CASE STUDY PROPOSALS DUE online (POST HERE).
Also, please read/view the following for class discussion:
- “Differences,” p. 157-191, TT
- “There is No Unmarked Woman,” p. 499-504, SOL
- View: Ben Sharpa’s “Hegemony”
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Introduction to Cultural Studies Class Blog
Columbia College Chicago - Spring, 2008
21 comments
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April 1, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Karli Foss
I propose to address the question of why is it so often seen in advertising that thin equals beautiful? I find this question particularly interesting being that this is something most of us think about on a daily basis. We confront our weight each morning when we dress ourselves and when we shower, eat, drink, and when we look at magazines or watch television. Observing our weight is natural, but my issue lies within the common misconception that we need to be thin in order to not only be beautiful but to be accepted.
I believe that this phenomenon matters because in almost every magazine and in almost every print ad, we are forced to digest this stupid idea. I can’t seem to remember a time when I saw a designer brand marketing their clothes to a group of people who eat. Aside from ads that literally say right on the front that their clothes are plus sized, I can’t seem to remember a time where any brand (whether or not they make clothes in a variety of sizes) used a model that wore anything over a size four.
As far as identifying and observing this phenomenon, the process is really quite simple. I plan to look at a variety of different magazines so as to create diversity in what I find. Tabloids, teen magazines, home magazines, cooking magazines, fitness magazines, and perhaps even self-help magazines are all options. I may even talk a look at newspaper ads as well as online ads. I’ll also take a look at clips from television shows where the underlying theme is to be thin.
My analyses of these examples (advertisements,) will consist of me evaluating them in terms of their visual aspects as well as the message that they convey. If they fall into the cultural paradox that I am investigating (being thin is being beautiful,) it will most likely be obvious. As for my sources, I’m thinking about using clips from a show by the name of Americas Next Top Model. I’ve seen this show before and it is quite evident that their idea is that models are supposed to be thin, hands down. The brutality, destruction, and pressure placed on these women to be the thinnest of the thin is incredible, therefore making it a good source for evidence. Another source I’m planning on using is an interview with Natalie Burge, a good friend of mine. She was on the first season of American Idol where she made it to the top 15. She has expressed on occasion the pressure that was placed on her to stay thin, so I believe that she would be an excellent source.
The appeals of advertising will obviously largely contribute to my research. The “signs” of popular culture will definitely be a large part of how I evaluate the artifact that I have come up with as well. A topic like this, I believe, will use a little bit of everything we have studied; all of the key ideas and concepts.
April 1, 2008 at 7:36 pm
James G.
Case Study Proposal
1. What does it mean to be a Muslim in America? An Arab?
2. Today, with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, what was once the paranoia of Communism has now shifted to the fear of “Islamic Extremism”. To many Americans, Muslim culture, religion and values seem threatening to their way of life; they also seem to blend into the prejudice against Arabs in this country and abroad. But there is a distinct difference between being an Arab and a Muslim that many in this country do not understand. Yet we still find the two words interchangeable and both evoke suspicious emotions in the hearts of everyday Americans.
3. I intend to identify this phenomenon by visiting places around Chicago such as the Center for Islamic Affairs etc.
4. I intend to interview everyday people asking them the differences between a Muslim and an Arab. I will interview Muslims at the Center for Islamic Affairs as well as Arab friends from back home and also Military personnel. Some key concepts I will evaluate will include the portrayal of Muslims in the Media, ethnic and religious myths and everyday assumptions about the two cultures.
April 1, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Corey G.
I would like to explore the question how does America view the Straight Edge movement and or the Straight Edge life style? I have heard Straight Edge get called many bad names like a cult or gang even though it stands for such a positive image/ choice No drugs, Alcohol and Promiscuity. I would like to dive in to see if this subculture has reasons to be called cult and why America saw and sees it as a threat. I would also like to look at how straightedge is supposed to be viewed. I think that this is a phenomenon because it can show how America is threatened by differences and change. How does something positive cause American society to view differences to be threatening? I hope to use a few books about the movement as well as videos from the internet including news broadcasts and interviews. I also hope I can personally talk to someone in the straight edge scene who lived through the movement, possibly through e-mail or over the phone. I plan to evaluate this phenomenon with some ideas we touched on in class like “Signs” of Popular culture as well as how this informs/reflects American culture.
April 1, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Nick R.
1. How Italian Americans are portrayed in media and movies and how it happened?
2. Italians are portrayed as mobsters in almost every movie and TV show in America. Not every Italian American is in or affiliated with the mob. For the most part they are hard working industrious people who work hard. But because of movies and TV people already have a pre-judgment of Italian Americans.
3. I intend to look at the history of Italian Americans in America, and how they have prospered from basically working for nothing to becoming a recognized people.
4. For the research part, I will look at older movies from the 20’s and 30’s when Italian Americans were also portrayed in a negative sense as mafioso and bad people. And look at TV shows today and movies from now and compare them, to show that not a whole lot has changed.
April 1, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Lyndsie Klott
1. The purpose to address the problem of the “Mean Girls” theory that girls in Middle school/ Highschool face in our society today. The affects of adolecent girl behavior has caused many problems, and I intend on exploring the cause and effect of the behavior.
2. It seems as though at present day there are many more problems between cliques of girls during their adolecent years. Most people know that girls have a tendency to bicker and fight with each other, but it is apparent that through out the years each generation of girls have taken the heights of bickering and fighting between each other to new levels.
3. I intend to look at case studies that include severe and serious problems based off of pressures of girl cliques throughout high school. I know that there are many studies that have stated that the high amount of pressure and “meanness” have resulted in eating disorders and self confidence issues, but I know of a big case currently going on about a girl who committed suicide because of the “mean” girls problem, and I want to dig deaper into that case.
4. Although it may seem tacky, the movie “Mean Girls” starring Lindsay Lohan, appears as an exaggerated comedy about suburban girls, however there are many truths behind to the concepts and events that appear throughout the movie. I intend to use the movie to help analyze the realness of the pressures of being a girl during adolcents which leads to popularity competition, which then results in the concept of “mean girls”. There are many cases and examples in which i want to use to help dig into the theory and unravel the concept of “mean girls”.
April 1, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Julia Vilk
For my case study I would like to focus on and research our society’s obsession with trying to “make it big” and become famous. I want to know why everyone these days thinks being famous is so great. It seems like everyone is trying to get their “fifteen minutes of fame” whether it’s moving to California and auditioning or doing stupid things to try to get attention and make it on TV. I want to look into what makes reality TV so popular and why so many people try to get on it, and why reality TV stars become real celebrities.
Another reason why I think this would be a good subject for me to do is because I have a lot of friends who have made the move to Los Angeles and go to auditions all the time and do whatever they can to get into the spotlight, it seems like everyone these days is moving to California and they tell me to try it too. Everyone I talk to lately, when they talk about their future they talk about eventually moving out there. I want to know why people believe California to be this amazing place, when most of them have never actually been there and they make up their mind just from what they’ve seen on TV.
I plan to do this by getting in contact with my friends and interviewing them about what they wanted to accomplish with the move and what they’ve actually gotten done so far. Also, why they think being famous is so great and why they want it so bad.
April 1, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Kristin F.
1) As the Disney princess brand continues to rein above all toys for young girls, my question is what effect could the “Disney princess” image potentially have on young girls as they continue into adulthood?
2) We’ve all seen Disney movies, and as much as I hate to be the crusher of fantasyland, the images portrayed by Disney princesses is not the right kind of example young girls should be idolizing. The main problems in my opinion pertaining to Disney princesses are women being portrayed as objects to men and the lack of “real-shaped” women. With little girls looking up to these Disney icons, I worry about how these images at such a young age will affect them into adulthood. In today’s world where there is so much emphasis on beauty and “fixing” ourselves as women, I believe it is imperative that we take a look at what’s being taught or displayed to the younger generations. In 2007 the Disney Princess franchise brought in $4 billion in sales, obviously these princesses are not going anywhere but it’s important for parents, child caretakers, anyone really who interacts with little girls that the Disney princesses can have a negative affect as they grow up.
3) I intend to observe little girls and question both a parent and their daughters on their opinion to the Disney princess phenomenon. I’m expecting to find that most parents don’t care or don’t realize the effects that Disney princesses could have on their little girls, and most of the young girls will just tell me how much they love and admire Disney princesses. Most parents will probably respond with, “its just Disney,” or “it’s so cute!” Fortunately, I know of lot of families with young girls in this area because of my profession. I intend on questioning them as part of my field approach and perhaps some random people as well.
4) Because the Disney princess franchise is so huge, I don’t think it will be difficult to come across people with children that have not seen or heard of the Disney films I will be asking them about. I propose to analyze and body language as parents and the girls answer the questions I will be asking about the cause and affect pertaining to Disney princesses. I also want to ask adult women ranging in age from 20-50 years old of different ethnic groups on what they think of the Disney princess phenomenon and how they think it affected them growing up. I will strategically evaluate this phenomenon by looking closely at the marketing and the reasons why the Disney princess franchise has recently been skyrocketing.
April 2, 2008 at 12:06 am
Stephanie V.
1. Have Asian-American stereotypes been perpetuated through American film?
2. The continued portrayal of any group of people in a stereotypical manner leads people outside the group to believe that all people of that stereotyped group behave in the same manner. People belonging to a stereotyped group are then seen, not as unique individuals, but as foreign entities, outsiders, “others.” These “us vs. them” feelings alienate and marginalize different groups of people and can also lead to prejudice and discrimination.
3. I will observe American films featuring Asian-American actors or Asian-American characters, and deconstruct the ways in which these characters were portrayed.
4. I will examine a number of films and see if patterns emerge in the portrayal of Asian-American characters. I will then compare these patterns to common stereotypes of Asian-Americans. The one idea I will be working with the most is the concept that myths we believe to be true are influenced by our culture.
April 2, 2008 at 1:45 am
Evan Davis
I am pretty sure that I am going to do my case study on exploring the reasons that people go about downloading music illegally from there favorite artist’s rather than supporting them and buying a C.D. It seems that if you like someones music you would want to support them by giving them what they need to continue what they do. Without money, record labels will just drop artist even if they’re good. The world is run on making money and if you can’t do this, you’re dropped. I am planning on interviewing some of my friends who download music illegally and some of my friends who by support the artist’s by buying the music.
April 2, 2008 at 1:49 am
Evan Davis
I am pretty sure that I am going to do my case study on exploring the reasons that people go about downloading music illegally from there favorite artist’s rather than supporting them and buying a C.D. It seems that if you like someones music you would want to support them by giving them what they need to continue what they do. Without money, record labels will just drop artist even if they’re good. The world is run on making money and if you can’t do this, you’re dropped. I am planning on interviewing some of my friends who download music illegally and some of my friends who by support the artist’s by buying the music.
If this is not a good topic, i was also considering finding out why if its sooo illegal to download music without paying for it, why is is it sooo easy to download illegally. They could easily just shut down all these sites, but they don’t. Why? I am curious to see how the artist’s benefit from this and if they even do.
April 2, 2008 at 2:09 am
Janet Pondrom
In my case study I will explore what is now being referred to as Japan’s brilliant version of Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse. Dubbed “the billion dollar feline phenomena” and “the global brand with nine lives,” Hello Kitty has become one of the most recognizable Japanese icons. The adorable kitten, like many celebrities, has gained an immense amount of popularity without little effort at all. Whether we’d like to admit it or not, Hello Kitty is everywhere we look. Similar to American figures such as Batman or Barbie, Hello Kitty is now printed on everything from lunchboxes to AK-47s. The question is where do we draw the line? The captivating yet simple character has won over the hearts of millions to the point where having a Hello Kitty themed birthday party just isn’t enough. Hello Kitty weddings, hotel rooms, tattoos, and other paraphernalia have swept the nation by storm.
Though Hello Kitty is in no way significant to society, the character and all it’s glory deserves to be critically analyzed in order to come to an understanding of why this particular kitten has became so infamous. As for going about the analysis and evaluation, I intend to gather information from several books/websites which help describe in detail how Hello Kitty was born and how her existence invaded cultures around the world. Other than observing the cultural phenomenon itself (by simply walking through a Target or coming across the irresistible Sanrio w/thousands of HK paraphernalia) I will do a fair amount of research on the historical background and cultural influence as well.
April 2, 2008 at 8:48 am
Meghan M
In my case study, I plan to explore why people have become so desensitized to world issues. I want to know what’s going on in people’s lives and how they have reached the place they’re in. As each day passes, the stasis of the world grows more and more dire but the realization of this fact is hardly ever present in our day to day life, especially as United States citizens. The different kinds of problems the world is facing are numerous and widespread, covering practically every controversial issue you could think of. Specifically, I plan to focus on topics such as the environmental crisis (Global Warming,), The Iraq War and other violent conflict, free trade and the influence of the Federal Reserve Bank. I find the disconnect and lack of awareness of these issues in our culture to be completely fascinating and it makes me wonder how people got to this point. As these problems grow increasingly more and more extreme, it becomes even more essential that we, as human beings and the declared supreme rulers of the Earth, step up to the plate and do something about it. These are major issues that are affecting us daily and most people don’t even realize it.
For my field research, I plan to interview a set number of people (probably around 5) and ask questions pertaining to the four topics listed above. First, I’d like to find out if they’re aware of it or if they view it as a problem in the first place (and what they already know.) Then I intend to present them with strong (researched) facts and the importance of the issue as I see it and ask them what they think (I realize the huge bias here, but it’s not the point. What’s more important is how they respond when someone is spreading awareness.) If they absorb these facts and recognize it as an issue, I’ll proceed to ask them if they have any plans to do anything about it and if not, then why that is. I intend to create a sample group with a lot of variety in it, but I would like interview mainly Columbia College students. It’s becoming more and more essential to wake up our generation and I’m planning to focus mainly on my peers. To analyze this phenomenon, I intend to draw conclusions both from my field research and my outside sources. For outside sources, I intend to look for any literature I can find regarding my topic, especially the psychological and cultural interpolation aspects. I would also like to interview a few experts or people with experience in this area and get their opinion on my topic.
April 2, 2008 at 9:18 am
Mike Kosciesza
The case study that I decided to do is on the question: How has pop culture from the 60’s and 70’s influence pop culture of today and how is it different? But what i want to do with is not have so much of “text book material” but more of what people see. I’ll ask different people from the 60’s and 70’s generation and todays Gen Y-ers generation what they think the differences. I will also use textbook material because I’ll need to find solid evidence of events and other things that have happened throughout these and those days to support what the people I interview say.
Crap, while writing that proposal I came up with a new different topic. Since i am a big fan or punk and hardcore music I want to do something on this since no one really ever does and i never explored this music scene in a essay. After the punk scene from 1977 to early 1980’s a new subculture of music came. It was called Hardcore. It was way faster then punk music, more aggressive, and paved the way to the new generation of metal, grindcore, and hardcore music that has arrived. Bands like Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Cro-Mags, Black Flag, and 7 seconds, were like a freight train carrying a new shipment of cargo that no one has ever seen or heard before.
So with that said I want to write about the early years of hardcore music and the new generation of hardcore. I can ask people that grew up during that time and ask about it. What they went through, what the scene was all about, etc. and then interview the younger kids who listen to the new stuff today and ask if they even know about the early years of hardcore music, and ask them how music these days has become more of a fashion then anything else, etc. I know a lot of people from shows i go to who are music fanatics and people who run punk/ hardcore music labels here in Chicago so i can interview them and get their input on it.
I think i want to do the second topic and stick with that. i think it will be very interesting because a lot of people are not into that type of music or that type of scene so writing about a subculture would be very fun.
April 2, 2008 at 10:28 am
Shannon
I want to explore how Greek stereotypes portrayed in the American media/film, and how has this divided Greek-Americans today? Throughout history, Greeks in the United States have been viewed by Americans with mixed feelings: admiration, ridicule, strangeness… They have been admired for contributions to western civilization, hence the importance placed on ancient Greek philosophy in American education; they have been ridiculed as all immigrants coming to America have been (They had the smallest quota allotted into Elis Island), and their traditions and family relations have been highly illuminated by films, most notably My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Growing up around Chicago, where a large Greek population exists, I have noticed that not every Greek is particularly proud of their heritage, and that many Greeks have anglicized their names in order to move upwards in American society. On the other hand, I have met Greeks that are extremely proud of their heritage and the “strange” (“it’s all Greek to me!”) traditions and close family ties, and still practice their native culture religiously. Do Greeks still feel like they must reject their heritage to succeed in America, or are films that represent the blending of cultures in America promote preservation of native culture? Greek-Americans seem to be divided into those who adopt the individualistic American ideal, while others take enormous pride in the strong family ties of traditional Greek culture. I think culture should be valued and preserved, especially in a society where we are increasingly interconnected and blended through media and popular culture.
I intend to observe this phenomenon through films and television that feature Greek-American culture. I will also interview Greek-Americans in Chicago about their opinions on such films, and their perceptions of being Greek in America. I also have connections to several Greeks who have family in America, but have never left Greece who I will be interviewing about the differences they see in their family who have left Greece for America. I will analyze my findings through the appeals on advertising, as to how My Big Fat Greek Wedding might sway younger Greek generations away from pride in their heritage. I will also explore the gender, race, and ethnicity issues represented in film, as well as the food culture that is a large part of Greek living.
April 2, 2008 at 10:38 am
Nick McKiernan
I am going to be doing my case study on why gas prices continue to rise. The question I want answered is, does oil really have that big of an infuence on how we live? Obviously the problem at hand is that people hate the fact that gas prices are extremly high these days. i was talking to my grandma this past week about this, and she said she remembered when gas was a quarter per gallon!. I freaked out. So why has the price raised so dramatically?
I intend to research in the reviews at which the government states what the oil prices will be for each quater, dated back 10- 20 years. i think this will give me a good start on what im looking for. I will also be checking the newspaper databases on big events that have to do with oil price fluctuation.
I looked outside at the gas station across from my apartment, and saw the price for a Regular gallon of gas, it was $3.79 !! i want to get some answers to why this gallon of gas costs so much. is it becasue of the war? Is is because we are running out of oil ourselves? Or is it because oil is such a hot commodity that the government can really put any price on it as they seem fit, because they know regardless of what that price is, we will always pay it. We can;t help not to!
April 2, 2008 at 11:32 am
Angelika L.
1. How/why has this generation’s value systems evolved into money fetishes, with the idea that more is better.
2. The issue is our culture’s (mainly generation X’s) sudden lack of values and the inability to gauge what is important morally. Ego, power, and money are slowly replacing values of family, love, friendship, respect for mankind and our environment. Young people who are constantly bombarded with the media often believe they should live like celebrities and acquire money to be successful or even of any importance. The hard working storeowner, or car salesman is now seen as mediocre or subservient even; it’s all about more money and more fame. Some people’s existence in their minds is determined by what they acquire and hence how much money they can attain. I find this phenomenon very prevalent in music videos and advertising. The media portrays people with money as god-like figures who can purchase just about anything, emotions other people, countries, what have you with the proper funds. When money begins to take on a god-like status as it has in our society, there is a problem. This problem must be dealt with because many people are slowly but surely less satisfied with being honest and hardworking, they have criminal mind-sets that want fast money, now! People are selling drugs, their bodies and anything else (their souls included) for material gain. This mind site is what runs large scale drug rings, prostitution of young children and the concept that if it makes money it makes sense, no matter who you harm in the process. The larger example being slavery, when you dehumanize people for the growth of an area and eventually to make more money, or the more recent form of slavery seen in sweatshops in developing countries. Most people have already taken their focus from the dilapidated state of our planet and eco-systems, and their fellow man, i.e. homeless people and starving countries. By idolizing money people are searching for something to make them feel whole in an arena that could never satisfy any internal needs.
3. I plan on observing this through the interviewing of a diverse group of people, different races, sexes, age groups, and economic groups. They will have the same set of questions that will conclude where their values lie. I will also research several media sources, i.e. T.V., advertisements, music videos, as well as music from different genres.
4. I plan on using the majority consensus in my interviews and what I see predominantly in the media to analyze the topic. I will also reference articles, and books from established experts in this field of study to further explain. I’d like to incorporate the ideas of consumer culture, advertising’s influence, and ideology to express the current state of ego, power and money driven American culture.
April 2, 2008 at 11:51 am
Victoria T. and Cara M.
The question that our case seeks to answer is why internet networking has become so popular, and why it has expanded to different market segments. Traditionally, Facebook was used by college students for communicating within their demographic. However, in recent years, the site has attracted older and younger individuals.
People are now relying on the Internet for communication and networking; it is quickly becoming a communication necessity. Exploring these questions is significant to understanding the social aspects of our culture. What are the social consequences of relying too heavily on Internet communication instead of personable communication? Facebook and Internet networking like it may lead to breakdowns in our known social structures.
Additionally, why is Internet networking sites such as Facebook becoming more popular with other generations? What motivates these other generations to adhere to this Internet culture that was first adopted by college students? We hope to argue that Facebook’s popularity is due to its functionality as a channel for expression. Yet the argument is not limited to this. People may also feel pressured about being part of the emerging normality of Internet networking. So by necessity, some adherents are forced into being part of an online community. Moreover, other reasons include the fortification of existing relationships as well as establishing new ones.
In order to answer these questions, we will partake in primary research through questionnaires and surveys. We will combine our primary research with that of secondary research already done on this topic. Analyzing primary and secondary research will allow us to forward our own interpretation about how Facebook embodies popular culture, gender issues, and American icons and idols.
April 2, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Catherine M.
1. What is our generation’s perception of homosexuality within today’s culture?
2. In today’s culture homosexuality is looked down upon by many, yet accepted by many others. Those who accept it tend to be of a younger generation. It is a huge problem that human beings are treated as second-class citizens just because of their sexual orientation. Studying this matters because people need to open their minds and hearts to everyone. Just because someone is different doesn’t make him or her horrible.
3. I plan on using a survey handed out to current Columbia College students and faculty to study this phenomenon. I will have each person take time to carefully answer questions about their perceptions of homosexuality.
4. My main source will be my surveys. I will however be consulting other scholarly journals and articles on this topic. I think even a look into today’s media portrayal of homosexuals may be handy as a reference point to the constantly changing feelings towards them in our society.
April 4, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Justin D.
I can elaborate further but at this time I don’t have time too.
Are CDs being fazed out?
Increase in digital sales of music. Re-appearance of vinyl records.
Study of sales records and interviews.
April 6, 2008 at 2:06 am
Justin D.
As iTunes as passed Wal Mart as the number one retailer of music in the United States, are compact discs on a downward slope to being irrelevant?
Compact discs are a digital format in a new digital age. Album sales have been declining for roughly 10 years, 9.5% in 2007 from 2006 while digital music sold online jumped 45% in 2007. Vinyl records are on a comeback, ironically after CDs replaced records in the late 80’s.
I’ll be able to gather my research by reading news articles and briefly interviewing people on how they obtain music legally and their preference.
Through understanding of the articles and outcomes of interviews. I’ll look into how record companies, bands advertise their product. I’ll consider what and if any bonus material come with what package, CD, record or digital download?
April 9, 2008 at 11:05 am
Andrew Mott
I know that this is exceptionally late but here it is:
1. What is graffiti? How is it defined by history and how has that definition changed over the years? (from cave drawings to spray paint, to tell a story and/or make the claim, “i was here”) How does graffiti effect the identies of the artist (i.e. re-naming one’s self), the viewer and the world wide social sphere?
2. Why is graffiti so incredibly popular as both a language and art form umongst today’s pop culture? This being to the extent of large corporations using it to make big big money, while at the same time viewed by the general puplic as being dangerous, gang related and therefore illegal? I can speek personally to receiving a decent beating from police when cought in the act, and yet givin a minimal slap on the wrist when it came time for judgement.
3. I intend to address this through research using books such as Graffiti World, and of course BANKSY, and perhaps others yet to be desided. Interviews with long time veteren artists such as NERD, FACT, THE NINE and others. I also intend to interview local police, perhaps a few school teachers at Arai Public School in Uptown, some Columbia visual artists and some random local parents.
4. My best source will be the interviews, although the extent of the available written materials on graffiti is ever increasing. So we will just have to see where this takes me, for the subject has a vast amount of possibility. Im confident though that it can be compiled into the necessary page count.