Assignment 5-1

As I have mentioned before, I am a huge wrestling fan. This past Monday the WWE was hosting Raw in Washington D.C. at the Verizon center. My brother, nephew, and son attended the show with me. While waiting on another match to begin a clip from 12 Rounds, starring John Cena, a WWE wrestler, was played. I had already seen The Marine, which Cena played in as well, and decided to watch 12 Rounds. About half way through the movie I realized it was almost identical to The Marine. The formula for both movies is as follows; Cena is the main character, and holds a public authority position. His love interest is kidnapped, and he is forced to go through different obstacles just to get the female back (Nelson, 2009, para 6).

I enjoyed both The Marine and 12 Rounds. However, I wish John Cena was given a different role or personality in one of the films. I agree with the role he played in The Marine because he actually looks like a marine. But I also believe the directors or casting managers have this stereotypical image of John Cena, given his build as a wrestler. He is expected to be this tough man who can overcome all physical odds. It was even said that he did all of his own stunts. More than likely, this is why Cena has been typecast in these films.






Reference

Nelson, R. (2009). 12 rounds critics reviews. Fandango. Retrieved July 30, 2009, from
http://www.fandango.com/12rounds_116460/criticreviews

Assignment 1-3

Pornography has always been a topic of debate in most societies. Recently, the debates have become more about the positive effects of the controversial form of art rather than how degrading it is to humans, woman in particular. As stated by Anne Sabo, pornography is seen as a factor in abuse and rape against women by some feminists, yet there are numerous postmodern feminists and advocates of the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay & Transgender Alliance, or LBGT, who view the art as a form of liberation in sexuality (2009, p 147, para 1). The idea, now that pornography has been somewhat accepted, is to understand the sexual desires and functions, including pleasure and power.

Linda Williams, a writer and researcher, is content with the focus on women being the center of attention and not serving as the “sexual other” (Sabo, 2009, p 147, para 1). Women being the “sexual other” is the basis for believing that pornography is degrading; it has been viewed as an act or art that is focused on the desires and pleasures of men. Williams makes it known that the study of pornography is based on the desire to recover its aesthetic value by returning to its classical heritage (Sabo, 2009, p 148, para 1). In doing so, recent reports show that more young women are purchasing forms of pornography and open about it. Along with that is the fact that feminists and females in the spotlight are promoting and defending it as well (Sabo, 2009, p 148, para 2). Those in relationships even speak freely about the use of pornography now more than ever. The downfall to this is the fact that men who continue to view pornography on their own are still revered as perverts, filthy, and a threat to the well-being and safety of women.

To gain understanding on the reasons pornography has gained the reputation it has, I would actually like for anyone who chooses to read this analysis to give their personal opinion on the subject. Reading articles does not do the trick for me; conversation clears it all up. I, for one, do not see the harm in consuming pornography as long as no one is being physically harmed in the process. I have visited an adult film store in the past with my boyfriend, and my initial reaction was that all eyes would be on me because I am a female and females should not explore anything concerning sexuality. In looking at others in the store, who were predominately males, and by themselves, I immediately thought they were “filthy”, as stated in my article. After visiting the store a few more times I realized I was stereotyping the men in the store, and they could quite possibly doing the same thing to me. All in all, I think in order for the negative cloud hanging over the topic of pornography to be erased, everyone needs to have some type of experience with it. People are uncomfortable with it simply because it has not always been acceptable to express sexuality.









Reference

Sabo, A. G. (2009). Highbrow and lowbrow pornography: prejudice prevails against popular
culture. A case study. The Journal of Popular Culture, 42(1), 147-161. Retrieved July 22,
2009, from http://0-journals.ohiolink.edu.olinkserver.franklin.edu/ejc/pdf.cgi/
SABO_ANNE_G.pdf?issn=00223840&issue=v42i0001&article=147_halpppapcacs

Assignment 4-1

John Stacks, a semi-disabled contractor in Bradenton, Florida, is being sued by the creator of Batman. Stacks has been selling resin figures of Batman, Robin, Batgirl, the Joker, Catwoman, the Riddler, and King Tut, all figures from the 1960’s television show, without the authorization of the creator, DC Comics (Silvestrini, 2009, para 4). The creator had previously asked that Stacks cease making the figures because the he is violating copyright and trademark laws by selling the resin figures. Stacks has been selling the resin figures, in full costume, on his website, johnnysresin.com, for anywhere from $70 to $150 a piece (Silvestrini, 2009, para 4). The defense for Stacks is that he has contracts with the actors from the television show as well as the person who has rights to the costumes used in the television show, and therefore the costumes used in the creation of the resin figurines. Frank Gorshin, who played The Riddler in the series, and Burt Ward, who played Robin, happen to be friends with Stacks and he produces websites for the two actors (Silvestrini, 2009, para 12).

My take on it is this: the only other person John Stacks would need to have a contract with is the producers or writers of the television show itself. If the creators of Batman were to go after everyone who sold anything with Batman on it, there would be millions of lawsuits. Stacks even has a disclaimer on his website, stating all kits are sold to portray the actors of the television series, not the characters owned by DC Comics, and the sales and figurines are not an intention to infringe on any copyrights, characters or trademarks owned by DC Comics (Silvestrini, 2009, para 14). If Stacks can secure a contract with those in charge of the television show, he should be in the clear. This is just a case of DC Comics being greedy; they state Stacks' business is cutting into its lucrative profits, although Stacks says he hasn't made enough money selling the figures to offset the costs of the molds he uses (Silvestrini, 2009, para 7, 15).

Reference

Silvestrini, E. (2009). Pow! Battle over 'Batman' figurines now a federal case. Tampa Tribune.

Retrieved July 20, 2009, from Newspaper Source database.

Assignment 3-1

Stereotypes are the generalities of life cut down to a fine point concerning a particular subject and directed usually toward a special goal (Browne, 2005, p 102, para 1). Most stereotypes I have encountered have been placing all people of a race or culture into a certain category and assuming that they all have the same characteristics and habits. Recently, Dallas Cowboy’s tight end Martellus Bennett has been accused of being racist. The odd part about it is he is accused of being racist against African-Americans, when he is an African-American himself.

Martellus and his brother, Michael, filmed themselves participating in what they called “The Black Olympics” and posted the video to YouTube as a party of his “Marty B TV” series (Hairopoulos, 2009, para 2). There were eating contests for fried chicken and watermelon, as well as a Kool-Aid drinking contest. The stereotype touched upon is that all African-Americans consume these foods ritually. Bennett’s response to the criticism was that he and his brother deal with stereotypes every day, and if they make a joke about it, it's even funnier. He also said that they don’t pay attention to the criticism (Hairopoulos, 2009 para 5-6). At Mavericks’ forward Brandon Bass’ Youth Camp, children approached Bennett by telling him “I bet I can eat chicken faster than you” (Hairopoulos, 2009, para 8). The Dallas Cowboys organization has only given Bennett a warning for the video posting.

I understand that stereotypes are derogatory and bring forth a lot of issues in society. However, I think if someone can take those stereotypes, especially, and only if they are against their own race or culture, and have fun with it, it takes some of the discomfort out of the situation. Making light of the situation does not necessarily mean you are being ignorant or insensitive, it’s just a way of dealing with the ignorance of others.







Reference
Browne, R. B. (2005). Profiles of popular culture: A reader. Madison, WI: The University of Wisconsin Press.

Hairopoulos, K. (2009). Dallas cowboys’ Bennett scoffs at claims his video is racist. The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved July 16, 2009, from Newspaper Source database.

Assignment 1-5

Randall Watson

Latoya Moody

Assignment 1-5

For background purposes, a myth is a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon (Merriam-Webster, 2009, para 1). In addition, there are three main forms of myths: the supernatural, the secular, and a combination of the two (Browne, 2005, p 13, para 3). Noteworthy myths of the 1900 - 1920 time period include Gene Autry, Zorro, The Newton Boys, and Molly Brown.

Orvon Gene Autry is also known as “Oklahoma’s Singing Cowboy”. Autry gained an interest in music early in life in part because of his mother and grandfather. Later in life Autry paired up with Smiley Burnette for a string of radio and film performances. He played a prominent role in the creation of the American rodeo industry. Autry played in films such as In Old Santa Fe, Mystery Mountain, and The Phantom Empire. Berwyn, Oklahoma even changed their name in 1941 to acknowledge Autry’s celebrity status; Gene Autry, Oklahoma (Mythical West, 2001, p 21, para 1).

The Legend of Zorro came about on August 9, 1919 and was spawned from the “The Curse of Capistrano” (Mythical West, 2001, p 394, para 1). Johnston McCulley, the creator of Zorro, may have adapted his character from another legendary bandit, Joaquín Murieta (Mythical West, 2001, p 394, para 2). The character was later seen in movies such as The Bold Caballero and Mark of Zorro.

Willis, Dock, Jess, and Joe Newton were known for robbing over sixty banks and six trains from 1919 to 1924 (Mythical West, 2001, p 248, para 1). Their largest robbery turned out to be their last. A secret mail train carrying over three million dollars in diamonds and negotiable bonds was to arrive in Roundout, Illinois on June 12, 1924. A person working for the U.S. Post office gave the Newton Boys information on when that train was to arrive (Mythical West, 2001, p 249, para 5). Their acts made them the most successful thieves in American history. However, there were so many other successful criminals of that time that the Newton Boys are not immortalized like Bonnie and Clyde, or Al Capone.

Molly, or Maggie Brown, was one of the most popular survivors of the Titanic, which sunk in 1912. Films and plays were created because of her survival of the sinking; The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and Titanic. The sinking of the Titanic supposedly wasn’t Brown’s first near-death experience; as a child, while floating down the Mississippi River, she was nearly drowned when a cyclone hit her raft (Mythical West, 2001, p 55 para 2). Brown’s importance in American history and mythology portrays the country’s strong-willed spirit (Mythical West, 2001, p 55 para 1).

Reference

Browne, R. B. (2005). Profiles of popular culture: A reader. Madison, WI: The University of

Wisconsin Press.

Myth. (2009). Merriam Webster Online. Retrieved July 10, 2009, from http://www.merriam

webster.com/dictionary/myth

The mythical west: an encyclopedia of legend, lore, and popular culture. (2001). Ohio Link

Scholarly and Reference E-Books. Retrieved July 11, 2009, from Folklore, Mythology,

and Literature: Electronic Reference Books database.

Assignment 2-2

The 3 icons that stand out to me are the WWE, Chuck E. Cheese, and McDonald’s. WWE, or World Wrestling Entertainment, is an entertainment company that focuses primarily on wrestling. In addition, the WWE produces films, publishes a monthly magazine, and hosts live events throughout the U.S. and many other countries. Chuck E. Cheese is a chain of play centers for children. Children are able to play games and in areas with other children, win prizes, and eat pizza. McDonald’s is a chain of fast food restaurants specializing in hamburgers and french fries. They are located in many countries outside of the United States.



I have a part of the “WWE Universe”, as they like to call it, since the age of eight. Wrestling has become a permanent fixture in my household. I watch it four days out of the week, and now have my two year old son doing the same. The WWE holds importance for me because it is the only part of my childhood that has not been left behind. It becomes larger by the day; other entertainers and celebrities are often seen at the WWE’s live events, and many times participate in the shows. Recently, people as huge in status as Donald Trump have played a large part in the weekly happenings of the WWE and its superstars. The WWE has gained enormous popularity over the last decade.

Chuck E. Cheese is not a place I particularly like to visit. However, it truly serves its purpose, and holds a place in my life now that my son, Keanu, is of age to tell me he wants to go to Chuck E. Cheese. My son is mainly the reason I chose Chuck E. Cheese as an icon. I can not think of a child that does not know about him. Therefore, Chuck E. Cheese is important to me because he is important to Keanu.



McDonald’s is not exactly important to me. Yet it has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When in high school we had off-campus lunch, and would walk to McDonald’s every day. One would think that we would eventually get tired of eating the same thing, yet we did not. I occasionally take Keanu to McDonald’s as a treat. He has fallen in love with strawberry milkshakes, and prefers them with his Happy Meal. I chose McDonald’s as an icon because it is virtually impossible to travel without seeing one about every five minutes.

Assignment 2-1

My boyfriend, Phillipe is a weapons mechanic for the U.S. Navy, and stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. A few days ago he told me he was not feeling well, and has this reasonably harsh cough. The next morning he woke up with a fever while still on duty, and was sent to the ship’s doctor. It was discovered that Phillipe had the flu, and was thereafter quarantined due to fears of a possible Swine flu case. Since the day Phillipe was sent home, about 10 more of his shipmates have been released from duty and quarantined for having similar symptoms.

Although not talked about much in my area anymore, the Swine flu is still very much alive. The name of the flu was also changed because of myths that it was caused or contracted through consuming pork. That alone took a toll on the market for pork. As of mid June, there were eight confirmed cases of Swine flu in my hometown of Alexandria, Virginia (Kicak-Vanderhoeven, 2009, para 3). Both Cora Kelly and James K. Polk Elementary schools within the city had confirmed cases of the virus. Since arriving in the states, the virus has been contracted by about 13,000 people, and claimed 27 lives (Kicak-Vanderhoeven, 2009, para 3). Alexandria City Public schools has said they will not close schools who have confirmed Swine flu cases unless so many people have contracted the virus that the school is unable to be run efficiently (Kicak-Vanderhoeven, 2009, para 5). My issue with this is if children are allowed to continue to come in contact with others the chances of spreading the virus are greater. Things such as transportation have to be taken into consideration. For example, the child at Cora Kelly who was confirmed to have the virus may ride the bus to school; that same bus will pick up children from other schools in the city, and therefore increasing the risk of spreading the virus throughout the city. I believe once the virus has been confirmed in a setting like that it should be shut down to limit spreading the virus.

In Phillipe’s case, he was told he would know if he had contracted the Swine flu in about five days after having his nose swabbed for testing. Once again, I think if it is confirmed that he contracted the virus, everyone on his boat should be quarantined.




Reference

Kicak-Vanderhoeven, E. (2009). Eight confirmed swine flu cases in city. Alexandria Gazette Packet. Retrieved July 12, 2009, from
http://connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=329998&paper=59&cat=104

Assignment 1-4

I believe the biggest topic in the media right now has to do with the death of Michael Jackson. Jackson died on June 25th; his public memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 7th. 17,500 free tickets are being given out for the services to be held at the Staples Center and Nokia Theater (Fowler, 2009, para 2).

This news was not just big in the United States, but across the world. A shrine was created by Russians in Moscow. Fans in Taiwan and Hong Kong have been putting on performances to showcase their imitations of Jackson, displaying their favorite moves of his. A memorial was also erected in Jackson's honor in Hong Kong, consisting of CD's, pins, and magazines. Madonna also paid tribute to Jackson during her concert in London.

There was much controversy surrounding Michael Jackson's life, including accusations of child molestation. But Colin Powell put it in the best terms; "Yes, there was a great deal of controversy about him. But he's now passed on. Let's celebrate his art" (Celebrate, 2009, para 6).

The majority of reactions are those of people who cannot believe the icon has died. Stories are told of those who did not or do not speak English but loved his music all the same.

References
Colin Powell: celebrate Michael Jackson's art (2009). Associated Press. Retrieved July 5, 2009, from http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090705/ap_on_re_us/us_powell_michael_jackson_3

Fowler, B. (2009). Michael Jackson memorial service a hot ticket. E! Online. Retrieved July 5, 2009, from http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090705/en_top_eo/132679

Popular Culture Artifact

Popular culture is a collection of items, activities, hobbies, arts, music, and technology that have gained high recognition amongst a group of people. To me it is all about money. The more popular things in life usual cost more, but generate more money than other things that may not be as popular.

Understanding popular culture in my current job position as a Teacher’s Assistant for Head Start simply means that I have knowledge of the different characters and toys children are interested in. In Accounting and Business Administration I would know what trends to jump on to make money, or who to affiliate myself with to guarantee I make money.

Dwight Howard is my idea of a pop culture artifact. He has brought basketball, comic book characters, and hip hop music together.