Assignment 9-2

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THE INCREDIBLES

The Incredibles is an animated movie about a super hero family. This movie has your classic good versus evil theme or formula in it. The father and mother are a retired pair of super hero's living in suburbia. The dad ends up going on a secret mission and gets captured by the evil villain. The evil villain is a super hero wanna be who feels he was treated wrongly by Mr. Incredible. The evil villain is intent on destroying Mr. Incredible and taking over the world.

Mrs. Incredible figures out that her husband has gone off on a secret mission and is intent on going after him. She suits up and heads off to save her husband. Unknown to her the children stow away in the plane. Part way through the flight she discovers the stow aways and lectures the children about how they are endangering themselves by coming along. The children all suit up and realize they have super hero powers also. The children practice their powers on the plane. The plane gets shot down and the children use their powers to get safely to the ground. The mother is angry and tells the children to stay put and she's going to find the dad. The children wait and finally realize the mother was probably captured and they set out to rescue their parents. In the end they do rescue the parents.

The formula of good versus evil has been around forever. It is not a good film if evil prevails so almost all films are made with good prevailing over evil. This formula has remained untouched over time because everybody likes it when the good guys win. It give people a sense of happiness and a sense that all is right in the world.

Another formula represented in this movie is the trouble with a teenager finding her identity. The daughter in this movie was your typical teenager, always sulking around, withdrawn, didn't want to be around parents, and always fighting with siblings. She ends up finding her hidden super hero powers and in the process of developing these powers she discovers her identity. She finds her sense of self and becomes more confident, outgoing and charismatic. This is a formula that many teenagers face themselves daily. They have to choose what is right and what is wrong. Teenagers face many obstacles in defining themselves. This formula has been constant through out time as well. Children struggle daily with finding their purpose in life.

Some formulas may change over the years but many will stay the same. They may vary slightly but the underlying theme stays the same. For film people to produce well liked movies they have to stay on top of what entertains people and what formula or theme is the most prevalent.

ASSIGNMENT 9-1 DATE: 3/30/08

SMOKING
Smoking is a topic of great heated discussion these days. Back in the olden days, smoking was something that high society people did. You could look at somebody and tell what class they fit in based off many things one being the cigarettes they smoked. Back in those days they had long holders for their cigarettes that made smoking more elegant looking.

Cigarette manufacturer's have used very effective advertising methods throughout the years. The one that sticks in my head the most is the Marlboro man. He was the perfect tool to get girls to smoke, a gorgeous cowboy. Another one that was used was cartoon figures that made smoking look fun. Smoking has gone from a socially acceptable habit to a very bad habit.

These days there are always heated discussions about smoking. The city I live in has just passed a smoking ban in all public places. I feel this is a great step in keeping people healthier. By making smoking less attractive and less acceptable it will hopefully make less people start smoking and make more people quit smoking. I love the thought that July 1st if I want to go to the bar to have a drink I will come home not smelling like a smoke stack. I love the idea of going out to eat and not smelling smoke as I'm eating. Many people are complaining about this ban saying our rights are being taken away. Well my response is this...your still have every right to smoke, you'll just have to do it outside or in your vehicle.

Is everybody going to agree with every law or ban put in place? NO! If the bans or laws make society a better place to live in we shouldn't complain.

ASSIGNMENT 7-1 DATE: 3/16/08

NASCAR
The popular culture topic I chose this week is NASCAR. Auto racing has been around for over 50 years. NASCAR has really caught on in the last 10 years or so. NASCAR always had a lot of following but now it is becoming more mainstream. You really cannot go out in public without seeing several people with NASCAR apparel on. Advertising has really heightened the public awareness of NASCAR also. A lot of the driver's star in their own commercials for one or more of their sponsors. Talk about a great way to get people's attention. It seems like now you have two seasons: football and racing. NASCAR came from small beginnings and small payouts for drivers and has evolved into a huge sport with huge payouts. You can probably ask anybody about NASCAR and you will either find a fan or at least somebody who has heard of it. When you follow any sport you get a sense of belonging. NASCAR gives Americans another way to belong and fit in regardless of your skin color. NASCAR is also becoming a global entity. There is now racers from all over the world competing. NASCAR is a great sport and great entertainment for everybody.

Assignment 5-1 Date: 3/2/08

PSYCHICS

A popular culture topic that intersts me is the world of psychics. People with psychic abilities have been around since ancient times. The word psychic "refers to the ability to perceive things hidden from the senses through means of extra-sensory perception," (www.wikipedia.com). Belief in psychic abilities have been on the increase since the 19th century. One of the earliest most famous psychics was Nostradamus. He wrote books containing around 6,000 prophecies. "Edgar Cayce was one of the best-known American psychics of the 20th century," (www.wikipedia.com).

People believe that psychic ability is passed down from generation to generation. Many also believe that everybody is born with these abilities but lear to tune them out at an early age. People also believe that with training and discipline you can learn to develop your psychic abilities.

The most famous psychics of modern day are Sylvia Browne and John Edwards. Sylvia Brown has written many books, she appears frequently on Montel, she travels around the world giving lectures and readings and she has also developed her own church. She is my favorite psychic and an inspiration for all who believe in her abilities. John Edwards has also written a few books and he has his own television show where he gives readings.

What I find the most interesting is that we live in a society that is turning to be more spiritual. The belief in psychic abilities have been on the increase in the United States. Many people are still extremely skeptical but I believe they are just scared of the unknown.

REFERENCES
www.wikipedia.com

ASSIGNMENT 3-1 DATE: 2/17/08

WEEKLY WRITTEN ANALYSIS 2

The topic I chose for this week is Britney Spears. This is a girl who has risen to great fame as a child star. She continually keeps her name out in popular media. Britney seems to be having some real problems with her life. One major problem seems to be she may have some sort of mental disease or illness.

Mental disease or illness are not that uncommon and just because you are diagnosed with a mental disease or disorder does not mean you cannot live a happy life. Britney seems to just buck the system on this if she really does have a mental disease she needs to learn how to keep in under control. If she did that her life would probably get back to some sort of normal resemblance.

I believe there are a lot of driving factors in the breakdown of Britney. She was a star too young, all the celebrity went to her head, she married too young and to the wrong kind of guy, she has been in and out of rehab like many other young celebrities and she has had emotional problems dealing with her family. Any one of the problems mentioned above would be enough to drive some people batty.

Britney has to start taking her life back. She needs to get the proper help she needs and eventually she can pull her life back together. If she did this I bet a judge would let her have visitations with her children. The media needs to just leave Britney alone so she can concentrate on getting herself better. Mental illness is a huge part of American culture but one that not many people want to acknowledge or understand.

ASSIGNMENT 3-2 DATE: 2/14/08

ICON ANALYSIS

I have chosen three people as contemporary icons. They are Oprah Winfrey, she is a talk show hostess and humanitarian. The second person I chose was Hillary Clinton, she is a senator and is running for a seat on the presidential ballot. The third person I chose was Walt Disney, he is the maker of another icon Mickey Mouse and a brilliant cartoonist.

I chose Oprah Winfrey as an icon because she is the biggest talk show hostess of all time. Oprah is not only a talk show hostess, she has her own magazine and televsion network. Oprah is unbelievably generous, she has opend a girls school in Africa for young women. She is an amazing person and a role model for many young women. She is an inspiration to me to be the best person I can possible be each and every day of my life.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oprah_Winfrey)

The second amazing person I chose was Hillary Clinton. She is an amazingly smart woman. For a woman to break into the senate is amazing in itself but Hillary is more than just a senator. Hillary was the brains behind the 1st Clinton administration in my opinion. She has dealt with a lot of criticism and has the guts to stand up to that criticism. I believe she is a very admirable woman running for a spot on the ballot for President of the United States of America. I hope she gets it. Hillary Clinton is another great role model for young aspiring women politician. She inspires me to never quit fighting for what you believe in.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Clinton)

The last person I chose as an icon is Walt Disney. Walt Disney basically transformed the cartoon world. He is an amazingly brilliant cartoonist who created many popular figures that will be remembered forever. He not only transformed the cartoon world he made family entertainment wholesome. I remember as a child gathering around the televison for the weekly Disney movie that was on. I loved those days. Walt Disney will forever be remembered as the greatest cartoonist ever.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_disney)

REFERENCES

images from

http://www.wikipedia.com/

ASSIGNMENT 1-2 DATE: 2/10/08

POPULAR CULTURE AND ENERGY DRINKS

“Popular culture is the culture of the people collectively and singly,” (Browne, 2005). “Pop culture is the shared knowledge and practices of a specific group at a specific time,” (Petracca and Sorapure, 2007). These are two different interpretations of popular culture. I would define popular culture as anything that happens to be the “cool thing” or what is catching on in society or what you like or dislike. Popular culture is influenced by economics, education, exposure, emotions and sensations. Popular culture changes from person to person, from state to state, and from country to country. Culture is all around us, it is in everything we do, wear, say and it’s in the way we act.

Understanding popular culture is extremely important. By understanding the culture of different people around you, you will begin to understand why they act the way they do and what influences them. I work in a manufacturing setting as a controller. Being a controller you get to deal with all employees. We have a diverse group of people working for us. Understanding their backgrounds and culture will make me able to understand them as individuals better.

ENERGY DRINKS

An example of a pop culture artifact would be energy drinks. Energy drinks are becoming very popular even though they are not that good for you. “Approximately 65% of energy drink users are under the age of 35 years old, with males representing approximately 65% of the market,” (http://www.wikipedia.com/). Energy drinks give you an enormous burst or high of energy but you crash afterwards and end up feeling more tired than before. Energy drinks or enhancers date back to the early 1900’s in other countries. In 1995 energy drinks were introduced in the United States. “By the year 2001, the US energy drink market had grown to nearly 8 million dollars per year in retail sales,” (http://www.wikipedia.com/). It is predicted that the energy drink market will reach 10 billion dollars in revenue by 2010. That is quite impressive and why I believe energy drinks can be considered as a pop culture artifact. Energy drinks accelerate heart rates and blood pressure and cause that jittery anxious feeling. Energy drinks contain high levels of sugar which can decay teeth worse than soda pop.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, popular culture is all around us. We all contribute to popular culture in our own ways. Energy drinks are one of many pop culture artifacts in our society today. Every person has their own ideas of what can be considered a pop culture artifact. What is yours?

REFERENCE

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

Petracca, M. & Sorapure, M. (2007). Common culture; reading and writing about American popular culture. (5th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Wikipedia. (2007). www.wikipedia.com. Retrieved February 8, 2007.

ASSIGNMENT 1-3 DATE: 2/8/2008

GHOST STORIES AND HIDDEN MEANINGS
The article “Young People’s Ghost Stories in Hong Kong” looks at the cultural popularity of ghost stories and their hidden meanings. In Hong Kong ghosts are said to haunt the older colleges. During the freshman orientation at the college they tell ghost stories. The orientation takes place during the “ghost month” which is the seventh lunar month. According to Chinese popular religion the ghosts are released from hell during this month to roam free. In every culture it seems you will encounter the popular telling of ghost stories. Stories tend to be passed down from generation to generation. Were any of the ghost stories based on reality? That is the question most skeptics ask themselves. Belief in ghosts is very important in Hong Kong; they truly believe that ghosts exist. Most students when being told the ghost stories become extremely scared and they avoid the area where the ghost is said to haunt.

THE STORIES (directly quoted from article)
“Single Braid
Single Braid Road is located behind the Chung Chi Canteen. Some
male students when walking by there at night have seen a girl3 with
beautiful braided hair; when they approached her to get a good look
at her they were shocked to discover that she did not have a face,
that in front there was another single braid. It is said that this girl
was an illegal immigrant from [mainland] China, and that she came
with her boyfriend surnamed Lau from the mainland on the train.
Because she was afraid that if she went to Kowloon she would be
checked [for an ID], she jumped from the train near where the
university is today. She jumped first but her hair got stuck in the
train door so that her hair and face were ripped off and she died. Her
boyfriend saw this and did not dare to jump. He went all the way to
Kowloon before getting off the train, entered the city and after
getting work, went to find the girl but could not find her. Later
people often saw her near there walking to and fro.
There are two versions of this story; in one the girl has no face, while in
the other she has another braid in front of her face.

Oxtail Soup
A male and female student lived in Bethlehem Hall in United
College. By coincidence, she lived in the room one floor above the
boy’s.4 The girl often cooked soup for the boy [and lowered it by
string outside his window]. One day they agreed that they would
not see each other during the exam period, but the girl continued to
cook soup. Later, the boy found out that the girl had died, but every
evening the soup was still lowered to him.

The Lotus Pond
A couple planned to elope. They planned to meet at 10 P.M. one
night by the Lotus Pond. The girl arrived and waited for her boyfriend
for a long time but he did not show up. She thought he must
have broken his promise and was so angry that she jumped into the
pond [and drowned herself ]. After that, when a boy passes by the
pond at night, he will encounter a girl he does not recognize who
will ask him the time. If he answers that it is 10:00, she will pull
him into the pond.

The Little Finger
A student often studied in the University Library until it closed.
Then he walked back to Chung Chi College. Every time he passed a
small park he saw a young girl sitting on a swing. Finally one day he
went up to her and started talking with her. From then on, he would
talk with her for a while before going back to his hall. Later when he
talked with his friends about this, he discovered that the young girl
looked like a teacher’s daughter who had died in a traffic accident.
That girl had lost her little finger. The student was very curious
and wanted to know whether the girl was missing her little finger.
When he found out that the girl did not have a little finger, he was
very scared. Later when he went by there in the evenings he did not
see the girl again.

Room 111
In room 111 of Grace Tien Hall, a student did a crazy experiment. He
wanted to go to another dimension of space. He used an electric wire to
coil around his body. The end of the wire was attached to an alarm
clock. When the alarm rang, he died immediately of electric shock. His
roommate did not know he was dead. He just saw a message left by
him the night before which said, ‘‘I will come back soon.’”(Bosco, 2007)

HIDDEN MEANINGS
In Hong Kong soup is an important part of a Cantonese meal and is a symbol of domesticity. The girlfriend makes soup every evening and this is a symbol of devotion. Soup also has a sexual meaning in Hong Kong. So in the Oxtail Soup story “the girl dies as a consequence of her breaking the norm against having sex before marriage,” (Bosco, 2007). A few of the stories involve young people committing suicide over love. Dating as a student in Hong Kong is frowned upon. Dating is viewed as a distraction that can ruin their studies and career. “Many parents are explicitly opposed to their children dating while at university,” (Bosco, 2007). These ghost stories are like urban legends; people do things that they typically would not do. In Hong Kong a male student would never approach a girl student in broad daylight. All the ghost stories told at the orientation are about the danger of premarital sex and the danger of the opposite sex. The stories also take place in the dark which symbolizes the fear of the unknown and of death.
In the story the Single Braid the girl is seen without a face. It is common for girls faces in ghost stories not to be there that is what makes you realize this is in fact a ghost and not a real person. Another hidden meaning in the “loss of face” is that it suggests she lost her virginity and her life. In the story the Little Finger, the ghost is missing a finger. Chinese funerals require a body to be whole otherwise the spirit will not rest.
The symbolism of these stories is that women are vulnerable. They also symbolize the sexual tension between students of the opposite sex. These children are experiencing their first time away from home and freedom. This is a very confusing part of their lives being at the university. They are forbidden to act upon any feelings they may have toward each other. In the United States we are free to date people and not marry them. In Hong Kong they date when they have finished college and have a steady job, then they look for a suitable person to marry, they do not shop around like we do here.

CONCLUSION
Ghost stories are becoming a more popular stigma in the United States and around the world. Many countries have believed in ghosts for centuries and actually worship spirits of animals and humans alike. In a world that is constantly changing it is nice to see that people can open up their minds and think maybe there is something more to this life. To believe that we were born and then we die and that is it is unnatural. If you believe in GOD you must believe in the spirit world because isn’t that what GOD is a spirit? Ghost stories may be based on real life activities that happened and they could be just tales made up to scare people. Many stories hold some sort of hidden meaning even if you do not realize it. Next time you hear a ghost story told, stop and think about what hidden meaning the story is telling you.

REFERENCE
Bosco, J. (2007). Young people’s ghost stories in Hong Kong, The Journal of Popular Culture, 40,5. Retrieved January 28th from the OhioLink database.

ASSIGNMENT 1-4 DATE: 1/30/08

To find a popular culture topic to talk about is a very easy subject, there are so many to chose from. I chose to discuss the paranormal. "Paranormal is described as anything that is beyond or contrary to what is deemed scientifically possible," (wikipedia.com). The term paranormal covers a wide variety of phenomena including psychic abilities, ghosts, hauntings, UFOs, the Bermuda Triangle and many others. Paranormal interest seems to be picking up in recent years. It is becoming a common term and more mainstream. Some examples of the paranormal becoming more popular would be the shows Ghost Whisperer, Ghost Hunters, and Sylvia Browne an renowned psychic appears regularly on the Montel Williams show.

Many people are very skeptical when confronted with the existence of paranormal activity. Paranormal researchers have a hard time explaining what they see or hear because existing rules or theories are hard to apply to those situations.

There are several ways that paranormal activity are researched, they include participant-observer approach, debunking and others. The research method of "ghost hunting" is called the participant-observer approach. An example of this would be taking an EMF (electro-magnetic field) reading which shows if ghosts are present. The theory is that ghosts (spirits) draw energy from sources around them to manifest themselves. The EMF reading will show this change in the electro-magnetic field. Another method of research is debunking which basically is finding a normal explanation for the purported paranormal phenomena.

In conclusion, paranormal activity is a broad range of activities, to discuss every one of them would take forever. I just highlighted the paranormal activity that I find the most interesting, ghost hunting. It seems that you either believe or do not believe in ghosts. I have met many a skeptic when asking if they believe in ghosts, my boyfriend included, he is a serious skeptic. To believe or not to believe is a choice that each individual can make themselves, but isn't it fun to believe in stuff that you cannot prove?


www.wikipedia.com