Dear Kristen, Pauline, Jenn., Ollie and Josh,
Well, that's the first semester nearly complete. Thank you for all your contributions and the regular postings that you have made. We have one final gathering next Wednesday to wind up and prepare for delights of the vacation. Make sure that you have all completed the required minimum of 10 posts and, with time on your hands(!), you may find inspiration and enlightenment on the "rags to riches" story in the BBC programme on Thomas Edison - this is a true version of the mythical 'Richard Hunter Esq.'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00wdjr8/In_Our_Time_Edison/
With good wishes,
John.
Thursday 9 December 2010
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Ciroc Advert
The advert I chose is for "Ciroc" Vodka, which is an upmarket alcoholic drink. It was first introduced to America in 2003 and like many other celebrity endorsed products its popularity has sky rocketed. The main celebrity endorser of Ciroc is Sean Combs aka Diddy. This advert incorporates both the new and old of America as it is shot in black and white with Frank Sinatra as the soundtrack. Also featuring Diddy who is known by millions through his music, fashion line and other endevours it adds the modern and hip touch that may suggest the drink is to be enjoyed possibly not in a club environement but in a more classy way. This can be seen by the attire in which they are wearing and also the lavish surrounding, they are living the good life.
As with other celebrity endorsed products having some such as Diddy advertise the products can bring in a cross over of consumers from the people who he does business with(because it is seen as classy) and also the hip hop community and/or followers of this music. So it can be just as popular for an 18 year old rap fan as it can be for a 50 year old business man. On the other side of the coin the fact that it is trying so hard to make itself appealing to a younger audience may alienate it from the older one.
The above advert is only one of a number featuring Diddy, the drink has also featured in his music videos and there is even a song called "Ciroc Boys".
Below is an example of the extravagent lengths they are going to, to promote this drink:
"Although Champagne is the common celebratory libation of choice to ring in the New Year, Diddy and Ciroc are trying to change the tradition to include their “ultra-premium vodka.”
The constantly evolving marketing machine that is Diddy is offering the Mayor and City of New York $1 Million Dollars to change the New Years Eve Ball to Ciroc Blue. Although Diddy admits the proposal is a publicity stunt to help brand Ciroc to the New Years Party crowd, he does say that he just wants the colour to be changed, no logo. I guess given these hard economic times people might just feel the need to sip on something a bit more stiff than the traditional bubbly. Diddy doesn’t pose a specific use for the contribution but suggest using it to build parks, improve schools or for foreclosure “bailouts.” As yet there hasn’t been a response from the Mayors office.
In addition Diddy goes on to announce that the Ciroc street team in conjunction with the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission will be handing out $15 taxi cab vouchers to New York party goers to make sure they get home safe"
The constantly evolving marketing machine that is Diddy is offering the Mayor and City of New York $1 Million Dollars to change the New Years Eve Ball to Ciroc Blue. Although Diddy admits the proposal is a publicity stunt to help brand Ciroc to the New Years Party crowd, he does say that he just wants the colour to be changed, no logo. I guess given these hard economic times people might just feel the need to sip on something a bit more stiff than the traditional bubbly. Diddy doesn’t pose a specific use for the contribution but suggest using it to build parks, improve schools or for foreclosure “bailouts.” As yet there hasn’t been a response from the Mayors office.
In addition Diddy goes on to announce that the Ciroc street team in conjunction with the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission will be handing out $15 taxi cab vouchers to New York party goers to make sure they get home safe"
Super Bowl Commercial
This commercial is a Snickers ad for the 2010 Super Bowl. Snickers is a product of the Mars Inc. company, there is not much information about Snickers on the official website (http://www.snickers.com/default.htm) seems they don't have much to say about their product, also on their website they have a product locator where you can search for the closest store that sells Snickers, slightly pointless as you can go into any shop and find a shelf full of Snickers.
The closing line for this commercial is “Your not you when your hungry. Snickers satisfies.” By using Betty White at the beginning of the commercial they're trying to show if you have no energy you play like an 88year old but if you have energy you will play like a tough 20 year old and Snickers is the thing to eat for energy.
By using stars such as Betty White and Abe Vigoda they're trying to reach out to a wider audience to sell their product, as some people may pay more attention to things like commercials if their favourite stars are in them. Adverts made for the Super Bowl have always been a huge thing in America there's been commercials done in sponsor of the Super Bowl by products such as Budweiser and Bud Light, Doritos, Pepsi, Reebok and many more, some of these commercials have been huge hits across the world too for example the Pepsi advert with Justin Timberlake.
American Values are shown through the nature of the American sport being played in the commercial, the Super Bowl is a major event in America and Football is a valuable sport to many American's.
MATERIAL AMERICA
Apple Inc is an American multinational corporation that designs and markets consumer electronics,
computer software, and personal computers. It is the most modern fabricator of gadgets in Amerika, based in California. This is a commercial of the newest gadget the ipad. Every item that Apple produces seems to be immensely popular not only in America but all over the world. Therefore Apple is definitely one of the most influential corporations in the globalisation of America, or the 'Mcdonaldisation'. The company actually decided to change its name from Apple Computers Inc to Apple Inc in 2007. This was for the reason that they realized how international and popular they were getting and they wanted to keep that status up.
This commercial shows simplicity and most of all how modern and new the gadget is, which is what Apple's items are all about. I think that this commercial and many other commercials of Apple are in a way a representation of the American Culture, because Apple's main aim is to keep its items small and simple to use, which in a way reflects on the way in which American people are seen as people who try to keep everything simple and casual. Not only is it a reflection of simpleness but definitely also in the way that Apple seems to bring out the most modern and sophisticated gadgets. Since America has been the most developed country for years this corporation seems to keep them on track in terms of technology. As said in the lecture I definitely think that America expresses itself a great deal in Apple's gadgets.The popularity of the Ipod, Ipad and Iphone has definitely given America a positive identity of development in technology and advertisement.
Dell Advert
This is an advert for the Dell Laptop. One of the biggest consumer items there is nowdays, with the laptop becoming smaller and more portable. This advert is an American commercial and encompasses many American values in it. The Company Dell is American, although we may not automatically think of it as being American as the laptops are more than likely made in Japan and China and not America. The advert makes it clear that Dell is the brand and it is pushed more than anything else within the advert- making sure that the audience if they take nothing else from the advert that Dell makes laptops for everyone.
It plays upon the image of the hard-working American man by producing an image of a man in overalls and a hard hat. These are both blue, suggesting an element of masculinity and therefore suggesting that the Laptops are made by people who stereotypically have the most knowledge of computers as it is seen as a masculine trade opposed to a feminine one. What is intersting is that the advert plays upon Fiske's idea of individuality - by empahsising the different colours that the laptop can be bought in, however this is not the case as it is being mass produced for a masss consumption audience and therefore there is a specific lack of individuality about the laptops. Much like the example Fiske gave of Jeans - the torn jeans became mass manufactured and took away from the individuality of them. However, with a laptop you are able to customize the background and settings, which regains this individuality element, however again these are from a list of pre-determined options which is limiting. The advert shows it'a american value as it makes an emphasis on the laptop being delivered which shows the American culture and the almost lazy attitude they have.
With regards to values, the laptop has a physical function of being able to take work with you and being able to communicate, be on the internet and have a whole world at your fingertips whilst on the move. The advert doesn't make the physical value clear as in this modern society everyone is able to recognize a laptop when they see one, and know the basic functions of them. The price is fairly expensive, and Dell is a brand associated with very laptops. If most people think of computers they think of Dell or Apple. And this price is able to be high as the brand is worthy it - and there is a fairly good exchange value as people will pay for the Dell brand and name. And Dell is not the most expensive laptop on the market, which makes them a popular choice, especially with the companys' good reputation. The ability to be able to charge a specific price is because of the symbolic value of the laptop. In the advert we see the branding of the different coloured laptops as the name is stamped onto them, and they are then wrapped up and ready to go, which shows that they now have the dell seal of approval and they are now desirable, like the sweets they are wrapped up like in the advert.
Horatio Alger
Horatio Alger is an author of more than 100 stories showing how poor boys can move up in the world from 'rags to respectability' through hard work and education which will lead them to success. Alger's message to his readers is that no matter where you come from you can succeed because the land in which you live is the land of opportunity. Horatio Alger shows hard work pays off through his book Ragged Dick as he shows he is given opportunities by showing his honesty and reliability and by becoming educated by having a friend tutor him and attending Sunday school.
There is a Horatio Alger Association which is a non-profit educational organization, established in 1947 to restore faith in America's youth that the American dream can still be achieved. The association is dedicated to the belief that hard work, honesty an determination can conquer all obstacles. The program has a scholarship program encouraging students to pursue their own version of the American Dream. There is also a Horatio Alger award which is given to people who are “dedicated community leaders who demonstrate individual initiative and a commitment to excellence as exemplified by remarkable achievements accomplished through honesty, hard work, self reliance and perseverance over adversity.” The association also has a annual international award for a individual who will receive it if they “have overcome humble beginnings and/or adversity to achieve success.”
A post I found on Yahoo, Sara Bilodeau argues that the myth of Horatio Alger is still alive and well in American culture and can be achieved by anyone who is willing to work had enough although it is easier for upper-class individuals to achieve their American Dream as they already have financial support behind them, they just need to maintain that wealth. I think that the dream of the characters in Horatio Alger's stories are not to be rich and extremely successful but to only have success so that your life would be less worry free for example, having a house or place to live and being able to pay rent or a mortgage, buying food and being able to eat three times a day. In the book Ragged Dick, Dick wants to grow up to be respectable, by societies rules he will only achieve that by the work he does and the house in which he lives, Horatio Alger shows he can achieve his dream and the key is hard work, education and determination to better yourself.
http://www.horatioalger.com/
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/4997/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1899396/the_horatio_alger_myth_is_alive_and.html
There is a Horatio Alger Association which is a non-profit educational organization, established in 1947 to restore faith in America's youth that the American dream can still be achieved. The association is dedicated to the belief that hard work, honesty an determination can conquer all obstacles. The program has a scholarship program encouraging students to pursue their own version of the American Dream. There is also a Horatio Alger award which is given to people who are “dedicated community leaders who demonstrate individual initiative and a commitment to excellence as exemplified by remarkable achievements accomplished through honesty, hard work, self reliance and perseverance over adversity.” The association also has a annual international award for a individual who will receive it if they “have overcome humble beginnings and/or adversity to achieve success.”
A post I found on Yahoo, Sara Bilodeau argues that the myth of Horatio Alger is still alive and well in American culture and can be achieved by anyone who is willing to work had enough although it is easier for upper-class individuals to achieve their American Dream as they already have financial support behind them, they just need to maintain that wealth. I think that the dream of the characters in Horatio Alger's stories are not to be rich and extremely successful but to only have success so that your life would be less worry free for example, having a house or place to live and being able to pay rent or a mortgage, buying food and being able to eat three times a day. In the book Ragged Dick, Dick wants to grow up to be respectable, by societies rules he will only achieve that by the work he does and the house in which he lives, Horatio Alger shows he can achieve his dream and the key is hard work, education and determination to better yourself.
http://www.horatioalger.com/
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/4997/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1899396/the_horatio_alger_myth_is_alive_and.html
Horatio Alger Contemporary
"Horatio Alger hero" is a common phrase in America, referring to the person who achieves success by his own effort in the face of great obstacles. Over 100 books with such heroes were written by Horatio Alger (1834-1899), whose stories of boys overcoming poverty were widely read in the 19th century. Yet Alger's novels are virtually nowhere to be found today. Bookstores don't stock them. The Houston Public Library doesn't circulate them (though it has a collection of them in a separate building for old books of historical interest). Few if any have read them today, even among those who admire heroic literature.
Occasionally, one reads about a famous businessman who was inspired by Alger, such as the stockbroker Victor Niederhoffer, who is a fan of Horatio Alger, and who has a complete collection of Alger first editions. Benjamin Fairless of U.S. Steel and James Farley of Coca Cola are other examples.
One of the perks of living in the United States is having the opportunity to achieve a higher standard of living than one's parents enjoyed. The Horatio Alger Myth is known country wide as being a proud national
symbol of this economic empowerment. It is true that some Americans are able to achieve this myth within their lifetime, such as Bill Gates, but it is much more common for this goal to be obtained after several generations of hard work. Contrary to popular belief, it is not just the offspring of the upper-class that are able to obtain financial security. There are opportunities for those in the lower-class to become upwardly mobile.
To achieve the Horatio Alger Myth, education is the best route to success. With a high degree one is able to obtain a higher starting position within their occupation. Also, the higher the degree the more experience that person has going into their occupation. With a higher position comes more of an opportunity to associate with ones boss and make a good impression. Along with a higher occupational level comes a better benefits packet, this packet usually includes a good health plan, a pension, and more job security. With job security and a good benefits package, the person who receives them is more easily able to retain their current social standing and their children have more opportunities to increase their social standing.
Although it may seem that the Horatio Alger Myth is unattainable, that is not the case. The hard work that is required to fulfill the myth is slightly different from the hard work that was originally implied, however, the myth still holds true and success is obtainable to even the most humble of people. All that is needed is the drive to succeed and an education.
Occasionally, one reads about a famous businessman who was inspired by Alger, such as the stockbroker Victor Niederhoffer, who is a fan of Horatio Alger, and who has a complete collection of Alger first editions. Benjamin Fairless of U.S. Steel and James Farley of Coca Cola are other examples.
One of the perks of living in the United States is having the opportunity to achieve a higher standard of living than one's parents enjoyed. The Horatio Alger Myth is known country wide as being a proud national
To achieve the Horatio Alger Myth, education is the best route to success. With a high degree one is able to obtain a higher starting position within their occupation. Also, the higher the degree the more experience that person has going into their occupation. With a higher position comes more of an opportunity to associate with ones boss and make a good impression. Along with a higher occupational level comes a better benefits packet, this packet usually includes a good health plan, a pension, and more job security. With job security and a good benefits package, the person who receives them is more easily able to retain their current social standing and their children have more opportunities to increase their social standing.
Although it may seem that the Horatio Alger Myth is unattainable, that is not the case. The hard work that is required to fulfill the myth is slightly different from the hard work that was originally implied, however, the myth still holds true and success is obtainable to even the most humble of people. All that is needed is the drive to succeed and an education.
Axe Clean Your Balls Commercial
This advert is promoting Axe (Lynx in this country) shower gel in a very tongue in cheek manner. It uses masculine orientated humour to sell the product and create an appeal that has very little to do with the qualities of the product itself. It doesn't comment on the smell or the cleaning properties that make this product better in comparison to others in its category. It just uses the association with attractive women and clever jokes to create a symbolic value of the product that enables it to appeal to the right demographic of young males. The brand has over the last ten years or more become synonymous with these kind of themes in its advertisements. Invariably featuring how the use of their deodorant or shower gel will generate an instant irresistible attraction for women. This symbolic value has enabled a slightly inflated exchange value over similar products and also maintained interest in the brand amongst young males even though, it could be argued that the product is inferior to ones of similar value. In a mass produced market the makers of this products are exploiting an unceasingly prevalent ideology amongst young males that it is integrally important to be trendy and cool in order to attract the opposite gender. The metaphysical relationship to itself created by popular perception has enabled the brand to continue being purchased in large numbers thereby expanding its influence over material culture.
Monday 6 December 2010
Horatio Alger the Myth
Horatio Alger as an author had a very effective general formula for writing his stories that made them very popular. They would invariably start with a young boy who seemed to have been dealt a bad hand in life, they would be poor and quite frequently an orphan. Then through hard work and initiative as well as more than a fair measure of luck they would improve their station and move up the social ladder well on their way to 'becoming somebody'. These were known as 'rags to respectability' stories and became increasingly popular during the 'Gilded Age of America' towards the end of the 19th Century.
Alger's stories became more than that though, during the first half of the 20th Century as the economy began to falter, social responsibilities grew and wider gaps developed between the classes they took on a glossy representation of what the 'American Dream' and 'the Land of Opportunity' could still be. They showed the people who were waiting in bread and dole queues that with consistent hard work and just that right occasion they too could take advantage of the social mobility available in the structure of American society.
So in the present day Horatio Alger is no longer really a name but a phrase synonymous, and associated with any story or situation involving an individual improving his social and fiscal standing. The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans presents yearly awards based on this idea.
This accolade is awarded to people they deem to have shown
'individual initiative and a commitment to excellence; as exemplified by remarkable achievements accomplished through honesty, hard work, self-reliance and perseverance over adversity.'
The idea behind doing this is to keep the ideas of Horatio Alger alive and educate continuous generations about the opportunities afforded them by the free market system in America. The association was founded in 1947, during a time of real despondency amongst the American public, in an effort to prevent the disillusionment about the 'American Dream' transferring to the youth of the time. The qualities they promote are very admirable and beneficial to society in general especially since the candidates they award the prize to have to have a strong commitment to assisting those less fortunate than themselves.
There are many people who in this day and age don't recognise Horatio Alger stories as a representation of something still attainable in a overpopulated country with an increasingly restricted economic market. These people tend to agree with the theory of social Darwinism that if one person succeeds (the fittest) then other people are unable to (the weakest) that runs in direct contradiction to the main message of Alger's stories that with enough hard work and perseverance anybody can become a success.
One of the people disagreeing that i found is Harlon L. Dalton who is Professor of Law at Yale Law School and an ordained minister in the Episcopal church. In an essay entitled simply 'Horatio Alger' he argues that Horatio Alger's influence is not only a myth but that the myth is actually socially destructive. To demonstrate this he gives many examples of the other influences, whether favourable or detrimental, that effect an individuals possibility of achieving success. He specialises in issues of race and therefore spends a lot of time interpreting Alger's message in relation to friction between White's and Black's but the section that best sums up his theory on Alger is the last paragraph.
'for it broadcasts a fourth message no less false than the first three—that we live in a land of unlimited potential. Although that belief may have served us well in the past, we live today in an era of diminished possibilities. We need to, make a series of hard choices, followed by yet more hard choices regarding how to live with the promise of less. Confronting that reality is made that much harder by a mythology that assures us we can have it all.'
The whole essay can be found at http://www.oppapers.com/subjects/dalton-the-horatio-alger-myth-page1.html
The third website i found is of academic research that was conducted incorporating the Horatio Alger Myth.
http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/1/4/3/4/6/p143463_index.html
It attempts to quantify the belief in the 'myth' and how this effects public opinion specifically associated with public spending and in turn its effect on the American democratic system. Drawing from the work of various contemporary democratic theorists
'this experimental piece attempts to sift through the racist and authoritarian mechanisms at work in the American political mind to arrive at a different explanation for why Americans feel the way they do regarding social welfare policies.'
Though the results of this are undoubtedly very interesting and useful they are focused in relation to political science so i won't bore anybody with discussing them. I think it just shows the significance of Alger in todays world, whether you agree with his portrayed message or not, that his influence is still used in modern research as a guiding factor of public opinion. Having such a massive cultural impact in a world that is very far removed from the one that he wrote about, in terms of age and diversity, displays a very shrewd interpretation of the values important to the American national identity.
Tuesday 30 November 2010
Horatio Alger
What i have discovered while researching the name Horatio Alger on the google search engine is that his name is widely associated with hard-work and determination, along with most commonly the idea of the American dream. This is, at first glance what the novel Ragged Dick is about, a young poor lad going from 'rags to riches' as the American dream states will happen. However, it could be argued that in fact Dick goes from 'rags to respectability' The idea of 'riches' seems to suggest that the person will have money and wealth, that others can only desire. However, this does not happen to Dick, who is by this time known as Richard Hunter. He is living comfortably; and is indeed more well off that originally but he is by no-means rich, as it was meant when the book was written. He is also a very lucky boy, and although he has worked hard, much of the sucess he comes across in the book is by chance and not hard-work that leads to sucess.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/26/business/26nocera.html
The websites that i first loked at were aimed more prominatly at the idea of Horatio Alger being a representation for the American dream itself, there was a 'alger myth' that encompasses the idea of the dream. A article from the New York times uses this notion of Horatio Alger by stating
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/26/business/26nocera.html
The websites that i first loked at were aimed more prominatly at the idea of Horatio Alger being a representation for the American dream itself, there was a 'alger myth' that encompasses the idea of the dream. A article from the New York times uses this notion of Horatio Alger by stating
"Mr. Feng, the chief executive of Aigo, a large Chinese consumer electronics company, is a classic Chinese entrepreneur: starting with $31 in his pocket, he has built a business whose products are a staple of urban China, including digital cameras, MP3 players and a new iPhone-like all-in-one device. Before telling me his Horatio Alger story, though, he had something he wanted me to understand"
This use of the name suggests thyat Horatio Alger is the man that is the myth of 'rags to riches', it is what he represents and in extension it is what Ragged Dick was meant to represent to many people. Dick improved his situation and his income by getting a better paid job much as Mr. Feng has, however there are some stark contrasts between the two. For example, Mr. Feng has the money to buy himself all the gadgets and houses in the world that he desires. But this was not what Richard now had, instead he was comfortable with his living and was saving to his bank book regularly to enable himself to buy the essentials when they were needed. But, like Mr. Feng who describes himself as "brimming with Entrepreneurial enthusiasm", so was Richard. he took the oppurtunitys when they were presented to him, such as giving Frank the guided tour of the city; and this gave him the boosters he needed to begin to move up in the world of New York .
So, from this it is possible to show that the idea of hard work is associated with Horatio Alger, and this is true for his representation of Ragged Dick, however, the American dream assumes riches beyond expectation and means wealth, which is something alothough Richard had more than he started off with in the black-booting trade, he was by no means ha the riches that some had in the 19th century.
This point is again showed in a different website with the quote
"The man churned out books by the wagonload in the 19th century and they all pretty much followed the same theme of a some young boy going from having nothing to living out the American Dream through a combination of hard work, pluck and gumption. Such was the influence of Horatio Alger on the blueprint of the American Dream and its mythos that since 1947 the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans has bestowed an award upon a deserving recipient who faced down adversity to achieve success. Even today Horatio Alger is widely viewed with respect and as an important symbol of what it really means to be an American"
This again shows that the words Horatio Alger are associated with the idea of the American dream, and the idea of this being typically american. This reminds the audience again that Ragged Dick is more than anything supposed to be a story of the American Dream, coming from nothing and achieving money and wealth beyond anything you can imagine is strictly American. The idea that "Horatio Alger is widely viewed with respect and as an important symbol of what it really means to be an American" suggest that this view is important to many Americans, as the dream is individual to their country. Ragged Dick did represent the lower-class american society in the time it was written. But the idea that Ragged dick 'faced down adversity' is in my opinion not true. Ragged Dick was always destined to improve his situation, he was a happy chap who always looked on the bright side and for opputunitys to take. Dick did not resent his sitaution to begin with to much either, instead he was happy doing what he was doing untill he was shown how easy it would be to better himself with a little education. Dick faced everything he could and was always better off than others in his sitaution, he just needed guidance as to how to achieve (by saving money instead of wasting it at the circus.)
http://www.horatioalger.com/aboutus.cfm
http://www.horatioalger.com/aboutus.cfm
The use of the word Horiato Alger with regards to the Horatio Alger award is a little different however, it focuses not on the idea of the dream and getting wealth and class beyond what you could ever achieve anywhere else. Instead it has an international factor, which means the focus isnt on the 'American Dream' and they appear to have picked the qaulities that Dick had, that contributed to his advacement, which unlike the other two website purely focused on the idea that hard work and America will get you to where you want to be.
"Members of the Association are the select few who have been honored with the Horatio Alger Award. Horatio Alger Award recipients are dedicated community leaders who demonstrate individual initiative and a commitment to excellence; as exemplified by remarkable achievements accomplished through honesty, hard work, self-reliance and perseverance over adversity"
This is in many ways like Ragged Dick, and the award asks for many qualities that dick had. But these people have the good qualtiies of Dick, and are not rewarded for the cheeky, story spinning qualities that got Dick so far in the tale. In many ways this award represents Ragged Dick much more than the contemporary uses of the name Horatio Alger whom is mainly associated with getting high in society, by wealth and riches and acheiving anything you want with a little hard work.
It appears that Horatio Alger has come to represent the sucess story of American individuals opposed to the idea that hard-work and luck are the key to sucess. And as Richard proved, hard-work is not everything, you must also improve your appearence first to become treated better within society, as was found out in the bus scene in Ragged Dick.
"Members of the Association are the select few who have been honored with the Horatio Alger Award. Horatio Alger Award recipients are dedicated community leaders who demonstrate individual initiative and a commitment to excellence; as exemplified by remarkable achievements accomplished through honesty, hard work, self-reliance and perseverance over adversity"
This is in many ways like Ragged Dick, and the award asks for many qualities that dick had. But these people have the good qualtiies of Dick, and are not rewarded for the cheeky, story spinning qualities that got Dick so far in the tale. In many ways this award represents Ragged Dick much more than the contemporary uses of the name Horatio Alger whom is mainly associated with getting high in society, by wealth and riches and acheiving anything you want with a little hard work.
Tuesday 23 November 2010
Pro and Anti Gun Control
http://gunowners.org/
Anti-Gun Control
This website is the Gun Owners of America (GOA) which is a non-profit organisation and their mission is to defend the second amendment and to preserve the American peoples right to bear arms. The GOA was founded in 1975 and on their website they state that "Americans have lost some of our precious gun rights and we want them back". The GOA have a record of helping pro-gun candidates defeat anti-gun candidates and many of the organisations which are associated with the GOA help to raise funds to support the election of pro-gun candidates on all levels of government. The GOA claim that they are doing this to protect the American peoples second amendment rights and their freedom.
On this web-page women and guns are spoke of, Karen De Coster a member of the GOA says that many women are afraid of guns and that there is no reason to be afraid of one thing women can depend on using to protect themselves. Coster says women think a certain way because of Oprah, she says "the Oprah way is to trust everyone and insist that all people have good intentions" she also says that "a person who accepts defencelessness is unnatural, cowardly and pathetic. Ladies boycott that mentality by turning Oprah off and giving guns and your life a chance".
Just because Americans have a right to bear arms doesn't mean that they have to have a weapon and here I think the GOA are using fear that if you don't have a gun to protect yourself and your family your life is at risk because you are acting “cowardly and pathetic”. By using words like these it is like bullying someone into believing that having a gun is the right thing to to because its the “American” thing to do. Also I don't think Oprah is to blame for why so many women don't have gun's or that so many women are afraid of gun's! Women are fearful of guns because of the way in which they are used, its the violent use of a gun, they are used to kill people sometimes in self defence but if there had been gun control things like Columbine wouldn't have happened.
http://www.bradycampaign.org/
Pro-Gun Control
The Brady Campaign work to prevent gun violence, their aim is not to ban firearms but to restrict which weapons can be obtained by the general public and to ensure that weapons are not purchased by the wrong people, for example convicted felons and people with mental illnesses. The Organization was founded on 1974 and called the National Council to Control Handguns and then was renamed Handgun Control Inc. (HCI) in 1980 then renamed again in 2001 as the Brady Campaign. Laws have already been passed because of the work of the Brady campaign, for example it is now required by law that all licensed gun dealers must run a background check on anyone who wants to purchase firearms and there is a limit as to how many firearms can be purchased at once.
This will continue to be an unresolved issue in America because there are so many people who think that by giving up some of their rights to own certain weapons which aren't really necessary for the general public to own is unconstitutional. I agree with the work of the Brady Campaign because its still allowing Americans to have their second amendment right and it is making America safer place for its citizens. Also the work that the Brady Campaign have done and perhaps will do will be the closest America will ever come to some form of gun control. But because of organizations such as the GOA it will be very difficult for legislation to be passed on the matter of gun control.
Anti-Gun Control
This website is the Gun Owners of America (GOA) which is a non-profit organisation and their mission is to defend the second amendment and to preserve the American peoples right to bear arms. The GOA was founded in 1975 and on their website they state that "Americans have lost some of our precious gun rights and we want them back". The GOA have a record of helping pro-gun candidates defeat anti-gun candidates and many of the organisations which are associated with the GOA help to raise funds to support the election of pro-gun candidates on all levels of government. The GOA claim that they are doing this to protect the American peoples second amendment rights and their freedom.
On this web-page women and guns are spoke of, Karen De Coster a member of the GOA says that many women are afraid of guns and that there is no reason to be afraid of one thing women can depend on using to protect themselves. Coster says women think a certain way because of Oprah, she says "the Oprah way is to trust everyone and insist that all people have good intentions" she also says that "a person who accepts defencelessness is unnatural, cowardly and pathetic. Ladies boycott that mentality by turning Oprah off and giving guns and your life a chance".
Just because Americans have a right to bear arms doesn't mean that they have to have a weapon and here I think the GOA are using fear that if you don't have a gun to protect yourself and your family your life is at risk because you are acting “cowardly and pathetic”. By using words like these it is like bullying someone into believing that having a gun is the right thing to to because its the “American” thing to do. Also I don't think Oprah is to blame for why so many women don't have gun's or that so many women are afraid of gun's! Women are fearful of guns because of the way in which they are used, its the violent use of a gun, they are used to kill people sometimes in self defence but if there had been gun control things like Columbine wouldn't have happened.
http://www.bradycampaign.org/
Pro-Gun Control
The Brady Campaign work to prevent gun violence, their aim is not to ban firearms but to restrict which weapons can be obtained by the general public and to ensure that weapons are not purchased by the wrong people, for example convicted felons and people with mental illnesses. The Organization was founded on 1974 and called the National Council to Control Handguns and then was renamed Handgun Control Inc. (HCI) in 1980 then renamed again in 2001 as the Brady Campaign. Laws have already been passed because of the work of the Brady campaign, for example it is now required by law that all licensed gun dealers must run a background check on anyone who wants to purchase firearms and there is a limit as to how many firearms can be purchased at once.
This will continue to be an unresolved issue in America because there are so many people who think that by giving up some of their rights to own certain weapons which aren't really necessary for the general public to own is unconstitutional. I agree with the work of the Brady Campaign because its still allowing Americans to have their second amendment right and it is making America safer place for its citizens. Also the work that the Brady Campaign have done and perhaps will do will be the closest America will ever come to some form of gun control. But because of organizations such as the GOA it will be very difficult for legislation to be passed on the matter of gun control.
Tea Party
This is a tea party video made by the Sarah Palin website. In the video we hear her voice in the background explaining what the tea party is all about and what its aims are. The way this video is made it’s made more like a ‘campaign video’ for the tea party, although the tea party isn’t an actual party. At one point in the video she describes the teat party as ‘it is an action that is forcing both parties to change the way that they’re doing business and that’s beautiful’. The way she speaks is very much like many presidents speak; a very positive speech.
The aim of this video is most likely to show people how the tea party activists are only doing this for themselves and don’t want to get involved in any political situations, they just want the current politicians to change their ways. ‘its just so inspiring to see real people, not politicians’ The way Sarah Palin speaks in this video is an obvious sign of the amount of critique that the tea party has already had in the past.
The background music is a very courageous type of music, which they often use while filming speeches, in this way Sarah Palins speech is so much more powerful. In a way this video seems a bit suspicious, the way every single word said in it is completely positive. It makes you think, why are they getting so much critique then?
The video mainly underlines the politics of today and how the tea party is there to make the politics better for the future by nothing other than action and by getting as much people involved as possible.
Pro-guns and Pro-gun control
This website is advocating stricter gun control laws in order to protect the children of America better. Like many similar campaigns and groups they are in no way suggesting a complete ban on gun sales and ammunition but are trying to prompt the government to create more stringent laws that promote safer gun use and storage. They are lobbying the government to do this because then the laws would apply at a federal level and have to be obeyed across every state in the USA. At the moment there is a massively varying degree to which restrictions are placed on purchase and possession of firearms depending on the state that you are in and the current attitudes present there at the time.
It is easily understandable why the site focuses on children and young adults as there is a trend in recent years of massacres that occur in schools and colleges. From Columbine in 1999 with 13 dead, Virginia Tech in 2007 with 32 dead to the Northern Illinois University in 2008 with 5 dead. Not to mention the dangers of children playing with firearms, especially handguns and the tragic accidents associated with them.
The site plays on the heartstrings of the viewer by suggesting that 'by the time your kids go to bed tonight...eight more kids will be shot to death' insinuating that it could be the readers' children that it happens to. Though this is a tragic average fact it is slightly unethical to try and sway peoples opinions by playing with their emotions. Though it seems they need to do whatever they can to bring people to their cause in the face of the millions of dollars the Pro-gun lobbyists invest in theirs every year.
This Pro-gun website is the lobbying branch of the NRA. It is a long running, well established organisation that invests time and money into stopping or derailing legislative action that it perceives to be against the rights bestowed upon citizens in the second amendment of the constitution. There are 4 million members in the NRA all contributing amounts of money (some vast) to the cause of less restrictions placed on weaponry. Though that in no way means they encourage reckless gun usage, there are a vast array of fact sheets and instruction booklets available describing the best methods for using your gun.
There is also a section that shows articles from 'American Rifleman' called 'Armed Citizen' telling true stories that people have sent in of occasions when they were able to use guns in the protection of their property or person. There are a great many articles and the NRA place estimates of these incidents at as high as 2.5 million per year but this seems likely to be inflated. This makes a very good argument for the cause of pro-gun activists because everybody can identify with wanting the ability to be able to protect what is theirs.
Having said this you don't need a fully or semi-automatic weapon to do this or to hunt deer or game so why is the NRA so aggressively against bans on these types of weapons. The arguments between the Pro-gun and Pro-gun control seem very similar with just a few differences. Neither want guns used in crimes and both promote strict safety guidelines for gun usage. It seems the size and quantities of guns are the main sticking points and when it comes down to them i don't think its breaching anybodies constitutional rights to stop them having 6, M-16's just stopping them having quite so much fun!
Pro and anti gun control
http://www.bradycampaign.org/
The Pro Gun Control site I chose is the website of Jim Brady who was shot some 25 years ago when he was travelling with then president Ronald Reagan. His organisation does not believe in the complete banning of fire arms in America just that more sensible laws need to be enforced such as keeping dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands by making certain classes of weapons out of bounds for private ownership.They include Saturday-night specials, which are used almost exclusively for crime, military-style assault weapons like Uzis and AK-47s, and .50-caliber sniper rifles, which serve no ordinary sporting purpose.
I fail to see how American's could oppose this as they are still in support of people being able to bear arms as it is their 2nd ammendment right. There is just no need to possess guns which would be used in war or to kill elephants etc, if they feel the need to own/hold a big gun so bad why don't they just join the army or go on a big game hunt in south africa?!
Eventhough Jim Brady was permanently disabled after his shooting he still does not believe in a full ban on fire arms, why is it so engrained in American's that the need for guns is so high when in Canada there are more guns per person than in America and the rate of people killed by guns is considerably less. (see Bowling for Columbine by Michael Moore)
http://www.armedfemalesofamerica.com/
The website I chose for anti gun control is a "armed females of America", one of the slogans for this website is "Gun control is revolting", they talk about their god given rights by alluding to the constitution which is strange because it was written by humans. Some people fail to see that the world changes over time and just because something was deemed right in 1791 does not mean that it is today.
"OUR RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS is an individual, inalienable right endowed by our Creator, guaranteed by the Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights, and directly supports our lives, liberties, safeties and pursuits of happiness."
Many of the advocates for this site are mothers who want to be able to protect their children in the face of danger which I think is perfectly acceptable but is there any harm in regulating what guns are available for purchase, do you really need an AK47 to protect yourself rather than a hand gun.
American's seemed to be filled with this strange paranoia and fear over being attacked and the need to protect themselves, many fail to realise that maybe if there wasn't such an easy access to guns then there wouldn't be as much need for this paranoia. If someone really wants to kill someone with a gun then they will do just that but many more people get killed in America by guns just because in the heat of the moment they are available.
The Pro Gun Control site I chose is the website of Jim Brady who was shot some 25 years ago when he was travelling with then president Ronald Reagan. His organisation does not believe in the complete banning of fire arms in America just that more sensible laws need to be enforced such as keeping dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands by making certain classes of weapons out of bounds for private ownership.They include Saturday-night specials, which are used almost exclusively for crime, military-style assault weapons like Uzis and AK-47s, and .50-caliber sniper rifles, which serve no ordinary sporting purpose.
I fail to see how American's could oppose this as they are still in support of people being able to bear arms as it is their 2nd ammendment right. There is just no need to possess guns which would be used in war or to kill elephants etc, if they feel the need to own/hold a big gun so bad why don't they just join the army or go on a big game hunt in south africa?!
Eventhough Jim Brady was permanently disabled after his shooting he still does not believe in a full ban on fire arms, why is it so engrained in American's that the need for guns is so high when in Canada there are more guns per person than in America and the rate of people killed by guns is considerably less. (see Bowling for Columbine by Michael Moore)
http://www.armedfemalesofamerica.com/
The website I chose for anti gun control is a "armed females of America", one of the slogans for this website is "Gun control is revolting", they talk about their god given rights by alluding to the constitution which is strange because it was written by humans. Some people fail to see that the world changes over time and just because something was deemed right in 1791 does not mean that it is today.
"OUR RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS is an individual, inalienable right endowed by our Creator, guaranteed by the Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights, and directly supports our lives, liberties, safeties and pursuits of happiness."
Many of the advocates for this site are mothers who want to be able to protect their children in the face of danger which I think is perfectly acceptable but is there any harm in regulating what guns are available for purchase, do you really need an AK47 to protect yourself rather than a hand gun.
American's seemed to be filled with this strange paranoia and fear over being attacked and the need to protect themselves, many fail to realise that maybe if there wasn't such an easy access to guns then there wouldn't be as much need for this paranoia. If someone really wants to kill someone with a gun then they will do just that but many more people get killed in America by guns just because in the heat of the moment they are available.
Monday 22 November 2010
Pro-Guns and Anti-Gun comparison websites.
I have found one pro-gun website, which is ran and organized by females. The other, a pro-control website is again from a womens perspective in order to see the contrasts and comparisons in their arguments or 'mission' statements.
The first website, which is the pro-gun website; has little elements of feminitiy on it. There are images of guns across the page and what is more interesting is that the website uses the colours of America, red, white and blue. This suggests that these women are proud to be American and be able to carry guns on them as it creates an air of equality and even superiority. There is a strong emphasis on the idea of protecting ones family in the mission statement and being able to protect them. And, this is always done via looking back to the constitution and the second ammendment which is written partially at the top of the 
website for all to read, clearly on entering. This was a common feature of many of the pro-gun websites i looked at, many being based around the constitution and or having a link to read it in full. This prehaps represents the backward view that America has based its living on today. The people of America have not changed their constitition with the times. America are still allowed to 'bear arms', in such a materialistic, gang orientated society. The main argument coming from these women is that they are not mad, gang members who want to shoot down every person they have an argument with- but instead guns if it becomes necessary in a certain death threatening situation; to have power. I get the strong sense from this mission statement that the women are only pro-gun in order to feel safe within their community, knowing that many people do use guns in ganag and street violence. This message is understandble as women would like to feel safe and know that they can protect themselves if this sitaution ever occured. Scrolling down the website their are many propaganda images with women showing their strength of character and physcial strength, which is what they webiste appears to be promoting- in the hope that armed women of America will become powerful and strong.
website for all to read, clearly on entering. This was a common feature of many of the pro-gun websites i looked at, many being based around the constitution and or having a link to read it in full. This prehaps represents the backward view that America has based its living on today. The people of America have not changed their constitition with the times. America are still allowed to 'bear arms', in such a materialistic, gang orientated society. The main argument coming from these women is that they are not mad, gang members who want to shoot down every person they have an argument with- but instead guns if it becomes necessary in a certain death threatening situation; to have power. I get the strong sense from this mission statement that the women are only pro-gun in order to feel safe within their community, knowing that many people do use guns in ganag and street violence. This message is understandble as women would like to feel safe and know that they can protect themselves if this sitaution ever occured. Scrolling down the website their are many propaganda images with women showing their strength of character and physcial strength, which is what they webiste appears to be promoting- in the hope that armed women of America will become powerful and strong. What is strange about the websites is that their message/ angle apepars to be the same. Both messages want to protect their family, with the latter having more emphasis on children, classing themselves as 'moms' opposed to simply women. This enables me to empathise with both, as all women want to protect themselves and their family, but by diffferent means. The messages seem to come from stable and understandable backgrounds.
The second website appears to come more from the heart and from real women, opposed to a corperation. This is because of the photos and statisitics that are upon the website. The stories and number of deaths is shocking and makes you want guns banned in America. This is a more personal wesbite, appealing to many peoples better nature. The argument is always going to appear more pursausive becasue it would appear that banning guns would stop murders- but then would it? Surely putting more legisaltion in place would only make the penalties for murder higher, not stop them. If someone has it in them to murder a person, then laws are not going to stop this atall. This website is simple and easily to navigate opposed to the previous which was bombared with images and links to back up the argument that women need guns in America. In comparison it would show that a life without guns would be simplier. This website also lacks the link to America and a sense of nationalism, perhaps because they know that America is not a country that should be without guns. However, it is not America they have in mind, it is the safety of their children.
The messages of both websites give a view point that females can belive in. All women want to be able to protect themselves from violence and to be able to defent their children and prevent death. America seems to have a strong empphasis on the need for self- protection as if vilence and the life or death situation is bound to happen in ones life-time, whereas in England when these things happen it is shocking and usually grips the nation. However, it is the means of doing this which causes controversy and whether killing one to save the family is a positive thing, or whether hoping that guns laws instead will deter those intent on comittin crime.
Tuesday 16 November 2010
The Tea Party
The Tea Party Movement (Grass roots movement)
This video is Sarah Palin's view of what the Tea Party stands for, she makes no reference to social issues of which the Tea Party claim they have no interest in, all she makes reference to is small businesses, that the government should be working for the people and that is what the Tea Party about, they are only interested in fiscal responsibility, limited government and free market.
Palin says “the soul of the movement is the people, the everyday Americans', people who run small businesses, grow our food, teach our kids and fight our wars.” Also that “it is so inspiring to see real people not Politico's....come out, stand up and speak out for common sense conservative principles” she is directly speaking to Americans saying that they are going to take back what the government took from the people and the way to do that is by standing together as Americans to reclaim what the government have took from them and to restore the faith in American values and beliefs.
The Tea Party claim not to be a branch of the GOP or the republican party because they are more conservative than the republican party. They have many sub-groups under the National Tea Party Federation which is all about the federal government and the spending out of control. Tea Party have been called out on being anti-gay, pro-lifers and racists of which non are mentioned in the video. However many video's of the Tea Party show these white wash crowds and there are “concerns” among some American people who believe Barrack Obama wasn't born in the US so therefore he shouldn't be president also on August 28th 2010 at Glenn Beck's rally an individual wrote on a bus “Obama go back to Kenya”.
The video gives voice to the Tea Party as Sarah Palin says “the Tea Party is the future of politics” this tells the American people that they are not going to give up until they have got what they want and they don't believe the current administration give them what they want. Therefore they will fight for freedom an liberty to restore America's values and core principles.
I chose this clip because it demonstrates how members of the tea party are misinformed about taxes with 64% believing that they pay more taxes under Barack Obama where as actually 95% pay less. It shows Obama's reaction and also a follow up from the ever anti Obama FOX news.
In the hour-long town hall the president made another strong push for ending the Bush tax cuts for Americans making more than $250,000 a year and he adroitly resisted the assertion by one hedge fund manager that Wall Street was being "whacked like a pinata" by noting first that Main Street had been hammered much harder than Wall Street, and second that most people outside of Wall Street felt that he has been too soft on the financial sector. He sounded rueful -- how is it possible to be simultaneously anti-business and in Wall Street's pocket?
When one questioner asked him, what, practically, he had achieved to make her family's life better, he responded with a string of accomplishments: better access to student loans, restrictions on abusive credit card company practices, health insurance for people with preexisting conditions. When Harwood asked him to respond to the Tea Party's concern about "out-of-control" spending, he was particularly strong.
"The problem that I've seen in the debate that's been taking place and in some of these Tea Party events is, I think they're misidentifying sort of who the culprits are here," said Obama. "As I said before, we had to take some emergency steps last year. But the majority of economists will tell you that the emergency steps we take are not the problem long-term. The problems long-term are the problems that I talked about earlier. We had two tax cuts that weren't paid for, two wars that weren't paid for. We've got a population that's getting older. We're all demanding services, but our taxes have actually substantially gone down."
The tea party are focusing all their attentions on whether Obama should be allowed to be president (where was he born etc) that he is a socialist etc etc, but they are failing to realise that he took over control of America after George W Bush had borrowed $1.03 Trillion which was more than all the previous presidents put togther. If they want someone to blame then maybe they should look closer to home.
Slightly Concerning People
The video I've chosen is making a mockery of the Tea Party or certainly the majority of people that make up its followers. An interviewer is traveling around Washington D.C on the day of the march organised by Glenn Beck and asking various people who are participating in the march questions associated with the views and policies of the current administration and the Tea Party. It is trying to highlight the stupidity and hypocrisy of these people who seem to be only too happy to blindly follow something as extreme as the Tea Party based on the fact that it holds Christianity in high esteem and is anti abortion. At one point on the subject of Medicare, a lady who worked in health care for 20 yrs is praising the old Medicare system and agreeing that it could stand to be expanded while holding up an offensive banner saying 'Bury Obamacare with Kennedy'. There are many direct contradictions such as this which highlight the lack of background knowledge possessed by the people taking part in the march. It seems that the anger at the countries current economic situation is a driving force that is being exploited by inciters like Glenn Beck and Fox news that the general public are only too happy to rally behind as it seems that something is being done even if they are unaware of the factual details. The concerning aspects of this are highlighted in the video where it depicts militant undertones and themes in the wording of the banners/slogans and peoples actions which all appear very threatening. Also the evangelical preacher spouting fear and condemnation to me has no place in a political rally, as he talks about 9/11 being a warning from god seems to be scarily likened to unhinged homeless people you find talking to themselves on the high street.
The main point that came across to me from watching this video is that a large majority of the people who supported the Tea Party that day did so for a day out, something to do. It was something that they knew they agreed with some aspects of their policies but didn't know the facts or implications behind their accusations. As one man said, 'i just never been here before, i just wanted to see the capitol building'.
Week 8 - Tea party values....
THis is the latest of Sarah Palin's polemical appeals to the good folk of America.; make a note of the images and symbolism that Palin uses to define the USA. WHat are the dominant themes?
See you on Wednesday,
Good wishes,
John
http://vodpod.com/watch/4828422-together
See you on Wednesday,
Good wishes,
John
http://vodpod.com/watch/4828422-together
Monday 15 November 2010
The Tea Party Trailer
The video i have found this week is a film trialer for a Tea Party documentary film. I found this on the Tea Party Youtube channel and found it gave an interesting voice to the Tea Party. Like film trailers do, it dramatised the movement and consequently made them seem extremely significant in politics- which of course they may become in the future, but at the moment being a relatively new group in politics their presence is somewhat hard to determine. But, they did win a number of seats in Congress and the Senate in the mid-term 2010 elections and this does show that the party does need to be taken seriously now.
The video begins with the idea that "this is just the beginning of a huge revolution", which suggests the Tea Party believe they are gaining force within American Politics and can make the Republican Party more right-winged to fit in with their idea and policies. The pressure put upon freedom and liberty in the video will no doubt grab many Americans' attention as that is what the country of America is meant to stand for. Their is an emphasis on 'the people' in this video, suggesting that this is a party for the poor, the middle-classes and the wealthy. As it was made 'by the people, for the people.' This makes the video personal and appeals directly to America. Along with this the beginning of the video starts strongly by showing footage of demonstrations which show huge amounts of followers and supporters for the Tea Party. The continual image of the American flag drives support and patriotism.
Many people would believe the the Tea Party looks back and not forward, and this idea is shown in the video- which means that it is something the party is porud of. The fancy dress costumes and marches with the old style of clothes represents the direction that the Tea Party want America to look towards. This is also shown at the end with the tea-stained parchement paper that has the name of the Tea Party written upon it. The driving force of the Tea Party is to "stand with the constitution of America", and this does mean looking back. The video also shows a variety of races, which shows that they represent America. However, many video that i watched (from the critical perspective of the Tea Party) believed them to be racist and held views against Barak Obama, because of where they believed he came from, or simply because of his colour. One sign said "we need a chrisitan president" which shows that religion plays a part in the ideals of the Tea Party aswell. This cannot be proved or disproved since their is not a recognized leader for the Tea Party, or a maifesto to look towards- instead their are memebers of America who believe the common denominator of lower taxes and less government influence. The advert does not show any violence, or any campain leader such as Glenn Beck- who is a very influencial spokesperson of the party or Sarah Palin, who again has associated herself with the party. Instead people are used to portray the aspects of being normal and wanting what the average citizen wants. The trailer uses protest signs and anger to get across the fact that the government has to big a role in this 21st century American society. But to back this up, there is also a short clip of a news segment that states the same thing, in order to get across that some credible sources also have the same outlook of America.
Overall, the trailer gives a very influencial voice to the Tea party, and shows that in America there is a lot of support and obviiously funding for the party in order to produce a DVD with their story and the climb to get into American politics.
Tuesday 9 November 2010
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Harry Reid "Determination that makes a difference"
Harry Reid "Determination that makes a difference"
I have chosen a TV campaign advert of Harry Reid, He won his 5th term as senator this year with 50% of the votes, he was elected to the senate in 1986, 1992, 1998 and 2004. The ad opens by saying that Harry Reid is the “most powerful senator that Nevada has ever had” and the title of his ad is “determination” I think this shows that he is hard working and he won't give up fighting for the people in his state. I chose Harry Reid because he named his ad “determination that makes a difference” and he has shown determination by running for senator of Nevada five times. I think that this shows that he has unfinished business and he wont stop until he has accomplished what he has set out to do. The ad shows Reid is hard working and is focused on getting Nevada's economy back on track as he stopped the banks shutting down CityCentre, saving 20,000 jobs and he promises to create a further 41,000 jobs also Harry Reid got $100 million to help police officers and teachers keep their jobs. The ad shows he has the interests of others at heart as he has helped build roads, schools and hospitals. Harry Reid says that it is his responsibility to make sure no-one takes advantage of Nevada and he promises $800 of tax cuts for families in Nevada, a new children's health program and a G.I. Bill of rights so that veterans get the benefits they deserve.
Harry Reid's opposition was Sharron Angle a Republican, Member of the Tea Party, she was blasted as a racist throughout her campaign because of her ad's showing white families living in fear of Mexicans and Hispanic's illegally entering the US to join gangs and also she tried to discredit Harry Reid by saying he was going to give immigrants social security benefits, college tuitions and tax breaks. She called Reid the “poster child of what's gone wrong in America” when he has done more than her by securing jobs and creating more jobs in the state of Nevada.
The style of the ad was happy and uplifting, it showed promise of what Harry Reid has done and what he is going to do, it also showed people working hard and fighting to get out of the depression. The ad shows Harry Reid is trying to change things for the working class and for families by showing he's got money to fund jobs and schools and that he's going to cut tax's for families across Nevada.
Sharron Angle Senate Campaign Video
This advert clearly puts across Sharron Angle's point of view of what is happening in her state and all the things she is opposed to, namely her rival Harry Reid. The whole advert is laid out in a style designed to intimidate the viewer with bright bold aggressive colours used for emphasis on strategically important words. The voice of the narrator would be better suited to an advert for a scary movie as with each word said his tone and infliction become deeper and more gruff. The main focus of it is illegal immigration and the fact that it is sucking money away from hard working hard up tax payers. It suggests many ways in which the incumbent Harry Reid is supporting illegal immigrants and in fact giving them money and opportunity. When the supposed illegals are depicted on the screen they are shown in dark shadowy light looking rather intimidating and this is their purpose. In contrast she portrays herself in bright summery light, on a walk with her husband as they smile and hold hands supposedly indicative of a idealic situation for an ideal candidate. This politician is quite shamelessly playing on the bad economic situation of the time and the location of her voters to feed their fears and make them believe she can get rid of these problems without saying how. Just suggests that her rival needs to be stopped. He is shown in a unflattering way as well with a very cleverly chosen photo where he seems to be getting hot under the collar suggesting to the viewer that he is not able to handle the pressure. Sharron Angle was endorsed by Sarah Palin and has Tea Party links that go a long way to explaining the radical nature of this advert. All of this scaremongering was not successful though as she lost the election by 40,000 votes though the incumbent Reid did not win by as large a majority as he has in previous years and Obama did in 2008 in the state of Nevada.
Campaign video 2008
Rand Knight is a 35 year-old Democratic Candidate for United States Senate in Georgia. His Campaign video is quite long but therefore discusses all his aims, dreams and ideas for his state Georgia. The video has a quite dramatic background music, which is often used in campaign videos. I call it the music of ‘dreams come true’. As he talks about his background in Georgia and his love for the state the music blends in well and gives it a very attractive approach. In this video the way of speaking is very important; as I noticed his rhythm of speaking is the same rhythm of the music in the background. It is a rhythm of good future, change and making things better, which is what he is aiming for to make a good impression on people.
From what I have noticed, quite a lot of campaign videos are black and white when in this video an emphasis is put on colour. The campaign video is set up like an interview where we don’t get to hear the questions asked. In the first slide it mentions a question that says ‘why run?’ He says he got his inspiration in becoming a Senator from Sam Nunn, he had visited him in the 80’s when he was a teenager and always knew that one day he wanted to be involved in the problems of America and find solutions for them. He describes the problems that have occurred since Sam Nunn left his place as a Senator, like the economy and health issues. He then uses a very common method where he goes on about how unsafe and unhealthy the place is nowadays compared to when he was a kid, he brings in the sake of the children and how he wants to make a change for the kids, which always comes along as positive. He introduces himself as the ‘saviour’ of Georgia as he says ‘it’s time for someone to stand up’.
In the second part it says qualities of a leader in which he mainly tries to describe himself. In this part he says that being able to listen to people and find solutions for people is the most important thing, I find it quite positive how he tries to act like he is there for every individual person of Georgia to listen to them. The third part therefore tries to make him look like a Senator who stands out ‘a different leader’. He links his own experiences (his children) to how he feels about how every human being has the right to have a healthy life, and how the more fortunate people do not have more rights than the less fortunate people.
The main message of the video is that Rand Knight listens to the people of Georgia and that he will bring the messages to Washington and make it happen.
Latino 'Others'
This website is for all Hispanic news and commentary on world events with particular attention to the Americas. It is clearly stated that it is run by conservative mainly Republican Latinos and as such is quite a rarity as perceptions are that most Latinos vote Democrat.
Latinos and Hispanics are the largest growing minority group in America, since 1990 their numbers have doubled and are expected to do the same in the next twenty years. This means that by sheer force of people they are going to have massive impacts on American culture and way of life, even more significantly than they have already. This website is bilingual, parts in English and parts in Spanish, which reflects one of the large issues associated with Latinos today. Their population concentration is mainly in and around southern states close to the Mexican border and as such there are whole neighborhoods exclusively comprised of Spanish speaking people, whole districts even. They still have to learn English in schools and use it for official purposes but is that right? There are movements who want individuals to be able to decide what language their children are taught in. Spanish is part of their culture and it could be argued that they have no use for English in their daily lives. On the opposite side of the argument other groups are calling it un-American to do so, that English has always been the national language and therefore to live there you must learn it, and i do agree with them. But if speaking English is an integral part of what constitutes being American and there are vast portions of cities and states that it is never heard in, are those areas still part of America??
The other main stigma attached to Latino/Hispanics is their association with illegal immigrants, this website clearly tries to define and separate that association. It states that 'The Americano believes that the United States can and should have a generous legal and documented immigration policy based on the needs of free markets'. This is calling for even stricter regulations on immigration to crack down on illegals and allow decisions on immigrants based on the needs of the country.
Alvin Greene Campaign Ad
I chose Alvin Greene not just because of the fact that he is a young (33 years old) black democrat but also because of how unconverntional his rise to become a senate has been. Alvin Greene gained nationwide attention in 2010 after running for the United States Senate in the state of South Carolina.
Alvin Greene, was unemployed, lived in his parents' house and had no history of political activity. But he did have a cheque for $10,400, the required entry fee for the Democratic primary. After handing over the cheque and insisting that his photo be posted on the party's website, Greene disappeared and was never seen again. Until when Greene received 59% of the primary votes – nearly 100,000 in total – to win the Democratic nomination.
How could a candidate who without campaigning, advertising or having a website, win a state-wide contest? His only rival, Vic Rawl, was an established local politician and former judge, who raised nearly $200,000 on his election campaign.
It gets all the more strange considering that Greene has been unemployed since last August, when he left the US army. He lives with his elderly father in rural South Carolina, without a computer or even a mobile phone.
Where-as the vast majority of other candidates campain advertisements are funded by themselves and are made to look very professional, Alvin Greene's looks amateurish and rely's on clips from the media mentioning his name and the situation, it doesn't really tell you what his aims or views are as such in much detail. Eventhough he did not win a seat on the senate why were people voting him? was it because he was an african american? a democrat? or just perhaps to mock the system?
'Others' in America
http://www.nowpublic.com/world/america-s-gypsies
As ‘others’ in America I chose the gypsies. In history they have left quite a footprint, especially during the Great Depression. Most commonly they are to be known to have dark skin and hair and speak Romanian. They are seen as ‘others’ in America because they have no passport but are in fact ‘citizens’ of America. They travel across the country and sleep in different places every night, with caravans or just in the open air.
In the 1930’s they were described like "They had the covered wagons, and they pulled them with horses. And then they'd park somewhere along the line to feed the horses, eat there along the road," which is a lot like the way they can be described nowadays.
’ America’s gypsies are the people who travel in small bands, living on the streets in public spaces, often by libraries.’
Every group of gyspies has their own background, tradition and culture, but they have one thing in common and that is the fact that they all have more chance to survive in America due to wealth of its citizens. In America therefore they are seen as ‘dirty’ people, people they do not want to know or be part of. This is due to the fact that they are ‘homeless’ so therefore do not pay taxes, but they pollute the employment world by moving around and taking advantage of temporary jobs they can get.
Monday 8 November 2010
Others: Women's Right's
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/19/AR2010021902049.html
I have chosen to look at the equality of women in America, in this article from the Washington Post written by Jessica Valenti she describes the equality of women in America as a
“Feel good illusion” and that American women have been “duped” into believing equality is a real thing. Many women feel that they are discriminated against and they are not treated as equals to men, therefore feminist movements continue to grow throughout America.
In the work place women are often discriminated against and when talking about women in a work place there is often a reference to the term “glass ceiling” which is an imaginary barrier preventing women from reaching the same level in their careers as men and receiving the same salary of a man doing the same job as them. In the article there is reference to inequality of women at work as it states women make around “67 cents to a man's dollar”.
Feminist movements in America are still at large today fighting for equality, freedom of reproductive rights, wage gap between women and men, sexism (of which in the article it refers to the 2008 campaign where Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton were targets of sexism.), violence against women and many more issues.
Valenti states “there is so much more work to be done” and maybe hope is restored in women because of the work of some women in politics for example Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin who are seen as breaking the mould and opening doors for future generations of women.
I have chosen to look at the equality of women in America, in this article from the Washington Post written by Jessica Valenti she describes the equality of women in America as a
“Feel good illusion” and that American women have been “duped” into believing equality is a real thing. Many women feel that they are discriminated against and they are not treated as equals to men, therefore feminist movements continue to grow throughout America.In the work place women are often discriminated against and when talking about women in a work place there is often a reference to the term “glass ceiling” which is an imaginary barrier preventing women from reaching the same level in their careers as men and receiving the same salary of a man doing the same job as them. In the article there is reference to inequality of women at work as it states women make around “67 cents to a man's dollar”.
Feminist movements in America are still at large today fighting for equality, freedom of reproductive rights, wage gap between women and men, sexism (of which in the article it refers to the 2008 campaign where Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton were targets of sexism.), violence against women and many more issues.
Valenti states “there is so much more work to be done” and maybe hope is restored in women because of the work of some women in politics for example Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin who are seen as breaking the mould and opening doors for future generations of women.
Other - Amish
http://www.amishnews.com
The "other" group which I have chosen to focus on are the Amish people, I found an Amish country news website based in Pennsylvania. Amongst having the local news for their people on the site it also offers some interesting articles showing the difference between themselves and "normal" Americans. Many people will be familiar with atleast the name Amish if not all their ideals and may be familiar that they are in many cases a separate independent society with the exception of selling some of the produce which they make such as milk, vegetables etc.
One of the articles tells of how important the traditional family and family values are to these people. They feel that in modern society people tend to look oustide of the home for most things e.g. education, religion, entertainment etc but they feel that it is important to keep these within the home. The main factor in the reason behind this lifestyle is their religious beliefs and how important a role they play in the everyday lives of the Amish. To some it may be seen as an extreme way of carrying out your faith but who's to say how the way anyone lives is normal or right or wrong. I myself am in somewhat awe of a people that to me live such a simple and self contained life as I have grown up in a society with many different forms of entertainment and ways of getting distracted from whats real. Where as on the other side I feel that because the world is ever changing you shouldn't hide away from it but embrace it if you want to or not. People are free to live any life they so wish but I don't see anything wrong with watching a little bit of tv after a hard days work.
I was intrigued by the Amish after recently watching a film called "Amish Grace", which is about an outsider who comes into the Amish town to collect their milk and for certain reasons explained in the film holds hostage the local girls school and kills around 7 of them. The story follows how their religion helped them through this terrible time and showed how forgiving a people they are, also showing the reaction of people from "normal" American socities about how they could learn from their "Grace".
The "other" group which I have chosen to focus on are the Amish people, I found an Amish country news website based in Pennsylvania. Amongst having the local news for their people on the site it also offers some interesting articles showing the difference between themselves and "normal" Americans. Many people will be familiar with atleast the name Amish if not all their ideals and may be familiar that they are in many cases a separate independent society with the exception of selling some of the produce which they make such as milk, vegetables etc.
One of the articles tells of how important the traditional family and family values are to these people. They feel that in modern society people tend to look oustide of the home for most things e.g. education, religion, entertainment etc but they feel that it is important to keep these within the home. The main factor in the reason behind this lifestyle is their religious beliefs and how important a role they play in the everyday lives of the Amish. To some it may be seen as an extreme way of carrying out your faith but who's to say how the way anyone lives is normal or right or wrong. I myself am in somewhat awe of a people that to me live such a simple and self contained life as I have grown up in a society with many different forms of entertainment and ways of getting distracted from whats real. Where as on the other side I feel that because the world is ever changing you shouldn't hide away from it but embrace it if you want to or not. People are free to live any life they so wish but I don't see anything wrong with watching a little bit of tv after a hard days work.
I was intrigued by the Amish after recently watching a film called "Amish Grace", which is about an outsider who comes into the Amish town to collect their milk and for certain reasons explained in the film holds hostage the local girls school and kills around 7 of them. The story follows how their religion helped them through this terrible time and showed how forgiving a people they are, also showing the reaction of people from "normal" American socities about how they could learn from their "Grace".
Marco Rubio Campaign Advert
I have chosen a TV campaign advert my Marco Rubio, a candidate for the Senate in the state of Florida. I have picked this advert because after watching a few that he made, i feel that this advert encompassess all the principles of his other adverts and puts them into one short and to the point campaign. It was made for the television and for much of the advert, all that will be on the screen is Marco Rubio's face, looking directly at you. Now, depending on the side of your television this could become quite scary-as there is nothing else to look at and as a viewer you are forced to listen to his words and into his eyes, making his address personal.
Marco Rubio is a member of the Tea Party, but this is not mentioned in his advert. Instead he feels the need to go into his family background, and tell the audience what drives him to change Washington. The video is effective as it speaks to the American people; he addresses the idea of the American dream being alive, along with the view that the people of America need to be treated better so that they can make their own chances and get their own prosperity. By playing upon the American dream he has got people listening, because the people of America are always striving for better things in life, and the American dream is why many citizens moved to America. He then plays upon the idea of his family, and there is a campaign video i watched that involves just his children, which is quite disturbing as he feels he can use his children as a campaign tool to pull at the heartstrings of the women. But, to many family is important in America. There are these stereotypes for women such as being a 'soccer mom', which is something many aspire to be- aswell as being able to give thier child a better future, which is surely what any mother and father want. Marco makes the point of saying that his story is not unique, which appeals to many as they can relate to his story- making him a figure to look up to an be proud of. He doesn't give any details of his plan of action; instead chooses simply to say he can reclaim America and make people proud of their country again.
But his campaign clearly hit the right notes, as Florida could be classed as a family-orientated state being home to many theme parks which children are taken to in order to produce those family memories that can be treasured. Marco Rubio won his campain beat off rivals Kendrick Meek and Charlie Crist with 49% of the votes in Flordida. This shows that the teaparty can achieve with the right words and idea's in the campaign advert.
Please note that because we have had to juggle the weeks in the module schedule, week 7's task is as follows:
Find, post and comment on any recent US campaign video made by a candidate in the 2008 or 2010 elections. Your first choice should not be Obama or McCain - try to find a campaign video in support of a Senator or a Congressman. They do not have to be the winner, but make sure you know what the result was. Also make sure you comment both on its content and on its style.
If you don't know how to embed Youtube videos, now is the time to learn. If you look under any video you will see a bar which includes the word "Embed". Click on it and it will highlight a code which you can then copy and paste into your blog post. The video should then appear directly in your post - no link required. Try it.
Find, post and comment on any recent US campaign video made by a candidate in the 2008 or 2010 elections. Your first choice should not be Obama or McCain - try to find a campaign video in support of a Senator or a Congressman. They do not have to be the winner, but make sure you know what the result was. Also make sure you comment both on its content and on its style.
If you don't know how to embed Youtube videos, now is the time to learn. If you look under any video you will see a bar which includes the word "Embed". Click on it and it will highlight a code which you can then copy and paste into your blog post. The video should then appear directly in your post - no link required. Try it.
Monday 1 November 2010
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/08/16/same.sex.marriage/
I have picked the "other" group in society as the gay and lesbian community. In America especially there is a lot of opposition to gay marriage and civil ceremonies. In this sense America is an extremely backwards country as even today there is much discrimination and prejudice towards the gay community. Only 5 of the states in America permit same sex marriages. The website i have picked comes from the CNN news chanel and is a report from earlier this year surrounding California's decision upon same sex marriages. I think this represents the history of being gay in America well as it makes clear that even in the 21st century it is hard ot be gay and live a free and happy life in America, ideals that America is supposed to base it's ideology upon. The brief (and somewhat undecisive) history of the gay rights in California shows the indecision on the situation and the struggle the gay community must live with. What was interesting was that it pointed out that "The brief order from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals late Monday set aside a federal judge's decision earlier this month that would have permitted same-sex marriages to resume in California as early as Wednesday" which suggests that there are many different views upon the situation; and that Americans cannot agree on the right outcome for the situation. It just goes to show that some citizens are determined to stop the law changing to favour the gay and lesbian community, whereas the gay community are prepared to go to the highest court in order to prove themselves indifferent and this shows the hardship which is faced in America today.Although many people may be coming to terms with the idea of people being gay as a CNN poll i looked at suggested, it doesn't mean that they are prepared to go all the way to changing the law and allowing the marriages and civil ceremonies to be legalized.
The view of the gay community is obviously present here as they attempt to overturn the law, and suceed and then fail at the next hurdle with the next court. It suggests that there is much controversy surrounding the issue and not much is being achieved on the matter. The religious history of America may influence their views upon the situation, and as the CNN article states "Among the federal appeals judges who agreed Monday to block same-sex marriages from resuming immediately was Sidney Thomas, a Montana native who was interviewed this spring by President Obama for the Supreme Court vacancy" i don't think the struggle for gay rights in America will gain sucess anytime soon. There is simply to much prejudice and hard feeling, which means the struggle will continue and that history will take time to be re-written.
Tuesday 26 October 2010
Crevecoeur
In Letter’s from an American Farmer, Crevecoeur writes that America is new and exceptional. Crevecoeur states “we are the most perfect society now existing in the world. Here man is free like he ought to be” Crevecoeur wrote this because America hadn't been corrupted by the ways in which Europe had, this was the land where you worked for yourself and provided for your family, where you are free to live the way you want. This statement makes indi
viduals believe that there is freedom, possibilities and great achievements to be made in America.
Today there is still encouragement of endless possibilities and the freedom within America. TV reality shows such as America's Got Talent influence and provoke individuals to go on these shows to achieve their dreams. This relates to Crevecoeur because it represents the freedom to choose your own destiny by making your dreams come true.
http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/
viduals believe that there is freedom, possibilities and great achievements to be made in America.Today there is still encouragement of endless possibilities and the freedom within America. TV reality shows such as America's Got Talent influence and provoke individuals to go on these shows to achieve their dreams. This relates to Crevecoeur because it represents the freedom to choose your own destiny by making your dreams come true.
http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/
William Bradford, an early settler
William Bradford was a leader of the Pilgrims (English Puritan Separatists). He wrote a journal that was completed around 1650 and some of his stories on early settlement are posted here on this site.
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1650bradford.html
He writes about a lot of issues and concerns that came along during living in the Puritan Community. He starts off with talking about the arrival; there was a lot danger of being attacked at arrival and during settlement. The Season in which they tried to settle in was the harsh and unforgiving winter season and there was a lot of uncertainty of whether their plans would go according to plan.
When they arrived, they had no houses or people to take care of them after their harsh journey; they had to make it on their own right away. Determination really came out during their arrival, the determination of creating a good life for themselves all the way on the other side of the ocean. The unknown is what made it the most difficult, the unknown water, coast and land.
The way they came through this settling in and the arrival of the big adventure is said to be came along because of the Lord.
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