I have not realized until very recently how much I use Facebooks as a journal.
I don't post long entries. I don't specific details. I do however post "status updates" that have to do with things going on in my person and/or public life. Posts about my public life are obviously more specific than my personal life but for some reason I cannot make an actual, personal journal for my personal life. I like to get "comments.' I guess I hope that somehow they will clarify whatever blunder I have made or whatever crazy, sad, or stupid situation I am in. I am not proud of it but nor do I plan on stopping it. I've noticed that other people do it as well. Facebook has become a major outlet for people. Those who use to post blogs on myspace may now post "status changes" on facebook. Shortened of course. It's funny to me that, although I have started doing it myself, facebook plays such a major role in friendships, other relationships, and conversations. If put the the test, it can be quite scandalous. I've recently learned that it is possible for anyone to see anything you post on facebook. I've actually known this for a while but I guess it is better to say that other people may be learning it soon. You can 't just say anything you want. Your status will be read. And who knows who it will get back to. Probably the person you were talking about right? Be careful people. unless you are trying to offend someone.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The Ellen Degeneres Show
The Ellen Degeneres Show is a perfect example of popular culture in many ways. It is a talk show with the hilarious and generous host, Ellen Degeneres. Ms. Degeneres interviews celebrities, talks about interesting current events, and shares her opinions on how to be healthy, kind, and green.
In my opinion The Ellen Show is a perfect cultural artifact to study. It has many elements of pop culture. Celebrities, music, YouTube clips, health tips, tips for Going Green. She also has a Twitter account that she uses to aid in contests that she creates. Ellen Degeneres is a comedian, previous actress, and also a gay culture icon. Although her show is mostly comedic and entertaining, she does once in a while take on more serious issues to discuss with her loyal fan base, with the trust and hope that they will help out if possible.
I chose this show to study this semester because, not only is it completely relevant to popular culture these days but it is interesting. I enjoy this show on my own time and therefore would absolutely have fun studying it for school purposes.
While studying The Ellen Show I plan to ask questions like, why is this show so interesting? What makes Ellen Degeneres fans so loyal? Why are talk shows in general so entertaining and so popular and such a part of our culture? I look forward to answering these questions and more throughout the semester.
In my opinion The Ellen Show is a perfect cultural artifact to study. It has many elements of pop culture. Celebrities, music, YouTube clips, health tips, tips for Going Green. She also has a Twitter account that she uses to aid in contests that she creates. Ellen Degeneres is a comedian, previous actress, and also a gay culture icon. Although her show is mostly comedic and entertaining, she does once in a while take on more serious issues to discuss with her loyal fan base, with the trust and hope that they will help out if possible.
I chose this show to study this semester because, not only is it completely relevant to popular culture these days but it is interesting. I enjoy this show on my own time and therefore would absolutely have fun studying it for school purposes.
While studying The Ellen Show I plan to ask questions like, why is this show so interesting? What makes Ellen Degeneres fans so loyal? Why are talk shows in general so entertaining and so popular and such a part of our culture? I look forward to answering these questions and more throughout the semester.
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Role of a Critic
Critics are, in their own right, very powerful people. The can make someone feel terrible, or give someone a nice confidence boost. Critics can help something sell, or discourage people from purchasing it. As a part of popular culture, critics are, well..., rather critical. They, in a way, help control what is popular and what is not.
Pop culture is absolutely important to study. It, at least in part, helps to define us as a culture. Depending on what is popular at the time shows where we are as a culture and in what directions we may be heading. Studying pop culture trends assists businesses with knowing what they need to supply, how much of it, and the things that they can possibly make money off of.
Good criticism of popular culture should use facts to aid their opinions. A critic cannot just say that a certain book is terrible, or the most recent action movie is crap. They must have some sort of back up to support their claims. It is still an opinion, but an educated one which makes it more relevant. Good criticism should ask why something is not good. What could make it better? What was the author or director or other artist thinking? It should ask questions that could help explain why something was judged a certain way.
Taking on the role of a critic, I expect to learn how to better criticize any sort of product I come across. Being a critic is a tricky thing, because you want to make sure that you not only get your opinion across, but that you do it respectfully. I also hope to learn more about myself as a critic. I hope to learn more about how I think and how to better understand my opinions and my ways of expressing them.
Pop culture is absolutely important to study. It, at least in part, helps to define us as a culture. Depending on what is popular at the time shows where we are as a culture and in what directions we may be heading. Studying pop culture trends assists businesses with knowing what they need to supply, how much of it, and the things that they can possibly make money off of.
Good criticism of popular culture should use facts to aid their opinions. A critic cannot just say that a certain book is terrible, or the most recent action movie is crap. They must have some sort of back up to support their claims. It is still an opinion, but an educated one which makes it more relevant. Good criticism should ask why something is not good. What could make it better? What was the author or director or other artist thinking? It should ask questions that could help explain why something was judged a certain way.
Taking on the role of a critic, I expect to learn how to better criticize any sort of product I come across. Being a critic is a tricky thing, because you want to make sure that you not only get your opinion across, but that you do it respectfully. I also hope to learn more about myself as a critic. I hope to learn more about how I think and how to better understand my opinions and my ways of expressing them.
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