The article selected, Running Like a Girl: Women’s Running Books and the Paradox of Tradition (Jutel, 2009) was written for the general audience who are interested in running or may read the title and decide to read further. This is determined by the article title that mentions girl and women with regards to running but the text does very well in explaining the paradox that is given in the title. The article does not use some subject specific terms that would confuse the general reader. The only theory that was given was explained in detail so the general reader was able to continue reading without any further research. The theory was that women look at their bodies as fragile unlike men who push themselves to the limit each time. When women try something new they want to insure that they are not going to get hurt before pushing themselves over the hurdle.
The article starts by bringing the theory of women’s mindset that their body is fragile and needs protected (Jutel, 2009). This mindset is proven when the author and her husband bring two groups of runners to a track to jump hurdles. The group of women that were chosen was dedicated, talented women who were experienced runners who enjoyed competitions (Jutel, 2009). The men on the other hand were not interested in running but were doing it because they had to do it. When the groups went to the track, the women ran up to the hurdle and stopped and the men went up to the hurdle and attempted to jump it without fear of failing (Jutel, 2009).
It is also stated that running was not always an accepted sport for women but times have changed that outlook (Jutel, 2009). Running is now an accepted and popular form of exercise for women who want to stay fit and healthy. Books have been written for women runners since the 1960’s and the way they are written has not changed much over the years even though the outlook of women runners has changed (Jutel, 2009). This is due to the fact that the books are written in a way that is reassuring to women that running is a good choice and that the dedication can be accomplished even with the hectic lives that so many lead. Many women are worried that they may bulk up and look masculine if they dedicate themselves to running but it is explained that would not happen unless it was already in their genetic makeup (Jutel, 2009). Many of the books are also written in a first person aspect that gives the reader the feeling that they are friends with the author (Jutel, 2009). This is done because most of the authors are women whose life had been changed because of running. The icon of the kitchen table surrounded by women talking is mentioned as another connection that many are able to make with the author. They are also able to make the table connection in the real world with other companions that they come across in their journey of incorporating running into their life (Jutel, 2009).
The article does an excellent job of detailing possible challenges or concerns that are common among women runners. The first is the idea that they will become more masculine which was quickly overcome by detailing that it is the genetic makeup and also by pointing out that running will actually help slim a woman and that to avoid bulky claves just run heel toe style. Another concern is the spouse that may not like the new habit. This is overcome by pointing out that the woman must ask herself exactly why her husband is upset. When choosing running partners it is not the best to pick only one male running partner. By inviting the husband to go with the new found runner, it may bring them closer together.
The style of the article was very smooth and easy to read. It broke down the sections with heading and transitioned into the next section easily. Each section used terminology that is understood by the general public and if a theory or new term was applied it was explained well. Each new idea was introduced, explained, examples given, and then summarized before the section ended.
The main idea that will be taken from the article is that although the paradox of the woman becoming more accepted in the world due to strength or agility, but is still being concerned and viewing herself as fragile. This may continue through the years due to the woman wanting to still feel pretty and wanting not to disregard the other important aspects of her life such as career, husband, family, and friends. Those aspects are the girl that is inside every woman whether she is running, cooking, cleaning, working, or any other job that she may hold proudly.
Works Cited
Jutel, A. (2009, December). Running Like a Girl: Women's Running Books and the Paradox of Tradition. Retrieved July 28, 2010, from Database The Journal of Popular Culture: http://journals.ohiolink.edu/ejc/article.cgi?issn=00223840&issue=v42i0006&article=1004_rlagwrbatpot
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Fight Club Analysis
There are several things that influence people to conform to certain rules, make certain choices, or even join certain clubs. Since the movie Fight Club was released in 1999 there have been several “fight clubs” forming and the influence of the movie Fight Club can be accredited for the sudden rise in the gatherings. These fight clubs consist of members who gather and watch a couple members fight until one wants to stop. This is supposed to be a way for the members to work out their frustrations and to help them feel better about themselves. The number one rule according to Fight Club is to never talk about the club, but the kids in the Northwest Area High School in Wilkes-Barre, Pa not only broke that rule but also posted the fights on the Internet (Guydish, 2010).
Fights have always taken place in high schools for one reason or another, but the difference with these kids is that these fights are not to settle a disagreement but are a way for them to entertain themselves. Fighting has been a form of entertainment for many years from boxing to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but since the movie Fight Club, there have many kids who have fallen victim to the laws that are not detailed in the movie. Some kids have been charged with disorderly conduct and assault and these clubs are not isolated to particular school or district (McKenzie, 2009). Many participants believe that they are only hurting themselves when fighting but they are finding different when charges are being filed. Even though participants are willingly engaging in the fights, the charges are still being brought forth because of the manner in which they are being conducted.
The movie did not make the kids go out and form a fight club but it did present the idea the same as Million Dollar Baby and all the Rocky movies give ideas to kids to become a professional fighter. Movies are produced to provide entertainment to the popular culture the same as regulated fighting does, but the audience still has the choice of how they are going to allow the entertainment to affect their lives.
Works Cited
Guydish, M. (2010, February 9). The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Mark Guydish column: Rules of fight club: Don't talk, don't post. Retrieved July 28, 2010, from Newspaper Source database: http://0-search.ebscohost.com.olinkserver.franklin.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nfh&AN=2W61585907002&site=ehost-live
McKenzie, K. (2009, September 2). 31 students to be charged in Collierville High School 'fight club' case, Commercial Appeal, The (Memphis, TN). Retrieved July 28, 2010, from Newspaper Source database: http://0-search.ebscohost.com.olinkserver.franklin.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nfh&AN=2W62311327590&site=ehost-live
Fights have always taken place in high schools for one reason or another, but the difference with these kids is that these fights are not to settle a disagreement but are a way for them to entertain themselves. Fighting has been a form of entertainment for many years from boxing to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but since the movie Fight Club, there have many kids who have fallen victim to the laws that are not detailed in the movie. Some kids have been charged with disorderly conduct and assault and these clubs are not isolated to particular school or district (McKenzie, 2009). Many participants believe that they are only hurting themselves when fighting but they are finding different when charges are being filed. Even though participants are willingly engaging in the fights, the charges are still being brought forth because of the manner in which they are being conducted.
The movie did not make the kids go out and form a fight club but it did present the idea the same as Million Dollar Baby and all the Rocky movies give ideas to kids to become a professional fighter. Movies are produced to provide entertainment to the popular culture the same as regulated fighting does, but the audience still has the choice of how they are going to allow the entertainment to affect their lives.
Works Cited
Guydish, M. (2010, February 9). The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Mark Guydish column: Rules of fight club: Don't talk, don't post. Retrieved July 28, 2010, from Newspaper Source database: http://0-search.ebscohost.com.olinkserver.franklin.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nfh&AN=2W61585907002&site=ehost-live
McKenzie, K. (2009, September 2). 31 students to be charged in Collierville High School 'fight club' case, Commercial Appeal, The (Memphis, TN). Retrieved July 28, 2010, from Newspaper Source database: http://0-search.ebscohost.com.olinkserver.franklin.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nfh&AN=2W62311327590&site=ehost-live
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Hero Analysis
The concept of a hero has changed through the years from someone who has supernatural abilities to someone who is the best grandmother. In a recent article, the hero is much younger and did not save any lives. In fact, Ha Mok-min, 16, and Bae Yeong-ho, 17, are heroes to a young group of followers, “thumb tribe”, in South Korea due to their texting ability (New York Times Upfront, 2010).
Ha and Bae became known as heroes to the “thumb tribe” after winning a competition held in New York in January (New York Times Upfront, 2010). The competition was held between thirteen countries and Ha and Bae were deemed the best team in the texting world. The group of followers is considering them heroes because the followers feel more comfortable texting when conversing than holding a verbal conversation over the phone (New York Times Upfront, 2010).
For them to be claimed as heroes shows and enforces how the changing idea of a hero is unfolding. In this case, the hero has an ability at which they excel above others in the field according to the competition that was held. There will be technological advances in cell phones that will surface to help the members of the “thumb tribe” and other people who will possess dedication and skill that will excel beyond the standards set by Ha and Bae. This will contribute to additional people that will be added to the heroic people of the texting world.
The act of texting is not something that is unachievable such as leaping tall buildings in a single bound or shooting spider web from ones wrist which allows their followers to relate to them. This is a trend that has been associated with newfound heroes and this has taken the supernatural abilities of past heroes and turned the abilities into their second weakness.
Works Cited
New York Times Upfront. (2010, April 19). 'Thumb Tribe' Heroes. Retrieved July 20, 2010, from Education Research Complete database: http://0-search.ebscohost.com.olinkserver.franklin.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=49012313&site=ehost-live
Ha and Bae became known as heroes to the “thumb tribe” after winning a competition held in New York in January (New York Times Upfront, 2010). The competition was held between thirteen countries and Ha and Bae were deemed the best team in the texting world. The group of followers is considering them heroes because the followers feel more comfortable texting when conversing than holding a verbal conversation over the phone (New York Times Upfront, 2010).
For them to be claimed as heroes shows and enforces how the changing idea of a hero is unfolding. In this case, the hero has an ability at which they excel above others in the field according to the competition that was held. There will be technological advances in cell phones that will surface to help the members of the “thumb tribe” and other people who will possess dedication and skill that will excel beyond the standards set by Ha and Bae. This will contribute to additional people that will be added to the heroic people of the texting world.
The act of texting is not something that is unachievable such as leaping tall buildings in a single bound or shooting spider web from ones wrist which allows their followers to relate to them. This is a trend that has been associated with newfound heroes and this has taken the supernatural abilities of past heroes and turned the abilities into their second weakness.
Works Cited
New York Times Upfront. (2010, April 19). 'Thumb Tribe' Heroes. Retrieved July 20, 2010, from Education Research Complete database: http://0-search.ebscohost.com.olinkserver.franklin.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=49012313&site=ehost-live
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Ritual Analysis
An article from TIME magazine expresses the importance of creating family rituals. Rituals on the family level bring them together and are stressed by psychologists for families to create (Dickinson, 1999). The ritual that is explained in the article is one that many families do annually on the weekend holiday of Memorial Day weekend.
On this weekend the author recalls what her family ritual involves. Her family readies the goodies of summer fun on this weekend. The bicycles get pulled out of their winter hiding places and the summer flowers are planted to be enjoyed for their short life. The most important part of the ritual that is described is the part when they go to the cemetery because at this point the history of each family member that had served in the military is mentioned (Dickinson, 1999). They also mention different family member careers to show how normal careers were incorporated into their unique family (Dickinson, 1999).
This article pushes for families to start their own rituals and gives examples of ways to do it (Dickinson, 1999). It helps point out that there are some things that are rituals that many do not recognize. On a personal level it can be as simple as bushing ones hair each night before bed or dancing each time a certain song comes on the radio. It could also be a certain handshake that is exchanged when saying hello to a friend or a restaurant where a meal is shared on a certain day.
Whatever the habit or ritual is that one shares with family or friends, it is something that brings families closer and builds bonds and stories to be shared by generations. The passing of rituals is important to keep the families uniqueness and history alive through the years.
Works Cited
Dickinson, A. (1999, May 31). Family Legends. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database on July 14, 2010, from Time: http://0-search.ebscohost.com.olinkserver.franklin.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=1866565&site=ehost-live
On this weekend the author recalls what her family ritual involves. Her family readies the goodies of summer fun on this weekend. The bicycles get pulled out of their winter hiding places and the summer flowers are planted to be enjoyed for their short life. The most important part of the ritual that is described is the part when they go to the cemetery because at this point the history of each family member that had served in the military is mentioned (Dickinson, 1999). They also mention different family member careers to show how normal careers were incorporated into their unique family (Dickinson, 1999).
This article pushes for families to start their own rituals and gives examples of ways to do it (Dickinson, 1999). It helps point out that there are some things that are rituals that many do not recognize. On a personal level it can be as simple as bushing ones hair each night before bed or dancing each time a certain song comes on the radio. It could also be a certain handshake that is exchanged when saying hello to a friend or a restaurant where a meal is shared on a certain day.
Whatever the habit or ritual is that one shares with family or friends, it is something that brings families closer and builds bonds and stories to be shared by generations. The passing of rituals is important to keep the families uniqueness and history alive through the years.
Works Cited
Dickinson, A. (1999, May 31). Family Legends. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database on July 14, 2010, from Time: http://0-search.ebscohost.com.olinkserver.franklin.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=1866565&site=ehost-live
Friday, July 9, 2010
Icon Analysis of the Pink Ribbon
The Pink Ribbon is worn and displayed by many who support breast cancer research. It is a re
cognizable icon to many who have not even had any direct connection with breast cancer. October has been known as the Breast Cancer Awareness month since 1985
There is controversy as to the origination of the Pink Ribbon because it is noted as being handed out to all participants in the Komen Race for the Cure in New York City in 1991
With this icon, hundreds of millions of dollars have been raised to assist with the research of the ominous cancer
This icon is used in many charity events to raise money for the research and awareness push. The Pink Ribbon is worn proudly by supporters and survivors along with family members and friends who have had a loved one who has either won or lost the vicious battle.
References
Danziger, L. S. (2009, October). Mission almost accomplished. Retrieved July 8, 2010, from LexisNexis database.
Naltchayan, N. (2003, October 11). Image of Pink Ribbon. Retrieved July 9, 2010, from Bartcop Entertainment: http://www.suprmchaos.com/pink-ribbon_101003.jpg
Pink Ribbon Inc. (2009). History . Retrieved July 8, 2010, from Pink Ribbon International: http://www.pinkribbon.org/About/History/tabid/199/Default.aspx
Pink Ribbon Inc. (2009). Welcome. Retrieved July 8, 2010, from Pink Ribbon International: http://www.pinkribbon.org/Default.aspx
Thursday, July 8, 2010
My Chosen Icons
The three contemporary icons that I have chosen are the Grand Ole Opry stage, the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) Octagon, and Madonna. The Grand Ole Opry stage icon is a stage that is located in Nashville, Tennessee on which the Grand Ole Opry Show is preformed weekly by country artists (Grand Ole Opry, 2010). The UFC Octagon is the official fighting ring that the fights are held during the pay-per-view events, UFC Fight Night, and the Ultimate Fighter reality TV series (ZUFFA, LLC, 2010). The third icon I chose was Madonna who is a pop artist who originated in the eighty’s (Pham).
I chose the Grand Ole Opry Stage because it represents the great artists in country music. There has only been one stage that the artists have
performed on since the Opry started performing in the Ryman Auditorium in 1943 (Grand Ole Opry, 2010). In 1974 the Opry moved to a new location that was more adequate to hold the attracted audiences but not without the stage from the Ryman Auditorium (Grand Ole Opry, 2010). When country artists today are asked to play in the Grand Ole Opry, it is an honor for them to stand where so many great country artists such as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Patsy Cline have stood (Grand Ole Opry, 2010). To be invited to play on the Grand Ole Opry stage is a defining benchmark in their career on their path to becoming icons of their eras.
The UFC Octagon is an icon for the fighters who dedicate their lives to achieve greatness in their MMA (mixed martial arts) career.
The UFC Octagon is a trademark of ZUFFA, LLC (ZUFFA, LLC, 2010) and it symbolizes an MMA athlete who has proved themselves and achieved the opportunity to demonstrate their skills with other elite MMA athletes. To me the UFC Octagon icon is important because I know as a avid UFC fan for a new fighter to make it into the UFC octagon they will have had to display great skills and proven that they are able to entertain and compete with the top MMA athletes. The first step into the UFC Octagon is an unforgettable moment for a new fighter and threshold that they hope to cross several more times until they are an undisputed champion of their weight class.
The last icon that I chose was Madonna. She is an icon of the 80’s for the
music and fashion that she brought (Pham). Her great talent and fashion taste was given exposure by MTV and her controversial videos gave her even more media spotlight (Pham). Her songs displayed strong independent lyrics and her fashion was desired by the girls of the era and enjoyed by all her fans. She brought back the fishnet stocking and introduced the famous pointy bra that pushed fashion to its limits. She is an important icon to me because of her carefree, independent persona that she easily displayed with every public appearance.
Works Cited
Grand Ole Opry. (2010). History of the Opry. Retrieved July 8, 2010, from Grand Ole Opry: http://www.opry.com/about/History.html
Icke, D. (2008, August 8). Image of UFC Official Octagon. Retrieved July 8, 2010, from David Icke: http://www.davidicke.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3097&page=95
Image of Grand Ole Opry Stage. (2010). Retrieved July 8, 2010, from Grand Ole Opry: http://www.opry.com/about/History.html
Pham, D. (n.d.). Madonna: Rebel with a cause? Retrieved July 8, 2010, from http://dialogues.rutgers.edu/vol_02/pdf_files/d_pham.pdf
The Great 80s. (2010). Image of Madonna. Retrieved July 8, 2010, from The Great 80's: http://www.thegreat80s.com/80s-Fashion.html
ZUFFA, LLC. (2010). THE UFC® FACT SHEET . Retrieved July 8, 2010, from UFC: http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=LearnUFC.FactSheet
I chose the Grand Ole Opry Stage because it represents the great artists in country music. There has only been one stage that the artists have
performed on since the Opry started performing in the Ryman Auditorium in 1943 (Grand Ole Opry, 2010). In 1974 the Opry moved to a new location that was more adequate to hold the attracted audiences but not without the stage from the Ryman Auditorium (Grand Ole Opry, 2010). When country artists today are asked to play in the Grand Ole Opry, it is an honor for them to stand where so many great country artists such as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Patsy Cline have stood (Grand Ole Opry, 2010). To be invited to play on the Grand Ole Opry stage is a defining benchmark in their career on their path to becoming icons of their eras. The UFC Octagon is an icon for the fighters who dedicate their lives to achieve greatness in their MMA (mixed martial arts) career.
The UFC Octagon is a trademark of ZUFFA, LLC (ZUFFA, LLC, 2010) and it symbolizes an MMA athlete who has proved themselves and achieved the opportunity to demonstrate their skills with other elite MMA athletes. To me the UFC Octagon icon is important because I know as a avid UFC fan for a new fighter to make it into the UFC octagon they will have had to display great skills and proven that they are able to entertain and compete with the top MMA athletes. The first step into the UFC Octagon is an unforgettable moment for a new fighter and threshold that they hope to cross several more times until they are an undisputed champion of their weight class. The last icon that I chose was Madonna. She is an icon of the 80’s for the
music and fashion that she brought (Pham). Her great talent and fashion taste was given exposure by MTV and her controversial videos gave her even more media spotlight (Pham). Her songs displayed strong independent lyrics and her fashion was desired by the girls of the era and enjoyed by all her fans. She brought back the fishnet stocking and introduced the famous pointy bra that pushed fashion to its limits. She is an important icon to me because of her carefree, independent persona that she easily displayed with every public appearance. Works Cited
Grand Ole Opry. (2010). History of the Opry. Retrieved July 8, 2010, from Grand Ole Opry: http://www.opry.com/about/History.html
Icke, D. (2008, August 8). Image of UFC Official Octagon. Retrieved July 8, 2010, from David Icke: http://www.davidicke.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3097&page=95
Image of Grand Ole Opry Stage. (2010). Retrieved July 8, 2010, from Grand Ole Opry: http://www.opry.com/about/History.html
Pham, D. (n.d.). Madonna: Rebel with a cause? Retrieved July 8, 2010, from http://dialogues.rutgers.edu/vol_02/pdf_files/d_pham.pdf
The Great 80s. (2010). Image of Madonna. Retrieved July 8, 2010, from The Great 80's: http://www.thegreat80s.com/80s-Fashion.html
ZUFFA, LLC. (2010). THE UFC® FACT SHEET . Retrieved July 8, 2010, from UFC: http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=LearnUFC.FactSheet
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Twilight Analysis
The Twilight Saga series craze is connecting generations of females. The love story series just released the third movie of the series, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”, which broke the record set by “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” when it brought in more than $30 million from the opening night (Lofing, 2010). The complexity of the love connection between Edward (the vampire) who has had centuries to learn to love yet does not want to do anything to hurt the young woman, Bella, who has taken his heart. The twists and boundaries that are set and crossed by characters are written and presented in such a way that it is tasteful for the youngest eyes and tactful enough to keep the romantic’s interest of the more experienced ladies. Because of this, all ages are able to enjoy the love story and gossip with other Twilight fans.
This series is connecting Grandmothers with their grandchildren as they read through the series together (Lofing, 2010). There are also several websites that are dedicated to the Mom’s who are Twilight fanatics such as cofessionsofatwilightmom.com (Lofing, 2010). The bonds that are being strengthened are going deepen the roots of the families who are enjoying the Twilight Saga that is consuming so many in the popular culture. It is also starting more friendships as crowds gather and wait for the doors to open and the screen to light up. Moms are able to connect with the films heroine, Bella, because she takes care of her household and is incredibly independent.
There is an easy connection made with young girls because she is still in high school and falling in love for the first time with someone she knows would not be approved by her parents.
Due to these associations, females of all ages are able to take pleasure in the romance that is played out before them. Thus the Twilight series is making it easy for in depth conversations and bonds that strengthen relations and build new relationships.
Works Cited
Lofing, N. (2010, July 1). Moms get on board with 'Twilight' craze. Sacramento Bee, The (CA). Retrieved July 2, 2010, from Newspaper source database: http://0-search.ebscohost.com.olinkserver.franklin.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nfh&AN=2W61754881808&site=ehost-live
This series is connecting Grandmothers with their grandchildren as they read through the series together (Lofing, 2010). There are also several websites that are dedicated to the Mom’s who are Twilight fanatics such as cofessionsofatwilightmom.com (Lofing, 2010). The bonds that are being strengthened are going deepen the roots of the families who are enjoying the Twilight Saga that is consuming so many in the popular culture. It is also starting more friendships as crowds gather and wait for the doors to open and the screen to light up. Moms are able to connect with the films heroine, Bella, because she takes care of her household and is incredibly independent.
There is an easy connection made with young girls because she is still in high school and falling in love for the first time with someone she knows would not be approved by her parents.
Due to these associations, females of all ages are able to take pleasure in the romance that is played out before them. Thus the Twilight series is making it easy for in depth conversations and bonds that strengthen relations and build new relationships.
Works Cited
Lofing, N. (2010, July 1). Moms get on board with 'Twilight' craze. Sacramento Bee, The (CA). Retrieved July 2, 2010, from Newspaper source database: http://0-search.ebscohost.com.olinkserver.franklin.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nfh&AN=2W61754881808&site=ehost-live
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