Weekly Written Analysis 2

Army Wives is a fairly new television series on a popular channel called Lifetime. This widely known television series is about the Army and their spouses. The everyday life of an Army Wife is not an easy life to live. There are many trials and tribulations that are lived by many of the wives and husbands of those enlisted in the military. Ironically enough, we are living in war times today. This show is one that can refer to those who are experiencing these circumstances in their own lives today; which is why it is such a good example of popular culture.
The story behind Army Wives is very heart-warming, romantic, and exciting. The show really gives a sense of what it is like to be a significant other of an American Soldier. There are a lot of hard times and many lessons learned in this television series. It truly gives a sense of what many are truly dealing with while living on an Army Base. The characters in the show “face all sorts of challenges trying to fit in, stay connected to their soldier spouses and abide by strict military traditions. Last season brought infidelity, family drama, sizzling romance, ruthless rivalries, shocking rumors and heartbreaking deployments” (Lifetime, 2008).
There are thousands of Lifetime Television viewers who can truly relate to this popular television series. I believe that this television gives a great sense of truth. Although the show doesn’t show any scenes of real combat at war, it shows the effects of real combat at war – at home. There are difficult situations; such as bomb threats, deaths, adultery, gossip, and many other life-changing experiences that a lot of family members deal with when their loved ones are enlisted in the military. However, there are also a lot of great experiences; such as births, being promoted to a higher rank, marriages, and friendship. This show has definitely given a good example of how important friendship really is. Army Wives is a great example of popular culture for all of these reasons.

Reference
Lifetime Entertainment Services. (2008). MyLifetime: Army wives. Retrieved on May 28, 2008 from http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/army-wives/about.

Icon Analysis

There are many icons/idols that strike my interest in the world today. One major icon is Carrie Underwood. She made her way to number one at American Idol and has sold millions of records since. She has worked very hard but seems to remember where she came from. I truly think that she understands not to take anything in life for granted and I have nothing but respect for that. Carrie will be around for years to come.

Another contemporary icon that I value is Mario and Luigi from Mario Brothers Nintendo games. I received my first Nintendo when I was three years old and the first game that I ever played was Duck Hunt on Mario Brothers. Mario and Luigi have been around for a very long time! I believe that they will continue to do great in the world of video games.

One other icon that has made a lasting impact on me is The Little Mermaid. Ariel and her friends, Sebastian and Flounder, always made me smile when I was a little girl. Everything I had, from my bedding to my clothes, had to be The Little Mermaid. This Disney Movie has definitely made a lasting impression on tons of kids around the world!

Weekly Written Analysis 1

People have many different definitions for the term, popular culture. To me, popular culture is used when describing a person, place, or topic that is well-known across the world. A great example of popular culture is the hit television show called American Idol. Simon Cowel, producer and one of the judges for American Idol, has definitely created a singing competition that has brought a positive attitude to television. It is known that thirty-some million people vote for cast members on American Idol weekly, which means that there are millions of viewers watching the show. Not only are there many viewers in the United States, but also in many other countries around the world.
“Last season, American Idol entered the philanthropy arena with ‘Idol Gives Back’, which raised more than $75 million to fight extreme poverty in the U.S. and Africa. The special was honored with the prestigious Governors Award, the Television Academy's highest accolade, at the 2007 Creative Arts Emmy® Awards” (American, 2008). There are many good qualities to American Idol. Not only is it a talented singing competition, the organization raises money for people across the entire world that are poor and need basic help, such as food, water, clothing, and medical attention that just they can’t afford. This uplifting organization has raised millions of dollars for those in need here in the United States and over seas. American Idol has, in many ways, helped to unite many people across the world and encouraged them to help those that need such help. The saying “American Idol gives back” is so true!

Reference
American Idol. (2008). American Idol: About American Idol. Retrieved on May 21, 2008, from http://www.americanidol.com/about/.

What would you consider to be an example of a pop culture artifact? And why would you choose it?

One great popular culture artifact is Elvis. Nearly everyone around the world has heard of "The King". Elvis is such a legend that many people believe that he lives on. Elvis has had many number one hits before he died in 1977. His many hits included "Jailhouse Rock," "Hound Dog" and "Blue Suede Shoes." Elvis is a world-wide phenomenon who will never be forgotten. Although there are many impresonators, no one will ever truly be "The King".

Why is an understanding of popular culture relevant to you in a business environment and in your present and future career?

The business world of banking has made a lasting impression on the world and doesn't seem to be going out of style any time soon. I have worked in a bank for the past four years and plan to do so post graduation here at Franklin University. Due to the fact that I am majoring in Financial Management, my banking experience has given me a great deal of experience towards a great future career! If people had rejected the idea of banks when they were first developed, and/or if banks all of the sudden didn't exist, this would tremendously affect my future career and my current major as well.

What is popular culture, and what does it mean to you?

Popular culture, to me, is everything that includes the past, present, and future that has made a lasting impression on the world. Examples can include everything from politics and religion to foods and fashion. Popular culture has to deal with a person's contemporary lifestyle and cultural patterns that are found worldwide.