Abstract This paper discusses Marx's theory that capitalism has commodified people. It explains his basic argument that the worker is a commodity in the capitalist system. The author researches Marx's exchange theory, and user-pays system. The paper offers examples of a personal experience applied to commodification.
From the Paper "According to Marx, capitalism has commodified people by turning them into commodities. Marx's argument is that labor does not only produce commodities like clothing or coffee, it produces itself and the worker as a commodity. Economic and Philosophic Manuscript ..."
Abstract Worldwide, there are claims of rampant and indiscriminate commercialization of tourism, with the main objective of profiteering. According to such claims, the commodification of tourism is contributing to irreversible changes in culture, tradition, and ecological balance, which is harmful for the global society. This paper presents the argument that tourism is a business, and hence, commodification is inevitable. The economic benefits of tourism are too significant to ignore; even national governments implement aggressive measures to promote tourism so that they can benefit from the huge money inflows. This paper argues that, instead of totally shunning commodification, tourism firms and governments would do well to take preemptive measures and safeguards to preserve the authenticity, culture, and ecological diversity of the tourism regions. Modern trends indicate that commodification will continue to happen, and hence, the emphasis should be on proper management of tourism for the benefit of mankind.
From the Paper "The modern society, impacted by globalization, has seen the remarkable increase in the spread of consumer culture or commodification. When places and cultures become commodified, problems arise in the meeting of different cultures, which is an important feature of multi-cultural societies. In tourism, places and experiences are commodified by linking with demand and it is also believed that in contemporary tourism, western capitalism appears to have development of the ultimate consumer. (Hughes, 1998) The commodification of tourism has for long been criticized, often heavily, for "bastardization" and "pollution" of previously authentic ethnic cultures. (Wood 1997) While this may be true from a certain perspective, it must be remembered that if tourism is to provide the expected benefits to the host country and its population, commodification is one of the key marketing activities that can help achieving this objective. It follows that the main issue is not about the evils of commodification but how to implement this market-driven activity properly so as to derive maximum benefits without losing anything."
A consideration of the ethical implications of human cloning and the legal steps, if any, which should be taken to regulate this area of scientific development.
Abstract This paper examines the ethical implications surrounding reproductive and therapeutic cloning, including issues such as the right to an open future, commodification of children, the risk of psychological harm to the clone, the right to indiviudality and the "Kantian Ends and Means Dictum". It shows that although many moral objections to cloning can be theoretically rebutted, by adopting an approach which views the welfare of the resultant clone as the paramount consideration in the cloning debate, it is concluded that such a practice should never be allowed. It also considers the current legal regulation of cloning and concludes that the status quo should be maintained.
Outline
Introduction
Reproductive Cloning
Current Situation
Procreative Autonomy
Safety Implications
Intrinsic Sense of Immorality
Individuality
The Right to an Open Future
Commodification Psychological Harm
Human Dignity and the Kantian "Ends and Means" Dictum
Fear of Eugenics
Therapeutic Cloning
The Moral Status of the Embryo
The "Slippery Slope" Argument
Should Therapeutic Cloning be Permissible?
Legal Regulation of Cloning
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the central tenets of the cloning debate is whether a person has the right, as articulated by Dworkin, to "procreative autonomy". He defines this as a right to control one's own role in procreation unless the state has a compelling reason for denying them that control. Following from this, Harris contends that "genetic imperative" is a fundamental aspect of the right to procreative autonomy and since society grants the legitimacy of genetic aspirations in so many cases and indeed the use of advanced technology to meet such desires, only compelling and serious reasons could deny people such wishes in the case of cloning. Although Dworkin and Harris assert that there is insufficient evidence of harm to justify interfering with this freedom of an individual, a consideration of the following ethical issues will demonstrate that what is at stake if cloning is permitted outweighs the right of an individual to procreative freedom."
Abstract This is a comparison paper of "The Diary of a Young Girl" and "Pokemon". Both Pokemon and "The Diary of a Young Girl" illustrate that it is not possible to escape from commodification in children's texts; Anne's diary is, in fact, a commodity, just as much as Pokemon was designed as a commercial venture and to create commodities.
Abstract This paper explains that global communications, such as the internet and cable television, are bringing news and culture from around the globe into local neighborhoods around the globe, resulting in the commodification of local relationships. The author points out that new technologies, such as TV phones, allow people to find others with whom to share common experience and social interaction, rather than actually moving to a new place, or trying to recreate common experience among proximate neighbors. Moreover, electronic communities provide a sense of common experience and involvement that seems lacking in much of modern society. The paper relates that the word "McDonaldization" is used to describe the way the entire planet is being wired into music, movies, news, television and other cultural products, most of which originate in the U.S., while local cultures are uprooted and replaced with universal cultural symbols.
From the Paper "Komito points out that it is rare, within any group, that social relations are without conflict, hierarchy and inequality, and no matter how strong the commitment to shared values based on family, kinship or ethnicity, there is negotiation based on conflicting individual interests and concerns. Although collective solidarity is often a goal, it is rarely achieved, because communities are composed not only of people who like each other, but also hate each other, and thus, both co-operate and compete with one another."
Abstract This study makes a case for the inclusion of one additional category to Larson. This category is labeled the value of consumption. This paper explains the cultural myth that the good life can be achieved through commodity purchase. In other words, this myth tricks people into believing that happiness is a function of consumption, and that one's own identity is intrinsically tied to the purchases we make.
From the Paper "Larson's Cultural Images and Myths approach to the study of popular culture is certainly important. It is a critical examination of the lies and ideologies that are perpetuated in our culture for a variety of reasons. Among them, Larson considers the myth of rustic wisdom or the image of the omni-present conspiracy. The power of these ideologies is obvious when we consider the importance of rustic figures like Abraham Lincoln or the popularity of television programs such as the X-Files. These categories are certainly applicable for a number of cultural tropes and recurring images. However, it is my contention that Larson's categories should not be truncated too soon. There are other cultural myths that are equally present and powerful in Western society."
Abstract This paper attemts to examine the theoretical arguments concerning grazing and consumption in general, by exploring some of the research and works of theorists on popular culture. With reference to established sources on popular culture including Adrono, Frith and Fiske, this paper investigates the notions of multiplicity of choice, 'grazing' and 'commodification' in relation to music consumption and freedom of choice. In conclusion it asks if we (as the audience of popular music) really have choice.
Outline
Commodification and Choice
Adorno
Fiske
Frith
Theories on Grazing ? Social Factors
Conclusions on Commodification and Grazing ? Do We Really Have Choice
Conclusions on Choice in Popular Music
Conclusions on Choice and Grazing
From the Paper "Criticism of Adorno's views on mass culture is wide ranging. Much stems from the fact that his view of popular music is taken from the viewpoint of high art and therefore, misses the point of popular music in the first place. Other dissatisfaction concerns his failure to address the emergence of Rock n? Roll in the 1950s; Paddison makes the observation that ?Adorno's defence of the musical avant garde can be applied to the work of composer and performers of popular music such as frank Zappa and Henry Crow. (Shuker 2002: 137 quoting Paddison 1993). However, the elements of Marxist theory in the work of the Frankfurt school, particularly concerning commodification, have been widely accepted and expanded upon by bodies such as the Birmingham school, and even populists such as Fiske."
Abstract This paper offers an overview on the scientific background of stem cell research and therapy. It also discusses the ethical issues involved, which include informed consent and ownership and the destruction of embryos when stem cells are harvested. The author explores the slippery slope towards human cloning if therapeutic cloning is not restricted and the commodification of human cells, tissues and embryos.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Stem Cells: What?
Use of Stem Cell in Research and Therapy
Ethical Issues
Informed Consent and Ownership
Destruction of Embryos
Slippery Slopes towards Reproductive Cloning
Commodification Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "The discoveries of methods of deriving and culturing human stem cells with nuclear replacement technique have enabled researchers to find out the previously unidentified therapeutic potential of human stem cells. This has stirred up much excitement and hope, and at the meantime, it has also elicited immense controversies and debates. Today, few have doubts about the potential of stem cell research in reducing the suffering of those afflicted with severely debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer's diseases, and the possibility of curing them might not be far-off. However, some are alarmed by the rapid development of this area of study. They insisted that such research is to be regulated and restricted, even though its results are beneficial for human's well being. Between the pro- and anti-stem cell research groups, no consensus has been reached, and the debate continues."
Abstract This paper discusses the way that Chinese culture has been trivialized by Americans due to the commercialization of Chinese cultural objects. The author argues that because sacred symbols in Chinese culture can be bought as t-shirts or tacky items, it detracts from their meaning and leads Americans to perceive these items as kitsch and discusses the implications of this.
From the Paper "It is common for Americans to decorate their homes or wear clothing with Chinese symbols or objects that would generally be perceived of as kitsch. Many Chinese gift shops sell items that are culturally or religiously significant in China but are not fully understood by Americans and are merely viewed as novelties or decorations. While this phenomenon certainly happens with any cultural symbol entering a foreign society, I believe that it is more common with Chinese objects. Because of the commercialization and commodification of Chinese cultural objects, Americans perceive any form of Chinese art or religious symbols as kitsch. Furthermore, I would argue that buying an item of Chinese kitsch has greater cultural implications than are initially obvious."
Abstract This paper is on the Peter Brook production of the "Mahabharata", the Indian epic. The author contends that the process of de-contextualization of characters, plot elements and pieces of narration out of the Mahabharata's original context and into a Western mode of performance, plot construction and interpretation exhibits the latent Orientalism of the Brook production, and represents the profound and perverse commodification of the India classic. The author further explains how it was Brook's perspective and alteration of this epic that reached a broader Western audience.
From the Paper "As a world defined by over 200 nations, and thousands of cultures, an incredibly rich history and set of traditions exists. The last century has marked a turning point in our planet's history. As never before, the distance and separation of cultures is becoming ever smaller, due to better transportation and communications infrastructures, and a desire to conduct business on a global scale. There is also an interesting and concerning adoption and synthesis of cultural practices and traditions. One could debate rather academically the merits of cultural encounter and interaction, and to say that perhaps with a synthesis of different cultural practices, a new culture is born. That may be, however the focus of this essay is to critically investigate and discuss the adoption or representation of other cultural traditions, without comprehending their meaning or significance. This is demonstrated through the Western commodification of cultures, the notion of Orientalism, and specifically focusing on the Brooks/ Carri?re production of the Mahabharata."
From the Paper "The "post" in postmodernism implies less a chronological succession than an opposition, and an intimate connection. The term postmodernism is sometimes accused of being "the inflated focus for such a range of contradictory investments" that sorting out its precise relationship to what went before is difficult. But, though postmodernism can be defined as having a number of sources, such as "the recrudescence of the cultural avant garde, the penetration of cultural life by the commodity form, [or] the exhaustion of certain classical bourgeois ideologies," its primary source, and its principle subject for critique, is modernism. In the various ways in which modernity serves as its focus, postmodernism justifies its title. In most definitions of postmodernism, the failings of modernity are clearly the basis from which the later movement derives its impetus. Whether it is..."
Abstract The first part of this essay analyses the relation between advertising, culture, and the commodification process involved in the "creation" of a mass culture market. The second part of this paper considers the significance of Walter Benjamin's "Age of Mechanical Reproduction" with regards to contemporary news and information resources, and argues that the social and political significance of a current event is easily - if not dangerously so - manipulated by contemporary technologies, and mass media strategies.
Abstract This essay will explore the history of Canada's Unemployment Insurance program, while considering issues of commodification, social stratification and state/family/market relationship, in order to show the changing dynamics of UI as well as the contemporary issues involved.
Abstract This paper looks at how in an age of celebrity magazines and constant media coverage, it is easy to forget that the celebrities whose faces we see every day are, in fact, real people too. It examines how a lot of work goes into shaping their careers and their personas and how this has an inevitable effect upon the person behind the persona. It attempts to analyse if this effect is a positive or negative one and whether the actor and his personality can become absorbed by his star persona, so they become one and the same. It examines the problem of stardom from several different ages including the great age of the Hollywood star in the 50's all the way to the present day, using examples as varied as Marilyn Munroe to Winona Ryder in order to show the varied pitfalls of celebrity and it's psychological effect on the individual performer.
From the Paper "There are many, many actors in the business, most struggling to make a living in minor roles and bit parts. None of these are stars, so the terms are clearly not synonymous. A star must be created: "A star has two things an actor doesn"t have: charisma and the ability to sell tickets.? In the past, a star was usually created by the studio he was signed to, and plenty of work went into the image the public saw. Information about the actor in question was tightly controlled, far more so than today. Studios would distribute pictures of the fledgling star to promote interest, and perhaps start rumours about their first major role, or a love affair with an already established star."
Abstract Examines the evolution of the artistic production from the early traditional form of the Hopi to the late action form and the commodification by the Western world. Discusses the religious and cultural symbolism of the Katsinam, the Hopi culture, and the spiritual meaning of Katsina.
From the Paper "For several decades, the Hopis' Katsina dolls and other artistic representations have captured the imagination of art collectors and museum curators from all over the world with their vivid colors,..."
