Olof, The idea that advertising was a major American achievement sounds like it came from the Advertising sector. No doubt, the country innovated the form and much imitated in the 'sales' arena, the following fields connected to science, medicine, exploration, etc., have had a great impact on human life and knowledge.
Olof, The idea that advertising was a major American achievement sounds like it came from the Advertising sector. No doubt, the country innovated the form and much imitated in the 'sales' arena, the following fields connected to science, medicine, exploration, etc., have had a great impact on human life and knowledge.
'When Americans look back on the 20th century, four-in-ten cite technological advances as America’s greatest achievement; another 7% mention medical breakthroughs. Overall, the single most-mentioned success is the space program. Almost one-in-five people cite the exploration of space as America’s greatest feat.'
I cringed when reading some of the following, given America's abyss.
'Successes in the realm of world peace — such as winning the World Wars and the Cold War — are cited by just 7% of the public. A strong economy is mentioned by 5% of Americans, the same number who see civil rights as the leading accomplishment of the century.'
'When asked to name the U.S. government’s greatest achievement, the public again names advances in science and technology in general and the space program more specifically — although there is less consensus here. Once more, technology is the top category (19% say so), and the space program is the single most-mentioned success (14% cite it specifically).'
'Substantial numbers also name international and social policies as the federal government’s greatest achievement of the century. Victories in World War II and the Cold War are cited by 12% of the public; 9% mention advances in civil rights and 6% describe safety net programs such as Social Security and welfare.'
'In assessing the nation’s and the government’s accomplishments, there are few differences between demographic groups. A small distinction is found, however, between the average American and better-educated and wealthier people, who are relatively more enthusiastic about America’s scientific and technological achievements. For more information, the link to the Pew Research Center is below.'
Well, 'an American' certainly does not make statistics. He was maybe thinking of a unique way advertising language has gone into everyday life, or maybe the unique way 'the American consumer' is providing jobs and wages for many people in the world.
I was mentioning this in the context of informed voters, and the chance of being informed is very much better in civil exchange of views between different politicians, than by one sided advertising, which is always closer to propaganda.
Olof, I failed in my underestimating role and importance of advertising in America. TC understood this better than I or he might have replied to your comment. I'm taking a makeup course with the following.
'The advertising business shaped the relationship between producers and consumers. Starting with newspapers, advertising financed media in the U.S., ensuring that it all became commercialized. Advertisers defined the benefits of consumption for Americans, linking products to personal improvement, convenience, and national progress. Admen and a few adwomen developed selling expertise that manufacturers and retailers came to rely on and that made consumption a central part of American life.' (National Museum of American History). I have provided a link to the Smithsonian, National Museum of American History, which created an extensive exhibition on the Advertising Business in the USA. I think they did a excellent job for the curious layman. You will not be bored if you decide to learn more simply open the link below.
Interesting facts to my suppositions. And is this not outstanding in the world! China is copying everything American including cotton barons at the cost of Xinyang slaves, but I doubt the Chinese will ever match the Americans as consumers. And the home market is key to replacing the dollar with the yen.
As an art student in Montana 1964 I had an assignment to make a poster including the phrase 'Advertising, the voice of free choice', sponsored by Coca Cola. I did not refuse to do the assignment, but made an ironic poster, as this kind of intrusion in education felt totally strange. On the contrary advertising is the voice of autocracy to me, as is also rap music: make the others listen, but don't listen yourself. Sometimes more relevant than other times.
Olof, thank you for your comparison of China with the US and comment about the role of 'advertising' in Democracy. Advertising and 'rap' music are seminar material when assessing the roles of each in our capitalistic,, 'experiment' with Democracy America. I don't think either are as cut and dry as you expressed. Personally, I think our opinions about 'rap' music differ a good deal. I am not now addressing the taste for rap music but its origins, what it was born into and the variations of thoughts and feelings it expresses.
I don't know where 'rap' first appeared in the world. I would try to authentic any story about where it was first sung. And also consider whether that is important in terms of its meaning here and now. There are a lot of false accusations made by one party stereotyping or trying to bring down, insult and disparage another. I was addressing its origin here. Why here? Have you looked for what rap music song writers and performers have to say about that?
The one version I cited I heard from a rap artist, with appreciation of Ithaka, which is quite understandable. He was a great hero to his people, winning one battle but not the war. Maybe the last battle with honorable warriors. - At the end of the last poetry festival in Malmö the most famous rapper in town, Timbuktu, was invited to perform at the final. That was quite a brave move for an 80 year old poet. After some days of attentive listening I must say I have never before felt my listening abused in that way. - I heard the young Louis Armstrong outspoken in the recording you sent, and if that way of saying has not been listened to for all these years, I don't wonder that there are more expressive and aggressive ways.
Just as clarification, you felt abused by Timbuktu's words? I don't generalize about this genre as there is variety, and believe that I would feel as you do about some 'rappers'.
Not the words, mostly the volume and the aggressiveness! I don't generalize either, but I have taken that one saying about the origin as credible. Fast rhythm, strong feelings, and high volume leaves no room for thinking about, and invites to shut up; autocratic to my mind.
Olof, The idea that advertising was a major American achievement sounds like it came from the Advertising sector. No doubt, the country innovated the form and much imitated in the 'sales' arena, the following fields connected to science, medicine, exploration, etc., have had a great impact on human life and knowledge.
'When Americans look back on the 20th century, four-in-ten cite technological advances as America’s greatest achievement; another 7% mention medical breakthroughs. Overall, the single most-mentioned success is the space program. Almost one-in-five people cite the exploration of space as America’s greatest feat.'
I cringed when reading some of the following, given America's abyss.
'Successes in the realm of world peace — such as winning the World Wars and the Cold War — are cited by just 7% of the public. A strong economy is mentioned by 5% of Americans, the same number who see civil rights as the leading accomplishment of the century.'
'When asked to name the U.S. government’s greatest achievement, the public again names advances in science and technology in general and the space program more specifically — although there is less consensus here. Once more, technology is the top category (19% say so), and the space program is the single most-mentioned success (14% cite it specifically).'
'Substantial numbers also name international and social policies as the federal government’s greatest achievement of the century. Victories in World War II and the Cold War are cited by 12% of the public; 9% mention advances in civil rights and 6% describe safety net programs such as Social Security and welfare.'
'In assessing the nation’s and the government’s accomplishments, there are few differences between demographic groups. A small distinction is found, however, between the average American and better-educated and wealthier people, who are relatively more enthusiastic about America’s scientific and technological achievements. For more information, the link to the Pew Research Center is below.'
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/1999/07/03/successes-of-the-20th-century/
Well, 'an American' certainly does not make statistics. He was maybe thinking of a unique way advertising language has gone into everyday life, or maybe the unique way 'the American consumer' is providing jobs and wages for many people in the world.
I was mentioning this in the context of informed voters, and the chance of being informed is very much better in civil exchange of views between different politicians, than by one sided advertising, which is always closer to propaganda.
Thanks for the link.
Olof, I failed in my underestimating role and importance of advertising in America. TC understood this better than I or he might have replied to your comment. I'm taking a makeup course with the following.
'The advertising business shaped the relationship between producers and consumers. Starting with newspapers, advertising financed media in the U.S., ensuring that it all became commercialized. Advertisers defined the benefits of consumption for Americans, linking products to personal improvement, convenience, and national progress. Admen and a few adwomen developed selling expertise that manufacturers and retailers came to rely on and that made consumption a central part of American life.' (National Museum of American History). I have provided a link to the Smithsonian, National Museum of American History, which created an extensive exhibition on the Advertising Business in the USA. I think they did a excellent job for the curious layman. You will not be bored if you decide to learn more simply open the link below.
https://americanhistory.si.edu/advertising-business
Interesting facts to my suppositions. And is this not outstanding in the world! China is copying everything American including cotton barons at the cost of Xinyang slaves, but I doubt the Chinese will ever match the Americans as consumers. And the home market is key to replacing the dollar with the yen.
As an art student in Montana 1964 I had an assignment to make a poster including the phrase 'Advertising, the voice of free choice', sponsored by Coca Cola. I did not refuse to do the assignment, but made an ironic poster, as this kind of intrusion in education felt totally strange. On the contrary advertising is the voice of autocracy to me, as is also rap music: make the others listen, but don't listen yourself. Sometimes more relevant than other times.
Olof, thank you for your comparison of China with the US and comment about the role of 'advertising' in Democracy. Advertising and 'rap' music are seminar material when assessing the roles of each in our capitalistic,, 'experiment' with Democracy America. I don't think either are as cut and dry as you expressed. Personally, I think our opinions about 'rap' music differ a good deal. I am not now addressing the taste for rap music but its origins, what it was born into and the variations of thoughts and feelings it expresses.
One version I have heard: rap originated in Ithaka (?) Zulu military dictatorship South Africa.
I don't know where 'rap' first appeared in the world. I would try to authentic any story about where it was first sung. And also consider whether that is important in terms of its meaning here and now. There are a lot of false accusations made by one party stereotyping or trying to bring down, insult and disparage another. I was addressing its origin here. Why here? Have you looked for what rap music song writers and performers have to say about that?
The one version I cited I heard from a rap artist, with appreciation of Ithaka, which is quite understandable. He was a great hero to his people, winning one battle but not the war. Maybe the last battle with honorable warriors. - At the end of the last poetry festival in Malmö the most famous rapper in town, Timbuktu, was invited to perform at the final. That was quite a brave move for an 80 year old poet. After some days of attentive listening I must say I have never before felt my listening abused in that way. - I heard the young Louis Armstrong outspoken in the recording you sent, and if that way of saying has not been listened to for all these years, I don't wonder that there are more expressive and aggressive ways.
As Ray Charles used to say, "Rap is spelled with a 'silent C'."
Okay, TC & Olof, other music lovers as well, try this!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWveXdj6oZU
Just as clarification, you felt abused by Timbuktu's words? I don't generalize about this genre as there is variety, and believe that I would feel as you do about some 'rappers'.
Not the words, mostly the volume and the aggressiveness! I don't generalize either, but I have taken that one saying about the origin as credible. Fast rhythm, strong feelings, and high volume leaves no room for thinking about, and invites to shut up; autocratic to my mind.
Rap music, 'Autocratic' relating to a ruler who has absolute power.'
'taking no account of other people's wishes or opinions; domineering.'
… so, Olof, I would not describe 'Rap' that way, but I am not a fan. Domineering, yes, that's true.
Something, altogether different is in your basket.