Assignment 1-4-5

MTV's Teen Mom has many different situations in every season. There is always one teen mom who is wild and out of control. There is always the situation of these teens going back and forth with their baby's dad. There is one teen who has to be a complete single parent. There is a high school drop out. And lastly you have the ones who are actually making it through life and achieving their goals. Each of these teen moms falls into one or more of those categories and every season they continue to have these same situations. It's what makes for good television.

Amber is one of those teen moms who falls into several of these categories. She is wild, out of control, high school drop out, always back and forth with her baby's dad. Jenelle is another teen mom who is out of control. She is constantly getting into trouble, getting kicked out  from home, and using drugs. Cailyn is always on and off again with her baby's dad as well. Chelsea is a high school drop out and also always going back and forth with her baby's dad. But even with her baby's dad around she still has to be a single parent. Now Farrah is a complete single mom along with being successful. Catelynn is a success story because she has graduated, with her baby's dad, and succeeding.

There are so many things involved in reality TV. Teen Mom has so many elements that you can pick out and know how it’s going to end because they make sure every season has the same story. Some of them will be wild and out of control, some will have the issues of going back and forth to their baby dad, and some will succeed as they should. Either way it goes these formulas are what make the show and keep viewers tuned in.

Assignment 1-3-2

Buying Me Love: 1980s Class-Clash Teen Romances

Timothy Shary, author of this article, discusses how class in society had a big influence on movies in the 1980s. He gave good examples about particular movies that were released during that era of time. He discusses how being rich or poor had a major effect after Reagan Revolution. He states that the concept of class had major effects on movies based on teen romances. Also how this takes affect on pop culture during those years. He states that movies portrayed how class affected where teens fit in socially, how it decided who they could be romantically with, and how no matter your class all teens wanted acceptance to fit in. Back in those days it was risky to speak about class and show how people perceived it. Film makers didn't care though and created movies that show how class affected different areas of people lives by using teen romances. In these movies teens were never to mix, but that's what created the plot and in the end mixes always prevailed because of love. Film makers showed that no matter what society says love will always conquer all.

I agree with what the author is saying in this article. His points are all valid and make complete sense. Today movies are still use the concept of class and influences from movies in the 1980s era. There may be differences, but still the message remains the same that love conquers all. 

Reference:

Shary, Timothy. "Buying Me Love: 1980s Class-Clash Teen Romances." The Journal of Popular Culture 44.3 (2011): 563-82. Print.

Analysis 1-4-4: Heroes and the Cult of Celebrity

In the media today and celebrity world there are many heroes. What makes you a hero though? Is it strength, courage, supernatural powers, intelligence, or just your character? Either way there are many characteristics and things that create a hero. MTV's Teen Mom is a show that has gained heroes through the eyes of the viewers.

Catelynn and Tyler, are a good example of heroes. They may not have supernatural powers, but the decision they have made has made them heroes to viewers. These 2 teens made the biggest decision of their life, to give up their daughter Carly up for adoption. This decision took a lot of selflessness, strength, love, and courage to make. Everyone was against their choice and yet they still made the decision so that Carly could have a chance of a great life and family, something they couldn't provide. Some will say they took the easy way out because they no longer had the responsibility of being a teen parent after giving her up for adoption. To most they are heroes though because they knew with the circumstances they were in, the living environment, and being so young they couldn't be the parents that Carly deserved. They wanted better for her.

Farrah, mom to Sofia, is also a hero. She didn't make the decision to be a single teem mom, but due to unfortunate events had to. She didn't for one second make alternative decisions on what to do about her unborn child. She knew she was going to be a mom and was prepared to do it alone. Most would say that takes a lot of strength, courage, love, and determination on her part. Farrah is not only a mom, but graduated high school, is attending culinary school, and works as well. Being a mom is a hard job in itself, but being a single mom is even harder. Farrah is proving that it can be done and you can make something out of yourself no matter what. For all these reasons she is a hero.

Now although there are some good stories on Teen Mom, this show falls into the cult of celebrity. This show is making the teens on it celebrities. These teens are appearing on covers of magazines, making tabloids, and making a name for themselves through being on the show. We cater to this cult because we are fascinated by what goes on in their lives by watching the show or buying what ever they appear in. We see what the media does to hype this up and we feed into.

Analysis 1-4-3: Stereotypes

MTV's Teen Mom is definitely a show that has many stereotypes due to the fact it is about teen pregnancy. Some say this show promotes the stereotypes that it's okay to be a high school drop out, teen moms should be homemakers verses making something of themselves, and even if you are not furthering with life that your actions will pay off by getting on the television show Teen Mom. In this show you see a lot of these young moms struggling to get through school and sometimes not even bothering to finish. They make it seem like its okay to be a high school drop out, drop out of college, or not even bothering to further their education at all.

Amber Portland, mom of Leah, is prime example of that stereotype. She never graduated high school or got her GED. Amber made an attempt once to take the practice GED test and failed it completely. She gave up on the whole concept of going to school completely. Amber is also another example that teen moms should be homemakers verses making something of themselves. She rather be at home rather be at home sleeping and playing with her daughter then try to get back into school. She doesn't realize that without having her diploma or GED it makes it harder for her to get a job. Once again Amber is example that even if you do nothing with your life your actions will pay off and you can get on this show. She doesn't do anything and is making money off Teen Mom. 

Maci Bookout, mom of Bentley, is another example of struggling and dropping out of school. She may have graduated high school, but is finding it very hard to get through her first year of college. She is constantly skipping, failing, and dropping her college classes. She can't seem to balance being a mom and going to school at once. Maci also is an example of being a homemaker verses making something of herself. She would rather be at home playing with Bentley rather than go to school, which is why she would skip her college classes. Maci is also part of the last stereotype. Even if she decides to not finish college it's okay because she gets paid to be on Teen Mom. She is one of the many teen moms having their bills paid just by being on the show.

The stereotypes portrayed in this show are very true. They continue to promote that it's okay to be a high school drop out, it's okay to be a homemaker verses making something of yourself, and no matter if you do something with your life your actions will pay off by getting on the show. We need to try to break these stereotypes because not all teen moms are high school drop outs, not all want to be homemakers, and not all  want to be on this show.

Analysis 1-4-2: MTV's Teen Mom

Reality TV is a big part of pop culture today. MTV's Teen Mom is one of those shows. This show is about teens who become moms at a young age. These teens show the world what it's like to be a young mother while trying to go to school, still be a teen, deal with relationships, and everyday life. Although this is a popular show there are many viewers who believe that this show is encouraging teen pregnancy. It is popular belief that if you praise the actions of one person then more will want to follow. If they are showing these teen girls on the show many more will want to follow and try to get on the show as well. Since Teen Mom is aired on MTV and not an educational channel, some feel it does not show the true realities of teen pregnancy. MTV rather show the drama these girls have in their relationships or their new tattoos and piercings. Media is is making these teens out to be stars for doing nothing and making it okay to become pregnant at a young age. It's like they are supporting the bad decisions that these teens make by putting them on magazine covers, giving them endorsement deals, and paying them to be on the show. Now I do watch this show and have since MTV aired it's very first episode, but this show doesn't quite show what a teen mom truly goes through. We have to wonder is that the type of message we want to send out?

Dolls, Magic, and Music

Pop Icon- is an image, symbol, logo, name, face, person, and etc. that represents a distinct era in popular culture. In our world today there are many icons of popular culture. I chose Barbie, Harry Potter, and iPod. All 3 are very different, but still are very significant.



Barbie is a major icon in the toy industry. She is manufactured by the company Mattel and made her first appearance in March of 1959. Ruth Handler created Barbie and named her after her daughter Barbara. Barbie was created to have an adult appearance. The first Barbie doll made wore a black and white stripped bathing suit, she called "Teen-age Fashion Model." Since then Barbie has been made to portray many different roles and ideas. She also comes in many different ethnicity's and styles. Ken was also introduced because Barbie couldn't be alone. Barbie has become such a huge success since the 1950's. She has dolls, movies, accessories, video games, board games, cars, doll houses, and the list goes on. There are also collectible barbie dolls. Barbie also influences other dolls to be produced. Barbie will be around for many more years to come. I'm sure every little girl will be pleased to know that.

Harry Potter, the name says it all. You can't think of popular culture without thinking of Harry Potter. What started off as a book series turned into a mega icon in popular culture. These fantasy novels were written by J. K. Rowling. The first book hit stores on June 30, 1997 and from there 6 more books were released. These books soon turned into an 8 movie series. They not only attract a young audience, but an adult audience as well. So many people look forward to these books and movies, that they are willing to wait in lines for hours and even days. They can't get enough of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and they're adventures through Hogwarts and defeating Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter continues to expand with video games, board games, dolls, and much more.

iPod's have become such a huge part of the music and technology industry. It was released by Apple on November 10, 2001. Since then so many people have converted from CDs and radio to iPods. It's an easy way to have over 1000s of songs and videos all in one little device. iPods come in many different sizes and colors. People can also download applications on these iPods as well. You are able to play games, text, video chat, email, and even take pictures on these devices. Technology just continues to come up with ideas to upgrade and make these devices even better.


I chose these icons because I live in a household full of kids and have siblings. They tend to know what's going on with trends and hot items in our world today. My daughters love Barbie and everything she markets from the dolls to her movies. I also grew up with Barbie and loved everything she had. I have many good memories playing with my Barbie dolls and I'm amazed how popular she still is. I will have to admit I was addicted to the Harry Potter movies. I never read any of the books, but am a big fan of the films. Something about those 3 characters that capture the audience. Of course who doesn't love music. Although I don't own an iPod because my cell does everything, it is definitely known how popular they are. I'm amazed by how my daughters who are only 7 and 8 can work these things. Very popular item when it comes to music.

Pop Culture

Pop Culture is the combination of interests and activities that a group of people share. These items include images, movies, tv shows, music, commercials, sports, toys, singers, and the list goes on. It is the ideas, attitudes, and perspectives of culture that people share. Pop culture can be and is so many things. It is very important in the world we live in because without it how would we express and introduce things to the world we live in.

Madonna is an artifact in pop culture. She has influenced the world with her music since the 1980's. She pushed the limits with her lyrics, dancing, and style. Some of her top songs were "Like A Virgin", "Vogue", "Papa Don't Preach", "Like A Prayer", "Express Yourself", and "Human Nature." She also entered the movie industry with Evita, Who's That Girl, and A League of Their Own. SO many artists today consider Madonna one of their major influences. They use her example to pave their own way through this industry pushing their limits in ways to express themselves. Her influences will forever continue on along with her music.                                        

Pop Culture to me is important because it influences a lot in our world today. I personally don't pay attention to everything that goes on with what's in. I tend to go with what I feel is in for me and what I like. Keeping up with what's going on in the world today is how businesses and people get ahead and stay in tuned to what's going on. It is a major way for people to introduce their ideas whether it is personal or business. Without it our world wouldn't be what it is today.


Elizabeth