Extra Credit

Before starting this class, I had never used a blog before and was kind of confused at how one would aid in learning the materials.  After doing the posts however, I really found that the blog posts each week reinforced the lectures and topics we had been discussing in class.  This was extremely helpful when tests began because I feel that it significantly lowered my study time.  I honestly didn't mind doing any of the blog posts, but one in particular that I liked less was the prompt in which we had to choose a film and break it down into different sections.  While I did think the prompt was successful in helping us to understand the Three Act Structure, I think doing the prompt was difficult because even in my favorite movies, I do not sit there with a stop watch in order to figure out how long each section is.

I think the blog is helpful, but my recommendation on using it in other classes would definitely depend on what the class was.  While for RTF it was helpful, I wouldn't see much use for a blog in a math or science class.  I think my only complaint about the blogs would be that we had such strict guidelines on what we had to write.  Although I understand that there must be criteria in order to grade the posts, I think we were limited in what we could write because the prompts were so specific.  Overall, however, I would say my blogging experience was a good one and I do think that it was a creative and unique way of helping students learn the different topics of RTF 305.


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

Globalization

Globalization is the process in which interconnectedness among nations, cultures, and people increase.  Technology and media play a role in globalization by accelerating digital convergence.  Examples of this can be seen in the usage of internet and cell phones throughout the world.  One concern of globalization can be found in cultural imperialism.

Cultural Imperialism represents a flow that reflects imbalance in global power structure.  This means that certain nations may be represented more than others throughout the world.  While globalization increases the interconnectedness between nations, it seems that cultural imperialism directly contradicts it because interconnectedness would mean an equal flow of information.  Unfortunately, equal flow of media and culture is not the case.

Today, the US is a major contributor to cultural imperialism.  In many countries, local or national cultures have diminished, while the US' influence has increased. Take for example the McDonald's ad below, shown in Japan.  Not only does McDonald's represent the very idea of cultural imperialism, the ad shows a model who seems to be embodying Michael Jackson.  Michael Jackson's international fame was made possible as a result of cultural imperialism, but while many American stars become world-know, the US rarely finds stars from countries abroad.  Furthermore, it is important to note that the McDonald's slogan is said by the narrator in English despite the commercial being shown in Japan, a non English speaking nation.  

"Sarah Palin's Alaska" Advertisement

Recently on television, I've been seeing a commercial for a new show on TLC called "Sarah Palin's Alaska." The ad shows the former Vice Presidential candidate in her element doing activities such as mountain climbing, canoeing and spending time with her family in Alaska. The ad is incredibly striking to me because I cannot stand Sarah Palin and I disagree with almost every word that comes out her mouth. Despite this, I've found myself wanting to watch the show as a result of the commercial.

In creating the TV show, TLC clearly took advantage of the fact that Sarah Palin is an attention grabber. Whether people love her or hate her, everyone seems interested in her. This aspect of the ad fell into achievement and prominence appeal. Sarah Palin's name is one of the most recognizable names in current times. Further, the ad definitely appeals to people's curiosity. The Palin family is one of controversy which will absolutely help bring in viewers. Finally, the most persuasive appeal used in the commercial, at least for me, was the aesthetic value of the ad. Throughout the entire ad, views of gorgeous Alaskan wilderness are shown, convincing me that for whatever reason, I need to watch the show.

Although my first thoughts on Sarah Palin's reality show were not ones of high praise, the commercial has steadily grown on me to the point that I now plan to view atleast the first episode. In this case, this can be considered evidence of advertising's effectiveness.