Blog # 4 The "Nurtured Generation"

Millennial Makeover uses significant cultural artifacts to categorize certain generations. For instance, the Baby Boom generation is given this name because of the huge significance the Baby Boom had on American history. I agree with most of the authors ideas on why my generation is referred to as the millennial generation. We grew up in a society where technology was constantly filled with advancement, especially with the huge influence the invention of the internet has had on our society. I agree with the idea that the millennial generation is generalized to be optimistic and realistic, while at the same time showing extreme individualism. I think there are obviously some exceptions to our authors’ generalizations, yet for the most part, the assumptions seem to be realistic. For example, our generation has been taught the significance of diversity and education. The name, millennial generation fits well, but we can also be referred to as the “Invention Generation,” or even the “Fortunate or Nurtured Generation.” Technology has given us the luxury and convenience to help live our lives much easier than before, which we are often seen to take advantage of. Television shows such as Saved by the Bell, 90210, Spice Girls, and even Britney Spears, are certain cultural touchstones that have the possibility to help better understand our generation. On the other hand, the best way to identify with our generation, as a whole, is an overview of the advances in technology that have helped shaped our generation to what it is today.

Blog # 3 Reality of Elections

Most of the 2008 election and presidential candidates shown on YouTube resemble ads. Although, the “ads” look extremely polished, they still come across as rehearsed. The candidates often say what the public expects them to say, while ignoring the more “touchy” subjects. Some of the videos look more organic than others. For example, Obama has a very calm and collective way of speaking, which has the potential to make the public feel that he is actually speaking directly to them. His speeches are clearly spoken and can be easily understood by a non-intellectual audience. I came across a video, which was put together by the band, Incubus. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZt4EdbidGA Although, the goal of this video was to persuade people to vote, the band didn’t hesitate to add their personal opinion. I found the band to be extremely convincing and authentic in their video because they were simply standing around discussing the significance of voting as well as why they were Obama “fans.” There weren’t any special effects; it was just a straightforward video stating how they felt about the 2008 election. They also added humor which emphasized the authenticity of the video. Another video that had the intention to encourage youth to vote, was extremely fascinating. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4kg514DcTA The video states the importance of why the millennial generation, should vote. It was clearly done by a professional, yet gave me the ability to question exactly why and how important it is for the later generations to become involved in the political campaign. The videos are good representations, explaining the significance of why Americans should have a say in who runs our country.

Blog # 2 Personal Decision Making

"The Wisdom of Crowds"- Advice Columnist vs The Crowd


When faced with a major decision, I usually confide in family members or close friends. However, it definitely depends on the situation. I usually ask a few people that could possibly relate to my scenario. Asking for advice from a few people tends to give me various outlooks on the situation and a better idea on how to solve the problem. I wouldn't trust the advice from an advice columnist. I think it is important for someone to know an individual personally, in order to come to an accurate consensus. However, I would trust the advice from the crowd more than an advice columnist. I don’t doubt the experience or intelligence of advice columnists; I just don’t see how one person can be educated on all different aspects of life. It has been said that experts often think they know often more than they actually know. Expertise and accuracy are not necessarily related, so it would be unreasonable for me to base an important decision on a stranger who has the potential to lack truth. Regarding relationships, it is impossible for the website, sidetaker.com, to become aware of the complete story of a scenario and therefore lacks accuracy. People have different experiences and intelligence levels. With that said, a solution to a problem is best done by taking advice from a large, diverse, crowd.

Blog #1 The Truth and Knowledge of Crowds

“The Wisdom of Crowds”- Crowdsourcing

Successful crowdsourcing focuses on a diverse group of people from all different ages, races, genders, and interests. Crowdsourcing should also target people that have different intelligence levels. If the site’s technology or wording is too advanced, than people will be less willing to use that particular site. I don’t use sites with crowdsourcing often. After researching the chosen sites, I think zazzle.com did the best job in effective crowdsourcing. The site permits you to buy, create and sell different articles of clothing and other accessories that target different interests. It can range anywhere from politics to animated cartoons. The website also focuses on different genders and ages. Zazzle.com permits you to get ideas from other people to then create something of your own. The site lists what their consumers see as the “best” or “well-known” items. This is a very effective tool for crowdsourcing. After researching this site, I wouldn’t hesitate to use a site with crowdsourcing because it is clearly extremely easy to use and targets a large amount of diverse people.