Subscribe now

<a href="https://medium.com/media/99b418557a51f3bda0851692b78508db/href">https://medium.com/media/99b418557a51f3bda0851692b78508db/href</a>

“Can we please turn that off?” said my father-in-law one Christmas as I was playing Angels We Have Heard on High by Bayside. To me, this was just a different version of a classic song set to punk rock. Nothing too strange about it. However, my father-in-law heard something disrespectful to the original song. This wasn’t about the lyrics as they were the same for both, nor was it about style preference as he has enjoyed hearing this particular group sing in the past. It was something more for him, it was as if the band was rebelling against his more conservative view of a classic song.

This is the first example that came to mind as Deanna Sellnow explained about non-discursive symbols and non-discursive rhetoric. That there is a realm of symbols that can’t be seen with words or numbers. The study of these areas looks into how they persuade people when it comes to already-held beliefs. Understanding how music can be used as a rhetorical tool is just as important as film artifacts and video game texts. Music can impact a person deeply. This can be studied through the illusion of life perspective.

In a book that I’m reading, Filterworld by Kyle Chayka, he gives an example of a 1980s indie band that broke up by 1991. Since that time, the drummer has continued to manage the commercial rights to the band’s songs on streaming services, such as Spotify. He has noticed one of the band’s songs outperforming all their other songs. It is one called “Strange” and it was meant to be a spoof of other mainstream bands at the time. The indie band played music that sounded much different than what was popular at the time. The author uses that example for his main point, that algorithms used by Spotify are finding only similar music while ignoring the rest of the music the band plays.

I see it as a way that people can listen to different bands and still enjoy the music. People might be passive in consuming music and not realize the influence it has on them. Even the music in the elevator has a way of influencing how you feel. Is that another way to look through a neo-Marxist perspective is by the music to keep the masses of people in line? How has music influenced you? Do you like rebellious music (as my father-in-law thought I did)?

In the video game world, there is one certainty: boys play video games. There erupted in the early 2010s a culture war in the gaming world. It was discovered that girls play video games and didn’t like how women characters were portrayed in games. The scantily clothed women who had unusual physical proportions seemed to be the reason girls wanted some things to change in the gaming world. Showing actual women who were based on reality instead of the imaginations of boys. It seemed that gamers had to take sides and really couldn’t ignore the issue. This was even true for the developers. One that decided to take a stand against the sexualized video game women characters was Naughty Dog. During the heated debate happening online, Naughty Dog was working on their final Uncharted game for the series. They didn’t change their story but it appears that including women more prominently and showing that they were just as capable as the men. I plan to do an analysis of this for a deeper dive in a future paper.

However, one thing that I really wanted to point out right now is how after several developers started listening to female gamer concerns, they started releasing video games taking those concerns into consideration. The culture war in the gaming world started to fizzle out. This seems to be the third wave of feminism to create equality in a fairly new sphere of influence. That is not to say that all game developers have done this but since the major ones have, most other developers have listened to all gamers.

The third wave of feminism also should include other things in video games. What are those things that we can see changing in future games? What other games have you noticed change because of the culture war?

While reading through the two schools’ perceptions of popular culture, Frankfurt School and Birmingham School, I was fortunate to go to Universal Studios in Hollywood California. Seeing how pop culture in film drives people to visit one of the studios and get excited to see all the objects from previous films. The main thing that my boys were excited to see was Nintendo World which opened up recently. My daughter was mostly excited to see The Voice sound stage. I’m not going to lie, I was excited to see the city hall from Back to the Future movie.

During our visit, I realized that the whole area was just one big product or commodity. Not only taking our money for visiting them but also for keeping us excited about the areas of interest that my family had. The studio had things for all ages and what people liked. That became my question that I felt does need to be answered: Do studios make movies of what people like or do they make movies that oppress actions?

Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer said, “for culture now impresses the same stamp on everything. Films, radio, and magazines make up a system which is uniform as a whole and in every part. Even the aesthetic activities of political opposites are one in their enthusiastic obedience to the rhythm of the iron system.” And that sums up the Frankfurt School of thought with pop culture. It has become a commodity that can be industrialized and produced en masse to suppress any type of discord.

However, the Birmingham School shows that just because studios produce something, doesn’t mean it will do well. People still have a choice in the popular culture that they enjoy. John Fiske pointed this out in his work “Popular Discrimination” where several products do fail even though they follow the same mold as previous films. This is because pop culture is a commodity but one that is overproduced. Leading the populace to decide what they want to watch, listen, or read.

In my opinion, the Birmingham School of thought seems to align with my own. Though I can see that some of the Frankfurt School does have merit, I think that their arguments support more of a “Magic Bullet” theory rather than the more complex world of popular culture. I saw it while at Universal. They know that their business is to please the audience and thus the audience has more power to determine what is shown. Even if that means the culture is suppressive in nature.

What are your thoughts? Do studios make movies based on the audience’s interests or what they want to tell the audience how to think and act?

"Everybody's got an angle," said Bing Crosby's character in White Christmas, the holiday classic movie. That phrase can be true on so many levels. Though the movie goes on to show that not everybody has an angle, that doesn't mean all people are like Bob Wallace. There is always an angle when watching a film or listening to music. The writers or directors are attempting to influence people's perspective of the social class system. Either they want you to think that the class system is not there or that it is very distinct. This neo-Marxist perspective also says that any story throughout history, in essence, has been about class distinction. I'm inclined to agree.

While looking back at various movies, commercials, and stories, they all can have the neo-Marxist perspective applied to them. I even went back to the oldest story discovered, Beowulf. Even that story shows that if we are subservient to the upper class eventually we will be given riches and royalty. A rags-to-riches story is nothing more than a lower-class person overcoming the obstacles of upper society and joining their ranks. There are promises of changing the system now that the main character is there but that is where the story ends. No changes are actually made and people still go through life, hoping to "get ahead" in life.

Other types of stories go into other areas of this perspective. However, it appears to me that any story, no matter how old, will always inspire us to follow what society wants or attempt to fight against societal norms. Either way, we always get a good story to discuss with friends. What stories do you know from your childhood that have influenced you to act a certain way?

My mom asked, “Who is Bluey?” as my sister explained what her kids could watch all day. There seems to be a generation gap when it comes to popular culture. It’s been decades since my mother had little children, so she is unfamiliar with the current shows for kids. On the other hand, my sister has three young ones at home and she feels the need to entertain them to get her housework done. Being able to discuss what is popular with kid’s shows in recent years already showed me what Chuck Klosterman described in 2007, “it is only a matter of time.”

While Klosterman was hilarious in his satirical article, he brings up several good points regarding our obsession with popular culture. He said there are three basic kinds of information:

1. Information that you know you know.

2. Information that you know you don’t know.

3. Information that you don’t know you don’t know.

In the example with my mom, she didn’t even know about the show “Bluey.” She didn’t know what she didn’t know. Stephen Sewell explained in his 2010 address that pop culture is a form “of exclusion. That is its primary purpose. To draw a line on the other side of which lies everybody who does not know what is hip, happening, and hot. And on this side of which lies nobody at all, because nobody can possibly know, have, and be consuming everything you need to know, have, and consume in order to be hip, happening, and hot at all.” Popular culture does exclude people who didn’t have those things growing up or in their lives currently.

Another example of exclusion is my daughter’s friend wearing a “Friends” TV sitcom t-shirt. I asked her if she liked the TV show that has been off-air for 20 years now. The poor girl was confused as she only got the shirt because it referred to her friends like my daughter. In my eyes, I saw and remembered a show that I saw on occasion and even had the opening song play through my head. On the other hand, my daughter’s friend probably thought I was crazy to ask about a TV show set in the last century and one she didn’t know existed before that moment. Pop culture is a phenomenon that needs to be studied because it can help explain why generations have different gaps in understanding. Understanding that there are those three kinds of information that Klosterman briefly talks about is a good way to help remind people of how they are being influenced.

That brings me to my questions. Does the popular culture add to family generation gap problems? How to overcome these exclusions in conversations? Hopefully, further readings and research will help me find answers, “it is only a matter of time.”

Discovering Our Roots

Genealogy serves as a compass guiding us back through time, enabling us to unearth the tales of our forebears. By tracing family lineages, we gain a deeper understanding of our origins, cultural heritage, traditions, and the circumstances that shaped our family’s narrative.

Preserving Family Legacies

Every family harbors a treasure trove of stories — tales of resilience, triumphs, hardships, and enduring love. Genealogy serves as a guardian, preserving these narratives for future generations. By documenting family histories, we ensure that the legacies of our ancestors live on, inspiring and guiding those who follow in their footsteps.

Fostering Connections Across Generations

In an era characterized by rapid change and digital evolution, genealogy provides an anchor — an opportunity to bridge the gap between generations. Sharing family stories, traditions, and values fosters connections, strengthening familial bonds and instilling a sense of belonging among family members, both young and old.

Understanding Our Identity

Our identities are intricately woven from the fabric of our family histories. By delving into genealogy, we gain insights into the experiences, values, and beliefs passed down through generations. This understanding not only enriches our sense of self but also helps us comprehend the context in which our ancestors lived.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Genealogy isn’t just about individual family histories; it’s about safeguarding cultural heritage. It preserves languages, customs, rituals, and traditions that define our roots. By honoring and celebrating these cultural nuances, we ensure their continuity and prevent them from fading into obscurity.

Why Genealogy Matters:

• Identity Formation: Genealogy plays a pivotal role in shaping our identities, providing a sense of rootedness and self-awareness.

• Family Unity: It strengthens family connections, fostering unity, empathy, and understanding among relatives.

• Historical Preservation: Genealogy serves as a gateway to understanding history from a personal perspective, enriching our understanding of broader historical contexts.

Conclusion

Genealogy isn’t confined to a mere study of the past; it’s an ongoing narrative that connects past, present, and future. It holds the key to understanding who we are, where we come from, and the legacy we leave behind. Embrace the journey of genealogy, for in unraveling the stories of our ancestors lies a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

In the tapestry of our lives, interwoven with moments of joy, resilience, and triumph, lies a treasure trove of family stories waiting to be unearthed and shared. Family storytelling sessions serve as the sacred space where these narratives come alive, connecting generations, fostering bonds, and preserving the rich tapestry of our heritage.

The Art of Family Storytelling

Family storytelling is more than recounting events; it's a poignant exchange of memories, wisdom, and shared experiences passed down through generations. These sessions transcend mere conversations; they are a celebration of our collective past, honoring the trials and triumphs that define our family's legacy.

Nurturing Bonds Across Generations

One of the greatest gifts of family storytelling sessions is the bridge they create between generations. Elders impart wisdom, share experiences, and instill values, offering invaluable lessons to younger members. Simultaneously, younger family members lend fresh perspectives, sparking new dialogues, and bridging the generational gap.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Every family harbors its unique cultural heritage—customs, traditions, and beliefs handed down through time. Family storytelling sessions breathe life into these traditions, preserving cultural nuances, folktales, rituals, and linguistic treasures that define our roots.

Strengthening Family Identity

As stories unfold, a sense of belonging and identity flourishes among family members. By sharing family narratives, individuals gain a deeper understanding of their roots, forging a stronger connection to their lineage, and fostering a sense of pride in their familial heritage.

Benefits of Family Storytelling Sessions:

• Cultivate Communication Skills: Engage family members in active listening and expressive storytelling, enhancing communication skills across generations.

• Foster Emotional Well-being: Encourage emotional expression, empathy, and a sense of belonging among family members.

• Preserve Collective Memory: Safeguard family history, traditions, and values for posterity, ensuring they remain an integral part of the family’s narrative.

How to Host a Family Storytelling Session

1. Set the Stage: Create a comfortable and inviting space conducive to sharing stories. This could be during family gatherings, reunions, or dedicated storytelling events.

2. Encourage Participation: Invite family members of all ages to share their stories, experiences, or reflections. Embrace diverse perspectives and encourage inclusivity.

3. Embrace Diversity: Celebrate cultural diversity within the family by showcasing stories and traditions from different backgrounds or lineages.

4. Use Multimedia Tools: Incorporate photos, videos, or family artifacts to enrich storytelling sessions and make them more engaging.

Conclusion

In the heart of family storytelling sessions lies the essence of our shared heritage, experiences, and values. These sessions are not just moments of reminiscence but threads that weave our past, present, and future. Embrace the art of family storytelling, for in these tales, lies the legacy that binds us together and shapes the narrative of generations to come.

The realm of genealogy, delving into the intricate tapestry of family histories, is not merely a pursuit of names and dates but a vibrant narrative woven through generations. Communication forms the crux of unraveling these stories, yet a recent study exploring the application of the channel expansion theory sheds light on intriguing dynamics that extend beyond traditional paradigms.

Channel Expansion Theory: A New Perspective

The study sought to scrutinize the channel expansion theory, challenging the conventional wisdom proposed by Daft and Lengel (1984) regarding media richness and communication preferences. It demonstrated that individuals’ channel preferences are not solely influenced by inherent richness but are significantly shaped by social perceptions. Participants’ responses varied distinctly when asked about their preferred communication channels versus those perceived as preferred by their families. This variance highlights how messages can alter the ideal channel based on societal norms — a revelation strengthening the channel expansion theory.

Genealogists’ Communication Predicament

Despite genealogists’ prowess in researching family histories, a glaring concern emerges: their proficiency in communication falls short. Martin, Hagestad, and Diedrick (1988) note that family stories often dissipate after a generation or two, indicating a lapse in communication. Interestingly, genealogists’ preferred channels align with those adopted by businesses, underscoring their professional approach. However, initiating discussions about genealogy within families seems to present significant challenges.

Insights into Younger Adults’ Engagement

The study’s insights into adults aged 18 to 30 raise critical concerns. Not only were responses limited, but participation in genealogical discussions appeared infrequent among this demographic. This observation prompts a deeper exploration to discern underlying reasons and devise strategies to address this communication gap.

Implications and Future Directions

Analyzing communication theories underscores the significance of comprehending media richness in channel selection for genealogical discourse. While genealogists lean towards professional channels akin to business communication, it may not align with familial preferences. This disparity emphasizes the need for further exploration into participant experiences and intentions.

The study’s limitations, particularly the age gap’s impact, are evident. Younger adults’ disinterest in family history discussions poses challenges in identity formation, as highlighted by Fivush et al. (2008). Bridging this gap necessitates understanding perceptions of channel richness among younger demographics, allowing genealogists to tailor their approach.

In the burgeoning field of genealogy, this research serves as a beacon, guiding practitioners in effective communication strategies, not only within families but also facilitating organizations’ engagement with novice genealogists. The evolving landscape demands an agile approach — organizations must adapt to genealogists’ evolving channel preferences. Future research should delve into evolving perceptions of new channels, experiences, and intentions to refine communication strategies.

As the genealogy domain continues to expand (Darby & Clough, 2013), this study’s insights offer a compass, steering genealogists towards more effective communication channels, bridging the gap between personal heritage and contemporary communication norms.

For more in-depth reading, please check out my class research paper on LinkedIn. Still learning how to write research papers but does give more details that what was written here.

Genealogy, the study of family history and lineage, is a compelling journey that traverses time and generations. At its core lies an intricate web of stories, relationships, and legacies waiting to be discovered and preserved. Beyond the mere collection of names and dates, genealogy is profoundly intertwined with the art of communication — a conduit that binds the past, present, and future.

The Essence of Genealogical Communication

Genealogical communication goes beyond the mere exchange of information; it encapsulates the essence of storytelling, sharing, and preserving narratives that weave the fabric of familial bonds. It serves as a bridge that connects individuals across generations, cultures, and geographical boundaries.

The Role of Oral Tradition

In many cultures, family histories have been passed down through oral traditions. These stories, anecdotes, and legends form the bedrock of genealogical communication, carrying with them the wisdom, struggles, triumphs, and cultural heritage of our ancestors. The act of listening and sharing these oral narratives fosters a sense of belonging and understanding, reinforcing familial connections.

Unraveling Lineages Through Documentation

Beyond oral traditions, documentation plays a pivotal role in genealogy. Records, archives, letters, photographs, and official documents serve as tangible artifacts that chronicle family histories. These resources not only provide factual information but also offer a glimpse into the lives, aspirations, and challenges faced by our predecessors. Utilizing these documents involves not just deciphering words but understanding the context and emotions embedded within them — a form of communication that transcends time.

Embracing Technological Advancements

In today’s digital age, technology has revolutionized genealogical communication. Online databases, genealogy software, DNA testing, and social media platforms enable individuals to connect with relatives, share information, collaborate on research, and discover previously unknown branches of their family tree. The digital realm has expanded the possibilities of communication, making genealogical discoveries more accessible and interconnected than ever before.

Preserving Legacies for Future Generations

Genealogical communication isn’t merely about unraveling the past; it’s about preserving legacies for posterity. By documenting and sharing family stories, individuals contribute to a collective narrative that shapes the identity and heritage of future generations. It instills a sense of pride, appreciation, and understanding of one’s roots — an invaluable gift to be passed down through time.

Conclusion

Genealogical communication is a tapestry woven with threads of oral traditions, archival records, technological advancements, and the heartfelt desire to uncover and preserve familial histories. It transcends boundaries, connecting us to our ancestors while fostering a deeper understanding of our identities. By embracing and cherishing this form of communication, we not only honor our heritage but also pave the way for future generations to explore their roots and continue the timeless journey of genealogy.