Written Analysis 5

Written Analysis 5

Michele Burr

Popular Culture

HUMN240

September 27, 2013

Written Analysis 5

The main theory that I would relate to my popular culture topic is uses and gratifications theory (UG) (Petracca & Sorapure, 2009, p. 410). The Macintosh computer has brought great joy as well as purpose to many lives. In 2011 alone, 75.6 of households in the United States used a computer (“Computer and Internet Use in the United States“, 2013). I would guess that number has increased dramatically since that survey. This tells me that people are “using” the computer and at the same time “enjoying” the time they spend on it. Whether it’s surfing the internet to doing homework for an online class, Americans are spending a lot of time on a personal computer. I do feel that there are both positive and negative implications though when it comes to computer usage. Unfortunately the negative side is that it allows people an outlet to express their opinions with no filter. The paper I wrote about the Cheerios commercial showed just that. People were able to express their opinions and most of those comments were not very nice. They had free range of the computer to spew whatever derogatory remarks without any consequences. This is one thing I wish could change about the internet, but I’ve accepted the fact that it will never change.

I would have to say the most interesting finding is all of the wonderful information we can find by using our computers. I’ve been able to Google a Math topic to help my daughter with her homework. I can’t tell you how many times I felt like an idiot because I didn’t know the answer. The computer though allowed me to find it! Other than hoping peoples negative and hurtful comments couldn’t be published with the click of a button, I would have to say that I don’t think of the computer any differently. It has improved a lot of businesses with their ability to track customer data and it has allowed busy students like me to continue my education while still working. 

References

Computer and Internet Use in the United States. (2013). Population Characteristics, (), 1-14.

Petracca, M., & Sorapure, M. (2009). Technology. In Common Culture Reading and Writing About American Popular Culture (pp. 408-422). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, INC.

Written Analysis 2

I would have to say that the biggest stereotype surrounding the Macintosh computer is that only the wealthy are able to afford a computer. Many families today have purchased a Mac computer either for themselves or perhaps they use one in their place of employment. If it's for work purposes perhaps they are able to write off the purchase when they file their taxes. Either way, a lot of people stereotype others by thinking they have a lot of money simply because of 1 item. A person cannot be measured by the things they own, but by their character. 

The theory behind stereotypes is usually unfounded. People generalize things too much and don't have all the facts before judging someone which in all actuality stereotyping is just the same as judging someone.

Written Analysis #1

Written Analysis 1

Since I chose to blog about Steve Jobs and the invention of the Macintosh computer, I thought it was fitting to mention a quote I found. "Everything that can be invented has been invented." -- Attributed to Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. Office of Patents, 1899, but known to be an urban legend (Things People Said, Bad Predictions, n.d.) I’m sure many people have said they felt that the personal computer would be a thing of the past, but here we are in 2013 with so many new versions of technology that it has actually improved the lives of many. We can consider Steve Jobs a pioneer or icon of innovation. He’s an example of what hard work and determination can look like. Most people don’t know that Jobs actually left Apple in 1985 to later return in 1998 as an adviser turned interim CEO. Jobs saved Apple from bankruptcy and Apple is what it is today with products such as iMac, iTunes, iPod and the iPad (Wikipedia, n.d.). The popular belief in today’s society is that a person is lost without their phone, tablet, laptop or any other form of technology that they feel they need in order to even function. Several friends have told me that they were late to work because they had to go back home to get their phone. My thought was “wow” your phone means more to you than your job? Someone who is addicted to social media and technology may risk an infraction at work simply because they left their phone at home. Mixed up priorities if you ask me, but unfortunately the pull technology has on our society.

 What is Pop Culture? What does it mean?

I would have to say that Pop Culture is what makes our society unique. It's the latest slang, music genre, or fashion trend. Everyone likes something... whether it be the Ugg boots that I think are "ugly" or the latest app for their smart phone, we are constantly chasing trends. Fashion is something that even returns to our culture. I remember a couple of years ago when leg warmers became popular! This brought back a lot of memories because I remember wearing them in high school. Teens and young adults aren't the only audience for advertisements for pop culture. Transmitted through social media sites and on almost every TV commercial, pop culture is constantly evolving.

Pop Culture to me means staying in the loop. With a tweenager at home, I usually hear about things through her before I see it myself. I would have to say though that I'm guilty of watching YouTube every once in a while and I do have a Facebook, that is when I can remember the password, lol! 

Why is an understanding of Popular Culture relevant to you in a business environment and in your present and future career?

In the healthcare field in which I work I find it beneficial to stay current with the many trends effecting the industry. With talk of Obama care and the scary future our country is facing, I do my best to research and understand what's occurring and how it may or may not effect me. As a nurse I have access to many online publications and journals that explain and clarify a lot of the social rhetoric. I feel it's my duty to be informed about changes that effect my license and the scope in which I practice. This allows me to be not only a better nurse, but to provide the safest care possible.

Pop Culture Artifact

My popular culture artifact is the Macintosh computer and co-founder Steve Jobs.

Retrieved from: https://www.google.com/#q=picture+of+the+first+macintosh+computer

 The Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984 and sold for $2,495. It weighed close to 17 pounds and had a speed of 8 Mhz. Steve Jobs struggled with many of the board members including John Sculley who he hired from Pepsi. Jobs continued to think of how he could improve the personal computer and make it more affordable. 
Jobs was also instrumental in the creation of the Laserwriter printer and knew software would be the key to appealing to consumers. 

The Macintosh computer "is" the digital revolution. It has defined multimedia technology across all industries from music, communication to education, it's this computer that has evolved into the 21st century.

I have chosen the Macintosh computer as my Popular Culture artifact because of it's impact on our lives. There have been many success stories involving the personal computer. Most of us use it on a daily basis and it's become part of us. 

 Icon Analysis

I chose the movie The Wizard of OZ, Oprah Winfrey and Steve Jobs for my Icon Analysis.

This movie was a huge part of my childhood. If I have the time I still watch it with my daughter to this day. Made in 1939 in black and white, The Wizard of OZ was an iconic musical, fantasy film. Filled with characters such as Dorothy (Judy Garland), Toto, Tin man, Scarecrow and the Lion. 
The Wizard of OZ is considered part of American Culture and was recently part of the concept behind "Oz the Great and Powerful" earlier this year. Having watched Oz, it's a horrible depiction and in my opinion a huge waste of money. Nonetheless, The Wizard of OZ is a film that will go down in history as being one of the greatest films that proves there is an end of the rainbow. It gives even adults the feeling of being young again and being able to tap into their childhood.

Oprah Winfrey is considered to be one of the most legendary people of all time. From her charitable efforts, including her Leadership Academy for girls in South Africa, to her desire to lend an ear to people struggling from things such as addiction, domestic violence or obesity, Oprah Winfrey is proven to be one of a kind. I've seen many interviews over the years and her response is always the same. Oprah feels that she's just an average person with a desire to make a difference in the world. Although Oprah has a net worth of approximately 2.9 billion dollars, she remains humble. I've chosen Oprah Winfrey as an icon simply because she's a prime example of what one can make of themselves if they have determination and confidence. She's experienced every aspect of life from being molested at the age of  9 and growing up poor to being named #1 on Forbes list top 100 most powerful celebrities.

Steve Jobs is an entrepreneur, marketer and inventor. Jobs was co-founder, chairman and CEO of Apple Inc. I've chosen him as an icon for his efforts in transforming the the personal computer to include the invention of the iPad. Steve Jobs didn't even graduate from college, but he was brilliant nonetheless. Jobs originally worked for Atari which some of us still remember playing. Apple built its first personal computers with some of the parts from Atari's early video game machines. From research I've read, Jobs struggled with personal relationships and in fact didn't get along with many of his counterparts. Steve Jobs passed away October 5, 2011 from respiratory arrest after suffering from Pancreatic Cancer.