scholarly journals Dildoshops, Gritty, and Bernie’s Mittens: The Framing of American Politics Through Pop Cultural Memes

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 111-129
Author(s):  
Christina Wurst
Keyword(s):  
Public Perception ◽  
Pop Culture ◽  
Fan Culture ◽  
Star Wars ◽  
Four Seasons ◽  
Parking Lot ◽  
Russian President ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Social Media Platforms

An unprecedented number of memes emerged in response to the 2020 U.S. presidential elections. This article offers a thematic analysis of a corpus of memes published on Twitter between November 3, 2020 and January 20 2021 in relation to the U.S. presidential election. By further employing a qualitative discourse analysis and close readings of selected examples, this article explores the stances and intertextual references expressed in the memetic discourse. I illustrate which events users engage with, how they frame them using the elements of American pop culture, and the different functions such memes served for different publics. Central events – such as Donald Trump’s press conference in a Four Seasons Total Landscaping parking lot, Joe Biden’s victory and rumors about the Russian president Putin resigning – were commented upon both with broad references to widely popular franchises such as Star Wars and with multi-layered intertextual references to iconography of meme culture such as the Hockey mascot Gritty. Memes exaggerated events for comedic purposes, providing relief after a long time of tension, as well as possibly trivializing and distorting public perception of events. While meme activity peaked on November 6th and 7th, a singular viral meme of Bernie Sanders emerged after Joe Biden’s inauguration, illustrating a different genre of meme as a response to a different political situation in which the political figure serves a wide variety of purposes in commenting upon popular culture. Such memes served to establish a sense of community, agency, and catharsis after the anxieties many Democratic voters experienced prior to the election. These findings present the growing role of popular and fan culture to political discourse on mainstream social media platforms and their varied and highly flexible expression.

Music and Institutional Advertising

2021 ◽  
pp. 351-370
Author(s):  
Rika Asai
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
New York ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
The United States ◽  
Electric Utility ◽  
Advertising Agencies ◽  
Advertising Agency ◽  
Long Time

This chapter explores music and advertising in the United States during the golden age of radio using the 1946–1947 season of Echoes of New York as a case study. As a radio-variety program sponsored by New York electric utility Consolidated Edison, Echoes is an example of institutional advertising, a form of advertising designed to shape public perception of the company, rather than to sell specific products. The company entrusted the important task to its long-time advertising agency, McCann-Erickson. Drawing on scripts, scores, memos, and financial documentation, this chapter considers broadcast entertainment’s creation and perpetuation of formulaic construction in program format as well as the gradual streamlining of McCann-Erickson’s musical activities in a typical work week. The chapter highlights the role of Con Edison’s all-male company chorus, the Edisoneers, as a physical and aural representation of the message Echoes sought to impart. In focusing on the work of producing music for institutional advertising, this chapter contributes to studies that have illuminated the foundational position of advertising agencies in driving the form and content of programming during the radio era.

The Problem of Identifying and Modeling the Relationship between Monetary Factor and Inflation in the Russian Economy

2008 ◽  
pp. 61-76
Author(s):  
A. Porshakov ◽  
A. Ponomarenko
Keyword(s):  
Money Supply ◽  
Money Demand ◽  
Russian Economy ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Complex Approach ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Supply Side Factors

The role of monetary factor in generating inflationary processes in Russia has stimulated various debates in social and scientific circles for a relatively long time. The authors show that identification of the specificity of relationship between money and inflation requires a complex approach based on statistical modeling and involving a wide range of indicators relevant for the price changes in the economy. As a result a model of inflation for Russia implying the decomposition of inflation dynamics into demand-side and supply-side factors is suggested. The main conclusion drawn is that during the recent years the volume of inflationary pressures in the Russian economy has been determined by the deviation of money supply from money demand, rather than by money supply alone. At the same time, monetary factor has a long-run spread over time impact on inflation.

Coming out of the closet? Audience reactions to the heteronormative disruptive advertising

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-102
Author(s):  
Ramasela Semang L. Mathobela ◽  
Shepherd Mpofu ◽  
Samukezi Mrubula-Ngwenya
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Coming Out ◽  
Gender Issues ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Positive Development ◽  
Global Trend ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
The Media

An emerging global trend of brands advertising their products through LGBTIQ+ individuals and couples indicates growth of gender awareness across the globe. The media, through advertising, deconstructs homophobia and associated cultures through the use of LGBTIQ+s in commercials. This qualitative research paper centres the advancement of debates on human rights and social media as critical in the interaction between corporates and consumers. The Gillette, Chicken Licken‘s Soul Sisters and We the Brave advertisements were used to critically analyse how audiences react to the use of LGBTIQ+ characters and casts through comments posted on the brands‘ social media platforms. Further, the paper explored the role of social media in the mediation of significant gender issues such as homosexuality that are considered taboo to engage in. The paper used a qualitative approach. Using the digital ethnography method to observe comments and interactions from the chosen advertisement‘s online platforms, the paper employed queer and constructionist theories to deconstruct discourses around same-sex relations as used in commercials, especially in quasiconservative. The data used in the paper included thirty comments of the brands customers and audiences obtained from Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. The paper concludes there are positive development in human rights awareness as seen through advertisements and campaigns that use LGBTIQ+ communities in a positive light across the world.

ПОЕТИЧНА МОВОТВОРЧІСТЬ ЯК ВІДОБРАЖЕННЯ КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНОЇ КАРТИНИ СВІТУ

2018 ◽  
pp. 166-174
Author(s):  
М. В. Дзисюк
Keyword(s):  
Semantic Space ◽  
Spiritual Values ◽  
Spatial Features ◽  
Filling Ability ◽  
Material Reality ◽  
Space Saving ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Literary Techniques ◽  
Linguistic Process

Definitions of concept and sphere of the concept are widely used in different aspects of modern linguistics. There is no single understanding of these notions and universal methodology of research has not been invented by linguists yet. This predetermines topicality of the article. The aim of our research is analysis, generalization, and systematization of different approaches to the interpretation of the notion ‘concept’ that exist in modern linguistics. It results in the following tasks: analysis of existing definitions of concept and its division into certain ranges and defining classification features. Modern linguists raise the questions of the conceptual and linguistic image of the world, the role of a human factor in its formation and interaction as in a linguistic process more frequently and it is defined as a fact in today’s linguistic scientific literature. The problem of individual language formation, poetic one in particular gains important meaning in this context. Ukrainian linguists use the notion of ‘concept’ for a long time now although they adhere to different views on its definition. Researches of the question define two major approaches in the analysis of the notion ‘concept’ that is linguistic-cognitive and linguistic-cultural. We can claim that words-concepts are agents between material reality and the ideal world that is synthesized in poetry, carriers of sense since with their help the versatility of the real world correlates with eternal spiritual values. Therefore, main features of the notion ‘concept’ in which objectively-cognitive and subjectively-creative features are combines are as follow sensual authenticity, time-spatial features, mediation between material and spiritual, semantic filling, ability to polysemy. A word with a generally symbolic meaning that is implemented in a language process through literary techniques typical for poet’s idiotype is the main core of the concept. The concept in poetic language formation by modern Uman poets is semantically integral, fulfilled, able to penetrate into other concepts and absorb semantically narrower images saving unity and semantic independence, varying numerous interpretations that project it in a certain semantic space, saving potential of real reflection.

„Arvīd, uz kurieni Tu aizgāji?”: Arvīda Griguļa personības loma Rakstnieku savienības vēsturē

2020 ◽  
pp. 74-84
Author(s):  
Madara Eversone
Keyword(s):  
20Th Century ◽  
Communist Party ◽  
Central Committee ◽  
State Archive ◽  
National Archives ◽  
Literary Heritage ◽  
Literary Process ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Impact

The article aims to highlight the role of Arvīds Grigulis’ (1906–1989) personality in the Latvian Soviet literary process in the context of the Latvian Soviet Writers’ Union, attempting to discover the contradictions and significance of Arvīds Grigulis’ personality. Arvīds Grigulis was a long-time member of the Writers’ Union, a member of the Soviet nomenklatura, and an authority of the soviet literary process. His evaluations of pre-soviet literary heritage and writings of his contemporaries were often harsh and ruthless, and also influenced the development of the further literary process. The article is based on the documents of the Central Committee of the Latvian Communist Party, the Latvian Soviet Writers’ Union and the Communist Party local organization of the Latvian Soviet Writers’ Union that are available at the Latvian State Archive of the National Archives of Latvia, as well as memories of Grigulis’ contemporaries. It is concluded that the personality of the writer Arvīds Grigulis, although unfolding less in the context of the Writers’ Union, is essential for the exploration of the soviet literary process and events behind the scenes. The article mainly describes events and episodes taking place until 1965, when Arvīds Grigulis’ influence in the Writers’ Union was more remarkable. Individual and further studies should analyse changes and the impact of his decisions in the cultural process of the 70s and 80s of the 20th century.

Acid-Sensing Ion Channels

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Gründer
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Ion Channels ◽  
Excitatory Synapses ◽  
Detailed Characterization ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Acid Sensing Ion Channels ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Pathological Pain

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated Na+ channels. Being almost ubiquitously present in neurons of the vertebrate nervous system, their precise function remained obscure for a long time. Various animal toxins that bind to ASICs with high affinity and specificity have been tremendously helpful in uncovering the role of ASICs. We now know that they contribute to synaptic transmission at excitatory synapses as well as to sensing metabolic acidosis and nociception. Moreover, detailed characterization of mouse models uncovered an unanticipated role of ASICs in disorders of the nervous system like stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pathological pain. This review provides an overview on the expression, structure, and pharmacology of ASICs plus a summary of what is known and what is still unknown about their physiological functions and their roles in diseases.

Revolutionizing Mental Health with Social Media

2019 ◽  
pp. 259-284
Author(s):  
Munmun De Choudhury
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Linguistic Expression ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Vulnerable Communities ◽  
Tailored Interventions ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms have emerged as rich repositories of information relating to people’s activities, emotions, and linguistic expression. This chapter highlights how these data may be harnessed to reason about human mental and psychological well-being. It also discusses the emergent role of social media in providing a platform of self-disclosure and support to distressed and vulnerable communities. It reflects on how this new line of research bears potential for informing the design of timely and tailored interventions, provisions for improved personal and societal well-being assessment, privacy and ethical considerations, and the challenges and opportunities of the increasing ubiquity of social media.

The Phantom Defense: America's Pursuit of the Star Wars Illusion. By Craig Eisendrath, Melvin A. Goodman, and Gerald E. Marsh. Westport, CT: Praeger, 2001. 216p. $24.95. Ballistic Missile Defense and the Future of American Security: Agendas, Perceptions, Technology, and Policy. By Roger Handberg. Praeger, 2001. 264p. $62.00. Rockets' Red Glare: Missile Defenses and the Future of World Politics. Edited by James J. Wirtz and Jeffrey A. Larsen. Boulder, CO: Westview, 2001. 368p. $28.50.

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 879-880
Author(s):  
David Goldfischer
Keyword(s):  
World Politics ◽  
Ballistic Missile ◽  
Missile Defense ◽  
Star Wars ◽  
Technological Context ◽  
The Future ◽  
Ballistic Missile Defense ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Strategic Defense ◽  
The Subject

As Michael O'Hanlon concludes in his excellent contribution to Rockets' Red Glare: “We should…get used to the debate over ballistic missile defenses. It has been around a long time, and no final resolution is imminent” (p. 132). In one sense, a review of these three recent books makes clear that many analysts had grown a bit too used to positioning themselves in terms of the 1972 ABM Treaty. Preoccupied with arguments over whether the treaty should be preserved, modified, or rewritten in light of a changing strategic and technological context, no one seemed to have anticipated that President George W. Bush would simply withdraw from it, invoking Article XV's provision that either party could withdraw if “extraordinary events related to the subject matter of this Treaty have jeopardized its supreme interests.” Even many strategic defense supporters who deemed the treaty obsolete (as Robert Joseph persuasively maintains in his contribution to Rockets' Red Glare) generally believed that it should only—and would only—be scrapped if negotiations over U.S.-proposed changes broke down. (“The Bush Administration,” surmises O'Hanlon, “will surely try very hard to amend it before going to such an extreme”) (p. 112). In the event, the president's team disavowed even the word “negotiation,” saying they were willing only to “consult” the Russians regarding the treaty's impending demise.

scholarly journals Providing multilingual logistics communication in COVID-19 disaster relief

Multilingua ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 517-528
Author(s):  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Yuqin Wu
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Response And Recovery ◽  
Important Means ◽  
National Emergency ◽  
The Impact

AbstractTranslation is an important means of enabling access to information in an emergency response. Increasingly, volunteer translators have been using social media platforms to self-organize and carry out urgent translation tasks that effectively complement official disaster relief efforts. However, the role of crowdsourced translations and the capacity of volunteer translators in reducing the impact of disasters remain underestimated and therefore understudied. Based on semi-structured interviews with five volunteer translators and online observation of their translation practices, this study investigates the role of a volunteer-driven crowdsourced translation effort in facilitating the donation and procurement of medical supplies between Wuhan and the world. By addressing the real challenges of urgent crisis communication in Wuhan in the early stages of the pandemic, this study draws attention to the need to integrate information and communication technologies with multilingual resources for disaster relief. In addition, it calls for the inclusion of multilingual logistics in national emergency preparation, response and recovery plans.

A market-based rationale for the privacy paradox

2021 ◽  
pp. 016344372110158
Author(s):  
Opeyemi Akanbi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Market Structures ◽  
Media Companies ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Privacy Paradox ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Privacy Risks ◽  
Social Collective

Moving beyond the current focus on the individual as the unit of analysis in the privacy paradox, this article examines the misalignment between privacy attitudes and online behaviors at the level of society as a collective. I draw on Facebook’s market performance to show how despite concerns about privacy, market structures drive user, advertiser and investor behaviors to continue to reward corporate owners of social media platforms. In this market-oriented analysis, I introduce the metaphor of elasticity to capture the responsiveness of demand for social media to the data (price) charged by social media companies. Overall, this article positions social media as inelastic, relative to privacy costs; highlights the role of the social collective in the privacy crises; and ultimately underscores the need for structural interventions in addressing privacy risks.

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