Blog #6

Contrast Toys for Boys and Toys for Girls

You completed the graphic organizer for Practice #6 on pg. 130 of your text.  The practice asked you to discuss the contrasting messages sent about what boys and girls supposedly like to do.  Now, write your thoughts in this next blog.  Do the lists put unfair limits on children of either gender?  Compare and contrast your thoughts about the top toys for boys and girls in 2008.

Blog #5

We have talked about the power of the internet to bring us information and to help connect our lives with others.  We've also discussed the pros and cons of internet fame with the Antoine Dodson phenomenon and readings.  Just recently there is news of the internet being used with disasterous results. 
Click on the links below and write a clear paragraph in response to them both.  What do you think?

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/rutgers-suicide-latest-linked-gay-humiliation/story?id=11766816

http://abcnews.go.com/US/victim-secret-dorm-sex-tape-commits-suicide/story?id=11758716

Blog #4

Popular Culture....Just what is it?




One scholar asserts this: 
 Popular Culture is the arts, artifacts, entertainment, fads, beliefs and values that are shared by large segments of society.

1.  Brainstorm a list of popular culture items. 
2.  Next, define these terms:  Fads    Trends    Icons

• What does it take for a fad become a trend?
• What is the difference between a celebrity and an icon?

3.  List your encounters with popular culture over the next twenty-four hours and reflect on your findings in your Blog #4 entry.

Blog #3

POPULAR MUSIC

I don't know about you, but sometimes I am curious yet overwhelmed at all the different types of music out there.  There seems to be so many new styles of music and new artists available every day.  I could have an ipod plugged in 24 hours a day, and still not experience it all.  I enjoy so many types of music, but I must admit that I need to take a 'music bath' once in awhile to listen to the new stuff coming out.  What about you?
What types of music do you enjoy?  What new artists appeal to you and why do they?  If your ipod could only hold three different types of music, what would they be?  How do you consume music---downloads on ipods, computers, cd's, smartphones, vinyl?

Lady Gaga seemed to do well at the MTV Music Awards.  Do you have an opinion about her and her music?

Blog #2

Antoine Dodson

We have viewed the Antoine Dodson's "Bed Intruder Song" YouTube video and read two articles about his internet phenomenon.  The article entitled "Laughing At Or With Antoine Dodson" from National Public Radio examined two opposing viewpoints regarding Dodson's celebrity status.  The article asked the question:  Are people laughing AT or WITH Antoine Dodson?  What do you think and why?  Write a paragraph with a topic sentence and at least two supporting sentences explaining your point of view.

Blog #1

This semester we will explore aspects of popular culture through reading and writings.  It has been asked of you before, but what do you like about popular culture?  What do you dislike about it?

Welcome to EN001 Fall 2010 Blog!

Hello Folks!  Welcome to our new blog.  I think of 'blogging' as an online writing tool, and I hope we can use this one in a good way this semester.  Please watch for updates and prompts for your own writing.  See you in class.