Culture can effect the meaning of a product. Culture can be defined as being either high or low. Philosophy, intellectual pursuits and arts are parts of high culture. Examples of low culture are everyday goods and services as well as popular activities, entertainment and sports.
Barbie
The Barbie doll is very famous and is an icon of western culture. The original Barbie from the 60s is blonde with pouty red lips, large blue eyes, very long legs and extreme proportions. With these physical characteristics, Barbie represents power and sexuality. The qualities such as large blue eyes and blonde hair are also found commonly in babies. Barbie’s physical characteristics connote innocence, unquestioning love, manipulation and sweetness. These are qualities often associated with powerless babies and small children. This idea of innocent, submission and compliance will often make the surrounding men feel powerful. Barbies extreme proportions perpetuations the idea of more is more and draws attention to the inbalance between the sexes.
The same Barbie doll brought to Nigeria would create a different response. As she looks and acts differently to these girls growing up in Nigeria, she would be seen as just a doll instead of a role model.
The same Barbie doll brought to Nigeria would create a different response. As she looks and acts differently to these girls growing up in Nigeria, she would be seen as just a doll instead of a role model.
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| Original Barbie Doll with her blonde hair, blue eyes and extreme proportions. |
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| A current Bratz doll, also with Blonda hair, blue eyes and extreme proportions. Designed to follow the current fashion and style |
Culture
Culture is the process of societies intellectual, spiritual and aesthetic development. Eg philosophers, poets etc. It refers to a particular way of life of a people, period or group. (the development of literacy, the types of sports played and the celebration of festivals.) Culture also includes works and practices of intellectual and artistic activity such as novels, ballet, opera and fine art.
Popular Culture
Popular culture is a phenomenon evolving out of the consumerist and emerging youth culture of the 60s and 70s. Products of popular culture are accessible and mass produced. Popular culture is produced by industry and is consumed and popularized by word of mouth and the media.
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