Stereotypes Abound

Stereotypes abound in the media. What about that latest Dove Shampoo (R) television ad, the billboards found in college towns, and the junk mail you get in your dorm mailbox? How do marketing agencies "know" who to target? Are stereotypes used? How? Do you agree or disagree with using stereotypes in advertising? Will this practice ever come to an end?

Figure 1: Stereotype Poster

http://www.mediacampaign.org/mg/images/stereotype_lg.jpg

Culture Is Everywhere!

Culture is past, present, and future! While we sometimes think of culture as being something distanced from ourselves, the fact is that culture is part of everything we do. Cell phones, televisions, computers, Ipods....the list of culture-specific items goes on and on.

How have cell phones become part of Western culture? Who owns them? What does that imply about the user? Who does not own a cell phone and what does that imply about that person? Is it simply a means of communication, or could it be a status symbol?

Figure 1: Cell Phone X-Ray

http://www.thestrangedeathofliberalamerica.com/wp-content/themes/stormy%20liberty/build/cell%20phone-2.jpg

Cultural Artifacts

Dear Class,

If you are struggling with topic ideas, consider writing about cultural artifacts. You may discuss the definition of cultural artifact or even list a few artifacts with an expanded explanation of how they are cultural artifacts. Note: Please do not simply copy and paste any previous writing assignments we have completed for class.

Figure 1: Chopsticks

http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/18000/18002/chopsticks_18002_lg.gif