Weekly Written Analysis 4

The pop culture artifact that I chose to analyze this week is a show called “You’re Cut Off” this show is about nine spoiled princesses, who are supported by their parents, grandparents and husbands. These women have no real concept of what other Americans are going through during this economy. This program is to help these women learn responsibility and change their mentality. The show is supposed to help these spoiled women realize that all there expensive material items such as cars, clothes, shoes and purses don’t matter. This show provides these women with life lessons; these women are put into a ranch style home with bunk beds and are given chores that have to be done in order for them to get grocery money, however, if the chores aren’t all completed they don’t get much money to divide between them. There sent on different learning experiences for them to be judged on how they took in the experiences and if it has helped them or not. These trips have been camping trips, feeding the homeless, selling their clothes to help the homeless, shopping at a thrift store and entering a beauty contest with no makeup. The women are graded each week after their experience and the life strategist determines if the women pass or fail for the week; she chooses a VIP for the week that did exceptionally well at the experience the VIP is in charge of making sure the chores and grocery shopping get completed.
This show has become popular because these women truly have no clue about responsibilities some of them don’t even know how to use coupons at the grocery store; others have never changed their own baby’s diaper, cleaned their own homes, bought their own cars, paid their own bills or ever cooked dinner. These women need to be shown how to take care of themselves and not depend on their families and at the end of the show they either fail or graduate from the program and accept the new rules from there benefactors.

References
Retrieved July 26, 2010 from http://www.vh1.com/):

Weekly Written Analysis 3

The pop culture artifact I chose to analyze this week is a show called Basketball Wives; this is a reality show on VH1 that follows 6 women in Miami, FL named Shaunie, Royce, Evelyn, Jennifer, Suzie and Gloria. All these women have either been engaged, married or girlfriends of a current or retired NBA player. The main focus of the show is to shed light on the lives of these woman that are in relationships with professional athletes and show that is isn’t all it is cracked up to be, During season one the show focused on Shaunie O’Neal who was getting a divorce from one of the most famous players Shaquille O’Neal. Shaunie had been married for years and dealt with infidelity majority of the time, however, the last time was different because Shaquille supposedly hooked up with one of her best friends which happen to be Gloria’s sister; but that didn’t stop Shaunie from being friends with Gloria. As the season progressed it showed how Evelyn was picking up the pieces from her very public break up from Antoine Walker. Evelyn was engaged to him for 10 years and with all the infidelity and lies she finally realized when enough was enough and she picked up and left and never turned back. Jennifer who is married to Eric Williams; is faced with a tough decision rather or not to leave him or stay with him because he too had issues with infidelity, however, by the end of the show she decided to stick it out with him because she had seen a lot of changes within their relationship. Royce who is better known as a dancer from the Orlando Magic was befriended by these women to help her with her image, she actually has a child with Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, however, she is not allowed to speak of him due to legal issues. Suzie also has children with a former basketball player Michael Olowokondi whom she met in college and was with for 10 years. Suzie is definitely a social butterfly; however, she has her feisty side which is seen on the show. Last but not least is Gloria, she is the fiancée of Matt Barnes; she focuses on her identical twins and taking care of her home. Gloria doesn’t really hang out with the woman of the show that often because she feels there all jealous of what she has, however, she doesn’t realize that she could actually learn something from these women because they have all been through it. The show is popular because everyone wants to see in to the lives of these women because they seem to have it all. People want to see the glitz and glamour; however, it shows how women can still pick their lives back up after negativity.


Retreived July 18, 2010 from http://www.vh1.com/shows/basketball_wives/series.jhtml

Weekly Written Analysis 2-1

The pop culture artifact that I chose to analyze this week is a show called The Hills; this is a reality show on MTV that is a spin off from a show called Laguna Beach. The Hills began with following Lauren Conrad, Heidi Montag, Audrina Patridge and Whitney Post while living in Los Angeles, California. The main focus of the show in the beginning, however, was on Lauren Conrad, the cameras followed her daily; while she maintained friendships, fashion school, nightlife and an internship at teen vogue.
During season one and two Lauren and Heidi became roommates and befriended their neighbor Audrina and while Lauren interned at teen vogue she met Whitney. As the series progressed Lauren had a lot of issues with male companions, however, Heidi met the man of her dreams Spencer Pratt which took a toll on her and Lauren’s relationship because he seemed very possessive and was very friendly with other woman. But when Laruen would give Heidi friendly advice Heidi would never listen and think Lauren was jealous, because love truly is blind. Heidi decided to move out with her new love which took her away from friends. However, Lauren and Audrina moved in together and continued to live their life, however, Lauren and Heidi became enemies because of Spencer starting a rumor that Lauren had a sex tape; they became enemies because Heidi just let Spencer degrade someone that was supposed to be her best friend which hurt Lauren.
Throughout seasons four and five Lauren and Heidi never became friends again, however, they were able to become associates because Heidi and Spencer were engaged and Lauren did not want anything to do with him so they were never able to continue a friendship. Whitney Post moved to NY and Lauren, Audrina and Lo Bosworth (Laurens friend from Laguna) moved into a house together. However, Lauren wanted to leave the show by season five so during Heidi and Spencer’s wedding, Lauren and Heidi finally made up as Lauren departed from the show and the new star of the show is Lauren’s rival from Laguna Beach Kristen Cavallari. However, the series will end on Tuesday.

Retrieved July 11, 2010 from http://www.mtv.com/.../cast/02-THE-HILLS_GRP_02_12.jpg

Icon Analysis

When choosing contemporary icons, it wasn’t easy because there are so many that have left their mark on pop culture. When thinking back on my childhood there are many icons that come to mind but the one in particular would have to be the Smurfs. The Smurfs have been around for many years; you instantly think of the little blue cartoon figurines. I remember every morning as a child in the 80’s watching the cartoon; I had the Smurf movies, the stuffed papa Smurf, Smurfette and the Smurf cottage.

The second icon I chose is Michael Jackson he was the biggest pop icon to date; I remember as a child I had the red jacket with zippers and the shiny glove. As a child I also wore penny loafers with white socks and tried to moon walk on the concrete which I never succeeded. Michael Jackson was very influential because he was a humanitarian he cared about the world and wanted to help everyone as much as possible. I am glad I was able to witness the Michael Jackson we all grew to love before all the drama unfolded in his life.

The third icon I chose is Oprah Winfrey she is the richest woman in the world and has a number one television show and owns her own production company. Oprah is very influential, because she has overcome so many barriers for black woman, which makes me realize I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.

The icons I have chosen have been very influential in my life as a whole, as a child the Smurfs reflected positivity in my childhood because they were happy and fun. As far as Michael Jackson and Oprah they are also positive influences because despite the type of life they had they both overcame negativity and didn’t allow their childhood to affect their success.


Retrieved July 8, 2010 from http//www.stuffwelike.com/):

Retrieved July 8, 2010 from http//fakehustle.files.wordpress.com/):

Retrieved July 8, 2010 from http//www.inqmnd.ca/.../2008/08/oprah-winfrey.jpg

1-4 Weekly Written Analysis....Real Housewives of NJ

The pop culture artifact I choose to analyze this week is a show called the Real Housewives of New Jersey, this is a reality show that consists of five woman named Caroline, Theresa, Jacqueline, Dina and Danielle. Who all live in a wealthy neighborhood called Franklin Lakes in New Jersey. The show focuses on their family lives, friendship and drama; first is Caroline Manzo who is a homemaker, she is married and has three adult children, her husband is the co-owner of a well known banquet hall in New Jersey called the brownstone. Caroline focuses on running her household, two successful businesses and a non- profit organization that helps cancer survivors. Dina Manzo who has now left the show because of what it represents, is also a homemaker who is married with one child. Jacqueline Laurita who is a homemaker as well and is married to Caroline and Dina's younger brother. They also have 3 children, she was a cosmetologist but has stopped working in order to focus more on her family. Next there is Theresa Giudice she has become a homemaker as well after leaving her position as a fashion buyer for Macy’s. Theresa is also married and has 4 children and focuses on her children by keeping them busy in gymnastics, dance, modeling and acting. Lastly there is Danielle Staub who is divorced with two children. She focuses on being a single mother to her two daughters and tries to overcome her controversial pass.
These women truly have it all and have an incredible life to many audiences. You will either love or hate this show, however, it is very popular and full of drama and that tends to appeal to a lot of audiences. Some people don’t agree with the show because of what it represents, however, most of people can relate to some aspect of their lives.


References Retrieved on July 5, 2010 from http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-jersey/season-2/bios

What is Pop Culture

Pop culture consists of trends, fads, fashion and iconic figures. Pop culture is influenced by media outlets such as television, radio, film, music, newspapers and magazines. Popular culture is important to me because I prefer to keep up with what’s hot and what’s in the now, this is important to society as well because it gives you a sense of belonging. For example, when a celebrity wears clothing from a certain designer and it’s shown on TV some people feel they just have to have it because it is a current trend, and with trends people tend to have an a fascination.
Understanding pop culture in a business sense is important because businesses can only be successful when they know and understand what the public wants. A successful business has to understand pop culture in order to appeal to their future clients, shareholders and public figures. Pop culture also allows businesses to learn what appeals to people and how to market their products to certain cultures.
An example of a pop culture artifact that I would consider would be Lady Gaga; she has taken the world by storm with her awkward appearance, clothing, shoes, outlandish behavior and music. Lady Gaga is truly a fad that people have chosen to love or hate, however she is known worldwide by adults and children. Lady Gaga has become one of the most influential pop stars to date she is truly an example of what you can become if you continue to work hard. Many people don’t know that Lady Gaga actually started as a song writer for acts such as Britney Spears and the Pussycat Dolls. Lady Gaga has become famous overnight with her pop hits, theatrical videos and she is also an activist for the gay and lesbian community. Lady Gaga has become an icon in the realm of pop music.



Retrieved from http://www.ladygaga.com/photos/default.aspx?fid=15448