Chapter 10, Question #3

This week I would like to discuss the topic of product placement. Product placement is used widely in our media and I think it is important to realize that this type of advertisement is presented to us daily. I find that product placement is subtle in a sense that in television shows, it makes the products a part of the character’s daily lives. Making it seem like the normal thing to do. Without us realizing it affecting our decisions on which brand to purchase for instance. I also believe that product placement is a very smart way to market and advertise a company’s product. Especially when the company uses a widely viewed television show or movie. Where many people are exposed to the product and they would now leave with the product in their memory. I think this method of advertising works best with well-known brand names or famous logos. It would only take a second to recognize the company and seeing it in the media would reinforce you to possibly purchase the product. 

Chapter 10, Question #1

After reading chapter 10, I realized that I have encountered many forms of marketing strategies throughout the week. The ones I found to be the most effective was Brand recognition and product placement. There are many times I recognize a specific brand such as Starbucks or McDonald’s just by walking through campus. Even on my way to work I am constantly reminded that these products are available for my to purchase. Because the company’s logos are so famous, I know at a glance where someone got that bag or cup. It catches my attention and gets the message across without even saying anything. The other one I thought was most effective was product placement. I see many different products inserted into my favorite shows and it is hard not to notice what the characters are holding. I think product placement is in your face without trying to be too loud, so the message gets sent to your brain but you may not notice till later on. I like that it’s subtle in a sense and I think it sells the product without you even knowing. 

Chapter 10, Question #2

Reading both Wootan’s and Liodice’s arguments regarding government regulation of children’s food advertising, I have to say that Liodice’s argument was stronger. Wootan argument consisted of tons of facts and guidelines that made his argument really heavy and not very passionate. Where as Liodice’s argument was moving because he chose to use something everyone has in common; freedom of speech. People like to have the right to express themselves the way they want to without any restrictions. This is why I think Liodice’s stance on the regulation of children’s food advertisement is stronger. He also referenced the opposing argument and stated why it was faulty, strengthening his perspective even more. He brought in that the advertisements cannot be the only ones that are blamed because the parents do play a very important role in what their children are exposed to. I do think that the limitation of unhealthy foods being advertised would help in lowering children obesity. But Liodice’s argument was stronger than Wootan’s. 

Chapter 4, Question #3

The concept I chose to discuss this week is the topic of social errors and biases. One line that caught my eye is, “humans are highly social animals” and I completely agree with that statement. When I was younger it was hard not to absorb what the media was portraying as “cool”, because I thought that being socially accepted was very important. Reading about this topic I came to realize how important it is to know that humans are highly social animals and to not let that part control all of your actions. Sometimes wanting to be popular can make you do something that you may regret later on and that is not the right choice to make. Also, it may be hard to separate what is right from wrong when someone you look up to tells you to do something. We have to be able to analyze the situation and figure out what the best thing for you to do is. This is why I thought this concept was important to discuss this week. 

Chapter 4, Question #2

Condon believed that UFOs did not exist, due to the fact that there was no concrete evidence that they existed. Where Hynek believed that though there was only a small percentage of sightings, he thought they were actually alien space crafts in the world. In the middle there is Paynter, he thought that there may be a chance there were UFOs, but remained skeptical. I believe the scientist with the strongest argument is Paynter. Since there is no concrete evidence that UFOs do or do not exist, it is best to acknowledge both sides of the opinion, but to also stay skeptical. Since no one knows whether or not UFOs are real it is hard to say that they exist or even to say that they do not exist. Most of the sightings were unclear and what we learn about UFOs are usually just stories and opinion. The existence of something cannot be based off of non-concrete evidence. So in this case, I believe that Paynter’s argument was the strongest.

Chapter 4, Question #1

According to the Boss text, “knowledge is information or experience that we believe to be true and for which we have justification or evidence”. I believe that wisdom is also information or experience you believe to be true, but it’s something you gain over time. We acquire knowledge at college through the classes, but wisdom through the people you meet and the experiences you have. I agree with Aristotle’s belief that wisdom is the greatest virtue; because with wisdom you will be able to analyze a situation and use your past experiences to figure out what the best option is for you. I think that the information age has made us more knowledgeable, but not wiser. The information age provided us with many tools that gave us easy access to knowledge, but it is not able to teach us wisdom. You grow wiser as you get older and more experienced in life, and you learn from the older generations as well from their stories. And when you get older, you will to the same for the younger generations.