Hollywood Actors/Actresses Promoting Hybrid Vehicles

With oil prices hitting an all-time high the invention of hybrid cars are slowly becoming popular. Auto makers from Honda to Toyota are offering more fuel efficient vehicles to save the environment and to cut our dependence on oil. Back in 2004 many big name celebrities such as Tim Robbins, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Sting opted to drive the Toyota Prius to the Oscars that year to promote eco-friendly vehicle options. The Prius runs half on fuel and half on electric power, which proves to get more mileage per tank. The goal is to make Americans aware that there are options to becoming not so oil dependant. Its competitor, Honda has also released a fuel efficient, less oil dependant vehicle, the Hybrid.
Because Hollywood has such an impact on American society I think it is great that actors are cashing in their face-time to support a good cause, reducing our dependence on oil. Los Angeles, California is one of the biggest traffic states in the nation. Hundreds of drivers flock to the freeways each day, clogging up the roads and polluting the environment.
After reflection of all these award ceremony attendees showing up in hybrid vehicles it is clear that Hollywood is backing the movement away from oil dependency. What these stars drive during the days after their moment in the spotlight remains to be seen but at least when they are in the limelight they are pushing a worthy cause. These Hollywood stars are trying to change the way we look at cars and which one would be the better purchase. All these news pieces are definitely a part of popular culture and will have an affect on American society. I think to change American’s minds about vehicles is a tall order – we prefer the fast and the powerful. Which includes gas guzzlers such as Hummer, Porsche and all the other SUV’s on the road. But if Cameron Diaz can trade in her vehicle for a Toyota Prius to save on gas purchases so can I.
Hakim, D. (Dec. 11, 2002). Hybrid Cars are attracting a broad range of Americans. New York Times. Retrieved on October 24, 2007 from http://www.massclimateaction.org/pdf/Americans%20buying%20hybrids,%20NYT%20121102.pdf

4-1/Popular Culture Artifact - Dell Computers

The first consumer computer came out in the mid-1970’s from IBM and then Apple. Since then computers have evolved and morphed into a mainstay of pop culture history.
My focus is on Dell computers and their mark in history. Their key to success is their business model of selling computers directly to the consumer, instead of through a middle-man, such as Best Buy or Circuit City. This concept is what I think separates these computers from their competition and why I think they are a popular culture artifact. When someone thinks of computers probably the first three names that come to mind is Apple, Dell and HP. The popular review website cnet.com consistently lists Dell Computers as one of the top rated computers. (CNet, 2007). In addition to being such an accessible computer to purchase you can customize your computer from the ground up, making you feel as though you made all the decisions with your computer. They have prompt shipping and 24/7 support.
To give you a bit of history about its origins, it was founded by Michael Dell, while a student at the University of Texas. His goal then is the same today – to build a computer that a consumer can directly buy. In 1996 anyone could purchase a Dell computer via the internet. By using this unique advertising model they were able to get the edge up on competitors and make their name known in all households.
I don’t think you could get through an evening of television without seeing a Dell computer commercial. Their newest advertisements focus on college students and how reliable and necessary their computers are.
I think that Dell computers, along with their competitors have become icons in the computer industry. Apple, HP and Dell are the most sought after computer and they all keep up with the latest trends and technology. The ownership of a home computer, like Dell stands for so much in our society. The connection to the internet, access to games and a place to store all your prized pictures, thoughts and personal information. It represents being a part of a generation that relays the message that you must own your own computer. A big piece of going off to college is owning your own laptop to take to classes and study sessions – it’s like being a part of a cult or a socially accepted culture.

Dell Computer review. (2007). CNet. Retrieved on October 18, 2007 from http://reviews.cnet.com/4511-5_7-4.html?qt=delldhsdesktopseditorsratingtab&do=1&ds=1

Dell Computer. (2007). Retrieved on October 18, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Computer

Assignement 1-3 - The Tricksters of Cereal

The article I choose to read and write about is Tricksters and the Marketing of Breakfast Cereals by Thomas Green. The writer did an excellent job summarizing the history of cereal, including it’s earlier misleading advertising plots, and bought the reader into the 21st century quite smoothly.
The history of cereal begins in the late 1800’s when Sylvester Graham began spouting out claims that people couldn’t live off of meat alone and it was bad for their digestive tract. He pushed bran, wheat and flour out there stating that it was morally right and would cure all digestive problems. In addition, he was determined to show that eating just meat promoted an unhealthy lifestyle riddled with weakness and unethical wants and needs – drinking and excessive sex. There were a lot of religious connotations with eating bran, vegetables and fruits. Staying away from meat would keep you pure and not yearn an unhealthy lifestyle.
At the tail end of the 1800’s Kellogg came out with the first breakfast food named Granose. Prepared with wheat it was tough to chew unless left to sit in water to soften up. But although he was the first man to put out a cereal it was Post who came up with the most effective marketing campaign. He claimed that all these aliments existed from drinking coffee and other unhealthy drinks but provided a substitute – Postum. It was a replacement for coffee and he had all of these special powers that would make the consumers healthy. After this took off he introduced Grape Nuts and Post Toasties and claimed by eating these breakfast products and drinking coffee replacements the consumer would feel great. There were many false and undocumented slogans that famous people endorsed, which help substantiate it’s claims. Kellogg came out with similar breakfast cereals that also associated it’s good traits with religious connections and also claiming it will provide a healthy and happy lifestyle.
As time passed the unsubstantiated claims continued and morphed into a type of trickery that appealed to children and adults alike. Advertising took the form of an animal or person forever hungry for cereal and willing to do whatever it takes to get the cereal – like Trix the rabbit. Cereal companies adopted mascots that either looked like the cereal or was a villain that was in search of the cereal. To connect the beginning days to current days you will see that the makers of cereal, like Post and Kellogg used lies and deceit to promote their cereal. Claims of being unholy and damming your body was the reasoning. In modern day cereal companies still use the same philosophy, using Trix the rabbit, Post’s Frutty and Cocoa Pebbles - the victim and the trickster (hiding the cereal from one another) as the characters cast to show they were trying to trick the consumers into believing the cereal is mystical and wonderful. Take Lucky Charms, he is always trying to trick the kids to keep them away from the cereal like it was some mythical amazing cereal that held wonders. The patterns in all the cereal makers have the same theme.
In addition to the advertising there is the marketing of the boxes of cereal. Even in the beginning of cereal the box had some type of design that showed there was mystical or magical powers that made the cereal wonderful. Snap, Crackle and Pop was the three ingredients that made Rice Krispies desirable to the consumer.
A last little tidbit about the cereal industry is the rising costs beginning to get noticed in the 1990’s. The cost of a box of cereal exceeded any other product in the grocery store, which brought the attention of the government. As a result, General Mills was the first one to step forward and volunteered to lower the prices of their cereal, which caused other manufacturers to follow suit. With this change the advertising has slightly shifted to focusing on the healthy nutrients and boasting weight conscious cereals. Although Trix the rabbit and Tony the Tiger are still around, they are not as prominent as they were 30 years ago.
The point of this article was to shine light on the origins of the tricks and tricksters of the cereal industry and how it has evolved over the last century. I enjoyed the article, although some of the mythical and mystical references were a bit dry and long and I had a hard time connecting them to the original point.
I choose this article because I have a daughter that loves all the characters of the cereal and is also a huge television commercial junkie. Kids are so naïve and believe so much that is on television these days. In this day of age I am grateful that we have documented claims of what healthy benefits go into cereal.

Assignment 3-1 Disney Channel Shows

Every parent across the country is familiar with the Disney Channel and all their shows. There is a wide variety of shows for kids 1-11 years old. Shows such as Stanley and Jo Jo’s Circus are popular among the younger children and huge hits such as Hanna Montana, That’s So Raven and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody are popular among kids six-years old and up.
I believe these shows are considered popular culture because all of the shows are relatable to the kids. There are a lot of real life issues that are discussed in the shows for the older kids that they can identify with. Children enjoy talking about the shows at school as well, since the channel is so accessible to watch. I believe the name Disney is one of the most recognized household names, with all their well known stars such as Mickey Mouse that even parents can relate to. Disney has also turned their television shows into DVD movies that kids will ask for. To add to the list of items kids will want there are stuffed animals, clothing, Halloween costumes and toys that resemble their favorite Disney channel show. A child could literally purchase everything imaginable for one Disney icon, this even includes sheets and curtains for their rooms. I believe in this era kids like to identify with something and enjoy having a television show or a popular icon that they can claim it’s associated with their generation – for kids only.
The Disney channel has also released movies that have been huge hits across the country. High School Musical is one of the biggest and appeals to all audiences. Adults will even watch the movie with their kids and find themselves humming along to the music. The cast of this movie are all popular icons in our culture today. Each one has been written about in tabloids, picked up on television talk shows and some have their own record deal.
The Disney Channel. (2007). Channel line up. Retrieved on October 11, 2007 from http://disney.go.com/index

Assignment 2-1 - The Food Network Channel

In late 1993 media company E.W. Scripps launched the Food Network on cable television. Over the past 14 years this cable station and its shows are talked about probably more than other station in existence. Famous stars such as Emeril, Mario Bartali, Rachael Ray, Alton Brown and other stars (Wikipedia, 2007) were first discovered on this channel. My favorite shows are Iron Chef America and Good Eats but there are many other shows that are worth watching.
Keeping up with the world of reality television they have produced a number of shows to stay in competition, Food Network Challenge, and Next Food Network Star. The Next Food Network, similar to many other reality television shows, is a competition where a set number of chefs will battle each other to get the chance to host their own cooking show.
This cable television channel has become very popular in modern popular culture and a true mainstay. They have so many shows on during the day that has great cooking ideas and recipes, everything from tips on how to throw a dinner party to making a meal under thirty-minutes.
I think this network has spawned a culture of cooking and entertaining. At just about every party that I attend there is some comment floating around about a style or a recipe from a food network channel show. It has become a part of who we are and the conversations that we share with our families, friends and neighbors.
References:
Wikipedia. (2007). Food Network. Retrieved on October 4, 2007 from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_Network
Food Network. (2007). The Next Food Network Star. Retrieved on October 4, 2007 from http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_nf_vote/

Icon Analysis

The first icon I choose was The Simpson’s family from the Fox channel. This family started the cartoon revolution for our generation. So many other shows were inspired by this television show – Futurama, South Park, Family Guy and King of the Hill. Each of the characters on the show could also stand alone and be famous. Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart and Maggie are all memorable cast members. But in addition to the main characters there is Moe, Smithers, Mr. Burns and don’t forget Flanders. Many posters, screen savers, ring tones and dolls have been created specifically for each of the characters. Still to this day I hear people joke around with some of the character’s trademark lines – Doh, eat my shorts and others. I consider this show an icon because the entire show is embedded into our lives on so many levels. You can’t go anywhere without seeing Simpson candy, party decorations and even Halloween costumes. With their re-runs airing on so many channels it’s hard to not want to sit down for 30 minutes every so often and catch up with this family’s antics.
Sadly enough, my next icon is Paris Hilton. Where would People, In Touch, Us Weekly magazines be without Paris to follow around? She has started so many trends, one example would be toting around one of her miniature dogs. She is famous for dressing up her pups and carrying them around everywhere so goes. So many restaurants and hotels have moved to being pet-friendly to accommodate her requests and needs. It’s hard not to get caught up in her life, as reported in the tabloid magazines. Everything from how she dresses, how she acts and where so goes are mimicked by many teenagers and early-twenty year old girls around the nation.
My last icon is the revolution of the MP3 player, which boomed with Apple’s invention of the Ipod. This invention really moved the on-line downloading into a legal and much-anticipated offering. So many people were downloading music for free and with the assistance of MP3’s many companies, such as Apple (I Tunes) have moved to making music downloads inexpensive and easy to obtain. I don’t think you can go anywhere without seeing someone with ear buds in their ear, which is attached to their Ipod. This icon means so much to me because I love music and really do not leave the house with my cell phone or my Ipod. I am always connected to current music to keep me moving and a part of the action. Music has always been a part of our lives but never has it been so portable and accessable.

Reality Television

Reality television has been sweeping the television stations for the past 10-years but over the last 5-years nightly line-ups have been bombarded with talent, love and many other types of shows. It all started with American Idol but other shows such has America has talent, Dancing with the Stars. In addition to talent shows there are the seeking love shows such as Bachelorette, For Love or Money, and Average Joe. (Wikepedia, 2007) Even the cable channels have hopped onto the band-wagon and started their own reality shows, HGTV and Fine Living both have reality shows about selling homes, fixing up homes. The Discovery Channel has a show about a man living in the outdoors in a foreign country, trying to survive. It seems very channel has gotten caught up in the hype of capturing the American public’s viewpoint on love, music, and everything else in-between.
I can remember the first reality television show that came on at the end of the 80’s, Cops. It premiered on the Fox Channel and it was about following various police stations cops, following them around throughout the night as they arrested, mediated and fought with those in trouble with the law. I believe that show is still on to this day. Another long running reality show is Survivor, which airs on WCCO. That show started in the 1990’s and has been the base of which all other reality shows were based on. Every other channel quickly created their own competition for money reality show where a number of people were expected to compete against each other in extreme conditions. My last example of reality television is celebrity based shows. Anna Nicole Smith, Jessica Simpson, Tori Spelling are just a few of the stars that allowed cameras into their personal lives to be video taped and broadcast across the United States.

Wikipedia. 2007. Reality Television. Retrieved on September 30, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality_television