Assignment 1-3-3 Rituals & Stereotypes 8-29-12

In the Hip-Hop culture there are multiple stereotypes that are prominent forces to overcome by everyone who embraces this culture.  Regardless if you are a music artist, video model, or even a fan you are subjected to these stereotypes throughout society.  These negative factors are the foundation of the stereotypes.  Because of the fact that rappers rap about things that they have lived, seen or witnessed and most of those things were involving alternative activity.   Society has judged everyone who makes music like that as either a thug, hoodlum, ghetto and all drug dealers.  That is not always the case.  I believe that because the some of the music is that particular person’s testimony doesn’t make it right that society judges all rappers the same.  The fact that a few of the rappers that society has judged before are now successful and revered entertainers or businesspersons is evidence that everything is not negative.  Regardless of it’s in movies or music hip-hop culture is everywhere.  Hip-hop music is no more negative or aggressive than other types of music; it’s just that society has generalized that culture as having the most negative messages. 

Hip hop began as a way of expressing situations in a person’s life, and even addresses social issues from a different perspective, but being ignorant about the culture and people who are in it is no excuse for making stereotypes.  Although there have been tremendous strides taken in the advancement of understanding the culture.  If society would get to know and understand the culture in depth I believe these stereotypes will finally be put to rest.

Assignment 2-2 Myths Analysis 8-22-12

There are many different Romance Myths that our society face.  A few of them being “Love doesn’t cost a thing”, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”, “Love conquers all”, and “Actions speak louder than words”; these are very popular myths that are believed my so many people as true.  Belief in those myths can be damaging to a person’s well-being and realistic views on relationships.  The romance myth is one of the strongest myths out, it is the belief that “prince charming” is going to sweep his “damsel” off her feet and provide a high quality of life with no interference from any outside barriers.  He will have the “keys” that will open all the doors to happiness. 

It is stated in the romance myth the perfect relationship will evolve into the perfect marriage.  Realistically that is not the case, and this causes unrealistic ideals of relationship, gives false hope, and extreme expectations.  Romance is in the eyes of the beholder, everyone’s perception of what’s romantic is different than that of the next persons.  In most relationships the “courting” phase is considered the romantic state of the relationship.  This is because most relationships start off with people having their “rose colored glasses” on.  This enables people to overlook the negative aspects of someone they’re dating and instead focus on the positive/happiness that they feel when they are with that person.  This becomes the problem and it also gives that romance myth its strength.  Movies, television and books further heighten this superficial belief that this myth is a reality; it creates an unrealistic fantasy of love and romance. 

            Reality proves this myth to be a fallacy because all relationships encounter problems, issues, stereotypes and stigmas that are far beyond the scope of what’s portrayed in the glorification of the romance myth. Just look at the current divorce rates; I’m pretty sure that everyone who entered into those marriages had every intention of living happily ever after.  But the statistics show a completely different reality.  No longer are couples falling victim to the fallacy of the happy ever after myth.  Not all relationships are perfect nor are people looking at marriage the same as they did when this romance myth was most popular. 

Some of the sub topics that go along with the romance myth are ‘Love doesn’t cost a thing”, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”, “love conquers all” and “Actions speak louder than words”.  All of these subtopics are ways that people justify their beliefs and thoughts on romance and love.  My favorite one happens to be “Love doesn’t cost a thing”, well I can tell you that that’s a lie. 

Even under the premise of prince charming rescuing the damsel in distress and providing everything for her with the belief that she will provide a home and children after their marriage, there is still a cost involved on both sides.  Those costs may and may not be of a monetary nature but there are still costs.  Sacrifice is one that comes to mind.  In that circumstance the man is sacrificing his wife of holding any responsibility of financial responsibility, the wife is sacrificing her dreams, ambitions, and independence by giving up everything to provide for the home and family.  So this saying has an underlying negative double standard.  No longer are the wives just sitting home hoping that the husband is providing financial stability, nor are husbands willing to just let the wives be the sole care person for their children.  With the evolution of roles throughout the family setting, the romance suffers.  More often you see commercials enticing couples to stimulate their relationships by taking a romantic get-away, or some performance enhancing pill, or even condom commercials “for that spark in the bedroom”.  Because of this evolution and suffering of romance relationships aren’t falling under the romance myths ideals.  And the idea of romance is forever changing as well.  Perceptions of what’s romantic are changing as well.  One couple may believe that an intimate dinner and a movie constitute romance, whereas another couple may believe that a few moments of quiet time to talk to each other as being romantic.  Of course most people believe in the romantic gestures as being romance.  Gestures such as flowers, candies delivered to a loved one’s workplace, or even candle lit intimate moments.  But the reality of the romance myth has lost its excitement.

Icon Analysis

Assignment 2-1 Icon Analysis 8/22/12
Pop culture icons can come in many different shapes, forms, and sizes, as evident by the three icons that I have chosen.  Kevin Hart, Serena Williams and Benjamin Franklin have been chosen for their respective roles in pop culture.  Each has made tremendous strides in their Iconic status because of their career paths, or because of what they stand for.

           

Kevin Hart (comedian/actor), has become one of the funniest comedians in history, with numerous appearances in movies, television shows and even documenting his comedy tours into top-grossing motion pictures has become an icon in popular culture.  His style of tell-it-like-it-is comedy appeals to everyone, no matter what social class you’re in.  I’ve chosen him because he epitomizes laughing at one’s self, by that he took a bad situation in life and made it funny, which in turn began a successful career making others “Laugh at My Pain”.  To me that shows interpersonal strength.

                                         

                        

Serena Williams, what more do I have to say about this beautiful woman, excellent athlete, stunning smile and exciting curves.  Following the shadow of her older sister Venus into the professional ranks of women’s tennis, she soon became a force to reckon with.  Not only did she leave her mark on the tennis court but her fashion during those events garnered a lot of attention.  While captivating audiences with her stunning play on the tennis court, she went on to become a champion in many of the prestigious tournaments.

 

I also chose Benjamin Franklin not only because he was a good president, at least from what our history books tell us.  He is also notoriously known for being the face of the 100 dollar bill.  That in itself is and will always make him a pop culture icon.  You constantly are reminded whenever you receive your paycheck and go to the bank, watch television, or listen to music.  “All about the Benjamins!” is a popular phrase among society.  Its meaning is that life is all about money, chasing those 100 dollar bills.  It’s image is ingrained in society as a status symbol of obtaining and achieving wealth.

Assignment 1-3-2 Written Analyses: Popular Beliefs

Assignment 1-3-2 Written Analyses 1 8-22-12

In today’s society there has been a booming movement in the music industry.  Hip-hop/Rap has taken off in remarkable fashion.  I remember in the mid 90’s when hip-hop wasn’t as mainstream as it is today.  Hip-hop/rap isn’t just about music it’s becoming a culture within itself.  The cultural influences stem from music, movies, fashion and even some alcoholic drinks.  Soap operas are now even playing the music on its shows, which has never been done before.  The music is transcending into a way of life.  Kids now idolize their favorite artists, the fashion has become one of the most profitable and the musical influence is astonishing. 

In the past society looked at hip-hop with severe apprehension, one of the theories was thinking that all rap artists were trouble, the general stereotype was that this music was downgrading society as a whole.  Granted there were a few rap artists and groups who were instrumental in giving society that negative image of what hip-hop/rap was.  But the hip-hop movement is so much more than that.  This musical culture has brought enlightenment to many sensitive topics in society.  Granted that the delivery of those topics is a little different than most, it still sheds a light on those topics. 

Now in today’s society this trendsetting culture has pretty much taken over everything in mainstream society..  Many of the artists aren’t just rappers or artists but businessmen and women who have influenced society in one way or another.  Take for instance Sean “Diddy” Combs, whose humble beginnings in the music industry began as an intern at a record company, and now he’s one of the most wealthy persons in the world.  Because he knew that society was beginning to change its views on the hip-hop culture he also branched out into a clothing line (Sean John), restaurants (Justin’s), colognes (I am King & Unforgivable), and even an alcoholic beverage (Ciroc).  All of which, are top sellers and have helped his influence in society.  He also was pivotal in the charitable efforts to the people of Haiti, and Louisiana.  Not to mention that he’s a worldwide icon.  I’ve chosen him as one of my icons because he follows a mantra that a lot of people follow.  “Work hard, Play hard”.

The theory of being comfortable in your own skin, being consciously aware in society, and striving for success are the embodiment of my being.  Growing up in the culture I have been influenced by the positivity that has arisen from this culture. To see people become successful in so many aspects has allowed me to transcend the test of time.  Not only does the music help me through certain situations but it also makes me feel good listening to it.  Hip-Hop is no longer shunned upon; it is becoming a way of life.

Communication Management Resources JMoman

Popular cultures are the beliefs and values at a certain place and time that are constantly changing amongst society, in layman’s terms it’s the fads of society.  The popular trends in music, celebrities, music and entertainment are just a few examples of popular culture.

            Since popular culture is always changing, businesses must understand the value in keeping up with the trends if they want to stay abreast on “What’s in and what’s out”.  Say for instance with technology constantly evolving, if cellphones never allowed its users the opportunity to surf the internet, and multitask in general there wouldn’t be this constant rush to get the better cellphone.

            My belief on popular culture is that everyone desires to have the newest and best, whether it’s computers, cellphones, clothes, shoes, music, cars, etc.  And society has a way of making these items seem more relevant than what they need to be.  Although I do enjoy the newest and better items myself, I feel that businesses take advantage of the thirst for those items that it will soon start to play itself out.  Example, when I was a teenager the new style of shoe was the Jordan’s, after a while the excitement about that shoe has changed and other shoes became more prominent, now as a parent I’m constantly reminded that the shoe has made a dramatic comeback.  However, the shoe hasn’t made any style changes or anything like that, it’s still gaining in popularity; what makes it so bad is that because it is becoming a fashion trend again the price is higher than it was previously.  This is just an example of one form of popular culture. 

            As a child I grew up watching “The Cosby Show”, this show had a great influence on the popular culture of society.  It portrayed an affluent black family in a way that hasn’t been done before.  It also addressed a few societal issues that were dealt with within the family.  This show provided a new perspective on the family structure, and despite its comedic tone, the show sometimes involved serious subjects.  The show was noted for portraying only a certain portion of the African-American population, it was praised for breaking traditional racial stereotypes, portraying African-Americans who were educated and successful. I feel that this sitcom became a symbol of what a happy family is.  And it gave inspiration to those who may not have had that family structure in their lives.