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
Thursday, February 28, 2008
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.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Popular Culture Assignment 1-4 Weekly Written Analysis 1
Erenne Coleman
Assignment 1-4
Weekly Written Analysis 1
Reading Dieting Articles Linked to Eating Disorders
Teen girls susectible to messages about weight-loss, study finds
"Get the body you want" or "Hit your dream weight now", is how the article begins. When you read an article with this type of headline, you already know where it is leading to. Weight, dieting and so on.
Are teen girls really being enticed by these headlines? A study says so, but I want to know exactly some case by case scenarios about these situations. Okay, it is saying that teen girls who read magazines on dieting are more likely to practice "extreme" weight loss, I think that it is suggesting that if a teen girl reads a magazine article about dieting, they are more likely to become anoerix or bulimic.
Predictions from studies have found that teens will be more likely to practice "unhealthy weight loss behavior", when reading magazine articles about dieting. Again, begs to differ in my opinion. I read those types of magazines when I was younger and it had no effect on me at all. Is it suggesting that our culture and society now is forcing teens to be mindful of their body and appearance? What has happened of being proud of who you are and how God made you?
In the article it states "But the underlying message these articles send are "You should be concerned about your weight and you should be doing something". What? Yes, if these teenage girls feel the pressures like this and are reading in between the lines in articles like this, then yes, this could be a problem. But again i raise the question, is pop culture to fault here?
Studys may be inaccurate because, teens may feel the need to tell reserachers what they think they want them to hear and not really how they feel at all. We have all been at this cross roads before when taking surveys, so really how do we measure the information correctly?
Yes, parents should be talking to their kids about this. You can only read so much, but to me positive reinforcement from home can go a long way with teens today. Would you agree?
Seventeen magazine reports they are not trying to decieve teens, but trying to promote "healthier lifystlyes". I have had a chance to view some of their articles and can agree that they give tips on recipes that are healthy and excersising as well. I found it to be positive while reading.
It was interesting to read at the end of the article "The study adds to evidence that girls' attitudes toward their bodies are shaped by popular culture". Well now, here it is. I want to look like a fashion model. Why does Tyra Banks look so nice. Some teens may feel the need to starve themselves to get the perfect body for the quick fix. Who wants to slave in the gym hours on end anymore. This statement hit the nail on the head in my opinion.
Assignment 1-4
Weekly Written Analysis 1
Reading Dieting Articles Linked to Eating Disorders
Teen girls susectible to messages about weight-loss, study finds
"Get the body you want" or "Hit your dream weight now", is how the article begins. When you read an article with this type of headline, you already know where it is leading to. Weight, dieting and so on.
Are teen girls really being enticed by these headlines? A study says so, but I want to know exactly some case by case scenarios about these situations. Okay, it is saying that teen girls who read magazines on dieting are more likely to practice "extreme" weight loss, I think that it is suggesting that if a teen girl reads a magazine article about dieting, they are more likely to become anoerix or bulimic.
Predictions from studies have found that teens will be more likely to practice "unhealthy weight loss behavior", when reading magazine articles about dieting. Again, begs to differ in my opinion. I read those types of magazines when I was younger and it had no effect on me at all. Is it suggesting that our culture and society now is forcing teens to be mindful of their body and appearance? What has happened of being proud of who you are and how God made you?
In the article it states "But the underlying message these articles send are "You should be concerned about your weight and you should be doing something". What? Yes, if these teenage girls feel the pressures like this and are reading in between the lines in articles like this, then yes, this could be a problem. But again i raise the question, is pop culture to fault here?
Studys may be inaccurate because, teens may feel the need to tell reserachers what they think they want them to hear and not really how they feel at all. We have all been at this cross roads before when taking surveys, so really how do we measure the information correctly?
Yes, parents should be talking to their kids about this. You can only read so much, but to me positive reinforcement from home can go a long way with teens today. Would you agree?
Seventeen magazine reports they are not trying to decieve teens, but trying to promote "healthier lifystlyes". I have had a chance to view some of their articles and can agree that they give tips on recipes that are healthy and excersising as well. I found it to be positive while reading.
It was interesting to read at the end of the article "The study adds to evidence that girls' attitudes toward their bodies are shaped by popular culture". Well now, here it is. I want to look like a fashion model. Why does Tyra Banks look so nice. Some teens may feel the need to starve themselves to get the perfect body for the quick fix. Who wants to slave in the gym hours on end anymore. This statement hit the nail on the head in my opinion.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Popular Culture Blog Assignment 1-2
1. What is Popular Culture and what does it mean to you?
Popular Culture's definition based on the reading in the text "Common Culture" is simply defined as "shared knowledge and practices of a specific group at a specific time". In summarization of this point pop culture can be changeable and also initiate change as well. What pop culture means to me is simple. In looking at the word popular, this to me means something special or known maybe even famous. Culture to me means a set of values or beliefs that relate to a specific group or people.
2. Why is an understanding of popular culture relevant to you in a business environment and in your present and future career?
The understanding of popular culture will be relevant to me in my career because it will allow me to focus skills and strength in being able to relate to people in general. I plan on being able to one day become a manager or director in my field of business which is banking. Understanding how popular culture has become immense in shaping our society will help me relate to my customers. In the home lending business it is important to know commonalities in geographic areas to be able to market and target different segments when trying to find the best product or loan for customers wishing to buy homes.
3. What would you consider to be an example of a pop culture artifact? And why would you choose it?
I would consider Charlie and The Chocolate Factory a popular culture artifact. I have chosen it based on both films that have been made. The first movie Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory that hit movie theatres in 1971 has been a long childhood movie that I grew up with. I always wondered if it was real and if there would ever be a chance that there would really be golden tickets found in a piece of candy. When the second version of the movie came out titled Charlie and The Chocolate Factory in 2006, I was mesmerized once again on the whole golden ticket fantasy and excited to see how the cast of players have evolved to make the film more modernized. I think it is a great way to choose an artifact that has had a legacy with men, women and children all over the world and for many years. I think it is a positive example of what popular culture really is.
Popular Culture's definition based on the reading in the text "Common Culture" is simply defined as "shared knowledge and practices of a specific group at a specific time". In summarization of this point pop culture can be changeable and also initiate change as well. What pop culture means to me is simple. In looking at the word popular, this to me means something special or known maybe even famous. Culture to me means a set of values or beliefs that relate to a specific group or people.
2. Why is an understanding of popular culture relevant to you in a business environment and in your present and future career?
The understanding of popular culture will be relevant to me in my career because it will allow me to focus skills and strength in being able to relate to people in general. I plan on being able to one day become a manager or director in my field of business which is banking. Understanding how popular culture has become immense in shaping our society will help me relate to my customers. In the home lending business it is important to know commonalities in geographic areas to be able to market and target different segments when trying to find the best product or loan for customers wishing to buy homes.
3. What would you consider to be an example of a pop culture artifact? And why would you choose it?
I would consider Charlie and The Chocolate Factory a popular culture artifact. I have chosen it based on both films that have been made. The first movie Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory that hit movie theatres in 1971 has been a long childhood movie that I grew up with. I always wondered if it was real and if there would ever be a chance that there would really be golden tickets found in a piece of candy. When the second version of the movie came out titled Charlie and The Chocolate Factory in 2006, I was mesmerized once again on the whole golden ticket fantasy and excited to see how the cast of players have evolved to make the film more modernized. I think it is a great way to choose an artifact that has had a legacy with men, women and children all over the world and for many years. I think it is a positive example of what popular culture really is.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
