Thank You for Smoking Movie Reflection

 

The movie "Thank You for Smoking" is an inspiring film starring Nick Naylor as a lobbyist and chief spokesperson for cigarettes. The film shows how to defend and win an argument, even if it's not necessarily correct.

Nick has a lot of evidence going against him as the danger of use of cigarettes grows stronger, however, he uses a different approach, reframing the argument to deflection and other rhetorical devices, not arguing about the dangers.

I really enjoyed this movie and felt it changed my entire perspective on what it is like to work in a career like communications. When advocating for something such as cigarettes, knowing they can be dangerous, you need to find another angle. His angle is choice. He believes everyone should have the personal freedom to smoke cigarettes. 

In the film, Nick meets up with two other lobbyists, advocating for alcohol and drugs, calling the group the "Merchants of Death". This shows how industries defend these harmful products using similar tactics.

A reporter, Heather Holloway, is fascinated by Nick Naylor's work as a tobacco lobbyist. She interviews him and they begin a romantic relationship, that soon turned around. As their relationship began to heat up, Heather exposes her real goal was always to get more of an inside story on Nick, nothing more. 

As a journalist, Heather gains Nick's trust, allowing him to open up about his job and the tactics he uses. She then, collects this sensitive and damaging information about him and the tobacco industry. Finally, she ultimately betrays him by publishing an expose, which reveals his hypocrisy methods. In the film, Heather represents the media's role in exposing the truth. 

Outside of Nick's work, he tries to be a good father to his son Joey Naylor, by teaching him how to argue. He brings Joey along for his debate against opponents of the tobacco industry, like Senator Ortolan Finistirre. By doing this, he shows Joey that being persuasive doesn't necessarily mean being right.

As the movie continues on, Nick faces the increasing pressure of his opponents. Ortolan, his main competitor, is pushing anti-smoking legislation, a journalist, Heather, is exposing his personal life, and his career begins to affect his role as a father.

After being exposed by Heather Holloway, Nick loses his job as well as his reputation. Just as he started to lose hope, he is then kidnapped by anti-smoking extremists, nearly killing him. This scandal forces Nick to confront the real-world consequences of his work and the tobacco industry as a whole.

He then faces off again with Senator Ortolan Finistirre. In this argument, Nick argues that the government should not control choice and personal freedom. Instead of arguing if smoking is bad, he argues "should people be free to decide". Nick wins the debate, not by advocating for cigarettes to be safe, but by the discussion of personal choice.

In the end, Nick Naylor claims his victory and leaves the tobacco industry, opening up his own PR and consulting business, teaching other how to spin arguments by using his tactics. Nick has endured a lot against him throughout this movie; however, his mindset always stays the same.

This film shows the many parts that go into the career of PR and communications. You may not believe what you are advocating for is particularly correct and there are going to be people and evidence going against you, however there are always tactics and angles to advocate for even dangerous products.

As someone that plans on going into a career of PR and communications, it was motivating to see the side of arguing for a product, most people would think didn't stand a chance. When watching this film, I saw particular tactics and rhetorical strategies to use when arguing for this type of product. Nick Naylor was able to use the argument of personal freedom, which may be used for many products such as cigarettes. 

The Age of AI: The Future of Work

 After watching the video "The Age of AI: Future of Work" I am having a hard time grasping the fact that AI could take over many jobs, and it already has. For instance, many factory jobs have been taken over by robots that are very consistent, timely and rarely mess up. As a strategic communications major and a marketing minor, I fear for my future in the workforce because of AI. 

There are so many different platforms for AI, OpenAI, ChatGPT, Google Gemini, ClickUp, etc. but not only are there separate platforms for AI, but also many apps are incorporating AI into them. For example, I was studying on Quizlet the other day and Meta AI popped up to help me study. AI seems to be embedded everywhere, which makes it feel unavoidable

Realistically, AI could easily take over both strategic communication jobs and marketing jobs. Many advertisements made nowadays are made or heavily assisted with AI because it's easy, cost-effective and timely. Same idea with press releases, blog posts and even graphic design. Companies are able to generate content in seconds, that once took teams hours or even days to create. This makes me wonder how professionals are going to be able to compete when these AI platforms can perform tasks so instantaneously and flawlessly.
  

Not everything that comes with AI is bad, but it's typically seen in a negative way. It is often portrayed as something that replaces people, but it can also function as a support tool, like another brain. For instance, I use AI frequently when making study guides. I import my notes into ChatGPT, and it organizes them into a structured, easy-to-understand study guide that is very helpful. It also helps me brainstorm ideas when I'm stuck creatively. Since my creativity does not always come naturally when I need it the most, AI is able to make a starting point for me.

Overall, instead of completely taking over careers, like mine, AI can reshape them. So rather than competing against AI we need to learn how to work alongside of AI and use it as a helpful tool.

The most vexing issue of the Digital Age

 How would you feel if a group of people that are strangers to you knew what you were doing throughout the day, every day? 

Unfortunately, this is a current issue that is not being talked about enough and many people continue to be unaware of it. Whether you are driving around and having your license plate read by the government, using your phone and having cell towers gather information about what's on your phone, or even calling people on the phone and getting wiretapped. 

Some people may think that the government having this information on you may not be the biggest deal because "what are they going to do with it" when you aren't doing anything to harm them. Well, a lot more people have access to your information than you would believe. Hackers, terrorists, outside governments, etc. 

Throughout these TEDtalks, all four speakers provided critical evidence and information about surveillance your devices provide others into your lives. For example, one of the women talked about her very emotional experience with her ex-boyfriend, the stalker. Her ex took explicit photos and videos of her, posted them on a website and sent the website to her husband. When she became aware of this website, she was confused and went into a depression. Unfortunately, it took months for her to get this website taken down due to restrictions and loopholes. 

She finally was able to get it taken down after many had viewed it and then realized this is "common" for many women, it's called "revenge porn". The reason she spoke about this situation was to bring into light how easy it is for the wrong people to access your devices, and personal information can be shared. 

Another instance of surveillance that was brought to light, that even I did not know much about, is license plate readers. I have been told by my parents where license plate readers are located, however I did not know these readers are keeping this data where it can be viewed by the police force and the government. I understand that these people need this data in case they are catching a criminal, but they are also "spying" on the innocent. 

With the help of cell phone towers and the stingray device, we are constantly being watched. Strangers know where we are, at what time, and what we are doing constantly. Not to mention, wiretapping which is easily accessible through phone calls. To "prevent" wiretapping, it is suggested that we use apps such as: Facetime audio, WhatsApp, or Messages, which doesn't even fully prevent wiretapping. By using these apps, our messages are encrypted and it is a lot more difficult, almost impossible to encode them, which is why it is suggested.

Eight Values of Free Expression

In this article from usatoday.com, the eight values of free expression are used to communicate the issue of the reduction in vaccinations that are recommended by the CDC from 17 to 11. Currently there is a lot of debate going around the U.S., specifically in Florida, New Jersey, and Texas, on mandated vaccinations. I have background knowledge on this topic due to a project I recently finished, therefore I was glad to speak more about it. People feel that they should not be told they have to "inject" something into their bodies when they don't know what it is and the long-term effects of it. This also applies to vaccinating their children and the parents' say in this. By using the eight values of free expression, the people are able to give their viewpoints on the rollbacks.

1. Marketplace of Ideas

This article reflects on differing perspectives like federal health public health authorities, state leadership, medical professionals, and citizens that are concerned about their health and their family's health. Free expansion ensures that there isn't one viewpoint that dominates the rest by force. Instead of this, ideas are heard publicly so that the people can compare arguments about vaccines and their safety, public health priorities and, of course, personal freedom.

2. Participation in Self-Government

Democracy depends on the citizens; however, they need to be educated and informed. Free expansion allows for voters to hear arguments for and against vaccine policies to change, like which vaccines are mandated and which ones are not. They decide this based on a ballot box and however people decide to vote. Public debate over health policy enables people to influence government direction through discussion, activism and elections.

3. Stable Change

Free expression acts as a type of safety exit for social tension. Having the open debate and letting citizens give their opinion on the topic prevents or reduces the likelihood of violence. When having these public debates, speeches, and commentary through the media about disagreements, it allows change to occur through dialogue rather than force. Like DeSantis mentioned in the article, you have to ask yourself whether someone is coercing a vaccine or other medical device on you or if they are recommending it. If you feel they are coercing it, you have the freedom to say you do not want it.

4. Individual Self-Fulfillment

Freedom of expression shows support to individuals' ability to form and voice their opinions and personal beliefs about health, risk, and the government authority. By allowing people to express their fears, concerns, or support regarding the vaccines, freedom of speech respects personal values in terms of medical decisions. In the article, Robert Kennedy made a comment saying that doctors are there to vaccinate, not evaluate, meaning the doctors should not be coercing you into taking a vaccine, the only thing they should be doing is giving you the vaccine because that is their job. They shouldn't be pressuring you on a medical subject such as vaccines when it is your choice.

5. Check on Governmental Power

Credible journalists play a critical role in the "watchdog" process, reporting on CDC reduction of vaccines, state views, and political reasoning. This article is actually an example itself as a type of "watchdog" because it is questioning why policies change, who supports these policies, and what consequences may become of these decisions and policies. This inspection often causes officials to have to justify their actions to the public. State governments tend to have more power than the federal government. States have the final say on whether or not vaccines should be mandated, however, as stated in the article, CDC recommendations can greatly influence individuals to get vaccinated, even if they aren't mandatory.

6. Promote Tolerance

Free expression allows for elected officials, journalists, experts and citizens to openly criticize decisions made my important and related institutions like the CDC or the government, specifically state governments. In this article, Ron DeSantis challenges the federal health guidance, publicly. He explains how free speech enables political leaders to disagree with national policy and presents alternative viewpoints without censorship. DeSantis said individuals should be able to make the best decisions for themselves, not for the manufacturers of the vaccines.

7. Promote Innovation

There is open expression when having scientific claims and policy decisions. When mandating vaccines and promoting them, citizens rely on evolving data, and free speech allows for researchers, doctors, and commentators to debate evidence, question it, and recognize possible risks and flaws in the vaccines and the evidence supporting them. Without free expression, scientific solidarity could decline or be shaped by political pressure, rather than evidence. Dr. Lapado mentioned how mandated vaccines "drips into disdain and slavery," and then goes further to say, "who am I to tell you what your child should put in their body?" This goes to show the Florida officials have a specific viewpoint on mandated vaccines and feel it should be the individual's choice, not anyone else's.

8. Protect Dissent

Public health debates often involve unpopular or controversial opinions. Free expression protects individuals that challenge superior ideas, whether or not they are skeptical or critical of vaccine mandates and their reduction. The article presents how dissent is legally and culturally protected in a free society. Growing up, especially during the COVID pandemic, a lot of my friends were getting vaccinated, and a lot of them weren't. There was not a lot of information out about the vaccination, and it was created in such a short amount of time compared to other vaccines. This created a lot of controversy amongst my community and the U.S. as a whole. Free expression protected the citizens by allowing them to speak out about this and not take the vaccine if they did not want to.

According to this article, Florida has made the decision to stand behind the CDC in their decision to have a vaccine rollback. The eight values of free expression have contributed to this subject because they allow citizens to make their own decisions and speak freely. It can be hard to make your own decisions on topics such as vaccines, however, when the topic becomes political and coerced, it may feel impossible to stand up for yourself. With the eight values of free expression, they allow you to do this freely.

My Top 5 News Sources

TikTok

TikTok is a very popular platform that I use almost every day. While scrolling through videos in my free time, I see a lot of influencers and other creators posting about news. Whether it is political, environmental, celebrity drama, etc. Users can create these posts to show how they feel about a topic, how it affects us or others, and how it affects the Earth. 

The app creates algorithms so that users can learn more about a topic or the users interests at the moment. For example, I just binge watched a Netflix show that I became obsessed with and when I sent one video to my friend that I saw about the show that was on my "For You Page", every other video while I was scrolling was from the show. 

The other day I saw that a group of monks were making a peace protest by marching across the country, and people were going to see them. A lot of the posts about this march were creators expressing their feelings about how much we needed a sign that everything was going to be okay. Posts can come from around the world because TikTok is a worldwide app, therefore I see news globally and I am able to broaden my knowledge on what is occurring currently in other parts of the world. 

Instagram

Instagram is another social media platform that I use consistently to get news on. I typically do not follow a lot of influencers on Instagram, like I do on TikTok, however when scrolling through my feed, there are many suggested and "Breaking News" posts that show up. 

In one of my classes, I had to do a project on a controversial topic, but I wasn't sure which topic I was passionate about. When on Instagram later that day, I saw a post about mandated vaccines and how Florida was trying to end the mandate for specific vaccines, such as the one for COVID-19. I chose to do my project on that topic, which I hadn't previously known was a current issue. I have posts on my feed like this every day that help me gain knowledge on what is happening around the world. I also am able to get news about my friends and family. This is another worldwide platform that most people use to gain information, therefore I can see news from other countries as well.

ESPN

ESPN or Entertainment and Sports Programming Network is the news channel that I use when I want to keep up with sports. I'm normally always busy so it is rare when I'm able to sit down and watch a game. Growing up around sports, I'm a very competitive, passionate person about my favorite sports teams. 

On ESPN I am able to get updates and outcomes of Formula One races, Premier League soccer, and Football. This news channel is also worldwide, which is very helpful considering the Premier League soccer is located in England. I am also able to get news on the Olympics because they are always held in different places such as Greece, France, and the U.S. 

Facebook

Facebook is another popular social media site which tends to be mostly for the older age group. I first downloaded Facebook because my schedules for work used to be posted on it and I use it to see what my mom posts. Even though my work schedule is now posted on a different app, I still use Facebook to get news on family, friends and more local stories. A lot of my family uses the app, even my grandma and grandpa. I tend to find out information on them from their posts before they even tell me. 

My hometown, Kent Island, also has a joined page where anyone that lives there can post about what is happening around the island, their lost pets, car crashes, good food places, really anything. I don't post anything, but I go on the app a lot to see what's going on, especially while I'm at school, just so I know what's going on at home. I can also see if we have any events going on like garage sales, new stores opening, our homecoming parade, our fall fair, etc.

Fox News

Fox News is a news channel that I watch on tv. Being this is an actual news channel and not social media; there is more content that is a bit harsher than what is shown or said on social media. For instance, a lot of current topics include ICE, politics, war, murder, military, etc. I'm not very consistent at watching the news, I only really watch it at home and that's typically only in the morning when I first wake up and go downstairs. I do enjoy talking about the news sometimes because I remember a lot of harsher topics and it's always being updated to the latest news. 

One of the stories I recently watched was about more than 80,000 vehicles being recalled for not being loud enough to alert pedestrians. This is interesting to me because I've heard these vehicles before, like Tesla's and Kias, they all have this "angel-like" sound that is difficult to hear and a lot of people on campus own them.

By using these sources to get news, I am constantly updated on what is going on around the world or locally. I question what I learn, I talk about it with others, and I learn more about it.