Evaluation

Before attending RTF 305, I had never had my own blog before. I had thought about it, but I didn't think that anyone would care to read it.
There were many positives of using a blog in this course. It was a creative way to do writing assignments, and I learned a lot about operating a blog, too.
I didn't encounter any difficulties at all. Everything was explained well and the website is easy to use.
I feel like the blog posts should have more to do with the screenings, though. The first few assignments were relevant, but after that, we almost never had to address screenings. And there were only a couple of questions on the test over the screenings, too. I just think that there should be a little bit more emphasis put on the screenings, and doing that through blog posts is a great way, in my opinion.
The more general blog assignments were the harder ones, I feel. There was so much possible stuff to talk about, so it was a little difficult for me to limit myself. The more specific, the better.
Yes, I would recommend using a blog in a future RTF class. It actually makes doing writing assignments fun, something which is sort of hard to do.
One thing I would suggest is just to make the deadline a little bit longer, but even that is not a big deal.

Yes, you can use my blog in a paper or report.

Globalization

In the world today, the connections between people, nations, and cultures are steadily increasing. This process is known as globalization. It is marked by several technological developments, such as digital convergence, mobile phone infrastructure expanding, and Internet infrastructure. There are increased opportunities for communication, exchange of material and symbolic goods, and migration of people across national borders.

Globalization and cultural imperialism are greatly related to each other. Cultural Imperialism describes how Western culture is making more and more people become consumers, and all cultures are becoming homogeneous, like mirror images of Western culture and ideology. It also focuses on the spread of ideas, and, eventually, the loss of local, indigenous, and national culture and ideas becomes less apparent.

McDonald's is a huge example of American globalization and cultural imperialism. Originally having been in only America, McDonald's restaurants now exist all over the world. The spreading of this phenomenon shows the fear that American culture is taking over other countries and causing them to lose their cultural identity. However, McDonald's still makes its menu items relate to countries. But, just doing this doesn't take away the effects of American globalization in other countries.

Smell Like a Man, Man.

In a recent television commercial for Old Spice body wash, the viewers, whether they identify as male or female, are powerfully persuaded to go out and buy the product, due to several factors seen throughout the advertisement. The shirtless actor, the clever lines, the catchy slogan, the humor, and the memorable whistle all aide in building up the power of the advertisement and making the product memorable.

The advertising appeals used in the commercial are the appeals of sex/affiliation and dominance. Sexual references are always used as a successful way to sell products and grab the attention of viewers. The attractiveness of the person shown in the advertisement is a main factor in determining how many people will be persuaded by the advertisement. Customers will feel like they are closer to society's view on sex if they are in touch with the product. Also, society wants males to be more "dominant", and by buying certain products, he will be able to achieve that. Power is something that is liked, and by showing dominance and confidence in an advertisement, it will be sure to appeal to the targeted viewers.

In the Old Spice body wash commercial, the attractive and shirtless actor that is used captures the attention of viewers. Men want to look like him, and women want to be with someone who looks like him. Therefore, no matter who the viewer is, they will be persuaded to buy Old Spice body wash, whether it be for themselves or for someone else. Also, the commercial takes a comedic route to the cliche of sex sells, and the ridiculous lines like "Look at your man. Now back at me. Now back at your man. Now back to me." and "tickets to that thing you love" add a sense of humor in a sexual way in order to make the advertisement more memorable and unique, different from the usual ads that use sex to sell the product. Also, the actor is shown to be manly and dominant, something viewed positively, as opposed to unconfident and without a great body. So, the appeal of dominance adds on to the sex appeal, working together to create a powerful and memorable advertisement.

Link to the commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QChi_AOtSOo