So here's our comic again... even though it was posted on Jan. 19. It was located in the "older posts" so many may have not seen it yet. 
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Money See, Monkey Do....FINAL!
Have you every questioned why fads and trends occur? Most likely you haven't bothered to worry about it. As a society, when it comes to what is the latest thing to wear or the coolest word to say, the majority of us either jump right into the loop of things or take a convicting stand as to why we choose otherwise. Surprisingly enough, there is a term for this behaviour known as the bandwagon effect. The bandwagon effect is when people choose to follow others without thinking over their actions. The bandwagon effect grows as more people join on and eventually can lead to something huge (Smith). Effects can be positive, such as a movement to stop global warming, or negative, such as the numerous people who believed in Hitler’s ideas of eradicating the Jews.
Dr. Seuss's story, “King Looie Katz”, has succeeded in demonstrating how a bandwagon effect can be started and how it can end. In the story, the King of Katzen-stein, King Looie, decided his tail was too lovely to drag on the ground. Thus he ordered another kat, Fooie, to hold up his tail. Fooie, upset with his tail dragging on the ground, ordered another cat to hold up his tail. This charade caught on and spread, until all the katz were holding onto one another’s tails. The last kat, being the only one left with his tail dragging on the ground, decided that this was very unfair and so he threw down the tail he was holding. This then continued until all the katz were no longer holding anyone's tail, other than their own. This story, regardless of being fiction or intended for children, tells a very real and common story, of how one cat carelessly following another can create a much bigger affect. It is then easy for one to see how the plot from the story can be related to many real-life situations, whether in the fashion industry, in social networks or even among children’s toys. “The bandwagon effect happens on almost every level of human interaction,” (Smith).
Looking at a very popular social-network known as Facebook, it is clear that there are many similarities between the story of “King Looie Katz” and this website. In Dr. Seuss’s story, Fooie who was the kat, told to hold Looie's tail, didn't really object or question him. Was this because of Looie's authority, his influence upon the people of his city? Avril Autopsy, a regular Facebook user says “I felt pressured into opening my Facebook account. All those invitation emails and questions from friends pushed me to set up my profile. When I didn't have my account I felt out of the loop and I wasn’t invited out as much. Facebook allows me to see what everyone is up too and to add myself into the picture.” Feelings of acceptance are vital to humans as we constantly need reminders of importance to others such as family and friends. Perhaps the reason the katz followed King Looie was because they didn't want to feel left out, or punished. But how was it that the tail-holding caught on so fast? Avril says “I first started to notice Facebook when invitation emails began filling up my inbox.” Facebook allows you to import all of the contacts in your address book into invitation emails, that way you can inform everyone you know in a matter of seconds, this being “one of the most powerful viral marketing strategies” (Newton). Similarly, the katz in Katzen-stein most likely used some form of communication to spread the word or otherwise just made the other katz aware by visual advertisement.
In fashion, the bandwagon effect is almost always present. Many fashion trends become popular after people see them on a celebrity or someone that is admired. People such as Jesse Jackson, Reggie Jackson, and Michael Jackson were well-known in the 1970's, not only being noted as media icons, but also for the fashion statement they made with their hair; the afro. The hairstyle was symbolic to the Black consciousness movement, as it represented “a shift away from the "conservative" peace movement of the civil rights era to the more aggressive, militant expression of Black power” (Badfads.com). In “King Looie Katz”, the king was the figure that every cat looked up to. If it had been an ordinary kat other than the king, that had asked Fooie to pick up his tail, chances are, the bandwagon effect would not have taken place. Usually, fashion items that begin fads are around long before they’re made well-known. The bandwagon effect allows something that would normally go unnoticed to be appreciated by all. Perhaps King Looie allowed the katz to realized the importance of taking care of their tails and therefore taking care of themselves.
Another fad, which has become popular again in today's date, is Chuck Taylor's Converse. First made in 1917, Converses only became extremely popular in the 1980s when the famous basketball player, Chuck Taylor adopted them as his preferred shoe. After this was established, billions of pairs were sold worldwide. Despite the cheap rubber and canvas material, people pay approximately $70.00 per pair, and buy many styles. This is another example of how a bandwagon effect, because people jumped on the Converse Wagon, without thinking about whether the shoes were actually worth the money.
Bandwagon phenomenons regularly occur in the toy industry. During the 1980's, Cabbage Patch Kids were immensely popular. Each doll came with their own birthday, adoption papers, and birth certificate, being unique and one of a kind. In the year of 1985, they sold over $600 million in record sales (Patten). On a smaller, but just as odd scale, Pet Rocks also seemed to hit it big with the kids in the '70s. In fact, the original rocks were just ordinary gray stones, brought from store, and marketed as live pets. Other similar phenomenons took place with Raggedy Ann Dolls (1910's), Mr. Potato Head (1950's), Beanie Babies (1990's) and Barbies (first launched in 1959) (Hoffman). But what made these toys so popular? What made each child want to have one? Similarly, what made the cats want to hold up another cat's tail?
These examples all relate to the bandwagon effect. Many times, people follow others by word of mouth. The katz in Katzen-stein held up another kat'z tail simply because someone told them to. Since everyone was doing it, they felt that they should do it too. In retrospect, parents of the 80's, or any generation for that matter, were most likely following the trend of the time by observing and listening to what other people had to say, or perhaps because someone had told them to. Most people aren't too keen to buy something, or follow something that isn't popular or valued highly by the majority. However, when people hear good things or see other people with a certain product, they feel more comfortable to jump on the bandwagon. In essence, there's a comfort in large numbers and this follows through not only with the katz in Katzen-stein, but with the toy industry as well.
The bandwagon effect is clearly displayed in Dr. Seuss’s, “King Looie Katz”. The katz in the book began the bandwagon effect by jumping on without considering their actions or the consequences. They didn’t consider that they would be holding a selfish cat’s tail in front of them, without a real fundamental purpose. Most likely the katz in the book were afraid of being singled out. They all admired their king and followed him because he was important and held authority. They saw every other cat doing it, so they did it too. The only way this bandwagon effect could end was if one person realizes the negative aspect and chooses to speak up about it. It is very easy for us to take these points and see how they are present in our everyday lives, whether it takes place in fashion, toys, or hobbies. Perhaps if we take the time to ask ourselves why it is that we are taking part in these activities or agreeing with someone or even buying that toy, we will notice how we have been absorbed into these trends and fads. The kat in Dr. Seuss’s story who chose to throw down the tail he was holding was not really important, he didn’t hold much authority and he didn’t spread the word so everyone could hear his choice. He simply did what he felt was right and what he felt would benefit him. It doesn’t take someone with power to create change, it just takes one person or one kat to choose to do something for themselves.
Dr. Seuss's story, “King Looie Katz”, has succeeded in demonstrating how a bandwagon effect can be started and how it can end. In the story, the King of Katzen-stein, King Looie, decided his tail was too lovely to drag on the ground. Thus he ordered another kat, Fooie, to hold up his tail. Fooie, upset with his tail dragging on the ground, ordered another cat to hold up his tail. This charade caught on and spread, until all the katz were holding onto one another’s tails. The last kat, being the only one left with his tail dragging on the ground, decided that this was very unfair and so he threw down the tail he was holding. This then continued until all the katz were no longer holding anyone's tail, other than their own. This story, regardless of being fiction or intended for children, tells a very real and common story, of how one cat carelessly following another can create a much bigger affect. It is then easy for one to see how the plot from the story can be related to many real-life situations, whether in the fashion industry, in social networks or even among children’s toys. “The bandwagon effect happens on almost every level of human interaction,” (Smith).
Looking at a very popular social-network known as Facebook, it is clear that there are many similarities between the story of “King Looie Katz” and this website. In Dr. Seuss’s story, Fooie who was the kat, told to hold Looie's tail, didn't really object or question him. Was this because of Looie's authority, his influence upon the people of his city? Avril Autopsy, a regular Facebook user says “I felt pressured into opening my Facebook account. All those invitation emails and questions from friends pushed me to set up my profile. When I didn't have my account I felt out of the loop and I wasn’t invited out as much. Facebook allows me to see what everyone is up too and to add myself into the picture.” Feelings of acceptance are vital to humans as we constantly need reminders of importance to others such as family and friends. Perhaps the reason the katz followed King Looie was because they didn't want to feel left out, or punished. But how was it that the tail-holding caught on so fast? Avril says “I first started to notice Facebook when invitation emails began filling up my inbox.” Facebook allows you to import all of the contacts in your address book into invitation emails, that way you can inform everyone you know in a matter of seconds, this being “one of the most powerful viral marketing strategies” (Newton). Similarly, the katz in Katzen-stein most likely used some form of communication to spread the word or otherwise just made the other katz aware by visual advertisement.
In fashion, the bandwagon effect is almost always present. Many fashion trends become popular after people see them on a celebrity or someone that is admired. People such as Jesse Jackson, Reggie Jackson, and Michael Jackson were well-known in the 1970's, not only being noted as media icons, but also for the fashion statement they made with their hair; the afro. The hairstyle was symbolic to the Black consciousness movement, as it represented “a shift away from the "conservative" peace movement of the civil rights era to the more aggressive, militant expression of Black power” (Badfads.com). In “King Looie Katz”, the king was the figure that every cat looked up to. If it had been an ordinary kat other than the king, that had asked Fooie to pick up his tail, chances are, the bandwagon effect would not have taken place. Usually, fashion items that begin fads are around long before they’re made well-known. The bandwagon effect allows something that would normally go unnoticed to be appreciated by all. Perhaps King Looie allowed the katz to realized the importance of taking care of their tails and therefore taking care of themselves.
Another fad, which has become popular again in today's date, is Chuck Taylor's Converse. First made in 1917, Converses only became extremely popular in the 1980s when the famous basketball player, Chuck Taylor adopted them as his preferred shoe. After this was established, billions of pairs were sold worldwide. Despite the cheap rubber and canvas material, people pay approximately $70.00 per pair, and buy many styles. This is another example of how a bandwagon effect, because people jumped on the Converse Wagon, without thinking about whether the shoes were actually worth the money.
Bandwagon phenomenons regularly occur in the toy industry. During the 1980's, Cabbage Patch Kids were immensely popular. Each doll came with their own birthday, adoption papers, and birth certificate, being unique and one of a kind. In the year of 1985, they sold over $600 million in record sales (Patten). On a smaller, but just as odd scale, Pet Rocks also seemed to hit it big with the kids in the '70s. In fact, the original rocks were just ordinary gray stones, brought from store, and marketed as live pets. Other similar phenomenons took place with Raggedy Ann Dolls (1910's), Mr. Potato Head (1950's), Beanie Babies (1990's) and Barbies (first launched in 1959) (Hoffman). But what made these toys so popular? What made each child want to have one? Similarly, what made the cats want to hold up another cat's tail?
These examples all relate to the bandwagon effect. Many times, people follow others by word of mouth. The katz in Katzen-stein held up another kat'z tail simply because someone told them to. Since everyone was doing it, they felt that they should do it too. In retrospect, parents of the 80's, or any generation for that matter, were most likely following the trend of the time by observing and listening to what other people had to say, or perhaps because someone had told them to. Most people aren't too keen to buy something, or follow something that isn't popular or valued highly by the majority. However, when people hear good things or see other people with a certain product, they feel more comfortable to jump on the bandwagon. In essence, there's a comfort in large numbers and this follows through not only with the katz in Katzen-stein, but with the toy industry as well.
The bandwagon effect is clearly displayed in Dr. Seuss’s, “King Looie Katz”. The katz in the book began the bandwagon effect by jumping on without considering their actions or the consequences. They didn’t consider that they would be holding a selfish cat’s tail in front of them, without a real fundamental purpose. Most likely the katz in the book were afraid of being singled out. They all admired their king and followed him because he was important and held authority. They saw every other cat doing it, so they did it too. The only way this bandwagon effect could end was if one person realizes the negative aspect and chooses to speak up about it. It is very easy for us to take these points and see how they are present in our everyday lives, whether it takes place in fashion, toys, or hobbies. Perhaps if we take the time to ask ourselves why it is that we are taking part in these activities or agreeing with someone or even buying that toy, we will notice how we have been absorbed into these trends and fads. The kat in Dr. Seuss’s story who chose to throw down the tail he was holding was not really important, he didn’t hold much authority and he didn’t spread the word so everyone could hear his choice. He simply did what he felt was right and what he felt would benefit him. It doesn’t take someone with power to create change, it just takes one person or one kat to choose to do something for themselves.
Another Annotated Bibliography from Ruqayyah
This blog I found online and cited in my paragraph on Facebook was extremely helpful in backing up my idea of how the bandwagon effect can spread. The main idea that I took form this blog was that Facebook uses a marketing strategy that works very well. That strategy being, that you are able to invite all your friends to join Facebook in literally seconds. I found this blog useful for my particular needs because it gave me a fact to back up my idea. I also know that the information was reliable because the author of the blog, Vincent Newton is the creator of another website known as friendinviter.com which is also related to marketing strategies. The website where the blog is located is: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Did-Facebook-Become-So-Popular?&id=680293
Another Draft by Ruqayyah
Have you every questioned why fads and trends occur? Most likely you haven't bothered to worry about it. As a society, when it comes to what is the latest thing to wear or the coolest word to say, the majority of us either jump right into the loop of things or take a convicting stand as to why we choose otherwise. Surprisingly enough, there is a term for this behaviour known as the bandwagon effect. The bandwagon effect is when people choose to follow others without thinking over their actions. The bandwagon effect grows as more people join on and eventually can lead to something huge (Smith). Effects can be positive, such as a movement to stop global warming, or negative, such as the numerous amount of people who believed in Hitler’s ideas of eradicating the Jews.
Dr. Seuss's story, “King Looie Katz”, has succeeded in demonstrating how a bandwagon effect can be started and how it can end. In the story, the King of Katzen-stein, King Looie, decided his tail was too lovely to drag on the ground. Thus he ordered another kat, Fooie, to hold up his tail. Fooie, upset with his tail dragging on the ground, ordered another cat to hold up his tail. This charade caught on and spread, until all the katz were holding onto one another’s tails. The last kat, being the only one left with his tail dragging on the ground, decided against the unfair situation to throw down the tail he was holding. This then continued until all the katz were no longer holding anyone's tail, other than their own. This story, regardless of being fiction or intended for children, tells a very real and common story, of how one cat carelessly following another can create a much bigger affect. It is then easy for one to see how the plot from the story can be related to many real-life situations, whether in the fashion industry, in social networks or even among children’s toys. “The bandwagon effect happens on almost every level of human interaction,” (Smith).
Looking at a very popular social-network known as Facebook, it is clear that there are many similarities between the story of “King Looie Katz” and this website. In Dr. Seuss’s story, Fooie who was the kat, told to hold Looie's tail, didn't really object or question him. Was this because of Looie's authority, his influence upon the people of his city? Avril Autopsy, a regular Facebook user says “I felt pressured into opening my Facebook account. All those invitation emails and questions from friends pushed me to set up my profile. When I didn't have my account I felt out of the loop and I wasn’t invited out as much. Facebook allows me to see what everyone is up too and to add myself into the picture.” Feelings of acceptance are vital to humans as we constantly need reminders of importance to others such as family and friends. Perhaps the reason the katz followed King Looie was because they didn't want to feel left out, or punished. But how was it that the tail-holding caught on so fast? Avril says “I first started to notice Facebook when invitation emails began filling up my inbox.” Facebook allows you to import all of the contacts in your address book into invitation emails, that way you can inform everyone you know in a matter of seconds, this being “one of the most powerful viral marketing strategies” (Newton). Similarly, the katz in Katezen-stein most likely used some form of communication to spread the word or otherwise just made the other Katz aware by visual advertisement.
In fashion, the bandwagon effect is almost always present. Many fashion trends become popular after people see them on a celebrity or someone that is admired. In “King Looie Katz”, the king was the figure that every cat looked up to. If it was an ordinary cat, other than the king, that asked Fooie to pick up his tail, chances are, the bandwagon effect would not have taken place. Usually, fashion items that being fads are around long before they’re made well-known. The bandwagon effect allows something that would normally rather go unnoticed to be appreciated by all. Perhaps King Looie allowed the katz to realize the importance of taking care of their tails and therefore taking care of themselves.
When it comes to following trends and fads, it's no surprise that the fashion industry is the creator of many large bandwagon effects. Hot Pants were very popular among young women in the 70s, but frowned upon in the workplace because they were so short and revealing. Surprisingly, this fad only lasted during colder months and faded before the warm weather came, probably because showing legs was more shock-provoking during the winter months when they weren't expected (BadFads). The bandwagon effect is present in this situation because people went along with what others were doing, even though their whole legs were exposed in freezing weather.
Another fad, which has become popular again in today's date, is Chuck Taylor's Converse. First made in 1917, Converses only became extremely popular in the 1980s when the famous basketball player, Chuck Taylor adopted them as his preferred shoe. After this was established, billions of pairs were sold worldwide. Despite the cheap rubber and canvas material, people pay approximately $70.00 per pair, and buy many different pairs. This is another example of the bandwagon effect because people jumped on the Converse Wagon, without thinking about whether they're worth the money. (Darien, you need to possibly take the idea of how they only became famous after Chuck Taylor wore them and relate that to the fact that the King held authority when he started the band wagon in the story)
Another place where bandwagon effects are regular occurring is in the toy industry. During the 1980's Cabbage Patch Kids were a big fad. Each came with their own birthday, adoption papers, and birth certificate. Every single one was unique and “one of a kind”. In the year of 1985, they sold over $600 million in record sales. On a smaller, but just as odd, scale, Pet Rocks also seemed to hit it big with the kids in the '70s. In fact, the original rocks were just ordinary gray stones, brought from store, and marketed as live pets. Other similar phenomenons took place with Raggedy Ann Dolls (1910's), Mr. Potato Head (1950's), Beanie Babies (1990's) and Barbies (first launched in 1959). But what made these toys so popular? What made each child want to have one? Similarly, what made the cats want to hold up another cat's tail?
These examples all relate to the bandwagon effect, where a group of people do things because many other people do the same things, without really thinking for themselves. Many times, people follow others by word of mouth. The cats in Katzen-stein, held up another cat's tail because some one told them to. Since everyone was doing it, they felt that they should do it too. In retrospect, parents of the 80's, or any generation for the matter, were most likely following the trend of the time by observing and listening to what other people had to say. Or it was because someone told them to. Most people aren't too keen on buying something, or following something that isn't popular or valued highly by the majority. However, when people hear good things or see other people with a certain product, they feel more comfortable to “jump on the bandwagon”.
In essence, “there's a comfort in large numbers” and this follows through not only with the cats in Katzen-stein, but with toy industry as well.
Dr. Seuss's story, “King Looie Katz”, has succeeded in demonstrating how a bandwagon effect can be started and how it can end. In the story, the King of Katzen-stein, King Looie, decided his tail was too lovely to drag on the ground. Thus he ordered another kat, Fooie, to hold up his tail. Fooie, upset with his tail dragging on the ground, ordered another cat to hold up his tail. This charade caught on and spread, until all the katz were holding onto one another’s tails. The last kat, being the only one left with his tail dragging on the ground, decided against the unfair situation to throw down the tail he was holding. This then continued until all the katz were no longer holding anyone's tail, other than their own. This story, regardless of being fiction or intended for children, tells a very real and common story, of how one cat carelessly following another can create a much bigger affect. It is then easy for one to see how the plot from the story can be related to many real-life situations, whether in the fashion industry, in social networks or even among children’s toys. “The bandwagon effect happens on almost every level of human interaction,” (Smith).
Looking at a very popular social-network known as Facebook, it is clear that there are many similarities between the story of “King Looie Katz” and this website. In Dr. Seuss’s story, Fooie who was the kat, told to hold Looie's tail, didn't really object or question him. Was this because of Looie's authority, his influence upon the people of his city? Avril Autopsy, a regular Facebook user says “I felt pressured into opening my Facebook account. All those invitation emails and questions from friends pushed me to set up my profile. When I didn't have my account I felt out of the loop and I wasn’t invited out as much. Facebook allows me to see what everyone is up too and to add myself into the picture.” Feelings of acceptance are vital to humans as we constantly need reminders of importance to others such as family and friends. Perhaps the reason the katz followed King Looie was because they didn't want to feel left out, or punished. But how was it that the tail-holding caught on so fast? Avril says “I first started to notice Facebook when invitation emails began filling up my inbox.” Facebook allows you to import all of the contacts in your address book into invitation emails, that way you can inform everyone you know in a matter of seconds, this being “one of the most powerful viral marketing strategies” (Newton). Similarly, the katz in Katezen-stein most likely used some form of communication to spread the word or otherwise just made the other Katz aware by visual advertisement.
In fashion, the bandwagon effect is almost always present. Many fashion trends become popular after people see them on a celebrity or someone that is admired. In “King Looie Katz”, the king was the figure that every cat looked up to. If it was an ordinary cat, other than the king, that asked Fooie to pick up his tail, chances are, the bandwagon effect would not have taken place. Usually, fashion items that being fads are around long before they’re made well-known. The bandwagon effect allows something that would normally rather go unnoticed to be appreciated by all. Perhaps King Looie allowed the katz to realize the importance of taking care of their tails and therefore taking care of themselves.
When it comes to following trends and fads, it's no surprise that the fashion industry is the creator of many large bandwagon effects. Hot Pants were very popular among young women in the 70s, but frowned upon in the workplace because they were so short and revealing. Surprisingly, this fad only lasted during colder months and faded before the warm weather came, probably because showing legs was more shock-provoking during the winter months when they weren't expected (BadFads). The bandwagon effect is present in this situation because people went along with what others were doing, even though their whole legs were exposed in freezing weather.
Another fad, which has become popular again in today's date, is Chuck Taylor's Converse. First made in 1917, Converses only became extremely popular in the 1980s when the famous basketball player, Chuck Taylor adopted them as his preferred shoe. After this was established, billions of pairs were sold worldwide. Despite the cheap rubber and canvas material, people pay approximately $70.00 per pair, and buy many different pairs. This is another example of the bandwagon effect because people jumped on the Converse Wagon, without thinking about whether they're worth the money. (Darien, you need to possibly take the idea of how they only became famous after Chuck Taylor wore them and relate that to the fact that the King held authority when he started the band wagon in the story)
Another place where bandwagon effects are regular occurring is in the toy industry. During the 1980's Cabbage Patch Kids were a big fad. Each came with their own birthday, adoption papers, and birth certificate. Every single one was unique and “one of a kind”. In the year of 1985, they sold over $600 million in record sales. On a smaller, but just as odd, scale, Pet Rocks also seemed to hit it big with the kids in the '70s. In fact, the original rocks were just ordinary gray stones, brought from store, and marketed as live pets. Other similar phenomenons took place with Raggedy Ann Dolls (1910's), Mr. Potato Head (1950's), Beanie Babies (1990's) and Barbies (first launched in 1959). But what made these toys so popular? What made each child want to have one? Similarly, what made the cats want to hold up another cat's tail?
These examples all relate to the bandwagon effect, where a group of people do things because many other people do the same things, without really thinking for themselves. Many times, people follow others by word of mouth. The cats in Katzen-stein, held up another cat's tail because some one told them to. Since everyone was doing it, they felt that they should do it too. In retrospect, parents of the 80's, or any generation for the matter, were most likely following the trend of the time by observing and listening to what other people had to say. Or it was because someone told them to. Most people aren't too keen on buying something, or following something that isn't popular or valued highly by the majority. However, when people hear good things or see other people with a certain product, they feel more comfortable to “jump on the bandwagon”.
In essence, “there's a comfort in large numbers” and this follows through not only with the cats in Katzen-stein, but with toy industry as well.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Monkey See, Monkey Follow
Monkey See, Monkey Follow
Have you ever questioned why fads and trends occur? Most likely, you haven't bothered to worry about it. As a society, when it comes to what is the latest thing to wear, or the coolest word to say, the majority of us either jump right into the loop of things, or take a convicting stand as to why we choose otherwise. Surprisingly enough, there is a term for this behaviour known as the bandwagon effect. The bandwagon effect is when people choose to follow others without thinking over their actions. The effect grows as more people join on and eventually can lead to something huge. (Smith). Effects can lead to both positive effects, such as movement to stop global warming, and negative effects, such as the numerous amount of people who believed in Hitler’s ideas of eradicating the Jews.
Dr. Seuss's story, “King Looie Katz” demonstrates an example of the bandwagon effect. In the story, the King of Katzen-stein, King Looie, decided his tail was too lovely to drag on the ground. Thus, he ordered another cat, Fooie, to hold up his tail. Fooie, upset with his tail dragging on the ground, ordered another cat to hold up his tail. This charade followed on with the other cats, and everyone began holding each other’s tail, until the last cat took it upon himself to throw down the tail he was holding. This effect continued until all the cats were no longer holding anyone's tail, other than their own. Seuss’s stories, regardless of being fiction or not, hold a sense of truth to them. “King Looie Katz”, sets an example of how one cat following another can create a bandwagon effect. It's easy to see how the plot from the story can be relatable to the real-life situations and similar occurrences, whether it is in the fashion industry, in social networks or even among children’s toys. The bandwagon effect happens on almost every level of human interaction (Smith).
Looking at the very popular social-network site known as Facebook, it is clear that there are many similarities between the story of “King Looie” and this website. In King Looie, the cat who was told to hold Looie's tail, didn't really object or question him. Was this because of Looie's authority, and his influence upon the people of his city? Avril Autopsy, a regular Facebook user says, “I felt pressured into opening my facebook account. All those invitation emails and questions from friends pushed me to set up my profile. When I didn't have my account I felt out of the loop. When I didn't have an account I wouldn't be invited out as much. Facebook allows me to see what everyone is up to and to add myself into the picture”. Feelings of acceptance are vital to humans as we constantly need reminders of importance to others such as family and friends. Perhaps the reason the cats followed King Looie was because they didn't want to feel left out, or punished. But how was it that the tail-holding caught on so fast? Avril says, “I first started to notice Facebook when invitation emails began filling up my inbox.” Facebook allows you to import all of the contacts in your address book into invitation emails, that way you can inform everyone you know in a matter of seconds. This being one of the most powerful viral marketing strategies (Newton). Similarly the cats in Katzen-stein most likely used some form of communication to spread the word, or otherwise just made the other cats aware by visually spreading the word.
In fashion, the bandwagon effect is usually always present. Many fashion trends become popular after people see them on a celebrity or someone that is admired. People such as Jesse Jackson, Reggie Jackon, and Michael Jackson were large in the 1970's, not only noted for being large media icons, but for their fashion statements they made with the hair; the afro. The hairstyle was symbolic to the Black consciousness movement, as it represented “a shift away from the "conservative" peace movement of the civil rights era to the more aggressive, militant expression of Black power” (Badfads.com). In “King Looie Katz”, it can be considered that the king was the figure that every cat looked up to. If it was an ordinary cat. chances are, the bandwagon effect would not have taken place. Usually, the fad was around before that person made it popular, but what makes it popular was the person wearing it.
Another fad, which has become popular again in today's date, is Chuck Taylor's Converse. First made in 1917, Converses only became extremely popular in the 1980s when the famous basketball player, Chuck Taylor adopted them as his preferred shoe. After this was established, billions of pairs were sold worldwide. Despite the cheap rubber and canvas material, people pay approximately $70.00 per pair, and buy many different pairs. This is another example of the bandwagon effect because people jumped on the Converse Wagon, without thinking about whether they're worth the money.
Bandwagon phenomenons took place with children's toys as well. During the 1980's, the Cabbage Patch Kids was immensley popular. Each doll came with their own birthday, adoption papers, and birth certificate, being unique and one of a kind. In the year of 1985, they sold over $600 million in record sales (Patten). On a smaller, but just as odd scale, Pet Rocks also seemed to hit it big with the kids in the '70s. In fact, the original rocks were just ordinary gray stones, brought from store, and marketed as live pets. Other similar phenomenons took place with Raggedy Ann Dolls (1910's), Mr. Potato Head (1950's), Beanie Babies (1990's) and Barbies (first launched in 1959) (Hoffman). But what made these toys so popular? What made each child want to have one? Similarly, what made the cats want to hold up another cat's tail?
These examples all relate to the bandwagon effect. Many times, people follow others by word of mouth. The cats in Katzen-stein held up another cat's tail because someone told them to. Since everyone was doing it, they felt that they should do it too. In retrospect, parents of the 80's, or any generation for the matter, were most likely following the trend of the time by observing and listening to what other people had to say. Or it was because someone told them to? Most people aren't too keen on buying something, or following something that isn't popular or valued highly by the majority. However, when people hear good things or see other people with a certain product, they feel more comfortable to jump on the bandwagon. In essence, there's a comfort in large numbers and this follows through not only with the cats in Katzen-stein, but with toy industry as well.
The bandwagon effect is clearly displayed in Dr. Seuss’s, “King Looie Katz”. The cats in “King Looie Katz” jump on the bandwagon without considering their actions. They didn’t consider that they would be holding a selfish cat’s tail in front of them, without a fundamental purpose. In Suess's story, the reason to why the bandwagon effect occurs varies. Perhaps it was because none of the cats wanted to be singled out. Perhaps it was because they admired their king and followed him because he was popular. Perhaps it was because they saw every other cat doing it, so they did it too. Or perhaps it was all of these reasons that caused the effect.
Regardless, this phenomenon is also present in our everyday lives, whether it takes place in fashion, toys, or hobbies. So the next time one plans on doing something, they should wonder if they are doing it for themselves or just jumping on the bandwagon like the cats in Katzen-stein.
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Annotated Bibliography (so far - Uzma's)
Source #1:
“Afro Haircut” Badfads.com 2006. January 25, 2009. <http://www.badfads.com/pages/fashion/afro.html>
This small summery about the afro haircute was very useful the the essay. The website contains a numerous amount of fashion fads throughout the years. All of them were simple, giving a short back history to when it occured, and straight to the point. Previously, a different fad (Hot Pants) was used from this site, however, it was found that the afro hairstyle was more relatable to the topic at hand, as it could be relatable to a reason on why bandwagon effects take place.
Source #2:
Hoffman, Leah. “Popular toys of the last 100 years” msnbc.msn.com December 12, 2005.
January 16, 2009. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10387831/ >
This article was helpful, as it noted the most popular toy trends of each era, starting from the 1900's – over 100 years ago. It gave some breif information on several toys that were quite popular and how much they have sold (Potato Head and Crayola). The article also gave insight on how “toys aren't always a hit the year, or even the decade, they're created.” Quickly brushing over some playthings that were one hit wonders. Overall, only a small part was used for the essay, however, it was a very insightful and interesting article on popular toys.
Source #3:
Patten, Denise Van. “Whatever Happened to Cabbage Patch Dolls?” About.com 2001.
January 17, 2009. <http://collectdolls.about.com/library/weekly/aa090101a.htm >
The article sheds light on the Cabbage Patch Dolls, and gave a lot of insightful detail on how popular the toy really was back in the day. Patten gives a good introduction and pre-history of the dolls. She also wrote about the craze of the toys, and “After the Craze, the Crash”. She ends with asking about what happened to the cabbage patch dolls, and giving “One Final Cabbage Patch Moment”. The article also gave side links to related resources and articles similar to the topic. In the essay, the article was used to give a little bit of the backstory of the dolls and what came with the package (adoption papers, names, etc).
Responsiblies
Ruqayyah: Introduction + Social networking paragraph
Darian: Conclusion + Fashion paragraph
Uzma: Comic + Toys paragraph + added Afro part
Yet Another Draft
Remove/look at bolded parts.
Have you ever questioned why it is that fads and trends occur? Most likely, you haven't bothered to worry about it. As a society, when it comes to what is the latest thing to wear, or the coolest word to say, the majority of us either jump right into the loop of things, or take a convicting stand as to why we choose otherwise. Surprisingly enough, there is a term for this behaviour known as the bandwagon effect. The bandwagon effect is when people choose to follow others without thinking over their actions. The bandwagon effect grows as more people join on and eventually can lead to something huge. (Smith). Effects can be both positive, such as movement to stop global warming, and negative, such as the numerous amount of people who believed in Hitler’s ideas of eradicating the Jews.
Dr. Seuss's story, “King Looie Katz” demonstrates an example of the bandwagon effect. In the story, the King of Katzen-stein, King Looie, decided his tail was too lovely to drag on the ground. Thus, he ordered another cat, named Fooie, to hold up his tail. Fooie, upset with his tail dragging on the ground, ordered another cat to hold up his tail. This charade followed on with the other cats, and everyone began holding one another’s each other’s tail, until the last cat took it upon himself to throw down the tail he was holding. This effect continued until all the cats were no longer holding anyone's tail, other than their own. However, Seuss’s stories, regardless of being fiction or not, hold a sense of truth to them. “King Looie Katz”, sets an example of how one cat following another can create a bandwagon effect. It's easy to see how the plot from the story can be relatable to the real-life situations and similar occurrences, whether it is in the fashion industry, in social networks or even among children’s toys. Taking this plot from the story and relating it to real-life situations is makes it easy to find a variety of similar occurrences.(This is repetitive of the sentence before it)The bandwagon effect happens on almost every level of human interaction (Smith).
A Looking at the very popular social-network site known as Facebook, it is clear that there are many similarities between the story of “King Looie” and this website. In King Looie, the cat who was told to hold Looie's tail, didn't really object or question him. Was this because of Looie's authority, and his influence upon the people of his city? Avril Autopsy, a regular Facebook user says, “I felt pressured into opening my facebook account. All those invitation emails and questions from friends pushed me to set up my profile. When I didn't have my account I felt out of the loop. When I didn't have an account I wouldn't be invited out as much. Facebook allows me to see what everyone is up to and to add myself into the picture”. Feelings of acceptance are vital to humans as we constantly need reminders of importance to others such as family and friends. Perhaps the reason the cats in Katzen-stein followed King Looie was because they didn't want to feel left out, or punished. But how was it that the tail-holding caught on so fast? Avril says, “I first started to notice Facebook when invitation emails began filling up my inbox.” Facebook allows you to import all of the contacts in your address book into invitation emails, that way you can inform everyone you know in a matter of seconds. This being one of the most powerful viral marketing strategies (Newton). Similarly the cats in Katzen-stein most likely used some form of communication to spread the word, or otherwise just made the other cats aware by visually spreading the word.
In fashion, the bandwagon effect is usually always present. Many fashion trends become popular after people see them on a celebrity or someone that is admired. In “King Looie Katz”, it can be considered that the king was the figure that every cat looked up to. If it was an ordinary cat, other than the king, chances are, the bandwagon effect would not have taken place. Usually, the fad was around before that person made it popular, but what makes it popular is the person wearing it.
When it comes to following trends and fads, it's no surprise to consider the fashion industry to be the creator of many large bandwagon effects. There are a several fashion fads in history that can display the Bandwagon Effect like “King Looie Katz” does. For example, Hot Pants were very popular among young women in the 70s, but frowned upon in the workplace because they were so short and revealing. Surprisingly, this fad only lasted during colder months and faded before the warm weather came, probably because showing legs was more shock-provoking during the winter months when they weren't expected (BadFads). The bandwagon effect is present in this situation because people went along with what others were doing, even though their whole legs were exposed in freezing weather.
Another fad, which has become popular again in today's date, is Chuck Taylor's Converse. First made in 1917, Converses only became extremely popular in the 1980s when the famous basketball player, Chuck Taylor adopted them as his preferred shoe. Is this necessary? (I think this is necessary because we’re proving the point that Chuck Taylor’s only became necessary after he started wearing them, not before-Darian) After this was established, billions of pairs were sold worldwide. Despite the cheap rubber and canvas material, people pay approximately $70.00 per pair, and buy many different pairs. This is another example of the bandwagon effect because people jumped on the Converse Wagon, without thinking about whether they're worth the money.
Another bandwagon phenomenon took place during the 1980's with Cabbage Patch Kids. These dolls were all the craze with kids (This is an awkward sentence-Darian). Each came with their own birthday, adoption papers, and birth certificate. Every single one was unique and “one of a kind”. In the year of 1985, they sold over $600 million in record sales. On a smaller, but just as odd scale, Pet Rocks also seemed to hit it big with the kids in the '70s. In fact, the original rocks were just ordinary gray stones, brought from store, and marketed as live pets. Other similar phenomenons took place with Raggedy Ann Dolls (1910's), Mr. Potato Head (1950's), Beanie Babies (1990's) and Barbies (first launched in 1959). But what made these toys so popular? What made each child want to have one? Similarly, what made the cats want to hold up another cat's tail?
These examples all relate to the bandwagon effect, where a group of people do things because many other people do the same things, without really thinking for themselves. Many times, people follow others by word of mouth. The cats in Katzen-stein held up another cat's tail because someone told them to. Since everyone was doing it, they felt that they should do it too. In retrospect, parents of the 80's, or any generation for the matter, were most likely following the trend of the time by observing and listening to what other people had to say. Or it was because someone told them to? Most people aren't too keen on buying something, or following something that isn't popular or valued highly by the majority. However, when people hear good things or see other people with a certain product, they feel more comfortable to “jump on the bandwagon”. In essence, “there's a comfort in large numbers” and this follows through not only with the cats in Katzen-stein, but with toy industry as well.
CONCLUSION: The Bandwagon Effect is clearly displayed in Dr. Seuss’s, “King Looie Katz”. It is “an observed social behaviour in which people tend to go along with what others do or think without considering their actions” (S.E. Smith, WiseGeek.com). The cats in “King Looie Katz” jump on the bandwagon without considering their actions. They didn’t consider that they would be holding a selfish cat’s tail in front of them, without a fundamental purpose. The Bandwagon Effect is also present in our everyday life, in fashion, toys, and hobbies. When one plans on doing something, they should consider whether they are doing it for themselves, or to prove something to other people by just jumping on the bandwagon.
Have you ever questioned why it is that fads and trends occur? Most likely, you haven't bothered to worry about it. As a society, when it comes to what is the latest thing to wear, or the coolest word to say, the majority of us either jump right into the loop of things, or take a convicting stand as to why we choose otherwise. Surprisingly enough, there is a term for this behaviour known as the bandwagon effect. The bandwagon effect is when people choose to follow others without thinking over their actions. The bandwagon effect grows as more people join on and eventually can lead to something huge. (Smith). Effects can be both positive, such as movement to stop global warming, and negative, such as the numerous amount of people who believed in Hitler’s ideas of eradicating the Jews.
Dr. Seuss's story, “King Looie Katz” demonstrates an example of the bandwagon effect. In the story, the King of Katzen-stein, King Looie, decided his tail was too lovely to drag on the ground. Thus, he ordered another cat, named Fooie, to hold up his tail. Fooie, upset with his tail dragging on the ground, ordered another cat to hold up his tail. This charade followed on with the other cats, and everyone began holding one another’s each other’s tail, until the last cat took it upon himself to throw down the tail he was holding. This effect continued until all the cats were no longer holding anyone's tail, other than their own. However, Seuss’s stories, regardless of being fiction or not, hold a sense of truth to them. “King Looie Katz”, sets an example of how one cat following another can create a bandwagon effect. It's easy to see how the plot from the story can be relatable to the real-life situations and similar occurrences, whether it is in the fashion industry, in social networks or even among children’s toys. Taking this plot from the story and relating it to real-life situations is makes it easy to find a variety of similar occurrences.(This is repetitive of the sentence before it)The bandwagon effect happens on almost every level of human interaction (Smith).
A Looking at the very popular social-network site known as Facebook, it is clear that there are many similarities between the story of “King Looie” and this website. In King Looie, the cat who was told to hold Looie's tail, didn't really object or question him. Was this because of Looie's authority, and his influence upon the people of his city? Avril Autopsy, a regular Facebook user says, “I felt pressured into opening my facebook account. All those invitation emails and questions from friends pushed me to set up my profile. When I didn't have my account I felt out of the loop. When I didn't have an account I wouldn't be invited out as much. Facebook allows me to see what everyone is up to and to add myself into the picture”. Feelings of acceptance are vital to humans as we constantly need reminders of importance to others such as family and friends. Perhaps the reason the cats in Katzen-stein followed King Looie was because they didn't want to feel left out, or punished. But how was it that the tail-holding caught on so fast? Avril says, “I first started to notice Facebook when invitation emails began filling up my inbox.” Facebook allows you to import all of the contacts in your address book into invitation emails, that way you can inform everyone you know in a matter of seconds. This being one of the most powerful viral marketing strategies (Newton). Similarly the cats in Katzen-stein most likely used some form of communication to spread the word, or otherwise just made the other cats aware by visually spreading the word.
In fashion, the bandwagon effect is usually always present. Many fashion trends become popular after people see them on a celebrity or someone that is admired. In “King Looie Katz”, it can be considered that the king was the figure that every cat looked up to. If it was an ordinary cat, other than the king, chances are, the bandwagon effect would not have taken place. Usually, the fad was around before that person made it popular, but what makes it popular is the person wearing it.
When it comes to following trends and fads, it's no surprise to consider the fashion industry to be the creator of many large bandwagon effects. There are a several fashion fads in history that can display the Bandwagon Effect like “King Looie Katz” does. For example, Hot Pants were very popular among young women in the 70s, but frowned upon in the workplace because they were so short and revealing. Surprisingly, this fad only lasted during colder months and faded before the warm weather came, probably because showing legs was more shock-provoking during the winter months when they weren't expected (BadFads). The bandwagon effect is present in this situation because people went along with what others were doing, even though their whole legs were exposed in freezing weather.
Another fad, which has become popular again in today's date, is Chuck Taylor's Converse. First made in 1917, Converses only became extremely popular in the 1980s when the famous basketball player, Chuck Taylor adopted them as his preferred shoe. Is this necessary? (I think this is necessary because we’re proving the point that Chuck Taylor’s only became necessary after he started wearing them, not before-Darian) After this was established, billions of pairs were sold worldwide. Despite the cheap rubber and canvas material, people pay approximately $70.00 per pair, and buy many different pairs. This is another example of the bandwagon effect because people jumped on the Converse Wagon, without thinking about whether they're worth the money.
Another bandwagon phenomenon took place during the 1980's with Cabbage Patch Kids. These dolls were all the craze with kids (This is an awkward sentence-Darian). Each came with their own birthday, adoption papers, and birth certificate. Every single one was unique and “one of a kind”. In the year of 1985, they sold over $600 million in record sales. On a smaller, but just as odd scale, Pet Rocks also seemed to hit it big with the kids in the '70s. In fact, the original rocks were just ordinary gray stones, brought from store, and marketed as live pets. Other similar phenomenons took place with Raggedy Ann Dolls (1910's), Mr. Potato Head (1950's), Beanie Babies (1990's) and Barbies (first launched in 1959). But what made these toys so popular? What made each child want to have one? Similarly, what made the cats want to hold up another cat's tail?
These examples all relate to the bandwagon effect, where a group of people do things because many other people do the same things, without really thinking for themselves. Many times, people follow others by word of mouth. The cats in Katzen-stein held up another cat's tail because someone told them to. Since everyone was doing it, they felt that they should do it too. In retrospect, parents of the 80's, or any generation for the matter, were most likely following the trend of the time by observing and listening to what other people had to say. Or it was because someone told them to? Most people aren't too keen on buying something, or following something that isn't popular or valued highly by the majority. However, when people hear good things or see other people with a certain product, they feel more comfortable to “jump on the bandwagon”. In essence, “there's a comfort in large numbers” and this follows through not only with the cats in Katzen-stein, but with toy industry as well.
CONCLUSION: The Bandwagon Effect is clearly displayed in Dr. Seuss’s, “King Looie Katz”. It is “an observed social behaviour in which people tend to go along with what others do or think without considering their actions” (S.E. Smith, WiseGeek.com). The cats in “King Looie Katz” jump on the bandwagon without considering their actions. They didn’t consider that they would be holding a selfish cat’s tail in front of them, without a fundamental purpose. The Bandwagon Effect is also present in our everyday life, in fashion, toys, and hobbies. When one plans on doing something, they should consider whether they are doing it for themselves, or to prove something to other people by just jumping on the bandwagon.
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