TO: Amy Chastain
FROM: Paige Foster
SUBJECT: English 108
DATE: May 7, 2010
Writer’s Memo
This semester in English 108 I found the work to be fairly easy, but it definitely required me to put in more effort than the English 104 class last semester. I enjoyed a lot of the topics we covered this semester, but I think the basis of English 108 was my problem. It is a research based class, and research papers are the toughest things for me to write. I have trouble usually finding sources that relate to my topic, and then all the MLA rules that I have to follow, really gets my mind off the topic and more on the format.
Using a blog as a tool was pretty neat. It definitely was nice to always go to the classroom blog and see the criteria for the assignments that were due. That was a very big help to me. I like to have something online that I can reference anytime I need, rather than a paper source I am likely to lose. As for blogging myself, I thought it was pretty easy and a nice way to get points. It saves paper, and gives a chance for other students to give you immediate feedback. Overall, the blog was a great idea and a very resourceful tool.
The readings were all very interesting in topics, but some things were hard to relate to like Hip-Hop Revolution or the super rich kids that are discussed in parts of Branded. I definitely learned a lot during this semester. I learned that we live in a “raunch culture” and more and more woman are degrading themselves, I learned that brands affect our everyday lives more than we realize, and marketers will do almost anything to get money, and I learned where hip-hop got its origins and the importance of authenticity.
The papers were, of course, the most difficult part for me. It is mostly my fault because I procrastinate too long and get myself mentally upset over writing the paper. I dread research papers, and honestly I think it is because it requires me to do some research. I can write all day about my personal opinion, but when I have to quote someone else’s, in a certain format, I cringe. I think if I put more effort into my papers this semester they would have turn out 10 times better than they did, but I got down on myself and let them get the best of me. I know I did ok in this class, but I know I could have had an A.
Student led classes were a completely new idea to me, and to be honest, I was really nervous about how I would get up in front of everyone, alone, and teach a subject. However, it was a wonderful experience, and I feel like I did a great job, as well as all the other students in the class. I really enjoyed when they would present. I felt like the student led classes helped me learn more about the readings.
Some things I liked were that you asked us a class how we wanted our papers graded, you were open for conferences at any time, you were flexible and understanding, and you used lots of relevant examples from today to help us understand the readings. I especially enjoyed little video clips and readings that accompanied our discussions.
Overall, I am glad I was required to take this class. It really does teach a lot of skills that people will use in the future. To write, and to write with sources that back up your opinion is a very valuable skill, and I am glad to have learned it. Also, the MLA formatting, while frustrating, is a very valuable thing to have in my knowledge. It gives a research paper structure, and credibility.
Friday, May 7, 2010
TO: Amy Chastain
FROM: Paige Foster
SUBJECT: English 108
DATE: May 7, 2010
Reader’s Response:
Branded: The Buying and Selling of Teenagers
This book, in my opinion, provides a lot of valid information, very relevant to an English 108 class. For the most part, students in English 108 are fresh out of high school, or at least still fairly young. Branded focuses solely on teenagers and how marketing affects them. I think that the facts provided are eye opening and can be useful to a group of young people, such as a 108 class and I would recommend it to them.
Quart explores a lot of issues in this book, but one of the most important for young people to know is that brands literally fill our lives. Before I read this book, I really had no clue how much branding affects my day to day life. For example, branding even affects what college we decide to attend. As discussed in chapter 10 Logo U, kids will go to extreme lengths to be accepted to a “brand name” school. A sixteen year-old named Rick states “The name is important- you need brand recognition, if you want people to know that you are smart, and that’s a serious way of letting them know that” (Quart 152). I honestly can somewhat relate to that, because the fact that Missouri Western is a University, makes me feel like when I get my degree, people will think I am smarter than if I had just attended a state college.
Branding doesn’t just affect our choice of school, but our choice of clothing, make-up, movies, video games, food, and the list is endless. Reading this book will open a young person’s eyes to how the marketers are playing on this “need” to be branded, and cashing in all the way home! It is something that usually just flies under the radar and no one really talks about it, but it was very interesting to see how much brands really do affect me.
I was an English 108 student this semester and I feel that I know what people around my age are interested in. Branded will encourage students to write about the deep emotional issues involved in branding such as body branding (plastic surgery) or schools for sale (companies contracting schools), and also some of their personal experiences. I think that there is a lot to discuss with this book, and 108 students could definitely explore other sources that discuss the same issues.
FROM: Paige Foster
SUBJECT: English 108
DATE: May 7, 2010
Reader’s Response:
Branded: The Buying and Selling of Teenagers
This book, in my opinion, provides a lot of valid information, very relevant to an English 108 class. For the most part, students in English 108 are fresh out of high school, or at least still fairly young. Branded focuses solely on teenagers and how marketing affects them. I think that the facts provided are eye opening and can be useful to a group of young people, such as a 108 class and I would recommend it to them.
Quart explores a lot of issues in this book, but one of the most important for young people to know is that brands literally fill our lives. Before I read this book, I really had no clue how much branding affects my day to day life. For example, branding even affects what college we decide to attend. As discussed in chapter 10 Logo U, kids will go to extreme lengths to be accepted to a “brand name” school. A sixteen year-old named Rick states “The name is important- you need brand recognition, if you want people to know that you are smart, and that’s a serious way of letting them know that” (Quart 152). I honestly can somewhat relate to that, because the fact that Missouri Western is a University, makes me feel like when I get my degree, people will think I am smarter than if I had just attended a state college.
Branding doesn’t just affect our choice of school, but our choice of clothing, make-up, movies, video games, food, and the list is endless. Reading this book will open a young person’s eyes to how the marketers are playing on this “need” to be branded, and cashing in all the way home! It is something that usually just flies under the radar and no one really talks about it, but it was very interesting to see how much brands really do affect me.
I was an English 108 student this semester and I feel that I know what people around my age are interested in. Branded will encourage students to write about the deep emotional issues involved in branding such as body branding (plastic surgery) or schools for sale (companies contracting schools), and also some of their personal experiences. I think that there is a lot to discuss with this book, and 108 students could definitely explore other sources that discuss the same issues.
TO: Amy Chastain
FROM: Paige Foster
SUBJECT: English 108
DATE: May 7, 2010
Reader’s Response:
Hip-Hop Revolution: The Culture and Politics of Rap
This book, to me, was a very difficult read. While it provides a great historical timeline of how hip-hop has developed and all the controversy surrounding it, I just don’t feel it is appropriate for an English 108 class to study. I guess my justification of this is only because of the language used to write the book. The author, Jeffery O. G. Ogbar uses too many words to make a statement and the words are often beyond a 108 level. For example, a sentence that I randomly pulled out of chapter two reads “The era of the art’s birth bears great responsibility to the oppositional culture that remains the cornerstone of hip-hop, which was largely an extension of the Black Power movement that waned as hip-hop crystallized among urban youth” (Ogabr 38). Honestly, I don’t understand the message that sentence is trying to convey. I definitely got lost in all the words and had trouble finding meaning. I don’t feel like I am below average for a 108 student, so I would guess that many other students in the same class would feel the same way as I did. Even as a professor you acknowledged this because you posted a word bank on the classroom blog, that could help us along with our reading.
The content itself is valuable. While I can’t really relate a lot of it to myself, I can see why a research class would find this information useful. If the message was communicated in a simpler way, then I would probably recommend this book, but I just think that 108 students will feel alienated with this book, as I did, and struggle a bit.
Basically, if a 108 student can get through reading Hip-Hop Revolution, I doubt they will have the want or ability to write about and explore the issues in this book. I know I found paper two the hardest to write, because I was so frustrated with the book, that I sort of gave up on reading it. The only reason I picked a topic for my paper was because you gave us ideas on the blog. Without your help, I would have been lost. I just do not feel 108 students are ready for this book.
FROM: Paige Foster
SUBJECT: English 108
DATE: May 7, 2010
Reader’s Response:
Hip-Hop Revolution: The Culture and Politics of Rap
This book, to me, was a very difficult read. While it provides a great historical timeline of how hip-hop has developed and all the controversy surrounding it, I just don’t feel it is appropriate for an English 108 class to study. I guess my justification of this is only because of the language used to write the book. The author, Jeffery O. G. Ogbar uses too many words to make a statement and the words are often beyond a 108 level. For example, a sentence that I randomly pulled out of chapter two reads “The era of the art’s birth bears great responsibility to the oppositional culture that remains the cornerstone of hip-hop, which was largely an extension of the Black Power movement that waned as hip-hop crystallized among urban youth” (Ogabr 38). Honestly, I don’t understand the message that sentence is trying to convey. I definitely got lost in all the words and had trouble finding meaning. I don’t feel like I am below average for a 108 student, so I would guess that many other students in the same class would feel the same way as I did. Even as a professor you acknowledged this because you posted a word bank on the classroom blog, that could help us along with our reading.
The content itself is valuable. While I can’t really relate a lot of it to myself, I can see why a research class would find this information useful. If the message was communicated in a simpler way, then I would probably recommend this book, but I just think that 108 students will feel alienated with this book, as I did, and struggle a bit.
Basically, if a 108 student can get through reading Hip-Hop Revolution, I doubt they will have the want or ability to write about and explore the issues in this book. I know I found paper two the hardest to write, because I was so frustrated with the book, that I sort of gave up on reading it. The only reason I picked a topic for my paper was because you gave us ideas on the blog. Without your help, I would have been lost. I just do not feel 108 students are ready for this book.
TO: Amy Chastain
FROM: Paige Foster
SUBJECT: English 108
DATE: May 7, 2010
Reader’s Response:
Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture
In my opinion, this was the best book of the entire semester. It was very easy to read, and brought up so many issues with our society today. I would definitely recommend this book to another 108 class because I feel that there are so many things that a 108 student could explore, and write a research paper about.
Being an English 108 student this semester, I know how difficult it is to have to read a book that is confusing or that doesn’t relate to you, and then on top of that, write a paper over it. Female Chauvinist Pigs has a wide array of topics to choose from. An English 108 student could choose to write about the “raunch culture” we have come to live in, or how feminism has changed over the years. How about focusing on chapter five “Pigs in Training”? That chapter brings up very important facts about how the young girls in this society are being shaped. Many papers could be written on chapter four “From Womyn to Bois” and the controversies with the transgender and gay communities. The list could go on and on about topics to explore and write about in this book. That is why it is so valuable to a research based class.
This book is also an eye-opener as Branded was. It pointed out things that go on in front of our faces everyday, which seem to go unnoticed. It showed me that feminism is important, and that women are still being degraded, or more so, degrading themselves. It taught me all the different types of feminists (radical, sex-positive, ect.) and how graphic our culture has become. Basically, and English 108 student can learn a lot from this book, and could explore many of the topics discussed.
FROM: Paige Foster
SUBJECT: English 108
DATE: May 7, 2010
Reader’s Response:
Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture
In my opinion, this was the best book of the entire semester. It was very easy to read, and brought up so many issues with our society today. I would definitely recommend this book to another 108 class because I feel that there are so many things that a 108 student could explore, and write a research paper about.
Being an English 108 student this semester, I know how difficult it is to have to read a book that is confusing or that doesn’t relate to you, and then on top of that, write a paper over it. Female Chauvinist Pigs has a wide array of topics to choose from. An English 108 student could choose to write about the “raunch culture” we have come to live in, or how feminism has changed over the years. How about focusing on chapter five “Pigs in Training”? That chapter brings up very important facts about how the young girls in this society are being shaped. Many papers could be written on chapter four “From Womyn to Bois” and the controversies with the transgender and gay communities. The list could go on and on about topics to explore and write about in this book. That is why it is so valuable to a research based class.
This book is also an eye-opener as Branded was. It pointed out things that go on in front of our faces everyday, which seem to go unnoticed. It showed me that feminism is important, and that women are still being degraded, or more so, degrading themselves. It taught me all the different types of feminists (radical, sex-positive, ect.) and how graphic our culture has become. Basically, and English 108 student can learn a lot from this book, and could explore many of the topics discussed.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Project Proposal 4
For paper 4 I am going to revisit paper 1. In paper 1 I discussed young girls getting plastic surgery and how it is a bad decision and often done for the wrong reasons. The text I plan to create is a biography of Heidi Montag. I plan to target young women ages 12-25 in America. I want to stress the importance of self-esteem and loving yourself for who you are. Heidi Montag is a perfect example because she was once a naturally beautiful girl, who became a reality TV star. She started with getting breast implants and once she became more and more successful, the surgeries multiplied. She was reported on having 10 surgeries in one day, and this is something she is proud of. The reasons behind these surgeries are all body image related. She does not view herself as the world sees her and I feel that is a significant problem for a lot of young women in this country. I want to use her as an example for young girls of what not to do. I am going to reveal some psychological issues as well as body image issues. I plan to also include before and after pictures and discuss her emotions as she has gone through this process as well her friends and families reactions.
Feminism Interview
For the interview I asked three of my co-workers. A girl named Ashlee who is 21. She is a college student and a mother. A guy named Trevor who is 19 and also a college student. And a woman named Gail who is in her 50’s and she is also a mother of 3. I found that they had very different answers, but there was some common ignorance between all of them.
Interview Questions
1. What is feminism?
2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why of why not?
3. What are women’s issues and interests that feminists would be considered with?
4. What stereotypes do others categorize feminists?
5. Is there a need for feminism today? Why of why not?
Ashlee
1. Women that fight for the rights of other women
2. No, because she doesn’t get involved with feminism and honestly doesn’t really care.
3. Equal rights in sports or work
4. Cocky, over-confident
5. No, because things are pretty much equal between men and women
Trevor
1. Women being defensive about their place in society
2. No, because he doesn’t look at women as any less equal to men
3. Workman’s rights, job roles, political positions, voice in politics, and overall equality with males
4. Lesbians, female talk show hosts, women who work in the same field as males (ex: factories), women politicians
5. No, due to the fact that women are capable for applying for and getting any job a man can. Feminism should be a thing of the past because of the great strides women have made.
Gail
1. Women’s rights
2. Yes, because when she was younger she “burned her bra”- her mother was actually going into the workforce when it was very uncommon
3. Equal treatment issues, freewill
4. Menopause makes women crazy
5. Yes, so we can be treated more equally, because we still aren’t.
Overall, none of them seemed to be overly confident on the subject and depending on what type of demographic they fell under pretty much determined their beliefs and assumptions.
Interview Questions
1. What is feminism?
2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why of why not?
3. What are women’s issues and interests that feminists would be considered with?
4. What stereotypes do others categorize feminists?
5. Is there a need for feminism today? Why of why not?
Ashlee
1. Women that fight for the rights of other women
2. No, because she doesn’t get involved with feminism and honestly doesn’t really care.
3. Equal rights in sports or work
4. Cocky, over-confident
5. No, because things are pretty much equal between men and women
Trevor
1. Women being defensive about their place in society
2. No, because he doesn’t look at women as any less equal to men
3. Workman’s rights, job roles, political positions, voice in politics, and overall equality with males
4. Lesbians, female talk show hosts, women who work in the same field as males (ex: factories), women politicians
5. No, due to the fact that women are capable for applying for and getting any job a man can. Feminism should be a thing of the past because of the great strides women have made.
Gail
1. Women’s rights
2. Yes, because when she was younger she “burned her bra”- her mother was actually going into the workforce when it was very uncommon
3. Equal treatment issues, freewill
4. Menopause makes women crazy
5. Yes, so we can be treated more equally, because we still aren’t.
Overall, none of them seemed to be overly confident on the subject and depending on what type of demographic they fell under pretty much determined their beliefs and assumptions.
Reaction to Female Chauvinist Pigs
What shocked me about this text?
I was shocked that so many young women are willing to take their clothes off for free. It shocks me that a lot of young girls dream of one day being in GGW or Playboy. Something that I would be ashamed of, these girls are proud of. It makes me sad to see the standard that society sets for young girls and the lack of morals.
What surprised me about this text?
I was surprised to learn all the aspects of the gay community like all the labels. For example, “boi”, “butch”, or “femme”. I had no idea there were so many variations and to learn that not all gay people get along and agree with each is also surprising. I honestly thought that they would stick together, not bring each other down, because that’s the last thing they need.
How is this text different/similar to the other texts we have read in class?
Female Chauvinist Pigs is very similar to Hip-Hop Revolution because they both go into great detail about how women degrade themselves. For example, Lil’ Kim, she demonstrates a strong intelligent woman who tries to flip negativity about her gender into something positive, but to me it sort of backfires in her face. She is still using the same derogatory language that men use, and no matter who says it, it still has the same meaning. That can be compared to FCMs because they have the same beliefs of Lil’ Kim and feel that if they act as men they will gain more respect. It is different from Branded because Branded focuses more on the external influences that make young girls do what they do, while Female Chauvinist Pigs focuses more on the issues within the person.
Do I have any personal experience with the text? If so, what?
Personally, I don’t know any feminists or FCPs but, I definitely have been exposed to this “raunch culture” and it is sad to say but I have also found myself wearing low-cut shirts, tight jeans, and short shorts. I do not, however have dreams of being in Playboy or GGW so I do not completely associate myself with these women.
I was shocked that so many young women are willing to take their clothes off for free. It shocks me that a lot of young girls dream of one day being in GGW or Playboy. Something that I would be ashamed of, these girls are proud of. It makes me sad to see the standard that society sets for young girls and the lack of morals.
What surprised me about this text?
I was surprised to learn all the aspects of the gay community like all the labels. For example, “boi”, “butch”, or “femme”. I had no idea there were so many variations and to learn that not all gay people get along and agree with each is also surprising. I honestly thought that they would stick together, not bring each other down, because that’s the last thing they need.
How is this text different/similar to the other texts we have read in class?
Female Chauvinist Pigs is very similar to Hip-Hop Revolution because they both go into great detail about how women degrade themselves. For example, Lil’ Kim, she demonstrates a strong intelligent woman who tries to flip negativity about her gender into something positive, but to me it sort of backfires in her face. She is still using the same derogatory language that men use, and no matter who says it, it still has the same meaning. That can be compared to FCMs because they have the same beliefs of Lil’ Kim and feel that if they act as men they will gain more respect. It is different from Branded because Branded focuses more on the external influences that make young girls do what they do, while Female Chauvinist Pigs focuses more on the issues within the person.
Do I have any personal experience with the text? If so, what?
Personally, I don’t know any feminists or FCPs but, I definitely have been exposed to this “raunch culture” and it is sad to say but I have also found myself wearing low-cut shirts, tight jeans, and short shorts. I do not, however have dreams of being in Playboy or GGW so I do not completely associate myself with these women.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Project Proposal: Female Chauvanist Pigs
For this paper i plan to write about America'a obesession with "hotness". I plan to use Playboy and Girls Gone Wild especially to support my argument. I am going to discuss women's "reflex" to allow themselves to get a certain kind of attention, and how they feel it empowers them. Also, I want to talk about Katie Couric and the olympian athletes who feel the need to display thier bodies for extra attention, when they already have so much talent that should be more than enough credit for them to go off of. The athletes want sexiness and athletic ability to be paired together because they feel like women athletes aren't considered sexy or "hot". Katie Couric showed cleavage and announced that her breasts were "real" to show her "fun" side (as she put it) but in fact it just pleases men and thier own sexual fantasies. I hope to get to the bottom of WHY American women need to feel "hot" and "sexy" and HOW we all buy into in some way.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Collaboration Chapters 3 and 4
Feminism
Overview: Feminism cannot be defined, and there are several diffrent types. Women, especially African American women, are classified and oppressed. Women must push back against stereotypes.
Argument: Don't reinforce misogynistic behavior. Use intellect to be confident in yourself as a woman and demand respect
Example: The 4 controlling images: the mammy, the matriarch, the welfare mother, and the jezebel. If you stand against and show the opposite of those images, you can change them.
Terms: Mitigate- to make less severe
Perils- exposed to danger, risk
Analysis: I agree with Collins personally, I feel that if you break the stereotypes then you can change the outlook.
The Badman
Overview: This image depends on 3 criteria: violence, sex, and material items
Argument: Is the basis of why hip-hop is mysonginistic in nature, and it is a popular image to have in the hip-hop world.
Example: Muhammad Ali- his lifestyle and swagger mirrored that of a "badman"
Terms: Hypermachismo- an overly strong or exaggerated sense of manliness
Prowess- an exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength
Analysis: I feel like this image is unhealthy, and untrue. Most of the rappers rapping about a lot of this stuff, probably aren't really the "badman" they portray.
The Beauty and Objectifacation of Women
Overview: Ogbar disscusses the objectifacation in hip-hop videos, with all the sexual dancing and gyrating in almost zero clothing, the shape of a woman's body, especially a black woman's, and how black women percieve their own beauty
Argument: Women are objectified in this music and this also feeds into the misogynistic way. It is also how standards are set for women to see what the image of "beautiful" is.
Example: Sir Mix-a-lot's Baby Got Back- the lyrics make women without "back" feel inferior
Terms: Colloquial- involving or using conversation
millenia- plural for millineum
Analysis: I agree with what he is saying, this music and videos do dictate what beautiful is, and women see this all around them
Overview: Feminism cannot be defined, and there are several diffrent types. Women, especially African American women, are classified and oppressed. Women must push back against stereotypes.
Argument: Don't reinforce misogynistic behavior. Use intellect to be confident in yourself as a woman and demand respect
Example: The 4 controlling images: the mammy, the matriarch, the welfare mother, and the jezebel. If you stand against and show the opposite of those images, you can change them.
Terms: Mitigate- to make less severe
Perils- exposed to danger, risk
Analysis: I agree with Collins personally, I feel that if you break the stereotypes then you can change the outlook.
The Badman
Overview: This image depends on 3 criteria: violence, sex, and material items
Argument: Is the basis of why hip-hop is mysonginistic in nature, and it is a popular image to have in the hip-hop world.
Example: Muhammad Ali- his lifestyle and swagger mirrored that of a "badman"
Terms: Hypermachismo- an overly strong or exaggerated sense of manliness
Prowess- an exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength
Analysis: I feel like this image is unhealthy, and untrue. Most of the rappers rapping about a lot of this stuff, probably aren't really the "badman" they portray.
The Beauty and Objectifacation of Women
Overview: Ogbar disscusses the objectifacation in hip-hop videos, with all the sexual dancing and gyrating in almost zero clothing, the shape of a woman's body, especially a black woman's, and how black women percieve their own beauty
Argument: Women are objectified in this music and this also feeds into the misogynistic way. It is also how standards are set for women to see what the image of "beautiful" is.
Example: Sir Mix-a-lot's Baby Got Back- the lyrics make women without "back" feel inferior
Terms: Colloquial- involving or using conversation
millenia- plural for millineum
Analysis: I agree with what he is saying, this music and videos do dictate what beautiful is, and women see this all around them
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Rapper Analysis
I chose to write about Nelly. Nelly aka Cornell Haynes Jr. was born in St. Louis Missouri. His dad was in the Air Force so they actually lived in Spain for 3 years. When Nelly lived in St. Louis, he was the youngest kid in the neighboorhood, and always found himself getting into trouble, and running the streets. His parents divorced when he was 8 years old. Nelly eventually had to go live with several different relatives in hopes that he would get on the right path. It wasn't until he went to University City that he really got his act together. He began to play organized baseball, and excelled in the sport. Baseball distracted Nelly from trouble, and he began getting offers to play professionally. In an interview, Nelly stated that he thought he would end up playing ball, but he was "seduced by the rap game." His motivation was the artists he looked up to, and portraying his own special style of rap.
One example of his lyrics:
"Well you should see me now,
I'm eatin Wheaties now
I'm stealin second and third
and lookin home peepin' greedy now
See me now, people call me speedy now
Known for runnin' the quickest miles"
Nelly's lyrics are different according to each song. He refers to males and females with some sexualized lyrics, but for the most part he is pretty respectful towards women and doesn't really portray the "badman" image. His notions of realness are expressed by him rapping about his life, experiences, and hobbies. He raps about what matters to him and thats what makes him real. For example, the lyrics i used.. those show his interest in baseball and he has a lot of knowledge on that subject so he is very credible. He also raps about his hometown a lot and that also makes him credible.
One example of his lyrics:
"Well you should see me now,
I'm eatin Wheaties now
I'm stealin second and third
and lookin home peepin' greedy now
See me now, people call me speedy now
Known for runnin' the quickest miles"
Nelly's lyrics are different according to each song. He refers to males and females with some sexualized lyrics, but for the most part he is pretty respectful towards women and doesn't really portray the "badman" image. His notions of realness are expressed by him rapping about his life, experiences, and hobbies. He raps about what matters to him and thats what makes him real. For example, the lyrics i used.. those show his interest in baseball and he has a lot of knowledge on that subject so he is very credible. He also raps about his hometown a lot and that also makes him credible.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Collaboration Chapters 1 and 2
Vocabulary
Egalitarianism: asserting, resulting from, or characterized by belief in the equality of all people, esp. in political, economic, or social life.
Minstrel: one of a troupe of comedians, usually white men made up as black performers, presenting songs, jokes, etc.
Monolithic: characterized by massiveness, total uniformity, rigidity, invulnerability
Obstreperous: resisting control or restraint in a difficult manner; unruly
Recalcitrance: resisting authority or control; not obedient or compliant; refractory
Chapter 1 talks about the modern day rappers becoming this generation’s minstrel show. Perpetrating stereotypes and portraying what some believe as the definition of blackness. Summary: In this chapter Ogbar is trying to convey the point that the idea of the “controlling images” of black people reflecs the role that black artists, from minstrel shows to rap songs, assume in articulating dominant ideas about black people, reducing them to sterotypes.
Example: Modern hip-hop and how they are sort of in a way making a mockery of themselves...parading around talking about foolish things, just for the entertainment of mainly white people. Most commercial hip-hop videos could be an example of this, like Candyshop that we watched in class today. It had no real deep meaning, only setting a negative image for black people.
My personal analysis of all of this is that yes, I think people do make a big deal out of nothing sometimes, but if you really look at a hip-hop video, and see the way they portray themselves, the critics may have a point. Black people need to embrace their culture and heritage, rather than money, cars, bitches, and hoes...even though that is what is mainstream, and what makes the most money. It still doesn't help the image of their race, and can be compared to a Minstrel Show. On the other hand though, like Ladi said in class..why don't people bring up the Cherry Pie video by Warrant? White people make the same sort of oversexualized, shallow, meaningless videos, but no one seems to stereotype them..
Egalitarianism: asserting, resulting from, or characterized by belief in the equality of all people, esp. in political, economic, or social life.
Minstrel: one of a troupe of comedians, usually white men made up as black performers, presenting songs, jokes, etc.
Monolithic: characterized by massiveness, total uniformity, rigidity, invulnerability
Obstreperous: resisting control or restraint in a difficult manner; unruly
Recalcitrance: resisting authority or control; not obedient or compliant; refractory
Chapter 1 talks about the modern day rappers becoming this generation’s minstrel show. Perpetrating stereotypes and portraying what some believe as the definition of blackness. Summary: In this chapter Ogbar is trying to convey the point that the idea of the “controlling images” of black people reflecs the role that black artists, from minstrel shows to rap songs, assume in articulating dominant ideas about black people, reducing them to sterotypes.
Example: Modern hip-hop and how they are sort of in a way making a mockery of themselves...parading around talking about foolish things, just for the entertainment of mainly white people. Most commercial hip-hop videos could be an example of this, like Candyshop that we watched in class today. It had no real deep meaning, only setting a negative image for black people.
My personal analysis of all of this is that yes, I think people do make a big deal out of nothing sometimes, but if you really look at a hip-hop video, and see the way they portray themselves, the critics may have a point. Black people need to embrace their culture and heritage, rather than money, cars, bitches, and hoes...even though that is what is mainstream, and what makes the most money. It still doesn't help the image of their race, and can be compared to a Minstrel Show. On the other hand though, like Ladi said in class..why don't people bring up the Cherry Pie video by Warrant? White people make the same sort of oversexualized, shallow, meaningless videos, but no one seems to stereotype them..
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Project Proposal: Hip Hop Revolution
In my paper I plan to discuss the way females are portrayed in hip-hop. I plan to discuss no tonly male rappers, but female rappers as well. I am going to discuss the way females are degrated, and sexualized in most of the lyrics. I will touch on counter-points such as strong women rappers, and some positive portrayls of women in hip-hop. My audience is going to be women themselves. I will write directly to them so they can understand how they are being portrayed. I will persuede women to push against that portrayl and prove the rappers wrong that call them "bitches" and "hoes". I will tell them that as a plan of action to live their lives with dignity and know who they are as a person, and never let a man/woman judge them or degrade them. So far, i don't know a whole lot, I need to research this topic a bit more, but I have listened to lots of hip-hop in my life and have heard the lyrics regarding women.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Schools For Sale
2,500 teenagers walked out of their Philadelphia high schools because they were protesting privatization of their schools. They were attempting to make a stand and say that they were not “for sale”. They wanted to speak up for themselves and not allow the Edison company to take over their schools solely for money. They had major ethos with their fellow peers because they are all going through the same thing and they all agree that they don’t want to be privatized. The Philadelphia residents should care because their kids already attend those schools, or they will have kids in the future that will be attending those schools. Also, the privatization of the schools will affect the community. For example, when the school had a bake sale, the principal would only allow Coca-Cola products to be sold with the baked goods, because juice and milk would compete with their sponsors. It is ridiculous how much everything revolves around who supplies the money. Education should not be a franchise, I know funding is needed sometimes, but the primary focus should be on the children and what they are learning. Like a student activist leader stated in the book “Do I want to learn that one plus one equals Pepsi?” (Quart 218) this shows that brands are so incorporated in the curriculum that kids are going to start associating these products with school, and that is not what education should be about. If this was happening to me and my school, I would like to be consulted because I would be against it. It is the children that are affected most by this and they should be the ones with the most input not the people with the pocketbooks..
Monday, February 1, 2010
Project Proposal: Major Project 1
My goal with this first essay is to point out that sad reality of children these days trying to act older and older at a younger and younger age. My audience is the parents of these children, tweens, and teens. I am arguing that these children of all ages, until they reach adulthood should not be allowed to be slaves to this over-aged hype that is calling thier attention in all directions. I am going to persuade these parents of young chidren and teens to not buy into the ads. I am going to focus on the parents drawing the line and taking back control of thier youth no matter what the child asks for. The parents are the ones with the pocketbook and they can decide if that 12 year-old girl gets designer clothing and make-up, or if thier 15 year-old "needs" breast augmentation. These parents also need to build self-esteem and value into the girls and boys. The young boys parents need to let them know that having a rock hard physique at the age of 13 is un-natural and its OK not to look like the men on the covers of muscle magazines! The parents need to preserve innocence and appropriatness of age as long as they can. Yes, it is hard with all the "branding" and how easily chidren are targeted, but with a little support of the parents...I think this can be managed a little better.
So far i know that marketers focus and rely on the fact that tweens ages 9-13 are desperate to look, act, and "be" older. It is the cool thing to be older and now these tweens are already not considering themselves children anymore. Now, younger and younger tweens and teens are wanting plastic surgery to look like people in magazines and body image is extremely distorted today. Lavish, adult-like parties are now the norm for tweens. Such as Bar/bat mitsvahs and sweet sixteens. These children spend thier parents money as if it is their own and want things that most 21 year olds think about having at thier big bashes. Alot of this is brought on by celerbrities throwing huge parties for birthdays, and it became a trend and then eventually a competition between affleunt (and sometimes not) parents to throw bigger, better parties for thier 13 year old. It also consists of children being exposed to adult comedy such as "Adult Swim" on the cartoon network for example. It starts playing at 9:30 pm and most kids are still up absorbing these shows that are meant to only appeal to adults but kids, even very young ones laugh right along because they have developed even sense of humors beyond thier age. Its a growing trend and very hard to escape, but if the parents weren't such a huge contributor, I think the issue could be a little more managable.
Sources:
Branded by: Alissa Quart
So far i know that marketers focus and rely on the fact that tweens ages 9-13 are desperate to look, act, and "be" older. It is the cool thing to be older and now these tweens are already not considering themselves children anymore. Now, younger and younger tweens and teens are wanting plastic surgery to look like people in magazines and body image is extremely distorted today. Lavish, adult-like parties are now the norm for tweens. Such as Bar/bat mitsvahs and sweet sixteens. These children spend thier parents money as if it is their own and want things that most 21 year olds think about having at thier big bashes. Alot of this is brought on by celerbrities throwing huge parties for birthdays, and it became a trend and then eventually a competition between affleunt (and sometimes not) parents to throw bigger, better parties for thier 13 year old. It also consists of children being exposed to adult comedy such as "Adult Swim" on the cartoon network for example. It starts playing at 9:30 pm and most kids are still up absorbing these shows that are meant to only appeal to adults but kids, even very young ones laugh right along because they have developed even sense of humors beyond thier age. Its a growing trend and very hard to escape, but if the parents weren't such a huge contributor, I think the issue could be a little more managable.
Sources:
Branded by: Alissa Quart
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Branded
The book Branded describes in depth the methods that companies use to get thier brand name known. These companies or brands locate trendspotters. The way they go about this is by seeking out the "cool kids" in schools and feeding them their products as long as the kids put in a good word for the brand to thier peers. They look for kids who can easily influence the other kids and ones who are on the cutting edge of fashion or whats "in". Also, they use these trendspotters to give the companies information on how to better itself, and sell more. The trendspotters are young people who can provide an insight into what they and their peers want.
It is important to understand and identify with your audience because they want to feel like you care about them. I know that if a brand is trying to sell something to me and they don't make any attempt to arouse my interests and they just basically say, I just want your money, then something inside me makes me not want to buy from them. If a brand is involved in a cause that i believe in or makes me feel like they genuinely can relate to me and want to better my life, then I'm more likely to buy from them. To me, its just human nature. People want to feel like they are understood and cared about. If that care isn't present then the person will feel disconnected to the product and brand- teens/tweens especially.
Research for brands is conducted in ways that aren't super obvious. Sometimes company representatives will just simply ask the consumer about thier lifestyles and maybe even what they think about the products. A lot of times they can do research without paying the informers, because generally people and especially young people want to put in thier two cents and maybe make an impact. Other ways of doing research is to try out free products to the consumer and just see what the general feedback is, did it catch on, did it not..
Like the book states very clearly, teens/tweens are the most powerful sector of the market. They aren't old enough to work but still don't want to be completly under their parents wing, and the brands play on the fact that this group is very insecure and wants nothing more than just to be accepted by thier peers. I know I personally was and still a tad bit insecure and who doesn't have a desire to fit in?? I remember wanting nothing more than an Abercrombie and Fitch shirt when I was in the 8th grade, or even now not really wanting to buy off brand tennis shoes. Brands rely on this certain "need" and they count on the parents of these children to answer to those needs.
It is important to understand and identify with your audience because they want to feel like you care about them. I know that if a brand is trying to sell something to me and they don't make any attempt to arouse my interests and they just basically say, I just want your money, then something inside me makes me not want to buy from them. If a brand is involved in a cause that i believe in or makes me feel like they genuinely can relate to me and want to better my life, then I'm more likely to buy from them. To me, its just human nature. People want to feel like they are understood and cared about. If that care isn't present then the person will feel disconnected to the product and brand- teens/tweens especially.
Research for brands is conducted in ways that aren't super obvious. Sometimes company representatives will just simply ask the consumer about thier lifestyles and maybe even what they think about the products. A lot of times they can do research without paying the informers, because generally people and especially young people want to put in thier two cents and maybe make an impact. Other ways of doing research is to try out free products to the consumer and just see what the general feedback is, did it catch on, did it not..
Like the book states very clearly, teens/tweens are the most powerful sector of the market. They aren't old enough to work but still don't want to be completly under their parents wing, and the brands play on the fact that this group is very insecure and wants nothing more than just to be accepted by thier peers. I know I personally was and still a tad bit insecure and who doesn't have a desire to fit in?? I remember wanting nothing more than an Abercrombie and Fitch shirt when I was in the 8th grade, or even now not really wanting to buy off brand tennis shoes. Brands rely on this certain "need" and they count on the parents of these children to answer to those needs.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Introduction
Hello! My name is Paige Foster and I am a freshman at Missouri Western. I was born and raised right here in St. Joseph and have never lived or really been anywhere else. I attended Lafayette High School and I came to Missouri Western because this was basically the next step. I guess i never really even considered not going to college and this wasn't really a huge transition for me considering the college is right here in my home town. I feel very fortunate to have my college so close to home and intend to take full advantage of it. I plan (so far) to get a degree in elementary education and hopefully become a kindergarten teacher somewhere in town or possibly a town not too far out of St. Joe. I am also considering going into special education because i feel that it would be a very rewarding job. Nothing is set in stone yet, but right now I like the direction my life is heading in.
I don't have spare time. If im not at school im working. I work at a smaller grocery store in the northend of town called Roger's Green Hills. I work 6 days a week, just about full time. Other than trying to keep up with school and surviving a shift at my job i try to make time for friends, family, and sleep! I was never reallyb into sports and found out at a very young age that i am extremely un-coordinated and not so graceful. :(
Overall, I am just finding out who I am and who i will be in the future. All through school i stayed with the same people I am finding new things out about myself everyday. In the future i would like to have a steady stable teaching job be married and definetly have children. I love kids more than anything and that is why I plan to work with them in the future. Well, i hope you learned a little bit about me and i can't wait to get to know the rest of you!
I don't have spare time. If im not at school im working. I work at a smaller grocery store in the northend of town called Roger's Green Hills. I work 6 days a week, just about full time. Other than trying to keep up with school and surviving a shift at my job i try to make time for friends, family, and sleep! I was never reallyb into sports and found out at a very young age that i am extremely un-coordinated and not so graceful. :(
Overall, I am just finding out who I am and who i will be in the future. All through school i stayed with the same people I am finding new things out about myself everyday. In the future i would like to have a steady stable teaching job be married and definetly have children. I love kids more than anything and that is why I plan to work with them in the future. Well, i hope you learned a little bit about me and i can't wait to get to know the rest of you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)