Extra Credit Post

The last time I used a blog was in middle school. A bunch of my friends had started posting their personal ramblings online and I followed suit. The trend died out after a few years, though, and I haven’t kept up a blog since.


Using a blog, I could compare my answers with other students. The blogs were a quick but useful way to review topics from the previous week. It was nice to be able to respond in writing without all of the stress of an essay.


It wasn't very difficult to use the blog. Sometimes it took me a while to find a topic I could talk about, but the blog was very easy to use and set up.


My favorite blogs were the ones that asked you to find and examine an example in some form of media. Often they were more difficult, because they required a bit of research and thinking, but they also allowed for better understanding of the topic. For example, the blog where we analyzed the three act structure in a Hollywood movie took a bit of work – you had to look through the movie, find major events and note the time – but it was also very interesting and showed how the structure works.

The blogs are extremely useful in RTF 305. As for other courses, it would work if there was a lack of writing and a regular assignment was needed. But in a class where there are already essays or quizzes it might overload the students. It works well in RTF 305 because there aren’t very many other assignments, and writing the blog helps keep you up with the class.

Sometimes the prompts aren’t sent out on Wednesday as scheduled, and it would be nice if we had the most time possible to work on them.

Yes, you can use my blog in a paper or report.

Globalization: A New Imperialism?

According to Professor Starubhaars’ lecture, globalization is a process of increasing interconnectedness among nations, cultures and people. It is supported and accelerated by technological development. While worldwide interaction has been on the rise through the 20^th century, it took off in the 21^st century as digital media rose to the forefront of communication. However, many of these communications have been one-way, suggesting a new form of cultural imperialism.

Across the world, cultures are beginning to feel the presence of the America-dominated media system. Western free market culture is business-driven, and it is designed to turn viewers into consumers. Film, music and television industries all have an American presence that is noticeable, if not dominant, in even the remotest locations.

However, local cultures are not entirely wiped out by foreign media. Often, they will have their own strong national media. But it will still be in competition with foreign, most likely American, companies. For example, while 4-5 Anglo-U.S. companies dominate the music recording and distribution industry, the companies themselves do not hesitate to diversify their products. Universal Music Publishing Group estimates that as much as 80% of the company’s revenue comes from “non Anglo-American repertoire.” While Western and American powers are dominant in media industries, they do not hold exclusive power over the continuing development of culture. 

Number 9: Advertising

Craig's Ford Fiesta Ad

"The internet makes me sound smart! YES!"

Recently Craig Benzine, a YouTube vlogger with a significant following, did an advertisement for the Ford Fiesta specifically for YouTube. Personally, I found the ads amusing because of my familiarity with Craig (or wheezywaiter, as he’s known to YouTube.) I imagine this effect was similar for other viewers. In addition, Craig’s casual, silly style felt appropriate wedged between my usual sampling of YouTube videos. The combination of this familiar style and the familiar face made me much more willing to accept these ads rather than to dismiss them, as I usually do.

Kellner’s “Adverising and Consumer Culture” describes how ads “’address’ individuals and invite them to identify with certain products, images and behavior.” Ads are effective if they include a character that represents the target audience in a way that is both sympathetic and attractive. As an example, the text cites the famous figure of a cigarette campaign, the Virginia Slims woman who is sexy and independent.

Craig serves this role through accessibility and comedy. He is bumbling but amusing, an average guy whose self-deprecating humor adds to his appeal. Particularly for someone who recognizes him as a vlogger, his character is presented as trustworthy. He makes the ad simply more watchable, and as a result, makes a persuasive salesman.

wheezywaiter on Urban Dictionary

wheezywaiter 's YouTube Channel