CELEBRITY CULTURE READINGS

The rise of contemporary celebrity culture. For Thursday, read:

1) David Samuels: Shooting Britney. From The Atlantic, April 2008.

2) Andrew Lavalee: The Rise of the 'Citizen Paparazzi'. From The Wall Street Journal, February 26, 2008.

3) Rebecca Traister: Who the hell are Heidi and Spencer?. From Salon.com, March 20, 2008.

The impact on society. For next Tuesday, read:

TBA

RERUNS FOREVER

This blog entry by Patricia Reyes
The story: "Golden Years of Television Find New Life on the Web"
The analysis:

The way television is has been seen for years is now quickly changing, in the article it is said that now the television distributors are allowing the internet to display television programs online. Allowing the viewers to watch the television show called, The Twilight Zone will catch the attention of many viewers and are expecting to have higher rating. Also, the Warner Brothers are planning to give a rebirth to the WB channel, which existed a few years ago and they want to see if it will be a “hit” online, perhaps an experiment to see if it can be aired once again.

The illustrators say that this sort of new way of watching television shows that were aired years ago, is not making anyone rich, just yet. But if they do make any this method will allow people to get paid easier and somewhat more. That is not the only thing that the producers are looking forward to with great anticipation. They have already found out that television shows that were aired for a few years like, Arrested Development, was not very popular, had low rating and was removed from television. Researchers have found that shows like these have much more rating online, they are more popular, have been viewed much more frequently than when they were aired online. Shows like The A-Team, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Miami Vice and Star Trek are some of the shows that are becoming once again popular, but this time through the internet. The question is, once the producers see the results on popularity, will they begin to only air shows online? And will this give less variety to the people who only have access to watch television?

This new way of viewing shows, becomes a easy accessible because nowadays the majority of people in the have high speed internet, making their time enjoyable.

READING FOR SATC

For our discussion of SATC, I'm assigning this reading by Diane Negra: "Quality Postfeminism?" . Please have it read by class on Thursday.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE SPEEDO

This blog entry by Emanuel Parra
The story: "Germans to swim without high-tech suits"

The analysis:

This topic relates to our previous lecture about sports and the impact sports have on people. The Beijing Summer Olympics are just around the corner; in the swimsuit world Speedo LZR Racer was made a major impact in certain Olympic swimsuit trials. The Speedo LZR Racer is a new swimsuit that is has made controversy among national teams especially that of German swimmers.

German swimmers are concern about unstable performances during the Olympics by wearing the wrong swimsuit. During the Beijing Olympic swim trials the high -tech suit has shattered 22 world records. A lot of world swimmers are being upset because other sportswear companies are not able to fully compete with those that wear Speedo LZR Racer. FINA also known as the World Governing Swimming body was constantly mentioned that they would not ban the Speedo LZR Racer.

The issue of having and edge over an opponent or getting the appropriate sponsorship is constantly viewed as a negative and positive side of sports. For that reason German swimmers are disappointed they can't not use the Speedo LZR Racer. Do to sponsorships the German swim team is bound to wear Adidas. The German swim team federation can't and won't be able to end a 4-year contract with Adidas. The contract is worth over $6.2 million in which the company was a 2 year option to extend the use of their sports apparel within the German swim team.

Famous swimmers like the Italian swimmer Massimiliano Rosolino was made constant remarks towards the use of the Speedo LZR Racer. Rosolino is a World Champ swimmer that has won over 17 medals in the Olympics. The Italian swimmer believes that the high -tech suit is unfair towards other swimmers and will become a distortion within the Olympic competition.

There is so much controversy dealing with this new suit made by Speedo. It is amazing that this new high -tech suit is popular among nations and swimmers that will be allowed to use the suit in the Olympics, while it is less popular among nations that can't use it due to obligations with other sportswear sponsorships. The only way to see if this new Speedo swimsuit will become a hit, the general public like ourselves must see the summer Olympics.

FINAL PRESENTATION SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 13th:
Tipping Habits (Osiecki, Touch)
Texting (Ortiz, Kwok, Dones, Garcia)
Video game addiction (Swinney, Estrella, Gutierrez, Para)
Motorcycle Club Culture (Sultan, Quintanilla, Duncan)

Thursday, May 15th:
Web 2.0 and Social Interaction (Carvalho, Untalan, Gomez, Chavez, McKnight)
Media and Gender Image (Serrato, Khloyian, Salazar)
Online Identity (Salazar, Reyes)

DATA UPGRADE

This blog entry by Paul Khloyian
The story: "The Wonders of the Internet"

The analysis:

Looking back at when I was in elementary school and comparing how things have changed over the span of 10 years the biggest technological change and advance that sticks out in my mind and the mind of many others I have questioned has to be the technological breakthrough of the internet.

After reading the article titles Wonders of the Internet posted by Carolyn I saw how the internet has changed lives of others and has come so far. The article talked about how before the internet, and before even the television, families would gather around the radio and that was there way of accessing the outside world. Soon after came the television and that was a totally huge change from the radio and it had a tremendous impact on society. But when the internet was introduced to the society it changed things and made the impossible possible.

The internet has brought out a lot of change throughout the world and has made so many things so much more convenient for everyone. Not only can individuals pay and manage there bank accounts all through the internet, they can obtain college degrees through on-line courses, date through the internet, chat with people across the world, obtain information on any topic imaginable, and so much more. The internet offers us access to the entire world with just one click.

Today accessing the internet can even be done through cell phones. I myself use the internet on a daily basis. I use it for work, school, entertainment, and as a means of communicating with my friends, even those who live in other countries. The internet has changed my life dramatically because I am able to manage all my bills, do my homework assignments, conduct research for school projects, chat, and get the latest news all through the internet. I really don't know what I would do without it.

PHONING AWAY POVERTY?

This blog entry by Elaine Touch
The story: "Can the Cell Phone Help End Global Poverty?"

The analysis:

"Can the cell phone end global poverty?" This is the question of intrigue for New York Times writer Sara Barett who writes of her experience in which she shadowed the travels of Jan Chipchase, a human- behavior researcher for telecommunications giant Nokia. Also sometimes referred to as a "user anthropologist", Chipchase has spent the last seven years traveling into developing countries like India, Vietnam, and even the African nation of Mubami, to "peer" into lives of natives from housewives to indentured servants, to small business farmers, and study their behaviors. This "data" is then relayed back to Nokia's design and marketing department, where the information is deconstructed to develop the most profitable strategies for turning these foreign natives into transnational consumers.

According to the article, "putting a Nokia in to the hands of people" who make $4 a day, has not been a hard sell at all. In fact, by the end of 2006, according to the International Telecommunications Union, 68% of the world's 3 billion cell phone subscriptions were from developing countries. Economic scholars and researchers of world poverty alike are discovering that more and more families are spending their limited income on cell phones and computers "before other basic needs". Among other things"[cell-phone] user anthropologists" are also finding that the world's working poor are realizing how cell phones can not only increase their productivity from an economic standpoint but improve their overall well being as well. For such people finding work is no longer the job in itself, but rather, because of the convenience of the cell phone, work now finds them. What's more the cell phone has also been shown to serve as a crucial item in times of crisis, such as separation and displacement in times of war. During such times, the cell phone (especially its text messaging capabilities) has not only allowed loved ones to remain connected, but it has also helped such people to stay alive by functioning as the sole means of getting information.

While Jan Chipchase, the "user anthropologist" for Nokia, attempted to make strong argument for the promising possibilities of universal cell-phone usage, I found his arguments and certain illustrations in the article somewhat ludicrous and even upsetting. While there were some positive aspects to the article's argument of cell phone usage such as those mentioned above, there were some things that I just did not agree with. In one illustration both the Times journalist and Chipchase run into a group of Mongolian monks, most of whom had cell phones and even Bluetooth devices! What's more, when asked about the questionable nature of this situation, Chipchase contends that the monks had become so reliant to their cell phones that they would even put up a fight for their phones if someone tried to take them away! Another jaw-dropper in the article was the mentioning of the development and construction of solar-powered cell phone towers in "remote areas" that didn't have any electricity! This just makes me shake my head in disbelief because in this very same area, people have yet to have access to system that provides them with clean water! Yes, many exclamation points indeed because this article disregards mentioning the living conditions of many of these people. The world press has been alerted----Jan Chipchase and Nokia have discovered the cure for global poverty and its side effects (TB, malaria, AIDS, war, etc...)---CELL PHONES!!! My critique may be melodramatic for some, but read the article; it is definitely not possible to finish it without feeling slightly offended.

TO WII OR NOT TO WII

This blog entry by Chris Estrella
The story: "A Wii Bit of a Workout"

The analysis:

This article sparked my interest because it talks about the subject of video games, which is the focus of me and my group's topic for our final group project. The article focuses on the Nintendo Wii and its rocketed sales during this last holiday season. From my personal experience, I remember when I got my first Nintendo console and how popular it was to have one. My first Nintendo console set the stage for my personal enjoyment for the years that followed. Unfortunately I don't have the Nintendo Wii or the Game cube, which are the two latest Nintendo video game consoles that are out today.

In focusing with the article, it explains how the Nintendo Wii's popularity has sky rocketed during this past holiday season. Also what the article points out, is the new interactive play that the Nintendo Wii has introduced to the gaming world. The new process in interactive play has raised questions as to the beneficial factors in regards to getting adequate exercise from it. According to the author, a small study was conducted at the Dalhousie University within 25 students. They did a comparative study with the boxing game versus a walk in the park and a "boxercise" video workout. They then measured the heart rates of the students after 30 minutes of play. The conclusion of their study was that the Nintendo Wii didn't show significant benefits for a cardiovascular workout, but it did show that it can help in maintaining and losing body weight.

The interesting factor about the article that raised some ideas in regards to the class and the final project is the new audience that the Nintendo Wii has targeted. In the beginning of the article, it explains how the Nintendo Wii can not only just be found in the house, but also in dorm rooms, retirement homes and even fitness centers. This new audience that has been introduced to the gaming world raises questions and ideas of the growing popularity of videogames, and the influences it has in our active or inactive lives. More and more, video game companies are creating new and innovative ways that make video gaming more beneficial to our lives rather than just a form of entertainment. For example, the article explains how kids are learning math, spelling, and language skills through computer games rather than actual text books. This new interactive way of teaching in the schools can even be further explained through our U.S Military, and their new ways of combat training using interactive video games as well.

WHAT'S UP, DUK?

This blog entry by Kristin McKnight
The story: "Long Duk Dong: Last of the Hollywood Stereotypes?"

The analysis:

This article argues that Long Duk Dong is one of the most offensive stereotypes in Hollywood. However, Long Duk Dong is just one of many offensive stereotypes present throughout Hollywood. Long Duk Dong is a character from the popular high school comedy Sixteen Candles. The same year there was the Asian-American character in Revenge of the Nerds. Even before them, there was Bruce Lee. More recently there was Harold from Harold and Kumar and Jackie Chan's character in Rush Hour. These Asian-American stereotypes aren't any different from the African-American, Mexican, or Borat's Kazakhstan character that are portrayed in Hollywood films. American comedy is widely based on stereotypes. It arises from early Minstrelsy that we discussed in class with Jim Crow and Zip Coon's representations of African American stereotypes and our fascination with the other.

If the actors themselves do not have an issue with portraying these stereotypes, then we shouldn't have a problem with laughing at them. Gedde Wantanabe, the actor that portrayed Long Duk Dong says, "I was making people laugh," he says. "I didn't realize how it was going to affect people." Not only has it affected the people watching, but it has affected other Asian-American actors. Their situation has improved a little since 1984 by more roles becoming available. But, they seek more roles that are simply American and not ethic. For the years to come, we will probably see more strong roles portrayed by Asian-American actors, but those stereotypes are always going to be present.
Other problems arise from these stereotypes being present in Hollywood throughout society. The article brings up how these stereotypes are imitated among high school students. Asian-American kids are bullied because of the characters portrayed in these films. Not only in film but television shows reinforce these stereotypes for laughs. This is partly responsible for why racism is still prevalent in our society. If we take these offensive portrayals of races and cultures so lightly racism is always going to exist.

PROGRESS REPORTS

To give your groups a little more time, I'm going to push the due date for the progress reports to the end of next week. They'll be due on April 18th instead.

The progress report has to show what progress you have made since our last meeting. This can include:

Summary of field work completed.

A sample survey.

Preliminary data gathered through surveys or other collection methods.

Your group must demonstrate progress. Your grade will reflect the degree of work completed thus far.

Email me with any questions between now and when we meet again.

Prof. Wang

MIDTERMS

The good news: I managed to get all the midterms graded (most of them, sitting on a plane, no less).

The bad news: Even though I got all the scores entered in this morning, I had to leave again out of town and don't have them with me. So while you can check your scores online, you won't be able to get feedback on them until next week.

The average score for the class was 15.7.

See you all next Tuesday.

Sincerely,

Prof. Wang