Written Analysis 1-4-6

Written Analyses

The theories that seem to best relate to Modern family are stereotypes, Icons and routines.  The show has based most of its scripts on the stereotypes that the American society and culture are full of, it has made jokes out of positive and negative stereotypes.   The fact that gay marriages are allowed in some states has given the show even more of a standing ground as it was one of the first shows to show to gay men living together as a normal couple, with one man working, and the other man being a home maker, and raising their adopted daughter.  More stereotypes such as the older man with his Hispanic young wife have also shined a light on a realistic part of American culture, but yet it is still somewhat of a taboo to fully accept in the society, (J. Grabert, 2011).

The most interesting findings from my analyses is that there are formulas in which most shows, movies, video games and websites are created and set up.  It was really an eye opener that most of the movies that I have watched have a theme whether they are action movies, romance movies or comedy shows, most have a stereotype that is played up, followed by a hero, or icon that carried the show for the audience to either identify with or want to immolate, (R.B. Brown, 2005).

Going forward I will think of popular culture as so much more than music, movies, and art, but as a part of the American society that still stretches around the world.  I will also remember that popular culture has contributed to the growth of technology, savings of lives, raised awareness for human right and global issues.  Popular culture is a part of what molds the society, our personalities and our livelihood.   

Reference

Grabert, J., (2011).  MLB ABC’s Modern family.  Retrieved June 6, 2012

            From http://www.cinemablend.com/televvision/MLB.html

Brown, R. B, (2005).  Profiles of popular culture, Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press

Petracca, M., Sorapure. M., (2012).  Common Culture: Reading and writing about American 

Popular culture, New Jersey:  University of California at Santa Barbara

Written Analysis 1-4-5

Written Analyses

Modern family has a formula that it uses like most comedies, movies, games and music.  This analysis will focus on whether the comedy has formulas that it uses to bring the storyline together for the audience.   Looking at theories such as beliefs, myths, heroes, setting, and stereotypes that makeup the formula, (R.B. Browne, 2005).    

The beliefs of having a family and a comfortable lifestyle is definitely displayed in the comedy sitcom, as we have seen in many other comedies such as the Cosby show, Married with children, Leave it to Beaver, and plenty of  other family oriented comedies.  The setting and backdrops are usually the same formulas also, where the house is a regular middle income household, (R.B. Browne, 2005).

Other theories that apply to this sitcom are the hero factors, the families such as the gay couple, are not your typical regular family, they have become the hero for most gay couples and un usual couples that do not regularly fit well in society.  There are also rituals such as going to work, attending school meetings for their kids and other every day activities to create a concept, (R.B. Browne, 2005).   

The stereotypes used for the formula, are typical as discussed which are the older man marrying the younger foreign woman, the typical 2.5 children family household.  There topics all tie in how society want to see themselves, and wish to live, the lifestyles portrayed on screen always  show the valued parts of family life, even when the dynamics of the meaning of family is changed.  Other comedies such as M.A.S.H. and Taxi displayed family bonds with people that were not blood related.  The humor comes from everyday life situations that we usually overlook as a society.  The comedies use these formulas in a way to also demonstrate the fun in humor in almost all situations, (J. Grabert, 2011).

Reference

Grabert, J., (2011).  MLB ABC’s Modern family.  Retrieved June 6, 2012

            From http://www.cinemablend.com/televvision/MLB.html

Brown, R. B, (2005).  Profiles of popular culture, Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press

Petracca, M., Sorapure. M., (2012).  Common Culture: Reading and writing about American 

Popular culture, New Jersey:  University of California at Santa Barbara

written analysis 1-4-2

Written Analyses

            This assignment will focus on defining the terminology and concept theories of popular culture, specifically the concepts of Icons, Beliefs, and Myths.  There will also be discussions on what theories apply to the topic of the sitcom “Modern Family”, and a brief explanation of any insight gained from applying the concepts to the sitcom.                        

 Icon can be described as an object, picture, image, and person.  Many years ago icons were used for religious paintings, images, people and artifacts, the word in the 21^st century has taken on a different meaning, which mostly is used to identify or describe celebrities such as, Marilyn Monroe and more.  One of the actors on Modern Family is Sofia Vergara, an actress, TV hostess, and comedian born in Colombia.  Her looks are iconic much like Marilyn Monroe, who she is constantly compared too, (R.B. Browne, 2005).

Beliefs are still a touchy subject in the 21^st century, but people are more willing to discuss them and bring them to the surface.  The show has brought many issues of religion, personal lifestyle and other forms of belief that most people talk about to the forefront, but have done it in an intelligent humorous way, (M. Trotti, 2011).

The show does not deal much with historical myths, but rather everyday life situations, myths that are discussed on the show deal with normal people being labeled as heroes.  However the writers of the show have been labeled as heroes by most of their viewers for bringing issues such as bullying, Gay and Lesbian rights to marriage, Adoption for gay couples, and other controversial issues. Insight that is achieved from the show is that it acts as a teaching prop for many issues in our society done in an interest comedic way, which makes it important to popular culture for bringing issues that most people hardly want to discuss in public, (M. Trotti, 2011).

Reference

Trotti, M., (2011).  The history of popular culture in America.  Retrieved May 17, 2012

            From http://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/mtrotti/popculture.html

Brown, R. B, (2005).  Profiles of popular culture, Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press

Petracca, M., Sorapure. M., (2012).  Common Culture: Reading and writing about American 

Popular culture, New Jersey:  University of California at Santa Barbara

sisters of sorts: Journal article analysis

Journal Article Analysis  

            This paper will be analyzing the journal article entitled Sisters of sorts: Reading romantic fiction and the bonds among female reader.  The focus in the paper will be to outline the theme of the article, useful information, who its intended audience is, and what the authors point is.  The cultural themes learned in this class such as stereotypes, myths, and icons, as well as other forces will be used to discuss the author’s main points of the article. Finally the conclusion will summarize the importance of reading this article, if it is relevant or not. 

Sisters of sorts: Reading romantic fiction and the bonds among female readers is a journal article written in 2011 by Laura Struve a professor of English associates at Wilmington College in Wilmington Ohio.  The article sisters of sorts deals with the studies and research of female romance novel readers, how they are viewed by society, and the stereotypes that they encounter for reading these novels in public.    The articles explains that women that read romantic fiction novels are negatively viewed by society, they are seen as deluded neurotics, passive and some are stated to use the romance novels to escape reality and real life problems.  Struve does a wonderful job in explaining the way these women are viewed, in that it is definitely a form of stereotype that most in society have judged them because of their choice of literature.  It goes to show that in most cases people will judge you by the clothes you wear and even the books you read, all which are irrelevant, (Struve, 2005). 

Another point that the article notes is that the disadvantage of the stereotype labels of these readers stems from the content of the of the novels, the genre of romantic novels almost always paints unrealistic lifestyles and courtship that leads to marriages in most of them.  There is truth to this point in that these novels may have been close to reality many centuries ago when women did not work, or have rights, but times have changed, and for today’s audience this creates a problem because some will have unrealistic expectations of men, and in turn may cause them issues with their dating lives, (R.B. Browne, 2005).

Struve’s article also has low points in that it has not documented any studies of the percentage of women’s lives that live in comparison to the romantic novels that they have read.  The amount of women that have changed their lifestyles and behavior to match a novel because of the romantic novel tell supports the study; this is also one of the myths that surrounds the notion of romantic love.  Some women may be reading to escape the luck of real love, and using the novels as a replacement for what they find to be a myth.  The studies would have supported the important point that she makes about society’s stereotype of women with a passion for romantic fiction novels.  However Struve continues to give more serving information by stating that “Critics of romance readers fail to recognize that a reader’s choice to read a certain book does not imply the unquestioning adoption of its ideology,” (Laura Struve, 2011), which is realistic in that most women that read these novels, do so to have an outlet in a society where the right of independence also comes with difficult responsibilities, (Struve, 2011).

This article also notes that the purpose of choosing to read this genre of literature for most women is so that they can relate to each other, and that it serves as a form of fellowship.  It is also  noted by Struve that most romance novels are not reviewed by major newspapers, and readers rely on word of mouth to acquire information on the book, this statement can be supported by the current frenzy that Fifty shades of grey has caused.  Fifty shades of grey is an erotic fiction novel written in 2011 by British author E.L. James, it can attribute most of its success, 10 million copies worldwide, to viral marketing, word of mouth and other female erotica novels such as Twilight, it’s increasing interest by readers had caused it to be purchased by Vintage books, to be re-released in April 2012.  Romantic novels are still sold despite the luck of major advertising because they appeal to the mass market, which are most female readers, regardless of their interest for the book, some might just be reading them to get in the circle with other friends as part of the fellowship, (R.B. Browne, 2005).     

The Sisters of sorts article is intended to educate the audience on the stereotypes and criticism that female readers of romantic novels endure, it is also for those that choose to read the romantic novels with the notion that someone is standing up for their freedom of choices made for literature without being negatively scrutinized.  Others scholars seeking information about how romantic novel readers are viewed in the society for their research may also find it a little useful.  The points made in the article gives clear pro’s and cons that the readers face, making it a viable article for anyone interested in learning about the community of romance readers, the authors, or the history regarding the popular culture of romantic literature, (Struve, 2011).

In conclusion the sisters of sorts article doe not hold much importance other than the person seeking information on individual views of women reading romantic novels, even though the article does have strong points when it discusses the stereotypes that these readers face.  However the article fails to deliver studied evidence that would support its opinions on the stereotypes towards readers of romantic novels, this is where it becomes irrelevant, and if this was a study merely based on stereotyping, there are plenty of subjects which the writer Laura Struve could have displayed both her intellects and writing skills.   Even though the article falls short on research, that it not to say that her subject was not important enough to cover, it just lucks research and studies that would have strengthened this article for most popular culture studies.

Reference

Struve, L., (2011).  Sisters of Sorts:  Reading Romantic Fiction and the Bonds Among

Female Readers, 44 (6), 1289-1303.

Brown, R. B, (2005).  Profiles of popular culture, Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press

Written Analysis wk4

Written Analyses

Modern family show has many followers, and its demographic range of viewers between ages of 18 to 49.  Modern family is extremely important to the media and its ABC network family for its fan base, which means more money to the network.  This show has also become important to individuals, more heroic in a society where the traditional lifestyles no longer exist for the majority population, because of it non traditional families portrayed on the show; many people are able to identify with its 21^st century roles of family living such as married gay couples, older man younger foreign woman-kind of lifestyle, (J. Grabert, 2011). 

The traditional heroes that were portrayed in the past with capes flying in the sky coming to someone’s rescue when a building is burning or some other dire situation is no longer seen on TV, they have been replaced with heroes that are like our neighbors, people when can relate too and whose actions we can immolate.  Their behaviors and lifestyle encourage viewers to be heroes to with simple actions such as standing up to a bully, or standing up for what you believe in, and in this show, it is the freedom to be with whomever you choose to be with without feeling bad, or having the fear or society misjudging you, (R.B. Brown, 2005).

The actors on the modern family show have also reaped the benefits of the show, and in turn are also called heroes for their skills, which in itself is also funny because all their doing is acting, which raises the question, how can you be a hero for doing your job?.  The portrayal of heroes in the American and other western societies is much more relaxed than those of other nations which leads me to my final note and insight from this subject, is that the cult of the celebrity heroes has gotten out of control, especially when plenty of teachers, doctors, and other jobs that saves lives and gives the society knowledge do not receive the same status or notoriety, (M. Petracca & M. Sorapure, 2012).

Reference

Grabert, J., (2011).  MLB World Series loses in 18-49 demographic to ABC’s Modern family 

            Retrieved June 6, 2012

            From http://www.cinemablend.com/televvision/MLB.html

Brown, R. B, (2005).  Profiles of popular culture, Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press

Petracca, M., Sorapure. M., (2012).  Common Culture: Reading and writing about American 

Popular culture, New Jersey:  University of California at Santa Barbara

Written Analysis 1-4-3

Written Analysis

            In this paper I will briefly analyze the Modern Family comedy rituals and stereotypes that are portrayed on the show, as well as how these theories describe and evaluate the show.                 

 The modern family TV show definitely displays a lot of stereotypes, in fact the premises of the show is based on these stereotypes that are everyday activities blown out of proportion, and that’s what makes the show funny.  The drama of the older retired man and his beautiful Colombian wife, these dynamics stereotypical in the society, and in this show the situation is a little different, because their relationship is seriously based on love, even though most of the people in their town also see her as a gold digger, much like real life situations.

Other stereotypes include a gay couple that adopt an Asian baby, again their lifestyle is blown out of proportion, as the script stereotypes their characters to be well groomed, dressed, mannered individuals, as well as one of them being over the top with his actions, and emotionally dramatic  with each stressful situation.

The last family is stereotyped as a typical suburban family with three children, a stay at home with, and a working husband, they each have funny characteristics that dramatize everyday activities or rituals.  Each of these families performs rituals that are viewed in everyday society such as going to watch sports for the retired father, shopping for the Colombian young wife. Office meetings and issues for the gay couple, and school games, church services, prom dates, and grocery shopping for the typical houses hold family, and lastly Sunday brunch where all of the families and extended families get together.  All in all, the realistic stories that are over dramatized add for fun theatrics as well as good comedy.     

Reference

Trotti, M., (2011).  The history of popular culture in America.  Retrieved May 17, 2012

            From http://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/mtrotti/popculture.html

Brown, R. B, (2005).  Profiles of popular culture, Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press

Petracca, M., Sorapure. M., (2012).  Common Culture: Reading and writing about American 

Popular culture, New Jersey:  University of California at Santa Barbara

Written Analysis 1-4-2

Written Analysis

            This assignment will focus on defining the terminology and concept theories of popular culture, specifically the concepts of Icons, Beliefs, and Myths.  There will also be discussions on what theories apply to the topic of the sitcom “Modern Family”, and a brief explanation of any insight gained from applying the concepts to the sitcom.                        

 Icon can be described as an object, picture, image, and person.  Many years ago icons were used for religious paintings, images, people and artifacts, the word in the 21^st century has taken on a different meaning, which mostly is used to identify or describe celebrities such as, Marilyn Monroe and more.  One of the actors on Modern Family is Sofia Vergara, an actress, TV hostess, and comedian born in Colombia.  Her looks are iconic much like Marilyn Monroe, who she is constantly compared too, (R.B. Browne, 2005).

Beliefs are still a touchy subject in the 21^st century, but people are more willing to discuss them and bring them to the surface.  The show has brought many issues of religion, personal lifestyle and other forms of belief that most people talk about to the forefront, but have done it in an intelligent humorous way, (M. Trotti, 2011).

The show does not deal much with historical myths, but rather everyday life situations, myths that are discussed on the show deal with normal people being labeled as heroes.  However the writers of the show have been labeled as heroes by most of their viewers for bringing issues such as bullying, Gay and Lesbian rights to marriage, Adoption for gay couples, and other controversial issues. Insight that is achieved from the show is that it acts as a teaching prop for many issues in our society done in an interest comedic way, which makes it important to popular culture for bringing issues that most people hardly want to discuss in public, (M. Trotti, 2011).

Reference

Trotti, M., (2011).  The history of popular culture in America.  Retrieved May 17, 2012

            From http://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/mtrotti/popculture.html

Brown, R. B, (2005).  Profiles of popular culture, Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press

Petracca, M., Sorapure. M., (2012).  Common Culture: Reading and writing about American 

Popular culture, New Jersey:  University of California at Santa Barbara