Technological Development

Technology is always changing, developing, and growing. New ideas and inventions are constantly being formed, molded, and put into place. In the 1920s, as radio was beginning to be a main source of media in the home, one of the driving forces behind radio was the technological change that was occurring. As radio began, it was only for morse code communication. What first indicated that it might become a staple in the home was the invention of the vacuum tube in 1906 by Lee de Forest. This invention allowed the radio to broadcast sound, voice, and music. Although it didn't catch on right away, the idea came around again in 1916 with David Sarnoff's message. He predicted that within 10 years radio would be a "household utility" that brings music into the home. Without the development of this technology, radio might have never come about as a major form of media. Because of it's ability to be used as a tool of communication, education, news, and entertainment, radio became a widespread phenomenon. Technological change has continued to drive the development of radio throughout the years. Although it may not look anything like it did back in the 20s, with the invention of iTunes Radio, Pandora, and Satellite Radio, radio has continued to live on in the 21st century.

Objectification in Advertising

Objectification of women is rampant in our society. From advertisements to movies, throughout society you can see women being compared to things or even animals. The very act of comparing a woman to an animal or an object sends a negative message about what women should be and how they should view themselves. Despite the fact that objectification degrades women and crushes their self esteem, it also gives men the "right" to treat women as objects or even as animals.
The ad I've pictured here displays the concept rather bluntly. Although it's an ad for vegetarianism and it's supposed to be relating cows to something positive and attractive that you wouldn't want to eat, in the process it degrades women to nothing more than meat. It implies that women are simply another animal. As a vegetarian, I understand what the ad's attempting to state, but the actual effect of the ad I think is quite different (and much more negative) than what was intended.

Hegemony in Counter Culture

Hegemony is present everywhere. Whether it's the fashion magazines telling you what you're supposed to wear or the news shows telling you how to vote or what to pay attention to, it's there. And whether you admit to being subject to it or not, it's there. I find it interesting that those who try and rebel from the norm of whatever group is in control often succumb to the hegemony of some sort of "rebellious" style. Punk rockers, hip-hop fans, scene kids, and emo kids, even though they say they're against some sort of establishment, all still follow some rules about what is and isn't okay to like in each of their genres. An article I ran across one day while browsing the web really brought this to light regarding the new "indie" scene. It's on eHow called, How To Be An Indie Girl. I'm still not sure whether the article is serious or not, because it comes across as quite mocking. It ironically states, "Regardless of the fact that indie supposedly refers to a unique quality, it has quickly developed a stereotypical style...There's only a few simple steps standing between you, and a new, edgier, more artsy persona." Although it may be mocking the style, it really does make it clear that, regardless of whether we admit it or not, we do all tend to follow what some group says is "cool" to do. So I finish writing this blog post sitting in a local coffee shop that I biked to after my vegetarian lunch that I ate after playing my guitar for a bit, wearing skinny jeans, vintage jewelry, patterned flats, and listening to an Austin indie folk band. So I have to admit, I am a product of hegemony.