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