The theme of culture, identity, and society were exemplified in several ways throughout the reading, writing assignments, and class discussions. How our society is viewed through the porthole of the media, primarily visuals was a major topic brought up several times through the semester. With our first major paper, the visual rhetoric assignment, I was able to look at able to observe a particularly brutal photograph intended to bludgeon the viewer into accepting a radically view than what other branches of the media would want viewers to see. Most members of the class focused on one or a few interconnected advertisements and analyzed the strategies used by the marketeer to get the consumers attention. These observations help one to see what people in our society desire to see and what gets peoples' attention. These visual images in a way show us the good and bad of our culture, because they reflect the societal norm, our expectations and our desires.
Our second major assignment was the research paper. In this paper we were able to find any topic that appealed to us and research it. My topic was the Dave Matthews Band, who in my opinion is a social phenomenon. They have been one of the most popular bands in America for the past 15 years, but they fit hardly any of the criteria of the "hip" music performers. A large part of this argument had to do with the societal implications of their music and tours. The identity of the band is an enigma that is difficult to grasp. By identity I mean the style of the music, their very diverse fan base, and the way they advertise their music by touring rather than relying on other forms of media to sell albums. The "cult" that has developed around the Dave Matthews Band is not really a cult at all, it is a mixing pot made up of different strata of our society.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
p. 219 post
What format will your presentation take?
The presentation will be a powerpoint/movie
What materials do you plan to use in your presentation?
Interviews, video camera, projector, magazine covers, popular movie clips, tv shows
What might be a potential outline for you presentation?
I. Introduction to the topic, main ideas
II. Sex in the media today
III. A history of sex in the media and across cultures
IV. Sex in the home (talking about it with kids, family structure)
V. History of sexual topics in the home and how they have changed over time)
The presentation will be a powerpoint/movie
What materials do you plan to use in your presentation?
Interviews, video camera, projector, magazine covers, popular movie clips, tv shows
What might be a potential outline for you presentation?
I. Introduction to the topic, main ideas
II. Sex in the media today
III. A history of sex in the media and across cultures
IV. Sex in the home (talking about it with kids, family structure)
V. History of sexual topics in the home and how they have changed over time)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Group Project
1. Perceptions of Sex in America-Since the mid-twentieth century the average American citizen's perception of sex has changed drastically as is apparent in the amount of sexual material in the media. Even though this is the case many Americans are still very uncomfortable with themselves and their own sexuality. Why is this? Parents are scared to death of talking to their children about sex, if someone is in public sex hardly ever comes up with a serious tone. It is only used to be joked about, not to be seriously discussed.
At a Glance-Revising Your Draft
In my final draft more sources are needed to back up my thesis. To back up my thesis I will integrate more direct quotations and paraphrased source material into my essay. The analogies used were a little unclear to some of those who reviewed my paper. In order to give them more legitimacy the analogies will be developed a little more to make a more direct connection to my thesis. The conclusion needs to be more concise and clear as well. I did not exactly give a conclusion, instead I made another point. In my new conclusion a more in depth summary will be included and a more direct answer to the question posed by my thesis will be given. The main problem with my paper are formatting issues and sources. I will replenish my sources and entirely revise my format to make it MLA style. Part of this process will be making sure I have parenthetical citations for all outside information that is not already apparent to the reader.
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Dave Matthews Band Success Through the Years
I. The band's inconsistencies in the musical world
a. They are hardly ever heard on the radio, but still pack out concerts everywhere
b. They are paid hardly any media attention despite their success
c. The band has a fan base that has a wide age range (30 years)
d. The band has been around for almost 20 years, but remains just as popular
II. The band’s ability to avoid corporatism, but stay in the mainstream
a. They rely mostly on concerts, not radio hits.
b. At these concerts they have a tradition of allowing fans to plug recording devices in their speakers
c. They play eclectic, “non-pop” music that has roots in jazz, rock, folk, etc.
d. They go out and sell their music with their music
III. The band’s longevity
a. Classic rock honors old age, experience
b. Young pop singers make their money through the marketing of their youth, and attractiveness, which only lasts so long.
c. Their music has not gone out of style, because it is truly original in its nature, nobody.
d. They are always attracting older high school students and college students looking for a more mature sound than the melody driven pop of their youth. It will be much longer before most fans grow out of DMB’s music.
e. Dave Matthews Band does not have to worry about their “look” because that is not something they rely on to market their music. For this reason they don’t have to worry about fashion of any kind.
IV. The reasons behind band’s diverse audience
a. Dave’s unique and inspired vocals
b. The band’s mixture of many different music styles.
c. Their outstanding outdoor performances
d. An older generation might be attracted by the bands rendition of many older classics from a variety of artists
a. They are hardly ever heard on the radio, but still pack out concerts everywhere
b. They are paid hardly any media attention despite their success
c. The band has a fan base that has a wide age range (30 years)
d. The band has been around for almost 20 years, but remains just as popular
II. The band’s ability to avoid corporatism, but stay in the mainstream
a. They rely mostly on concerts, not radio hits.
b. At these concerts they have a tradition of allowing fans to plug recording devices in their speakers
c. They play eclectic, “non-pop” music that has roots in jazz, rock, folk, etc.
d. They go out and sell their music with their music
III. The band’s longevity
a. Classic rock honors old age, experience
b. Young pop singers make their money through the marketing of their youth, and attractiveness, which only lasts so long.
c. Their music has not gone out of style, because it is truly original in its nature, nobody.
d. They are always attracting older high school students and college students looking for a more mature sound than the melody driven pop of their youth. It will be much longer before most fans grow out of DMB’s music.
e. Dave Matthews Band does not have to worry about their “look” because that is not something they rely on to market their music. For this reason they don’t have to worry about fashion of any kind.
IV. The reasons behind band’s diverse audience
a. Dave’s unique and inspired vocals
b. The band’s mixture of many different music styles.
c. Their outstanding outdoor performances
d. An older generation might be attracted by the bands rendition of many older classics from a variety of artists
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Template for Research Log
1. Identifying Information: Author's name, where it was published, when it was published, Title, type of publication, URL (if it's a website)
2. A memorable quote that helps to summarize the author's position on a topic and how it supports or detracts from my argument.
3. A few sentences giving the significance of this piece and how it has helped me in my research and/or how it helped me to make a more specific or slightly different argument.
2. A memorable quote that helps to summarize the author's position on a topic and how it supports or detracts from my argument.
3. A few sentences giving the significance of this piece and how it has helped me in my research and/or how it helped me to make a more specific or slightly different argument.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
research paper free write
Dave Matthews band made its debut around 1990, since then they have been packing out stadiums and selling many different albums without slowing down. Other bands who popped up around this time even the ones who were initially successful are now long gone. This has been a direct result of the band's uniqueness and originality that have drawn fans from many different backgrounds. Dave Matthews is in hardly any commercials or other endorsements for the sake of staying away from corporatism and for this reason he is on very few major radio stations. Even so Dave Matthews band continues to travel across the nation each summer packing out stadiums wherever he goes.
I'm going to have to dig for material because this is a topic that has not been explored very thoroughly if at all. I will probably have to rely on band and fan interviews available to me. I will also try to obtain criticisms of the band by music critics. These will help me break down their material and what it is that has kept it "fresh" for almost 20 years.
I will have to define some very loose terms, like what a diverse audience means, in order to avoid using typical stereotypes. I will also have to research the bands origins more thoroughly as well as the music scene when they were getting their start. This will allow me to compare them to other bands of their time to see what it is exactly that makes them different. Much of this material will be subjective, because everyone has their own opinion when it comes to music, especially those who are not musically inclined.
I'm going to have to dig for material because this is a topic that has not been explored very thoroughly if at all. I will probably have to rely on band and fan interviews available to me. I will also try to obtain criticisms of the band by music critics. These will help me break down their material and what it is that has kept it "fresh" for almost 20 years.
I will have to define some very loose terms, like what a diverse audience means, in order to avoid using typical stereotypes. I will also have to research the bands origins more thoroughly as well as the music scene when they were getting their start. This will allow me to compare them to other bands of their time to see what it is exactly that makes them different. Much of this material will be subjective, because everyone has their own opinion when it comes to music, especially those who are not musically inclined.
Questions to guide research
Questions of Fact: None I can think of, I'm not discussing any particular instances that occurred with the band, except perhaps an anecdote or two.
Questions of Definition:
How do they differ from other bands who are from the early 90s that has made them so successful?
Questions of Interpretation:
What inspires the band's music?
Why does their music attract such a big following?
Questions of Consequence:
Why are they not on any major radio stations?
Questions of Value:
What do Dave Matthews fans think about this? Have they thought about it.
Questions of Policy:
Should we legalize marijuana? (I don't know)
Questions of Definition:
How do they differ from other bands who are from the early 90s that has made them so successful?
Questions of Interpretation:
What inspires the band's music?
Why does their music attract such a big following?
Questions of Consequence:
Why are they not on any major radio stations?
Questions of Value:
What do Dave Matthews fans think about this? Have they thought about it.
Questions of Policy:
Should we legalize marijuana? (I don't know)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
p. 27 Research topic questions
Audience: Most Dave Matthews fan (my audience) know some basic facts about him and his band, like where they're from how they met, etc. I want to know what's beneath the surface that's not so obvious at face value. The reasons behind the band's themes in the lyrics of their music, the reason for their popularity with a diverse crowd yet excluded from pop culture.
Purpose: I can shape this topic by looking at it in ways no one has before. This is why it will expand my learning beyond what I already know concerning the band by looking for more obscure literature on the band and its origins.
Context: The band has a long history, which I believe will provide plenty of material. There are many aspects of the band that are curious and counterintuitive that have yet to be explored, so it is definitely complex enough.
Google Search: Most of the material that came up has to do with shows they will be performing, albums they will be releasing, their late saxophonist Leroi Moore. This is a pretty original topic so there are not any positions on the topic at first glance.
Purpose: I can shape this topic by looking at it in ways no one has before. This is why it will expand my learning beyond what I already know concerning the band by looking for more obscure literature on the band and its origins.
Context: The band has a long history, which I believe will provide plenty of material. There are many aspects of the band that are curious and counterintuitive that have yet to be explored, so it is definitely complex enough.
Google Search: Most of the material that came up has to do with shows they will be performing, albums they will be releasing, their late saxophonist Leroi Moore. This is a pretty original topic so there are not any positions on the topic at first glance.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Brainstorm/At a Glance
For the past few years I have taken a keen interest in the cult of Dave Matthews Band. The band has been around for almost 20 years, yet they are seemingly no less popular than than they were ten years ago. They have a very wide and diverse range of music that is truly original and doesn't fit into any one genre. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that they possess such a diverse following. At the last (and only) concert I attended I saw individuals as old as 60 and as young as middle school age. The people in attendance were also from different diverse backgrounds. Those around me were from more conservative religion oriented homes. However the amount of pot smoke in the air and alcohol consumption revealed that more liberal and "substance-tolerant" ideals were in attendance as well. Dave Matthews can perhaps be described as a mix of jam band, jazz, world music, rock and roll, and big band genres.But these words cannot describe the unique nature of the band's music.
1. I am definitely interested in this topic. My brother got me interested in the band itself, and I have long pondered the reasons behind the band's original music, diverse following and everlasting popularity. There are also a few more quirks and paradoxes about the band I would like to explore, such as why one never hears them on the big radio stations, but they always pack out concerts.
2. My position would probably be that the bands unique and varying music has led to its diverse following and enduring popularity. There are several apparent rules of the music industry that the band has violated but it is still very successful. While other bands play the same kinds of music year after year Dave isn't afraid to switch it up now and again.
3.There is not much pop literature on the band, there are plenty of "indie" writers and magazines who have carried articles on the band.
4. I have been interested in writing about a musical topic. I am interested in the musical world, but I have not been able to explore it sufficiently, I expect it will be fun.
1. I am definitely interested in this topic. My brother got me interested in the band itself, and I have long pondered the reasons behind the band's original music, diverse following and everlasting popularity. There are also a few more quirks and paradoxes about the band I would like to explore, such as why one never hears them on the big radio stations, but they always pack out concerts.
2. My position would probably be that the bands unique and varying music has led to its diverse following and enduring popularity. There are several apparent rules of the music industry that the band has violated but it is still very successful. While other bands play the same kinds of music year after year Dave isn't afraid to switch it up now and again.
3.There is not much pop literature on the band, there are plenty of "indie" writers and magazines who have carried articles on the band.
4. I have been interested in writing about a musical topic. I am interested in the musical world, but I have not been able to explore it sufficiently, I expect it will be fun.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Reflections
Above the Influence by Elise Acree
I didn't think about the subtle ways in which these drug ads must make their case in an environment where many teens have already developed a jaded outlook on drugs. Very interesting look at two images that have become so common for me they have just faded into the background.
Not Even Once: Meth Use by Rachel Bowers
Very informative essay, I thought it was particularly interesting how the two images used fear to play on viewers in two very different contexts. I learned about meth itself and why it should not be used even once.
I didn't think about the subtle ways in which these drug ads must make their case in an environment where many teens have already developed a jaded outlook on drugs. Very interesting look at two images that have become so common for me they have just faded into the background.
Not Even Once: Meth Use by Rachel Bowers
Very informative essay, I thought it was particularly interesting how the two images used fear to play on viewers in two very different contexts. I learned about meth itself and why it should not be used even once.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Visual Rhetoric Thesis Statement
This brutal image of communist China is primarily a protest of the Olympic games that were held in Beijing over the summer of 2008. Amnesty International believes that such a country does not deserve to host the celebrated tradition because of their human rights record. However the Olympics did give them a platform from which to beg awareness of the travesty that is China’s human rights policy. Before the time leading up to the Olympics all the common man had seen of Amnesty International were the hippie students on college campuses or perhaps a benefit concert by an influential musician on CNN. The Olympics are something that we are all intimately involved with and we cannot help but wake up to this harsh reality when we are so close to it, if only from television.
Monday, January 19, 2009
My Visual Rhetoric Topic: The Olympics in China
This is a brutal depiction of what the photographer believes was a very brutal reality in China leading up to the Olympic games. This photograph seeks to persuade viewers that this is a likely event in modern China, which by the way has one of the worst human rights records on earth. The image has several different elements that can be analyzed including the setting in a prison, the blurred faceless shooter, and the obvious downtrodden state of the victim. The author is from a group called amnesty international whose goal is to promote awareness of human rights violation that might otherwise be ignored by the media for aesthetic reasons such as the Olympic games. This is a disturbing image of an imagined reality. It is improbable that the author has actually seen an occurrence like this one, but he has probably talked to individuals who would have him believe this is a very natural happening. Regardless of whether this is a reality or not the author is making a point, which is that the Olympics is openly honoring a country that is unbelievably far behind the rest of the world with regards to the God-given rights of man. By modern standards did they really deserve to host this celebrated time honored event?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Saab and Ford Hybrid ads
The advertisement for the Saab is an apeal to those interested in sports. this is because it is on a runway with its doors open like wings on a jet. This comparison to a jet emphasizes the sleek nature of the car's design and that it can "fly." The background also appears to be blurred giving the idea that the car is moving at a very fast pace. This comparison makes sense because in the paragraph at the bottom they explain that Saab was founded by aircraft engineers. The Ford hybrid is located in a natural setting making it appear eco-friendly. The appearance of Kermit the frog with a quote from him pokes fun at pop-culture giving people something they can relate to. The quote: "I guess it is easy being green," tells the reader than in order to be eco-friendly all they have to do is by this hybrid vehicle and it draws him/her in. It's almost as if Kermit being there reassures the reader allowing him to trust the ad.
This is a picture of me on the left and my friend John. My name is Timothy Rogers and I am currently a freshman majoring in biochemistry at Clemson University. I played the saxophone in Tiger Band over the fall semester, which allowed me to go to most of the football games. This picture was taken on a camping trip in November. It was very cold that day and I did not have enough layers on so I was shivering through the night. On that trip I learned to be a little more independent and helpful; by gathering and chopping wood, building a fire, and tearing down a tent. I also got to meet a lot of people older and more mature crowd of people than I am used to. This was a very good experience for me because I was able to learn more about a close group of Christian friends who I did not know before. Even though it was bitterly cold the friendly atmosphere and fire helped to keep us warm.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Over the past weekend I viewed many different advertisements through a few different mediums. The first of these was an infomercial that came on ESPN for Oxyclean. The spokesman for this amazing product briskly demonstrates the ways in which it can make cleaning around the house much easier. It definitely employs a logical argument making it obvious for the viewer how it can be used to do incredible things other name brand products could never dream of accomplishing. Oxyclean is being sold through an infomercial so for the average who is at least a little perceptive it has already lost some of its credibility. This is due in part to the countless scams that infomercials are infamous for. This is why the spokesman uses every moment of his time showing off the products usefulness for a seemingly low price, at an unbelievably low price nonetheless.
On the background of my computer there is a picture advertisement for the Dave Matthews Band. The band wants to keep up its casual with the impression that it has yet to sell out to corporatism like so many other rock band before them. This is why they are wearing street clothes one might wear to play a game of frisbee on the weekend. In this way the band takes advantage of ethos by relating to their fans by sending the message that they are just like them (only with a little additional musical talent). This image holds has generally held true for the Dave Matthews Band throughout their history. It was only recently that Dave Matthews himself was in an American Express commercial, which is the first time I have ever seen the musician endorse anything.
When I was walking across the library bridge earlier today there was a group of students handing out booklets of coupons. On the cover of these booklets were pictures of dollar bills with a message running across the center saying "Back-to-School." Coupons are a form of advertising in that they give people a discount on things they might want with the hope that people will come in to buy more generic items at their store. The dollar bills convey the message that the coupons are just as good as money and that the customer would be stupid to throw the coupons away because they're just as good as U.S. legal tender. The booklets also contain coupons for many different stores which tells students with enough patience to hold onto them that there must be a coupon for something I need or want in it.
Later in the day on Sunday I saw a new trailer for the latest superhero flick "The Watchmen." The tag line for this one is simply "You've never seen superheroes like this." With this very simple explanation of the movie's main idea the trailer holds more attraction for a less geeky crowd. The tag line shows these people who haven't been drawn in by the other advertisement for the movie what's so great about this picture. It also doesn't bother with any seemingly bizarre scenes that do not make sense to those who have not read the graphic novel. Instead this trailer gives the viewer a few seconds look at each of the main protagonists starring in the film, only the superheroes mentioned earlier. These brief glances into the film along with the tempting tag line gives the viewer a lingering sense of curiosity concerning this motion picture that will probably want to satisfied when they see it is finally in theaters.
When I was walking into Harcombe I noticed the cover of The Tiger Town Observer. It portrays 3 major Democrats in three wisemen outfits promising "gold, francensense, and change." This cover does several things; first it takes note of the Christmas season by putting the faces of Nanci Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Barack Obama on the body of the three wisemen. This clever portrayal of these figures that come bearing "gifts" for the American people pokes fun at the promises of change Barack Obama made throughout his presidential campaign and ties in the Biblical story of the birth of Christ. This funny idea given by the cover relaxes those passing by and allows it to transmit its message by connecting with the reader's sense of humor. This in turn pulls the reader in and allows the paper to relay some more serious messages.
On the background of my computer there is a picture advertisement for the Dave Matthews Band. The band wants to keep up its casual with the impression that it has yet to sell out to corporatism like so many other rock band before them. This is why they are wearing street clothes one might wear to play a game of frisbee on the weekend. In this way the band takes advantage of ethos by relating to their fans by sending the message that they are just like them (only with a little additional musical talent). This image holds has generally held true for the Dave Matthews Band throughout their history. It was only recently that Dave Matthews himself was in an American Express commercial, which is the first time I have ever seen the musician endorse anything.
When I was walking across the library bridge earlier today there was a group of students handing out booklets of coupons. On the cover of these booklets were pictures of dollar bills with a message running across the center saying "Back-to-School." Coupons are a form of advertising in that they give people a discount on things they might want with the hope that people will come in to buy more generic items at their store. The dollar bills convey the message that the coupons are just as good as money and that the customer would be stupid to throw the coupons away because they're just as good as U.S. legal tender. The booklets also contain coupons for many different stores which tells students with enough patience to hold onto them that there must be a coupon for something I need or want in it.
Later in the day on Sunday I saw a new trailer for the latest superhero flick "The Watchmen." The tag line for this one is simply "You've never seen superheroes like this." With this very simple explanation of the movie's main idea the trailer holds more attraction for a less geeky crowd. The tag line shows these people who haven't been drawn in by the other advertisement for the movie what's so great about this picture. It also doesn't bother with any seemingly bizarre scenes that do not make sense to those who have not read the graphic novel. Instead this trailer gives the viewer a few seconds look at each of the main protagonists starring in the film, only the superheroes mentioned earlier. These brief glances into the film along with the tempting tag line gives the viewer a lingering sense of curiosity concerning this motion picture that will probably want to satisfied when they see it is finally in theaters.
When I was walking into Harcombe I noticed the cover of The Tiger Town Observer. It portrays 3 major Democrats in three wisemen outfits promising "gold, francensense, and change." This cover does several things; first it takes note of the Christmas season by putting the faces of Nanci Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Barack Obama on the body of the three wisemen. This clever portrayal of these figures that come bearing "gifts" for the American people pokes fun at the promises of change Barack Obama made throughout his presidential campaign and ties in the Biblical story of the birth of Christ. This funny idea given by the cover relaxes those passing by and allows it to transmit its message by connecting with the reader's sense of humor. This in turn pulls the reader in and allows the paper to relay some more serious messages.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)