Assignment 5-1

Cynthia Hopper

HUMN 341-F1WW

Assignment 4-1

October 23, 2010

                “Going Green” is a message we currently understand yet just a few years ago had someone stated just those two words to us, we would not have had a clue what they were talking about.  There are many ways in which environmentalist aided in effecting our lives regarding saving energy.  One of those aspects has been endorsing alternate fuel and hybrid vehicles.

                The stereotype of one being an environmentalist or carrying out their views in an extreme manor that used to be associated with someone who drove an electric or hybrid car.  Hybrid vehicles are now very popular and the people who drive them do not have a stigma attached to them as being outlandish or crazy.  They are now considered wise as it’s economical in this poor economy that we are experiencing. 

                Not only are the Hybrids economical to operate, they are now becoming cost effective for most consumers.  A friend recently purchased a good size hybrid vehicle in which they lowered their monthly expenses by over $400.00 per month while increasing the class of vehicle they drove thereby obtaining an increase in upper class vehicle features for less cost per month.

                The size options of the hybrids are increasing as well.  It was that the electric car was a little two sweater cracker box which looked more like a toy than a car.  Now manufacturers are increasing the sizes to accommodate family use while maintaining the hybrid economic features.

                It is yet to be seen how these hybrid vehicles will hold up to life on the roads when involved in accidents and acts of nature.  It is important to value our lives and safety as much as our economy and environment.

Assignment 4-1

Assignment 4-1

The dispensing of prescription drugs by doctors and pharmaceutical advertising have steadily increased over the past decade.  It has become popular to see prescription drug ads from the pharmaceutical entities directed to the public ₍₃₎.  There seems to be a pill for everything.  I am not against utilizing modern medicine.  I do believe that it has become too easy for doctors to dispense a medicine and for the public to increasing take more and more prescriptions to the detriment of their heath instead of to the betterment of their health.

Advertising by Pharmaceutical companies have increased the knowledge of the public in addition to doctors as to the various drugs that are available ₍₃₎.  The companies are attempting to change how doctors prescribe medications and which medications they describe ₍₁₎. 

My husband has been disabled for a little over 20 years.  There has been an increase in the past few years as to the medications his doctors have wanted to prescribe.  Three years ago, he and I decided we needed to try to get him off of some of the medications as they had him on a typed letter size page full (one column).  When we did that, several of his medical conditions were illuminated.  We have recently found out he has liver damage due to all the medications he has been on.

My dad is currently in the hospital with his kidneys almost completely shut down from prescription medications that have been given to him.

Is our society and more so our doctors, succumbing to all these ads produced by the pharmaceutical companies and receiving this information without questioning if the medications are harmful?  Are we conscious of the side effects and how the medications work with one another? Or do we blindly trust our physicians in what they prescribe?

Prescription medication can be beneficial if taken wisely.  It can kill us and has killed people that have abused prescription drugs both ignorantly and purposefully.

Taking medication is a popular accepted practice.  I hope we are doing it wisely.

References

1. Ebeling, M. (2008, February 21). Beyond Advertising: The Pharmaceutical Industry's Hidden Marketing Tactics | Center for Media and Democracy. Center for Media and Democracy | Publishers of PR Watch. Retrieved October 23, 2010, from http://www.prwatch.org/node/7026

2. Lexchin, MD, B. (n.d.). CJEM and pharmaceutical advertisements: it’s time for an end | Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine. Welcome to CJEM | Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine. Retrieved October 24, 2010, from http://www.cjem-online.ca/v11/n4/p375

3. Pharmaceuticals - National Drug Threat Assessment 2005. (n.d.). Welcome to the United States Department of Justice. Retrieved October 23, 2010, from http://www.justice.gov/ndic/pubs11/12620/pharma.htm

Online Education - Assignment 3-1

Adult Education has increasing become more popular.  Many changes have evolved enabling Americans to gain knowledge that could not have done so a few years ago.  Has this change benefited the people?

            In recent years the availability of online education has increased enabling adults that cannot enter into classrooms to obtain a higher education in hopes to obtain better jobs.  This endeavor would not have been possible a few years ago before modern technology provided the tools.  Now millions are able to take advantage of this opportunity and increase their knowledge without entering the classroom.

            Although some classes provide video tutorials while others may provide a hybrid setting where classes are available a few times during the class the majority of these classes are focused more towards self-teaching. 

A person must be diligent in their studies and be able to read and comprehend the information mainly on their own.  Instructors are available but in a limited manor and it can be difficult to full communicate a problem via email. 

If the personal is able to complete their assignments, there are many attributes to online learning.  A person can do their school work in the middle of the night, while kids are sleeping, on their lunch break or where ever they like.  It can be very convenient for adults that have busy lives and children.

The schools benefit from this type of learning as well.  Although they must obtain and manage the computer equipment necessary to provide this type of teaching, their cost is extensively lower than that of a traditional classroom that they must build, furnish and heat.  Online learning enables them to increase their revenue without increasing their cost and without the headaches of overcrowding classrooms.

Since 1970 the number of adults enrolled in college has tripled.  Adults are seeking higher education and better jobs.  Will this endeavor be worth it?  One can never lose the value of education, nor can they place a price on its worth.  It is up to the individual what they do with that education. 

From strictly an economic standpoint, in this economy people with all types of education are taking a variety of entry jobs to keep employed.  I have been one of those.  I currently have an entry level accounting position even with 20 years experience and an Associate’s degree.  Others in my department have no degree and have bachelors yet they are both doing the same job and making the same money. 

My question is it worth it?  In my opinion, yes, it is worth it.  I believe those with an education that wish to excel and move to other areas enabling them to make a better living can do so.  It may take time yet I believe it is very possible and worth obtaining an education.

I am thankful for online learning as I would not have been able to obtain my degree had I been required to go to a traditional class.

Assignment 1-3

Bridging the Gap: Little Orphan Annie

During the great depression a change transpired between the relationship of children and adults bringing them closer in experience and attitude.  Little Orphan Annie was a focal point for both groups. 

Comics were originally gear toward children who where though by society to be dumb and small.   Sandy, Annie’s animal friend was introduced to draw children in January 1925 _{(Ross Pg783)}.  More animals were introduced in 1931 for the same reason.

Shortly after Harold Grey created Annie a tide began to shift in that the target audiences for the cartoons were adults since the adults were the ones who had the money to purchase the papers.

Gray began to promote his own traditional views by creating Daddy Warbucks.  This stared a feud between him and the editor Joseph Patterson which ended on November 1925 when the Chicago Tribute received calls and letters from angry readers because Annie had not been published that day.  Grey was given carte blanche after that.

In the 1930’s Grey shifted his story lines from Annie befriending the animals to Annie dealing with life and responsibilities and conduct which increased Annie’s popularity even more.

Historians such as Grederick Lewis Allen argue that the 1920’s was a youthful stage in America.  _{(Ross pg 786).}  Adults lived life youthfully with little thought to the future.  This came to a screeching halt on Tuesday, October 29, 1929 when the stock market crashed and many adults lost their jobs, security and their bright outlook on life.  The 1930’s brought hard times and adults could not ignore responsibilities any longer. 

“Adults found an avenue in Annie in which to further examine and articulate their fascination with youth, without denying the reality of their new found maturity” _{(Ress pg 787)}   Annie intrigued the adults with her youth and mature personality.  They began to relate their lives to Annie’s.  Realizing this, Grey utilized Annie and Daddy Warbucks to relate to adults by using the crises’ that the adults faced in his story line. 

Grey understood that many faced hard agonizing times during the Great Depression. Their losses were great, not only financially but socially, many losing their self worth.  This brought a connection to Annie who eased the weight of the load their burdens. 

Adult and children alike were robbed of their make believe worlds yet they were brought together by Annie.  The adults could still dream, connecting to the child in them while children could imagine they could make money and have fun and experience adulthood through Annie.  Annie united these two groups that had been very distinct prior to the Great Depression and the Little Orphan Annie radio shows and cartoons.   “Annie bridged the generation gap between adult and child; she aided them in their appreciation of each other.”_{(Ress Pg 797)}

http://0-web.ebscohost.com.olinkserver.franklin.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&hid=106&sid=50908f09-2b5f-4c85-b629-9acf6e8752a3%40sessionmgr112

Assignment 2-1

The Barbie doll was introduced to the United States in1959 by Ruth Handler who named the doll after her daughter.  The Ken doll that was introduced in 1960 was named after her son.

            The Barbie doll has since been a big hit that has contributed to the popular culture in children of all ages.  Children have played with Barbie dolls and Barbie toys for generations. 

            Once the Ken doll was introduced, both Ken and Barbie influenced the romantic love myths for several years as a couple.  Even once they no longer a couple, Barbie has still impacted the romantic notions for girls of all ages. 

            Her shape of 36, 18, 38 is very unlikely for a human to have yet this has not detoured girls from dreaming of achieving this shape. Her clothes always fit her perfectly while she not only promotes romance and beauty; she has also promoted the American dream.  The accessories for Barbie are always perfect.  Her car was a corvette or motor home.  Her doll house was huge with several levels.  All of Barbie’s play belongings are those of upper middle class to high class.

            Even several generations after her début, Barbie remains to impact the lives of American girls.  Girls from the time they are infants until they are in their teens play with Barbie while she impacts their opinions regarding the perfect life, shape, and romance.

References

White, B. B. (n.d.). Barbie Dolls – Where Did They Come From? Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web. Retrieved October 12, 2010, from http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/11-22-2005-82079.asp

Assignment 2-2

Assignment 2-2

Mickey Mouse is a popular icon that is well known for his cartoons and the main symbol for amusement parks across America.  He has provided entertainment for a multitude of people for several years. 

I chose Mickey Mouse because he has impacted so many people in a positive way including myself as a child.

As a kid I enjoyed the Mickey Mouse club and cartoons but I think the greatest reason Mickey Mouse has impacted my life is the story of how Mickey Mouse was created.  While Walt Disney was isolated with mice in his room the life of Mickey Mouse bloomed.  To me, it signifies that grand things can be created in a dire time.   I had, and still have, a standing Mickey Mouse phone in my room growing up.

                Elvis Presley is known for the King of Rock and Roll.  He is known worldwide for his acting abilities and singing talents.  Elvis shocked the world with his act.

                Elvis was rejected by most adults in his debut yet he loved by the younger people in the debut of his career.  Elvis was bold to stand up for what he believed in which impacted his generation and all the generations since.  It has been years since Elvis died and he is still impacting people. He has shown how much one person with a mission can impact the world

                I have always enjoyed Elvis’s singing and like watching his movies.  I was young when I died yet remember where I was when it was announced on the radio.  As much as Elvis had going for him, his death has always been very sad to me.  He was adamant against using narcotics only to get hooked on “safe” prescription drugs.  The very thing he fought consumed him in the end because it had a different wrapper. 

                The Holy Bible was written approximately 2000 years ago.  The span of the writings required about 1400 years using 40 writers.  It contains 66 books and is considered the Holy Word of God.  In spite of this, the Bible is considered one book.

                The Bible has affected many lives for centuries.  There are those who claim it is just a book of compiled fables but to the believer the Word becomes living leading the way to Salvation and guides people in their lives.

                I have experienced firsthand the benefits of believing in the Bible.  The doctors told my parents that I would not survive my battle with Leukemia.  When they had me prayed for, I was healed and have not been sick since.    The Bible is an intricate part of my life as I know it is for many others.   I do not know of anything else so old yet still as popular as the Bible.

The New iPhone 4

Salespeak _{(Petracc P. 56)} is persuasive and was utilized to introduce the iPhone in 2007 it has also been used since to keep the iPhone craze fueled and burning.

The Apple iPhone was introduced in 2007 and has increasingly become popular since.  To maintain their lead against other competitors and to remain on the cutting edge Apple introduced the iPhone 4 this year with additional capabilities including the front camera for video conferencing.  This new iPhone has a 5 megapixel camera and can edit as well as record video footage.  It was with great anticipation both on behalf of Apple and the consumer that the iPhone4 was launched.

            Not long after it was launched, Apple realized that there were issues with the antenna and reception interference was occurring causing the phone to drop calls.  Apple defended its stand on this stating that all Smartphone experience issues with this; however they would give cases to anyone who wanted them which seemed to minimize the issue.

            Since this issue has become minimal, the issue is not expected to detour the marketing and consumer enjoyment of the iPhone.  The focus can now be more on the financial aspect of the phone. 

            The creation of the applications for the phone has also become a greater public interest since the regulations have been changed by the Library of Congress.  This decision has granted the tailoring of the iPhone against the wishes of Apple. 

The impact of these decisions and the alterations of the iPhone will be forthcoming.

References

HELFT, B. M. (2010, July 27). IPhone News - The New York Times. Times Topics. Retrieved October 04, 2010, from http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/i/iphone/index.html

Petracca, M., & Sorapure, M. (2007). Chapter 2. In Common culture: reading and writing about American popular culture (pp. 56-58). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

·         What is popular culture, and what does it mean to you?

According to our text, Common Culture, the definition of popular culture is comprised of the definition of the two words in their broadest sense.  Popular being “of the people” and culture being “the best which has been thought and said” excluding the elite and folk cultures.  To me it is basically what the mass population prefers.

·         Why is an understanding of popular culture relevant to you in a business environment and in your present and future career?

The degree of importance may vary depending on the career path chosen.  In my career of accounting, it is important to understand the popular culture in order to relate with clients and enable complete communication and understanding their needs. 

It might be critical to a marketing major because they must understand what the public wants and will need to have the right spin on their products to connect with the public enticing them to purchase their products.

·         What would you consider to be an example of a pop culture artifact?

The iphone

·         And why would you choose it?

The iphone is the craze for so many people.  I have had a blackberry in the past and was completely satisfied with exception of the limited apps available.    Someone in the family upgraded and gave me their old Iphone.  I cannot believe the difference and what the phone can do.  It has features for all age groups from 2 to 80 and older.  Now I would not go back to the BlackBerry.  I’m hooked.