Target and Capitalism.

During the late 1800s, when Karl Marx was publishing a lot of his works, socialism was an idea that laid in stark contract to the capitalist world that had developed. Socialism was the idea that everyone's basic needs: food, shelter, etc. would be taken care of. Socialism and capitalism are still both very prevalent in our society today.

Today, corporations like Target and Wal*Mart represent capitalism and its best. This means that large companies are getting rich off of us, the shopper. The Target commercial below is a great example of capitalism in our society. First of all, most of us are very familiar with Target, the brand, and such even if we do not shop there on a regular basis. Further, this commercial is catchy, cute and fun.

If we look more closely at the text it is easy to point small things out that seem to be out of place. The commercial starts out in a clean, middle-class suburban area with several cars (presumably driving to target). As the commercial continues, several prices roll. The premise is that Target can offer YOU a "brand new day." The hidden meaning, of course, is that this new day is going to cost you a pretty penny.


Therefore, the low class continues to struggle despite the optimistic view the capitalist Target commercial seems to hold. It is a sad day, but a true day when we realize that capitalism is probably creeping in the shadows of several of the commercials we watch every, in the food we eat and perhaps even in the pillows we rest our heads on at night.



Work Cited
Ryan, Michael. Literary Theory: An Anthology. Ed. Julie Rivkin. Grand Rapids: Blackwell Limited, 2008.
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. 16 Mar. 2009 .

The Unconscious Mind and Dating.

The unconscious is an extension of self that is only partially accessible in one’s own thoughts. The best example of the unconscious being tapped, so to speak, is through dreams. Some people even live out the thoughts, hopes and needs of their unconscious minds. The unconscious mind holds back one’s feelings, wants, memories and urges. This is why people are able to live in a civilized society and not like animals.

Freud introduces a self that “learns to repress…instinctual drives and the conscious desires they instigate.” This new or other self “mold[s] aggressive and sexual impulses as well as an initially grandiose sense of self to the demands of life with others” (389). In Freud’s study of patients with neurotic symptoms they usually “engaged in behavior that frequently embodied desires or fears.” The constant repetition of this “suggested that the patient was in the grip of something outside his awareness or her control” (390). In this case, the patient is unable to control their unconscious mind. I believe little parts of our unconscious minds come out in every day life, even in situations like dating.

In Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone,” it is made evident in the lyrics that the girl in the song is with her boyfriend for reasons that are beyond her control. Perhaps she wants love and feels like a “boyfriend” can provide that. It is possible that she did not receive enough attention and or love from her parents when she was younger and therefore feels the need to reach out to anyone that will love her now. Once the girl realizes the boyfriend does not fulfill her desires or needs, she can “breathe for the first time.” Her revelation aids her in finding herself and figuring out that she does not need a boyfriend to be happy or to feel loved.

"Since U Been Gone" music video on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdxRS_GyBbM

Work Cited
Ryan, Michael. Literary Theory: An Anthology. Ed. Julie Rivkin. Grand Rapids: Blackwell Limited, 2008.
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. 3 Mar. 2009 .