Culture of Capitalism & Business of Intercultural Comm Chapter 8 Capitalism 101 1: Capitalism and Colonialism 2: Capitalism and Industrial Revolution 3: Capitalism and Consumption 4. Corporations and Global Bodies of Governance 5. Neoliberalism and Globalization Capitalism and Colonialism ’15th century ‘China and India were more prosperous ’16th century ‘The conquest of the Americas by the West ‘Extraction of raw materials from the New World ‘Exploitable labor in slavery ‘Relations of production based on racial hierarchy ‘Nation-state as protector of wealth and profit Capitalism and Industrial Revolution ’19th-20th century ‘Shift from slaves to laborers ‘The means of production is taken away from the workers ‘Workers work for wages ‘Capitalists: Own and control the means of production ‘Laborers: Provide labor in return of wage ‘The emergence of the working class Capitalism and Consumption ‘The late 19th to early 20th century ‘Overproduction of goods ‘Threat of economic depression ‘The emergence of Consumer Culture ‘Advertisement, department stores, celebrity promotions Capitalism, corporations and Global Bodies of Governance ‘Corporations ‘Originated in the trading companies of the 17th century ‘Have powerful influence on shaping economic policies, trade/environmental/health care regulations, etc. ‘Shape ‘culture of capitalism’ ‘Global Bodies of Governance after1945 ‘International organizations regulate and control global trade and economy – International Monetary Fund (The IMF) – The World Bank – World Trade Organization The culture of capitalism is devoted to encouraging the production and sale of commodities. For capitalists, the culture encourages the accumulation of profit; for laborers, it encourages the accumulation of wages; for consumers, it encourages the accumulation of goods. Key Terms Use Value: ‘The value of commodity determined by its utility ‘Tangible; satisfies needs Exchange Value: ‘The value of commodity determined by the profit it generates through exchange Surplus value: ‘The profit made by reducing labor costs What is neoliberalism? Neoliberalism and Globalization ‘The end of 20th century ””’Reduction of state intervention Deregulation of the market Privatization of public resources Decrease in social protection Dismantling of labor unions ‘Neoliberal policies create: ‘Spread of free market economy globally ‘Global economic competition ‘Concentration of wealth ‘Outsourcing and exploitation of less developed countries ‘Santa’s Workshop: Inside China’s Slave Labor Toy Factories Commodification of Culture ‘Cultural experiences are produced and consumed for the market ‘Culture is produced by corporation rather than ethnic groups or nation-states ‘Culture is a commodity to produce, sell, and make profit ‘i.e. Consumers want ‘authentic’ and ‘traditional’ art work from Native Americans ‘Typically, culture that is different from dominant culture is commodified ‘Within commodity culture, ethnicity becomes spice, seasoning that can liven up the dull dish that is mainstream white culture. (hooks ‘Eating The Other) Capitalism & Commodification of Culture ‘A great transformation is occurring in the nature of capitalism. After hundreds of years of converting physical resources into goods, the primary means of generating wealth now involves transforming cultural resources into paid-for personal experiences and entertainments. ‘Ex. Desi Color Run Makes us think about ‘Authenticity ‘Appropriation ‘Identity ‘Resistance Commercialization of Dia de los Muertos ‘What is Day of The Dead? ‘https://www.usatoday.com/story/money /2018/10/26/dia-de-los-muertosdayofthedead/1739830002/ ‘Corporations profiting off of the holiday: ‘Disney: https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/10/us/di sney-trademark-day-dead/index.html ‘Target ‘Day of The Dead’ Collection: https://www.target.com/c/day-of-thedead/-/N-fvppu?Nao=0 Exoticization of the ‘Other’ ‘a process by which ‘difference’ from the dominant norm is exaggerated and constructed as mysterious, strange, and alluring Black Women’s Culture ‘Bon Qui Qui: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK V3jXOiPOU Bon Qui Qui & Benefit Cosmetics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2 pJZWgjmG0 ‘Debate: Are White Gay Men Appropriating Black Female Culture? https://www.thecut.com/2014/07/why -white-gays-steal-black-femaleculture.html Eating the Other Bon Appetit PSA: This Is How You Should Be Eating Pho: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-you-should-eating-pho?mbid=social_twitter Mentioned pho as ‘the new ramen,’ BUT ‘Do they say that about spaghetti?’ Treating pho as merely a fashionable food negated its rich role in Vietnamese, Vietnamese-American, and now, American culture.’ ‘This cultural appropriation stings because the same dishes hyped as ‘authentic’ on trendy menus were scorned when cooked in the homes of the immigrants who brought them here.’ Koreans React To Bon Appétit’s Kimchi-Making Tutorial Featuring A White Dude: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/bon-appetit-kimchi-tutorial-whitedude_n_5a78bd0de4b00f94fe93ff02 Eating the Other: Concerns ‘When I began thinking and doing research for this piece, I talked to folks from various locations about whether they thought the focus on race, Otherness, and difference in mass culture was challenging racism. There was overall agreement that the message that acknowledgment and exploration of racial difference can be pleasurable represents a breakthrough, a challenge to white supremacy, to various systems of domination. The over-riding fear is that cultural, ethnic, and racial differences will be continually commodified and offered up as new dishes to enhance the white palate -that the Other will be eaten, consumed, and forgotten. (bell hooks ‘Eating The Other’) Other examples ‘https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-americanclothing/fringe.htm Tourism and Intercultural Communication ‘Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the world ‘Increased opportunities for intercultural contact ‘Tourism promotes commodification of culture ‘Tourism changes the local traditions ‘Local people try to attract tourists by commodifying their traditional culture ‘Staged authenticity ‘Tourists are consumers who look for spectacle ‘The domination of media images and consumer society over individuals and their relationships with others Tourism and the Commodification of Culture ‘Tourist attractions are commodified for sign value, or the symbolic value of commodities ‘Commodity Fetishization -when we fetishize commodity masks the relations of production (i.e. exploitation, low wages, environmental destruction, child labor) ‘We give power to the commodity and forget the conditions of labor and people who produced the commodity ‘https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJClNHxBW mo Four Steps Towards Economic Justice and Sustainability ‘1. Observe your consumption patterns ‘2. Educate yourself about the circumstances and impact ‘3. Act responsibly based on your knowledge ‘4. Join others in challenging inequity and injustice

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.