Popular Culture and Me in America

I was shaped by popular culture through surrounding people, radio, television and World Wide Web.

Korean community was one way to get to know the popular culture in America. When my husband and I first came to America, we were guided to a Korean church in Prince George’s county. After six days of work, a pleasant place to go was the church. It does not matter how much we were tired. Singing, eating and communication were the main aspects that I liked to go. My husband and I joined the choir. I was interested to practice songs Saturdays and Sundays. The members became our friends and shared our lives. Also, we ate lunch in Korean food every Sunday. Therefore, I was influenced in Korean church community in early American life.

            Radio was a way to get popular culture in America. While I was driving on the way, I could listen to the Family radio channel. It was a good source to train my ears to listen in English. I’ve also come to listen to what my children listen to such as pop, hip hop, and r n b. Although I do not fully understand what the lyrics mean, I can understand why these young adults listen to popular music.

 

Television was a media that transmitted the popular culture. Was the Full House in Fox channel in 1980s?  The three men characters as roommates, Danny’s three daughters and related neighbors impressed me. Through the TV, I could see part of American families’ lives. The way they talked, and the way they ate, and the way they interacted in their daily lives. In the new land, when my husband and I did not have any relatives here, the TV program was a good source to look at them. One noticeable thing was the young daughters’ mother was not there. While these characters are fictional, each episode can almost emulate life experiences that many people go through on a daily basis. While these shows such as Full House are entertaining there are some moral or lesson that can be learned through every view. The TV show reflected some families in America.

            Exchange e-mail and surf web-site are revolution to me. While I was taking computer literature, I was fairly new to the internet and the email. I did not know how easy it is now to send letters to my family back in Korea. It saves money and time, and email also allowed real time communications. It was made my relationship with my professors stronger. Whenever I had a question or any comments, I would email my professor and my professor would email me back at her convenience. Email has changed the way I communicate to colleagues, friends and family.

 

Word Count: 457

 

 

 

Post #1: Participatory Media (Web 2.0)

I was born in a small from village in Korea. Until I was in 4th or 5th grade, the village did not have electricity or lights. Therefore, I walked to school and back home. Also, we did not have a car to drive. I did not have a radio until that time too. I never rode a train until I was in middle school. I have traveled abroad to America for the first time via airplane in June 1982. That began my American life. I had three children who were all born in America. I was really busy and was unable to care for my children due to work for thirteen years. I rarely had a time to watch television in my American life for thirteen years. Also, I never drove for fourteen years. I was just busy to live my primary and family life.

Web 2.0 as participatory media seems like to distinct some old age or modern people from new age people. I have a chance to take a look at what my children are doing on the computer. All three children, they have their own individual facebook or myspace sites. Specifically, my younger son does break dance for fun and has his own videos on youtube. I do not know how people are able to find his video. They not only find and view the video but they also comment about my son, Isaiah's break dancing abilities. The way, most young people comments, exchange their pictures or information and interact. Some even meet online and become friends in their real lives. I am really amazed for young people's multi-task on a computer. While they are chatting they are able to listen to music and do homework. I think it is a good opportunity to learn participatory media. When I clearly learn web 2.0, I will feel there is no more gap from my children or new age people.

I have some reasons to avoid participatory media such as facebook or youtube: no time, ignorance and fear psychologically to join them. First, I do not have enough time. Home, workplace, campus and church are my active way to spend time. No time to participate the active media site. Second, I am not very familiar to join the media. I never thought I could create my own blog. Thankfully, I am learning how to write blog. Third, it is hard to catch up the new-ager's speed. I see my children type and surf  on the computer fast, and their computer. Finally, I fear to join them because I think there are some gaps between the age groups and generation.

Word Count: 440