Extra Credit Blog Evaluation

I had never used a blog before this, although I had always wished I had. I feel like it would be a really fun way to express myself.
Using a blog for this course really allowed me to get a better handle on the material we learned in class. It helped me to explore lecture concepts further, which aided me tremendously when studying for the tests, as I already understood most of the material.
The only real trouble I ran into when using the blog was adding pictures and other multimedia at first. Because I had never used a blog before, I didn't know what to expect, but once I got used to adding multimedia, it got really easy (and made me feel really technologically savvy!)
My favorite blog prompts were the more interactive ones. The ones I considered in this category was the one when we analyzed the shots of one of our favorite scenes in a movie and what they meant, and the one when we analyzed the dramatic structure of one of our favorite movies. This allowed us to add a personal touch to our blogging, which I think is an essential aspect of a good blog. The blog prompts that were more difficult were probably the ones when we had to find an advertisement or some kind of example of advertising. I didn't really know where to look for that and had a harder time finding the material to write about. It got easier later on when I started paying special attention to advertisements and recognizing certain features that connected them to the lecture, even before I knew what the blog prompt was.
I think this method is very valuable for any course. It allows students to work hard to understand the concepts they're learning about in class rather than just mindlessly taking notes.
To improve the blogging experience in the future, I would recommend giving a tutoring session before the first blog on: what language is expected (casual tone versus formal tone) as I was confused by this throughout the process, how to insert multimedia (particularly videos), and other helpful blogging tips and tricks.

Yes, you may use my blog in a paper or report

Globalization

Globalization is the act of increasing connectivity between people who live in various locations throughout the world with different cultures, customs, and languages. This is often done through technology such as telephones and the internet.
However, some cultures don't have access to the same amount of globalizing technologies, and those who do tend to dominate the global power structure. This idea is known as cultural imperialism. This is seen through the domination of Western ideas, as Western countries are more wealthy and typically dominate through their technological and economical strengths. This domination often leads to the assimilation of other cultures to the same, Western form, causing their own cultural diversity to be lost.
The U.S. is the dominant force in this Western cultural overload. The most well-known example of the phenomenon is the constant appearance of McDonald's no matter where you are in the world. McDonald's is a well-knwon American staple, and has grown to become a worldwide staple, as other cultures adopt the American principles.

photo from: http://www.thingsihateaboutbackpacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mcdonalds-russia.jpg

$20 dinner for 2!

This Chili's advertisement is very persuasive in promoting a new special. It begins by showing a guy going up to a random (but attractive) girl at the park and asking her if she will go to Chili's with him. The girl then asks, "Do I know you?" followed by a negative response from the guy. "Okay!" she says nonchalantly, and they leave together. This ideal, and slightly unrealistic, situation is portrayed to promote Chili's "$20 dinner for 2" special by pointing out the confidence this great deal has given the male character in this scene. The idea of this situation being presented as possible because the deal at Chili's is so "great" makes the idea of going to Chili's much more appealing, persuading many people to go.

One of the most prominent advertising appeals discussed by Professor Straubhaar is achievement. By exemplifying human achievement based on the product being promoted, advertisements are able to persuade people the product makes that achievement possible. The Chili's ad shows the advertising appeal of achievement because it shows the guy not only being able to secure the girl and a date, but for a "very good price." By infusing the male character with confidence and displaying his success, the Chili's ad exemplifies the "power" of their special which is a strong incentive for people to give them their business.

Image from: http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f287/ctermors/ChilisDinnerfor2.jpg