Assignment 9-3 Popular Culture Artifact

Popular Culture Artifact

I chose to create a popular culture artifact that represents good versus evil. I chose this myth because so much of the world revolves around good and evil. Good versus Evil dates back to Adam and Eve. They wanted to be good but the serpent tempted Eve to eat the apple. My drawing skills are extremely limited so I asked my husband to help. As you can see, the G is higher than the E is. This is because good usually wins over evil. The E is backwards on purpose. It means that they are facing each other in battle. This myth is a very popular one. No matter where you are in the world there is always good and evil around.
Since the beginning of time, there has always been good and evil in the world. There is even a war of good versus evil within us. Sometimes good wins and other times evil wins. We can try to do the right thing but sometimes selfishness wins out and we do what we want to do instead of what is right. Every person has their own perception of good and evil. It is based on personal feelings, experiences, ideals, and basic tenets. (Powell, 2009) What one person views as evil may seem good to someone else.
A lot of movies are based on good vs. evil formula. This even includes children’s movies. Take the Lion King for example. His Uncle Scar is the evil in this movie. There is always a hero and a villain. In the movies, good always wins over evil. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true in real life. There is a lot of evil in the world. Our prisons can attest to that. These are some of the cases where good won over evil. There are also the ones that never get caught and brought to trial. They are still out there committing crimes. Another good versus evil is the war on drugs. It almost seems like the more drug dealers that are put in jail the more show up on the streets. This is one battle that seems to be never ending. Drugs can destroy a person’s life personally and professionally. They can make people do things they normally wouldn’t do while taking the drug. Hopefully this is one war that good can win.
How a person is raised can also be a factor in how someone perceives good and evil. Beliefs and personal experiences is what drives a person one way or the other. To most people police officers are considered good. To some that have had dealings with cops that think they are above the law and can do what they want may seem evil. Police officers are suppose to protect and serve the public but there are some that feel they are owed more and take it.
The hero that I want to create with this artifact is that everyone can be a hero. The values will be compassion, love, understanding, justice, belief, and more. There is so much discord in the world today that some people are even afraid to go outside of their homes at night because of all the violence.
The role of the stereotype and rituals in my artifact dates back to biblical times. The “G” is represented with wings and a halo. This represents an angel. The “E” is represented by horns and a tail. This represents the devil. This representation stems from my Christianity belief that I was raised with. The saying “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” has been my motto most of my life. If everyone followed these words then there would be less evil in the world.
The belief that I want to convey with this artifact is by doing or being good, we can make this world a better place. A good deed not only helps someone else it also makes a person feel better about themselves. It gives them a feeling of accomplishment like nothing else. The movie "Pay it Forward" comes to mind. This little boy gives of himself by helping others. When asked how they can repay him, he tells them to pay it forward. He wants them do something nice for someone else.
The function that this icon serves is to remind people to do the right thing. Hopefully it will help steer people to start giving instead of taking. Most people want to be a better person and they just need to be steered in the right direction. Another function that this icon will serve is to inspire adults be better role models for our children. Children are what they live. If they are given a positive they are more apt to model the positive instead of the negative.
When it comes to marketing I am not really sure how this could be done. Perhaps billboards, talk shows, etc. I think the best way would be word of mouth or should I say just doing it. If you show people by doing and not just saying, it has a bigger impact. Once this is has been accomplished then they could wear the good vs. evil patch to show that they have accomplished something. I would also help to be a reminder to always look for the good and help others.
It would be a great accomplishment if everyone would start giving instead of taking from someone. The saying “what goes around, comes around” definitely holds water. If everyone believed that they could be good and worked at it there could be a noticeable difference in the world.
 

References
Powell, J. (2009). Exploring good vs. evil - by JoAnn Powell - Helium. Retrieved April 17, 2009, from Helium Web site: http://www.helium.com/items/827614-exploring-good-vs-evil

The IPod Culture Assignment 9-1

The IPod Culture
The IPod has become very popular in our culture over the last several years. Music has always been a big part of people’s lives. The Apple IPod allows the music to go where ever the listener goes. Look around the next time that you are out shopping, the amount of people with the famous white headphones on their ears is amazing. The IPod is very different than any other MP3 player on the market. It has many different styles and colors so that it can be a reflection of the person. (Some Call it Culture, Others Call it Cult Activity) The IPod allows you to create your own listening favorites on one device. There is no changing the station or the CD. It has hours and hours of music available whenever you want to listen to it.
This allows a person to create their own space while they are surrounded by people. If they don’t want to interact with people they just plug in their IPod and they can block out everything else. (Some Call it Culture, Others Call it Cult Activity) Music and change your mood or enhance your current mood. By picking the kind of music you want to listen to can make life more enjoyable. (Some Call it Culture, Others Call it Cult Activity) By being able to choose the music that makes you happy you don’t have to listen to something that doesn’t appeal to you. (Some Call it Culture, Others Call it Cult Activity) How many times do you find yourself changing the channels on the radio or skipping songs on a CD? The problem with the popularity with the IPod is that listeners are alienating themselves from new acquaintances when out in the public. It kind of reminds you of someone living in a bubble. They seem to be unreachable when listening to the IPod. There are pros and cons for the IPod just like any other technology. It is a personal choice.


References
Some Call it Culture, Others Call it Cult Activity. Retrieved March 29, 2009, from http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~krystles/iPodCulture.html

Article Analysis - Assignment 1-3

Article Analysis
The Commodification and Consumption of Tattoos Article
The article, An Ironic Fad: The Commodification and Consumption of Tattoos, seems to be aimed towards the general audience. It does seem to lean more towards the audience that doesn’t have tattoos. Kosut talks about the mass appeal and the recognition of tattoo as an art form. He also talks about how tattoos often lean toward trendiness and conformity, instead of rebellion and transgression. (Kosut, 2006) Kosut also talks about how tattoos assist in selling products and is simultaneously a product that is consumed. It is amazing how many people have a Harley Davidson Tattoo. Generally if they have a Harley tattoo, they also own a Harley Davison motorcycle. This article uses subject-specific vocabulary. “Inked” is a reference to having a tattoo.
This article focuses on how the tattoo craze has grown since 1990. It is not just for people who want to rebel or the “biker” type. It is considered a form of art now. Many tattoo practitioners have art school background. (Kosut, 2006) Kosut refers to it as painting on the skin instead of a canvas. With academic training they are able to use newer designs and brighter inks. (Kosut, 200) When someone gets a tattoo it is based on their individuality and personal preferences. Their likes and views are represented by their tattoo.
The reason that tattoos have become more popular is that there are so many athletes, stars, and musicians now have tattoos. No matter where you look you will find someone who appeals to your lifestyle or musical taste. (Kosut, 2006) This article has a lot of information about tattoos and shows a non-partial view.
The research that was done really gave this article the facts needed. The author began the article with vocabulary that was understandable by most all ages. As the article progressed it became harder to understand some of the vocabulary used without looking it up in the dictionary. This makes it harder for people to understand exactly what the author is trying to get across to the reader. For example, Kosut uses words like “semiotically pillaged”. Not everyone would understand what this means. Even though some of this article is hard to understand the author is able to get his ideas across to the reader and is logically organized. The one thing that has stayed with me from this article is that the views of tattoos have changed majorly since 1990. Tattoo’s are accepted by all genders, classes, etc. in our culture today.

References
KOSUT, M. (2006). An Ironic Fad: The Commodification and Consumption of Tattoos. The Journal of Popular Culture, 39(6), 1035-1048.

Assignment 7-1 The Snuggie

The Snuggie
The Snuggie has received a warm embrace from pop culture. There has over 4 million sold since September 2008. (Puente, n.d.) The Snuggie is an oversized fleece blanket with sleeves. (Puente, n.d.) This allows you to be able to move your hands and arms, yet still stay covered with the blanket. You can get up and move around even. The commercials even show people wearing them to games, outside, etc.
The concept is not new. There are other products on the market like it. (Puente, n.d.) The marketing approach it took along with a reasonable price is what has set the Snuggie apart from the others. (Puente, n.d.) Most consumers that watch the commercial are sitting on the couch with a blanket on so it is very appealing to them.
The Snuggie has become a huge hit with most consumers. There are a few like Jay Leno who doesn’t think much of the Snuggie. According to Puente, Leno claims “Why not just put your robe on backwards?” The Snuggie reminds you of a robe put on backwards. There is just more material to the Snuggie than a robe. It covers more of your body than a robe does. I guess everyone has a different opinion of the Snuggie. Some people like them and some don’t.


 
References
Puente, M. (n.d.). Pop culture embraces the Snuggie. USA Today. Retrieved March 15, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.

Assignment 5-1 The IPhone Era

The I Phone Era
The I Phone of today is so different than the original cell phone. When cell phones were first developed they were only affordable to companies and overpaid executives who could afford them. (Oppenheim, 2009) Smartphone’s come from a smaller group of manufactures but are more affordable than the original cell phone was. (Oppenheim, 2009)
The Smartphone’s allow users to be more flexible and mobile with their work schedule and their personal life. There are many things the Smartphone can do. A user can send and receive emails, send and receive text messages, check your stock portfolio, take pictures, record memos, allows internet access, keep a contact list, listen to music and audio books, find where you are going, keep a calendar, and more. (Oppenheim, 2009) Oh yeah, you can even use it as a telephone.
When a user decides to buy a phone, they must decide what options they really need or want. Will they really use all the features of a Smartphone or just some of the features? There a lot of applications that is able to be used with the Smartphone. A user even has the ability to create and manipulate basic documents and can be emailed directly from the phone. (Oppenheim, 2009) This allows a person to not have to return to the office for a document. Just access the document on the Smartphone.
Technology is growing at a very rapid rate and a lot of people will turn to the Smartphone for flexibility. The IPhone popularity will only grow as technology grows.



References
Oppenheim, R. (2009, February). Is That a Computer in Your Pocket?. Searcher, 17(2), 12-54. Retrieved February 27, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.

Assignment 3-1 Written Analysis 2

The Body Piercing Craze
The History of Body Piercing
Body piercing has been around for centuries. It began with the first tribes and clans. (Body Piercing) Piercing today is really no different than it was in the beginning. It was a personal expression, a religious ritual, or a sign of royalty. Piercings today are more of a trend in fashion but some still have the same reasons as in the beginning. (Body Piercing) Ear piercing became popular in the 1960’s for women and by the 1980’s men were getting their ear pierced. (Body Piercing)
Other body piercing became very popular in the 1990’s. It is especially popular with the younger generation. Like tattoos, body piercing is a way for a person to express themselves and to be different. Some go to extremes with the piercings and it seems that they are just saying “Look at me”.
Body Piercing Today
Today’s society is more liberal than in the past, but in the business world there is still a lot of conservative people. Some jobs require that there are no body piercings except for the ears. A lot of piercings can be offensive to older conservative people. This has to do with the difference in the generations. There are also many health risks when getting a piercing. One should really think about why they want the piercing and how it will affect them in the future. Most teenagers only think of the here and now.
As a parent, do a lot of research on piercings, health risks, etc. and have it available for the teenagers to read. This will help them understand what is involved with body piercing and give them some things to think about.

References
Body Piercing - Crystalinks. Retrieved February 15, 2009, from Crystalinks Web site: http://www.crystalinks.com/bodypiercing.html

Assignment 3-2 Icon Analysis

Icon Analysis

The three pop culture icons that I choose were Mickey Mouse, Elvis Presley, and Scooby-Doo. Mickey Mouse was created in 1928 and starred in over 120 different cartoons. (2009) He is one of the most recognizable symbols, not just in the United States but in the world. Elvis Presley, better known as “The King”, began his career in 1954. (2009) Not only was he a musician he was an actor. He starred in thirty-one films throughout his career. (2009) He was well known for his contribution to rock and roll music. The American animated series, Scooby-Doo was created in 1969. (2009) The series was originally created for Hanna Barbera Productions. There have been 350 episodes and was in the Guiness Book of World Records for having the most animated series episodes from 2004 to 2005. (2009)

I chose these three pop culture icons because they all have had an influence in my life. I grew up watching Scooby-Doo and Mickey Mouse cartoons as well as the Mickey Mouse Club. My mom use to listen to Elvis’s records so I also grew up listening to his music. I’m not sure which I liked more his music or his movies. Those were the days, movies with little violence, no foul language, and no nudity or sex just good clean entertainment.

While watching Scooby-Doo as a child, I not only got a lot of laughs but I also learned how they group would look at the clues to figure out whom the person was behind the mask of the monster. It showed me how everyone worked together as a team. I learned values by watching the Mickey Mouse Club. The show taught a child how to do many different things and to dream big. Elvis Presley’s music made an impact on the type of music that I like to listen to. Elvis didn’t just make rock and roll he also did ballads. The one song that I remember that moved me the most was “Mama Liked the Roses”. The lyrics were so powerful and moving that it I would listen to it over and over again.

The best part about these icons is that I am able to share them with my children. My middle daughter was in the Mickey Mouse Parade that came to Greenville, OH in 1999. It was amazing sharing what I know about Mickey Mouse. My youngest daughter loves to watch Scooby-Doo as much as I did. We will sometimes sit together and watch an episode just her and I. I have enjoyed having these icons in my life.

References

(2009). Scooby-Doo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved February 11, 2009, from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scooby-Doo

(2009). Elvis Presley - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved February 11, 2009, from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley

(2009). Mickey Mouse - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved February 11, 2009, from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Mouse