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In 2015, as part of their “Up for Whatever” campaign, Bud Light released cans with this statement reading “The Perfect Beer for Removing ‘No’ from your Vocabulary for the Night.”

On the surface, I actually can kind of understand why someone may have thought this could have been a good, creative slogan to show customers that Bud Light will loosen them up for the night or help them have a good time. However, how this got past a room of executives or supervisors is shocking. 

This slogan was designed to cause engagement, and while it certainly did, it didn’t draw the engagement Bud Light was likely looking for. Instead, it drew engagement from many consumers who were appalled at how this slogan undermines the threat of date-rape, one of the most common concerns for people(especially women) when drinking. This slogan was out around the same time as the MeToo movement was popular and the phrase “No Means No” was becoming widespread. Many felt that this slogan on the can went completely against this phrase and was preaching the exact opposite. 

The idea of Bud Light loosening you up or making you “Up for Whatever” was then perceived as encouraging reckless behavior when drunk. This was a complete fault of the ad because there is genuine value to beer “loosening” you up and making you more social and outgoing. At the end of the day, that’s why many drink it in the first place. However, this ad and choice of slogan instantly shifts the thoughts of the consumer on to the worst of outcomes and instills the fear of possible bad outcomes of drinking the beer. So while the ad is certainly offensive, it is also just a very poor sell. 

Finally, I think the ad is made worse by the fact that the slogan is on the can. I think it actually would have presented different value and been perceived differently if it weren’t on the can and instead were on a billboard or TV ad for example. In those cases, I think it could be seen as more of a pitch for a fun, exciting time when drinking the beer. It might get people out buying the beer in the first place, but forget about the poor wording of the slogan later. However, the slogan does kind of the opposite. The consumer already has it in their hand, so it doesn’t necessarily need to be sold anymore and the slogan just sitting there in the hand of the drinker can only lead to negatives really at that point.  

 

The first artifact is titled “It’s a wonder there aren’t more serious accidents”. It was made by Ding Darling in 1924. The second artifact is titled “Vote today.” It was made by Signe Wilkinson in 2020. I plan to focus my civic engagement speech on “It’s a wonder there aren’t more serious accidents”. Both of these artifacts are meant to encourage citizens to get out and vote. 

I chose these two artifacts because voting is one of the most important and main forms of civic engagement. I remember the times leading up to the 2020 election where it was advertised everywhere to register to vote and get out and vote. I wanted to be able to look at one artifact that was from a time that I was alive for and can recall and compare it to one from a different time period. Therefore, I thought it would be interesting to look at and analyze two artifacts encouraging voting from two very different times and situations. 

In 1924, America was in the midst of the roaring twenties. Life was good. Calvin Coolidge was the incumbent president and he was seen as a pretty laid back president. He was a man of few words and was generally well accepted by the public. 

Fast forward to 2020 and America is in the middle of the COVID pandemic, the economy is suffering, and the country feels very divided. Additionally, the incumbent president is Donald Trump who – whether you like him or hate him – was a very controversial and polarizing president. 

I think some of these differences of times are very prevalent at the surface level in these cartoons. In “It’s a wonder there aren’t more serious accidents”, the cartoon is focused on encouraging voting for the reason of keeping the “government machine” going. It emphasizes the problem that a lack of citizens voting will lead to the government veering off track or not functioning properly. 

In “Vote today.”, there is a clear different method and reasoning for encouraging voters to vote. The cartoon showcases two extreme sides of American politics and voters at the time. This cartoon uses the divided state of American voters as it way of encouraging more of them to vote. By implying that their inaction can lead directly to the winning of the other side, it motivates any voters who were staying on the sidelines due to the thought that their vote doesn’t matter or it won’t have an effect to get out and vote. 

I think it will be very interesting to further compare and contrast these two artifacts in my essay and also further explore the similarities and differences of America at the two times. The concept of voting is something that hasn’t really changed over these 100 years, however, the sentiment around it I feel definitely has and that’s why I think it will be interesting to further explore these two artifacts. 

 

“It’s a wonder there aren’t more serious accidents”  by Ding Darling, 1924

“Vote today.” by Signe Wilkinson, 2020

Quite the opposite of “Good Will Hunting”, “Inception” is a movie that forces laser focus from the viewer throughout the movie. It’s intense, exciting, but also a little confusing at times. Furthermore, the imagery throughout the movie and the effect it has is certainly amazing. However, I really love this movie for the way it pushes your mind throughout the movie and especially for the thought provoking, very meaningful ending. 

One of the most striking aspects of “Inception” is its breathtaking visual imagery. The film takes you on a journey through various dreamscapes, each more vivid and surreal than the last. From the chaotic streets of Mombasa to the gravity-defying hotel hallway fight scene, every frame is a testament to Nolan’s mastery of visual storytelling. The dreams within dreams create a layered, visually mesmerizing narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

On top of the amazing imagery, the plot of “Inception” is a puzzle that demands the audience’s full attention. Dom Cobb, brilliantly portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, is a skilled extractor who enters people’s dreams to steal their deepest secrets. However, when he is offered a chance at redemption by performing an inception—implanting an idea into someone’s subconscious—he embarks on a mission that takes us through a web of dreams within dreams, blurring the lines between reality and the dream world.

As the story unfolds, the tension mounts as Cobb and his team navigate the complex dreamscape of their target, Robert Fischer. The film’s relentless pacing keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, creating a sense of exhilaration that is seldom matched in cinema.

With such a bizarre and fantastical story, it is crucial that the actors do a great job to successfully portray the emotions, tension, and intensity of the plot. I feel that the cast of Inception went above and beyond. DiCaprio is always great and this movie is no exception. Throughout the viewing, you become very understanding of his motivations and connected to his character. This further brings the audience along for the wild ride of a story that this movie presents.  

The most important and meaningful part of this movie is the ending. At the end of the movie, Cobb is reunited with his kids and spins his iconic totem on the table as a way to test if he is in a dream or not. However, he walks away before seeing whether or not it falls. After a full movie of pursuing this mission to be back with his kids in real life, he adopts a completely different perspective that it doesn’t necessarily matter whether he is in a dream or not, as long as he is with his kids. Similar to after watching “Good Will Hunting”, this caused me to reflect on my life and why certain things really matter. It even made me question what makes reality so different from dreams and how valuable dreams can really be. Overall, “Inception” is a wonderful film that is very entertaining and also very thought provoking. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great unique movie. 

From old, classic Disney movies to modern day intense thrillers, movies have been a part of our lives since our early stages of development. Whether it be in theaters, through a dvd player, or on Netflix, watching movies is a fun and easy way to enjoy yourself for a couple of hours and even get a good story out of the experience. I personally love movies and I find many of the ‘great’ movies leaving a lasting impression on me through either their great stories, a meaningful message, or certain characters. This is what I plan to write about in this thread of passion blog posts. I will pick some of my favorite movies I’ve watched, and not only give a brief review and rating of it, but also try to analyze and explain its deeper meaning and the effects it had on me. I will start off with the most recent movie I watched: Good Will Hunting.

I loved this movie for its laid-back vibe and character-driven storytelling. It’s a refreshing change from intense thrillers, offering a relaxed viewing experience. The film shines in character development, creating a strong connection with Will and his friends through unique humor and deepening their personalities. This connection enhances the impact of Will’s character development and the movie’s main message. It’s a fun, easy-to-watch film that balances entertainment with meaningful storytelling.

The movie shows the immense character development of the main character Will and it does it in a pretty unique way. Will starts out as somewhat of a delinquent with little care in advancing his life. Further in the movie, we learn about his past that likely dictates this. However, through his mentoring and therapy sessions, he is enlightened on many important lessons and aspects of life that someone of his age might not have experience with. From relationships, to future success, to priorities, Will slowly learns and transforms and as the audience, we get to hear and see these same lessons with Will and almost learn with him as well. 

As a pretty young person myself, this movie’s lessons and message particularly resonated because I could relate to and understand a lot of Will’s experiences and the lessons he picked up along the way could be applied to my life as well. I ended up going into a pretty reflective state for about an hour after watching the movie thinking about how I can focus on the more meaningful things in life and develop more meaningful relationships. I loved this experience and would highly recommend this movie to anyone, but especially younger people as it can help you reflect and improve your own life. 

In an era where environmental concerns should unite us as stewards of the Earth, the state of discourse in American society regarding the environment is disappointingly divided and often takes on a religious fervor. The very essence of rational debate and pragmatic problem-solving has been overshadowed by impassioned dogmas and polarized viewpoints, leaving little room for productive discussions and comprehensive solutions. It’s time we recognize this alarming trend and work towards a more nuanced and inclusive conversation.

Environmental issues have become a topic where people cling to their beliefs with the passion of religious zealots. Instead of examining scientific evidence and engaging in thoughtful conversations, individuals often retreat to their ideological talking points, unwilling to entertain differing viewpoints. This dogmatic approach hinders any meaningful progress. Climate change denial, for instance, is often rooted in ideological stubbornness, dismissing a wealth of scientific consensus. However, blind support of the newest “green” technology or policy can have just as negative of an effect. Religious undertones have further exacerbated this issue. For some, environmentalism has taken on the role of a new-age religion, complete with its own dogmas, symbols, and moral imperatives. 

To combat this divisive and religious rhetoric, we must strive for a more inclusive and evidence-based conversation. It’s essential to recognize that environmental issues are intricate, with no one-size-fits-all solution. Embracing diverse perspectives, from climate scientists and economists to policymakers and everyday citizens, can pave the way for holistic solutions that balance ecological well-being with human needs.

Furthermore, fostering scientific literacy is crucial to bridging the gap between differing viewpoints. Encouraging education on climate change, environmental economics, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of various green technologies can empower individuals to make informed decisions rather than relying on preconceived notions or sensationalized narratives.

I believe that more and more in recent years this religious mindset on certain issues has definitely risen. It is not just present in environmentalism, but also with gun control, abortion, and many other issues. I believe this mindset is detrimental as it causes both sides to ignore reasonable facts and data in order to preserve the status of their ideology. Not only does this hinder our ability to find the best solutions to these problems, but it also leads to a very divisive culture in our society that is good for no one. There seems to be an overall mindset developing that if someone has ideas that are not the same as mine, they are wrong. Again, this is a dangerous way of thinking and furthers unnecessary divisiveness in our society.