Weekly Analysis 5

My weekly analysis is about a popular culture topic involving cultural beliefs from another country. I recently read an interesting story about this topic in October's issue of Marie Claire magazine, (2009). The article highlights the culture, rituals, and stereotyping of romance in Mauritanian, a country located in West Africa.

The story discusses how the young women of Mauritanian are molded into to looking the part of a suitable wife for the men of the country. In an attempt to "return to tradition", the shaky government has begun implementing an old custom that the women should be obese for their men. Yes, the men of Mauritanian prefer to have their wives be obese. "The Practice is re-emerging because men still find mounds of female flesh comforting and erotic; the attraction is engrained from birth", explains Seyid Ould Seyid, a Mauritanian male journalist, (Haworth, p. 106, 2009).

How ironic that the men of Mauritanian are entranced by what many American men would consider a turnoff. The Mauritanian men find stretch marks on a woman to be a bonus, in their bizarre prize of obesity, (Haworth, p. 106-107, 2009).

Obviously, the Mauritanian men feel that the weight of their woman is just an extension of cosmetic beauty. In reality, these women are being abused physically and mentally. The women are sent by their families to a camp that focuses on helping the women prepare for marriage, by drastically increasing their weight. At this center the women are force-fed an upwards of 16,000 calories per day in order to gain a large amount of weight in a short amount of time. The women will face abuse if they do not eat the food they are given. In addition to eating mass quantities of food, the women are made to lie around all day doing nothing, so as not to contradict their weight gain, (Haworth, 2009).

Unfortunately, the women are not only dealing with the mental abuse from their families, and the "obese camp" that they have been made to live at; their bodies are facing tremendous physical abuse from eating so much. The obese women have to deal with the physical side effects of being obese, including diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

How is something so "beautiful" to one culture considered so "ugly" by another…

References

Haworth, A., (October, 2009) Forced to be fat. Marie Claire, 16,104-108.

Journal Article Analysis

I am analyzing "Popular Culture and the Economy", by Cusic & Faulk, (2009), an article featured in The Journal of Popular Culture. The article details how popular culture in America supports our economy. The article has detailed how American's spend their money in each area of culturally related sectors, such as cable television, and sporting events.

Prior to reading the article, I interpreted the title to mean that the article discussed how the sales of popular culture goods are affected by the strength of the economy. I soon realized that the article explains how the purchasing of popular culture items reflects on the economy. The article is written in a manner that can be understood by a wide variety of people. If terminology used is partial to a specific industry, it is well defined and examples are given. I like the way that the article has explained how each category of popular culture relates to our economy. The authors start off by explaining what they believe culture means, so the reader can understand what the basis of the article is about. After defining what culture is, the category system in our country is defined.

The division within the U.S. Department of Commerce that is associated with overseeing this information is called the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The Bureau of Economic Analysis works with the U.S. Census Bureau to classify the various industries using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). In order for the reader to fully understand the definition of popular culture goods, the authors have included an extensive definition.

Cultural products are those that directly express attitudes, opinions, ideas, values, and artistic creativity; provide entertainment; or offer information and analysis concerning the past and present. Included in this definition are popular, mass-produced products as well as cultural products that normally have a more limited audience, such as poetry books, literary magazines, or classical records (U.S. Census Bureau). (Cusic & Faulk, 2009)

The information sector is divided into three areas; those that produce and distribute, those that provide the ability to transmit and distribute, including data communications, and data processors (Cusic & Faulk, 2009). Common in this industry is newspaper publishers, motion picture and video industries, cable networks, and radio and TV broadcasting. $385 billion dollars were contributed to the U.S. economy in 2004, from the industry that encompasses the information related popular culture (Cusic & Faulk, 2009).

The Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation sector reaped approximately half of the total information revenue in 2004. "Consumers spend more money on entertainment that they can see and hear than they do on print-based media or sound recordings." (Cusic & Faulk, 2009) Cable TV is considered the biggest component of the information sector, contributing $120 billion dollars to the economy in 2004. In December 2005 approximately 90 million people in the U.S. were cable customers (Cusic &Faulk, 2009).

The same corporations associated with the cable industry are intertwined with the film industry, which is why the film industry is the second largest player in the media sector. Combined, TV, films, and cable programming make up half of the economic output of the information sector. Interestingly, music has such a huge cultural influence in our society, but it only captures four percent of the information sector. In order to be successful in the information sector, a company needs to be willing to takes risks, and have a large financial backing. If an album or movie doesn't do well with the masses, the production company is at a financial loss, (Cusic & Faulk, 2009).

"Unlike the Information sector, which is characterized by large public corporations with ownership interests in various subsectors, the brunt of the economic output in the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation sector is produced by private corporations, partnerships, and individual investors", (Cusic & Faulk, 2009). The Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation are divided into three different categories. One of the groups are the Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related industries group. Another group is called the Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation industries. The third group consists of Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar institutions. Performers in this industry made twenty-five percent of the total $18.1 billion generated from this industry. Gambling is the biggest contributor to this group; fifty-five percent, with a total revenue of $99 billion dollars, (Cusic & Faulk, 2009).

Many of the various sectors have companies within them that are owned and run by the same corporations. There are six notable corporations that dominate in more than one industry. The major players are Disney, Viacom, News Corporation, Time-Warner, Sony, and General Electric. The total amount of money contributed to the economy in 2004 from the creation and production of popular culture goods and services was $565 billion dollars, (Cusic & Faulk, 2009).

I think that the article may have been a little overwhelming with the amount of financial figures listed for each sector. Although, I did like that the authors gave examples of businesses for each sector so that the reader could relate. For example, when the authors were discussing an example of performing arts they defined what an Opera consists of, and the four major opera companies throughout the United States. I think that the article allows people to understand the importance that popular culture plays in our society, and the major impact it has on our economy.

References

Cusic, D., & Faulk, G. (June, 2009). Popular culture and the economy. Journal of Popular

Culture, 42(3), 458-479. Retrieved August 23, 2009, using Academic Search Complete

Weekly Analysis 4

What is in a number? Do a certain combination of numbers indicate good luck, or signal trouble in the distance; how about a guarantee for eternal wedded bliss? Quite a few people must think so, according to the increased number of weddings that took place on September 9, 2009, (Garcia, 2009).

From Malaysia to America, the number of weddings that took place on 9/9/09 quadrupled in some areas. There were various reasons given for the spike in nuptials on the ninth day of September. Some of the couples interviewed acknowledged that the anniversary date will be easier to remember; while others couldn't refuse such a good deal….only 99 cents for a wedding at a store in Hollywood, (Garcia, 2009).

Weddings weren't the only gamble that exploded on September 9, 2009. The lottery saw an increase in the number of people hoping to strike it big using the number du jour. The all nine combinations were sold out way in advance in some states, (Garcia, 2009).

Anyone that decided to tie the knot or gamble that the number nine was of life changing significance may have placed more emphasis on the day than what it was worth. For example, in China, many newlyweds flocked to get married on that day because the word "nine" sounds similar to a word that means "forever" in their language. Even though it isn't the same word, it sounds like it; so that is good enough, (Garcia, 2009).

Some facts about the number nine that the newlyweds and lottery gamblers probably didn't give a second thought about….the number 9 is a centered octagonal number, 9 can be partitioned in 30 ways, and 9 is the maximum number of cubes that are needed to sum any positive integer. According to Islam, in a male human body there are nine openings, and grammatically there are nine parts to the English language, ("The number nine", 2009). So regardless of the luck that some may consider the day to bring, there is actual science connected to the number nine.

Reference

Garcia, O., (September 9, 2009). Vegas weddings abound as number align on 9-9-09. Associated

Press. Retrieved September 9, 2009 from http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090909/ap_on_re_us

/us9_9_weddings

The number nine, (2009). Retrieved September 11, 2009 from http://www.virtuescience.com/9.

html

Weekly Analysis 3

There has been a tragic similarity among celebrities that have passed away within the past several years. Their deaths have been connected to living their life in the fast lane, and running smack into drug addiction. Unfortunately, I have begun to stereotype against celebrities. As soon as I hear of one passing away I wonder if they too were involved in a drug or alcohol overdose.

Some celebrities that have had their deaths tied to drug overdoses in the media are Michael Jackson, Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger, and most recently, Adam Goldstein (DJ AM), (Ingrassia, et al., 2009). I am wondering if these people had these addictions prior to becoming celebrities, or if the attention and lifestyle have pushed them down the path of destruction.

Maybe the use of drugs is so prevalent in our society that these celebrity deaths are synonymous with the amount of "average-Joes" that fall victim to the same tragic ending. According to People magazine, they reported that Michael Jackson became hooked on painkillers after he became burned during a mishap in a commercial he was filming. In the story regarding Adam Goldstein, People also states that he suffered a relapse of drug addiction after suffering burns due to a recent plane crash he survived, (Ingrassia, et. al, 2009). I guess these issues could affect the average person, but unfortunately, most people do not have the money and power these celebrities do, which could make a drug addiction habit even more accessible. I think that stereotyping will continue against celebrities and their deaths, because it has become so common.

References

Ingrassia, L.; Dagastino, M.; Dowd, K., E.; Caplan, D.; McNeil, L.; Baker, K.C., et. al.

(2009, September 14). Adam 'DJ AM' Goldstein. People, p 89-92.

Weekly Analysis 2

Facebook has transcended beyond cultural barriers, whether it be religion, race, or age. It is a tool that is geared towards…well everyone. It is used by family, friends, business associates, and now even famous religious figures.

It was reported in the Wall Street Journal (May 2009), that Pope Benedict XVI has created a Facebook account. The church understands the cultural impact that Facebook has amassed within the recent years. It is business as usual for the church when they decided to utilize this mass media tool as a means of spreading their word. The networking site is free and accessible to anyone with an internet connection, email address, and a desire to connect with anyone and everyone.

Celebrities, television shows, and even businesses have recognized the benefits of creating an account on Facebook. I know several people that work in the Human Resource departments of several large Columbus corporations. They have told me that some businesses are using Facebook in a different manner. They are using it to get to know an employee or potential employee by looking at how they represent themselves in public. Would you keep your page exactly as is if the Pope was a friend of yours on Facebook? If your profile is public, keep that in mind.

reference

Pope Gets Facebook Account. (2009, May 23). Wall Street Journal - Eastern Edition, Retrieved August 29, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.

Icon Analysis 2-2

It was actually hard to pick three icons that are significant to me. I think that maybe I have become so accustomed to the exposure of popular culture in my everyday life that I don't really dwell on any few in particular. I tend to focus not so much on celebrities and such, but friends and family that have a direct affect on my life. Although, for this assignment I have chosen celebrities since it would be easier for the class to identify with them. I have chosen Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Susan G. Komen.

Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres are both successful female talk show hosts. They are somewhat in competition with each other as far as time slots for television listings. Although Oprah and Ellen have a different layout on their talk shows from one another, they most likely share the same target audience. Susan G. Komen is an activist that decided to make her mission to help fight breast cancer her profession as well. Susan G. Komen lost a sister to breast cancer, and has been rallying in her fight to make people more aware of the disease ever since.

I chose these women as my icon representatives because but they are always willing to assist others, but at the same time are following their own dreams. Both Oprah and Ellen appeal to me as everyday average people. They both have been able to balance their real life with their celebrity life. Oprah has overcome diversity growing up, achieving many goals to become one of the most successful business women in America. Ellen DeGeneres has also overcome diversity, being open about her sexuality to the public has only enhanced her image in the eyes of many. I appreciate her courage and determination for remaining true to herself. Susan G. Komen has enhanced the lives of many people in spite of her personal loss. I like that she has remained a positive force in assisting so many individuals in their fight with breast cancer; so much so that her name has become synonymous with her cause.

http://www.ellen.warnerbros.com/

http://www.oprah.com/

http://www.komen.org/

Weekly Analysis

Twitter is one of the many social networking sites that allow people to keep abreast of everything they didn't need to know. Now don't get me wrong, there can be substantial information posted on Twitter. It is a quick way to update the world on a matter by supplying your brief thoughts, allowing people to view and comment on them. Recently a poll was conducted on Twitter in regards to the reaction of the public towards the Swine Flu (Cole, 2009).

Swine Flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, has potential to cause great risk to many people. It's an issue that has been popular in the media through the urging of the government and health officials, in order to make people aware of its potential harm. The Twitter poll found that people may have been bombarded with too much false information in the beginning of the outbreak. There is a warning that Swine Flu could come back with a vengeance this fall, but since the public thought health officials overreacted before they may not take heed to the warning (Cole, 2009).

With the overflow of media via technology available to us at any given point, we as Americans can be on top of breaking news at a breakneck speed. Have we become insensitive to the content of the stories we are hearing because of the repetitive nature at which we are exposed to them? By the time one finishes their morning coffee; they could have seen a story about the Swine Flu in the daily newspaper, as a message on their smart phone, through an email on the computer, and as a lead story on the news channel. Hopefully, officials will effectively communicate with the public the importance of preventative measures that need to be taken for the Swine Flu before the masses have turned a blind eye.

References

Cole, R., (May 24, 2009) Twitter trackers follow public reaction to swine flu; Los Angeles

Times. Retrieved August 22, 2009.

The journal article I selected for assignment 1-3

References
Cusic, D., & Faulk, G. (2009, June). Popular culture and the economy. Journal of Popular Culture, 42(3), 458-479. Retrieved August 23, 2009, using Academic Search Complete

assignment 1-2

Popular culture is something that has an effect on our society, influencing the culture of the masses. It doesn't necessarily have to be a person, but rather a phenomenon that people recognize. I don't think it even has to be accepted or viewed in a positive sense, just known as a current happening or trend. Popular culture to me is something that is a cultural trend, changing with current news in the world.

Popular Culture can be applied to anything in the world. Where I currently work, an Obstetrician and Gynecology office, I have found that pop culture can affect how a patient may deal with their health. There are many more commercials and media being distributed regarding various birth control methods. Some younger patients are led to believe that it is popular to use a certain type of contraceptive over another due to the buzz among their age group. This is exactly what the advertisers are trying to encourage.

I am presently attending Franklin University for a degree in eMarketing. Popular culture is very influential in regards to the everyday work in eMarketing. Pop culture would definitely affect the way a company would market their product and design their website. With the current influx of ecommerce over the years, people are turning to the internet for more than just shopping.

Pop culture is directly influenced by the internet in our technology savvy generation, which is why I have chosen YouTube as my artifact. YouTube is an internet phenomenon that displays life as it happens. It features music, videos, television shows, home videos, commercials, and any other type of media that someone is willing to upload, or watch. There's been a fascination with YouTube in regards to the fact that people are able to be instantly satisfied. Something miniscule that happened across the world in a private way, could be presented on YouTube within seconds for the entire world to view free of charge without inhibitions.