Written Analysis

Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera reflects on not only myths but icons as well. When reading I learned a couple of things I did not already know. For example I did not know that myths could be good and bad. Phantom of the opera brings happiness to some while it brings tears to others. What is happiness? It varies from person to person and even when a person weeps they can still be happy. This opera is a prime example on how myths and icons live on.

This specific opera is a love story.  It steals the show and shows a twisted form of a love story. Where the Phantom appears to be a wounded individual he still is an icon that is known today.  To truly understand this opera one has to sit and watch it. To sit and observe the play or opera and hear the story line behind it is just deep and meaningful.

The Phantom of the Opera is recognized on Broadway, in schools, and even in the movie theaters. The people love the twisted love story and no matter how it is preformed it is still the same story.

The Phantom of the Opera originated in the 1900’s. With more recent performances done in 2004. The music has been being played by high school bands around the country. The public’s view on The Phantom of the Opera is it is normal. Some people appreciate it more than others but even those who do not appreciate it do not look down upon it. It has become a much remembered part of history.

I have never personally seen this performance live but I have played the music from it, seen the movies and plays, and own the sound track. I will one day experience it live as will my daughter because I want her to have an appreciation for finer things in life. 

Icons

Three American Icons I believe that are in American society today are:

       

The Voice , The Biggest Loser, and the American Ninja Warrior. These are all popular television shows that society watches today. These shows are watched by millions of people my household included. My daughter actually began to learn to tell the difference between the days of the week by what show was on.

I believe these Icons help better American lives. American idol allows individuals to have a dream and a chance to let that dream shine. They go based on blind auditions and not based on appearance, so it is up to the individuals pure raw talent.

The biggest loser shows that with hard work and healthy eating a person can become healthy and stay healthy. It has kid ambassadors on there as well letting today’s youth know that it is not healthy or okay to be overweight and not do anything about it. However, this show does not promote weight gain or tell people they have to be super thin but lets them know that being healthy is what matters. It encourages people to eat and be healthy and helps build healthy relationships with one’s self and with others.

 The American Ninja Warrior personally I feel encourages people to go out there and give it their all. It has people attempting to do what seems like impossible tasks to be the next best thing. It teaches strength, endurance, patience, and determination.

I believe that each one of these shows helps encourage Americans today to get out there and follow their dream of being healthy, determined, and successful in life. 

Pop Culture and my beliefs

 When I think of Pop Culture I tend to think of names and things I hear in the media. For example: Miley Cyrus and how she has changed from teen icon to Pop Icon, Robin Thick , Brad Pitt, and other " Great" names.  I think of how the tabloids and they way the population views such people or images creates what we call "pop culture". By acknowledging trends and fads and introducing them into our lives and the lives of our children we are generating a new kind of culture and what is and not acceptable according to society's norms. We are what give authors, singers, designers, artists, models, the media the power to change and form and become what we know as pop culture.

 By understanding pop culture and what the trends are and are not in a business aspect can help promote certain goods. It can allow authors to know what kind of books to write. Pop culture can allow directors to know what kind of movies should be made and music artists to know what style of music to make. Knowing and understanding pop culture allows society to adjust and continue to make a profit. In the Criminal justice field however it is important to understand pop culture because it can help identify troubled youth and or adults and can allow criminal justice professionals to know what are just Fads and what is really a cry for help. 

What would you consider to be an example of a pop culture artifact? And why would you choose it?
I believe when I hear artifact I think old and history, but in the pop culture sense it is different. I think a huge artifact when it comes to pop culture would be the technological advances and the fact that most people adults and youths carry a cell phone, and not just a cell phone but usually a smart phone. They are constantly texting and searching the web and on Social Medias like Facebook and Twitter. I remember when I was in school the big one was MySpace, now everyone is on Facebook and Twitter. So I believe that adults as well as youth are part of the bigger plan by supplying them all with the technology to carry on a conversation through text instead of in person or even over the phone. Some pop cultures I believe de-socialize people and make it to where social situations are a little more awkward then they once were.  Don't get me wrong I get on Facebook, I text, I surf the web to get my information, but I also do not rely or have to have facebook, texting, or a phone. I enjoy family time and hanging out with friends and being social. The ability to be social takes a person to another whole level that will benefit them in the long run.