Erenne Coleman
Popular Culture
Weekly Written Analysis 5
Assignment 5-1
Big News: Katie Holmes Has a Shiny New Hair Cut
Well, in preparing for this week’s assignment, I came across this article about actress Katie Holmes. The world has watched as Katie has matured and blossomed in to womanhood, marriage and motherhood. Why not tell us that she got a new hair cut? It is evident in popular culture that all aspects of celebrity’s lives are something for entertainment. This article appears on about.com and it categorized under celebrity information. The author, Diana Mimom, feels that readers should know about it. Why not?
Writers want to blame paparazzi for the celebrity infacuation, but they report then print events anyway. In this article the writer is assuming like the rest of us reasons that Katie may have gotten her hair done. It could just be she wanted a different look. No matter if she got her hair cut short, dyed, or anything else that could be done to hair, does that change her as a person? Probably not, but again this is another way that media is informing us of celebrity happenings.
As if informing readers of Katie’s haircut is not enough, we get a statement of the writers opinion not to get comfortable with the look, she ‘ll probably change it again. Well, let’s prepare to read about it when it happens.
References
Mimom, K. (2007, December). Big News: Katie Holmes Has a Shiny New Hair Cut. About.com
Retrieved March 24, 2008 from
http://gossip.about.com/od/celebrityfashion/qt/Holmes_Haircut.htm
Monday, March 24, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Popular Culture Weekly Written Analysis 4-1
Erenne Coleman
Popular Culture
Weekly Written Analysis 4
Assignment 4-1
Murphy Not Involved in Child’s Life
This week I came across the above titled article about comedian/actor Eddie Murphy and singer Melanie Brown (member of the Spice Girls). This article focused on Murphy’s refusal to meet his baby daughter. The writer of this article keeps it short and simple with no real history of the problems between Murphy and Brown. This article reflects the statements from Brown’s attorney, Gloria Allred, who criticizes Murphy’s actions, stating he should not punish his daughter by not wanting to see her or be apart of her life. Even though Allred’s comments may be valid and carry some weight with person’s who have gone through a similar ordeal with having a child and having that child’s father not want to be apart of their life, but in this case, it is an obvious media frenzy and spectacle. Publishing an article such as this only proves that media wants to put their own spin on situations and portray people in the worst possible way. How are we really to know how Murphy feels, or what is really causing him to feel this way? The article only has comments form Murphy in one sentence. Murphy feels that Brown somehow tricked him into getting her pregnant. Well, that is a pretty heavy statement, but that is all we get from the writer on Murphy’s thoughts and feelings. The article seems to be just another note to the public, that Murphy still hasn’t seen his child and speculates that he is not trying to be apart of her life. If this is true, then it is an unfortunate situation for the child involved, but at this point, the article is just another “drop in the bucket” of information that media feels the public needs to know.
Citations
Murphy Not Involved in Child’s Life. (2008). Sify Movies. Retrieved March 14, 2008, from http://sify.com/movies/fullstory.php?id=14622573.
Popular Culture
Weekly Written Analysis 4
Assignment 4-1
Murphy Not Involved in Child’s Life
This week I came across the above titled article about comedian/actor Eddie Murphy and singer Melanie Brown (member of the Spice Girls). This article focused on Murphy’s refusal to meet his baby daughter. The writer of this article keeps it short and simple with no real history of the problems between Murphy and Brown. This article reflects the statements from Brown’s attorney, Gloria Allred, who criticizes Murphy’s actions, stating he should not punish his daughter by not wanting to see her or be apart of her life. Even though Allred’s comments may be valid and carry some weight with person’s who have gone through a similar ordeal with having a child and having that child’s father not want to be apart of their life, but in this case, it is an obvious media frenzy and spectacle. Publishing an article such as this only proves that media wants to put their own spin on situations and portray people in the worst possible way. How are we really to know how Murphy feels, or what is really causing him to feel this way? The article only has comments form Murphy in one sentence. Murphy feels that Brown somehow tricked him into getting her pregnant. Well, that is a pretty heavy statement, but that is all we get from the writer on Murphy’s thoughts and feelings. The article seems to be just another note to the public, that Murphy still hasn’t seen his child and speculates that he is not trying to be apart of her life. If this is true, then it is an unfortunate situation for the child involved, but at this point, the article is just another “drop in the bucket” of information that media feels the public needs to know.
Citations
Murphy Not Involved in Child’s Life. (2008). Sify Movies. Retrieved March 14, 2008, from http://sify.com/movies/fullstory.php?id=14622573.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Popular Culture Weekly Written Analysis 3
Erenne Coleman
HUMN 341 – F3WW
Popular Culture
Weekly Written Analysis 3
Flavor of Love
This week, we have spent a lot of time focusing on stereotypes in our assignments. While I was trying to decide on an article to reflect what we have learned this week about stereotypes, the first thing that came to mind was “The Flavor of Love”. In the article ‘Love Him or Leave Him?” the author Teresa Wiltz, focuses on how this type of show affects audiences and how views of the show are important to popular culture today.
The show focuses on Hip Hop Rapper Flava Flav and how is seeking to find love by bringing contestants on the show to compete in trying to win Flav’s heart. The concept is the same as reality television has brought of the bachelor, I love New York, Tila Tequila and probably many other celebrities searching for love as well. The issues surrounding the public opinion of the show is how these women are treated. Is it a stereotype to put women together in a house to compete against each other for one man? What ever happened to the sanctity of falling in love the old fashioned way? Boy meets girl, they fall in love and so on. Now our society has television shows for the celebrities who want to prey down on average citizens, bring them on television to basically make a mockery of how women are eager to put themselves out there for this type of public scrutiny.
The flavor of love is still attracting millions of audiences each week and has become one of VH1’s top shows. It is clear that our society wants to see this type of situation where this man brings these women on his show, give them a name that he feels reflects their character, but really circumferences around how they look and then place them in a house with about 20 other women to fight all for him. Wow. Is this a fine line between fame, male egotism or does it just focus on how men stereotype women today? The debate can be left wide open on this one, but again it is clear that over 6 million viewers are giving the show their ratings each week and therefore sending a message to television writers that it is okay basically.
Citations
Wiltz, Teresa. (2006). Love Him, or Leave Him? The Washington Post.com. Retrieved March 9, 2008, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/01/AR2006110103414.html
HUMN 341 – F3WW
Popular Culture
Weekly Written Analysis 3
Flavor of Love
This week, we have spent a lot of time focusing on stereotypes in our assignments. While I was trying to decide on an article to reflect what we have learned this week about stereotypes, the first thing that came to mind was “The Flavor of Love”. In the article ‘Love Him or Leave Him?” the author Teresa Wiltz, focuses on how this type of show affects audiences and how views of the show are important to popular culture today.
The show focuses on Hip Hop Rapper Flava Flav and how is seeking to find love by bringing contestants on the show to compete in trying to win Flav’s heart. The concept is the same as reality television has brought of the bachelor, I love New York, Tila Tequila and probably many other celebrities searching for love as well. The issues surrounding the public opinion of the show is how these women are treated. Is it a stereotype to put women together in a house to compete against each other for one man? What ever happened to the sanctity of falling in love the old fashioned way? Boy meets girl, they fall in love and so on. Now our society has television shows for the celebrities who want to prey down on average citizens, bring them on television to basically make a mockery of how women are eager to put themselves out there for this type of public scrutiny.
The flavor of love is still attracting millions of audiences each week and has become one of VH1’s top shows. It is clear that our society wants to see this type of situation where this man brings these women on his show, give them a name that he feels reflects their character, but really circumferences around how they look and then place them in a house with about 20 other women to fight all for him. Wow. Is this a fine line between fame, male egotism or does it just focus on how men stereotype women today? The debate can be left wide open on this one, but again it is clear that over 6 million viewers are giving the show their ratings each week and therefore sending a message to television writers that it is okay basically.
Citations
Wiltz, Teresa. (2006). Love Him, or Leave Him? The Washington Post.com. Retrieved March 9, 2008, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/01/AR2006110103414.html
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Popular Culture Analysis Weekly Written Analysis 2
Erenne Coleman
HUMN 341-F3WW
Weekly Written Analysis 2
March 2, 2008
Nicole Richie, Joel Madden Have a Girl
People Magazine is a hot source for Celebrity news. In an article posted on People.com, reportedly Nicole gave birth to a 6 lb. 7 oz baby girl named Harlow . Nicole has been in the news with highlights surrounding her wild ways and drunk driving. In the article Nicole expresses her feelings of motherhood once finding out she is pregnant. Nicole quotes “When I found out that I was pregnant, there was just something inside of me that felt a responsibility to mend any issues that I've had with my parents in the past, because, listen, I've put them through a lot”. I feel that Nicole has done what a lot of new young mother’s have done over time. After you have spent so much time blaming other for what has gone wrong in your life, once you find out you are bringing life into the world, you want to move on for the sake of the new child. I felt the same way Nicole did when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. It was time to slow down and start taking responsibility for not only myself but also my baby. Nicole and Joel are now relishing in new parental bliss according to People and are trying to focus on themselves and family. Of course fans want to know when the marriage is coming but right now they are just feeling happy and blessed about their new bundle of joy and I think it is smart for both of them to not jump into a commitment now for the sake of the child, but just be together and learn how to become a family and love what God has given the both of them. Harlow.
HUMN 341-F3WW
Weekly Written Analysis 2
March 2, 2008
Nicole Richie, Joel Madden Have a Girl
People Magazine is a hot source for Celebrity news. In an article posted on People.com, reportedly Nicole gave birth to a 6 lb. 7 oz baby girl named Harlow . Nicole has been in the news with highlights surrounding her wild ways and drunk driving. In the article Nicole expresses her feelings of motherhood once finding out she is pregnant. Nicole quotes “When I found out that I was pregnant, there was just something inside of me that felt a responsibility to mend any issues that I've had with my parents in the past, because, listen, I've put them through a lot”. I feel that Nicole has done what a lot of new young mother’s have done over time. After you have spent so much time blaming other for what has gone wrong in your life, once you find out you are bringing life into the world, you want to move on for the sake of the new child. I felt the same way Nicole did when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. It was time to slow down and start taking responsibility for not only myself but also my baby. Nicole and Joel are now relishing in new parental bliss according to People and are trying to focus on themselves and family. Of course fans want to know when the marriage is coming but right now they are just feeling happy and blessed about their new bundle of joy and I think it is smart for both of them to not jump into a commitment now for the sake of the child, but just be together and learn how to become a family and love what God has given the both of them. Harlow.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Popular Culture Journal Article Analysis Assignment 1-3
The Sociology of Celebrity
Erenne Coleman
Popular Culture
Journal Article Analysis
Instructor Denise Schottenstein
March 1, 2008
The Sociology of Celebrity
The article is found in the publication Sociology compass, which is a peer review publication online for research on all topics and subjects. Intended audiences can be for readers who are reviewing any article submission related to what they may be researching for. This was noticeable from the beginning of the article written by Kerry O. Farris in her abstract. She mentions that the article she is writing is her reflection on the topic and how she envisions this article to expand throughout the world of sociology so that the topic has a place for study. Farris uses sociology terms related to “theory” and “empirical researchers”, in her abstract which gives the reader some indication that she is speaking on issues related within the field of research with an emphasis on the study of sociology.
To begin summarizing the article, one could begin with the abstract mentioned above. The introduction to the article begins with a look from the writer’s mention of ‘recent articles’ by Eric Schulman (1999), and how he breaks down how to “quantify” the measurement of fame by stating Internet hits and Google searches surrounding celebrities such as Monica Lewinsky. Farris also writes that the world of sociology had not been interested in the study of “celebrity”, until within the past 10 to 20 years. She quotes “Until very recently, this perspective on the on the study of celebrity was widely held in ‘serious’ academic circles as well. Fame and celebrity were seen as trivial topics, unimportant to a comprehensive understanding of the social world” (p371). Defending her topic, she offers that she is merely doing a survey on the issue of study.
In the section sociology on celebrity, Farris breaks down the definition of celebrity and in summarization she does mention studies from theorist Max Weber and how his definition of celebrity has expanded in culture today. The main points in this section focus on what defines a celebrity and comparisons done with theorist who had done research on the topic in earlier times. The next section to be explored would be celebrity as pathology. This section gives definition on pathology and states that this point of study based on sociology finding have been “attempting to conceptualize the phenomenon by relying on abstractions rather than empirical data”(p372). In terms, this means scientist are not going on just what they have observed but use data from actual celebrities to base their studies and findings on.
Moving on to the section Celebrity as a commodity, to summarize this at best Farris outlines that celebrities are seen as a commodity in terms of marketing. An issue surrounding capitalism is referenced and focuses on a big part of how celebrities are commodified today. Farris makes mention of several theoretical studies done by P. David Marshall, Cashmore, Rojek, Gamsom and Patricia and Peter Adler. She sums up her reference to these works as basic assumptions and that none of the works neither support the pathology or commodity theories, but a look at the hype surrounding celebrity.
In conclusion of her article Farris mentions the growing field of sociology and fame. She states there are is a lot of diversity surrounding the issue and that sociology researchers will still tend to feel the topic does not deserve the attention that it is obviously getting from other studies being done. By encouraging readers with a passion for broader knowledge in this area to join in the crusade to bring celebrity research to the forefront of the sociology world.
The article is logically organized in my opinion. It shows that the author has thought a lot about the topic and she shares her opinions as well and supports all facts with a lot of research and citations from other sources. The main ideas a clearly present as each section is has a header for what is to be discussed in that particular section. To me the article was easy to read as the author stays in line with supporting her opinions on the topic. The key idea I am taking away from this article is the understanding of how sociology looks at celebrity as a whole. I was surprised in my reading to know sociologist felt that this area of study was trivial. It shows that as the world evolves around us daily, those that research human behavior have the need to broaden their research. There is not a place in the world where you will not hear about some one famous or be curious about the actions of celebrities. Who comes to mind in particular? Britney Spears! How’s that for an example?
Citations
Farris, K. (2007). The Sociology of Celebrity. Sociology Compass. Retrieved February 26, 2008, from http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1751-9020.2007.00019.x
Erenne Coleman
Popular Culture
Journal Article Analysis
Instructor Denise Schottenstein
March 1, 2008
The Sociology of Celebrity
The article is found in the publication Sociology compass, which is a peer review publication online for research on all topics and subjects. Intended audiences can be for readers who are reviewing any article submission related to what they may be researching for. This was noticeable from the beginning of the article written by Kerry O. Farris in her abstract. She mentions that the article she is writing is her reflection on the topic and how she envisions this article to expand throughout the world of sociology so that the topic has a place for study. Farris uses sociology terms related to “theory” and “empirical researchers”, in her abstract which gives the reader some indication that she is speaking on issues related within the field of research with an emphasis on the study of sociology.
To begin summarizing the article, one could begin with the abstract mentioned above. The introduction to the article begins with a look from the writer’s mention of ‘recent articles’ by Eric Schulman (1999), and how he breaks down how to “quantify” the measurement of fame by stating Internet hits and Google searches surrounding celebrities such as Monica Lewinsky. Farris also writes that the world of sociology had not been interested in the study of “celebrity”, until within the past 10 to 20 years. She quotes “Until very recently, this perspective on the on the study of celebrity was widely held in ‘serious’ academic circles as well. Fame and celebrity were seen as trivial topics, unimportant to a comprehensive understanding of the social world” (p371). Defending her topic, she offers that she is merely doing a survey on the issue of study.
In the section sociology on celebrity, Farris breaks down the definition of celebrity and in summarization she does mention studies from theorist Max Weber and how his definition of celebrity has expanded in culture today. The main points in this section focus on what defines a celebrity and comparisons done with theorist who had done research on the topic in earlier times. The next section to be explored would be celebrity as pathology. This section gives definition on pathology and states that this point of study based on sociology finding have been “attempting to conceptualize the phenomenon by relying on abstractions rather than empirical data”(p372). In terms, this means scientist are not going on just what they have observed but use data from actual celebrities to base their studies and findings on.
Moving on to the section Celebrity as a commodity, to summarize this at best Farris outlines that celebrities are seen as a commodity in terms of marketing. An issue surrounding capitalism is referenced and focuses on a big part of how celebrities are commodified today. Farris makes mention of several theoretical studies done by P. David Marshall, Cashmore, Rojek, Gamsom and Patricia and Peter Adler. She sums up her reference to these works as basic assumptions and that none of the works neither support the pathology or commodity theories, but a look at the hype surrounding celebrity.
In conclusion of her article Farris mentions the growing field of sociology and fame. She states there are is a lot of diversity surrounding the issue and that sociology researchers will still tend to feel the topic does not deserve the attention that it is obviously getting from other studies being done. By encouraging readers with a passion for broader knowledge in this area to join in the crusade to bring celebrity research to the forefront of the sociology world.
The article is logically organized in my opinion. It shows that the author has thought a lot about the topic and she shares her opinions as well and supports all facts with a lot of research and citations from other sources. The main ideas a clearly present as each section is has a header for what is to be discussed in that particular section. To me the article was easy to read as the author stays in line with supporting her opinions on the topic. The key idea I am taking away from this article is the understanding of how sociology looks at celebrity as a whole. I was surprised in my reading to know sociologist felt that this area of study was trivial. It shows that as the world evolves around us daily, those that research human behavior have the need to broaden their research. There is not a place in the world where you will not hear about some one famous or be curious about the actions of celebrities. Who comes to mind in particular? Britney Spears! How’s that for an example?
Citations
Farris, K. (2007). The Sociology of Celebrity. Sociology Compass. Retrieved February 26, 2008, from http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1751-9020.2007.00019.x
Popular Culture Journal Article Analysis Assignment 1-3
Below is the link for the article I have chosen
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1751-9020.2007.00019.x
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1751-9020.2007.00019.x
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Popular Culture Assignment 2-2 Icon Analysis
Erenne Coleman
HUMN 341-F3WW
Assignment 2-2
Icon Analysis
The icons I have chosen for this assignment are Elmo: The adorable furry puppet from Sesame Street who for many years has brought joy to many children around the world with loveable song and dance. Michael Jackson: Well this image reflects his status at the time “King of Pop”, and Disney World: When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are, anything your heart desires will come to you.
I chose these three icons because each of them has represented what I have considered to be an icon. Even though Elmo is a character he represents the kid in all of us and to small children he can be looked at as a larger than life symbol to them. Michael Jackson during the years has been a legend in pop music. His songs today still bring about a moment in time and captured his status as a legendary figure in the music world today. And Disney World, I can remember the time I stepped foot in the magical kingdom and it simply took my breath away. I became a child once again.
These icons represent to me a time in place of happy times, childhood memories and dreams coming true.
HUMN 341-F3WW
Assignment 2-2
Icon Analysis
The icons I have chosen for this assignment are Elmo: The adorable furry puppet from Sesame Street who for many years has brought joy to many children around the world with loveable song and dance. Michael Jackson: Well this image reflects his status at the time “King of Pop”, and Disney World: When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are, anything your heart desires will come to you.
I chose these three icons because each of them has represented what I have considered to be an icon. Even though Elmo is a character he represents the kid in all of us and to small children he can be looked at as a larger than life symbol to them. Michael Jackson during the years has been a legend in pop music. His songs today still bring about a moment in time and captured his status as a legendary figure in the music world today. And Disney World, I can remember the time I stepped foot in the magical kingdom and it simply took my breath away. I became a child once again.
These icons represent to me a time in place of happy times, childhood memories and dreams coming true.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
