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

STUDENT RESEARCH PAPER CONTEST

The 32nd Annual Student Research Conference is coming up on May 2nd. All students are eligible to apply for it and it's a great way to share your work as well as compete for a cash award (deadline for that is April 21st). See here for more details. I encourage all interested students to consider participating.

APOLOGIZING FOR SCANDAL

This blog entry by Carmen Kwok
The story: "Twins star apologizes to her fans"

The analysis:

This article mentioned that the Cantopop duo Twins member Gillian Chung apologized for the recent publication of nude pictures purportedly of pop and movie stars. She admitted she was very naive and very silly in the past, but now she has grown up and will continue her work and face her life positively.

In fact, the main character of this story was Gillian's ex-boyfriend, singer and actor Edison Chen. According to the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Vincent Wong, it was convinced very much that because of the assistant of Edison Chen taking his computer for repairs, others had via illegal means to take out the obscene information from the computer. As a result, the nude pictures purportedly of pop and movie stars spread speedily through internet. Police also said they had uncovered more than 1,300 pictures involving six women who purportedly Hong Kong pops and movie stars. Some pictures were seemingly taken during sexual intercourse. After the few days that nude pictures leaked online, Edison Chen released a video with his apology to the public. He urged internet users not to transfer the pictures anymore as it may hurt and affect the healing a number of people's lives. And Gillian Chung was the first women who purportedly involved in this pornography scandal to apologize in the public response.
There is no denying that this news shocks over the Hong Kong. Traditionally, girls should defend one's chastity. Pre-marriage sex is not socially acceptable for most Hong Kong people. However, recently hundred and hundred purportedly Hong Kong pops and movie stars' nude pictures spread through internet. Everyone discusses this news, although you are in the school, family, or workplace. Even, this news continuously has appeared on the front page of most newspapers for several days. Thus, it becomes a very controversial topic in Hong Kong.

Yet, the most I concern from this news is not the problem of pre-marriage sex. Instead, I would like to talk about the issue of apology by Gillian Chung and Edison Chen. In fact, comprehensive discussion was raised after the publication of Edison's apology video. Some criticized him as a coward as he did not apologize directly in front of the public. Some criticized his apology without any sincerity. Similarly, the apology of Gillian did not receive much positive response. Some argued that she was not serious enough in her response. And some urged her not to be so silly.

Personally, I appreciate them with their brave apology, as it is really difficult to face public with such pornography scandal. But I do think that the people who are more worthy to apologize to this issue are the original perpetrators and the public instead of the victims. Having sex originally is the privacy of two people. But the repairers of the computer company violated their professional ethics and illegally stole customer's personal information. Apart from that, they also issued the obscene pictures on internet. As a consequence, the privacy was eventually opened to the public without the approval of the victims. However, the repairers did not feel guilty and they continuously transferred the nude pictures files to the public even after they were arrested.

Besides, the public also bore a part of responsibilities. As the ban against publication of nude pictures to public carried out, the pictures were removed from the forum and website quickly. Yet, people transferred the files from one to one by e-mail and msn. I do believe that the curiosity of public helps to deteriorate this issue. If no one transfer the nude files to others, it might not come to be today's such sad plight. Thus, I think the public should bear partial responsibilities of this event.
Ironically, the victims were blamed at the end of this story rather than the ones who should really apologize for this event. I do think that everyone should be forgiven by others as long as he can repent and start anew. But the one who does not repent of his mistake should be blamed admittedly.

Other sources: From `how bad' to `naive and silly'
Police act as more nude pictures of 'stars' appear
Edison Chen Apologizes After Nude Pictures Leak Online

THE ONLINE CONFESSIONAL

This blog entry by Jenna Osiecki
The story: " Forgive us, father; we'd rather go online"

The analysis:

The article "Forgive us, Father; we'd rather go online" discusses websites that are hosted by churches that are actually online confessionals. The sites are places where people can anonymously post their deepest secrets for others to see and to get the bad deeds off of their chests. Other people who go on the sites can also post comments back to the confessors in response to their confessions. While there is a range of both positive and negative responses it is important to note that there are no trained counselors to monitor the posts that are going up, however some of the churches post the names of pastors and phone numbers to reach them at.

I found it interesting how our society has become so consumed by technology, and in the case of this article, the internet; that people are actually going online to confess their sins. While concept of an online confession does seem awfully like just a normal blog, the churches involvement in the matter makes it even more interesting; that they are getting involved in the pop culture phenomena of the internet and blogging.
It is also interesting to think about the new audience that the churches are reaching because of the confession sites, and the benefits that it has for the church.

This article is related to popular culture because of the way that the now almost every part of American society is accessible via internet. I find myself torn by this, and especially when I think about it on a personal level, because while the thought of confessing my sins on the internet and not actually having to face someone in person does sound intriguing, it makes me think about the way that people in society seem to be losing touch with one another, and this is another step in that direction. Today when you walk down campus everyone is plugged into either an iPod or cell phone, it seems as though nobody ever has any face to face contact with anyone anymore. It used to be that people would go to church to socialize, and now people hardly ever have to leave their house. I see our culture becoming more and more advanced when it comes to technology but less and less involved with each other. I think that while it is important to be high tech it is also important to be social, and it seems as though the lines of which is more important are beginning to blur.

ETHNOGRAPHY AND SPORTS LECTURES

Here are the lecture notes for:
1) Ethnography

2) Sports