Written Analysis #1-The value of sports for young athletes

Written Analysis #1

            Young athletes are bombarded with expectations of greatness and the promise of notoriety if they are lucky enough to make it into the world of professional sports.  With players now advertising everything from energy drinks to talcum powder to the newest car off the assembly line, it is apparent that the value placed on athletic ability has transformed over the years. 

            This topic encompasses several aspects of popular culture such as rites, personal appearance, myths and stereotypes.  However, a few are more relevant than others.  The media plays an important role in shaping the image that the general public has of these professional athletes; communicating it to the masses in both positive and negative ways.  As expected, it beckons the youth to view these talented individuals as heroes and look back on iconic figures and their contributions to the sports world. 

The media is not solely responsible for how our children perceive these competitions and their players.  As parents, we either encourage our children to participate in these activities or steer them away from the organized sports and cultivate talents they may have in other areas.  Their impressionable minds are in our hands to shape the perception they develop about what is ultimately important in life. 

            I hope that by exploring the different cultural aspects of this topic, I will have a better understanding behind each of them and why we allow so much personal, social, and economic value to be placed on athleticism. 

Icon Analysis

Icon Analysis

For this assignment, I chose the American flag, Legos, and Michael Jordan.  It is rare that on a daily basis we can go without seeing these three icons or something they have influenced.  Most of us can relate to or recognize one or all of these whether it be walking past the toy section at Wal-Mart or turning on the TV, when you see them, something specific comes to mind. 

We recently read about the American dream and I thought of the American flag as an icon that represents what our nation stands for and continues to represent.  Our country is ever changing with its economy, politics, and social differences, but our flag and the basic ideal of freedom has never waivered.

I don't know too many people who have never played with Legos.  As a kid I would build a house, tear it apart and start again.  We weren't lucky enough to have Lego people at that time so you had to be creative. These multi-sized and colored bricks have been fostering imaginations for years and yet have evolved to keep up with other icons that have emerged.  We see Lego Batman, Lego Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter and even movies about Lego characters.  This company has made its mark in the world of toys in different ways and has kept alive the idea of "building".

Michael Jordan has been a symbol of excellence in sports and business for over two decades.  Not only did he dominate the professional basketball scene, but paved the road for the sport's future players to strive to surpass his "greatness".  While he left the court, he continued influencing basketball through his sponsorships and business relationships with Nike and the NBA. 

Popular culture is defined by Browne as "the system of attitudes, behavior patterns, beliefs, customs and tastes that define the people of any society.  It is the entertainment, diversions, icons, rituals and actions that shape a society's everyday world."  My perception is similar to Browne's.  I believe it is a selection of things and ideas that resonate over time with the majority of people.  As we change as a society, we add new beliefs and tangible items to the long list that shape our thoughts and ideals moving into the future. 

Comprehending pop culture is translates in my career field mostly in the aspect of technology and how it affects medical developments regarding treatment, imaging, and legislative standards.

I chose the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz as a pop culture artifact due to the timelessness of the movie and the symbolism of the slippers.  Rubies are considered special gems and Dorothy realizes that she possessed the means to return home throughout her journey of self discovery and just how special home was to her.