American Idol was an instant success. The hit reality show will soon begin its eighth season, but it won’t start without a big bang. This past week has been filled with talk of Paula Abdul’s interviews with Good Morning America and The View and the questions asked about her future with the show.
Recently, a fan of Paula’s who had been stalking her for years killed herself in front of Paula’s home. Paula insists that producers of the show put her in harm’s way when they allowed the stalker fan to audition in front of Paula.
Abdul says that she asked the producers of the show not to allow the fan in the same room with her but her request was denied.
Paula has also alleged that Simon is responsible for making her look crazy and drunk on the show. Her defense is that Simon is always talking in her ear and distracting her from making a complete thought. Questions have loomed over whether or not Paula will continue the show and her response has been that she is still under contract. Speculation is that she will not renew her contract and this will be her last year.
Personally, I feel sympathetic towards Paula. She is going through a very difficult time right now and it sounds like she is very frustrated with the show. I love the show, but I think everyone would agree that it won’t be the same without the “original three” – Paula, Simon and Randy.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Assignment 4-1 Weekly Written Analysis
It’s no secret that popular culture has created a society obsessed with looks and weight. Most people fear aging and try to combat it with plastic surgery. There are also numerous surgeries to combat weight gain and obesity. An article on yahoo.com gives 19 ways to look younger without a visit to the plastic surgeon.
The 19 tips range from wearing sunscreen to eating organic foods to splurging on a fashionable wardrobe. In my opinion, the best tip in the article is to drink 64 ounces of water each day. We have all heard that water is the best way to keep skin looking youthful and healthy. The tips in the article are easy to follow but not so easy on your pocketbook. They suggest throwing out twin-set sweaters and replacing with an updated look. They also recommend wearing jewel studded clothing and splurging on designer handbags. In a society where people are more budget conscious than ever, some of these tips seem unrealistic. However, in comparison to Botox and plastic surgery, it is a savings and is also less invasive. In popular culture today, celebrities are going under the knife more and more. We see reality TV shows such as “Dr 90210” which promotes plastic surgery. When choosing between plastic surgery and these 19 tips to look younger and more beautiful, I would vote for following the expert’s tips and tricks.
The 19 tips range from wearing sunscreen to eating organic foods to splurging on a fashionable wardrobe. In my opinion, the best tip in the article is to drink 64 ounces of water each day. We have all heard that water is the best way to keep skin looking youthful and healthy. The tips in the article are easy to follow but not so easy on your pocketbook. They suggest throwing out twin-set sweaters and replacing with an updated look. They also recommend wearing jewel studded clothing and splurging on designer handbags. In a society where people are more budget conscious than ever, some of these tips seem unrealistic. However, in comparison to Botox and plastic surgery, it is a savings and is also less invasive. In popular culture today, celebrities are going under the knife more and more. We see reality TV shows such as “Dr 90210” which promotes plastic surgery. When choosing between plastic surgery and these 19 tips to look younger and more beautiful, I would vote for following the expert’s tips and tricks.
Reference:
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Monday, December 1, 2008
Assignment 1-3 Journal Article Analysis
The article I chose was written by Joseph Hancock of Drexel University and is a review of the book A Cultural History of Fashion in the 20th Century: From the Catwalk to the Sidewalk by Bonnie English. This book is intended to show the connection between popular culture and 20th century fashion. I will discuss the intended audience, will summarize the article, and will discuss my conclusions.
First, the intended audience is everyone who loves fashion and desires to learn about the history of what goes behind creating the popular designs we see on the catwalk and the sidewalk. According to the article, some may find the book hard to read because of the confusing layout and the inaccurate comparisons of popular culture and fashion. Overall, the reader will enjoy the history found in the article and will appreciate the thought provoking comparisons in the article and book.
English states that “Fashion and popular culture are mutually reliant on each other.” Everything from media advertising to the designer art of fashion depends on each other. The article suggests that popular culture dictates the changing fashion trends and what remains a classic such as jeans. Transcending time is a tricky business and is achieved through thoughtful marketing and a well planned product. Bonnie English gives the example of Brooke Shields in an ad for Calvin Klein Jeans. English states that Shields was used because she was the “All American Girl”. This comparison is categorically untrue. In the 1970’s Brooke Shields was everything but “All American Girl”. Calvin Klein used her because of her high profile status and the interest she drew. Bonnie English also discusses the stresses of society that influence fashion and popular culture. Examples include the First World War, a declining economy and International impressions on fashion.
The article on popular culture and fashion reinforces the importance of using techniques that draw the buyer. Techniques can include using contemporary art in design or advertising with high profile, interesting celebrities. Overall, this article reinforces that popular culture dictates much of what we buy in our society.
References:
(2008). A Cultural History of Fashion in the 20th Century: From the Catwalk to the Sidewalk. The Journal of Popular Culture, 41(6), 1079-1080.
First, the intended audience is everyone who loves fashion and desires to learn about the history of what goes behind creating the popular designs we see on the catwalk and the sidewalk. According to the article, some may find the book hard to read because of the confusing layout and the inaccurate comparisons of popular culture and fashion. Overall, the reader will enjoy the history found in the article and will appreciate the thought provoking comparisons in the article and book.
English states that “Fashion and popular culture are mutually reliant on each other.” Everything from media advertising to the designer art of fashion depends on each other. The article suggests that popular culture dictates the changing fashion trends and what remains a classic such as jeans. Transcending time is a tricky business and is achieved through thoughtful marketing and a well planned product. Bonnie English gives the example of Brooke Shields in an ad for Calvin Klein Jeans. English states that Shields was used because she was the “All American Girl”. This comparison is categorically untrue. In the 1970’s Brooke Shields was everything but “All American Girl”. Calvin Klein used her because of her high profile status and the interest she drew. Bonnie English also discusses the stresses of society that influence fashion and popular culture. Examples include the First World War, a declining economy and International impressions on fashion.
The article on popular culture and fashion reinforces the importance of using techniques that draw the buyer. Techniques can include using contemporary art in design or advertising with high profile, interesting celebrities. Overall, this article reinforces that popular culture dictates much of what we buy in our society.
References:
(2008). A Cultural History of Fashion in the 20th Century: From the Catwalk to the Sidewalk. The Journal of Popular Culture, 41(6), 1079-1080.
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