Assignment 2-2: Icon Analysis

The three icons I have chosen are Goofy, Rush Limbaugh, and the Cincinnati Bengals.

I chose Goofy because he is one of my favorite cartoon characters. I even have a nameplate by my computer monitor that says, "Goofy." It was given to me by a supervisor when I was promoted to an office position. Rush Limbaugh was chosen because of the influence he has had on the political landscape of America the last 20 years or so. Love him or hate him, he has had an effect. The last icon I chose was the Cincinnati Bengals. I have been a fan of the Bengals since I was a little boy. You can tell I am a sucker for underdogs.

These all have had influences in my life. Goofy, for the sheer entertainment value. Rush Limbaugh, for constantly making me examine my own thoughts. The Cincinnati Bengals, for teaching me to keep on hoping!

Assignment 2-1 Weekly Blog Addition

Earlier this week, Barak Obama engaged in his last presidential debate before the primary elections in Ohio and Texas on March 4, 2008. I watched the debate with interest, not only because I am from Ohio, but I am also watching history unfold before my eyes. Did Barak do well enough in the debate to possibly allow him to get enough votes to overtake Hillary?

Barak is much more polished as a campaign speaker. He tends to be slower and more hesitant with his words in a debate setting. His message, however, stays on track and he is very calm in his demeanor. In contract, Hillary was getting somewhat emotional at times. This is not a bad thing. It shows the contrast between the two debaters, and Barak appear to be the one who would be more calm and collected under stress.

According to the latest polls, the two candidates are in a tie in Texas and Hillary holds a small lead over Barak in Ohio. We will see how well each candidate does, and whether the televised debate might have had any influence.

Assignment 1-4, Weekly Analysis

I needed to find a current pop culture topic for my ongoing, weekly analysis on my blog. I thought over different topics that are currently in our pop culture. The most current that I could think of, that I do somewhat follow, is the presidential candidacy of Barak Obama.

I realize that politics do not always translate into popular culture, but Barak is able to draw people by the thousands to his rallies. He is able to bring people who are not political into the political process. His message of change and hope for America, although rather vague at times, has resonated with a large segment of the American population.

His politics are not in line for what I believe is the best course for America, in both the short term and long term views. I cannot dismiss, however, the charisma of the man and of his message. This first post is not strong on analysis. It is more of setting up the foundation for the weekly analysis that is to come. I am sure that this will also be set against his opponent for the Democratic presidential nomination – Hillary Clinton. Even though she is an artifact of popular culture herself and she will be mentioned, this analysis will be Barak’s.

Answers to Assignment 1-2, Action Item 1

What is popular culture, and what does it mean to you?

Popular culture is really hard to define. It is not something static that does not change and it is something that will be different between different peoples in different geographical areas. It may not be 100% accepted, but it is influential to society as a whole, in shaping their culture and the path of their future, in some small ways.

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

Understanding the trends of the popular culture’s influence on your business environment allows you to not fall behind. It will keep you current and not dated in your outlook. How many business examples are there that the business thought that the status quo was ok and would stay for some time, not seeing the new trends that were coming down the road and these trends would take over the market?

What would you consider to be an example of a pop culture artifact? And why would you choose it?

I chose Frodo, from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, as an example of a pop culture artifact. Not only was he a key figure in best selling book series and an Oscar winning trilogy film series, the figure showed up in many other areas of society. From comments on the street, to action figures, to costumes for Halloween and other occasions, people wanted to be associated with the character, and the values he portrayed.

Pop Culture Artifact

Here is the artifact that I have chosen: The hobbit Frodo from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

First Post

This is the initial, first post on my blog.