Movies influences and formulas from the 1980's- Present

Movies have has a huge impact on society and popular culture through out the 1980s to the present. Movies are very influential and so many people learn about the world through movies. We can learn about what it is like for people training in the navy from the 1986, Top Gun film, featuring Tom Cruise. We also learn the different ways in which people get married based on culture from, My Bestfriends Wedding that released in 1997, or My Big Fat Greek Wedding that released in 2002. The big picture of all of these movies is the formula of each of them. For people who like to watch wedding movies it can be predicted that there will always be some type of conflict or dilemma even if the movies have completely different characters. It can almost always be predicted that despite a conflict there will be a twisted happy ending. There may be a scandal within the wedding party and with the groom, or a father in law who doesn’t approve. The stories may change a little but you can rely on the formulas of movies through out this time period to help us movie watchers form a liking to certain types of movies.

Movies have become more influential to people. The amount of movies and producers has exceeded tremendously. There are so many different genres of movies now that allow people to watch a movie they know they will be interested in just based on previews. Movies are a huge asset to popular culture. 

Reference
Tom cruise pictures. (n.d.). In contactmusic.com. Retrieved June 25, 2013, from http://www.contactmusic.com/pictures/tom_cruise/1-1

Reality Television Under Analysis

When researching all about different theories, and how they relate to the misleading of reality television, I saw many perspectives. I noticed the topic best fit into the theories about heroes and celebrities. Reality television exposes many different types of people who all are given opportunities to be heroes to viewers and even gain the popularity to become a celebrity. Although some people on reality television aren’t being genuine to whom they truly are, some viewers still look up to these people.

            When analyzing the theories of how heroes and celebrities are most related to reality television I realized how important it was for these shows to exist. Although many people may dislike reality television, others may truly find inspiration for a better life, or learn that they are not alone by watching how other people live. This can give people a sense of comfort. For example, in the True Life shows people on the show with obsessive-compulsive disorders uncover their life to the views. The views are able to witness the strength and motivation the people with the disorder deal with day to day. For views that have the same disorder these shows can be very inspirational.

            People who are on reality television shows should be given more respect and less hatred from the viewers. At first I found reality television to be just entertainment with out any value to it. After all the analyzing of this topic I now see reality television a necessity for some people. I realized I judged reality television just because it was sometimes misleading and not genuine. By realizing the importance of heroes and celebrities and their connection to viewers on reality television my perspective has changed drastically. I was stereotypical for thinking the way I had and I have learned that judging something with out looking at it from all perspectives is ignorant. I do not wish to continue to look at the world with ignorance, but with many perspectives. 

Formulas of Popular Culture in Reality Television

            There is a history of everything that has existed and a reason why it has continued to exist or not exist. Examples include, romance, myths, and even heroes. They all have a formula that allows them to continue to exist in society today. Reality television also has a history and formula. Although it has somewhat changed over time and has become misleading in some ways, the formula still remains.

            A formula may contain different story lines but ultimately have extremely immense similarities. In reality television a common theme is that the people on the shows are trying to let the world know how much one persons life can be so different from another’s. As most reality television is exploiting this fact, many shows are still drastically different at showing this.

            The reality television show, True Life is very different from the reality television show, The Housewives. True life is a show that informs other people what it is like to have disorders or issues. The show focuses on a variety of issues people face day to day. It includes people speaking about obsessive disorders all the way to having sexual addictions. In The Housewives, wealthy, upper class women are being exposed on the life they live. It shows the world what it could be like for a woman to be successful and wealthy. The commonality of the two shows is that they both are exposing people and how they live their day to day life. The unfortunate part of this is that some shows are created with people who are not acting real on the show so viewers are getting a false impression of that person’s life.

            Understanding that the formulas of popular culture and the similarities and differences, allows me to see that everything is not reality on reality television. Even if not everything on these reality television shows is real, it is interesting to view how much different people live from one another whether they are wealthy, poor, have addictions, or even have disorders. Formulas are very common. They are stepping-stones for most of what exists in this world. The formula has very much changed over time for reality television, as well as many other things, but it has made the world what it is today. 

Astrology as Popular Culture

All people have different perspectives of astrology. They interpret and dissect the world for what it is or may be. When people do this, they are usually trying to find some type of meaning to the world. Whether it is right or wrong some people are dedicating their life to a certain belief and following the way their mind enjoys for them. Sometimes people’s perspectives are altered due to their culture. People’s perspectives and beliefs can also be altered when introduced to completely different cultures than their own. By reading the zodiac, an astrologer’s chart, people are being smitten and pulled into an entire different world. Astrology also has become a huge marketing extravaganza and a chance for many people to believe in something different. Many different cultures sometimes share the belief of astrology. Astrology connects people with the world in the sky. People become connected to the stars and the heavens. This bond that people make to the stars and the sky, is their answer to the rest of their lives. The author of, Astrology as popular culture, deeply examines astrology history and how it has changed from 600 B.C. to the present.

            Marcello Truzzi has clarified the zodiac carries a significant history starting from Egypt and Babylon. There is no exact date that the zodiac was first created but the furthest back we know of is around 600 B.C. The great significance of the history is the positioning of the signs. Equinoctial points are what has been the determining factor for the names of signs and the precise constellation. Because over time theses signs have shifted they are no longer truly the same sign. A huge problem with this is that current astrologers are not factoring in the fact that the signs are no longer even the same anymore. (Truzzi, 1975)

            Astrology has allowed for an immense amount of marketing. Many people have found it a part of daily routine to check their horoscope or zodiac based on astrology. Newspapers, magazines, books, and even phone applications all include a variety of horoscopes. Sometimes these horoscopes are what are actually selling these products. The study and work of astrology has put almost 200,000 people in part time and full time jobs. It sounds like a large amount of jobs but the number of readers and followers are increasing from 40,000,000 people. That is a lot of people who are walking around the world sharing the same belief.

            Truzzi makes very relevant points in his journal article. Astrology has a very large impact on popular culture. Since most of society follows the horoscopes based on the Zodiac society is altered based on beliefs and values. Some people will change their lives day to day based on what their sign describes for the day. I believe the author makes valid points when he describes the fact that the signs and constellations have changed through out the years so reading them the same way may not be an accurate reading. Following horoscopes is something I do often. I believe in it to an extent and I use it as inspiration from day to do.

            All followers of astrology should read, Astrology as Popular Culture. The importance of this journal is very significant based on the fact that the stars are not aligned the same, people need to be aware that the reading of the stars is not as accurate as it once was. This may create a decrease in the amount of newspapers and magazines being bought but it is also important that people know the truth.

            Many people may not believe in the Zodiac chart and its significance connected to astrology but it has been a great inspiration and motivation for the people who do believe. Despite the different perspectives of people having a common factor in popular culture allows people to relate. The people with the same signs may truly have common interests and it can create friendships and relationships that may not have ever evolved with out the belief in astrology reading.

References

Truzzi, M. (1975, March). Astrology as popular culture. The Journal of Popular Culture, 8(4),

906-911. doi:10.1111/j.0022-3840.1975.00906.x