Reading Journal 8

Barker Chapter 5

Consequently workers' identifications and identities shift from location in the sphere of production to that of consumption (152)

Consumer culture in which the creation of lifestyles is centered on consumption of aesthetic signs (153)

Cultural imperialisms stresses growth of "sameness" and a presumed loss of cultural autonomy (159)

I took these quotes from the text because I think they clearly define Barker's attempt of capitalistic construction. After reading this chapter I see that Barker is clearly concerned with the globalization of consumerism. I often see people using the terms consumerism as synonomous with capitalism when I don't find those the same at all. It's like saying that cars are defined by gasoline engines because MOSE cars are run by that. Or in fact the most noteworthy are run by that. Capitalism should not be defined by consumerism.

As a Christian, I have intense problems with the consumer culture as described above. It is wasteful and materialistic and counter to most of the teachings of the Bible. Unfortunately most of Western societies have chosen consumerism as their vehicle of capitalism and as greed and the love of money (which again from the Bible) is a problem THOUSANDS of YEARS old, the shift toward things creates problems in society. The method of recognizing and rewarding those who work harder to incentivize others to work hard (for a common purpose and the good of most...for all is impossible) is how I see capitalism.

Coca-cola representing global homogenization: I noticed while travelling that while the basic logo is the same the ingredients vary in each country. Primarily in the form of sweetener used. Because America has chosen to embrace the cheaper alternative of corn syrup the taste and texture of the sode is different than that of other countries. I hope that the other countries will hold on to their beliefs and maintain the use of the more expensive sweetener as the corn syrup alternative is showing signs of causing health issues. I was curious how much of this is pure economic decision for making the drink versus what the people of the other country would be willing to drink. Which in itself is an economic decision i suppose.

Question: How do cultures still maintain their identity while taking part in global consumerism?

Spring Chapter 9
Texas and California's textbook hearings are extremely important for publishers (229)

This chapter of the book most struck my attention with respect to the Society-School Nexus we discussed in class. Even more specifically the idea that two states listed here (when in my experience it is more like 11 states) determine through alteration of their standards what information, knowledge and skills are considered appropriate for the entire nation by default.

Question: How can teachers, parents and students themselves force their voices to be heard in the textbook selection process? Many of the people on the state board are eleceted officials who may have NO EDUCATION experience! Why are we accepting this???

Texas textbook selection is governed by state laws that require the promotion of democracy, patriotismm and free enterprise. (230)

In addition, knowledge is not politically neutral or agreed upon by all scholars (232)

Again this falls under the umbrella of the School-Society Nexus. Politics is used to guide standards, curriculum, and textbooks taught by teachers who are embedded in this nexus and perhaps afraid to push boundaries to create students who are not willing to or even able to question the use of and ideas presented by these politics.

Question: How much of the process are parents willing to be engaged in? And would the engagement of parents not misrepresent the many children with parent who cannot participate because of economic or language reasons?