Journal Article Analysis

HUMN341-F2WW

Assignment 1-3: Journal Article Analysis

Tynisha Handley

Professor: Jennifer Krasno

Date: March 24, 2011

For the Love of Joe: The Language of Starbucks

     As a coffee consumer, though not avid, I found this article very informative and interesting all the while. Rather than being written to a specialized audience of subject experts, this article is written to a general audience. The article is written in terms easily understood by all. The article does not contain specialized vocabulary that would be understood only by those knowledgeable in this particular industry. The terms and subject-specific vocabulary used throughout the article are written in laymen’s terms. For instance, the article goes into great detail in the history of coffee houses. It mentions that 2,000 coffeehouses were born in London in the eighteenth century and were nicknamed “penny universities”. Common sense might lead you to a general understanding of the term, but that was not necessary as the article described the term for you. “Penny universities” was the price that men paid for a cup of brew and the accompanying conversation. The article further indicated that during this time period women were barred from the communal gathering place.

     The article was written in an effort to examine the ways in which Starbucks’ use of language appeals to more than our craving for caffeine. Simply put, it is not just the coffee that has made them successful. “Starbucks Corporation has associated coffee with the language of love: self-love, romantic love, and philanthropic love” (Ruzich, 2008, para. 1). According to Ruzich, however, coffee production, consumption, and advertising has less to do with love, however, than with conspiracy, colonialism, and capitalism (Ruzich, 2008, p. 428).

     Starbucks’ association with the unexpected, offbeat, and clever, and with the language of love is a distinct break from traditional ways in which coffee has been advertised (Ruzich, 2008, p. 433). In previous years, coffee was most always advertised by giving focus to the taste and effects of caffeine. In its appeal to self-love, Starbucks sells comfort, self-indulgence, and relaxed affluence. Starbucks’ offers a place for people to hang out, a place for them to wind down from the whirlwinds of life itself. The successful chain encourages its customers to view their drinks as extensions of their personalities, as ways of communicating their uniqueness.

     History suggests that the people who have controlled coffee production and distribution have improved their own lives, often at the expense of those who actually grow the crops and harvest the beans (Ruzich, 2008, p. 429). It is thought that the wealthy manage coffee plantations while the indigenous people labor on the plantations for bare survival. Starbucks’ “Commitment to Origins” campaign describes the company’s “Role in the Global Coffee Community” as one that has “built enduring relationships with coffee growers,” while promoting “cultivation methods that protect biodiversity” (Ruzich, 2008, p. 438). The company has also partnered with “Jumpstart”, an organization dedicated to developing the literacy and social skills of at-risk children. So, Starbucks’s customers are not just drink coffee, but supporting causes as well.

     The article was organized in a manner by which it was easily understood and followed by various groups of individuals. The main ideas were very clear and very well versed. The text was easy to read and was written to a general audience. The reasoning and arguments provided were valid and logical and were backed up by numerous citations. There were many different angles taken in this article, which gave the reader an understanding of where coffee originated the history behind its popularity, and the successes of Starbucks.

     The key ideas in this article, in my mind’s eye, were this: the language of Starbucks and its efforts to make a difference in the lives of others. I found it particularly interesting that they, as a corporation, are doing their part to enrich the lives of others. Secondly, I was surprised to learn that they spend little in the way of advertisement. They have created a language all their own to promote their products, their service, and their atmosphere.

References

Ruzich, C. (2008). For the Love of Joe: The Language of Starbucks. The Journal of Popular 

     Culture, 41, 3. doi: 10.111/jpcu.2008.41.issue-3.

Video games: Wii Game Console (Assignment 5-1)

The Wii video game console is brings fun to all ages. Nintendo released this game in 2006 with a wider demographic audience in mind. It contends with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. A distinguishing feature of the console is its wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which can be used as a handheld pointing device and detects movement in three dimensions. Another distinctive feature of the console is WiiConnect24, which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while in standby mode (www.wikipedia.org).

            Some interesting features include: online capability, the ability to create Mii characters, use of Netflix, and easy to install Wii Parent restrictions. The Wii console is easily connected to the Internet with a broadband internet connection. Once connected, you have the opportunity to shop for Wii games, watch TV shows or movies via Netflix, and play selected games online with friends whether they are your neighbor or thousands of miles away.

            My family enjoys playing Wii Sports, which allows us to create our own caricatures using the Mii character feature. With this you can choose the body type, height, hair, skin color, etc. This is fun to play around with. There are other games as well that will allow you to employ the Mii character features.

            There are hundreds of games now available for this particular console. Created for the avid gamer to the newbie, the young and the old, and anywhere in between. We particularly like the Wii because it allows us to have family night filled with lots of laughter and competition at very little cost. We visit Game Stop occasionally to buy “new to us” games, which are sold at a fraction of the original selling price. Game Stop also gives you the option of trading in your old games toward the purchase of a new one, which is very attractive seeing that kids grow bored of these games rather quickly.

If you haven’t played, I encourage you to do so. You won’t regret it J

Weekly Analysis 4: Reality TV

     Reality television has become a staple in the homes of many Americans, including myself. Such shows give us a chance to view the lives of others from the outside looking in. In many cases, the shows focus on issues that many families contend with on any given day; thus, the name “reality”.  Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors (www.wikipedia.org).

     Some of the latest reality shows include Teen Mom, Hoarders, and Intervention. Teen Mom, as you might imagine, depicts the life of a teenage mother and her struggles. This show hits home with many because it is a prevalent issue in our society, teenage pregnancy. I think the shows gives hope to teen moms around the globe but also may prevent some teens from engaging in sexual activity or even encourage those who are sexually active to employ safe sex measures.

     Hoarders’ showcases the lives of those individuals, young and old, who are addicted to collecting things. Those things range from things of little to no value to very valuable items, family treasures, junk, and even animals. It is frightening to see the living conditions in which some of the people live. Many times the house is so filthy that it is a hazard for anyone to occupy the home. Other times the house is an organized mess, filled to the ceiling with ‘things’. There are times when the individual is aware of the hazards in which they live and there are other times when the individual is naïve to the danger or risks the living conditions pose.

     My favorite reality show is Intervention. This show revolves around addiction; drugs, alcohol, or any other addiction considered to be damaging. The addict is filmed engaging in their addictive behavior over a certain period of time. The show’s counselors meet with the family and friends to get a better understanding of the depth of the problem, the underlying issues, etc. In doing so, they are able to devise a plan of treatment. However, it is up to the addict as to whether or not they accept the treatment being offered. Intervention brings awareness to the possibilities of recovery. It also gives hope to families that feel helpless. Lastly, it shows families that they are not alone in their struggle.

References

www.wikipedia.org

Weekly Written Analysis 3. Topic: Music

Music comprises a large part of our popular culture. Whether it is pop, jazz, rock, R&B, rap, or classic. As artists gain and lose popularity at soaring speeds, what is popular today may not be popular tomorrow. Growing up, Michael Jackson, Prince, and M.C. Hammer were all part of our then popular culture. Remember those guys? Michael Jackson, even in his passing, remains a part of our pop culture. Prince, I suppose, does so as well, depending on who you ask. M. C. Hammer, on the other hand, has become a name of the past.

     As time passes, music evolves. Today, we are surrounded by some wonderfully creative artists. Take for instance, Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known by her stage name Lady Gaga. She is an American pop singer-songwriter. She began performing in the rock music scene of New York City's Lower East Side in 2003 and enrolled at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She soon signed with Streamline Records, an imprint of Interscope Records. During her early time at Interscope, she worked as a songwriter for fellow label artists and captured the attention of Akon, who recognized her vocal abilities, and signed her to his own label, Kon Live Distribution (www.wikipedia.org).

     Gaga is well-recognized for her outré sense of style as a recording artist, in fashion, in performance and in her music videos (www.wikipedia.org). You might recall her “meat-dress” she wore to the Video Music Awards for her hit “Bad Romance”. She says and does what she wants and encourages everyone else to do the same. Her latest hit “Born This Way” challenges us all to accept who we are as God made us this way. This song is popular in my household right now. We love her music and what she represents.

     Some other popular artists include: Justin Bieber, Katie Perry, Usher, Drake, Tao Cruz, Mike Posner, Lil Wayne, TI, etc. Whatever your taste or preference in music, you are sure to find pleasure in the lyrics/tunes.

Assignment 2-1

     As a parent of three children, I am almost always watching a new movie. Our favorite at this moment is Toy Story 3. Who doesn’t love Toy Story? We have followed these guys from the beginning and almost feel like they are a part of our family. Perhaps you are not a fan of animated movies or do not have any children. Either way, the Toy Story series is a must see as it depicts the life of a young boy and his toys and ends with the emotional departure from his toys as a college-bound teen.

     Animated movies have been a part of our culture for just over 100 years. In the past decade, the animated film industry has seen a number of exciting changes (www.articlesbase.com). Some of these changes include advancements in technology, such as Computer Generated Imagery (CGI). Interestingly enough, during the first 90 years of animation and animated films, each cell of a film was drawn by animators (www.articlesbase.com). Although hand drawn animation is still used, it is used in conjunction with Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). In 1995, “Toy Story” became the first feature-length animated film to use CGI (www.articlesbase.com).

     In the original Toy Story, a cowboy toy (a.k.a. Woody) is threatened by the entrance of a new toy, the spaceman (a.k.a. Buzz Lightyear). In Toy Story 2, Woody is stolen by a toy collector, and Buzz and his friends vow to rescue him, but Woody finds the idea of immortality in a museum tempting. In Toy Story 3, the toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home (http://www.imdb.com/) .

     Following the Toy Story from its inception to its last leg has been quite a journey. It speaks of a child’s journey through childhood and the experiences within. If you are not fond of animation, I encourage you to at least take a peek at Toy Story 3. It is my favorite of the three and I am sure you will be pulled in as well.

References

http://www.imdb.com/

www.articlesbase.com

Contemporary Icons: Assignment 2-2

The international pink ribbon symbolizes breast cancer awareness. The first known use of a pink ribbon in connection with breast cancer awareness was in the fall of 1991, when the Susan G. Komen Foundation handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors. The pink ribbon was adopted as the official symbol of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month the next year, in 1992. The Starbucks logo is a nationally recognized symbol as well. It logo is based on a sixteenth-century Norse woodcut; a mermaid encircled by the company name.  Throughout the world, the Twin Spires are a recognized landmark and have become visual symbols of Churchill Downs and its most famous race, the Kentucky Derby.
Simply stated, I chose the pink ribbon breast cancer awareness icon as it is something everyone recognizes. Whether we have had a personal, familial, or distant experience with breast cancer, we know the importance of its awareness and our fight for a cure. Starbucks coffee has become an office staple in recent years. With the introduction of flavored coffees, lattes, and cappuccinos, many Americans are now indulging themselves in the Starbuck experience. I enjoy a coffee treat every once in a while myself. Oh, the twin spires. I chose this icon as it represents the history of Churchill Downs and the experience of the Kentucky Derby.
To me, the pink ribbon signifies the plight our great nation has made toward finding a cure for breast cancer; the Race for a Cure; the many women who have lost their lives to this grave disease. The Starbucks icon is an indication of pleasure, in my opinion. It gives a great start to your day, a moment of solitude and enjoyment prior to working your nose to the grindstone. The Kentucky Derby icon is oh so reminiscent of good fun, socializing, and other experiences.

References

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/

http://www.starbucks.com/

http://www.fanpop.com/

Assignment 1-4: Weekly Written Analysis 1

Assignment 1-4: Weekly Written Analysis 1

Tynisha Handley

     In this first written analysis, I reviewed the popular culture topic of living green. Living green refers to our efforts at living a healthier life. Going green has been an evolving component of popular culture for many years. However, in recent years, millions of Americans have made strides towards achieving this concept of healthy living. Followers of this concept believe it is prudent that we live resourcefully today without compromising the environment around us. This includes conserving energy, reserving water, recycling, and growing our own garden. These are just to name a few ways we can participate in the green movement.

     The dailygreen website (http://www.thedailygreen.com/) is the consumer’s guide to the green revolution. Here you will find a variety of topics, such as information concerning fuel efficiency, natural health foods, and energy efficiency. The efforts of living green are in the forefront of popular culture. This concept of living is shared my millions of people worldwide. Those who choose to live green do so for obvious reasons whether personal or emotion. This represents their taste culture. Additionally, education also plays a role here. The followers of this revolution possess the knowledge, tools, and resources of why it is beneficial and how to go about making positive changes. In the green movement, one seeks to live a healthier, more sustainable life. Meaning, taking care of the world around us so that future generations may enjoy it as we do today.

     Public awareness has increased as relates to our destructive behaviors and solutions are being sought. Going green being a common one. Our lifestyle choices, most of which I thought were insignificant, in fact cause a great deal of harm to our environment. This is why many have chosen to buy only organic foods, use green household cleaning products and personal care products. Damage to our environment is inevitable, but we can make positive changes, even the smallest of change, to do our part in saving our Earth.

    

Assignment 1-2: Popular Culture

When asked to define popular culture, one might think it as a simple task. However, it is quite complex, not definable in one or even two words as it represents, collectively, everything we come into contact with, experience, live, taste and view on a daily basis. Our favorite music, TV show, fashion, media, our thoughts or perceptions, and many other things are part of popular culture. For instance, Facebook is part of our popular culture. Popular culture embodies our needs and desires, our beliefs, and our attitudes. It is in a sense what we prefer today versus 30 or even 15 years ago. Thus, it changes from day to day, month to month, and year to year. It shapes who we are.

     An understanding of popular culture helps one to understand the complexity of a person’s identity, morals, values, goals, perceptions, feelings, and actions. Once we get a handle on this, we can then begin to develop a working relationship with the individual. Pop culture allows us to connect in many different ways, and is often the focus of many conversations. It is necessary for top level managers to be aware of popular culture in order to keep up with supply and demand, in order to sustain profitability, and in order to contend with its competitors.

     In today’s society, there are many pop culture artifacts from which to choose. One that comes to my mind is the social network, Facebook. Facebook essentially is a means of connecting with friends, family, co-workers, etc. The website allows you to create a personal profile, add photos, add friends, and exchange messages. In addition, you may join groups of interest, or create a group of your own. I joined Facebook to get in touch with some of my old friends and classmates. It is a great way to network.

Facebook, Inc.