Assignment 1-4-6, Written Analysis, Deb Sweinhart

We Are Here Because Our Voices Aren’t Being Heard

     My popular culture topic, We Are Here Because Our Voices Aren’t Being Heard, is the topic that I chose for all of the Written Analysis assignments. The reason I chose this topic is because I wanted to learn more about the Occupy Wall Street and Tea Party Movements. As I completed each of these weekly assignments, I realized that not all of the popular culture theories related to this topic. The theory that fits the best into my topic is the theory of stereotype. An example of this is how Americans stereotype our leaders as educated white males, who are mature leaders with excellent speaking skills. The theory of stereotyping our Presidents was changed in 2008 when our first black president was voted into office. The other theory that relates to my topic is the theory of myths. The myth that there is freedom of speech for everyone living in America is true. These movements are speaking up and voicing their opinions and disgust over the way our government is run.

     What I found to be most interesting in my popular culture topic is the comparison of the two movements. Tabouli (2011) describes Occupy Wall Street as wanting to raise taxes on the rich, while the Tea Party movement wants to reduce taxes for the wealthy. We have two political movements targeting opposite results.

     Looking back on this course, I have a better understanding of what popular culture is. I learned that popular culture needs the media in order to exist -- popular culture is the peoples’ voice, and the media helps to communicate that voice. Popular culture changes constantly, it is never static. Some people feel that popular culture negatively influences our society due to the sex and violence that is written in song lyrics and movies/shows that are shown on television.

     I think that popular culture is part of being an American. We are very fortunate to live in a democratic society that allows us the freedom to express ourselves.

References

Tabouli, Julie. (2011, November 13). Faceoff: occupy wall street vs. tea party [infographic]. Retrieved from website:

http://dailyinfographic.com/face-off-occupy-wall-street-vs-tea-party-infographic

Assignment 1-4-5 - Written Analysis

We Are Here Because Our Voices Aren’t Being Heard

     This written analysis is based on the concept of formula. So, what is meant by the concept of formula? In popular culture, formula is best described by Browne (2005), as he explains that it is something like a cooking recipe. It outlines the ingredients to be used in the cooking and generally how they are to be mixed and cooked. Similar to a roadmap, formula tells someone where to go and what roads to use to make the journey (p.115).

How does this theory describe the topic I selected?

     My popular culture topic, “We Are Here Because Our Voices Aren’t Being Heard,” is referring to a “cooking recipe” of the cultural expression of wanting to be heard. The ingredients of my written analysis are based on large groups of people protesting against government. Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Partiers want to be heard. They are fixated over the myth that if they are heard, changes in government will be made.

     Tabouli (2011) describes one of these groups as having a desire to raise taxes for the wealthy, and focus on making fraudulent executives accountable for their actions; while the other group wants to reduce the government’s power and their spending, and reduce taxes at the same time.

What insights did I gain from applying the theory of Formula?

     I understand the formula of these two movements. These people are hoping that they will be able to make a cultural change by voicing their opinions based on numbers (crowds). They feel as though chanting of their wants and desires will make changes in government. There are no real “teeth” in what these movements are trying to accomplish. So when it’s all over, I would truly like to know how their recipe ends up. Over cooked or undercooked? 

References

Browne, R. B. (2005). Profiles of popular culture – a reader. Madison, WS: University of Wisconsin Press.

Tabouli, Julie. (2011, November 13). Faceoff: occupy wall street vs. tea party [infographic]. Retrieved from website:

http://dailyinfographic.com/face-off-occupy-wall-street-vs-tea-party-infographic

Assignment 1-3-2, Journal Article Analysis, Deb Sweinhart

The Death of Fame:

How Famous People Are Affected

Deborah A. Sweinhart

Popular Culture HUMN 240, Assignment 1-3-2

Professor Martin Poston

December 8, 2011

The Death of Fame:

How Famous People Are Affected

     Everyone who grew up watching television and listening to the radio knows that celebrities – famous people – come and go. I grew up in the 1960’s and 1970’s watching shows like The Beverly Hillbillies. I remember having a crush on the tall, dark-handsome actor, Jethro who played the part of Jed Clampett’s nephew. I remember thinking to myself if only he was not so naïve and ignorant, I would like him even more. So how does the stigma of playing a ‘not so bright’ actor affect his career? Well, Max Baer, Jr. himself calls it the ultimate case of typecasting. He told Biography Magazine, “I was born Max Baer Jr., but I’m going to die Jethro Bodine.” Max Baer is an actor that did not walk away or try to change his image as Jethro on The Beverly Hillbillies. In fact, he moved on with his life retiring in 1980, with hopes of starting up a gaming resort in Reno (2001, p. 32). Other actors and actresses may not be as fortunate in maintaining their core self.

     There is considerable evidence that many famous people display signs of mental disorders. In researching this topic Smalley and McIntosh (2011) discuss what it is like to be famous. They describe celebrities as often feeling like there is no safe place to relax out of the public eye, partially due to media personnel such as reporters and Paparazzi (p. 386). They describe depression as one of main causes of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as suicide among celebrities (p. 387). Smalley and McIntosh report on three possible reactions to the loss of fame: clinging, reinventing, and downward spiraling (p. 388). As mentioned above in the case of Jethro on The Beverly Hillbillies, Max Baer (who is now in his 60’s) successfully accepted the role as Jethro. In other words, he is a celebrity that clings to the role, incorporating it into his life. But some other celebrities end up hating themselves because they are unable to accept their public role (p. 388). Sometimes these celebrities end up finding a new way to make a living and leave their public role altogether, this is referred to as reinventing – they do not center their lives on their former fame (p. 391). For those famous people that media focuses on who end up in jail, hospitalized, or dead because of alcohol, drugs, or suicide they most likely experienced downward spiraling. These people continue to pursue the goal of fame despite the fact that the public no longer desires them (p. 392).

     I do agree with the authors’ main point in that famous people may fall victim to the perils of being famous, but there are many famous people over the years who have celebrated career successes. In my opinion most of those people looked at their acting, artistic, and musical careers as jobs – a way to gain a financial leg up – and moved on to more satisfying and rewarding careers that is out of the public eye, just like ‘Jethro’ did.

     This article is important because it helps the reader (who may be the ‘public eye’) understand what it is like to be famous. Being famous may not be as glamorous as we think.

References

Bioscope. (2001, September). Max baer, jr. Biography Magazine, 5(9), 32.

Smalley, K. B. & McIntoch, W. D. (2011). The loss of fame: psychological implications. The Journal of Popular Culture, 44(2), 385-397.

Assignment 1-4-4, Heroes and The Cult of the Celebrity

We Are Here Because Our Voices Aren’t Being Heard

     As mentioned in the other assignments, my popular culture topic, “We Are Here Because Our Voices Aren’t Being Heard,” is referring to Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party movements. These two movements evolved from groups of individuals that have their own political agenda. I understand there are no specific heroes or celebrities leading these initiatives. Therefore, the theories of heroes as it relates to this topic, does not really exist.

     What does exist, however, is the Cult of the Celebrity, namely: People not supporting the movement; but becoming celebrities against the movement. LaRoche (2011) describes this best during a recent visit to New York City’s Occupy Wall Street movement:

Thousands of Occupy Wall Street protesters descended upon Manhattan's Financial District this morning in an attempt to march on the New York Stock Exchange. A majority of the ire coming from this demonstration, which began in Lower Manhattan and spread nationwide with copycat movements, has been directed at Wall Street. A pair of men in suits and ties was spotted in the massive crowd with bright signs saying "Get a Job" and "Occupy a Desk!" They are officially being considered Wall Street's heroes.

     When analyzing or evaluating how Cult of the Celebrity (or even heroes) fit in with my popular culture topic, I say that it is difficult to actually pinpoint one individual that may achieve status as a celebrity or that becomes famous by associating with these movements. It does not require talent or ability to be a “hero,” it is simply the actions of other people (such as the pair of men mentioned above), to have the nerve to rebut movements such as Occupy Wall Street.

     After writing this paper, I now understand clearly that we can be our own hero or celebrity when standing up for what we believe.

References

LaRoche, J. (2011, November 17). These guys are definitely wall street’s hereos. Retrieved from website: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011-11-17/wall_street/30409171_1_spread-signs-copycat-movements

Assignment 1-4-3, Rituals & Stereotypes

We Are Here Because Our Voices Aren’t Being Heard

     As I continue to dig deeper into my popular culture topic, “We Are Here Because Our Voices Aren’t Being Heard,” I am referencing two very different modern movements, namely: Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party. Despite their differences, they are quite similar. Both movements are motivated politically, and they stereotype our current government as a broken political system.

     One theory that applies to both of these movements is their ritual of protesting. Tabouli (2011) offers a visual platform for comparing and contrasting the Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party movements.  The reasons for their protests are different. According to Tabouli’s chart, Occupy Wall Street is protesting to, “Tax the rich, reform campaign financing, and investigate and arrest executives for fraud.” On the other hand, according to Tabouli, the Tea Party movement is protesting, “Reduce the size and power of government, reduce federal spending, and reduce taxes.”

     Americans have always stereotyped our leaders as mature, well-spoken, educated white males.  But this type of stereotyping is changing. According to USA Today (2010), “White Americans crossed a once-impassable racial divided to vote for Barack Obama. African Americans saw a black man crash the ultimate glass ceiling. Just watching the First Family in the White House each day has vanquished tired, old stereotypes. A CNN poll . . . found 51% of Americans, including 74% of blacks, believe the Obama presidency has improved race relations.”

     By applying the concepts of rituals and stereotypes in with my popular culture topic, I conclude that the world is changing quickly, and we are living amidst the changes.

References

Perkins, P. (2011, October 17). Ritual and myth. America, 205(11), 26.

Sherrod case mirrors USA’s elusive racial harmony. (2010, July 23). USA Today, p. 10a.

Tabouli, Julie. (2011, November 13). Faceoff: occupy wall street vs. tea party [infographic]. Retrieved from website:

http://dailyinfographic.com/face-off-occupy-wall-street-vs-tea-party-infographic

Assignment 1-4-2 (Written Analysis)

                                       We Are Here Because Our Voices Aren’t Being Heard

     I am American. I live in a democratic society. I deserve to voice my opinion any time, any place, in front of anyone. My popular culture topic: We Are Here Because Our Voices Aren’t Being Heard – is a topic that is very fitting in today’s modern American society. The following topics and comments focus primarily on the concepts of popular beliefs, myths, and icons of – We the People.

What theories apply to my popular culture topic?

     For over one hundred years, the icon of America – Statue of Liberty – represented freedom throughout the world. People flocked to America with hopes and dreams of living in the land of opportunity. They believed that being American meant freedom of speech, and everything else. The myth that there is “freedom” for everyone living here is one example of how my popular culture topic applies to this theory.

How do these theories describe, analyze or evaluate the topic I selected?

     The theory of “freedom” is fitting for my topic. The current faceoff between Occupy Wall Street vs. Tea Party Movement is one example (or description) of how this theory applies. As the Tea Party Movement struggles to reduce the size and power of the American government, as well as reducing taxes; the Occupy Wall Street is struggling to reform campaign financing and taxing the rich. Doing an analysis between these two forces pretty much describes my topic.

What insights do I gain from applying these theories to my popular culture topic?

     By applying the theory of Popular Beliefs, Myths, and Icons (My Franklin, Assignment 1-4-2), I gain the knowledge and understanding of today’s political atmosphere. This topic forces me to dig deep into America’s current political state.

References

My Franklin (2011, November 4). Assignment 1-4-2. Retrieved from website:

http://my.franklin.edu/coursesystem/home/jsp

My Examples of Contemporary Icons

My Examples of Contemporary Icons

     There are three contemporary icons that I admired the most growing up in the suburbs of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, back in the 1960’s. Those icons are: Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, and Mr. Ed. I choose these icons because these characters filled my days with entertainment before I was old enough to start school. Following is a summary of what each of these characters mean to me.

Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse

     Oh, yes, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. To me, they are synonymous. Both characters were ‘born’ only six years apart (Donald Duck in 1934; and Mickey Mouse in 1928). They were always getting into trouble, yet somehow, they were able to weasel their way out of dying during each encounter with their foes. As a child, I admired their resilience. Some folks may disagree with me. For example Paul Constant stated, “Donald Duck cartoons are always preferable to Mickey Mouse cartoons. This is because Donald Duck has a personality—he's greedy, arrogant, and easy to anger. Disney tried so hard to make Mickey Mouse into an everyman that he doesn't stand for anything.” To me Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse knew how to bounce back to life and get ready for the next action-packed adventure.

Mr. Ed

     I loved horse for as long as I can remember. Maybe it’s because I grew up with Mr. Ed and the theme tune that continues to ring in my ears today, “A horse is a horse, of course, of course. . .” Mr. Ed was only around for eight years, but those years up to 1966 (the year Mr. Ed was no longer aired) were special to me. My favorite show was the episode when Mr. Ed wants to go to college to be a doctor. Wilbur (his master) tries to talk him out of it. Today, I find myself gazing and admiring my own horses and thinking to myself, “How did they make Mr. Ed talk? He must’ve been one very special horse!”
       Below are photos of my favorite popular icons: Donald Duck, Mr. Ed, and Mickey Mouse:

Photos source: IMDb (The Internet Movie Database) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054557/

 

What I think popular culture is and what it means to me

To me, Popular Culture is shared information about art (it can be music or picture art), art history, entertainment, what people believe, and what people value.  This information is shared throughout all cultures within a large society.  

Popular Culture means that we have freedom to tell the word what we think about entertainers, politicians, and world views without reprise.

I feel popular culture is relevant to me and my career because  I work with a much younger generation of employees.  It is important for me to be able to keep up with the latest fads, newest ideas in both the entertainment and political views of today’s youth. I work in a team setting, so it’s important for me to have this knowledge base so that I am respected and better able to communicate with my peers.

I consider the actor Michael J. Fox and his debut in the movie: Back to the Future, to be an example of pop culture artifact. I chose this because I can relate to Mr. Fox in two ways:  I am close to his age, and I have a father who is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I often refer to the movie “Back to the Future”, as a metaphor of today’s fast moving changes in life, towns, cities, and people.