I wanted to wait until I got back from New York to post this blog, that and also i didn't realise I had to leave so early on Friday.

Being my third one day trip to the US, it was very different to before. When I was in Chicago I saw a very well kept city, I however never really left the uptown part, yet still it was well kept and relatively nice. Washington was amazing Georgetown and other part were well kept and very nice to walk around, it was also very clean and didn't smell and obviously capital hill and the capitol were very well built and well kept. However New York was not like this, it was nice and grand central station as well and Wall street were all very nice the interior of the EMpire state building as well as many places was very nice. Like in Chicago the roads and buildings were worn out. However in Chicago they didn't seem "grotty". In NYC I was so surprised from before I got off the plane. Newark airport was deserted... No airline except Continental/United seemed to park their planes their over night. Compared with LHR or LGW where every stand is full at night.

New York proper was amazing, yet everything looked like it needed a bit of money spent on it. the space between downtown and uptown was the middle of nowhere. Furthermore it didn't feel safe... there is a whole tension about it that I didn't feel in Washington. However New York is busy and can't afford time to get everything up to amazing standards, despite America being the richest nation in the world and NY being the economic centre of the world. This I can understand, and besides parts of it were Amazing and well built, I guess I was just a bit surprised.

Fortunately my seat allowed me to be the first to borders/customs Which was funny as I heard "Aircraft is in all officers to booths ready up boys." In an American accent. The border official was obviously scared that I had managed to get through every security check the other side of the flight and thus he carried a side arm. Which every person in a security position did. Thus I feel that this was the best view of America I had got. Chicago was a bit long ago and I was to young to look at everything around me. Washington was museum filled... New York was America, shopping markets and a very run down bit in the middle. However I really enjoyed the trip and seeing all the places that are famous thanks to films, tv and the news.

week 8 gun control

www.bradycampaign.org

This is a pro gun control website - a campaign to prevent gun violence . On the main home page it ‘names and shames’ people who through the lose gun laws have been able to open fire and as a result lives have been lost.

In the corner there is a statistic board which gives figures as to how many people have been killed through the use of guns in America so far this year and so far today. However this information is questionable as we are not sure where they are getting their figures from and could possibly be inaccurate.

The Brady campaign mission statement is:

We are devoted to creating an America free from gun violence, where all Americans are safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities.

The Brady Campaign works to pass and enforce sensible federal and state gun laws, regulations, and public policies through grassroots activism, electing public officials who support common sense gun laws, and increasing public awareness of gun violence. Through our Million Mom March and Brady Chapters, we work locally to educate people about the dangers of guns, honor victims of gun violence, and pass sensible gun laws, believing that all Americans, especially children, have the right to live free from the threat of gun violence.

The Brady Centre works to reform the gun industry by enacting and enforcing sensible regulations to reduce gun violence, including regulations governing the gun industry. In addition, we represent victims of gun violence in the courts.� We educate the public about gun violence through litigation, grassroots mobilization, and outreach to affected communities.

This website gives a detailed background onto legislation and provides its viewers with facts about the dangers of guns being so readily available to citizens of the US.

There is a lot of media coverage and many videos, articles and personal accounts available on the website.

The Brady campaign was signed by Jefferson Clinton in 1993.

www.campuscarry.com

This website set up by students is campaigning to legalise licensed concealed carry of guns on campus.

The campaign for campus carry first gained attention after the April 16^th 2007 Virginia tech shooting where 27 students were gunned down on campus by another student.

SCCC argued that, in light of the fact that most colleges are open environments, lacking security measures such as metal detectors and bag checks, state laws and school policies that prohibit concealed carry on campus only serve to stack the odds in favour of dangerous criminals who have no regard for state law or school policy.

There are many blog postings and discussions on this website for viewers to engage in.

www.bradycampaign.org was a far more convincing website as there was more information and more political influence. There are more examples of deaths caused by relaxed gun laws, it is possible to argue that in a situation where people where allowed to carry guns on campus it could in fact have an adverse effect and cause more shootings similar to that of the Virginia tech shooting if people act in the heat of the moment rage.

The American Dream - Not all it's cracked up to be?

One of the most prominent aspects to F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, is the way in which he has portrayed the idea of the failure of the American Dream. Fitzgerald has portrayed this idea through many various ways within the novel, however it could perhaps be seen that one way in particular he has done this is through his use of character representation. Fitzgerald has embodied his idea of the failed American Dream through each of his characters, and in particular that of Myrtle Wilson, Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby.

MYRTLE WILSON: - It could be argued that Myrtle's failure of the dream was that she constantly wanted more. For example, although she did not have material wealth she did have a loyal husband who loved her dearly, which clearly comes across when he suspects her of having an affair. However, she felt that the lack of her husband’s wealth was holding her back in society, thus it could be argued that it was because of this desire and desperation to gain status in society, that resulted in her downfall and her failure of the American Dream. Her belief was that Tom was her way forward, and that through him she would achieve her American Dream. However, due to the very fact that material possessions and wealth seemed to mean more to her than acknowledging the advantages that she had in the life she was living, it was her jealousy and greed which resulted in her failure of the Dream, and which as a result ultimately cost her her life.

TOM BUCHANAN: - In contrast to that of Myrtle, Tom was already very rich and powerful. However, something which both characters share was their lust for greed. It was clear in the novel that his power and status were not enough for him. His American Dream was that he wanted more and instead of having one woman, he wanted two. It could be argued that Fitzgerald's message of the two characters was that they did not acknowledge the successful aspects to their life. Both characters were equally lucky, just in different ways. Another fundamental message within the novel that could be applied through the character of Tom, was the ideas of what is there left to aspire to after you have achieved the American Dream? Tom was successful in more ways than one; he was wealthy, he lived in a big house and he had a traditional family. Ultimately had achieved his American Dream. Why, then, was he not happy? Why did he feel the need to want two women? It could be argued that one of Fitzgerald's main messages was the idea that after the American Dream has been achieved, there is nothing left to aspire to. Thus, perhaps suggesting that the Dream is incomplete.

JAY GATSBY:- The character of Gatsby is the key representation of the failure of the American Dream, although to some extent also the success of it. For example, the fact that he came from a lower class background, and managed to work his way up the social spectrum to be a man who holds lavish parties almost every night, supports the main idea of the American Dream that working hard will make you successful. However, he is also the representation of the fallen Dream through the fact that Gatsby used his material possessions to boost his obsession of Daisy, as well as him having the idea that he can re-create the past. This was what led to his eventual downfall and untimely death. The dominant message then, perhaps was that wealth cannot buy you everything. There are many references in the novel, especially in the earlier chapters, whereby minor characters judged Gatsby by looking at this possessions. Nobody knew what really hid behind his appearance and possessions; his obsession with Daisy. A dominant message that can be drawn from the novel is that although Americans hold this view of identifying the American Dream with the idea of wealth, this does not entitle you to, or secure you, a happy blissful life. How you live your life as a whole is equally fundamental to the failure or success of the American Dream.

The Great Gatsby: The Old and The New

The Great Gatsby deals with the theme of prosperity and money, and the old and new. These ideas are explored through the characters, in particular; Gatsby, Nick, Tom, Daisy and Jordan.

Gatsby represents new money as he did not inherit it the way that the others did, although he did inherit some of his money. In this way, Gatsby was part of a new generation of ‘New Americans’ also called the ‘nouveau riche’ meaning new money. This term was mostly used in derogatory terms by those who came from ‘old money’. Gatsby’s big house, extravagant parties and having the latest fashions; ‘“I’ve got a man in England [...] he sends over a selection of things... each season, spring and fall”’, all seem to point towards being new to money as everything he does is larger than life. Although it can be argued that he does all these things in order to impress Daisy. Compared to Tom and Myrtle’s party, Gatsby’s party is well organised and planned and shows an eagerness to make a good impression, whereas Tom and Myrtle’s is thrown together last minute. The intimacy of Tom and Myrtle’s party shows that the rich do not need to show off their wealth (although it could be argued that the reason for the intimate party was because of Tom and Myrtle’s affair), unlike Gatsby who throws grand parties with ‘his Rolls Royce became an omnibus’, ‘five crates of oranges and lemons’ and ‘the orchestra’ (the opening paragraph of chapter 3 shows the splendour and decadence).

The idea of the New American, represented by Gatsby, means that anyone can make it big, linking back to the American Dream and individual success, whereby one becomes successful by their own means. However, this idea is not accurately portrayed in The Great Gatsby because Gatsby did not become rich by simply working hard; he inherited a large sum from Dan Cody, who took him in under his wing. This idea of being helped by a rich authority figure is similar to that of Ragged Dick, where Dick was only able to get ahead in respectability because Mr. Whitney gave him $5. This further supports the idea of ‘pluck and luck’ put forward in week 9s workshop, showing that it is not possible to get move ahead unless one is helped by a patron. Yet, the New American can be seen in contemporary society through the likes of Donald Trump and Chris Gardner who came from nothing and today are both successful and rich, showing that to some extent the idea of the American Dream and individual success is still possible. On the other hand, the death of Gatsby represents the death of the New American and that heritage and class are still relevant no matter what riches are acquired. However, the idea of the American Dream being dead, is particularly interesting because it was during this time that Old America was in decline; and this is most notable in texts such as A Streetcar Named Desire, which portrays the destruction of Blanche who represents Old America, whilst Stanley, who represents the New America establishes himself.

The New American is also portrayed through Jordan. As a woman, she is very independent especially compared to Daisy. She drives (badly), goes to parties, plays typically masculine sports (such as golf) and is unmarried, showing a changing of the times. These things also show how Jordan is going against the traditional values during this period where it was expected for women to be married and play tennis; although this was also the time where the New Woman was beginning to emerge; as seen through the nineteenth amendment and votes for women, as well as advertising, like cigarettes. Jordan is an accurate portrayal of a woman in the 21^st century.

Contrastingly, Nick, Tom and Daisy represent the idea of old money, as they inherited their money from ancestors. Their old money represents stability as it has supported their families for generations, showing that old money was the building blocks of America.

Tom’s affair with Myrtle shows the power of traditional Old America. Tom’s audacity to visit Myrtle at her home where her husband was shows a disregard for lower classes and is rude. This exemplifies that the Old America has dominance over the lower classes and is further shown by Tom promising to sell his car to George but then almost changing his mind when George makes a remark about the car taking a long time; showing that the lower classes depend on those above them to give them a better life, similar to Johnny Nolan in Ragged Dick who is given a meal by Dick. As well as this, Toms paying for the apartment for Myrtle, the dog and other things supports the idea of stability as he has enough money to fund this lifestyle not only for Myrtle, but for himself, Daisy and their daughter.

On the whole, the novel displays the theme of the old and the new, and that despite all of this one’s birthright depicts their position in society no matter what they do to change it. This is seen by Nick returning West, and through nothing severely bad happening to the characters from old money.

Week 11 - American Doubt

The Great Gatsby presents many themes, but what stands out to me the most is how it shows the hollowness of the American Dream. Behind all the stunning glitter and glam that is abundant throughout the novel lies a story of discontent, especially is the case of Gatsby. Money and love are things that the most of us desire, and this story throws the very nature of our desires into a harsh shocking light. No matter if we achieve our desires it does not mean that we will achieve or find happiness. Fitzgerald manages to create a sad bleak portrait of America while maintaining a sense of restrained optimism for the future. This can be found evident in the final line of the book. So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past. The Great Gatsby shows how we are shaped by our pasts and backgrounds no matter how hard we try to run away from them and re-invent ourselves. We can have optimism for the future even when we have a bleak past but the past will always be defining especially in the 1920s when old money was respected but not new money as it was often questioned how this new money came about.

Through Nick's narration we see a world that so many Americans dream of (a life of endless parties, delicious food, beautiful clothes) but only a select few achieve. The American Dream is depicted as being shallow, which Daisy demonstrates very well. "They're such beautiful shirts," she sobed... "It makes me sad because I've never seen such - such beautiful shirts before." At the time men and women were locked in a frenzied and ultimately doomed race for speed, money and sin. Gatsby and Daisy's love is doomed because their values have been distorted by money, comfort and opulence. They can't see the depths because they are too easily distracted by shiny surfaces. There is a gap between dreams and reality, between reality and perception. Wealth is hiding moral decay underneath.

It could be argued that Gatsby was ahead of his times. If Gatsby had done what he did then now, he would have loads of Daisy types throwing themselves at him. This would suggest that today values and morals have further decayed as despite the many flaws and shallowness of the 1920s there was still respect and respectability for the way in which people earned their money. Whereas today those flaws and shallowness still exist but respect has been lost, as times have moved on, corruption has further developed and morals and values are continuing to diminish.

The coca cola adverts began in 1886 and have been of great popularity throughout the years. Coca-cola adverts have always included themes and figures of the current time in their adverts (such as Elvis Presley in 1977) effectively associating itself with popular figures of the time

The coca cola advert also claims itself in many advertisements to be a ‘classic’ and in one particular advert quotes ‘a classic never goes out of style’ with a coca cola bottle made out of a collage of classic American figures. Many consumers buy into this patriotic sense that the coca cola advertisements have and other nations definitely do buy into the Americanisation of the adverts also.

Coca cola has been frequently credited for its invention of the modern image of Santa Claus. Santa Claus, to begin with was not initially red and white however due to the huge, infamous Christmas coca-cola advertising campaigns promoting Santa Claus in the coca-cola colours we now know Santa Claus as a typically red and white figure.

The red and white colours of Santa Claus may be just a coincidence however could also be embodying the colours of the American flag.

Nascar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhzeDTS50XY

1:12:14 in. The ad for Budweiser comes on. This ad is shown at nearly every commercial break. The ad hardly changes over the year. (I watch most Nascar races, there is something fascinating about seeing cars go around in circles a couple hundred times, I'm a boy). Most people watching Nascar are men, though women do watch it as well, racing cars is more a men's sport. Those watching from home normally have friends over and will be drinking an alcoholic beverage. By targeting Americans (with much of the viewers being very patriotic) with American beer and saying it will bring good times. throw in a few smiling guys and an America flag it is the perfect advertisement. The laid back attitude that comes with the advertisement that" just grab some bud". Appeals to many Americans who will be sitting watching the racing with a couple of mates, probably drinking beer, and Bud being the only beer that is shown on Nascar.

The placement of the Advertisement would be very expensive Nascar is the second most watched sport, the chase (the last ten races) especially. As well as the first (the daytona 500) the most famous race in the history of Nascar. The advertisement then is (superbowl aside) the single most watched show on tv and every ad gets massive exposure to General public.

Week 10: American Consumerism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yatSAEqNL7k
In terms of gadgets, the American brand 'Apple' has always led the way in consumer culture. This is the commercial for iphone 4 and it's feature of 'Face Time'. I found that the main ideas and values that were being conveyed were not only an obvious attempt to sell the product, but it could also be seen to portray the American values that are at the heart of society; for example, the family. There are many instances throughout the advert whereby the importance of the family is clearly visible. This idea is further enhanced by the fact that the majority of the commercial advertises the significance of it, as wells as that of relationships. Another American value that I found prominent was the idea of war. This particular scenario showed a soldier and how he couldn't be there to see the scan of his baby. This essentially reflects a negative view towards the notion of war, and could perhaps be seen to encourage the idea of 'world peace' that Americans hold so strongly. However, it is the product itself which enables him overcome the issue and to still witness the event; thus embodying the values within the commercial for the product.
Furthermore, the commercial could also be seen to reinforce the message that America 'dominates' the world. The main message and 'value' that the item embodies is obviously to bring people together. In this case, the item brings people together globally and essentially brings the world together. The fact that the product is American, and was created by the American Steve Jobs further enhances the ideology of America leading the way, and its significance and prominence within the consumer culture. This particular advert has been cleverly put together, not only to sell the product itself, but also to embody the values that America holds. Subtle conventions such as the choice of music, or the individual scenarios that are portrayed to the audience are what constitutes to the selling of the product. Although it is this which is the primary aspect, an important and noteworthy point is that the commercial as a whole reflects specific ideas and values on to the viewers which as a result makes America remain as the leaders of the consumer culture.

American Consumerism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKL254Y_jtc

This commercial is for Chrysler cars and its main focus is on luxury. The commercial opens with a question; “what does this city know about luxury” which gives the audience something to think about during the commercial, and during the commercial, this question is answered albeit in not an obvious way.

The commercial shows, not only Detroit, but America as a whole. For example the American flag can be seen twice in the commercial which shows patriotism, as well as this, the narrator says; “we're from America” which shows pride for the country and the company. The car drives through both the affluent and the impoverished areas of Detroit, as well as showing a glimpse of what the state was known for: industry. These show that there are different people in America, yet they all seem to work together, as seen in the painting of black and white factory workers. This diversity shows that America is united and that it does represent an example to the outside world and to the “folks who have never even been here”.

Following on from this, there appears to be an ‘us’ and ‘we’ complex in the commercial, with the narrator constantly referring to this. Despite the narrator including everyone, he also seems to be aware of the differences between the people watching the commercial, most probably: Americans and other countries; showing that outsiders do not understand the intricacies of American life. This can be heard when the narrator mentions that the city has “been to hell and back”, highlighting the resilience of America.

This distance shown in the ‘us’ and ‘we’ leads on to focus on what the product and in some ways, America, is not. The narrator makes the point; “we're from America, but this is not New York City” and goes on to say what else it is not: “the windy city” “emerald city” “sin city”. This idea of identifying something by what it is not, links back to how America wanted to define themselves when the early settlers arrived; i.e. not being like Europe. And by not being like Europe or in this case, these other cities, America and the brand can be an example to everywhere and everyone else, again linking back to America being a “city upon a hill”. This is also supported by the end of the commercial when Eminem says; "this is the motor city, and this is what we do", exemplifying the idea being different to others and showing outsiders how things are done.

Referring back to the narrator’s opening question, the commercial shows what luxury is and these are the values that the product claims to embody. The values of being united whilst being able to be an example to others, of coming back after being knocked down, and that it’s more “where it’s from than who it’s for” (America).