Assignment 6-1 What Does All This Mean To Me?

What it all means to me

Every week for the last 5 weeks my classmates and I have had to post weekly analysis's of an item that we thought represented popular culture. It is amazing to me how different and unique each analysis turned out to be. We are each in our own world, doing our own things, so is it any wonder that each of us explored what we thought to be a popular culture item. Things that are long gone or were considered has beens have made their way back to the forefront of popularity. There were some analysis's that focused on the world itself and the goings on of people in general. It is to say without a doubt that we each find something different that we believe to be popular culture and it doesn't really matter what other people think about it.

I can honestly say that this has been one of my least favorite classes, the instructor, I have enjoyed. It is just the notion of who are we to say what is and isn't popular. Look around, the things my daughter would consider popular culture, I could completely disagree with, and vice versa. Is popular culture materialistic, narcissistic, or just plain opinionated? We believe it is popular culture because everyone wants one, has one, or needs one, or because we are so consumed by the notion of having what everyone else has that it just becomes popular.

I have come to hate cell phones, computers, and iPods. Why? These are just more gadgets that suck your electricity and your money out of your pocket. I mean my computer has crashed twice in less than 6 months, who needs that, and why? Yes, I enjoy going to school online, but at the same time, I am to the point of wanting to go back to a traditional classroom and use pen and paper. Cell phones drive me crazy to the point that I want to throw mine, my daughters and my husband's on the ground and jump up and down on them until they are smashed into teeny tiny pieces. Why? Because you cannot get away from them, on the rare occasion that I leave mine at home, I relish the fact that no one can reach me, yes it is a great convenience but it can be a dangerous road hazard as well.

To answer the burning questions in the action items, here are my thoughts. I understand popular culture no more or no less than I did before, to me it is all relatively the same things, new package and new era. No, I don't have any stereotypes now that I didn't have before, so those stereotypes will not play a role in my career or major. The values that I identified are: I miss the days when you sat on the front porch with your family and just hung out, I miss the traditional telephone of calling your friends just to see what they are doing, I miss actually spending time with my friends and family because of all the household chores that never seem to end. I plan to get rid of cell phones as soon as I get moved. I plan to use my telephone to call my family and friends just to say hi. I plan to use my time more wisely so I can spend more time with my kids and husband. How? Now there is the million dollar question. Just because the cell phone rings doesn't mean I have to answer it, the laundry and dishes can wait a few hours, so can the dusting. I intend on making Sundays the day we try to hang out as a family and not burden ourselves with the day to day chores that never end.

Assignment 5-1

Memory Sticks

Well this is it, my last weekly blog for this class. Hurrah!!! Just kidding, it has been interesting. I decided to write about something that I finally took the time to discover that I am sure many other people have already known about or use. The memory stick, or junk drive, or usb stick or whatever you prefer to call it.

I finally broke down and bought one after my computer crashed for the second time in 4 months. Since I have never had a problem with my other computers I didn't really have a need to save my information anywhere else. Boy, oh boy, what a mistake that turned out to be. I lost all of my homework assignments that I had done, and some pictures which I downloaded but saved on my digital camera. The memory stick has served its purpose. I have used at least 2 different computers in the last 2 weeks to get my work done, and if not for this little stick, I would probably being carrying around a couple of cd's .

The thing I have most recently noticed about the memory stick is how it has changed it the past 5 years. When I first started nursing school, some people had them, but I never paid much attention. They were these black stick things that you could put on a key chain or a lanyard or whatever you wanted. Since I have invested in one, I noticed that you can get them in just about any color you want, not to mention relatively large storage is available, mine personally is 4GB. These little sticks are amazing. Not only can you put a cover on your cell phone or your ipod but now your memory stick can match too.

While I am over having a cell phone and computer, I realized I have a new found infatuation with this item. They are worth having even you don't plan on using anyone else's computer to do your homework; they are a great way to backup your data and not take up much room.

Journal Article Analysis

Tattoos

I picked this article because I thought how hard could it be to analyze an article about tattoos, especially since I have one. After reading my selection, I found it to be a little mundane. I have to honestly say that I was not completely intrigued by this information.

Let's talk about America being a tattooed nation. This article reads about mainstream celebrities and suburban America consuming tattoos. It speaks little about the reality of the hardcoreness from which tattoos emerged. I do however have to agree with this writer when Kosut (2006) states, "The community of new tattooees transcends age, class and ethnic boundaries. In 2002, it is reported that 20% of the American population is tattooed. The entertainment industry also promotes tattooing. From actors and actresses to athletes, tattoos are everywhere.

The entertainment industry is chock full of tattoos whether the character be real of fictional. Kosut (2006) goes on to say that the 2002 Blockbuster film XXX starring Vin Diesel used his heavily tattooed body for advertisement to promote the movie. While XXX is fictional, Pamela Anderson, The Rock, and Angelina Jolie are not, all of whom sport a tattoo. Not to mention Cher and Johnny Depp who Kosut (2006) terms elder tattoo aficionados.

The entertainment area also includes the music industry and athletes. These come complete with tattooed people such as Axel Rose, Bret Michaels and Dennis Rodman. There are still those who can't wait to grow up to become rock stars and get tattooed, mimic people such as Dennis Rodman.

Let's finally turn to advertising. With all the gimmicks available who would have thought tattoos could steal the spotlight? It is reported in this article that NBA officials have ruled against players being human billboards, but as we all know – if the money is right… or so states Stephon Marbury of the Phoenix Suns. Visa even jumped on the bandwagon in 2001 promoting that you can charge everything, including your body modifications. This is in alliance with clothing manufacturers who let models with tattoos show them off and those who don't…well that can be fixed.

Consuming tattoos has its own appeal. Kosut (2006) states that receiving a tattoo is a lengthy ritualistic and increasingly medicalized procedure. HUH? Ok, so it may take an hour for a reasonably small tattoo but if your wants and desires have to have it big then so be it, but that goes for the time it takes as well. Besides we wait for hours anyway, well maybe not all at once, but what better way to spend an hour or two. Kosut (2006) goes on to degrade the healing process. I, however, found this process to be quite short in comparison to her detailed story. I had no constant pain every time my tattoo was touched, I had no peeling or shedding as she states is the case. Everyone heals differently and some people will go through the more elaborate healing stages than others, but then again, that will depend on the size of the tattoo you get.

Kosut (2006) continues on with what I call gibberish, but in the end what I really get out of the article is that she seems to be upset or jealous if you will, that she herself is unable to be consumer of this 'ironic fad' and consume a tattoo herself.

 

 

References

Kosut, M. (2206, December). An ironic fad: The commodification and consumption of tattoos. Journal of Popular Culture , 39(6), 1035-1048. Retrieved June 5, 2008, doi:10.1111/j.1540-5931.2006.00333.x

 

 

Assignment 4-1

Fuel Efficient Cars

With gas prices up and the economy down, buying a car today is a bigger decision than ever. For those who are thinking about buying a car, there are many options to consider. From payment amount and gas mileage to maintenance costs, these items can add up quickly.

Fuel efficient vehicles seem to be solving many of these problems for people. Websites like fueleconomy.gov (2008) can show you the best and worst fuel efficient cars and trucks. They tell you new EPA MPG and MPG estimates from actual drivers. It lists fuel economics, energy impact score, carbon footprint, and EPA air pollution score. Many of these items can be extremely useful.

Sites like epa.gov (2008) have a green vehicle guide which essentially tells you the same kinds of things only you can choose a car by state for demographics. Both of these sites allow you to do side by side comparisions.

References

EPA. (2008). epa.gov. Retrieved July 14, 2008, from epa.gov: www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/index.do

fueleconomy.gov. (2008). Retrieved July 14, 2008, from fueleconomy.gov: www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG/bestworst.shtml

Assignment 3-1

iCarly

iCarly is a hit series on Nickelodeon. It is a show about a young girl who lives with her older brother Spence, who is also her guardian. Her father is in the Navy and is at sea. She produces her own web casts from her attic (Emily, 2007). This is her attempt at being a good role model rather than looking for fame or fortune. This show is also the "First scripted series that will incorporate kid-created original content" (IMDb, 2008).

This show appeals to preteens and teens alike probably due to the general age population on the show, and the chemistry between the actors. The show is interactive because viewers can even send in their own personal videos of their talent, and maybe even end up on the show. Viewers can even email questions for the characters to answer.

The main characters are Carly Shay played by Miranda Cosgrove, Sam Puckett played by Jennette McCurdy, Freddie Benson played by Nathan Kress, and Spencer Shay played by Jerry Trainor (Wikipedia,2008). Miranda and Jerry both starred on Drake and Josh, another hit show on Nickelodeon. Jennette has appeared on Malcolm in the Middle and Zoey 101, shows aimed at preteen and teens. Freddie has appeared on The suite life of Zack and Cody, and has done numerous voiceovers for movies.

Assignment 2-1

PEZ Candy and Dispensers

Remember when you were a little kid, and your parents would take you to the five and dime, or a Benjamin Franklin's store? I know I do. One of my favorite things to get was PEZ candy and a new dispenser. Sometimes you could get a sack of PEZ, about 4 or 5, with a new dispenser. I liked to look and see what new heads they had out, and it was so hard to choose.

PEZ originated in Austria, in 1927, they were made of peppermint and used as an alternative to smoking (Wikipedia, 2008). In 1952, they were introduced to the United States, and in 1955 they added heads to the dispensers and marketed them for children. They come in a variety of flavors, and now they have returned the original peppermint flavor. PEZ candies are little brick like pieces, that fit neatly into a PEZ dispenser, and when you want one you lift the head of the dispenser and voila, PEZ at your disposal.

I know that they are PEZ collectors all over the world, but I was never one of them. In fact, I had really forgotten all about the wonderful world of PEZ, until my daughter asked me I wanted a piece of candy. I, of course, could not say no, as to the fact it was one of my favorite things growing up. WOW! What a shock, when did these little candies become so gross tasting? Anyway, thanks to my 12 year old, I now fondly remember buying PEZ candy and dispensers. While the taste may not be as I remember it, the fun of picking out a dispenser clouds my thoughts.

Once again, PEZ is becoming a hot item to have. But there are a lot more heads to choose from nowadays. It is interesting to see an old item come back to life and let me remember yet another fond moment from childhood.

Assignment 2-2

Icons

Sesame Street is an educational and entertaining show for preschoolers. It involves the use of muppets, humans and cartoon segments. Originally airing in the late 1960's, it is one of the longest running shows in television today.

Ronald McDonald is the official mascot of McDonald's. He was created by Willard Scott and is regularly aired in commercials with kids in everyday life.

Paul Harvey is a radio broadcaster for ABC. He broadcasts every morning, mid-day, and noon on Saturday. He is most notably famous for his 'The Rest of the Story' segments.

I chose these icons because they represent an element of my youth. I grew up watching Sesame Street even before I went to school, so for me this is a fun program to watch. On the rare occasion we were able to go to McDonald's and get a happy meal, I would always hold out hope that he would be there. Paul Harvey, I can remember my great grandfather and grandfather listening to him on the radio. I loved to visit my relatives even as a teenager, because I looked forward to knowing we would listen to the Paul Harvey show. My grandfather still listens to the show today, as does my husband. I try to listen on the rare occasion I can turn off the cartoons.

Once again all 3 icons remind me of childhood. Watching Sesame Street reminds me of what it was like to be a child. No cares, no worries, except maybe learning to write the alphabet, and even that was fun. Since I grew up in a small town, going out to eat at a fast food restaurant was a special treat. I could order my own happy meal and would get a surprise toy. What could be better! Hearing Paul Harvey just reminds me of going to visit my grandparents, great grandparents, and my aunt, they all lived within one mile of each other. It meant I could play with my cousin and my uncle. We would go down to the creek, play hide and seek in the barn or play baseball. We would ride our bikes for hours. The grownups would all hang out on the front porch and talk, while we kids played.

These icons are a fond remembrance of my youth and what I hope for, for my children.