Weekly Analysis- Week 2

This week’s review at popular culture focuses on the infatuation ofsome Americans with the lottery. The reason of this focus is brought about by the “water cooler” talk because of the amount of the Mega Millions drawing; at the time was $333 million. On August 28, 2009, two tickets had the winning numbers, which would split the jackpot between the ticketholders (Mega Million, 2009). This week’s class discussion was centered on myths and the American dream. By combining the “water cooler” talks and class discussion, I have pondered, what would I do if I were the winner of a jackpot such as this?

According to Christakos (2005), many lottery winners compile a list of wants, mostly material possessions. Christakos (2005) continues that eighty percent of all lottery winners file for bankruptcy within five years of hitting the jackpot. Let’s think about that. If I were one of the ticketholders of the most recent Mega Millions, I would split $333 million.My half would be $166.5 million before taxes. For mathematical reasons, taxes absorb another half of that which would leave me with $83.25 million, still an astronomical amount of money.

With my money, I could buy just about anything that I could possibly want. My family, which would probably become larger after the news of my fortune, could be set for their lives, or at least debt free. My wife and I could have the house we always wanted, the automobiles only dreamed of, and the lack of stress that encompasses a day at the office. However, can it buy happiness, love, and respect?

Not all too far away from my home in Bellefontaine, Ohio; a lottery pool at work became part of a legal battle. Fellow workers for the city of Piqua, Ohio, were engaged in a weekly lottery pool. They all had an agreement that if someone was not at work, that someone would cover their cost for the tickets and payment would be made on the next time they were at work. This was never a problem until December 12, 2008 when the work group held the winning ticket for a $207 million jackpot and four members of the lottery pool were absent from work on the Friday when the lottery collection was made. According to American City and County, the four co- workers that were absent were left out of the jackpot claim by the others that had paid their share that week. These individuals had worked with each other for nearly 20 years in an intimate small setting and turn on each other when the riches became real. Based on the evidence of how money changes everything, I prefer the old fashioned way of earning it.

References
Author, N. (2009). Money changes everything. American City & County Vol. 124, Issue 1.Retrieved on August 30, 2009 from Business Source Complete.

Christakos, C. (2005, April 21). Lottery winners lose it all. Retrieved August 28, 2009, fromEzine Articles.com: http://ezinearticles.com/Lottery-Winners-Lose-It- All

Mega Millions. (2009, August 29). Retrieved August 30, 2009, from Mega Millions Home:http://www.megamillions.com

Icon Analysis

This assignment called for the identification of three contemporary icons. In order for something to be considered iconic, it must fit one of three criteria. It must be something that is impressive. It must be something that literally cannot be touched. The final criteria is that a person has an emotional attachment to it that it could be considered obsessive.

The Ford Mustang has been a symbol of American automotive performance since its creation in 1964. The Mustang has been been through many transitions through the years and still retains its place as a symbol of American automotive performance. While other manufacturers have stopped manufacturing muscle style cars, The Ford Motor Company has continued to manufacture and continuously improve the Mustang. The Mustang was identified because an iconic figure could not be touched. Ask anyone that owns a Ford Mustang, regardless of the year, if you can touch their car.

NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt can be considered an icon of contemporary culture. Before his death in 2001, Earnhardt was one of his sport's greatest names. His name carries on today through memorabilia sales and through the name of his son; the sport's most popular driver. Eight years after his death, his signature number three can still be seen on fan's apparel or even their automobiles. One of the requirements of an icon was an emotional attachment that borders obsession of the icon. This is apparent through his fans purchasing his merchandise over eight years after his death.

The final contemporary icon is an American soldier. While views may differ about our involvement in overseas conflicts, the sight of an American soldier is their dress attire is impressive. Whether the soldier is well decorated or new to the service, the respect that they receive because of their bravery and the freedoms that their efforts give to us as Americans is more than impressive.

Weekly Analysis

Michael Vick has returned to the National Football League. Vick has not played professional football since 2006, when he was suspended pending investigation into his activities with a dog fighting ring. He was convicted and spent 23 months in federal prison. Vick's return to the NFL via a new team has come with some personal gain of Vick. He has seen the luxuries of life as a professional athlete fade away and he is currently attempting to regain his status as it once was as a very gifted and versatile professional football player.
His return, however, has drawn criticism from animal rights groups. His actions in the dog fighting rings warrant their concern. The man has paid his dues via the legal systems and the animal rights groups continue to draw publicity as they picket the Philadelphia Eagles practices, where Vick is currently trying to regain his conditioning for football season.
My opinion of this matter is leave the man alone. The animal rights groups have the every right to allow their voice be heard, but the man has paid his dues via the legal system, spent nearly two years in prison because of his actions, and is working with various animal welfare charities in an effort to clear his name. The problem that I have is recently Dante Stallworth of the Cleveland Browns was operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. During his drunken ride home, he ran over a pedestrian and killed him. Stallworth received a sentence of 30 days in jail. What is a man's life worth? Is it worth less than that of man's best friend? Apparently the legal system believes that.

Pop Culture Artifact

The popular culture artifact that I chose is this picture of fans at a NASCAR race. The reason that I chose this is because NASCAR fans still show up in droves at events all over the country amid the tough economical times. My interpretation of this picture allows me to wander that NASCAR fans are more than fans, being a NASCAR fan is a way of life. These people travel from half-way across the country and live in a primitive situation for three or four days to socialize with strangers of like mind and attend a three hour event. Oh, the dedication and it looks like fun too.

Popular Culture

Popular culture to me is what is now, whether it is a product, celebrity, or even a market. The more mainstream any of these items become, the more involved in popular culture it is. As a product, celebrity, or market becomes more of a household name, many companies will align product development and marketing strategies to build of the strengths of its popular culture place for positive business impacts. However, popular culture can change nearly everyday. The fad that once was the "Slinky" took the nation by storm, but in today's culture, the "Slinky's" place has been replaced by products more electronic.

With that being said, the study and understanding of popular culture is critical for today's business. With the current rough economical times, businesses have to be more selective in product development and marketing strategies. By having an understanding of what is now, what is needed, and who to target, some of the guess work is eliminated from the board room and a product can make an easier transition from factory floor to store shelf. This approach can be successful for many businesses that find themselves targeting markets of trendy items, for example, fashion. This also includes spokespeople for the organization as well. This certain celebrity wears this type of jeans, therefore, I have too.