#essay3

[karazyr]

How To Become A K-Pop Idol: Life As A Foreign Trainee

For more, SUBSCRIBE to CNA INSIDER! https://www.youtube.com/cnainsider Droves of Korean teenagers sign up with K-pop academies with dreams of becoming the ne...

A great video on trainee life in Korea

[karazyr]

TWICE, a JYP Entertainment girl group

EXO, a SM Entertainment boy group

[karazyr]

Essay 3: K-pop and how it’s problematic

K-pop is one of those contemporary representations of transnational Asians in globalized media and popular culture that is considered both problematic and some-what liberating and empowering. The K-pop phenomenon has become globalized and is reaching both members and non-members of the diaspora. This is evidenced by the “search volume for [k-pop and kpop rising] exponentially since 2009″ (Fuhr 2013:61). 

K-pop is a highly orchestrated and organized industry. During the 1990s, Korean music business underwent a “substantial shift toward an era of increased global awareness among musicians and music producers and saw the emergence of artists management companies as new powerful players in the music market” (Fuhr 2013:59). Thus, establishing the fact that kpop has become a global sensation starting from the 1990s. Another one of these “booms” can be seen today with many kpop boy groups being featured as nominees of international award shows. 

The training system that these idols go through is very gruesome and the entertainment companies usually try and control several aspects of their lives, whether that be their weight, their visuals, or even their love lives. To these entertainment companies, their trainees and their idols are “the most valuable goods in the transnational movement of Korean pop culture” (Fuhr 2013:67) and they are being viewed as objects for profit. 

The focus on the “idol star system” (Fuhr 2013:67) is key to understand the problematic ways entertainment companies create and enforce this system. This focus is due to the small music market and “the continuous decline in physical music sales since the early 2000s” in Korea, which “led management companies to develop a long-term business model that largely concentrates on two principles: music export and the idol star system” (Fuhr 2013:67). Lee Soo-Man, founder of SM Entertainment - one of the big three in Korea, is “credited with...[inventing] a system for cloning young talents and grooming pop stars” (Fuhr 2013:68). SM Entertainment is also known to have one of the most grueling training systems, many trainees dedicate years and still don’t get the chance to debut. 

Another one of the big three in Korea is JYP Entertainment. This company is known to be more humane and treat their idols with respect. Park Jin-Young (JYP) “argued that a consistent star image is key to developing stars with high added value and that the in-house production system of Korean companies may be most effective in meeting this requirement” (Fuhr 2013:69). The key word here is the use of “production” to describe the training system, this gives the impression of viewing these people as objects and/or money-making machines. 

The trainee system comes to life through a “highly diversified manufacturing system with multiple division catering to different yet interlinked operating fields” (Fuhr 2013:70). These entertainment companies are highly complex and every division is part of the process for a debut or a comeback from one of their many idol groups. The companies take a strong focus on “figure and appearance” of their idols, sometimes even making it a requirement to get work done on their face before they’re able to debut. Of course, the entertainment companies indulge in favouritism and thus “neglecting others who then quickly feel alienated, lonely, and in despair” (Fuhr 2013:80). These idols also “represent behavioural codes” that are ingrained into them “right from the beginning of idol apprenticeship” (Fuhr 2013:80). These idols must represent the epitome of being a good person while also balancing the weight of fame and grueling work hours. The worth of these idols amounts to nothing more than the hard work of the entertainment companies and how they are purely a “result from the elaborate training system in which idols are drilled for many years to become all-round entertainers” (Fuhr 2013:81). 

A lot of idols don’t have the chance to participate in the production of the songs that they sing, especially idols of the big three in Korea. The whole point of the idol trainee system is to differentiate idols from artists. Many western artists participate in the production of their music since it’s deeply personal to them. However, in the case of idols in Korea, the majority do not participate in the production of the music they’re going to release. Many music producers (Teddy, JYP, etc.) “make extensive us of [a] form of self-crediting to acoustically and visually brand their songs and to strengthen the label’s corporate identity” (Fuhr 2013:73). This further establishes the whole idea of idols not being able to really contribute to the music. 

Entertainment companies are known to have dating bans during the first few years of an idol group’s career. This dating ban can harbour feelings of ownership from fans because they view these idols as a potential significant other. Once the dating ban is lifted, fans can feel betrayed when news break out that their favourite idols are dating another idol. Thus, the suspended belief that they could create personal relationships with their favourite idols is broken. Since “idols have become the centre of the music business, and music has become their vehicle” (Fuhr 2013:81), this further emphasizes the idea that these idols are being seen as objects and as solely a means of profit for the companies instead of seating them as human beings. 

Even though, kpop is drowning in its’ problematic ways, there are certain aspects of kpop that are liberating and empowering for the consumers. Kpop is liberating because it is able to reach such a wide audience and allows members of the diaspora to feel seen since the West usually doesn’t have many Asian musical artists or idols that are huge and successful. It is also a representation of how hard work pays off and thus, it can inspire audiences and consumers to work in their own endeavors in order to gain success in their respective fields. 

Personally, I am implicated in the circulation of K-pop representation because I am a fan, consumer and member of the diaspora. To see the dedication and perseverance of my favourite girl group, TWICE, pay off and have people all around the world know who they are and their achievements pushes me to work hard and make my personal dreams come true. 

Kpop is extremely problematic when it comes to the treatment of their idols and their trainees. Being a fan of kpop, all that can be asked of us is to understand how problematic the industry is and fight for their favourite groups to succeed in this globalized media. 

Sources

Fuhr, Michael. 2013. “Producing the Global Imaginary: A K-Pop Tropology.” Globalization and popular music in South Korea: sounding out K-pop. 59-124

[baadbognerlisa]

Prototyping - Falling in love with the journey

Prototyping is one of the most useful tools for those who wish to put a new product out into the world or engage their audience in novel ways. It allows the testing of concepts, ideas and plans on the world and to get feedback, to improve the product to create an optimal user experience.  The revolutionary nature of prototypes means that each builds on the previous one, highlighting the progress made while simultaneously giving the project a more real feeling.

“Prototyping is a question embodied.” Therefore, the initial purpose of prototyping is to visualise any questions that might arise. It is a way to deeply look into what is yet unknown and has to be uncovered to move forward into the next stages of creation. The goal of that would be to learn from earlier mistakes or miscalculations and to keep up working on and improving the product until it is fit for actual use. These product mock-ups can be tested by anyone, although the most valuable insights come from testers who are part of the targeted audience as well.

When working with this method of gaining insights it is essential to ask questions. Therefore, good prototypes provoke useful feedback from testers that can be implemented and built upon.

The value of a prototype lies in its ultimate failure, as without failure there would be nothing to improve or the product is simply not relevant enough. Additionally, it is essential to fail early on in the project and to keep refining the product several times before finalising it. This helps save resources, as when the project fails in a later stage, time and precious budget will have been wasted. That is also known as the idea of fidelity, which is essentially how closely the prototype resembles the final outcome. It is better not to work hi-fi too soon as it is easy to get stuck discussing unimportant details instead of the important aspects. How low or high the fidelity should be depends on the clients, the stage of process and the social environment in which it will be discussed.

A low budget solution that is also fast and easy to do is the MVP, the minimum viable product, which is a rough mock-up version of the product or event. It is a prototype in its most basic form, yet one of the most effective ones because what works will become clearer as the progress unfolds one can build on that and keep going.

There are many different types of prototyping, the most widely used ones being horizontal/ vertical prototyping, bodystorming, storyboarding, video and paper prototyping.

Horizontal/vertical prototyping, is used for websites and apps. Deep columns show the interaction flow, whereas shallow columns show the range of available options. Bodystorming consists of physically playing around with different ideas, testing them with abstract objects or in roughly recreated environments. Storyboarding is a drawn or illustrated storyboard that visually shows the idea. Another very interesting version of this is video prototyping. This consists of  creating a video usually  showing a situation in which the product is already real, which also shows how people will interact with or use it. This method is especially nice as it seems real and therefore gets people to ask questions. The last way,  paper prototyping, can be used in all phases of the project. By sketching out the idea, which can be anywhere from a  rough layout to a hi-fi one, it is often faster than prototypes made with a computer and allows to easily visualise the concept. Additionally, real interactions can be simulated and recorded with a phone to create a video or GIF.

A definite drawback to prototyping on the other hand could be the problem of finding the right audience to test it on, because otherwise the insights gained could turn out to be useless or misleading. It could also happen that one does not get the right feedback at first and then goes on to create a high budget mock-up, which turns out to fail, in which case time and resources would have been wasted. It should also be noted that this is by no means a linear process that often will move in several circles before completion.

I have found that storyboarding suits me very well as I prefer to work with paper as it allows more engagement than doing it digitally. I also feel like paper prototyping and maybe video prototyping could be very useful to me personally, as they are very creative and appeal to my visually thinking nature. At the same time I feel like horizontal/diagonal prototyping could be interesting to look into as well, just to get the basic idea down on paper.

References:

IDEO. (2015). You Can Prototype Anything. [Online] Available from: http://zine.ideo.com/wp-content/themes/semplice/IDEO-intct-YouCanPrototypeAnything.pdf [Accessed 12 December 2018]

UX Playground. (2015) Low fidelity prototype testing of the EE app [Online Video] Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yafaGNFu8Eg [Accessed 13 December 2018]

GOOGLE for Startups. (2016) Rapid Prototyping 1 of 3: Sketching & Paper Prototyping [Online Video] Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMjozqJS44M [Accessed 13 December 2018]

[maryjordanenglish102p01-blog]

Am I Working for a Company or Dictatorship?

The standard way of thinking about the world’s most powerful companies has been generally assumed as companies following a system; a system organized with honest and fair procedures, healthcare benefits, and being inclusive for all employees. Dave Eggers’ novel, The Circle, is a futuristic society and most of the events in the novel occur in a manufactured community, but the employees refer to this place as the Circle or the world’s most powerful company. In the workplace and society of The Circle, science and technology is used as a means of control over the employees. Those in control and with the power are called the three Wise-Men. Some may perceive the company’s system as mocking a dictatorship or cult; the Circle’s complete control over human activity destroys the company, as it becomes a scheme consisting of three men with all of the power and their brainwashed and electronically controlled employees. Eggers reminds us that today’s society risks the possibility of a future dystopian society while technology and scientific knowledge continues to improve.

Eggers celebrates the fact that The Circle draws fascination and devotion from those working for the company. For example, Mae Holland, an employee in The Circle, beams with gratitude upon being hired. Eggers writes 

“…here [Mae] was, gainfully employed by the Circle, with her own health insurance, her own apartment in the city, being no burden to her parents,” (4). 

Eggers’ point is that the company lures in its employees with benefits, relief from stress, and essentially anything and everything that would have people from around the world lining up outside, begging to work for the Circle. Here many proponents of successful businesses would probably argue that the Circle is made up of employees who are the best of their generation. While this stance may be considered logical, those who support these businesses should be well informed about the system within the Circle. The most powerful one of the three Wise-Men, Eamon Bailey, reveals his level of control through his successful manipulative statements: 

“A circle is the strongest shape in the universe. Nothing can beat it, nothing can improve upon it.  And that’s what we want to be: perfect” (287).

In other words, the one who holds the most controlling power also holds a vision for a “perfect” monopoly and transparency through all employees.

Dave Eggers further contributes to what the viewers (outside of the Circle) know versus what life is like behind the scenes. Towards the climax in the novel, a heated conversation is held between an employee and Bailey, where Bailey is confronted about the ways he treats employees at the Circle: 

“You’re depriving them of something they have a right to. Knowledge is a basic human right. Equal access to all possible human experiences is a basic human right” (303). 

The essence of this argument is those with power have too much control and the company’s bosses were misusing technological advancements to gain more control as they affect human individuals.

People, such as those working for a popular and successful company, used to believe that founders of such powerful companies were created based upon a long-term envision and in order to succeed, any short-term actions within the company would always be considered appropriate.

What happens behind the scenes of successful companies is important because it is happening today and will continue to worsen unless philosophers, such as Dave Eggers, bring the issue to surface immediately and effectively. Along with Eggers, another philosopher Slavoj Zizek nails the seriousness of this issue. In his academic journal Capitalism, Zizek explains the root of businesses operating in such a way that mocks ideology groups and types of government: 

“The goal is invariably to democratize capitalism in the name of fighting excesses and to extend democratic control of the economy through the pressure of more media scrutiny, parliamentary inquiries, harsher laws.” 

Basically, Zizek is saying the fundamental nature of the global economy is becoming extinct as a result of businesses working in an unprofessional manner, which is exactly what seems to be the underlying cause for all of the mishaps that occur in The Circle.

A number of researchers have recently suggested that Eggers’ work has several fundamental reflections of a futuristic society. A recently published news article Choose Your Dystopia, it is evident that Eggers feels strongly towards his opinion and the underlying purpose for writing The Circle is brought to surface. Alexander Nazaryan noteably credits Eggers

“…fears the encroachment of ones and zeros upon the frontal cortex, where they multiply like a blinding tumor. It is the tragic conflation of information with knowledge that troubles him most, the illusion that insight is never more than a click away” and “the greatest threat to our freedom is our ‘feeling that we're entitled to know anything we want about anyone we want.’” 

With this in mind, readers would feel chills and nervousness while reading The Circle. Dave Eggers successfully conveys a developing issue in society, one in which may lead to his novel defining our society’s reality in the near future.

[lnpsaints]

"Field Hockey v. Lacrosse" :Compare and Contrast, Final

Lauren Pelkey

Professor Megan Anderson

En 101.08

3 December 2014

Field hockey & Lacrosse

            Field hockey and Lacrosse are both extremely popular sports in the United States and other countries. These sports are very likable to young females because they are extremely competitive and they give you the perfect amount of contact with someone else. There are many similarities with these two sports, and there are always a numerous amount of noticeable differences. There are different types of sticks, and the sports are played in different seasons, and last but not least the rules control the game.

            Field hockey is a complicated sport. The sport is normally started in 3rd grade and goes until however far you want to go (college is the most realistic). Most young girls play on a rec team and if they continue to stay serious about it through middle school they will join a club/travel team. The club team exposes you to more competition and a better skill level, which prepares you for high school. During high school it is recommended to continue in your club team if you’d like to continue playing in high school, it gives you the exposure you need at large showcases where college coaches come and represent themselves. The sport is played in the fall as the regular season, but if you played on a club/travel team you would continue to play indoor in the winter which a completely different game with different sticks and rules. Then you’d continue in the spring and then do camps in the summer so it was known as a year round sport. It is different in college though we are required to have an off-season.

            The rules involved in field hockey are pretty easy to determine and notice, but they are repetitive. In field hockey there are special calls such as strokes this is when the goalie is waiting for the “stroker” take the stroke on the whistle of the referee. There is also an Australian corner where you have 8 seconds to take a one versus one from the 25-yard line. There are many special things about field hockey with our rules. There isn’t much contact allowed but if you nail it in a girl’s leg you won’t get called and if you do it may even be called in your favor. Its pretty wicked being able to nail a ball and hit anyone you want on the other team. Pushing happens, elbowing is known in a game and yes it does get called if It is seem often. We don’t have any positioning rules unlike other sports.

            Field hockey has a variety of sticks; there are many different sizes and styles. The biggest differences between sticks are the materials used to make them. It determines the power and motion on the stick. The different brands, gives us as players a better variety to have an identity on the field. Field Hockey sticks are very solid, some heavy (defensive sticks) others extremely light (Attack/Midfield sticks). The weight in the sticks helps with taking hits or being able to dribble smoothly on your stick. The stick it self is rounded on one side and flat on the other, it has a hook shape on the bottom and it is a thin to thick cylinder leading to the hook of the stick.

            Woman’s Lacrosse is an intricate sport there is so much too it and many rules. The sport itself is played in the spring and lasts for about 4 months, which is the same as the main season for field hockey. Lacrosse competes in tournaments that they like to call “Fall Ball”. Women’s sticks are easily broken in the spring if it is colder weather. The material is meant to be extremely light so it is easier to get a strong throw. The sticks are made out of aluminum for the shaft and a thick plastic for the head; the head is then filled with a lace or stringing of some sort. The rules of the game include off sides and many more no contact rules. Every time the whistle is blown you have to stop where you are. You are allowed to run around the goal, which isn’t allowed in field hockey. There is an 8-meter arc and a 12-meter fan, which provides lines for the players to use as a guideline for, plays.  If there is a foul in the 8-meter arc, you are able to take a free position shot on the 8-meter arc.  These fouls include rules that are implemented for the player’s safety, like shooting space.  This is when the defender gets in the way of the attacker’s shot that would be dangerous for her.  Another safety precaution for the players is the crease circle violation.  The attacking team isn’t allowed to enter the crease because they would be too close to the goalie and it would be dangerous for her.  There are also many rules to keep the aggression of the players in check.  You are not allowed to push the other players too aggressively and when you do check another player’s stick, you have to make sure you are not checking into the “sphere” of the other player.  This means that you are supposed to not come anywhere near the player’s head.

            Some may say that lacrosse takes more energy, or say that some people have to do an enhanced amount of running. This is true but in almost every sport there is an extreme amount of running especially in lacrosse and field hockey. Lacrosse is very known in many more states throughout the country compared to field hockey where it is only popular on the east coast. Lacrosse most girls have to wear cleats just because of all the pivoting they do while they’re playing. Woman’s lacrosse is extremely known for checking fingers because its an easy target to mess the other players up.

            I believe field hockey is the better sport because there are more things to it; it has a better game flow unlike lacrosse where you are constantly stopping. There are many advantages to our field and the amount of time we are given to accomplish a win. With woman’s lacrosse they have more space for their field but also have more boundaries near goal. Field hockey sticks are sturdier, even though they are expensive they last for a respectable 2+ years or they are supposed to. Lacrosse sticks are a little less expensive but have the need to be replaced more often. The overall differences and similarities between field hockey and lacrosse are not allows noticeable, but once pointed out you won’t forget them. 

[asueng102]

Essay #3: The Open Letter or Critical Letter to the Contrary Faction

o·pen let·ter (noun):a critical letter directed at a specific individual or representative of a group but intended for publication/wide distributed

often polemical in nature; in other words, a contentious argument that is intended to establish the truth of a specific understanding and the falsity of the contrary position.

derived from the Greek polemikos, meaning warlike, hostile

To reiterate, an open letter is a vehicle for…

vehemently critiquing something you find appalling

specifically, arguing the absurdity/falsity of the appalling behavior/person  (while bolstering your own position)

In order to write an opinionated, critical, and persuasive letter to the opposition, you’ll need to include the following components:

A provocative, evocative salutation

A serious (or seriously irritating) catalytic incident

Can be ripped from the headlines or personal experience

Can be established by a claim made by the opposition in an interview OR a personal anecdote/scenario

A clear position (claim)(i.e. what you believe to be the truth, the crux of the problem)

A succinct body that address the following:

background on the issue (history and/or facts

a cataloguing of the un-truths being perpetuated (policies, practices, lies

a debunking of the un-truths (suggested behavior, alteration of practices…)

an identification of what’s at stake, i.e. the possible repercussions if the policy/behavior goes unchecked, if people don’t heed your advice

A closing signature w/hashtag

Additionally, your letter needs to employ:

the appeals of ethos, pathos, logos

a consistent first-person voice

a consistent second person addressee

a consistent tone, which could be classified as one of the following:

mild to moderate to biting sarcasm

playful

serious

morose/mournful

Other Requirements:

between 500-750 words in length

A minimum of two documented sources

In-text citations

A reference page at the end of your Tumblr post

Possible venues for publication:

Open Letter Community: Stories that Matter: http://opnlttr.com/

McSweeney’s Internet Tendency: http://www.mcsweeneys.net/columns/open-letters-to-people-or-entities-who-are-unlikely-to-respond

Downtown Devil Opinion Page: http://downtowndevil.com/contact-about/

AZ Republic Opinion Page: http://static.azcentral.com/help/contact/

Due Dates:

T 12/2: Rough Workshop (300-400 words due)

F 12/5: Final Draft posted to your Tumblr identified as Essay #3 - Open Letter

[lnpsaints]

"Field hockey V. Lacrosse" :Compare and Contrast, Rough Draft

Lauren Pelkey

Professor Megan Anderson

En 101.08

13 November 2014

                                          Field hockey & Lacrosse

            Field hockey and Lacrosse are both extremely popular sports in the United States and other countries. These sports are very likable to young females because they are extremely competitive and they give you the perfect amount of contact with someone else. There are many similarities with these two sports, and there are always a numerous amount of noticeable differences. There are different types of sticks, and the sports are played in different seasons, and last but not least the rules control the game.

            Field hockey is a complicated sport. The sport is normally started in 3rd grade and goes until however far you want to go (college is the most realistic). Most young girls play on a rec team and if they continue to stay serious about it through middle school they will join a club/travel team. The club team exposes you to more competition and a better skill level, which prepares you for high school. During high school it is recommended to continue in your club team if you’d like to continue playing in high school, it gives you the exposure you need at large showcases where college coaches come and represent themselves. The sport is played in the fall as the regular season, but if you played on a club/travel team you would continue to play indoor in the winter which a completely different game with different sticks and rules. Then you’d continue in the spring and then do camps in the summer so it was known as a year round sport. It is different in college though we are required to have an off-season.

            The rules involved in field hockey are pretty easy to determine and notice, but they are repetitive. In field hockey there are special calls such as strokes this is when the goalie is waiting for the “stroker” take the stroke on the whistle of the referee. There is also an Australian corner where you have 8 seconds to take a one versus one from the 25-yard line. There are many special things about field hockey with our rules. There isn’t much contact allowed but if you nail it in a girl’s leg you won’t get called and if you do it may even be called in your favor. Its pretty wicked being able to nail a ball and hit anyone you want on the other team. Pushing happens, elbowing is known in a game and yes it does get called if It is seem often. We don’t have any positioning rules unlike other sports.

            Field hockey has a variety of sticks; there are many different sizes and styles. The biggest differences between sticks are the materials used to make them. It determines the power and motion on the stick. The different brands, gives us as players a better variety to have an identity on the field. Field Hockey sticks are very solid, some heavy (defensive sticks) others extremely light (Attack/Midfield sticks). The weight in the sticks helps with taking hits or being able to dribble smoothly on your stick. The stick it self is rounded on one side and flat on the other, it has a hook shape on the bottom and it is a thin to thick cylinder leading to the hook of the stick.

            Woman’s Lacrosse is an intricate sport there is so much too it and many rules. The sport itself is played in the spring and lasts for about 4 months, which is the same as the main season for field hockey. Lacrosse competes in tournaments that they like to call “Fall Ball”. Women’s sticks are easily broken in the spring if it is colder weather. The material is meant to be extremely light so it is easier to get a strong throw. The sticks are made out of aluminum for the shaft and a thick plastic for the head; the head is then filled with a lace or stringing of some sort. The rules of the game include off sides and many more no contact rules. Every time the whistle is blown you have to stop where you are. You are allowed to run around the goal, which isn’t allowed in field hockey. There is an 8-meter arc and a 12-meter fan, which provides lines for the players to use as a guideline for, plays.  If there is a foul in the 8-meter arc, you are able to take a free position shot on the 8-meter arc.  These fouls include rules that are implemented for the player’s safety, like shooting space.  This is when the defender gets in the way of the attacker’s shot that would be dangerous for her.  Another safety precaution for the players is the crease circle violation.  The attacking team isn’t allowed to enter the crease because they would be too close to the goalie and it would be dangerous for her.  There are also many rules to keep the aggression of the players in check.  You are not allowed to push the other players too aggressively and when you do check another player’s stick, you have to make sure you are not checking into the “sphere” of the other player.  This means that you are supposed to not come anywhere near the player’s head.

            I believe field hockey is the better sport because there are more things to it; it has a better game flow unlike lacrosse where you are constantly stopping. There are many advantages to our field and the amount of time we are given to accomplish a win. With woman’s lacrosse they have more space for their field but also have more boundaries near goal. Field hockey sticks are sturdier, even though they are expensive they last for a respectable 2+ years or they are supposed to. Lacrosse sticks are a little less expensive but have the need to be replaced more often. The overall differences and similarities between field hockey and lacrosse are not allows noticeable, but once pointed out you won’t forget them.