Blog #1
This is an interesting youtube video on Brands and Globalization
Branding is everywhere. There is no way one single person can go the entire day without seeing a least one brand name on clothing, food, furniture, electronics, almost everything these days has a brand. I think brand names can tie into the ideas related to social justice because it’s a way to establish “popularity” and class. Back in junior high and high school brand names used to be much more appreciated. You were considered “cool” or “part of the in crowd” if you had the hottest new outfit or the best new phone. People wanted to see and explore your cool new “toy” it was a way for individuals to bond with one another. Sometimes brands can be a way for individuals to reach out and bond with strangers. If you’re standing next to someone in line with the same shoes on or the same coat on, you might feel more comfortable starting a conversation with them saying oh I have those same shoes, etc.
For my own personal identity and relationship with both justice and injustices it may not affect me the same as another individual. Growing up my parents, especially my dad saw no point in spending twice as much just to buy the name on a product. Although now I don’t really care who has what brand and who doesn’t back in grade school I remember always wanting to “fit in” and have the hot brand names like everyone else.
The impact brand names have on globalization is expanding it. Globalization through brands is almost a way to bring everyone together. Each item is now produced in a lot of different countries, typically not just one. When people become aware of the working environments in third world countries, I’d hope they’d care enough to say I don’t need a certain brand if they aren’t treating their workers in a way I’d be treated. Unfortunately most Americans don’t realize or just turn a blind eye to the situation and would rather have the brand than sacrifice not having it.
“What, specifically, did you notice and experience over the course of your one-day study? What kind of ads? What kinds of placement?
Over my one-day study I’ve noticed that you can’t look anywhere without seeing a brand name or logo, not one single place. If you think about it even our school’s WSU’s logo is one of the most well known college logos worldwide. That in itself is a branding of our college. Advertisements are everywhere, on the buses, the ground, buildings, and people’s clothing.
How did your experience fit with Klein’s argument in this section? (Be specific – about both your experience, and Klein’s argument.)
I agree completely with Klein’s argument, we can’t go anywhere in this world without seeing brands, therefore we can’t simply ignore them.
How does your relationship to brand and advertisements impact social change and social justice?”
If someone is willing to look past the brand name and actually look at the product and where it’s from they might be surprised how they actually feel about the brand. We have become so obsessed and aware of the brands that surround us every day that now when we see them we don’t even really think twice about it. Social change and social justice can be impacted if people as a whole put a boycott or a stop to purchasing a certain brand name. Personally I see brands as a way of life and as a way of people grouping together.
What do you think the consequences are of putting products in front of people? How do brands reduce and erase individual expression; what are the consequences as it relates to social justice
ReplyDeleteDavid
The consequences of putting brands in front of people could influence ones decision making either in a good or bad way. This is because people place value on their own brands that they prefer, so if you have that brand, they might automatically like you more. Of vice versa, if you are wearing an opposing brand they make think down on you.
ReplyDeleteThe brand itself I wouldn't say has consequences but how the brand/product is produced does. I think if you take a further look into how a product is produced that impacts social justice because of the mistreatment of worker in third world countries. Brands reduce or even erase individual expressions because it makes everyone – at least their outsides/clothing the same. Brands label who you are as an individual. If you were Nike, you’re saying you’re active and sporty. If you like Coach, you’re saying you have a lot of money and that you like expensive things. As well as you want individuals to know you like expensive things. Brands are all associated with a certain image and that image can define a person. It takes away from individual expression but at the same time it’s a way to label you as well. Obviously you like the brands you wear or you wouldn’t purchase them.
-Amanda