One of my favorite movies is Goal, the dream begins. It became my favorite movie because it shows how a Latin American guy overcomes obstacles to become a professional soccer player. The dream of all Spanish soccer players is to play in any important European soccer team like Manchester, Barcelona, Real Madrid and others.
The main plot in this movie is that Santiago Munez is an illegal Mexican-American immigrant and dreams to become a professional soccer player. He believes that being a soccer player will give him the opportunity to help his family and in the process be very well-known. Also, he dreams to play for Manchester, one of the biggest soccer teams in Europe. This movie shows how what seemed an impossible dream comes true for a Latin American guy.
The stereotype that this movie breaks is that Spanish soccer players are as good as European soccer players. It is very explicitly because this movie says what a soccer game means to Latinos in the United States, to their families and friends.
The stereo type that people have about Latin American soccer players is not good. According to Nadia Anguiano (2001), ” stereotyping of Mexican people that is used as a basis for most of the humor in the movies”. That is true, in many movies Mexicans are stereotyped as short, dark skin, drunk and violent people which gives a bad image to Latin American people.
This movie has contributed to the social and economic emergence of this stereotype. Most Latino soccer players had a poor childhood and they think being a professional soccer player will make them rich and help their families. I believe that these stereotypes emerge because they are related to each other. Also because Latin American people in the United States have more economic difficulties and the only solution is to become a professional soccer player. Latin American soccer players seem to compare themselves with European soccer players. According to James Hilton (1997), “stereotypes as a means of making themselves feel better through downward social comparison “.
The main function that stereotypes have in this movie is the social economic impact. It also involves the visual perception, for instance, if they see a Mexican and Brazilian soccer player together, European players will say that the Brazilian soccer player is better than the Mexican soccer player.
In this movie stereotyping has a negative effect, because the main character had to overcome those bad stereotypes that people have in Europe, for instance Mexican soccer players only like to drink and they are not good as Brazilian soccer players. I believe that this movie is a good way to change the stereotype of Latin American soccer players in the United States and Europe. However, this stereotype will continue until more Latin American soccer players become more popular and better than European soccer players, but will this happen someday? Only time will tell.
References:
Nadia Anguiano (2001) Movies unfair stereotyping of Mexicans. Retrieved on November 24, 2008, from, http://media.www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/ news/2001/ 03/07/Opinion/Movie.Unfair.Stereotyping.Of.Mexicans-53302.shtml
James Hilton. (1996). Stereotypes. Retrieved on November 24, 2008, from, http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst;jsessionid=JrWbPG0F79M0Sz6Gwfr50LRlZYk7XczwlyQMhlHH4YTQP1npJZMj!857321274?docId=5000321907
Goal (2005). Goal Film. Retrieved on November 24, 2008, from, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goal!_(film)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Assignment 3-2: Ritual Development
1) What is your understanding of the word "ritual?"
For me the word ritual means symbolic actions set by a religion and traditions set by a community for instance the celebration of Easter, Christmas and the Independence Day. Also parts of rituals are sacrifices of people and animals. Moreover, the practice of rituals depends on education, social class and beliefs.
2) What rituals do you observe in our society?
In our society people celebrates the most common rituals and they are the Baptism and matrimony and they are celebrated in many religions. Other rituals are the celebration of Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, and New Year. The practice of rituals varies depending of the region or country where you are located.
3) What rituals do you observe in your family?
I am Peruvian and Italian. My family celebrates some important rituals like Easter, Christmas, New Year, Peru’s Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Birthdays, Baptisms, matrimony, U.S Independence Day and Saint Rosa of Lima’s day.
4) Are there any rituals that you can identify that are prevalent today? If so, what are they?
Yes, there are some religious rituals that are prevalent today like Baptism, Holy Matrimony, Easter and Christmas. There are also historical celebrations like Independence Day, Cinco de mayo and victories of battles (Peru and Italy).
5) What ritual would you like to develop for either our society or your family?
I would like to spread out the celebration of Thanksgiving in my family that lives in Peru and Italy. This would be beneficial because it will be another important day besides Christmas, to reunite my family.
For me the word ritual means symbolic actions set by a religion and traditions set by a community for instance the celebration of Easter, Christmas and the Independence Day. Also parts of rituals are sacrifices of people and animals. Moreover, the practice of rituals depends on education, social class and beliefs.
2) What rituals do you observe in our society?
In our society people celebrates the most common rituals and they are the Baptism and matrimony and they are celebrated in many religions. Other rituals are the celebration of Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, and New Year. The practice of rituals varies depending of the region or country where you are located.
3) What rituals do you observe in your family?
I am Peruvian and Italian. My family celebrates some important rituals like Easter, Christmas, New Year, Peru’s Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Birthdays, Baptisms, matrimony, U.S Independence Day and Saint Rosa of Lima’s day.
4) Are there any rituals that you can identify that are prevalent today? If so, what are they?
Yes, there are some religious rituals that are prevalent today like Baptism, Holy Matrimony, Easter and Christmas. There are also historical celebrations like Independence Day, Cinco de mayo and victories of battles (Peru and Italy).
5) What ritual would you like to develop for either our society or your family?
I would like to spread out the celebration of Thanksgiving in my family that lives in Peru and Italy. This would be beneficial because it will be another important day besides Christmas, to reunite my family.
Assignment 3-1: Weekly Writting Analysis
Is Myspace advertising beneficial to everyone?
MySpace is popular among people of different ages and ethnicities that is why many companies advertise on myspace in order to attract more customers and increase their profits but not only companies are advertising. Also you can see singers, bands of music and movies being promote on this website to catch the attention of people. Now, you can advertise yourself on myspace if you are looking for a job. Also, you can create an account and attach your resume so employers can see it. This is a very new tool that myspace is offering at no cost, but I am wondering if advertising on myspace is beneficial for companies.
According to KC Morgan (2007) a member of the genuine article literally, “advertising on MySpace is a great way to let people know that you are out there, and it gives something for people to refer to. A lot of people now include their MySpace pages on their business cards. It’s a highly popular site, everyone knows about it, and it’s the “in thing.” No advertise on MySpace is to hold yourself back” (para. 3).
Moreover, Peyta Paxon (2002) said, “the internet will likely prove to be another important medium for companies as more and more households go online” (p. 110). Lately, I have seen many advertizing showing up on my computer screen when I am using myspace and It is becoming irritating because it shows up many times Also, Leonore Skenazy (2003) said, “ advertisers are sticking ads everywhere” (p.390). Finally, I believe that advertising on myspace is a great idea for any kind of business, but the overuse of ads on myspace will make people not to use it anymore.
Rereferences:
KC. Morgan (2007). MySpace Avertising a good idea?. Retrieved November 24, 2008, from http://selfemployment.suite101.com/article.cfm/myspace_advertising_a_ good_idea
Pyta Paxon (2002). Have you been injured?. In Profiles of Popular Cutlure (pp.104 – 110). Madison, Wisconsin
Leonore Skenay (2003). There’s no escape from ads, even in the backseat. In Profiles of Popular Cutlure (pp.390 – 391). Madison, Wisconsin
Monday, November 17, 2008
Myths Analysis Paper
Orpheus and Eurydice
When I was in high school I really enjoyed learning about stories in Greek mythology. Love was one of the hot topics among Greeks and that is why I chose the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice because it is one of most representative love stories of Greek mythology. Also there are many books, movies and cartoons that talk about this myth.
Greek mythology is part of the Greek culture and it also represented its religion. They believed in many gods and heroes. Also I have chosen this topic because its disagreement with the Catholic Church. In Greek mythology Pandora was the first woman on earth, but for the Catholic Church Eve was the first woman on earth. Also, the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is very controversial because Orpheus entered to the underworld (Hell) and played his lyre for Hades (god of the underworld) to plea for Eurydice’s life. Hades has Orpheus and Eurydice to believe that they are to return to the world of the living, but tricks them and holds them captive in Hades. The Catholic Church critiqued the myth because there is no god in the underworld and no other god that is able to return dead people to life. Thus, Pope John Paul II said, in this time that kind of myths can lead to the creation of new religions and adore other gods created by man.
Moreover, this myth is attractive to all kind of people because it gives ideas to some other people that are atheism and belief in a god that lives in the underworld. For instance, there are some sects that practice scarifying people to please their god’s needs. That is why the Catholic Church critiques myths because it influences people’s beliefs.
Moreover, in 2000 Paul Pissanos released a movie of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in which he idealized Hades as the god of gods, the most powerful god within the other Greek gods. Also, Soldier Dream is a Japanese cartoon in which many Greek myths are incorporated and one of them is the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades. In this cartoon, Orpheus reveals and fights against Hades to help other Greek saints to save Athena from death.
Soldier Dream, was transmitted on TV when I was nine or ten years old. When I first watch this cartoon I believed that everything was real. This affected me a little because, I am Roman Catholic and I started believing that Hades was another god like Jesus Christ. While growing up I gained enough knowledge to differentiate between realities and what was created by man.
There are no facts that prove that Hades existed and that he had the power to return people to the living world. There is no evidence that Orpheus existed and descended to the underworld just to retrieve the women he loved. The only facts that exist are intangible, just stories created by the ancient Greeks.
References:
Greek Myths for Children (2007). Orpheus and Eurydice. Retrieved on November 17th, 2008, from. http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/carolrb/greek/greek1.html
American Repertory theatre (2006). The Myth of Orpheus. Retrieved on November 17th, 2008, from, http://www.amrep.org/articles/4_4a/myth.html
Internet Movie Database (2008) Orpheus and Eurydice. Retrieved on November 17th, 2008, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371047/
Aeropegasus (2000). Love Stories of Greek Myth. Retrieved on November 17th, 2008, from, http://www.areopagus.net/grklove.htm
When I was in high school I really enjoyed learning about stories in Greek mythology. Love was one of the hot topics among Greeks and that is why I chose the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice because it is one of most representative love stories of Greek mythology. Also there are many books, movies and cartoons that talk about this myth.
Greek mythology is part of the Greek culture and it also represented its religion. They believed in many gods and heroes. Also I have chosen this topic because its disagreement with the Catholic Church. In Greek mythology Pandora was the first woman on earth, but for the Catholic Church Eve was the first woman on earth. Also, the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is very controversial because Orpheus entered to the underworld (Hell) and played his lyre for Hades (god of the underworld) to plea for Eurydice’s life. Hades has Orpheus and Eurydice to believe that they are to return to the world of the living, but tricks them and holds them captive in Hades. The Catholic Church critiqued the myth because there is no god in the underworld and no other god that is able to return dead people to life. Thus, Pope John Paul II said, in this time that kind of myths can lead to the creation of new religions and adore other gods created by man.
Moreover, this myth is attractive to all kind of people because it gives ideas to some other people that are atheism and belief in a god that lives in the underworld. For instance, there are some sects that practice scarifying people to please their god’s needs. That is why the Catholic Church critiques myths because it influences people’s beliefs.
Moreover, in 2000 Paul Pissanos released a movie of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in which he idealized Hades as the god of gods, the most powerful god within the other Greek gods. Also, Soldier Dream is a Japanese cartoon in which many Greek myths are incorporated and one of them is the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades. In this cartoon, Orpheus reveals and fights against Hades to help other Greek saints to save Athena from death.
Soldier Dream, was transmitted on TV when I was nine or ten years old. When I first watch this cartoon I believed that everything was real. This affected me a little because, I am Roman Catholic and I started believing that Hades was another god like Jesus Christ. While growing up I gained enough knowledge to differentiate between realities and what was created by man.
There are no facts that prove that Hades existed and that he had the power to return people to the living world. There is no evidence that Orpheus existed and descended to the underworld just to retrieve the women he loved. The only facts that exist are intangible, just stories created by the ancient Greeks.
References:
Greek Myths for Children (2007). Orpheus and Eurydice. Retrieved on November 17th, 2008, from. http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/carolrb/greek/greek1.html
American Repertory theatre (2006). The Myth of Orpheus. Retrieved on November 17th, 2008, from, http://www.amrep.org/articles/4_4a/myth.html
Internet Movie Database (2008) Orpheus and Eurydice. Retrieved on November 17th, 2008, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371047/
Aeropegasus (2000). Love Stories of Greek Myth. Retrieved on November 17th, 2008, from, http://www.areopagus.net/grklove.htm
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Icon Analysis
THREE ICONS
According to the Merriam-Webmaster dictionary, an icon means a pictorial representation, an object, a sign and a symbol. Also for me an icon can be a person that has influenced and changed person's life. The three icons that I have chosen are Giuseppe Verdi, Laura Pausini and The Simpsons. I chose them because they represent a change in history and society. And in some way they have had an influence on my family and me.
Giuseppe Verdi (1813- 1901) was a composer, primarily of opera and his music has been performed all over the world. He represents the Elite culture in Italy and now he represents the popular culture, because he composed one of the most famous opera song “La Donna e Mobile” which has being recorded by many contemporary opera tenors. This song has become very traditionally within Italians because it says women are erratic, men trust in women because of their pretty face and when women are crying or laughing it means that they are lying. My grandfather was Italian and he used to hear that song and I chose it because I believe that this song has influenced his thoughts about women. I say this because he used to say never trust a woman when she talks in a loveable way.
Laura Pausini (1974) is an Italian singer, she sings in four languages (Italian, Spanish, French and English). She is very well known in Europe and Latin America. She transformed traditional romantic music in to romantic contemporary ballads. I chose her because I like her music and because I believe that her music used to be an inspiration in folk culture because she used to sing only in Italian, but now she represents the popular culture because she started singing in many languages.
I chose the Simpsons because I grew up watching this TV show. It is pretty funny and shows a typical American family. Also, it has been transmitted to many countries in many different languages. This show means a lot to me because my father and Homer have similar gestures, like when he says “OPS”. Bart and I are similar like when he gets upset with his father but the only difference between Bart and I is that I like school and I do my homework. Finally, this show has become part of the popular culture because of its success.
References
Icon. (2008). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/icon
Wikipedia. (2008) Giuseppe Verdi. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giuseppe_Verdi
Laura Pausini. (2008). Laura Pausini biography. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from http://www.laurapausini.com
According to the Merriam-Webmaster dictionary, an icon means a pictorial representation, an object, a sign and a symbol. Also for me an icon can be a person that has influenced and changed person's life. The three icons that I have chosen are Giuseppe Verdi, Laura Pausini and The Simpsons. I chose them because they represent a change in history and society. And in some way they have had an influence on my family and me.
Giuseppe Verdi (1813- 1901) was a composer, primarily of opera and his music has been performed all over the world. He represents the Elite culture in Italy and now he represents the popular culture, because he composed one of the most famous opera song “La Donna e Mobile” which has being recorded by many contemporary opera tenors. This song has become very traditionally within Italians because it says women are erratic, men trust in women because of their pretty face and when women are crying or laughing it means that they are lying. My grandfather was Italian and he used to hear that song and I chose it because I believe that this song has influenced his thoughts about women. I say this because he used to say never trust a woman when she talks in a loveable way.
Laura Pausini (1974) is an Italian singer, she sings in four languages (Italian, Spanish, French and English). She is very well known in Europe and Latin America. She transformed traditional romantic music in to romantic contemporary ballads. I chose her because I like her music and because I believe that her music used to be an inspiration in folk culture because she used to sing only in Italian, but now she represents the popular culture because she started singing in many languages.
I chose the Simpsons because I grew up watching this TV show. It is pretty funny and shows a typical American family. Also, it has been transmitted to many countries in many different languages. This show means a lot to me because my father and Homer have similar gestures, like when he says “OPS”. Bart and I are similar like when he gets upset with his father but the only difference between Bart and I is that I like school and I do my homework. Finally, this show has become part of the popular culture because of its success.
References
Icon. (2008). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/icon
Wikipedia. (2008) Giuseppe Verdi. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giuseppe_Verdi
Laura Pausini. (2008). Laura Pausini biography. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from http://www.laurapausini.com
Assignment 2-1: Weekly Analysis
Britney Spears Pushing the Envelope
Britney does it again on her latest video “Womanizer” bending the rules being controversy like always. In this video she portrays the myth of men being dogs. She portrays how men are unfaithful and are always on the look out to satisfy their manly needs.
Many women can relate to the song as they have living experience of being unfaithful too. In Britney’s words this is “a girl anthem”. In the video she plays four different women that in the process end up seducing the same man. She also shows how men easily fall in to temptation. Many would say this is man’s worst curse. This has stirred many opinions from both sexes. Women are making the assumption that all men are “womanizers”. On the other hand, men believe she is being bias; she is basing the song on her personal life. She is making the assumption that all men are dogs, in the words of many women.
Also, this video has been beneficial and profitable to Syren Latex Couture, a company that produces and sells latex jeans. Britney is wearing a pair of these latex jeans produced by this company. The company was amazed how well she looked, that they decided to name the style “The Britney Vest” in her tribute. Many would say if the shoe fits wear it, so men that are offended by the video might see themselves in this situation. What it all comes down to is that this is just a song and it can be interpreted in many different ways, whether good or bad.
References:
CBC Interactive INC.(2008). Britney Spears womanizer video introduces two new styles for Syren Latex Couture. Retrieved on November 17th, 2008, from web site, http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2008_Oct_20/ai_n30913125
ABC News. (2008). Britney Spears Due to Release Album in December. Retrieved on November 17th, 2008, from web site, http://abcnews.go.com/2020/CelebrityCafe/ wireStory?id=5951582
Britney does it again on her latest video “Womanizer” bending the rules being controversy like always. In this video she portrays the myth of men being dogs. She portrays how men are unfaithful and are always on the look out to satisfy their manly needs.
Many women can relate to the song as they have living experience of being unfaithful too. In Britney’s words this is “a girl anthem”. In the video she plays four different women that in the process end up seducing the same man. She also shows how men easily fall in to temptation. Many would say this is man’s worst curse. This has stirred many opinions from both sexes. Women are making the assumption that all men are “womanizers”. On the other hand, men believe she is being bias; she is basing the song on her personal life. She is making the assumption that all men are dogs, in the words of many women.
Also, this video has been beneficial and profitable to Syren Latex Couture, a company that produces and sells latex jeans. Britney is wearing a pair of these latex jeans produced by this company. The company was amazed how well she looked, that they decided to name the style “The Britney Vest” in her tribute. Many would say if the shoe fits wear it, so men that are offended by the video might see themselves in this situation. What it all comes down to is that this is just a song and it can be interpreted in many different ways, whether good or bad.
References:
CBC Interactive INC.(2008). Britney Spears womanizer video introduces two new styles for Syren Latex Couture. Retrieved on November 17th, 2008, from web site, http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2008_Oct_20/ai_n30913125
ABC News. (2008). Britney Spears Due to Release Album in December. Retrieved on November 17th, 2008, from web site, http://abcnews.go.com/2020/CelebrityCafe/ wireStory?id=5951582
Monday, November 10, 2008
Assignment 1-3: Weekly Written Analysis
Why Sprint Nextel is losing clients and money?
I am a Sprint customer since 2004, and at that time Sprint had the best plan that met my needs. Over the years, I have changed to many plans to pay less, but now I have the option to pay less if I change to another carrier. I will have the same amount of minutes that I currently have with Sprint. Currently, AT&T and Verizon are offering better plans for less money. Its no wonder people prefer different carriers other than Sprint and with the collapse of the economy people are looking for the cheapest services. Also, Sprint tends to overcharge for services or features that you never use and they use to renew your contract if you made any changes or upgrades in your plan. Many of the current plans that Sprint has, other carriers have them too, but they added some other features to attract more clients. For instance, AT&T is offering a rollover plan, in which you accumulate all the minutes that you haven’t used. This is very competitive comparing with other cell phone companies.
According to Dan Hesse, Sprint’s chief executive in Kansas City, stated that Sprint Nextel plans are being modified to attract new clients. However, Sprint still is losing subscribers. Until October, the company lost 1.3 million customers (most of them were Nextel users), which decrease its revenue to $8.85 billion. Also Mr. Hesse states that after Sprint acquired Nextel in 2005, the company has struggled with technical issues, lack of marketing and difficulty to combine operations (Nextel works on a different technology). Also, Sprint was planning to sell Nextel but with the current economy it will be impossible to sell it in at a fair price. Will Sprint attract more clients with the new plans, what would happen if Sprint adds rollover minutes to their plans?
Reference:
Yahoo (2008). Sprint Nextel Losing Subscribers and Money. Retrieved on November 10th, 2008, from, http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20081107/ap_on_hi_te/earns_sprint_nextel
I am a Sprint customer since 2004, and at that time Sprint had the best plan that met my needs. Over the years, I have changed to many plans to pay less, but now I have the option to pay less if I change to another carrier. I will have the same amount of minutes that I currently have with Sprint. Currently, AT&T and Verizon are offering better plans for less money. Its no wonder people prefer different carriers other than Sprint and with the collapse of the economy people are looking for the cheapest services. Also, Sprint tends to overcharge for services or features that you never use and they use to renew your contract if you made any changes or upgrades in your plan. Many of the current plans that Sprint has, other carriers have them too, but they added some other features to attract more clients. For instance, AT&T is offering a rollover plan, in which you accumulate all the minutes that you haven’t used. This is very competitive comparing with other cell phone companies.
According to Dan Hesse, Sprint’s chief executive in Kansas City, stated that Sprint Nextel plans are being modified to attract new clients. However, Sprint still is losing subscribers. Until October, the company lost 1.3 million customers (most of them were Nextel users), which decrease its revenue to $8.85 billion. Also Mr. Hesse states that after Sprint acquired Nextel in 2005, the company has struggled with technical issues, lack of marketing and difficulty to combine operations (Nextel works on a different technology). Also, Sprint was planning to sell Nextel but with the current economy it will be impossible to sell it in at a fair price. Will Sprint attract more clients with the new plans, what would happen if Sprint adds rollover minutes to their plans?
Reference:
Yahoo (2008). Sprint Nextel Losing Subscribers and Money. Retrieved on November 10th, 2008, from, http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20081107/ap_on_hi_te/earns_sprint_nextel
Sunday, November 9, 2008
An example of a pop culture artifact
I consider Myspace as an example, for the reason that it is popular among people of different ages and ethnicities.
Why is an understanding of popular culture relevant to you in a business environment and in your present and future career?
It is important to understand popular culture in the business environment to meet consumers’ needs. It is also to your benefit to understand the culture in a specific area to know what needs to be marketed in that region. It will be beneficial in my career to be educated in this subject to better relate myself with present and future clients.
What is popular culture, and what does it mean to me?
Popular culture is the culture of the people. It is the result of a continuous interaction between people from certain regions. Born of man's adaptation to the environment where they live and covers many fields of knowledge: beliefs, arts, morality, language, ideas, habits, traditions, customs, crafts, folklore and so on.
Popular culture means to me what is happening now, the trend at the present time. For instance: music plays an important role in popular culture, it is very influential.
Popular culture means to me what is happening now, the trend at the present time. For instance: music plays an important role in popular culture, it is very influential.
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