"Class Struggle"

Recently, I watched an episode of “King of Queens” on television. It is a sit-com of a middle-class couple living in Queens, New York. The show presents a comical relief version of a day in the life of the average American family and the struggles they face. In this particular episode, Carrie (the wife) made the decision to return to college after some lawyer co-workers humiliate her for being just a secretary. It was interesting how the group immediately stereotyped her by making it seem that the highlight of Carrie’s life revolved around Secretary's Week.

Her husband, Doug, initially is jealous of the time she spends on her studies. But, he quickly changes his tune when he realizes that he should redirect his fears of her leaving him behind to efforts of support and encouragement for Carrie (Litt, D., & Wernick, I., 2000).

I can relate very much to the character, Carrie, in the struggle to fit in and be accepted in the workplace. As a relatively new employee at Johnson Space Center, I feel very intimidated by the vision of “PhD.” on almost every office door! My education has emerged through the ranks of mostly the clinical world, where technical “certifications” are more common than PhD’s. It’s ironic that even though I have three technical certifications in addition to my Applied Associates Degree in Science, it is still easy to be embarrassed by my “lack” of credentialing at my new job.

What is even more interesting is that with a single change in work environment I went from what some would consider “overqualified” to the “bottom of the food chain”. So, here I am, middle aged, and returning to school again to complete my Bachelor’s degree. This venture to my clinical friends seems to be the act of an “overachiever,” but to my new NASA co-workers is an effort of gaining “acceptance” as a peer.

REFERENCES:
Litt, D. & Wernick, I. (Writers). (2000). Class Struggle [Television Series Episode]. In M.J. Weithorn, T. Sheehan, & J. Sussman (Producers), King of Queens. Los Angeles: Sony Pictures Television and CBS Productions.

Picture Reference:

http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/shows/kingofqueens/index.php

Teenage Privacy

Recently, I watched an episode of “Grounded for Life” a TV sitcom about an average American family. This episode titled “In my room” (Copeland, 2001), presents the struggle of modern day parents seek the invisible line of privacy vs. protection with their teens.

Sean (the dad), finds a fake ID in his teenage daughter’s (Lily) room while looking for a stamp to use. Just the fact that she has it, sends the parents’ minds racing to imagine all that she might have used it for (i.e. buy beer and condoms, see rated R movies). Their fears are worsened by the fact that they themselves had fake ID’s at that age and DID us them to buy beer. They are faced with how to confront their daughter in light of the fact that they have invaded her private space.

It was interesting to see the contrast between the generations in the approach--The grandpa’s definition of “privacy” compared to the parents. Grandpa defined “privacy” as “hiding something bad” (Copeland, 2001), and gives his opinion that there is no dilemma at all…”just shove it in her face!”(Copeland, 2001). The parents, however, consider the ID as “tainted evidence” (Copeland, 2001)--in light of the fact that it was obtained under such circumstances--and therefore is not admissible as evidence.

I think this episode does show some light on a topic that based on individual opinions and circumstances may have differing responses. Our modern culture may have supported the teen possibly 100%. However, I myself tend to side with the law in recognizing that teens are not yet adults and that until they are, parents are ultimately responsible for them. Thus, parents should treat teens as persons “entering” adulthood (meaning not yet arrived). Teens are still learning what is acceptable behavior and this includes building trust one area at a time. When trust is broken or there is good evidence that trust should be questioned (in this case a fake ID), then for the protection of the teen, the parents need to investigate the matter.

I recently heard of a mother selling her sons car after finding beer in it. The classified ad read as follows, “OLDS 1999 Intrigue. Totally uncool parents who obviously don't love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for three weeks before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat. $3,700/offer. Call meanest mom on the planet" (Aly, 2008). This mom realized that by having tough love in this situation, she was being the best friend he could have…hopefully someday he will realize that and be thankful. In my opinion this is a good example where protection trumps over privacy.

References:

Aly, R. (2008, January 17). ‘Meanest mom’ ad draws support from many. Palm Desert Sun. Retrieved January 20, 2008, from http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

AID=/20080117/NEWS04/801170316/1010/news04Copeland, B. (Writer), & Lazarus, P. (Director). (2001). In My Room [Television series episode]. Grounded for Life. Los Angeles: Fox Broadcasting

ICON ANALYSIS

ICON ANALYSIS
America today gravitates towards Hollywood icons as sources of inspiration and hope for their physical appearance. Three examples of icons in this regard are Beyonce' Knowles, George Clooney, and Barbie, to name a few. I chose these three because they represent Hollywood’s response to America’s diverse population and its desire to define beautiful.

First, Beyonce’ is beautiful in every way, rich and famous, and mega-talented. She holds the complete package and can be related to be persons of varying ethnicities. Second, George Clooney, though climbing in age, is a successful movie star who chooses to stay single. People Magazine marked him as “Sexiest Man Alive, 2006” (People, 2006). Women of all ages would love to be his co-star. Lastly, Barbie, an icon herself for many years, now stars in her own movies. This speaks to our newest generation of audiences—our youth.

I myself have mixed emotions regarding these types of icons. In some ways, I think it is healthy for us look to a select group of people as inspiration to be healthy and beautiful. There is no re-do in this life and we should take care of the body we have been blessed with. But mostly, I think this kind of icon can be obsessed to the point of being harmful. Some examples of what I am saying are as follows: Eating disorders in young children and adults; clinical depression; and, dumbing-down of our youth.

Reference:
People Magazine (2006). The Sexy Interview:George Clooney. Retrieved 01/16/2008, from http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20154290_1559606,00.html

Pics from:

http://www.people.com/people/beyonce_knowles

http://www.people.com/people/george_clooney

http://www.amazon.com/Barbie-Island-Princess-Arnie-Roth/dp/B000Q7ZLQU

A1-4
COLLEGE STUDENT TIME CAPSULE OF 2008

Since my daughter is a freshman in college this year, I thought it might be interesting to ask her and her friends (R.M. King and friends, personal communication, January 12, 2008) as to what they would include in a time capsule that would mark their entrance into the college years. I asked them to list the 10 things that they feel best represented the life of a female college student in 2008 (since she and all her friends are female). The results were as follows (in no particular order).

1. Notebook computer with printer (or even better ...a PSP!).
2. Digital camera
3. iPod
4. A good variety of DVD's (including at least 1 full season of favorite TV series).
5. USB Keys (thumb drive)
6. Cell phone
7. Water bottle
8. Sweatpants
9. Alarm clock
10. Sandals (flip-flops).

I was amazed as I read more about these items in the article, "Must-Have Gadgets for the Techno College Life" (Ruiz, 2006). It seems that our newest college generation is hungry for anything electronic...the faster and smaller, the better. Never before has entertainment and education been more readily available through the same devices as now. For instance, PSP's offer "Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, built in Web browser, media player and ability to play movies" (Ruiz, 2006). As one scrolls down the above list, it is easy to realize that America'sfemale students are taking advantage of the many of the comforts and conveniences that our popular culture has to offer.

References:
Ruiz, M.I. (2006). Must-Have Gadgets for the Techno College Life. Retrieved January 12, 2008, from http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,211381,00.html

Popular Culture and Business

For me, I realize that it is important for me to stay educated regarding electronic devices and the "bells and whistles" that they offer. Cell phones now can deliver your emails instantly to wherever you are. Personally, I prefer to not read my email that often, but in some jobs it is expected...especially when you are away from your desk much of the time. I see this at my current job and with some of my friends and am realizing some situations where it can be a real benefit. The more transit our society becomes, the more demand there is for smaller, more powerful, and portable communication devices.

Pop Culture Artifact

The cell phone is the artifact I have chosen to represent pop culture. It has come from being an item that only the elite use to a necessity to the popular culture of today. It's capabilities in enabling us to communicate in new and innovative ways continues to change daily.

What is Popular Culture?

Popular culture is the basis of how the majority of a culture believes, buys, and behaves according to the economics, education, exposure, and emotions (Franklin Univ., 2008). Who I am as a person and a professional was created greatly by influences of popular culture.
The environment in the home, growing up, formed much of my morality and religious beliefs. The education that I continue to gain has brought me professionally to my current job situation. My economical status much determines where I shop, what I buy (or don’t buy), and where I live and play.

For me, I realize it is important to become more observant as popular culture evolves in our country. As I become actively aware of the influential factors of around me, I can better recognize the importance in exercising conscious choice in such matters. These decisions could involve a determined rejection or limitation of the manipulation at hand, or to embrace it and allow it to inspire me—or a combination of the two.

For example, an artifact of popular culture is the cell phone. In my current workplace (Johnson Space Center), many employees are very mobile in their work and the cell phone becomes not only convenient, but in many instances necessary for them to carry out their duties. In this regard, I embrace the evolving communication advances available. On the other hand, when I search the web for cell phone etiquette information, I literally get hundreds of lists of “How not to act” when using them! When I worked in a hospital, countless Emergency Room patients didn’t seem to be able to hang up the phone even long enough to get their X-rays! In this case, my morals compel me to say, “I know what it is, and I don’t like it” (Browne, 2005).