2008 Culture
Important Video Points:
- This video below demonstrates the global connection that is present in today’s culture, this is due in part to the freedom on the web. It discusses the importance of the digital age and how it aids in connecting each individual. The point that is also discussed is how this connection allows for a personal link to the audience. It pinpoints how the information found on the web seems rawer and less altered by the large network media conglomerates. The video also states that the big media corporations are losing audience due to the popularity, freedom and ease of use that the internet allows. Lastly, it discusses how celebrities are pursuing connecting digitally with people because it allows them to connect directly with the audience they are trying to influence.
Analysis of the Video Content:
- This information is important to understand because it affects the consumer in various ways. The video helped express the importance of staying current in everything from media to technology. This also helps the advertisers know the consumer more appropriately and personally. The close connection builds trust from the audience viewing the digital media, thus creating loyalty to the digital media that the individual is connected to. The celebrity effect on the consumer is important to understand because of the connected world we live in today. This effect just demonstrates the impact the cult of celebrity has on many consumer segments.
2008:Cultural Influences
Sarah Palin controversial over the amount spent on clothes during Presidential Campaign
Tiny Fey brings a comical side to the campaign by portaying Sarah Palin in skits.
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Travis Barker and DJ AM were in plane crash
Wal-mart employee trampled to death by eager consumers on Black Friday
Miley Cyus and Vanity Fair reveal a controversial photo shoot.
Nick Jonas and Disney support diabetes awareness
Lindsay Lohan revealed her sexuality as bisexual. This caused controversial media coverage
Travis Barker and DJ AM were in plane crash
Wal-mart employee trampled to death by eager consumers on Black Friday
Miley Cyus and Vanity Fair reveal a controversial photo shoot.
Nick Jonas and Disney support diabetes awareness
Lindsay Lohan revealed her sexuality as bisexual. This caused controversial media coverage
Grey’s Anatomy introduces and takes away a gay woman character causing a controversial stir.
Britney Spears releases new album, The Circus, as well as a personal makeover
Media coverage of Eliot Spitzer scandal with call girl escalates
Reality TV, such as the Hills is found out to be scripted.
Lauren Conrad’s Line is dropped from Kitson contact
Anchor Blue drops Heidi Montags fashion line “Heidiwood” from contract
Top Five television shows in 2008
Heroes
House
Prison Break
Grey’s Anatomy
Gossip Girl
The Dark Knight was release in summer causing media attention due to Heath Ledgers death
The movie grossed $530,258,989
Sources:
Britney Spears releases new album, The Circus, as well as a personal makeover
Media coverage of Eliot Spitzer scandal with call girl escalates
Reality TV, such as the Hills is found out to be scripted.
Lauren Conrad’s Line is dropped from Kitson contact
Anchor Blue drops Heidi Montags fashion line “Heidiwood” from contract
Top Five television shows in 2008
Heroes
House
Prison Break
Grey’s Anatomy
Gossip Girl
The Dark Knight was release in summer causing media attention due to Heath Ledgers death
The movie grossed $530,258,989
Other top grossing movies are:
$318,298,180:Iron Man (2008)
$317,011,114:Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
$227,946,274:Hancock (2008)
$223,641,119:WALL·E (2008)
$215,395,021:Kung Fu Panda (2008)
$159,066,369:Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)
$4154,529,187:Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
$4152,637,269:Sex and the City (2008)
$143,704,210:Mamma Mia! (2008)
$318,298,180:Iron Man (2008)
$317,011,114:Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
$227,946,274:Hancock (2008)
$223,641,119:WALL·E (2008)
$215,395,021:Kung Fu Panda (2008)
$159,066,369:Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)
$4154,529,187:Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
$4152,637,269:Sex and the City (2008)
$143,704,210:Mamma Mia! (2008)
Analysis
The cultural influences of 2008 have demonstrated a strong media and entertainment hold on the public. This attention has positive and negative consequences that affect all aspects of consumer knowledge, spending, and lifestyle.
The cultural influences of 2008 have demonstrated a strong media and entertainment hold on the public. This attention has positive and negative consequences that affect all aspects of consumer knowledge, spending, and lifestyle.
Sources:
perezhilton.com
google.com
yahoo.com
nytimes.com
mtv.com
Pamphlet for Heart Disease
This is an example of a Pamphlet that will come inside every bag that Butler Bag will sell. It is a personal story of someone with the disease of which the bag supports. This one happens to be a personal story on heart disease.
Stephanie
I was first diagnosed with an ASD when I was three months pregnant with my second child, which was a great shock to my family and me. The doctors all said the hole was very large and wanted to operate as soon as possible, so when my baby was six months old I went in for open heart surgery which was all very successful and, after five days in hospital, I came home. When I had recovered from all this, which I must say was very quick, I asked to have my two sons tested, as I had gone through my life a very fit person with no signs of heart trouble. I found that my eldest son also had an ASD but luckily the hole was relatively small he was able to have a device fitted using a catheter. This operation went very well and he went home the next day.
Thank you for your purchase from Butler Bag.
Most of all thank you for supporting Heart Disease!
Stephanie
I was first diagnosed with an ASD when I was three months pregnant with my second child, which was a great shock to my family and me. The doctors all said the hole was very large and wanted to operate as soon as possible, so when my baby was six months old I went in for open heart surgery which was all very successful and, after five days in hospital, I came home. When I had recovered from all this, which I must say was very quick, I asked to have my two sons tested, as I had gone through my life a very fit person with no signs of heart trouble. I found that my eldest son also had an ASD but luckily the hole was relatively small he was able to have a device fitted using a catheter. This operation went very well and he went home the next day.
Thank you for your purchase from Butler Bag.
Most of all thank you for supporting Heart Disease!
2008 Design, Color, Fabric, Trends
Major New Fashion Looks for Fall 2008 Winter 2009
1. STATEMENT SHAPE - Strong architectural coat silhouette - Trapeze A-lines, belted, origami folds, half sleeves.
2. COLOUR - JEWEL BRIGHT JOLTS - RED, RED, RED! PURPLE, PUCE, INK BLUES, TEAL, SEA, COCOA, BLACK.
3. STATEMENT SHOES - Sculptured/spiker heels. Contrast heels/soles/cutwork, multiple straps/buckles/ties.
4. FUR - FAUX/REAL - MONGOLIAN - Whole garments, shawl collars, gilets, trims, arm warmers, hem bands, bags.
5. BIKER JACKETS - Leather and/or fur trimmed biker jackets. Tartan/country/denim biker jackets. Gilet options.
6. PROM SKIRTS/DRESSES - Full fairy prom skirts/dresses. Longer skirts and tulip skirts.
7. BOHO FOLK - Complex stylised folksy floral print mixes, brilliant paisley, luxury fringing, wild Boho gilets.
8. LACE - Garments in textured lace, Swiss/Austrian/Guipure/Chantilly lace, fine lace, trims, with sheers.
9. PEEK-A-BOO - Black dresses/see through sheer areas, key hole necklines, sheer dark or lace tights.
10. GOTHIC BLACK - Smoky black Goth looks - velvet sheers, satins. Hardware, studs, lots of chains.
11.COUTURE CRAFTED OPULENCE - Trousers, tunics, jackets dresses totally in brocades/metallics/sequins.
12. COUNTRY PLAIDS & WOOLS - Traditional tartans/vivid colours; tartan footwear/bags. Country life tweeds.
13. MILITARY BUTTONED UP - double-breasted Empire Pea coats in red, blue, gold, black; stand cowl necks.
14. GLOW - LEATHER, PATENT - Patent/ Leather dresses, coats, macs, bags, shoes, shoe boots that shine.
15. KNITS - Chunky cable knits, oversized cowl necklines, gossamer spider's web like knitwear, origami knits.
16. MANNISH - Tailored pants, masculine pant suits. CARROT TOP trousers. FLARED pants. SKINNY leathers.
17. ANIMAL PRINTS AND FURS - Animal print fabrics also in brights. Zebra/leopard bags, footwear.
18. FULLER SLEEVES & SLEEVE HEADS - Cropped fuller sleeves, structured rise supported/extended shoulders.
19. JEWELLERY - CHAINS - BIG RINGS - CUFFS - Lots of layered gold chains at neckline/wrist. Ornate cuff bangles.
20. BOLD LEGWEAR - Lace/bright hues/black opaque tights. Sheer dark hosiery. Animal/floral hosiery. So for statement fashion think sculptured, folksy, animal, biker, opulence, lace, fur, tartan, bold tights, black or inky toned gothic and make your fashion statement
-The autumn 2008 Winter 2009 fashion season is one full of attractive jewel colors, opulent fabrics, contrasting knit textures and exciting prints.
-If you choose the garments carefully to suit your skin tone, they create a shot of complexion enhancing color. For instance, blues and purple lift the eyes, reds add a natural warm blush, whilst gold reflects highlights onto hair. Iris purple is one of the few colors that look good on every skin tone from palest blonde females to raven haired women.
-All the clarity of the most beautiful hues of the world's loveliest colored gemstones are there - peridot, aquamarine, topaz, sapphire, tanzanite, amethyst, tourmaline, kunzite, ruby pink, garnet red, yellow citrine and smoky quartz.Winter white and black add the perfect contrast.
-Black and inky navy are used as a base for Folk Boho prints, which often feature red and golden tones. Red, one of the main autumn colors Fabrics.
-Fabrics for autumn have substantial textural or surface print interest.
-Golden and silver cloth is usual for brocade, but look out too for brocade in jewel colors, and there are fine dresses in sea and emerald greens.
-Print fabrics with riotous designs, and painterly effects, compete with folkloric and border print designs.
-Expect to see clothes with roses, flowers, paisley, small neat patterns or hound's-tooth checks in colored silks and chiffons competing with rich heavy plain satins, and velvet.
-Knitwear Fashion trends 2008. Winter white, soft greys and soft pastel tints worked well for knitwear.
-Knits are newsworthy this winter. There are many forms of texture, especially extreme chunky knits which feature heavy cable work. These contrast well against the fine knits, fur trimmed pieces or the openwork loose stitched gauzy knits in the finest silk, mohair or cashmere.
-Winter white, soft greys and soft pastel tints are colors that work well for knitwear. This lovely textured knit with a nod to folkloric Austrian knits left is by Blumarine.
-The soft dusty old rose tone is one of the main colors of autumn 2008.
Synthesis:
These topics were important to research so one could understand where fashion is going to be by 2010. The color, textiles, and trends all helped in forecasting for 2010.
Sources:
www.fashion-era.com
1. STATEMENT SHAPE - Strong architectural coat silhouette - Trapeze A-lines, belted, origami folds, half sleeves.
2. COLOUR - JEWEL BRIGHT JOLTS - RED, RED, RED! PURPLE, PUCE, INK BLUES, TEAL, SEA, COCOA, BLACK.
3. STATEMENT SHOES - Sculptured/spiker heels. Contrast heels/soles/cutwork, multiple straps/buckles/ties.
4. FUR - FAUX/REAL - MONGOLIAN - Whole garments, shawl collars, gilets, trims, arm warmers, hem bands, bags.
5. BIKER JACKETS - Leather and/or fur trimmed biker jackets. Tartan/country/denim biker jackets. Gilet options.
6. PROM SKIRTS/DRESSES - Full fairy prom skirts/dresses. Longer skirts and tulip skirts.
7. BOHO FOLK - Complex stylised folksy floral print mixes, brilliant paisley, luxury fringing, wild Boho gilets.
8. LACE - Garments in textured lace, Swiss/Austrian/Guipure/Chantilly lace, fine lace, trims, with sheers.
9. PEEK-A-BOO - Black dresses/see through sheer areas, key hole necklines, sheer dark or lace tights.
10. GOTHIC BLACK - Smoky black Goth looks - velvet sheers, satins. Hardware, studs, lots of chains.
11.COUTURE CRAFTED OPULENCE - Trousers, tunics, jackets dresses totally in brocades/metallics/sequins.
12. COUNTRY PLAIDS & WOOLS - Traditional tartans/vivid colours; tartan footwear/bags. Country life tweeds.
13. MILITARY BUTTONED UP - double-breasted Empire Pea coats in red, blue, gold, black; stand cowl necks.
14. GLOW - LEATHER, PATENT - Patent/ Leather dresses, coats, macs, bags, shoes, shoe boots that shine.
15. KNITS - Chunky cable knits, oversized cowl necklines, gossamer spider's web like knitwear, origami knits.
16. MANNISH - Tailored pants, masculine pant suits. CARROT TOP trousers. FLARED pants. SKINNY leathers.
17. ANIMAL PRINTS AND FURS - Animal print fabrics also in brights. Zebra/leopard bags, footwear.
18. FULLER SLEEVES & SLEEVE HEADS - Cropped fuller sleeves, structured rise supported/extended shoulders.
19. JEWELLERY - CHAINS - BIG RINGS - CUFFS - Lots of layered gold chains at neckline/wrist. Ornate cuff bangles.
20. BOLD LEGWEAR - Lace/bright hues/black opaque tights. Sheer dark hosiery. Animal/floral hosiery. So for statement fashion think sculptured, folksy, animal, biker, opulence, lace, fur, tartan, bold tights, black or inky toned gothic and make your fashion statement
-The autumn 2008 Winter 2009 fashion season is one full of attractive jewel colors, opulent fabrics, contrasting knit textures and exciting prints.
-If you choose the garments carefully to suit your skin tone, they create a shot of complexion enhancing color. For instance, blues and purple lift the eyes, reds add a natural warm blush, whilst gold reflects highlights onto hair. Iris purple is one of the few colors that look good on every skin tone from palest blonde females to raven haired women.
-All the clarity of the most beautiful hues of the world's loveliest colored gemstones are there - peridot, aquamarine, topaz, sapphire, tanzanite, amethyst, tourmaline, kunzite, ruby pink, garnet red, yellow citrine and smoky quartz.Winter white and black add the perfect contrast.
-Black and inky navy are used as a base for Folk Boho prints, which often feature red and golden tones. Red, one of the main autumn colors Fabrics.
-Fabrics for autumn have substantial textural or surface print interest.
-Golden and silver cloth is usual for brocade, but look out too for brocade in jewel colors, and there are fine dresses in sea and emerald greens.
-Print fabrics with riotous designs, and painterly effects, compete with folkloric and border print designs.
-Expect to see clothes with roses, flowers, paisley, small neat patterns or hound's-tooth checks in colored silks and chiffons competing with rich heavy plain satins, and velvet.
-Knitwear Fashion trends 2008. Winter white, soft greys and soft pastel tints worked well for knitwear.
-Knits are newsworthy this winter. There are many forms of texture, especially extreme chunky knits which feature heavy cable work. These contrast well against the fine knits, fur trimmed pieces or the openwork loose stitched gauzy knits in the finest silk, mohair or cashmere.
-Winter white, soft greys and soft pastel tints are colors that work well for knitwear. This lovely textured knit with a nod to folkloric Austrian knits left is by Blumarine.
-The soft dusty old rose tone is one of the main colors of autumn 2008.
Synthesis:
These topics were important to research so one could understand where fashion is going to be by 2010. The color, textiles, and trends all helped in forecasting for 2010.
Sources:
www.fashion-era.com
2008 Social
Times Square Goes Green
The first eco friendly billboard goes up in Times Square. It will be powered by wind turbines and solar panels. When there is no wind or sun, the sign goes blackHumanitarian Trend
In a survey New York Times preformed, 36% said they would like to have a career in being an advocate for a group or issues they care aboutGay Rights
Join the Impact website is formed on November 4th after gay marriage is banned in many states. Many rallies have been held by gay activists that have caught the public and media’s attention. A musical entitled prop 8 was produced in order to get more attention on the issue. Celebrities such as Jack Black, Melissa Etheridge, Drew Barrymore and Mary J Blige are in opposition of the Proposition.
Aids
AidsThe Aids Cure has been in the talks during 2008. According to Federal Offices, the cure is a few years away. Many companies have joined or continue the help fight against aids including Starbucks, American Idol, and Product Red. Bill and wife Melinda Gates Foundation gives 12.5 Million to the aids research and care.
Target Breast Cancer Line
Target again brings breast cancer line to the forefront and continues supporting the cause. The motto for the line is: Whatever Your Reason,Wear One. The line is composed of tshirts,tanks purses etc and is at lower price points allowings Targets target consumer to puchase the items.
Demographics: Women
According the US Census, 80.8% (305,186,613) of the American population resides in cities and suburbs.
-Population has reached 435 million.
-The average income of a middle class household is $55,000
-The middle class: are educated with college degree
-Middle Class household: Childless or one child
According the US Census, 80.8% (305,186,613) of the American population resides in cities and suburbs.
-Population has reached 435 million.
-The average income of a middle class household is $55,000
-The middle class: are educated with college degree
-Middle Class household: Childless or one child
Natural Disasters
Tornados plagued the United States during 2008. Horrific tornados ripped through Georgia, Virginia, Oklahoma, Missouri and other out skirting states. Many died and flooding caused those to evacuate homes and businesses. This hurt the local economy in many communities as well as those who were individually affected.
Synthesis
Overall, 2008 has proved that the majority of the population has been joining the fight for many social movements. Encouraging others to join the fight by volunteering, donating, or raising money and awarness has been seen throughout the year. With natural disaster hitting close to home, it is hard to look away from helping others. With celebrities joining in on the causes, there will be more media awareness and participation in the years to come.
Sources:
okgov.
nytimes
yahoo.com
gatesfoundation.org
target.com
census.gov
Barack Obama
Politics 2008
With the 2008 election now decided it is important to look at our new president, Barack Obama's stance on many important issues that will affect America in the next four years. These are Obama’s stance on many important issues.
Abortion
Should abortion remain a legal option in America?
"One of the things that I've always said is that abortion is a deeply moral issue. And those who would deny that there is a moral component to it I think are wrong. The reason that I make a decision to support the choice position is not because I don't think it's a moral issue but because I trust women to make a prayerful decision about this issue."
“Should parental consent be required for pregnant minors?
I oppose spousal notification or consent [to obtain an abortion]. Regarding parental notification, I would oppose any legislation that does not include a bypass provision for minors who have been victims of, or have reason to fear, physical or sexual abuse."
Cuba
“Should the US continue to support an embargo against Cuba?”
That's why, when I'm President, I will grant Cuban-Americans unrestricted rights to visit families and send remittances to the island. Because that's the way to bring about real change in Cuba. Through strong and smart diplomacy, not just tough love...As President I am not going to take off the embargo, it's an important inducement for change because we know that Castro's death will not automatically guarantee freedom."
Economy
“Should the US include mandatory regulations for labor rights in free trade agreements?
"And I'll also oppose the Colombia Free Trade Agreement if President Bush insists on sending it to Congress because the violence against unions in Colombia would make a mockery of the very labor protections that we have insisted be included in these kinds of agreements. So you can trust me when I say that whatever trade deals we negotiate when I'm President will be good for American workers, and that they'll have strong labor and environmental protections that we'll enforce."
“Has the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) had an overall benefit for the US?”
We can't keep passing unfair trade deals like NAFTA that put special interests over workers' interests...
“Should the federal government bail out failing US private corporations like it did with Bear Stearns of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac at taxpayers expense?”
"This is no longer just a Wall Street crisis - it' an American crisis, and it's the American economy that needs this rescue plan...
This is not a plan to just hand over $700 billion of taxpayer money to a few banks. If this is managed correctly, and that's an important if, we will hopefully get most or all of our money back, and possibly even turn a profit on the government's intervention - every penny of which will go directly back to the American people. And if we fall short, we will levy a fee on financial institutions so that they can repay for the losses they caused."
“Do labor unions provide an overall benefit to workers in the US?”
"...[A]s I look out on this crowd and as I travel across this country, the one thing I know for certain is that labor unions are still mobilizing. Labor unions are still organizing. And you're still fighting to give America's working people a voice in Washington.
I'm tired of playing defense. I know the AFL-CIO [American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization] is tired of playing defense. We're ready to play some offense. We're ready to play offense for a decent wage. We're ready to play offense for retirement security...
We're ready to play offense for organized labor. It's time we had a President who didn't choke saying the word 'union.' A President who knows it's the Department of Labor and not the Department of Management. And a President who strengthens our unions by letting them do what they do best - organize our workers. If a majority of workers want a union, they should get a union."
Education
“Is the increasing cost of college and university tuition pricing America’s middle class out of higher education?”
"And so, as I stood in those Illinois colleges listening to students tell me about their problems, I started thinking, when did the cost of college stop becoming our problem? When did the headlines about skyrocketing tuition start getting crowded out by Michael Jackson and Martha Stewart, and when did this national priority start playing second fiddle to the latest partisan food fight in Washington? I'm not sure, but I do know that I've met enough good citizens who think about the other guy and want to change this. And I believe there are enough members of both parties who want to start this country down the path of making college affordable and accessible for every American...I believe it's time for Congress to follow your lead. This week, I'm introducing the Higher Education Opportunity through Pell Grant Expansion Act - the HOPE Act. This bill will make college more affordable for 430,000 Americans by increasing Pell Grant awards."
Energy
“Should the US tap into its emergency oil reserves to help bring down the price of gasoline?”
"I agree with the President's decision to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help replenish supply shortages resulting from Hurricane Katrina. Nearly all oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico has been shut down
Environment
“Are humans substantially responsible for global climate change today?”
"Global warming is real, is happening now and is the result of human activities. The number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes has almost doubled in the last 30 years. Glaciers are melting faster; the polar ice caps are shrinking; trees are blooming earlier; oceans are becoming more acidic, threatening marine life; people are dying in heat waves; species are migrating, and eventually many will become extinct."
Health Care
“Should all Americans have a right to government or employer subsidized basic health care?”
"...I also believe that every American has the right to affordable health care. I believe that the millions of Americans who can't take their children to a doctor when they get sick have that right....My plan begins by covering every American.If you already have health insurance, the only thing that will change for you under this plan is the amount of money you will spend on premiums. That will be less...If you are one of the 45 million Americans who don't have health insurance, you will have it after this plan becomes law...If you cannot afford this insurance, you will receive a subsidy to pay for it...To help pay for this, we will ask all but the smallest businesses who don't make a meaningful contribution today to the health coverage of their employees to do so by supporting this new plan. And we will allow the temporary Bush tax cut for the wealthiest Americans to expire."
Iraq war
“Has the Iraq war made America safer?”
"Perhaps the saddest irony of the Administration's cynical use of 9/11 is that the Iraq War has left us less safe than we were before 9/11. Osama bin Ladin and his top lieutenants have rebuilt a new base in Pakistan where they freely train recruits, plot new attacks, and disseminate propaganda. The Taliban is resurgent in Afghanistan. Iran has emerged as the greatest strategic challenge to America in the Middle East in a generation. Violent extremism has increased. Terrorism has increased. All of that is a cost of this war."
Marriage
“Should there be a Constitutional amendment or federal law defining marriage as only between a man and a woman?”
"Today, we take up the valuable time of the US Senate with a proposed amendment to our Constitution [the Federal Marriage Amendemnt] that has absolutely no chance of passing...Now, I realize that for some Americans, this is an important issue. And I should say that personally, I do believe that marriage is between a man and a woman...I agree with most Americans, with Democrats and Republicans, with Vice President Cheney, with over 2,000 religious leaders of all different beliefs that decisions about marriage, as they always have, should be left to the states."
Synthesis
Obama being elected has changed the moral of the American people. America needed a change after the past eight years. Obama's views will hopefully help with America's foreign policy and change how other countries view America.
Resources
ProCon.org
Politics 2008
With the 2008 election now decided it is important to look at our new president, Barack Obama's stance on many important issues that will affect America in the next four years. These are Obama’s stance on many important issues.
Abortion
Should abortion remain a legal option in America?
"One of the things that I've always said is that abortion is a deeply moral issue. And those who would deny that there is a moral component to it I think are wrong. The reason that I make a decision to support the choice position is not because I don't think it's a moral issue but because I trust women to make a prayerful decision about this issue."
“Should parental consent be required for pregnant minors?
I oppose spousal notification or consent [to obtain an abortion]. Regarding parental notification, I would oppose any legislation that does not include a bypass provision for minors who have been victims of, or have reason to fear, physical or sexual abuse."
Cuba
“Should the US continue to support an embargo against Cuba?”
That's why, when I'm President, I will grant Cuban-Americans unrestricted rights to visit families and send remittances to the island. Because that's the way to bring about real change in Cuba. Through strong and smart diplomacy, not just tough love...As President I am not going to take off the embargo, it's an important inducement for change because we know that Castro's death will not automatically guarantee freedom."
Economy
“Should the US include mandatory regulations for labor rights in free trade agreements?
"And I'll also oppose the Colombia Free Trade Agreement if President Bush insists on sending it to Congress because the violence against unions in Colombia would make a mockery of the very labor protections that we have insisted be included in these kinds of agreements. So you can trust me when I say that whatever trade deals we negotiate when I'm President will be good for American workers, and that they'll have strong labor and environmental protections that we'll enforce."
“Has the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) had an overall benefit for the US?”
We can't keep passing unfair trade deals like NAFTA that put special interests over workers' interests...
“Should the federal government bail out failing US private corporations like it did with Bear Stearns of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac at taxpayers expense?”
"This is no longer just a Wall Street crisis - it' an American crisis, and it's the American economy that needs this rescue plan...
This is not a plan to just hand over $700 billion of taxpayer money to a few banks. If this is managed correctly, and that's an important if, we will hopefully get most or all of our money back, and possibly even turn a profit on the government's intervention - every penny of which will go directly back to the American people. And if we fall short, we will levy a fee on financial institutions so that they can repay for the losses they caused."
“Do labor unions provide an overall benefit to workers in the US?”
"...[A]s I look out on this crowd and as I travel across this country, the one thing I know for certain is that labor unions are still mobilizing. Labor unions are still organizing. And you're still fighting to give America's working people a voice in Washington.
I'm tired of playing defense. I know the AFL-CIO [American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization] is tired of playing defense. We're ready to play some offense. We're ready to play offense for a decent wage. We're ready to play offense for retirement security...
We're ready to play offense for organized labor. It's time we had a President who didn't choke saying the word 'union.' A President who knows it's the Department of Labor and not the Department of Management. And a President who strengthens our unions by letting them do what they do best - organize our workers. If a majority of workers want a union, they should get a union."
Education
“Is the increasing cost of college and university tuition pricing America’s middle class out of higher education?”
"And so, as I stood in those Illinois colleges listening to students tell me about their problems, I started thinking, when did the cost of college stop becoming our problem? When did the headlines about skyrocketing tuition start getting crowded out by Michael Jackson and Martha Stewart, and when did this national priority start playing second fiddle to the latest partisan food fight in Washington? I'm not sure, but I do know that I've met enough good citizens who think about the other guy and want to change this. And I believe there are enough members of both parties who want to start this country down the path of making college affordable and accessible for every American...I believe it's time for Congress to follow your lead. This week, I'm introducing the Higher Education Opportunity through Pell Grant Expansion Act - the HOPE Act. This bill will make college more affordable for 430,000 Americans by increasing Pell Grant awards."
Energy
“Should the US tap into its emergency oil reserves to help bring down the price of gasoline?”
"I agree with the President's decision to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help replenish supply shortages resulting from Hurricane Katrina. Nearly all oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico has been shut down
Environment
“Are humans substantially responsible for global climate change today?”
"Global warming is real, is happening now and is the result of human activities. The number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes has almost doubled in the last 30 years. Glaciers are melting faster; the polar ice caps are shrinking; trees are blooming earlier; oceans are becoming more acidic, threatening marine life; people are dying in heat waves; species are migrating, and eventually many will become extinct."
Health Care
“Should all Americans have a right to government or employer subsidized basic health care?”
"...I also believe that every American has the right to affordable health care. I believe that the millions of Americans who can't take their children to a doctor when they get sick have that right....My plan begins by covering every American.If you already have health insurance, the only thing that will change for you under this plan is the amount of money you will spend on premiums. That will be less...If you are one of the 45 million Americans who don't have health insurance, you will have it after this plan becomes law...If you cannot afford this insurance, you will receive a subsidy to pay for it...To help pay for this, we will ask all but the smallest businesses who don't make a meaningful contribution today to the health coverage of their employees to do so by supporting this new plan. And we will allow the temporary Bush tax cut for the wealthiest Americans to expire."
Iraq war
“Has the Iraq war made America safer?”
"Perhaps the saddest irony of the Administration's cynical use of 9/11 is that the Iraq War has left us less safe than we were before 9/11. Osama bin Ladin and his top lieutenants have rebuilt a new base in Pakistan where they freely train recruits, plot new attacks, and disseminate propaganda. The Taliban is resurgent in Afghanistan. Iran has emerged as the greatest strategic challenge to America in the Middle East in a generation. Violent extremism has increased. Terrorism has increased. All of that is a cost of this war."
Marriage
“Should there be a Constitutional amendment or federal law defining marriage as only between a man and a woman?”
"Today, we take up the valuable time of the US Senate with a proposed amendment to our Constitution [the Federal Marriage Amendemnt] that has absolutely no chance of passing...Now, I realize that for some Americans, this is an important issue. And I should say that personally, I do believe that marriage is between a man and a woman...I agree with most Americans, with Democrats and Republicans, with Vice President Cheney, with over 2,000 religious leaders of all different beliefs that decisions about marriage, as they always have, should be left to the states."
Synthesis
Obama being elected has changed the moral of the American people. America needed a change after the past eight years. Obama's views will hopefully help with America's foreign policy and change how other countries view America.
Resources
ProCon.org
Color Interiors
Research has shown that interior decorating changes in tune with color/textile changes in the fashion world. In the 70's colors were rainbow, greens oranges, and overall a very bright experience. Similarly, the interiors of the 70's saw a lot of bright greens, oranges, and rainbows in wall paper, flooring, paint, couches lamps, tables and other textiles (pillows, sheets). The 70's was also a time of man made textiles, which is also seen on a smaller scale in interior decorating.
In this photo you can see the man made type chair, and the extreme color choice, in tune with the 70's.
The colors of the 80's began muted due to the recession; however they grew to more sophisticated colors of black, white, with bright accessories (oranges, purples, pinks, reds). Similarly the interior decorating/design industry changed to the use of these colors. Using reds, yellows, pinks, oranges, as complementary colors in contrast to whites and blacks. The
80's was also a time of synthetic materials, which can also be seen in interior accessories and shapes.
You can see from this picture the the room uses the contrast of black and white with the brighter colors of red and yellow. You can also see the plastic lamp in the corner, following the synthetic trend.
In the 90's animal prints, sex, bright colors, blacks, pastels, were all the rage. And nature inspired colors and materials were on their way in.
This picture shows the contrast of extremely bright pinks with a modernistic white and black. You can see the shift to cottons and natural inspired textiles instead of synthetics.
The new millennium has brought natural colors, and textiles. Focusing on metallics, greens, blues, muted purples, and oranges. There is less nylons, rayons, and spandex, creating an earht inspired feeling and consciousness.
This is a current picture of todays lighting accessories. From this simple picture you can see the muted and earthy tones, in comparison to past generations.
Synthesis:
Over time you can see that fashion colors and trends directly affect the current interior decorating and design. They are all intercorrelated through the world of fashion. However, it doesn't take the interior design world a little more time to catch up with fashion colors and trends.
Research has shown that interior decorating changes in tune with color/textile changes in the fashion world. In the 70's colors were rainbow, greens oranges, and overall a very bright experience. Similarly, the interiors of the 70's saw a lot of bright greens, oranges, and rainbows in wall paper, flooring, paint, couches lamps, tables and other textiles (pillows, sheets). The 70's was also a time of man made textiles, which is also seen on a smaller scale in interior decorating.
In this photo you can see the man made type chair, and the extreme color choice, in tune with the 70's.
The colors of the 80's began muted due to the recession; however they grew to more sophisticated colors of black, white, with bright accessories (oranges, purples, pinks, reds). Similarly the interior decorating/design industry changed to the use of these colors. Using reds, yellows, pinks, oranges, as complementary colors in contrast to whites and blacks. The
80's was also a time of synthetic materials, which can also be seen in interior accessories and shapes.
You can see from this picture the the room uses the contrast of black and white with the brighter colors of red and yellow. You can also see the plastic lamp in the corner, following the synthetic trend.
In the 90's animal prints, sex, bright colors, blacks, pastels, were all the rage. And nature inspired colors and materials were on their way in.
This picture shows the contrast of extremely bright pinks with a modernistic white and black. You can see the shift to cottons and natural inspired textiles instead of synthetics.
The new millennium has brought natural colors, and textiles. Focusing on metallics, greens, blues, muted purples, and oranges. There is less nylons, rayons, and spandex, creating an earht inspired feeling and consciousness.
This is a current picture of todays lighting accessories. From this simple picture you can see the muted and earthy tones, in comparison to past generations.
Synthesis:
Over time you can see that fashion colors and trends directly affect the current interior decorating and design. They are all intercorrelated through the world of fashion. However, it doesn't take the interior design world a little more time to catch up with fashion colors and trends.
Survey Results
Original Target Market Survey
We handed out the original target market survey to 30 people and received 14 electronic response. From their answers we found the following data:
We handed out the original target market survey to 30 people and received 14 electronic response. From their answers we found the following data:
- When testing the perceived value for a purse in support of a social cause we found that:
- 72% said $185 was a perfect price
- 28% said $185 was too expensive
- When testing for the importance of social movements we found that:
- 62% considered social movements an interest
- 24% saw them as very important
- 14% saw social movements as a hobby
- We asked in the survey if they would spend more on a purse that was in support of a social cause, and we found:
- 79% said they would spend more
- 21% said they would not feel more inclined to spend more
- Our final question was testing the style preference of people surveyed, and we found that:
- 67% preferred a large tote
- 31% preferred a hobo style
- 2% preferred a small tote
Prototype test Survey
We handed out a second survey testing our overall purse idea and its: style, size, and shape. From the 23 response we found that:
We handed out a second survey testing our overall purse idea and its: style, size, and shape. From the 23 response we found that:
- We asked how much they would pay for one of the purse (sketched), and we found that:
- 50% would pay $200
- 30% would pay $150
- 10% would pay $250
- 10% were outliers
- We tested how much they would pay for the purse (sketched) and if it supported a social cause, and we found:
- 55% would pay $250
- 15% would pay $300
- 15% would pay $350
- 15% would pay $200
- We tested (scale of 1-10, 10 being the best) the style of our four sketched bags and found that:
- 42% rated them an 8
- 18% rated them at 9
- 18% rated them at 10
- 22% were outliers
- We tested (scale of 1-10, 10 being the best) the shape of our four sketched bags and found that:
- 34% rated them at 8
- 22% rated them at 10
- 11% rated them at 9
- 11% rated them at 7
- 22% were outliers
- We tested (scale of 10-10, 10 being the best) the size of our sour sketched bags and found that:
- 50% rated them as 8
- 28% rated them at 10
- 22% rated them at 9
Combined surveys of perceived value of $185
We combined the results from survey one and two to see the overall perceived value of $185 for our purse prototype and we found that:
We combined the results from survey one and two to see the overall perceived value of $185 for our purse prototype and we found that:
- 65% said it was perfect price
- 34% said it was too expensive
- 1% said it was too cheap
Synthesis:
From our surveys we see a trend of the consumer seeing $185 for a purse in support of a social movement, ideal. A majority of the women would expect/be willing to pay $250 for a purse in support of a social movement. We also see that no one person did not find interest in social movements, proving how mass this hidden current is becoming. Furthermore, we found that the overall size of our sketched prototypes were ideal. In addition, many really liked the shape and style but not as much as the size. We also see that women prefer large totes instead of any other style of purse. In conclusion, we got some responses of what need hadn't been met in purses. An overwhelming majority said they need a purse that can hold everything and organize it all. According to this, they will be really happy with the size and the Butler Bag signature style of purse; meeting their unmet need.
From our surveys we see a trend of the consumer seeing $185 for a purse in support of a social movement, ideal. A majority of the women would expect/be willing to pay $250 for a purse in support of a social movement. We also see that no one person did not find interest in social movements, proving how mass this hidden current is becoming. Furthermore, we found that the overall size of our sketched prototypes were ideal. In addition, many really liked the shape and style but not as much as the size. We also see that women prefer large totes instead of any other style of purse. In conclusion, we got some responses of what need hadn't been met in purses. An overwhelming majority said they need a purse that can hold everything and organize it all. According to this, they will be really happy with the size and the Butler Bag signature style of purse; meeting their unmet need.
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