Heroes and Celebrities

Can a reality television personality or celebrity be considered a hero? I suppose it would depend on what your explanation of a hero would be. To some it is a fictional character that resides in movies and comic books, to others it is someone who left an impact on their lives. Does the people we watch living in million dollar homes, driving luxury cars and taking dream-like vacations fall into the category of a hero? In my opinion they do not.

The Real Housewives of (enter city) has become one of the biggest reality shows on the Bravo network. In the beginning the ladies of the O.C. (Orange County, CA) let us enter the lives of the elite and wealthy. They showed off their “perfect” lifestyle but beyond spending money like it was their job there wasn't anything heroic about them. Reality television is nothing more than mindless entertainment. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with enjoying this type of program, I immensely enjoy stepping into the lives of women I have absolutely nothing in common with. It is my escape from real life and a guilty pleasure. However, it is only a pleasurable television program nothing more. The ladies on the show will not change the lives of the viewers and more than likely they will not take advantage of their celebrity status and help others. If they did, that would make them a hero.

A hero leaves an imprint on the life of another person. He or she can feel good about how their actions either saved a life or help guide someone towards their dreams. A hero is someone that can be looked up to and someone who does good things out of the kindness of their hearts. There won't be any fighting and two-face behavior behavior from a hero, a realty television personality maybe but not a hero.

Rituals

                                                                              Rituals

    

Almost every one of us has some sort of ritual we partake in. It may be the way we start each day with a cup of coffee and the morning paper or it may be finishing the day watching our favorite television program. Whatever your ritual may be, it is something that is important to you or your family.

A ritual is something that is done on a regular basis because in some way, shape or form it is important to you. I enjoy watching reality TV. I partake in The Real Housewives programs that are televised on the Bravo network. What these programs give me is a 60 minute long retreat from the day-to-day routine of every day life. I get to escape into the lives of the wealthy and elite and am entertained by the shenanigans these women get themselves in to. Without any thought I curl up on the sofa or in bed, sit back and spend a little time with the ladies of Beverly Hills, Atlanta, New York, New Jersey, Miami or Orange County. The drama and the over the top life style has become very entertaining to me as a viewer.

A ritual doesn’t necessarily limit itself to television programs. Rituals can also be something that is found in a religious manner. Going to church each Sunday morning or partaking in communion is only a couple of religious rituals that many people in the world have. Religious rituals are something that people hold near and dear to their hearts. These rituals may be ones they have grown up with and were instilled in them by their parents. Regardless, religious rituals can be as important to a person as the religion itself.

Another form of ritual that many people enjoy is the celebrations of such events like weddings, birthdays or a child’s birth. It has become the norm to celebrate these events or rituals because they are happy, joyous times that deserve a celebration. It’s these types of rituals that brings friend and families together and gives them the opportunity to be one big happy family.

Whatever your ritual may be it is important to not allow others to judge you for what you choose to do. The rituals you share with your children today are the ones they will be sharing with their children long after your gone.

Icon Analysis

                                                                      Icon Analysis

The three icons I chose to focus on are Dunkin' Donuts, Coach Handbags and the movie “It's A Wonderful Life” Dunkin' Donuts was founded in 1950 in Quincy Massachusetts. Dunkin' Donuts is the world's leading baked goods and coffee chain in the US. Whether it is the 52 different donuts they offer or the classic coffee that gets your day started, Dunkin' Donuts is the best start to a morning. My second icon is Coach handbags. Coach was founded in 1941 as a family-run business. Coach is a perfect example of a classic American style that has withstood the test of time. From the beautiful bags to the comfortable clothing, nothing says style like this brand. Speaking of American classics, the movie “It's a Wonderful Life” shows how easy it is to forget the good things in life. This now beloved Christmas classic has not only become tradition in my home, but in homes across the world. The way the community pulls together for one of its own touches the heart of anyone who watches it.

Dunkin' Donuts was first introduced to me on my first trip to NYC. I immediately fell in love with the rich coffee flavor and the over whelming choices of donuts. There were many years that I wasn't able to get Dunkin' Donuts in my area so my father-in-law would send me coffee from New York. I always looked forward to getting that package and in a small way I think that gave he and I a special little bond. Every summer when my family and I go to NYC to visit family, my vacation isn't

complete until I have the traditional cup of coffee.

Coach Handbags is one of my most favorite things in the entire world. I love to treat myself to a beautiful new handbag and matching wallet. I think Coach is a perfect example of a classy brand that never goes out of style. Many people say that a handbag is simply a “container” for my personal belongings, I disagree. I look at my bags as an extension of my personality. If I am feeling “sassy” I may choose a bright color or floral print. If I need to be a little more conservative, then a traditional solid color bag would be the best choice. Regardless of the reason, shopping for Coach bags makes me feel good about myself. I never have to worry about if the size fits, I only have to worry about whether they have the matching wallet. ; )

It's a Wonderful Life. Those four little words have so much meaning to me. Tradition, family, friends, love, these are only a few things this movie stands for. A Christmas classic about a small town man who is given the gift of seeing what life would be like if he had never been born and seeing how his life had touched the lives of others is a lesson we all could learn from. At some point in each of our lives we get caught up in the day-to-day drama and forget that we have an impact on other people. This movie reminds us of that. I love the wholesome feel the movie has and the innocent nature the characters bring to life. This movie will always be one of the holiday traditions in my family. My children have grown up watching it and hopefully my grandchildren will as well. In the busy and hectic world we live in it's nice to escape to a place where “No man is a failure who has friends”.

 References:

Retrieved from http://www.dunkindonuts.com/content/dunkindonuts/en/company.html

Coach, I. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/genWCM-10551-10051-en-/Coach_US/CompanyInformation/InvestorRelations/CompanyProfile

Dirks, T. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.filmsite.org/itsa.html

What does pop culture mean?

What is popular culture, and what does it mean to you? 
     Popular culture is anything or anyone that is making headlines. The hottest celebrities, television shows and athletes are what makes today's headlines and therefore sets the trends for everyday society. 

Why is an understanding of popular culture relevant to you in a business environment and in your present and future career?
     I am currently employed by a bookstore that services Ohio University. I assist the sportswear/souvenir buyer in supplying our store with all the current apparel and souvenirs to create revenue for the company. I have to constantly be aware of setting trends to that we can offer our student customers. I am currently in the Marketing program so being on top of all trends will help me be successful in my future.


What would you consider to be an example of a pop culture artifact? And why would you choose it?
     I chose The Real Housewives Series by Bravo TV. This franchise has grown into a multi-million dollar establishment and has been responsible for the blossoming careers of many of its casts members. Bravo has taken "everyday" lives of successful and wealthy women and put it our there for the world to see. By allowing the average person to peek into the lives of rich and powerful, it has left society wanting more and this statement is proven by the original Real Housewives of Orange County now beginning its 7th season.