Written Analysis # 4

 

Written Analysis # 4

            Theories on “How recreational drugs are portrayed in the media” in regards to formulas have one that I have found. Just like every romance has a love affair that creates a formula; recreational drugs have the aura of fun and sophistication. The media portrays recreational drugs as this euphoric experience based on the formula in my theory – everyone’s doing it, it can’t be that bad.

            The media’s opinions about recreational drugs differ little across most demographic and political groups. One of the media’s opinion is young people are less likely than older people to say that drug use is a crisis. Instead they believe it is a part of growing up and having fun. Young people party in their early years because many have done it and came out OK. This is their mentality.

 I have come to the conclusion that several problems exist on how the media somehow creates this cultural phenomenon mentality of “everyone’s doing it, it can’t be that bad.” By creating, I mean the Medias’ opinions directly influence the young people of society.

Applying this theory grants me a different approach of a youth’s mentality when it comes to the reason behind why they try recreational drugs.

 

Ernst Benjamin Salomo Raupach’s Vampire Story

Ernst Benjamin Salomo Raupach’s Vampire Story

“Wake Not the Dead”

Writers and authors all over the world have mistaken Johann Ludwig Tiek as the original author to “Wake Not the Dead.” They believe it was the first written English vampire story. Heidi Crawford wrote this article of Ernst Benjamin Salomo Raupach being the rightful author of this vampire story. She was demonstrating an awareness of the origins.  In Crawford’s article, she is intent on correcting those who think Tiek is the author of “Wake Not the Dead.” The true author of “Wake Not the Dead” is Ernst Benjamin Salomo Raupach.

Why I agree with the author's main points.

This story about vampires has infected the literature and cinema for several eras. Since this vampire story first entered into the scholarly circles in the early 1800s, it has undergone many changes in character. “Wake Not the Dead” was first published in 1823 and the original author was not acknowledged out of confusion. Much focus was put on Tiek because he was well known for his translated works. Raupach was an author without international recognition.

The primary focus for Crawford, however, is “Wake Not the Dead” vampire story and its original author. This story is translated in many works and she wants to ensure that the original author gets the credit for this amazing vampire novel. There are many versions of this vampire story. The first original version is by Ernst Benjamin Salomo Raupach.  

Describe why this article is important.

The article is important because it establishes a correction needed to those who incorrectly believe this novel “Wake Not the Dead” was written by Tiek. The reader will obtain correct information on knowing who the original author is and may want to research more books by the author Ernst Benjamin Salomo Raupach. There are also references at the end of this article. These references will tell you where Crawford got her information and it verifies the accuracy of what Crawford wrote in this article.

References

Crawford, H. (2012, December). Ernst Benjamin Salomo Raupach’s Vampire Story “Wake Not the Dead”. Journal of Popular Culture, 45(6), p1189-1205

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hereos and Celebrities

Written Analysis # 3

            Theories on “How recreational drugs are portrayed in the media” in regards to heroes and the cult of celebrities are diverse. A theory I noticed is – the media portrays drug addicts as normal people with bad habits. According to the media, people make heroes and celebrities out of recreational drug users.

            For example, the media portrayed Winston Churchill, an alcoholic, a war hero regardless of his addiction.  There is a show called “Nurse Jackie” on cable TV. It’s about an RN with a prescription drug problem that trades sex with pharmacists for the drugs. They portray her as the funny, dedicated RN with a problem who happens to be the heroine of the show. These type of portrayals are creating normalcy in society.

 The media characterizes celebrities with drug problems as if it is just a way of life for these stars of Hollywood.  The media enjoys these types of stories because it attracts people from all walks of life that think about using drugs and those that are using to justify their choices and actions. It is a money maker for them to get stories out about celebrities to the public.

Applying this theory grants me a specific viewpoint of people justifying their use of recreational drugs and what the media gains from exploiting heroes and celebrities with addictions.

Written Analysis # 2

Theories on “How recreational drugs are portrayed in the media” in regards to the creation of rituals and stereotypes are many. A couple stereotypes are – homosexuals are more apt to recreational drugs and recreational drugs have become habits of college student. According to the media these stereotypes have rituals that involve recreational drugs.

The media portrays homosexuals as weak minded and unable to handle their sexual orientations and pressures; so they are prone to turn to recreational drugs. A ritual related to this stereotype is club-drug use that heightens sexual stimulation and performance. Downfall to this ritual is it can lead to death because of the variation of drugs mixed.

 The media characterizes college students as free spirited and irresponsible young adults when away from home during school semesters and breaks. A ritual the media loves to prey on is the binge drinking during “Spring Break”. I am sure there are circumstances where select few get stupid and excessive in their drinking, but the media makes it appear to be all those at a “Spring Break” party.

Applying these theories will allow me to gain a broader perspective of why people from all walks of life partake in recreational drugs and what the media gains from exploiting different people and their addictions.

 

Written Analysis

Written Analysis

            Theories that seem to apply to my popular culture topic “How recreational drugs are portrayed in the media” is how the media creates myths regarding recreational drugs and how the media as sources of information affect us.  These two theories jumped out at me when I was reading Common Culture book.

            The theory of the media creating myths in regards to recreational drugs has corrupted society’s view of drug use. According to Treatment4Addiction.com the first films to actually depict drug use were in the 1930’s.  These anti-drug propaganda films such as Reefer Madness made vast generalizations about the dangers of recreational drug use in order to scare children into abstaining from said substances. (May, 2012)

The theory of the media as sources of information affecting us is vital on how drug use is perceived. Society places their trust in the media assuming that what they read on the internet or see on television is factual. I have come to the realization that depending on the source, the information can be bias.

Applying these theories will help me gain insight into why people believe the myths of recreational drugs and what the media gains from putting out stories regarding drug use. Is it political? Is it because a writer or reporter knew someone and the experience they endured was negative with no silver lining? What is the media’s intention? The answers will come.

Many Faces of Pop Culture

According to Wikipedia, Hello Kitty’s first appearance was a vinyl coin purse. It was introduced in Japan in 1974 and brought to the United States in 1976.  The character is a staple of the Japanese pop culture. My Little Pony is intended for girls age two through 11. This pop culture for the age group began in the 80’s. “Survivor” is a reality game program that has been on air for 10+ years and is considered media pop culture. This program is about 12-15 individuals stranded on an island. The survivor that wins the game wins a lot of money.

Hello Kitty and My Little Pony were well known during my childhood years. Now they are a big staple in society with all age groups and both gender roles. These animated icons have outlasted many other pop culture icons and expanding across the globe. The program “Survivor” was the first of this type of reality show that follows people in situations that we may not have experienced. Society is living through these reality stars and enjoys doing so from the comfort of their homes.

I find it endearing those icons such as Hello Kitty and My Little Pony are a big apart of my daughters’ childhood like they were mine. It brings back many memories. As for the reality show “Survivor”, I enjoy watching this particular show because I am always interested in the dynamics of the people thrown together in groups and how everyone interacts. The dynamics of people in situations are learning tools for me as well. I am able to question myself (What would I do in this situation?) and think outside the box when it comes to predicaments these reality show people are in.

                                                                                                                             
                                       
                                                                                    

Phases of Time

Popular culture is a people's culture that dominates a society at a point in time. What popular culture means to me probably differs from how others may view popular culture. Popular culture holds different meanings depending on who's defining it. Popular culture is phases in time that we partake in because the majority participates in  whatever phase the society is in. For example: the "Hippie Era", the Disco Era, etc.

It is important we obtain an understanding of popular culture because of its influence and impact. It is common sense that it would be relevant to you and I in a business environment and in our present and future career. Popular culture is ever changing and with those changes so are we. In the business world and careers of so many, there are phases we endure just as society endures. The phases that come to mind are the novice phase - beginning a new career or starting a business, the intermediate phase - knowledgeable of the business world and of your chosen career and the experienced phase - becoming the "Jedi" so to speak of your chosen career and business world you are involved in. In each phase popular culture is always a consideration based on what phase you and society are involved in.

New Wave Music in the 80"s is an example of a pop culture artifact. The music was the beginning phase of punk rock and alternative music we listen to now coming to the forefront. The picture below is a band I loved in the 80"s - Culture Club. In the 80's this music was main stream.