Final written Analysis 1-4-6

Written Analysis:

        The popular culture topic that I’ve researched over the last 6 weeks has been informative.  I look at these fad diets differently.  I am able to see past the payment and the promise.  I understand that these false beliefs can bankrupt a person who is not happy or does not love themselves.  Thus is what these diet makers are hoping.  These fad diets have made many people filthy rich and there are many more waiting the opportunity to do the same.  They have become the root to a preponderance of evil.

.       This paper will address the following items in the in my myth analysis:

a.       Which theories seem to be best related to your popular culture topic?

b.      What are the most interesting findings from your analysis?

c.       How will you think of your popular culture topic differently based on your analysis?

Which theories seem to be best related to your popular culture topic?

         The theories that I feel are best related to my popular culture topic are, the iconic and the formula theories.  The iconic theory applies because these fad diets are just that.   The popular culture spends billions of dollars a year on these diet fads, whether they work or not.   They have become obsessions to some.  Everyone is looking for the right one, that miracle plan. 

The formula theory applies to this topic too, because this is probably one of the biggest selling factors.   The main selling point is that you have to follow the plan to the letter and it will work.  There are even guarantees if you follow the formula.    You may have to purchase the meals, or prepare the meals exactly as you are instructed, and eat them at the specified times to get the full results. 

What are the most interesting findings from your analysis?

        What I found to be most interesting is the fact that most women are not satisfied with how their bodies look.  It is as though, loving yourself for who you are is just a myth.  It used to be practiced and preached years ago.  Now, they tend to feel inferior if they are overweight and lack self-worth and love.  They are brainwashed by society in believing that the only beauty in your looks and your body.  No one believes that beauty is only skin deep anymore.  We are taught to change it if you don’t like it, not to love yourself for who you are.  There used to be an acceptance and appreciation for how God made us.  Not anymore.

     

How will you think of your popular culture topic differently based on your analysis?

        The way I will think of my pop culture topic differently is that I will not allow these fad diets to control my life anymore.  This is mostly done for profit, not because someone is so concerned with peoples’ health.  The public is preyed upon by these individuals who claim to have the next best thing to dieting.  I will not be concerned with the next best catchy phrase or promise to help me lose weight.  I will save my money and do it the old fashioned way, and eat less and exercise.

Things are not always as simple as they seem.  Losing weight requires a lot of long term discipline.

          

Journal Article Analysis Assignment # 1-3-2

Journal Article Analysis:

“King Kong Ain’t Got Sh*** On Me”

Allegories, Anxieties, and the Performance of Race in Mass Media

        The depiction of African Americans in film has always been seen as controversial.  There has and always be those who disagree with mass media and feel that we do not get a fair shake.  Most in Hollywood feel that this is the only way to sell blacks in film.  I beg to differ.

  This paper will address the following items in this Journal Article Analysis assignment:

a.       Briefly summarize the article and the author’s main points.

b.      Analyze the article.

c.       Describe why you do or do not agree with the author’s main points.

d.      Describe why this article is or is not important.

Briefly summarize the article and the author’s main points.

        This article discusses the depiction of African Americans in films.  It describes how their real life struggles, fears, and downfalls are glorified in films.  It proves that the stereotypes they are subjected to are not just carried out in their everyday lives, but in the film industry as well.   African Americans are usually playing roles that influence the same. 

        According to Wilson, the article also discusses the fact that Denzel Washington and Halle Berry were nominated for the “leading Actor and Actress” in the 2002 Oscars. (Henderson, 2010). This came on the heels of the US attack by Al-Qaida.  Some felt that this was some sort of vindication to the African Americans. (Henderson, 2010).  Since the country seemed to be in a state of redemption, this was a way to make up for overlooking them at other deserving times. (Henderson, 2010). 

Analyze the article.

        What I gather from this article is that the Caucasian filmmakers must believe that the most economical and influential way to market and sell African American actors and actresses is to film them in a negative light.  The stereotypes that they are subjected to are the stereotypes of yesterday and today.  They will probably always be portrayed as gangsters, thugs, drug dealers, simple-minded and living dead end lives on a path to their final destruction. (Henderson, 2010).  Some of the depictions of black men echo of centuries past. (Henderson, 2010).   Believe it or not, some film critics’ characterized their worst fears and troubled moments as the “magical moments” in the story lines. (Henderson, 2010).   

       The article suggests that Denzel and Halle finally won their Oscars when they were portrayed as these characters with the same stereotypes that plagued all other actors.  All of their excellent works went unrecognized when they portrayed the typical well educated and spoken African Americans.  It was only when they fit the “norm” that they were recognized for their work in the film industry.  (Henderson, 2010).   According to Iverem, Halle Berry only won her Oscar when took her clothes off and bearded her breast during a love seen with Billy Bob Thornton in “Monsters Ball”. (Henderson, 2010).    She never won an Oscar until then and she had numerous performances before then that she could have taken home one. 

       The same with Denzel, he had so many prior performances that he should have won his Oscars hands down.   The movies, Malcolm X, Hurricane Carter, Philadelphia, The Pelican Brief just to name a few were films that he could have easily won Oscars.   Julia Roberts made a statement that there was no way that she should have an Oscar and Denzel not have one. (Henderson, 2010).  Oddly enough, “Training Day” won Denzel his very first Oscar for “Leading Role”.  His character was so opposite of anything Denzel had done.  He was demonized.    He had been given the stereotypical character of the black male in today’s times. (Henderson, 2010).    He was viscous, violent and cruel.  His forceful references to the fantastical and animalistic qualities of King Kong signals America’s racial memory of the largest minstrel icon of its time, (and the most dangerous.) (Henderson, 2010).   This phrase is symbolic of this movie and the representation of the black male by white America. (Henderson, 2010).    

         The authors’ main points are taken.  I find fact in this article.  It’s only because this is what you see in film.   It is apparently the light the audiences are comfortable in seeing us portrayed

As economic times worsen and the unemployment rates amongst African Americans continue to rise, these stereotypes will remain prevalent and evident in society today.

                     Describe why this article is or is not important.

        This article is extremely important because it you can see episodes of this behavior on the news every day.   It has become the norm for African Americans to be depicted in a negative form.  There will have to be some change in the way the media sees them and sell it.  The film industry will have to learn to see the other side of them, and like it enough to put it in their films.  Film Makers will have to take a chance on the brighter side to African Americans.  They are no different than any other race, there is good and bad in all of them.  African Americans are positive and productive citizens as well.  They are the smart, rich, and powerful, and the gangsters and thugs in our society.  Don’t judge anyone by the color of their skin; judge them by the content of their character.

REFERENCES

Henderson, C. (2010). "King kong ain't got sh*** on me" allegories, anxieties, and the

          performance of race in mass media. Wiley Periodicals, 43(6), 1207-1221.

HEROES AND THE CULT OF CELEBRITY -ANALYSIS 1-4-4

Analysis:

Heroes and The Cult of Celebrity

        When I first looked at this assignment, I said to myself, “How in the world am I going to tie this assignment to my popular culture topic, Fad Diets?”  Then I thought fad diets are like celebrities and heroes.  The help people and inspire people too.  However, unlike heroism, fad diets are a more like celebrities, they want paid for their services.  There are nominal costs involved. 

  This paper will address the following items in the in this Heroes and The Cult of Celebrity

  assignment:

a.       What theories seem to apply to your popular culture topic?

b.      How do these theories describe, analyze or evaluate the topic you have selected?

c.       What insight do you gain from applying these theories to your popular culture topic?

          What theories seem to apply to your popular culture topic?

        Some of the theories that seem to apply are that the diets are life-saving; that they are viewed by the majority of the world; they care about all the attention that they get and that it matters what other famous people are on them.

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

        The theory that these fad diets are life-saving can be true.  There are people who have been on these diets like Nutri-System, Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig just to name a few, and have lost weight.  This weight loss has helped celebrities and common folk’s careers and overall health.  This is the hero side to the diets.  On the other hand, the celebrity side is the fact they have become so famous.  The popularity of the fad diets is just as famous as the celebrity promoting it.

           What insight do you gain from applying these theories to your popular culture topic?

       One of the insights that I have gained is that the diet can make the celebrity more famous.  If the celebrity’s status is diminishing, being the spokesperson for a popular diet program can boost their careers again.  They are being seen spotlighted on worldwide commercials and print ads.  It does hurt that they are more appealing to the either.  Look at Marie Osmond and Jennifer Hudson.  Nutri- System and Weight Watchers has boosted their careers and put them on top in the public eye.  I feel that they are now more marketable since their weight losses

Popular Culture Analysis

Pop Culture Analysis

Fad diets are misleading

        Over the years, fad diets have been advertised as the miracle diets for anyone who has ever had difficulty losing unwanted pounds.  The makers of these diets prey on those who are looking for quick fixes.  This paper will answer the following questions concerning these diets:

1.      What theories seem to apply to my selected popular culture topic?

2.      How do these theories describe, analyze or evaluate the topic that has been selected?

3.      What insights were gained from applying these theories to the popular culture selected?

What theories seem to apply to the selected popular culture topic?

       The concepts of popular belief about fad diets are that they work. It is a myth that all one has to do is follow the diet plan, and they will miraculously be skinny.

The makers of these diets count on us believing that these fad diet plans work. They dupe us into believing that we do not have to change one's eating habits or lifestyles. All they want us to believe is that the one they are selling works. Some even advertise that one can still eat everything and lose if one follows their plan. As long as we're deceived into thinking that there are no sacrifices, we will buy into it. No one wants to have to work hard to look good. The easier it is the better.

How do these theories describe, analyze or evaluate the topic that has been selected?

       It is a myth that we can continue poor eating habits and still lose weight as long as we follow the diet plan. If we continue to eat the wrong foods, the process will not be beneficial. It is all for naught, and the pounds will not drop off. One will only continue to gain. The intake of food has to be controlled on a daily basis.

It is a myth that we do not have to exercise to lose weight. Exercise is an extremely critical part of the weight loss process if we want to be successful. This is the only way to burn the calories which contributes to weight loss.

What insights were gained from applying these theories to the popular culture selected?

        As long as we believe the diets work, we will subscribe and pay for them. As long as we as a society yearn to be thin, we will pay. As long as we believe that thin is superior we will pay. As long as society views larger people as inferior and less attractive, these fad diets will benefit. They will try to sell us every get rich scheme that can be produced. As long as these companies include Hollywood in these get rich schemes, we will buy into it.

The insight that I have gained from applying these theories is that we must first love ourselves for who we are. We cannot allow society to dictate what is and is not beautiful. People must be willing to change because they want to, not because it is the fad in Hollywood. We must also realize that these stars do not have to follow these fad diets. They can easily afford cooks and personal trainers to maintain their weight. They can afford the best surgeries to get rid of the weight all at once. The stars also have people to help them to maintain these perfect bodies that the average American would give anything for. We need to love ourselves for who we are.

ICONS- ASSIGNMENT 2-1

        The three icons that I have chosen to elaborate on are, Michael Jackson, McDonalds, and Soul Train.

        On May 16, 1983 during the Mowtown 25 television special, “Yesterday, Today and Forever”, on NBC Michael Jackson debuted the iconic left-handed rhinestone glove.  This is where he performed the iconic “Moonwalk” moves too. (Julian’s Auctions, 2009).  This was during his first live performance of the hit single, “Billie Jean”.  This changed the force of music, and dance, and catapulted Michael Jackson to the stardom status that that is still is. (Julian’s Auctions, 2009).  The jeweled glove sold to someone in Hong Kong for $350,000.00 in 2009. 

       When I think of MJ, I think of someone who will always be imitated, but never be able         to be duplicated.     He was one of a kind, and I will always love and miss him.  I think of that little boy who never got to be the child that he longed to be.    I think of that person who was a perfectionist.  He was someone who loved to love, and he gave even more than that.  He was truly a giver, in fact, the biggest giver of charities.  He made it a point to remember some of them in will.   I smile, and in I my heart feel sad for him, his children, and his family.  He has truly gone too soon.   I grew up with him, so it was like I lost a close family member also.  

                                      

                  What the average person probably does not know is that in 1937 two brothers, Richard and Maurice (Dick and Mac) McDonald opened their first restaurant in Arcadia, CA and called it the Airdrome. (World’s First McDonalds).  In 1940 the brothers opened McDonalds Barbeque in San Bernadino, CA. (World’s First McDonalds).  Hamburger became their big money maker. (World’s First McDonalds).  In December 1948 the very first McDonalds restaurant opened and the main focus was speed, price and volume. (World’s First McDonalds).  They first franchised in 1954 and the first franchise restaurant was opened in Des Plaines, IL. (World’s First McDonalds).  In 1961, McDonalds sold out to Ray Kroc who franchised the restaurants for $2.7 million, but the brothers kept the San Bernardino location, and called it “Big M”, it closed in 1970. (World’s First McDonalds).  The restaurant managed to sell its 100 millionth burger in 1958. (World’s First McDonalds).  The Golden Arches became the logo in 1961, Ronald McDonald debuted in 1966, and the Big Mac was created in 1966. (World’s First McDonalds).

                    McDonalds is the restaurant that has the fries that my 7yr old absolutely loves.  He will not eat any others from any fast food restaurant.  This is the place that we could only go for special occasions when I was a child.  I loved it too.  I think it is probably one of the most familiar restaurants to the human race.   McDonalds is easily identifiable by its artifacts, the Golden Arches and Ronald McDonald.

     

                     The final icon I chose is Soul Train.  Soul Train debuted on air in Chicago in 1970 by Don Cornelius, who produced the first episode in 1969. (Soul Train: The First 25 Years).  “Sears and Roebuck gave him the funding to put the show on the air in exchange for the right to use the Soul Train name in promoting a line of record players that they were selling at the time.” (Soul Train: The First 25 Years).  The show finally picked up their biggest sponsor, the Johnson Company; their cosmetics lined included Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen hair care products. (Soul Train: The First 25 Years).  Soul Train was erroneously considered to be a show for African Americans, but there have been many white artists to grace the stage. (Soul Train: The First 25 Years).  Don Cornelius has an iconic saying when closing the show, “Love, Peace, and Soul”.  This phrase is the biggest artifact of Soul Train and still remains symbolic of the show.

                   When I think of Soul Train, I think of the Afro.  Everyone on the show sported an Afro.  They were all lengths, textures and colors.  The high waist pants were the fad then too.  The dancers were great.  This is where we learned the latest dance crazes, and styles out in California and on the west coast.  The best and brightest, and upcoming artists were show cased.  The hottest new releases were performed by the artist.  This was up close and personal.  The audience could ask the questions that everyone wanted to know.   I loved it!

                       

POPULAR CULTURE

       Popular culture can dictate how we live, what we believe, and what is considered normal behavior.  It crosses all boundaries of our societies, and our human nature.  Nothing is off limits.  It can promote changes to the oldest rituals, traditions, and family values.  Pop culture can be addictive, dangerous and life threatening. 

      What it means to me is that I have to know who I am, and stick to what I believe so I do not get caught in the hype of it.  Everything pop culture is not for me, and I have to know what is, and what isn't.  I think mainly it is all for money.  If someone comes up with a good idea that sells, it will be promoted to become the norm because society buys into it.  I usually dare to be different, so I don't normally get caught up in its whirl wind.

       However, pop culture also exists in the business environment too.  Therefore, I better have a clear understanding of what is expected while I am here.  Pop culture will determine how certain things are done, and in order to be successful I will be forced to adhere to those standards.  I don't have to be of the world, but I have to be able to survive in it in order to be prosperous and successful.

       What I would consider to be a pop culture artifact is weight loss programs.  I chose this because there are probably thousands of them and the money made from them has been astronomical.  People spend billions of dollars every year on them.  It is a lucrative business amongst the popular culture.  Almost everyone who has ever wanted to lose weight at some point and time has probably been one or two or three or even more like me.  I have tried all kinds.  There are programs who advertise that you can still eat what you want and lose, there are programs that make you believe that you do not have to exercise either.  Neither of these facts are true for long. 

      The biggest reason for their success is because the popular culture has been brainwashed into believing that being skinny is being pretty, and the picture of health.  We see stars that have transformed into these new skinny people.  What the average person forgets is that these people have dietitians and personal trainers.  These are services that the average Joe cannot afford on a daily basis.  Don't be fooled, everyone who is skinny is not necessarily healthy either. 

       I just say, "Love you for you and you will get through because beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and only skin deep."