iPad...or iTampon?

Who would have ever guessed that when Apple announced the name of its new tablet computer, the iPad, it would make many people, women in particular, cringe? With the release of the name this past week, many women begin to question why Apple has decided to name their new device after a feminine hygiene product. A CNBC anchor has agreed that the name reminded her of feminine products and she thinks it was a “terrible” name to choose. This topic has also been the talk on Twitter among many, resulting in the creation of terms such as “iTampon” and phrases stating that that Apple has an app for everything including a women’s menstrual cycle. While many women seem irritated by the name, men think the opposite. Many men have said that they did not make the same connection as women. With further investigation into the name’s origin, it was found that no women hold top executive positions at Apple. But it has been very evident that no matter male or female, one has to acknowledge that the “iPad” name has been effective and a great marketing strategy. It has been on the tip of everyone’s tongue.

There is no denying that Apple has created a great advertising plan to showcase the iPad. Seeing the “I” in front of any technological device’s name is a clear indication that Apple owns it. This has been their trademark for years. And whether or not someone made the connection between feminine products and a computer, the only thing that matters is that everyone knew who was introducing them to this new product. Also, it may have made more women interested in this new product. Maybe the top Apple executives thought that women fit into the stereotypical image of not being as tech savvy as men. Is there proof that gender determines technological differences? The control of these top executives, men, can spark many of questions. Would the name have been different if a woman had a say into the name-making process?

So why does this matter? It questions and forces people to look at society though a magnifying glass. This “controversy” forces one to question men and women’s role in the media. Apple, a very popular brand, is run mostly by men. Should there be more diversity in their offices? Does this affect the way products are shown to the public? Should there be an equal representation of men and women views (whatever they are) when advertising? Do big companies such as Apple look past this issue, because they know people will buy their products anyway? These are all questions to explore when buying any product.

Any thoughts?

-Dominique

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/the-ipads-name-makes-some-women-cringe/?scp=1&sq=the%20ipad's%20name%20makes%20some%20women%20cringe&st=cse

Is Obama Having a Positive Affect on Rap Music Today???

Nationally know Rapper, Common, introduces us to the "Obama Effect."  In a CNN article, Common states that "he is already seeing signs that Obama is making a mark on a musical genre often vilified because of its focus on drugs, violence and the degradation of women."  Common believes that rappers are going to focus more on justice issues and other positive things because "the whole chain-shining-and-rim era is gone, that's like super-played out."  People are tired of the same songs that are about 'nothing', all of this, Common believes, is because of the "Obama Effect."

This article was interesting to me because I have stopped listening to rap music because I was tired of feeling degraded as a woman.  however, if the rap genre is about to change to issues that actually have logical and respectful meanings than I'm sure I will want to listen again.  I am interested that Common thinks that Obama has something to do with the change.  He never gave any specifics as to why he called it the "Obama Effect", he only said that since Obama is in office, the genre is changing.  I would like to know what makes Obama the 'signal' for change.  Is it because he is Black, young, and or "down-to-earth"?  We can all see that Obama has a heart for the young people in America, but can he really be given the credit for a more positive rap genre?  Do the consumers get any credit for the desire to hear something new that has a positive message?


I think this is important because Rap music is a highly influential medium.  It is a medium that has an affect on the "dress-down" fashion, and even new slang words.  If Rap music begins to promote things like education, justice, or peace, how would this world as we know it change?  Will young people become more serious about the country we live in?  Will it allow for a better connection between the young and old?  I am curious to see the progress of this hopefully changing genre.  I hope you are too.

~Lexi

*** If you want to read the "Obama Effect" acticle here it is: http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/23/common.obama.hip.hop/index.html 

racism in the media

www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/01/18/juan-williams-martin-luther-king-blacks-whites-pew-poll

This article discusses why in some papers, more specifically The New York Times and The Washington Post, did not cover Martin Luther King Day, and believes this to be the old rival between "us vs. them racial politics."  Pew Research Center for the People conducted a poll that showed majority of whites and blacks "believe values held by blacks and whites have become more similar in the past decade.  According to the article, the line between blacks and whites is slowly disappearing.  The article continues on about people finally agreeing that interracial living situations is becoming more acceptable and other progresses when it comes to blacks and whites intermixing.  However, since all this progress is being made, why is it not being covered in the media?  The author believes it is because black Americans and even more specifically, black civil rights leaders, don't want to even acknowledge this progress.  Why?  Because, "...blacks fear white America...might point to any admission of racial progress as evidence that there was no more work to be done to heal the damage done to contemporary American life by racism."  The author points out that there was plenty of room on newspaper pages for racial slurs and inappropriate words yet no room for the progress.  As the author writes, what would Dr. King say?   The author ends on a somewhat disgusted note, saying, "...maybe they, like the old hustlers and racists, think racial progress is not good for business."

This article points out many good yet bad things.  Firstly, there is a significant progree being made between uniting both black and white Americans.  The article states that interracial living situations are becoming more accepted and that black Americans are finally getting paid the same amount as white Americans.  However, with the good also comes the bad.  Obviously, black Americans are probably timid and nervous about this seemingly huge step.  At any moment, they probably feel like they could fall back and take two giant steps back, setting them back in their progress once again.  I definitely think they have every reason to be nervous and apprehensive about this.I can only hope for the best and contribute my own opinions on equality.  On the other hand, I think the media feeds off of "drama" and almost enjoys pointing out a racial slur.  Sure, it is definitely a big deal for someone to call a black American something inappropriate but does putting that news on the front page make everyone take a step back?  Does it make the black Americans think, "I knew this was too good to be true.  Nothing has changed."  And does it make the white Americans uncomfortable and guilty, therefore withdrawing themselves from black Americans?  These are all things to be considered when it comes to this sticky situation.

So, why does this matter? Why bother reading the obnoxiously long paragraphs above? Because this is happening around us and to the people around us.  Don't you want to be able to date and live with whoever you want, despite their skin color?  And don't you think everyone should get paid the same for a certain job, despite their skin color?  Any of these things could happen to you, to someone you know/love.  It's important to read things and pay attention to how race is handled in the media because you don't want to contribute to something that will have a negative affect on both black and white Americans. 

-audra