Media Globilization: The iPhone

I used the iPhone to represent the idea of information overload in media globalization. This technology presents us with new media and puts old forms of media to shame. Those who have the iPhone can watch TV, read a news article, listen to music, make phone calls, check the weather, check their e-mail and can use a GPS, a camera, a planner, and a clock all in one sleek device in the palm of their hand. This device has created a drastic social change and opens the mass media up to everyone all over the world. The iPhone allows people everywhere to connect at a global level much quicker and find out information within seconds. The media presented within this device is phenomenal and everyone has access to the world.

Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: A Social Context and Media Globilization

Disney's television series, Hannah Montana was first aired on March 6, 2006. Only two years have passed, and the show has become a sensation, along with its star Miley Cyrus. The show is about a young popstar hiding her real identity by using a stage name so that she can preserve her life as a normal teenage girl. Hannah Montana has caused a stir among young girls all over the world. One episode of the show surpassed all other regular television broadcasts in history, averaging 10.7 million viewers.

Disney sure knows how to market the starlet, Miley Cyrus. Hannah Montana has become a brand name, and the Miley Cyrus franchise is worth about $1 billion. The merchandise ranges in all categories possibly imaginable, such as lunch boxes, pajamas, dolls, t-shirts, pencils, replica wigs, video games, DVDs, CDs, posters, pencils, backpacks, purses, cups, silverware, and much more.

The soundtrack from the show debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard chart, a first for a Television series' soundtrack. Her show is also the No. 1 cable show for kids from the age range of 6-14. She also has gone on a sold-out national tour that generated over $24 million. The artist has covered every demographic possible and is succeeding in all areas. She has also released an album under her own name called "Breakout."

Miley Cyrus is an example of the globilization of popular culture. Her show is broadcasted to over 50 countries worldwide. Young girls all over the world knows who Hannah Montana is. Some may have a limited access to her merchandise, but they probably can still sing along to her songs.
Cyrus even has a wax figure of herself in Madame Tussaud's in New York City. As a social context, she is referred to in other forms of popular media. For example, I was watching two of my favorite television shows on last Monday night. Both Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill used her name as a reference. The Simpons and South Park have also made a references to Hannah Montana. In a December 16, 2007 episode of The Simpsons entitled "Eternal Moonshine of the Simpson Mind" when Bart writes on the blackboard "The capital of Montana is not Hannah." Mad TV also did a spoof of the show. These are just examples in which the names "Hannah Montana" and "Miley Cyrus" influence our society and are used as a social context.

Madonna: Media & Mainstream Female Artist

Madonna is a woman who has never failed to shock the public and push the envelope on what is considered acceptable behavior, exploring religious symbolism and sex. As a popular female recording artist through the 80s, 90s, and even today, Madanna has never known any limitations. She has always done what she wanted and has accepted criticism from conservatives around the world. She has been referred to as one of "the greatest pop stars of all time" and in March of 2008 she was introduced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her name has become an symbol to the world. She is a woman who has changed her image and adapted her music over time so she remains a major icon of the media and continues to reinvent herself, as a musical performer, an actress, and recently an advocate for Kabbalah.

What differences, if any, emerge between female and male fans?
Men typically might find Madonna to have sex appeal because of the way she dances or what she sings about. She also tongue-kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera at the MTV music awards, which men may have thought was appealing. Many women probably enjoy Madonna's music. However, many feminists might say that Madonna's scandalous ways portray women in a way that they should not be viewed by men.

What other kinds of demographic factors such as age, class, or ethnicity shape her fan base?
People of all ages know who Madonna is. She has defied limitations for female entertainers in our society over the past three decades. Her older music might appeal to an older crowd, whereas her new music would appeal to younger people in this generation. Madonna is very well known in Europe, especially in the UK as well as many other parts of the world. It may be harder for people in a low economic class to afford her music or movies. Some people may not even know what she looks like. However, many of those people have probably heard her name and can tell you that she is an American singer.

The Medium is the Message

The image I created portrays McLuhan's idea of the 'medium is the message'. The picture of the web camera on the far left is the medium. At one time it was new technology and provided new means of communication between individuals and organizations. The second picture of business men and women around a computer screen is the content. Web cameras have been used during business meetings so that people can interact more quickly and with people who are far away. The last picture represents the message or the idea behind the medium which is the promotion of global business in our society, making it more efficient and less expensive to set up international meetings. The web camera has also provided us with a way to talk to family or friends that live far away or between politicians or even in some cases teachers and students.