here is paper 5. I thought it was due in discussion but its due on the blog. Sorry for being a day late I didn't have time to post it.
Sam Blackman
iPods and Intrinsic American Values
The iPod commercials by Apple Inc. created the image that iPods made in the United States embodied the most attractive qualities of American innovation. To the American population that was witness to this groundbreaking invention in portable music, the iPod was at first a novelty into the “is it really possible” category of modern electronic gadgets. The respective Walkmans, Discmans, and minidisk players all had tangible, possible to take apart and see how it functions parts, while the iPod did not, and was and still is essentially a handheld computer. Immediately surpassing the competition, this jump forward in technology, in ease of leisure, breadth of music available, and sophistication all encapsulated in the iPod, was momentous in it’s 2001 debut. But the topic of this analysis is not on the physicality of the iPod, but on the Apple commercials for the iPod; the catalyst for the worldwide craze to be a part of the elite group toting the crème de la crème of portable music and leisure devices.
Today within the first millisecond of seeing an iPod commercial you know exactly what brand and what item is being marketed. The signature black silhouette of a man or woman, moving perfectly to the rhythm of an edgy and timelessly catchy tune. The crisp contrasting white earbuds and flowing wires into an also white, unobtrusive iPod. The background and its flashing, vibrant, solid colors, mesmerizing the eyes of anyone remotely close to a TV or video player. This is the ad campaign that jettisoned iPods popularity in the United States and now the world sky high.
So what about this commercial hit a major resonance point within consumer society? The extremely simple presentation of the commercial; there is nothing more than flashing lights and figures of youthful fashionable people dancing with a music player in hand. This seems hardly enough of a reason to capture an entire culture. But it is. Every aspect of the commercial touches a principal of what it means to be American. The ease of which excellent music is available to play at the listener’s discretion is made absolutely clear in the commercial. The fact that you can dance and walk around and do whatever you like while still getting to listen to crystal clear music is classic American leisure activity brought up to speed with the modernity of the 21st century. The saying goes, “ Nobody does leisure like the Americans.” The Cony Island experience, where visitors merely had to exist in that space to enjoy the pleasures of the different themed areas, represents how ease of pleasure no matter the outlet is a timeless American quality. The iPod is synonymous with Cony Island in this example. The owner of an iPod only has to charge the device, plug in headphones or a stereojack, and the result is instant gratification- a theme park ride for our ears.
The characters of the iPod commercial, only barely resembling the two sexes, highlight the target audience and most influential sect of popular culture in America. The trend-setting urban young adults, savvy to the next hot item seem to emanate from the black silhouettes of the TV ads. The outline of their clothing is suggestive and clearly noticeable to only the most perceptive and watchful eyes. The dancers in the commercials wear high boots and shoes, baggy pants that somehow appear supremely synced to their every motion, hats and jackets also adorn these shadowfaces of America. There is no speaking from these characters, they only move to the rhythm of the commercial’s music in ways that would be considered cool and hip forms of modern dancing- nothing old fashioned or of style that could be said to be recognizable. This relates to the savvy-youthful and hip lure the commercial is intended to portray. These dancers, these styles, you can have all of this coolness that comes with the iPod is what the commercial wants to say to the viewer. Apple doesn’t even need to stamp their classic Macintosh apple logo onto the end, but they do it anyways.
The original iPod debuted in 2001, and so did the original commercial. For nearly 10 years the commercial’s format was unchanged and highly successful at selling the product to the masses. One of the leading reasons for the popularity of the iPod was the uniformity of iPod commercials around the country. Generally when Apple began airing iPod commercials after a relative lull on TV, people who had grown familiar to the classic bright lights, hot music, and cutting edge dance moves that signified an iPod, understood that if Apple was playing ads more frequently, there must be some sort of upgrade, or improved version of iPod available, and that to be cool again, like the characters of the TV commercial, to be savvy, they needed to go and purchase it.
There were obvious tweaks to the iPod commercials over the years. The music was frequently changed to reflect what Apple and the marketing gurus there felt was the most appropriate tune of that period to continue the idea alive that the iPod was still the hottest mp3 player around. Not until within the last three years were there noticeable alterations to the format of the iPod commercial. Most striking was the incorporation of new computer visual technology. The advancements in color hue capabilities and amount of pixels that could be crammed into a small space made it easier for Apple to expand on the complexity of the iPod commercials while still having that base coolness factor. One of the more recent iPod commercials starring the popular American band, Coldplay displays this clear step forward in iPod advertising. Instead of having blacked out figures of people who embodied the image of American hipness, Apple felt they had created a large enough support base and had attracted enough loyal iPod customers that they could begin having the type of popstars who’s music would have before accompanied the traditional dancing character actually be visibly a part of the commercial. This was taking the iPod a step further along the social chain of cool. Instead of the social group associated with being ahead of the curve on the latest and in on the secret of what is desirable, Apple began to show that the most successful people within that field of urban trend-setters were iPod users and that the iPod obviously was an integral part of their music.
The iPod commercials also fit perfectly into the consumer culture of America by providing a short and sweet taste of the ultimate leisure device in music.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Paper # 4 Thoughts and Ideas
So I have decided the topic of my paper is going to be the general lack of relation and overall disconnect between the people of the United States, personified by O'Brien's recount, and the leadership and government, embodied by the commanding officers and orders O'Brien comments on in the novel If I Die In A Combat Zone. There are numerous examples to support this, from a handful of chapters including Beginning, Escape, Alpha Company, Centurion, and the most brutally objective Step Lightly. Posted below is my introductory paragraph, which I think is pretty good. What I would really appreciate however, is how can I create 6 pages out of this? How should I go about the ensuing paragraphs? I am not sure how to do that right now and I feel I would just "mess it up" as of right now. Help would be most appreciated.
Sam Blackman
Tim O’Brien’s If I Die in a Combat Zone, box me up and ship me home, Delivers a powerful example of the disconnect between soldier and leader present throughout the entire Vietnam military campaign. The lack of incontrovertible evidence calling for American men to go to war created a rift between those who were on the front lines, facing the real danger of dieing and those at the top echelon of command, dictating orders objectively according to the government’s grand scheme regardless of the efficiency or the human cost. This is made evident by O’Brien and his blunt tools of language- the use of simple adjectives and sentences full of irony convey to the reader his overwhelming disdain for the Vietnam war, the stupidity of his commanding officers (particularly the lieutenants after Johansen) and the unfortunate effect a draft army in a distant war has on drawing a majority of dull-witted, ignorant men with little to lose.
Sam Blackman
Tim O’Brien’s If I Die in a Combat Zone, box me up and ship me home, Delivers a powerful example of the disconnect between soldier and leader present throughout the entire Vietnam military campaign. The lack of incontrovertible evidence calling for American men to go to war created a rift between those who were on the front lines, facing the real danger of dieing and those at the top echelon of command, dictating orders objectively according to the government’s grand scheme regardless of the efficiency or the human cost. This is made evident by O’Brien and his blunt tools of language- the use of simple adjectives and sentences full of irony convey to the reader his overwhelming disdain for the Vietnam war, the stupidity of his commanding officers (particularly the lieutenants after Johansen) and the unfortunate effect a draft army in a distant war has on drawing a majority of dull-witted, ignorant men with little to lose.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
paper 3 draft (truly rough)
Sam Blackman
The New Deal and America’s Perception of What it Meant to be American
The 20th century during the Great Depression represented a time when the core values of what constituted an “American” came to the forefront of people’s minds and was a topic of discussion and analysis for many citizens. This fresh view on the importance of a national identity and the denotations representing this newly sought after image was not limited to any particular section of society. Analysis of varying criticality came in numerous ways, from the intelligent literary circles that developed scholarly articles depicting what the 1930s most popular “true” American ideals were, to the hundreds of thousands of laid off workers soul-searching for why they had lost everything and why the great golden structure of capitalism was crumbling.
This widespread introspection by America, during a time when people were generally convinced that the pillars of capitalism and the unbreakable way of life set forth by the founding fathers had indeed toppled over, lead to wary perspectives on the ability for America to rise from the proverbial ashes of the Great Depression. The government at the time was also viewed woefully; the trust ordinary citizens held for the federal government and the likelihood that they would bail them out of poverty was dismal. Logically there was no concrete evidence to show that government was the answer towards hurrying the revamping of the economy against the pace set forth according to Adam Smith’s invisible hand. The president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (who from herein out will be referred to as FDR) recognized that in order to incite hope into the American people, and to actually turn around the crumbling mess of super free market, laissez-faire economics, he had to substantially and aggressively reformat the old notions and rules of what government’s role in society is supposed to be.
- 1.5 - 2 pages on FDR fireside chats and view on government role in society + economy
- .5 page on Hoover's views (which were ultimately failures i will argue)
- 1-2 pages analyzing 2 mural images and how they reflect contradictory aspects of American/capitalistic lifestyles
- end with synopsis of analysis and ultimate opinion
The New Deal and America’s Perception of What it Meant to be American
The 20th century during the Great Depression represented a time when the core values of what constituted an “American” came to the forefront of people’s minds and was a topic of discussion and analysis for many citizens. This fresh view on the importance of a national identity and the denotations representing this newly sought after image was not limited to any particular section of society. Analysis of varying criticality came in numerous ways, from the intelligent literary circles that developed scholarly articles depicting what the 1930s most popular “true” American ideals were, to the hundreds of thousands of laid off workers soul-searching for why they had lost everything and why the great golden structure of capitalism was crumbling.
This widespread introspection by America, during a time when people were generally convinced that the pillars of capitalism and the unbreakable way of life set forth by the founding fathers had indeed toppled over, lead to wary perspectives on the ability for America to rise from the proverbial ashes of the Great Depression. The government at the time was also viewed woefully; the trust ordinary citizens held for the federal government and the likelihood that they would bail them out of poverty was dismal. Logically there was no concrete evidence to show that government was the answer towards hurrying the revamping of the economy against the pace set forth according to Adam Smith’s invisible hand. The president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (who from herein out will be referred to as FDR) recognized that in order to incite hope into the American people, and to actually turn around the crumbling mess of super free market, laissez-faire economics, he had to substantially and aggressively reformat the old notions and rules of what government’s role in society is supposed to be.
- 1.5 - 2 pages on FDR fireside chats and view on government role in society + economy
- .5 page on Hoover's views (which were ultimately failures i will argue)
- 1-2 pages analyzing 2 mural images and how they reflect contradictory aspects of American/capitalistic lifestyles
- end with synopsis of analysis and ultimate opinion
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
paper2 draft
First, I want to say that I am not entirely sure if I am approaching this paper correctly. I have only written approximately 2 pages, because honestly I would rather not write 5 pages of something I had to scrap. Tell me what you think.
--The Reconstruction and Advancement of African American Society Amidst the Culturally White Setting of the United States Following the Civil War Period--
Following the American Civil War, and the Emancipation Proclamation, a vacuum was created amidst the established order between Black Americans and White Americans. No longer was the static reality of approximately 200 years of African American inferiority towards the Whites something that had judicial grounding amidst contemporary society, nor was the perceived lower status associated with slavery and skin color something that had as significant an importance at defining the character of African Americans.
The period immediately following the end of the Civil War saw unprecedented movements of black Americans from the south to the industrial and economic centers of the north; New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia all were major destinations. Washington D.C. was also a key destination for many, the lure of possibly having a say in the freshly unified United States for many recently emancipated Black Americans drew many to Washington. Despite the obvious racism that inevitably lingered (asking the majority of men to change the opinion of a people, something ingrained since birth for generations is not a feasible prospect to expect only several months or years after the initial legal change) the Black community was succeeding in furthering their respective society and developing a distinct, African American identity alongside smelting with the larger concept of an overarching “American” society. There were many signs of this renaissance-esque vibrance to be found through the advancing media outlets of newspapers, magazines, photographs, simple videos (several years later, once developed) and social events. Kathy Peiss provides a detailed documentation of the timeline of makeup for women and the cultural significance makeup had for the African American woman. Peiss notes, “ Beauty culture offered Black women good employment opportunities in the sex- and race-segregated labor market: It required low capitalization, was an easy trade to learn and was much in demand.” (Making Faces, 383, Peiss) The integration of what could be seen as an equalizing of women’s rights through makeup and respectability is altogether a separate topic of research, but the social dynamic created by the opportunity of a Black woman to straighten her hair, apply makeup and wear clothing that a White woman might even be envious of, signifies the effort made to show the public their “American-ness” and that they indeed were people to garner the same authority and respect as White peers. Alain Locke’s The New Negro provides an intellectually stimulating reflection from the African American perspective on how to best move forward with dignity as a people recently freed from the shackles of slavery and of the Black cultural movements taking place throughout the Union, specifically Harlem, New York.
--The Reconstruction and Advancement of African American Society Amidst the Culturally White Setting of the United States Following the Civil War Period--
Following the American Civil War, and the Emancipation Proclamation, a vacuum was created amidst the established order between Black Americans and White Americans. No longer was the static reality of approximately 200 years of African American inferiority towards the Whites something that had judicial grounding amidst contemporary society, nor was the perceived lower status associated with slavery and skin color something that had as significant an importance at defining the character of African Americans.
The period immediately following the end of the Civil War saw unprecedented movements of black Americans from the south to the industrial and economic centers of the north; New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia all were major destinations. Washington D.C. was also a key destination for many, the lure of possibly having a say in the freshly unified United States for many recently emancipated Black Americans drew many to Washington. Despite the obvious racism that inevitably lingered (asking the majority of men to change the opinion of a people, something ingrained since birth for generations is not a feasible prospect to expect only several months or years after the initial legal change) the Black community was succeeding in furthering their respective society and developing a distinct, African American identity alongside smelting with the larger concept of an overarching “American” society. There were many signs of this renaissance-esque vibrance to be found through the advancing media outlets of newspapers, magazines, photographs, simple videos (several years later, once developed) and social events. Kathy Peiss provides a detailed documentation of the timeline of makeup for women and the cultural significance makeup had for the African American woman. Peiss notes, “ Beauty culture offered Black women good employment opportunities in the sex- and race-segregated labor market: It required low capitalization, was an easy trade to learn and was much in demand.” (Making Faces, 383, Peiss) The integration of what could be seen as an equalizing of women’s rights through makeup and respectability is altogether a separate topic of research, but the social dynamic created by the opportunity of a Black woman to straighten her hair, apply makeup and wear clothing that a White woman might even be envious of, signifies the effort made to show the public their “American-ness” and that they indeed were people to garner the same authority and respect as White peers. Alain Locke’s The New Negro provides an intellectually stimulating reflection from the African American perspective on how to best move forward with dignity as a people recently freed from the shackles of slavery and of the Black cultural movements taking place throughout the Union, specifically Harlem, New York.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Overall Themes of the Inauguration Reporting
The general sentiment during the inauguration was an electrifying unity amongst the masses. Even if people became irritated or upset with others squeezing them or pushing, the overarching grandeur of the event was palpable.
The mainstream media outlets, CNN, MSNBC, FOX, BBC, and national papers like the NYTimes and the Washington Post all related Obama to the likes of MLK Jr., Lincoln, JFK, and even Moses.
This mythic romanticizing of Obama made him seem untouchable, and unattainable, like a savior of the American People. Band-wagoning on the hopes of the people for something positive to believe in after 8 years of dwindling international respect and national failures. Obama has become a legend and a divine force for the United States, and indeed the western world, even before he has done anything noteworthy as president.
The mainstream media outlets, CNN, MSNBC, FOX, BBC, and national papers like the NYTimes and the Washington Post all related Obama to the likes of MLK Jr., Lincoln, JFK, and even Moses.
This mythic romanticizing of Obama made him seem untouchable, and unattainable, like a savior of the American People. Band-wagoning on the hopes of the people for something positive to believe in after 8 years of dwindling international respect and national failures. Obama has become a legend and a divine force for the United States, and indeed the western world, even before he has done anything noteworthy as president.
Capitalism of Hope in major Media
The inauguration of Barack Obama this past Tuesday will forever be chiseled into the stone wall of United States History. No matter the political affiliation, the rampant energy amongst the hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people gathered in Washington conveyed the yearning of so many for something to believe in, someone to give them a voice that has felt squelched for the past 8 years. National and international news media did not overlook this most ripest opportunity to spread their word and influence throughout the land.
Most local was the Washington Post, which lifted Obama to a pedestal amongst the likes of Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, JFK, and even FDR. The post seemed to fervently and unanimously provide their support for Obama and the obvious change he represents; the first black man as president, a candidate that not only mesmerized the masses, but also forever transformed the stratagems of politicians forever. There was a sense of band-wagoning on the dreams and romanticism that people wanted to hear. People, especially amongst the D.C. area desperately desire for someone to lift them above the proverbial gloom of today and return America to some fantastical golden age. Essentially the Washington Post wrote down everything about Obama that everyone wanted to hear.
The New York Times took a different approach to capitalize on the energy of the public, but nonetheless guaranteed the same reactions. Instead of writing purely on the legendary status already given to Obama, and his celebrityesque demeanor, the NYTimes documented how much better it will be with Obama than compared to the past 8 years with Bush. Applying a negative taint to the Bush administrations served to shoot the abilities of an Obama presidency through the roof, even if he hadn’t done a single bit of “presidenting” yet.
Generally the major news outlets wanted to not focus on the reality of the situations, on the deep crises facing the United States and the world today, but provide an optimistic viewpoint that would develop national pride from American’s and even internationals who have lost faith in the honesty and truthfulness of the U.S. Government.
Most local was the Washington Post, which lifted Obama to a pedestal amongst the likes of Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, JFK, and even FDR. The post seemed to fervently and unanimously provide their support for Obama and the obvious change he represents; the first black man as president, a candidate that not only mesmerized the masses, but also forever transformed the stratagems of politicians forever. There was a sense of band-wagoning on the dreams and romanticism that people wanted to hear. People, especially amongst the D.C. area desperately desire for someone to lift them above the proverbial gloom of today and return America to some fantastical golden age. Essentially the Washington Post wrote down everything about Obama that everyone wanted to hear.
The New York Times took a different approach to capitalize on the energy of the public, but nonetheless guaranteed the same reactions. Instead of writing purely on the legendary status already given to Obama, and his celebrityesque demeanor, the NYTimes documented how much better it will be with Obama than compared to the past 8 years with Bush. Applying a negative taint to the Bush administrations served to shoot the abilities of an Obama presidency through the roof, even if he hadn’t done a single bit of “presidenting” yet.
Generally the major news outlets wanted to not focus on the reality of the situations, on the deep crises facing the United States and the world today, but provide an optimistic viewpoint that would develop national pride from American’s and even internationals who have lost faith in the honesty and truthfulness of the U.S. Government.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
