Historical events in the U.S from 1900-1920

        The turn of the century in the United States in 1900 had a profound effect on society. Introducing mass production of the automobile, Wright Brothers first flight, and the very first drive across the country took place (Whitley, P. 2008). We seldom realize how far we have grown as a society, with only 8000 cars in public in the 1900’s, and only 10 miles of paved roads, to 2013 now having 243 million vehicles (usa.org/cars), and 3.9 million miles of paved roadways (asphaltpavement.org). The first radio signal was transmitted across the Atlantic Ocean in 1901, which eventually lead to the popular culture of cell/smart phones in the 21^st century. 

            The time period 1900-1920, has been described as the, “glory days” in American history (Whitley, 2011). People were living the “American Dream”, with the end of alcohol prohibition, and women gaining the right to vote, both became historical events in society, and popular culture today.  Soon after President McKinley was assassinated in 1901, America was introduced to a new president Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, still today in popular culture the stuffed bear named after President Roosevelt remains in every household, best known as the “Teddy Bear”. In the 1904 President Roosevelt became the first American to win the Nobel Peace prize, for his efforts in helping end the Russo-Japanese war, and was viewed as a stereotype for white male in the United States, viewed as being a rugged hard working man.

            Looking back on society, we can only wonder what the myth would have been for what the year 2013 would be like to a person in the 1900’s. Did they think technology would be as advanced today? Would they believe that America would be dependent on other countries in order to survive? I’m guessing that these thoughts never ran through their mind. As I sit here and write this blog, I wonder what the future holds for the United States, and how someone in the future will comment on our generation.

                                                                      References

Whitley, P. (2008). 1900-1909. American Cultural History. Lone Star College-

    Kingwood Library, Kingwood, TX. Retrieved from http://wwwappskc.lonestar.edu/

    popculture/decade00.html

           

The impact of YouTube on popular culture

           

Written Analyses

The impact of YouTube on popular culture

            The impact YouTube has made on popular culture around the world is astounding, what was once just stories you shared with your friends, are now recorded and shared with everyone across the internet.  The popular belief behind YouTube is that everyone can have their 5 minutes of fame, whether it is recording a birthday party, wedding, or a crazy stunt, everyone can be a star on the internet. There have been many stories of overnight stardom from downloading just one video, for example Justin Beiber was discovered by music producer Scooter Braun on YouTube, and since then has sold 32 million albums (http://www.statisticbrain.com/justin-bieber-statistics).

            YouTube has created a myth for instant stardom; influencing our youth today to believe that anyone can achieve goals, like overnight sensation Justin Beiber. There are many talented people on the internet that never get discovered, whether it is just being overlooked, or not tagging their video the right way to be noticed. YouTube has also landed people in prison, the most recent popularity in videos, is recording violence, from assaults, bullying, and most recently rape by teenage boys. People will upload any type of video, not thinking it could someday be used against them in court.

            Since the development of YouTube in 2005, many people have viewed it as an icon, from setting the standard to home video uploads, to worldwide viral downloads. The impact of YouTube has been amazing for people across the globe, from self-help videos, weight loss stories, to educational videos; there is something for everyone to view (http://www.jeffbullas.com).

References:

Bullas, J. (2012). 35 Mind Numbing YouTube Facts, Figures and Statistics – Infographic. Retrieved from: http://www.jeffbullas.com/2012/05/23/35-mind-numbing-youtube-facts-figures-and-statistics-infographic/

RIAA, Billboard. (2012). Justin Bieber Statistics. Retreived from: http://www.statisticbrain.com/justin-bieber-statistics

Patriotism: A lost value in today's society

When I was growing up as a child, there were two things constantly preached to me, respecting your elders, and patriotism. The three pictures, I chose to put on my blog page, all define what patriotism means to me. In the first picture above is Pat Tillman, an American football player, that passed up on a 3.6 million dollar contract, to serve his country after the terrorist attacks of 911. Second you have Ronald Reagan, our 40th president of the United States. President Reagan lead America through the fall of the Berlin Wall, and ended talks of war with the Soviet Union, therefore ending the Cold War and the threat of nuclear warfare. Last but not least, my favorite TV show growing up as a kid, "The A-Team ". For those of you that do not know about the A-Team, it was a group of retired special forces soldiers, that helped people throughout the country, if you were being bullied by corrupt government, or local law enforcement, you called the A-Team. I understand the A-Team is a group of made up people, but they symbolized helping people, and standing up for what is right. Viewed as misfits to outsiders, to the common man, they were considered heroes!

The three icons above have been chosen, because I believe they stand for what is right, and show true patriotism when it comes to living in a free country. In today's world so many people take for granted, how lucky they truly are, to live in a free country. Could you imagine living in a country, where you can't choose your own religious beliefs, what type of clothes you want to where, or the music you want to listen to. Freedom is about the simple things in life, not about fancy cars, or how much money you make, it's about enjoying simple things, like going to church, taking a walk, or seeing a movie with friends and family.

Our children are brought up to idolize icons, such as Tiger Woods, Lebron James, Derek Jeter. I'm not saying these three individuals aren't great people, but do you think they would pass up money in order to serve for their country? Pat Tillman could be sitting at home today, swimming in his pool, relaxing in his million dollar home, but he chose to serve his country, and give up everything he worked for, paying the ultimate debt to his country, by giving his life for freedom. When I think about Pat Tillman, I wonder what kind of man gives up such an easy life, to serve his country in time of war. So for that reason, I chose Pat Tillman as my #1 icon, for doing what is right, and showing this great nation, it's not always about making millions of dollars, but doing the right thing, in order to preserve freedom.

"The only thing that stays the same, is everything changes" - Tracy Lawrence

            I can remember being in the sixth grade sitting on the porch, listening to music on my friends cassette tape player. In 1980 when cassette tapes where popular, it was something that I wanted more than anything in the world. I was fascinated by being able to record songs from the radio, and share music with my friends. Popular culture is about change, society is a constantly changing, whether it's with technology, clothing, or music, one thing for certain is, it's going to change in the blink of an eye! A perfect example of change is with the cassette tape, as soon as the compact disc was developed, the cassette tape was no longer in use, viewed as being of poor sound quality, and difficult to find songs within the playlist. It's funny how when new technology is developed, the past technologies seem not so technologically advanced anymore. The compact disc is already being phased out, by MP3 audio files, and soon MP3 will be phased out by new technology. Over time everything changes, the popularity of an item changes on a daily basis. I’m a firm believer, “the only thing that stays the same, is everything changes.” - Tracy Lawrence