Let's Talk About Race. (Be prepared: it's not what you think)

While many are still pondering the legitimacy and exponentially increasing popularity of the blog, news organizations are taking notice (I think it's also worth noting that I'm blogging about a blog). NPR published an article highlighting a particular blog and the growing buzz and controversy it has ignited. "Stuff White People Like", an ongoing list of "white" preferences and behaviors, had generated nearly 4 million hits (since the article was written, the count has reached well over 6 million) in its 2 month long existence as well as an immeasurable amount of controversy. Each post, an addition to the list (we're currently up to #78), takes a satirical stab at the white race through what the author says is a "scientific approach to highlight and explain stuff white people like." He goes on to say, "They are pretty predictable".

Clearly, in this case, the term "scientific approach" is used quite loosely and, perhaps, even sarcastically.

NPR reported that naysayers criticize the blog for being racist and endorsing stereotypes. Critics also argue that the author, Christian Lander, equates economic status with race. Meanwhile, according to comments found on the blog's "about" page, it also has an enormous following of individuals who praise its fearlessness and creativity.

A multitude of comments can be found on each post (more than 530 on the latest entry alone) praising, condemning, and even offering up suggestions for future additions to the list. Lander insists the blog is simply "good provocative fun" and actually captures many of his own behaviors.

In the February 26 airing of NPR's talk radio show, Talk of the Nation, listeners called in to profess their realization of being white (according to the listed characteristics) or suggest new items to be incorporated in the list. During the show, featuring Lander, the race of the author was not questioned as it often is on the blog itself. However, one might conclude that he is, in fact, a white man based on his comments and statements during the show.

At a time when race has, once again, become a prime topic in the media as a result of recent racially driven crimes (i.e. the Jenna Six case) and the presidential election, it is interesting to see the other side of that coin. Instead of the typical Black vs. White conflicts, we get a glimpse at a rare instance in which the racial card is playable by the latter.

Have a look at it and decide for yourself: Stuff White People Like

UPDATE: Lander has uploaded photos of himself on the blog today-check out the "photos" section of "Stuff White People Like" and complete the puzzle of perception on just who this guy is.

Death and Inspiration.

I was extremely moved by Randy Pausch's final lecture. In fact, I was moved to tears as he so candidly spoke of his upcoming death; yet could not speak of his three children without tears welling up in his eyes.

I was moved by clarity. His strength and wisdom is humbling. A new-found appreciation and perspective on life followed my initial guilt at the selfish and shallow level on which I have been carelessly living. How dare I fuss and fret over nonsensical irritants. What right do I have to whine when this man refuses any sympathy on his behalf?

What a wake up call.

Have a look at his health update web page

Meet the Candidates...

I was pondering our conversation concerning the personal information of the presidential hopefuls. What is fact and what is just plain crap? Are they hiding anything and, if so, do we really want to know what it is? Do we have a right to know what it is, or should we be satisfied with whatever they choose to let us in on?

How much do we need to know about someone who wants to be the most powerful individual in the world?

I decided to go straight to the horses' mouths (no pun intended) and have a look at what they say about themselves. I visited their campaign websites and found each of their versions of an "about me" page. Each of the three major candidates had a video along side, or in place of, a bio. Here's what they want us to know:

Barak's Video
--Check out our cheerleader for hope in a 5 minute-long compilation of clips consisting of a relatively small amount of personal info. coupled with a healthy dose of his political background information. Be sure to spot those not-so-inconspicuous inspirational, of-the-people kind of images delightfully sprinkled in. Notice the other individuals in the video: their race, sex, apparent income group. There is a clear message being sent here...and I think it involves pompoms.

Hillary's Bio and Video
--Our favorite pimp took another route. While her bio. page doesn't ooze inspiration from every graphic, she helps us catch the high points by categorizing her life for us. How nice of her. Something I thought...neat...was a page she calls "The Hillary I Know" which exhibits the individual clips of about 40 people "who know her best". In each video, a different person gives their own personal account of her character, capabilities, and impact on their life. Senator Clinton lets others provide those personalized, intimate anecdotes you know you love to watch. But again, notice the individuals themselves and the nature of their stories. Dare we suggest that a common thread has been sewn throughout this message as well?

John's Bio/Video
--Finally, we have good old Johnny. What I like, and simultaneously dislike, is his straightforward approach. No beating around the bush here. No need to ponder over what he's trying to convey. He flat out tells you...at every opportunity. His message is literally written all over the page. Until now, I was blissfully unaware of just how many times it's possible to squeeze the words "courageous" and "service" into such a small space. Senator McCain's "about me" video was actually today's website intro.; yet, just in case you missed it, it accompanies his bio as well. Note the fun terminology and imagery we have here. And, as stated above, no need to ponder the underlying message--it's floating right on the surface for you.

I found these sites pretty informative; although no so much for the thing or two I learned of the candidates' lives. What was truly intriguing was everything in between the lines...or I guess in this case...between the pixels.

You're On Facebook...FOREVER!! MWAAAAHAHAHA!

An article in The New York Times today revealed that it is virtually impossible (no pun intended...well, maybe a little) to completely remove your information from Facebook.

I found this interesting as one of our classmates expressed her concern that "your information just floats out there in space forever...". Well, according to this article, and apparently many other disgruntled members, one can delete their account but Facebook will continue to hold your information on file...just in case. According to one of the social network's spokespersons, this is supposed to be a convenience; making it a breeze to reactivate your account if you change your mind. But in one case reported by the New York Times, even after repeated requests, certain information was still retained.

But how convenient is it when you're still getting e-mails from individuals who accessed your old, supposedly terminated e-mail information through your "deactivated" account (as one reporter was able to do)? Isn't it even a little creepy that they keep it anyway?

Why would anyone want to deactivate their Facebook account? It's so wonderful! I know this is what's going through your Facebook-obsessed heads. Consider the executive who discovers that his junior associates and interns are looking at his pics from a crazy night out last weekend? Maybe you don't want your student workers knowing all of your personal business and who your friends are? Or perhaps you just got incredibly fed up with all of the applications!

Who knows why people would want out. But don't you think they should be able to do so without worrying if their information is still "out there"?

A Good Time For a Good Laugh

I was rather relieved today when, after a week of very serious and stressful politics including "suspensions" and surprises, i saw this delightful clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqOHquOkpaU/div>

Copy and paste it. It's hilarious.

More importantly, I enjoy the fact both candidates were equally poked at. So often, these fun little breaks from all of the seriousness tend to lean toward one hopeful or the other. Not so with this one. I know we were all watching the Super Tuesday madness with gleeful anticipation into the wee hours as each report rolled in (or maybe that was just me since I was stuck in the bed with the flu that day...). But after all of those analyzations and re-analyzations and analysis of those analyses...it got a little crucial. This video said, "Lighten up. Get over yourselves and laugh." Because in the great scheme of LIFE how crucial is Super Tuesday? Really? It's little clips like these and the John Stewarts of the world that help bring us back to earth. Thanks guys.

....Now back to your candidate stalking.

A Spin on Advertising-the Candidates go all or nothing

An article in The New York Times explored the advertising campaigns of the presidential candidates as they near Super Tuesday. According to this article, Clinton and Obama have spent a combined $19 million in almost all 22 states holding caucuses on Super Tuesday-"the most ambitious and geographically expansive television effort in a presidential primary". 

In addition to an unbelievably large amounts of money, the candidates have released ads specifically tailored to geographical areas and their stances on certain issues. For example, in Hartford and Fargo, voters are watching ads that will remind them of Obama's antiwar sentiment and emphasis on the planet's restoration set to rock music. Meanwhile, Clinton is running an ad in California that focuses on energy and the necessity of ending our dependence on foreign oil. She will also run an advertisement featuring Robert Kennedy, Jr. in hopes of countering the support of Obama by Edward and Caroline Kennedy. 

Each candidate is focuses less on mud-slinging, and more on their individual stances with regard to that area's most important concerns.

Should this offend Americans or simply be viewed as good marketing? The thing is, I'm not sure that Americans like the idea of being marketed to or worked; however, could the candidates come close to succeeding without them? Probably not...Definitely not.

THE SUPERBOWL COMMERCIALS :-(

I think we can sum up this year's superbowl commercials quite easily: sub-par. They really let me down. The only memorable ones were done by Coca-Cola and Budweiser...the usual standouts. Nothing else was even the least bit special. You would have thought it was just a regular game. Some of the ads were regular commercials we see each day! Companies like Alltel didn't even bother to produce any new material, but simply aired the same lame ad they've been running for weeks.

So where are we headed in advertising when the most anticipated and sought after television ad spots of the year are no longer coveted?

RE: Media use at BU Basketball Games

I completely agree, it is totally and utterly ridiculous to have a random clip of McLovin' during the game...especially since it has absolutely nothing to do with the game. I understand that they're trying to appeal to the students and what they're watching these days...but was this really the route they want to go? One has to wonder whether they're even aware of the movie's plot. I, somehow, doubt it.

It's just weird and awkward.