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.