Representation

"Criminal Minds" is a popular television show that dives deep into the minds of criminals and the professionals who catch and study them. One interesting aspect of the show is how it portrays different characters and social groups. In the show, two major characters stand out for their complex representations. Dr. Spencer Reid and Penelope Garcia. characters offer the aspects into how the show addresses issues of mental health, extreme intelligence and diversity.

Dr. Spencer Reid, played by by Matthew Gray Gubler plays a role of a young doctor with photographic memory and an IQ of 187. His character is known for being unique and challenging anything that comes in his way. For instance, Reid's brilliance can often lead him to isolate socially and lack good communication skills. This representation of a highly intelligent person highlights the challenges faced by people on the autism spectrum and those with mental health issues. His character makes viewers  understand that intelligence can come with its own set of difficulties, making him relatable to those who might feel like outsiders. And show o one can be perfect.

On the other hand, Penelope Garcia, portrayed by Kirsten Vangsness, provides a big contrast to Reid. As the team's tech expert, she is vibrant, confident, and unafraid to express her emotions. Garcia’s character breaks stereotypes often associated with tech roles, as she shows her femininity and uses her skills to support the team in creative ways. Her quirky personality and colorful outfits stand out, making her a beloved character who bring humor to the show. Garcia’s representation also emphasizes the importance of diversity, not just in terms of ethnicity but also in personality types within professional settings.

Together, Reid and Garcia highlight the importance of representation in media. Their different experiences and approaches to their work emphasize that intelligence and emotional intelligence can coexist. "Criminal Minds" uses their characters to challenge societal norms and show that everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, has something valuable to contribute. By exploring these themes, the show encourages viewers to embrace diversity and understand the complexities of human behavior, ultimately showing empathy and connection among its audience.

Reflecting on the Sound Lesson and Project

During the sound lesson and assigned videos, I learned a lot about how sound can tell a story, even without visuals. The lesson highlighted the importance of paying attention to everyday sounds and how they can be used to create an immersive experience. Foley sounds, or sounds created with everyday objects, are key to making audio scenes feel realistic. Watching examples of soundscapes helped me understand how layers of sound can build tension, emotion, and atmosphere.

Sound Project Directions: For our sound project, we were tasked with creating a 1-2 minute audio scene using only sound effects—no video allowed. We had to convey a story purely through sound. The project required us to include at least four foley sounds, which had to be created with random objects, not digital sound effects. We could use only seven words, and the scene needed to be at least one minute long, but no more than two.

My Approach: My partner and I decided to create a soundscape of a person walking through an office lobby and riding an elevator. The four foley sounds we used were footsteps (shoes on a hard surface), a squeaky hinge (for opening a door opening effect), a pen clicking (to represent the elevator button), and the sound of an elevator opening (for the mechanical effect).

Brainstorming: During brainstorming, we mapped out the entire scene step by step, deciding what sounds would accompany each action. This planning stage helped us understand what moments needed sound and how to arrange them. We considered the atmosphere and timing to make sure the sounds flowed naturally. The brainstorming sheet kept us organized and on track.

Outline and Sound Organization: The detailed outline was crucial. It allowed us to think ahead about what sounds to capture and how to build the narrative. By listing the key actions and corresponding sounds, we made sure no important element was missed.

Editing Process: I used CapCut for editing, which made layering and masking sounds much easier. This tool allowed us to align the foley effects perfectly with the actions, so the transitions between sounds were smooth and seamless. CapCut also let us adjust the sound levels to ensure that everything was balanced and clear.

Reflection: What went well in this project was how smoothly the sounds came together. The footsteps, door, and elevator effects blended in a way that made the story easy to follow. I’m proud of how we built a realistic atmosphere with just sound. Next time, I would focus more on creating more dynamic sound effects to enhance certain moments of the scene. For example, adding a more distinct environmental background noise could have made the setting feel even more alive. But overall, the layering and pacing of the sounds worked out well, and it was a fun learning experience.

My project: Sound project

Here is a picture of my editing to show how crucial precise blending the sounds had to be to create my overall result.