Communications Question

with the assignment questions and detailed instructions, and the other pdf has the answers to the questions. These answers all need to be rewritten in different wording by you. There is also some missing pieces to the assignment, including the following parts:

-creative title

-introduction with a clear thesis statement that represents your argument

-supporting paragraphs where you defend your argument with informed application of the course readings

-a conclusion

-in-text citations and a works cited in APA STYLE. MUST BE IN APA STYLE, THE CITATIONS PROVIDED NEED TO BE IN APA FORM.

You must add these to the assignment for completion.

COMS 3308B
Test/Version One
Winter 2024
Please answer all the questions on a Word document (pdf if you don’t have Word, no
PAGES, no google docs, etc). Remember to put your name on the document itself and
number your answers, making clear which questions you are responding to. Students must
work on the test individually and submit answers that are wholly their own.
Test is due on Brightspace Dropbox by March 10th by 11 pm. NO EXTENSIONS WILL
BE GIVEN WITHOUT ADEQUATE DOCUMENTATION.
Essay Response (Worth 20 marks)
Format and requirements: Include a:
-creative title
-introduction with a clear thesis statement that represents your argument
-supporting paragraphs where you defend your argument with informed application of
the course readings (not random stuff or stuff from other classes)
-a conclusion
-in-text citations and a works cited
IMPORTANT: Apply and cite a minimum of three course readings that are different
from what’s covered in the short answers. Include in-text citations and a works cited.
Length: 650-750 words (do not exceed the limit. If it’s a few words over, it’s not a big
deal but remember editing matters).
Answer the following question:
How is power expressed and negotiated through consumer goods?
*If you are uncertain what power means, here you go (from Oxford Dictionary):
Definitions of power:
-political or social authority or control.
-Also, used in the names of movements aiming to enhance the status of a specified group.
Short answers (Detailed answers of around three to four sentences each are
adequate)
Worth: Answers are worth a total of 1.5 marks each for a total of 12 marks.
DO NOT GOOGLE RESPONSES. I AM LOOKING FOR ANSWERS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE
COURSE MATERIAL, NOT ONLINE SEARCH RESULTS.
1
1.What was the MFA, discussed in the reading Regulatory Environment, and what was it
intended to do? Provide detail from the reading.
2. Describe what we learned about the United Fruit Company in Guatemala in The Fifties:
Selling the American Way.
3. What is the “consumption ethic”, as defined by Roland Marchand? What example does he
give to illustrate his point?
4. Describe the Planting Justice program that we read about in class. Where is the program
implemented and what are its goals?
5. What did the parents smuggle back in the “Kim Wilde” chapter of Persepolis? Why were
these particular consumer goods forbidden from consumption?
6. Dick Hebdige explains how there are competing definitions of culture. What definition of
culture did the early BBC follow, as seen in the documentary Great Thinkers: Culture Wars?
Provide an explanation to support your answer.
7. Describe Moorish innovations that were capitalized on by Europeans, as discussed by
Baffour Ankomah.
8.Referencing the Marc Levinson reading, detail how the shipping container transformed
global consumerism.
2
Answers:
1. Multi Fiber Arrangement (MFA):
● The Multi Fiber Arrangement was an international trade agreement that governed
the global textile and apparel industry.
● Purpose and Background:
● Established in 1974, the MFA aimed to regulate the trade of textiles and
clothing among various countries.
● It was a response to concerns about unrestricted textile imports flooding
markets and disrupting local industries.
● The MFA sought to limit and manage textile exports from developing
countries to developed countries.
● Key Features:
● Quotas: The MFA imposed quantitative restrictions (quotas) on textile and
apparel exports. Each country had a specific quota for each product
category.
● Bilateral Agreements: Countries negotiated bilateral agreements
specifying the allowed export quantities.
● Phasing Out: Over time, the MFA underwent several rounds of
negotiations, gradually phasing out quotas and allowing more liberal trade.
● Impact:
● The MFA had both positive and negative effects:
● Positive: It provided stability for textile industries in developed
countries.
● Negative: Developing countries faced limitations on their textile
exports, hindering their economic growth.
● End of the MFA:
● The MFA was abolished in 2005 under the World Trade Organization
(WTO) Agreement on Textiles and Clothing.
● This led to a more open and competitive global textile market.
2. United Fruit Company in Guatemala:
● In the 1950s, the United Fruit Company (UFC) played a significant role in
shaping the economic and political landscape of Guatemala.
● Key Points:
● Monopoly Power: The UFC held a near-monopoly over banana production
and export in Guatemala. Its dominance allowed it to exert considerable
influence over the country’s economy and politics.
● Land Ownership: The UFC owned vast tracts of land, including prime
agricultural areas. This ownership pattern perpetuated social inequality
and limited opportunities for local farmers.
● Labor Exploitation: The company relied heavily on cheap labor, often
exploiting Guatemalan workers. Harsh working conditions, low wages, and
lack of labor rights were common.
● Political Interference: The UFC had close ties with the Guatemalan
government and actively influenced policies to protect its interests. This
interference sometimes led to oppressive measures against dissenting
voices.
● 1954 Coup: The UFC played a role in the 1954 coup that ousted the
democratically elected President Jacobo Árbenz. The coup was partly
driven by fears that Árbenz’s land reforms would affect the UFC’s land
holdings.
● Overall, the UFC’s actions in Guatemala during the 1950s exemplify the complex
interplay between corporate power, politics, and social justice.
3. Consumption Ethic:
● Definition:
● The consumption ethic refers to a cultural mindset prevalent during the
early to mid-20th century, particularly in the United States. It was
characterized by an emphasis on consumerism, material acquisition, and
the pursuit of a certain lifestyle associated with modernity.
● This ethic encouraged individuals to define their identities and social
status through consumption, often equating material possessions with
personal success and happiness.
● Illustrative Example:
● Roland Marchand, in his book “Advertising the American Dream: Making
Way for Modernity, 1920-1940,” extensively examines how advertisers
manipulated art and photography to promote this enduring consumption
ethic.
● One illustrative example is the use of modern art and photography in
advertisements. Advertisers strategically incorporated elements of
modernity, such as abstract art, sleek design, and glamorous photography,
to convey a sense of sophistication and progress.
● By associating products with these artistic and stylish representations,
advertisers reinforced the idea that owning these goods was not just
practical but also a reflection of an aspirational lifestyle.
● In essence, the consumption ethic encouraged people to consume not
only for necessity but also as a means of expressing their identity and
participating in the modern world.
● For further reading, you can refer to Roland Marchand’s book, “Advertising the
American Dream”.
4. Communities through Food Justice and Urban Farming:
Planting Justice is a dynamic organization based in the Bay Area, California, with a
mission to create a more equitable and sustainable food system. Through a
combination of urban farming, education, and community empowerment, Planting
Justice addresses critical issues such as poverty, food injustice, and environmental
degradation.
Implementation Sites:
East Bay, California:
● Planting Justice has been actively involved in the East Bay region, including
cities like Oakland and El Sobrante.
● Their work extends to various community spaces, schools, prisons, and
neighborhoods.
Specific Sites:
● High Schools: The organization collaborates with high schools to engage
students in hands-on learning about food justice, ecological design, and nutrition.
● Prisons and Detention Facilities: Planting Justice brings its programs to
incarcerated individuals, fostering skills and knowledge related to urban farming
and social justice.
● Farm and Nursery Sites:
● 4-Acre Farm in El Sobrante: Here, they cultivate food and provide
educational opportunities.
● 2-Acre Nursery in Sobrante Park, East Oakland: This site focuses on
permaculture and community engagement.
Program Goals:
Empowering Urban Residents:
● Planting Justice activates people most directly impacted by poverty and food
injustice.
● Their goal is to empower these individuals by developing their skills in ecological
design, nutrition education, and multimedia arts.
● By grounding urban gardens in local and international struggles for social justice,
they create a more sustainable food system.
Education and Literacy:
● Participants transform underused community spaces into edible gardens.
● These gardens serve a dual purpose: providing fresh, nutritionally dense food
and developing participants’ literacy in social justice movements, ecology, and
holistic wellness.
Mentorship and Employment:
● Planting Justice hires staff directly from the communities they serve.
● Students benefit from consistent weekly programming and mentorship
opportunities.
● Successful program graduates have opportunities for:
● Paid Apprenticeships: Working on local farms within the MESA network.
● Urban Farming Employment: Becoming urban farmers with Planting
Justice.
● Support for Farm Startups: Receiving substantial financial, legal, technical,
and administrative support to launch their own farming ventures.
Connecting Social Justice and Agriculture:
● Planting Justice integrates social justice with art and agricultural knowledge.
● Their curriculum, called “Plant! Cook! Organize!”, empowers participants to
explore topics such as the modern industrial food system, liberation education,
and permaculture design.
In summary, Planting Justice’s multifaceted approach combines education, mentorship,
and practical experience to create a more just and sustainable food system while
empowering marginalized communities.
5. Persepolis
In the poignant chapter titled “Kim Wilde” from Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi’s parents
embark on a trip to Turkey, leaving her behind. Before their departure, they ask Marjane
if she wants any gifts from their journey. Marjane, being a typical teenager, makes a
daring request: she asks them to smuggle back forbidden Western items for her. These
particular consumer goods hold immense allure for Marjane and her peers, despite their
prohibition in Iran. Let’s delve into the specifics:
The Smuggled Items:
● Denim Jacket: The denim jacket symbolizes rebellion, freedom, and a connection
to Western pop culture. Denim jackets were a staple of Western fashion,
especially associated with rock music and counterculture movements.
● Nike Shoes: Nike shoes, particularly the iconic Nike sneakers, represented
athletic prowess, urban coolness, and global trends. Owning a pair of Nikes was
a coveted status symbol.
● Posters of Kim Wilde and Iron Maiden:
● Kim Wilde: Marjane specifically requests a poster featuring Kim Wilde, a
British pop singer known for her hit songs like “Kids in America.” Wilde’s
image epitomized Western glamour and the allure of pop music.
● Iron Maiden: The other poster features the band Iron Maiden, a legendary
heavy metal group. Iron Maiden was synonymous with rebellion, loud
music, and a subculture that stood in stark contrast to the conservative
norms of Iran.
Forbidden from Consumption:
● These consumer goods were forbidden in Iran due to the strict regulations
imposed by the government during the Islamic Revolution.
● Cultural and Political Context:
● Western Influence: The Iranian government perceived Western culture,
especially American and British influences, as a threat to Islamic values
and traditions.
● Anti-Western Sentiment: The revolutionaries associated Western
consumerism with decadence, immorality, and a departure from Islamic
principles.
● Fear of Cultural Erosion: The authorities feared that exposure to Western
music, fashion, and lifestyle would erode traditional Iranian values.
● Symbolic Significance:
● These forbidden items represented more than mere commodities. They
symbolized resistance, individuality, and a longing for a world beyond the
confines of Iran.
● Marjane’s desire for these Western goods reflected her yearning for
freedom, expression, and a connection to the global youth culture.
In summary, Marjane’s parents risked smuggling these items to fulfill their daughter’s
wishes, allowing her to feel a sense of rebellion and connection to the wider world. The
denim jacket, Nike shoes, and posters of Kim Wilde and Iron Maiden became powerful
tokens of defiance against the oppressive regime and a testament to the universal
desire for self-expression and identity.
6. Great Thinkers: Culture Wars
In the documentary “Great Thinkers: Culture Wars,” the early BBC adhered to a specific
definition of culture that reflected the prevailing norms and values of its time. This
definition aligned with a traditional, elitist view of culture. Let’s explore this in more
detail:
Early BBC and Its Mission:
● The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was founded in 1922.
● Its initial mission was to expose people to the fine arts and provide educational
content.
● The BBC aimed to elevate the cultural tastes of its audience by broadcasting
highbrow content associated with classical music, ballet, opera, and literary
works.
Definition of Culture Followed by the Early BBC:
● The early BBC’s definition of culture was rooted in classical and refined forms.
● It encompassed:
● Ballet: A sophisticated dance form with historical roots.
● Opera: Grand musical performances often based on classical themes.
● Shakespeare: The works of the renowned playwright William
Shakespeare.
● Beethoven: The compositions of the famous composer Ludwig van
Beethoven.
● These cultural expressions were associated with audiences who were
considered “refined”—meaning educated, wealthy, and part of the upper
echelons of society.
Elitist Perspective:
● The early BBC’s approach reflected an elitist view of culture.
● It assumed that only a select few could appreciate and engage with these forms
of art.
● The programming catered to an audience that was perceived as having the
intellectual capacity to appreciate high culture.
Changing Landscape:
● However, as broadcasting evolved, this narrow definition of culture was
challenged.
● Social critics and mavericks began to legitimize the sensibilities of the working
class.
● The 1960s witnessed a shockingly informal approach to the arts, breaking down
the barriers between high and low culture.
Impact and Transformation:
● The development of broadcasting transformed the concept of culture.
● It gave social critics a voice and delivered their ideas into the living rooms of both
the rich and the poor.
● The definition of culture expanded to include diverse forms, perspectives, and
voices.
In summary, the early BBC followed a definition of culture that emphasized classical and
refined art forms, but this perspective eventually gave way to a more inclusive and
dynamic understanding of culture as broadcasting evolved.
7. Moorish civilization:
In the enthralling exploration of the Moorish civilization, Baffour Ankomah sheds light on
the remarkable innovations and contributions made by the Moors, particularly in the
context of their conquest of southern Europe. These innovations, although often
overlooked, significantly influenced European culture, science, and technology. Let’s
delve into the key Moorish achievements that Europeans capitalized on:
Scientific Advancements:
● The Moors excelled in many fields, but their most significant contributions were in
the sciences.
● Multicultural Tradition: Moorish science was a multicultural tradition, drawing from
strong African, Arabian, Hindu, and Chinese elements.
● Technological Race: Historians agree that the Moors outpaced Europe in the
technological race.
● Steam Engine: The first steam engine had already appeared in Africa, built by
Heron in the Egyptian city of Alexandria.
● Water Clock and Thermometer: The Moors also developed the water clock and
the thermometer.
● Gunpowder Technology: Elements of gunpowder technology were part of their
scientific legacy.
Medical Excellence:
● The Moors were renowned for their skill in medicine.
● Medical Schools: For seven centuries, European medical schools owed their
knowledge to Moorish research.
● Mastery of Moorish Medical Works: Mastery of Moorish medical works was
required for obtaining medical degrees at prestigious European universities.
● Catholic Church Endorsement: Even the Catholic Church, a mortal enemy of the
Muslim Moors, endorsed the teaching of Arabic studies at universities in Rome,
Paris, Bologna, Oxford, and Salamanca.
Anatomical Schools and Surgical Expertise:
● Vivisection and Dissection: In Moorish anatomical schools, vivisection and
dissection of dead bodies were practiced.
● Gender Equality: Both women and men were trained to perform delicate surgical
operations.
Music and Cultural Exchange:
● The Moors brought musical innovations to Europe.
● Instruments: They introduced instruments like the lute, which significantly
influenced European music.
● Cultural Exchange: The Moors facilitated cultural exchange between Africa, the
Middle East, and Europe, enriching European musical traditions.
Legacy and Corrective Emphasis:
● Moorish science transcends racial classification; it belongs to all of humanity.
● Dr. Ivan Van Sertima emphasizes the duty to correct the historical invisibility of
certain races’ contributions.
● The Moors’ legacy reminds us that scientific progress is a collective endeavor,
benefiting the entire human race.
In summary, the Moors’ scientific, medical, and musical achievements left an indelible
mark on Europe. Their innovations, often unacknowledged, laid the groundwork for
Europe’s later advancements. By recognizing their contributions, we honor a
multicultural tradition that shaped the course of history.
8. Shipping Container:
The advent of the shipping container revolutionized global consumerism, reshaping the
way goods are transported, distributed, and consumed. Marc Levinson’s work sheds
light on this transformative phenomenon, highlighting its profound impact on the world
economy. Let’s delve into how shipping containers changed the game:
Before Containers: Chaos and Inefficiency:
● Pre-containerization, cargo was loaded onto ships in a haphazard manner.
● Breakbulk Shipping: Goods were individually packed, loaded, and unloaded,
leading to inefficiencies, delays, and damage.
● High Costs: Labor-intensive handling and inadequate protection inflated costs.
The Container Revolution:
● Malcom McLean, a visionary trucking entrepreneur, introduced the intermodal
shipping container in the late 1950s.
● Standardization: Containers were standardized in terms of size (20 or 40 feet)
and design.
● Efficiency: Containers allowed for seamless transfer between ships, trucks, and
trains.
● Speed and Cost Reduction: Loading and unloading times decreased significantly,
reducing costs and transit times.
Global Impact:
● Trade Facilitation: Containers facilitated global trade by streamlining logistics.
● Lower Prices: Consumer goods became more affordable due to reduced
shipping costs.
● Supply Chain Optimization: Containers enabled just-in-time production and
efficient supply chains.
● Globalization Acceleration: The container era fueled globalization, connecting
markets worldwide.
Consumer Goods Transformation:
● Mass Production: Containers allowed for mass production and distribution of
consumer goods.
● Retail Revolution: Retailers could stock shelves with a wide variety of products
from different continents.
● Fashion Industry: Fast fashion became possible, with clothing produced globally
and shipped efficiently.
Step-by-step explanation
Key references:
● https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/texti_e/texintro_e.htm
● https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/multi-fiber-arrangement.asp
● https://www.thenation.com/article/economy/united-fruit-guatemala/
● https://www.hbs.edu/news/Pages/item.aspx?num=13795
● https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1525/9780520403659-007/html
● https://reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/0229538-the-urban-resilience-farm.ht
ml
● https://rhinehartadvancedenglish.weebly.com/uploads/2/2/1/0/22108252/the-com
plete-persepolis-by.pdf
● https://films.com/ecTitleDetail.aspx?TitleID=21336
● https://www.thefreelibrary.com/When+Africa+civilized+Europe+%28Part+III%29.a0442285912
● https://newafricanmagazine.com/22167/
● Levinson, M. (2006). The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World
Smaller and the World Economy Bigger.
● https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/11/global-shipping-industry-faces-a-new-problem-t
oo-many-containers.html