Evaluation Extra Credit Blog

1.    No, I have never used a blog before attending RTF 305. 

2.    The blogs granted opportunities to apply the concepts taught in class to reality. We were able to incorporate some of the media, which we personally enjoy, into our blogs. This was really cool.

3.    At times, I had a hard time incorporating the multimedia into the blog due to technical difficulties, or I was just unable to find the exact multimedia that I wanted.

4.    If I encountered difficulties, I usually just improvised. I either uploaded my own photographs, or I used a vivid description of the multimedia I wanted.

5.    I thought the blogs about TV sitcoms and camera angles/shots was really interesting, because I was able to incorporate my favorite TV shows and films.

6.    Yes, because the blogs are a simple way to show that the student fully understands and can apply the given concept.

7.    It would be nice to receive feedback on the blogs from the TA’s. The grading system is really informing, but it would have been even better if we could have discussed the blog topics and some of the interesting responses in class. The blog should be incorporated more into the discussion section.

"Yes, you can use my blog in a paper or report".

Globalization

Globalization is a process of increasing the interconnectedness among nations, cultures, and people. This process is supported and accelerated by technological developments. This process has effects on the environment, on culture, on political systems, on economic development and prosperity, and on human physical well being in societies around the world. Supporters of globalization argue that it allows poor countries to develop economically and raise their standards of living, where as opponents of globalization argue that the construction of an international free market has benefited the Western world (primarily the United States) at the expense of local cultures.

 This concept can be associated with cultural imperialism. Cultural imperialism refers to an unbalanced relationship in culture and media between countries. This issue seems to mostly concern the unequal flow of film, news, television programs, cable channels, and music from the United States to other countries. This is a major issue because Western culture is designed to help people become consumers; this often clashes with local culture.

A prime example of cultural imperialism on television is the hit reality television shows “American Idol”.  Although “ American Idol” is a competition, it also serves as an advertiser for its sponsors.  “American Idol” constantly displays their sponsors’ products and logos. By Season 7, “American Idol” showed 4,151 product placements in its first 38 episodes, according to Nielsen Media Research (Grover). The reality show is broadcast to over 100 nations outside of the United States and has had an overwhelming influence on some of these nations. For example, in China “American Idol” has had a massive impact on the radio airplay, and has even influenced them to create their own version of the show.

Grover, Ronald (2008-05-28). "American Idol's Ads Infinitum". BusinessWeek. Retrieved 2009-02-11.

AXE!!

I believe the Axe “Clean Your Balls” advertisement is very persuasive; it implements comedy, sexual innuendos, and gender stereotyping. The advertisement is hilarious and shocking and grabs people’s attention. As soon as people hear, “keep your balls clean”, they want to continue watching the commercial to find out what the commercial is about. The sexual innuendos and gender stereotyping are targeted towards their consumers, which are young male / female (they buy Axe for the men in their lives or encourage the purchase). Young people think the obvious sexual innuendos are hilarious, so they want to watch. However, the gender stereotyping in the advertisement is not so obvious. First, two attractive females are the stars of the advertisement, and they are “cleaning the balls”.  They are teaching the men how to clean. Secondly, the men in the commercial are mostly all young, attractive guys who seem to not know how to “keep their balls clean”. This commercial seems to just be funny on the surface, but it is very powerful and persuasive.

I will discuss the most obvious appeal in the advertisement, which is sex. This appeal is simple; sex sells. Sexuality makes the audience curious and can create strong emotions about the advertisement. This appeal can make the product seem interesting, but also can make the product seem vulgar.

This Axe advertisement exemplifies sex appeal through its use of sexual innuendos and casting choice. The entire advertisement is based on a sexual innuendo; this sexual innuendo is carried out throughout the entire commercial. Also the advertisement’s stars are two seemingly young, attractive women.  The other cast members are mostly seemingly young, attractive men. This advertisement says young attractive men use Axe, and young attractive women like/want the men in their lives to use axe.