to find people who enjoy similar aspects. Why do video games seem so taboo in the eyes of the worried parent?
Bird Responses:
1) The beginning portion of Bird's article focuses on women's responses towards tabloid writing. Many stated their relationships, physical appearances and what they like/dislike about their lives. In one instance Bird argues that she felt many women write this way not because the one question from the tabloid asked them too, but because they do not get to discuss these things out side of the written medium. If these women are so grateful and excited to be given the chance to voice their thoughts, what is it about the written word, in this case tabloids, give women a sense of empowerment and the feeling they can express what they have been possible suppressing? What is it about the unknown reader which gives these women a sense of security and powerful voice?
2) On page 152 Bird states, "a cultural perception that interest in celebrity 'gossip' is a female vice- men may share the interest, but to discuss it, is just not 'done." Before this states, Bird gives us an instance where some men are very passionate about celebrity stories, or how they label them as, 'Who Cares" stories. If many men feel this way, according to Bird, then how come men are apprehensive to engage in 'gossip?' I understand the macho appearance men want to maintain, or the feminine stereotype which comes along with 'gossiping,' but if everyone is participating, what is the unseen force stopping men from discussing these topics which, from this research, they are interested in?
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