Abstract This paper examines how and why certain ads are accepted or rejected by the media while also delving into who ultimately decides which ads are broadcast to the viewing public. The writer of this paper focuses on the most recent Super Bowl which was broadcast on the CBS television network while detailing the reasons behind two specific ads which were rejected due to their content. This paper delves into the First Amendment to the Constitution and its relevance to this particular topic. The paper also analyzes the rules and regulations stipulated by the Federal Communications Commission and its resulting impact on the advertising industry as a whole.
From the Paper "Although the Super Bowl is a public event that is the most watched TV program, it is a privately produced show and the choice of what ads to run rests with the network, a private company. Once CBS network bought the rights to broadcast the Super Bowl it had First Amendment rights to choose what it would or would not broadcast. Under the First Amendment CBS has the right to exercise its editorial judgment regarding the content of Super Bowl ads."
Abstract This paper provides an examination of Michael Moore's documentary film, "Bowling For Columbine" as a work of propaganda. It looks at Moore's exposure of the roots of violence, his techniques and how they support his thesis. The paper also looks at Moore's desire to provoke as well as to inform.
From the Paper "When Michael Moore's film Bowling for Columbine was released it was certainly a controversial film. Closely following the tragic incidents at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado Moore's film set out to expose the root of the problems behind such acts of violence. In doing so he learns that the conventional answers of easy availability of guns, violent national history, violent entertainment and even poverty are inadequate to explain this violence when other cultures share those same factors without the equivalent ..."
Tags:bowling for columbine, michael moore, propaganda
This paper uses a local bowling center, Pompano Bowl, to illustrate the various changes over the years in the bowling industry, which is part of the entertainment industry.
Abstract This paper explains that bowling, one of the largest participatory sports in the world, is enjoyed primarily by the older population but has a place in the entertainment of pre-teens, families and middle-aged groups. The author points out that, due to the increasing costs of maintenance and equipment modernization, the cost of a family bowling night has increased dramatically making it more difficult to afford an evening out with the family. The paper relates that the decline in leagues has caused a steady drop in overall revenue in the industry; but open bowling style has increased, which indicates bowling is returning mostly to a recreational sport.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Provided Services
Service Demand
Cost & Technology
Market Structures
Economic Forecast
Conclusion
From the Paper "With the bowling lane now being controlled by computers, customers find that score keeping and other functions are very simplified. New computer software is used in controlling each lane and must be updated when available. The new computerized system was designed by the National Bowling Association, operates within the professional bowling guidelines, and costs over $100,000. A price increase was put in to effect due to the fact that the building was in need of repairs, such as new carpeting, new electronic consoles for each lane, and some roof repair. This necessitated a price increase. Several complaints and negative comments were made and the center also lost two of its regular leagues, who transferred to another bowler center."
Abstract This paper describes college football's bowl games. Additionally, the author explains in detail the ranking system in which a team qualifies to enter a bowl game, called the Bowl Champion Series ranking system. The author argues that the Bowl Champion Series ranking system must be changed and amended. This would be better for post season play. The paper concludes that if the changes are made, the old excitement of football games would come back as well.
From the Paper "What, for instance would happen if there were three undefeated teams; one would not be able to simply choose one undefeated team and declare them champions. A playoff would of course be bale to determine the ruling champions, but if there were for example, three undefeated teams, then how would one playoff and settle the score? Two of the three would probably have to play against another undefeated team, and this means that it would also have to play twice to win it, while the third team would get to play against a possibly lesser team, with one single loss. This brings another issue to the forefront, which is, why shouldn't one loss teams be regarded as the undefeated teams, and why shouldn't these teams have an equal shot as the other teams at the Championship? Perhaps the real and true problem may not be the playoff system, or the Bowl Championship Series, but the fact that there are in fact more than 116 Division 1- A schools taking part in the college football championships, and the very scope of college football is so very large and enormous that it is extremely difficult for anyone to be able to narrow it down to either two, or four, or even eight best teams who would deserve to play for the championship above the others. (Bowl Championship Series ... The Final Word) "
Abstract Traditional explanations of the Dust Bowl emphasize the lack of rain as the fundamental cause of the severe dust storms that struck the southern plains. This paper discusses additional reasons for the Dust Bowl such as poor agricultural practices and years of sustained drought. The paper describes the effect the Dust Bowl had on the inhabitants.
From the Paper "Americans tend to confuse the "Dust Bowl," a region plagued by dust storms in the 1930s, with the mass migration of "Okies and Arkies" to California that occurred in the same decades. Many people were forced to leave the Dust Bowl for California. But the majority of 1930s migrants, even migrants from Oklahoma, came from regions of the country largely unaffected by the dust storms.
The whole concept of a Dust Bowl migration is a wonderful misnomer. Most of the people had nothing to do with the Dust Bowl region. Most really weren't victims of the drought either. A lot of them weren't even farmers."
Abstract This paper recounts the beginnings of the Super Bowl by first looking at the creation of the AFL. It looks at the role television had in the success of the Super Bowl and the tremendous amounts of money spent by both leagues which encouraged fans to pick sides. The continued success of the Super Bowl and some of the factors that contribute to its success (half time shows, commercial airtime) are also discussed.
From the Paper "By 1968, the year of Super Bowl I, America accounted for over 78million households with televisions (out of a worldwide 200million) and its popularity was ever increasing. At this point, television shows that are now steady re-runs on Nick at Nite, were entertaining Americans as they lived their "American Dream". Televised football games were highly popular (much like today) and were a ready source of commercial income for broadcast stations and football franchises. Television programs and commercials were defining what Americans should buy, eat and live by. It was a viable force then as it is now."
A paper which shows how John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" and the article "Steinbeck, Guthrie and Popular Culture" by Elaine S. Apthorp, depict California's Dust Bowl era.
Abstract The paper shows how the era of the Dust Bowl was an era of mass migration as thousands moved from the region where drought and other factors had ruined the farmland to California, believed to be the land of milk and honey and opportunity. The paper explores how the Dust Bowl and the mass migration it fostered are well illustrated in the novel "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck, and both the novel and the era it depicts are further illuminated by the article "Steinbeck, Guthrie and Popular Culture" by Elaine S. Apthorp. The paper further shows how the novel and the article complement one another and contribute to our understanding of the era and of the way Steinbeck shaped that era into an artistic statement in his novel.
From the Paper "The didactic chapters referred to by Apthorp are the interchapters where Steinbeck performs the analytical task of reporting on the state of America during the Depression, the plight of the people, and other information included with a journalistic eye for what is most telling. In these interchapters, Steinbeck seems to step back from the story to examine the larger picture, but in truth, the author never forgets the reality faced by his characters. For instance, the different members of the family have characteristics which add to their problems and which also reflect larger forces at the same time. Grandpa Joad, for instance, is senile, and this symbolizes the vulnerability of the entire family."
Tags: migrant, workers, Great, Depression, Joad, family
Abstract This paper examines the causes of the original Dust Bowl, tackling issues such as soil composition, climatological factors, and farmer negligence. It also addresses the continuing threat of another Dust Bowl-like crisis and what needs to be done to ensure that it does not happen
From the Paper "The assertion that even without human-induced blunders there would have been at least somewhat of a crisis in the 30's seems like a distinct possibility. There was a definite shift in climate, consisting of severe blizzards, prolonged severe drought, and even a flood to start it all off. Temperature swings between summer and winter were even more severe than usual and dry spells and occasional downpours seemed to strike at the most inopportune moments time and time again (Bonnifield, 1979). Taking these things into account, it seems that even without over-planting, lack of erosion-control and other human mistakes, some sort of agricultural downturn would have taken place."
Abstract The paper illustrates how the cinematic techniques used by the documentary "Bowling for Columbine" are crafted upon the use of irony. The paper also shows how "Bowling for Columbine" is compelling because directory Michael Moore uses slice-of-life film in 'real time' to show how he, along with the viewer, is searching for answers as to what is real, in a culture where so much unreality characterizes the depiction of American violence. The paper discusses Moore's belief that greater corporate and individual responsibility in America is necessary to prevent the Columbine tragedy from occurring again.
From the Paper "The cinematic techniques used by the documentary "Bowling for Columbine" by Michael Moore are entirely crafted upon the use of carefully delineated irony. The film contrasts the real need to protect the nation's citizens with the zealous love affair that Americans have with guns. The title of the film refers to the tragedy at Columbine High School, Ohio where the all-too typical adolescent angst of a group of troubled teens was the tinder that combined with the spark of easy access to guns. This cumulated in a conflagration of violence, as they vented their frustrations upon their fellow pupils. Only in America, Moore suggests, could such a horrific event occur. It is not that teens are not unhappy or bulled in other lands, but no other land makes it so easy and acceptable to wield the deadly power of firearms as a way to vent anger."
Abstract This paper addresses the possible causes of the Dust Bowl phenomenon and how and why it led to the mass exodus of people from the Great Plains to California.
From the Paper "The Great Depression marked a time of economic disaster in the United States. Between 1930 and 1941, Great Plains farmers witnessed the worst drought in the country's history (Henretta 709). This and many other factors led to the period that has become known as the Dust Bowl. This period in time is called the Dust Bowl because "Dust seeped into houses and blackened the pillow around one's head, the dinner plates on the table, the bread dough on the back of the stove" (Henretta 709). The term Dust Bowl was created by an Associated Press staff writer, Robert Geiger, in response to the things he saw in Guymon, Oklahoma. Within months, it was the term used throughout the nation to describe the wind-blown land throughout Kansas, southeastern Colorado, the Oklahoma Panhandle, the northern two-thirds of the Texas Panhandle, and northeastern New Mexico (Logsdon 3). The Dust Bowl affected the lives of everyone in the United States, not just those of farmers in the Great Plains area. Knowledge of the Dust Bowl is important because this disaster could be repeated due to both its natural, economic, and social causes. "
Abstract This paper describes the painting, "Blue Bowl", and explains how the artist's use of contrast, line, and color in this painting create the balance and rhythm characteristic of Alexander's work.
From the Paper ""The Blue Bowl" contains several contrasting formal elements that contribute to its energetic nature. For example, a thick, black background competes with the woman's milky skin. The contrast enables her figure to jump out of the background, giving her lightness and freedom from an otherwise nebulous environment. Moreover, only part of her skin is exposed, from the nape of her neck and her upper back. The skin here is also far brighter than the skin on her hands and face, which remains in shadow. Most of the woman's skin remains concealed beneath the dress; like the contents of the bowl and the atmosphere of the room she graces, the bulk of her body is unseen by the viewer. The floral print dress jumps out of the canvas largely because of its color scheme. Just as her skin contrasts sharply with the dark background, so too does the ivory-colored dress, the piece of furniture she leans on with her left hand, and the background of the titular blue bowl."
Abstract This paper examines how "Bowling for Columbine" is a piece of filmmaking designed to provoke viewers regardless of their political beliefs and how underlying the film are solid truths about the history of and current state of affairs in the United States. It looks at how it examines in particular three main themes: racism, gun control, and the psychological and sociological impacts of mass media by using the Columbine shooting incident as an anchor.
From the Paper "No one need watch Bowling for Columbine to discover that race relations in the United States have been poor since the birth of the nation. Wresting millions of Africans from their home countries, treating them worse than cattle, and enslaving them and their families in deplorable conditions for centuries do little to foster good race relations. The abolition of slavery contributed little to the improvement of white-black relations in the United States, since Reconstruction was a dismal failure in this respect and in fact permitted hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan to thrive. The animated sequence in Bowling for Columbine, combined with Moore's treatment of racial profiling, show that Moore is keenly aware of and sensitive to race-related issues. Moore also shows how race relations in the United States contributed indirectly to the Columbine shootings, which occurred in a mainly white, middle-class suburban town. According to Moore, blacks have been convenient scapegoats of violent crimes."
Abstract This paper discusses the different approaches of persuasion in the two movies "Bowling for Columbine" and "Elephant". Particular emphasis is placed on poetic and argumentative rhetoric. The paper focuses on the way that the movies deal with the issue of violence in society.
From the Paper "Violence is a problem that every society has experienced as far back as we have any evidence of humans living in groups; ancient man with their skulls bashed in, the crusades, world wars and many others are just a few examples. One may even argue that it is in human nature to commit violence upon one another to create a hierarchy such as many animals do, however living in a society requires to get rid of the impulses driving such behavior because the essential reason for the existence of societies is to achieve a level of safety and security that can otherwise not be reached. The question that logically follows from this is how does society affect the level of violence of all its members? Assuming that one can consider different countries as different societies it is legitimate to compare different countries in order to try to answer this question."
Abstract This paper studies Michael Moore's award winning docudrama "Bowling for Columbine" (2002), which provided an eye-opening look at the social problem of violence in the United States, particularly violence with guns. The film focused on events leading up to the Columbine High School shootings. The paper demonstrates how, from a sociological perspective, Moore effectively showed that both social institutions (e.g., the community, the school) and social relationships (e.g., within the community, between students) played a role in the Columbine tragedy. The paper also lauds Moore for effectively presenting the causes and consequences of this recurring social problem (i.e. gun violence) in an effective manner.
From the Paper "One portion of the film that I found extremely revealing was when Michael Moore went up to Canada with his film crew for this movie, and interviewed people up there, who seemed less afraid, and said they were less afraid, than Americans he had interviewed for the film earlier. These two sets of interviews illustrated the point, very convincingly, that America has far more general fear bred into its culture, in terms of anxieties people feel just living life, than does Canada. For that reason, Moore implies, many Americans feel they need guns simply to protect themselves against the frightening elements "out there", a feeling that then feeds on itself, with more fear and more gun ownership. In contrast, Canadians who were interviewed for the film do not even lock their front doors, and most do not own guns or feel any need to own guns. Moore convincingly explored, also, how the mythology of the Wild West (e.g., Western movies starring actors like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood) are so much a part of the American identity that Americans actually also identify with guns and gun ownership as if it were needed in order to feel safe."
