Return of the Mack

Museum Communication meets Metropolis: At the museum, look for two examples of science or technology to relate to the film: 1 - Find an exhibit that suggests the film was accurate in communicating the future. 2 - Find an exhibit that suggests the film was inaccurate in its vision of the future.

At the communication museum, I notice that metropolis was correct in its assertion of the time cards punching in for work. Till this day most of society still use time cards as a way to get on the schedule for work. The time cards aid the company's schedule as a way to keep track of employees payroll. The time cards have been used for centuries but now in an electronic form. The exhibit that suggests the film was inaccurate in its vision of the future was the robot depicted as the evil force. Robots technology helps humans produce more products at a faster pace. Robots provide for an easier way of life and less stress on the industrial worker. 

Dimeo, Hunt & Horbury, “The Individual and the State: A Social Historical Analysis of the East German ‘Doping System’” explores a governmental scandal about a sports/medical technology. Compare this to a contemporary sports scandal of your choice, using at least two quotes from the reading. Take a local photo to illustrate the East German doping scandal in some way, and another photo to illustrate the scandal you choose.

TThe East German Doping Scandal was a way for east germans to compete on a global scale especially with the Olympics. According to Dimeo, Hunt, & Horbury, “some athletes were not informed that they were taking drugs, such sweeping and confusing statements provide insufficient consideration to the micro-level sociological issues at stake”(p.223). The state continues to dope its athletes because the cost of country unity and nationalism outweigh the consequences of the ethics of doping. The thought of winning out way any consequence that the government knew about the drugs.  The idea is of winning at any cost is the same idea that is what plague the NCAA in America. An example is a Play for pay scandal in NCAA basketball where the university would give thousands of dollars to recruits so that they can stack their team, giving them the best shot of winning a championship for the school (ESPN). Louisville was a primary example of the pay for play scandal.  As stated by Diemo, “The physicians are presented as willing accomplices despite their medical training and ethical responsibilities”(p. 223).  Just as the Coaches and Athlete directors knew about the actions of there players and ethically did not do anything to stop the cheating. The same actions done by the East German doctors are the same as the Head Coaches and Athlete directors. 

Prompt 2: You have now seen the Mercedes-Benz arena & museum, the BMW Motorcycle Factory, and the VW Autostadt. How are these various locations similar in terms of stakeholder engagement? In what ways are they different? As a tourist viewing these locations (rather than as a local fan, a native German, or a customer), which was more effective in creating a compelling experience for you? Think about the Ramshaw reading as you answer, and include specific examples

On various excursions to the different automotive companies use communication to appeal to a particular audience. Each one of these companies offers a unique experience for the visitors to grasp. The engagement for each company is similar to the approach to the customer, however, there are some fundamental differences. Stakeholders are individuals who have express interest in the location of the business. According to Ramshaw “a diverse range of social practices, processes, and experiences through which people invest things, sites and practices with value and sentiment”(p.18). The elements of similarity from all the companies values that each company communicated to their clients.  Whether it was precision at BMW,  Mercedes-Benz fashion/style, or Volkswagen futuristic technologies aim to aid the environment. The embracement of cultures throughout the world to promote their products. 

The difference between each company is the level of communication from all the companies. The approach to BMW was to persuade you at the end of the tour to buy a BMW motorcycle. Mercedes-Benz dealt more with promoting the company as recognizable and trusted brand throughout the world. Especially the history of the car seen as with every pivotal point in history.  Volkswagen was about informing and the customer about the environment and the best ways to minimize the damage caused by their cars. The experience of being behind the wheel of one of their signature brands. Essence to market to all the people regardless of economic status. 

My favorite museums were both Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen because of the way they market themselves as the best in the standard. And the many styles and designs for each car.

Prompt 3: At Teufelsberg this week you will see a lot of graffiti. It's a cultural phenomenon here - highly skilled artists have been allowed to paint the walls of this defunct spy station. Some murals have lasted years, while others are painted over from one week to the next. As Ledingham tells us, “Public relations is best defined and practiced as the active attempt to restore and maintain a sense of community.” How is this graffiti a function of community building/maintenance? How might this space be different in the U.S.? Would the owners of this property or the federal government be likely to allow this long-term graffiti haven to continue untouched by anyone who isn't part of the community? Post a selection of murals to illustrate your post.

The Graffiti is a function of the community to demonstrate that all groups of people can appreciate the fact that their neighbors are representing everyday citizens through the expression of art. Graffiti art forms to where people can express their feelings and thoughts that are able to leave a long-lasting impression on a city. This often borders on vandalism when done on private or public property. The graffiti art demonstrates the cultural values shared in this country. The graffiti on the walls reflects the attitudes and values that the Germans pride themselves in the openness of the acceptance of people, ideas, and the environment in which they live. Graffiti provides a voice for people in society who also want to be heard. Graffiti then becomes the number one way to express their feelings and emotions.  This space in america would be frown upon by society in america because our culture see graffiti as vandalism and not art. The important stakeholders would be the government as a way to promote green spaces. also for the government to preserved the space as a reminder of the history that the country has endured during the years. The government willingness to be transparent to their citizens in having a space dedicated to the history, art, and environment for future generations.

Research the GPDR online privacy regulations that went into effect last Friday. Link to an official government communication from the EU or another governmental body about these new technological restrictions. Then, find an example of art or advertising in the city you’re in (not online) that deals with similar issues of privacy or surveillance.

European Union Data Protection Regulation is the one first laws in 20 years that specifically guarantees the rights of citizens to privacy is protected. The law sets rules and compliance for business and organizations to follow whether they are big or small. From this regulation individual citizens have more control over their personal data than ever before. Business benefit from an equal level playing field in the realm of the internet and social media. According to the European Union Commission, this law ensures that fundamental right Europeans has to their privacy on the web the nature of law has to do more with the question of ethics and civil liberties. The Commission launches an online toolkit to help stakeholders prepare for the application of the Regulation and, with the support of the Representation offices, an information campaign in all Member States. (EU). With the advent of social media technology, the government is going to utilize more surveillance technology to enforce the law. These technological advancements would only increase the ability of the government to track and control what citizens could potentially read or see on the web. The art from the eastside gallery embodies the issues with privacy and surveillance. The thumb is a symbol of Twitter and social media and the freedom that individuals can freely surf the web. However, if you look closely at the art you can see a chain attached to the thumb surveillance your actions.  

Prompt 3: Luke Lalor from AlphaPool Content Marketing is coming to talk with us about his firm and what they do. For this post, you need to take careful notes during Luke's talk so that you can go out this week and find an example of something he discusses. Specifically, you need to identify a concept he discusses, then find an example of that practice (1) done well, and (2) done poorly.

AlphaPool is a consulting firm that mainly works with Image branding, customer promotion, and media promotion for clientele. The primary job of Luke Lalor is the point person between the company and the clientele that he represents. Also, he creates ideas that aid with the framing of his ideas. The motto that Luke tries to live each day with his customers is to recognize that they “don’t know the value of something until you tell them.” The importance of being honest and authentic with your customer. The company engages in broad message campaign with the aid of social media platform. Luke Laor express the value of experiencing the value of trial and error. Trial and error allow for the company to alter or change their techniques or methods when working with their customers. Trial and error is something that AlphaPool has done well in order to be successful. Another success for the company is to have personalities that are employees of the company. For instance, the use of language translators from within the company gives the company a unique advantage by having personal embedded with the culture. The company gets a sense of the different markets throughout the world and how to strategically market their clientele products. AlphaPool understands the value of Cross-Cultural Communication firmly giving the company an advantage. Luke Lalor is successful at what he does is sheer fact that he has the personality to have that personal relationship with his customers. However the company has done poorly is to update their website periodically with new photos, testimonials, and information. Having that personal relationship quality Luke learned to set rules and boundaries with the client/friends the use of contracts are essential. “You must have the view of being disciplined in business and set the rules with your clients”.Overall AlphaPool nows how to advertise and market ideas and products very well.

Advertising / Public Sphere: Public Communication and Democracy. Find an example in Berlin (not TV, online, etc.) of communication from a regional, city, or national governmental body about a particular technology. Drawing on Habermas, examine it first from a public sphere perspective: What information is needed about this technology for citizens of a democracy to have informed civic debate and deliberation about it? Then, drawing on Jaganathan et al, examine it from a rhetoric of advertising perspective: What persuasive arguments might a manufacturer or distributor of the same technology want to make to the public?

The technological iconic that uses its public sphere as a way to communicate democracy is the Berlin Siegessaule or The Victory Column. This Technological marvel symbolizes man-kinds quest to have meaning and achievement in life. The bronze sculpture at the top of the column weighs 35 tons and measures 8 meters and 30 centimeters. Created by Friedrich Drake, this figure represents Victoria, the goddess of victory, the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Nike. She is holding a laurel wreath in one hand and, in the other, a spear as a military standard, decorated with an iron cross set in a wreath. Since her helmet is adorned by an eagle, the goddess can also be read as symbolizing Borussia, the personification of Prussia. Locals, though, have a less respectful nickname for this gilded bronze statue and call it the Goldelse, the “Golden Elsie”.The Victory Column’s viewing platform is set directly below the figure of the goddess at the top of a spiral staircase of 285 steps. With the staircase narrowing as it approaches the top, this climb requires a high level of fitness and a pair of strong healthy lungs in order to survive. According to Habermas public sphere could be defined as a place where a realm of our social life in which a public opinion can be formed (p.1). Victory Column allows for private individuals to assemble in order to form a public body (p.1). Basically, the people need to understand the history and the cultural significance of the Victory Column. The government uses the Victory Column as a way to advertise to the world and its citizens that Germany is a country that has achieved a lot of success since being reunification in 1990′s. According to Jaganathan, “The language of advertising influences the purchasing behavior of its customers by providing information and persuading them to buy a certain product”(p.1). Victory Column uses a personal image as well as a psychological factor for companies to buy and invest in Germany. The product is economic ideas and free form of expression. Also, in 2008 former President Barack Obama gave his most famous speech from Victory Column when running for president. 

Computerspielmuseum / DDR Museum: Public Communication of Sports Sciences and Technologies. Compare and contrast an example from each museum that talks about, shows, or otherwise presents a science or technology used in sports. Embed a music video of one song you would choose to play along with each sport (one for each, two songs total). Use supporting quotes from McLeod to explain why you chose those songs.

In the Computerspiel Museum, there were a lot of technologies that have been used for the public communication of sports.  An example of a technology used in today’s sports would be the first electronic/computer chess game. Chess players spend a lifetime grinding their craft, practicing openings, studying endgames, solving studies, and much more. The professional chess players see the computer chess game as both an advantage and disadvantage to the game of chess. According to Bobby Fischer, the worlds greatest chess player noted that computer chess games aids in the assistance of the player to quickly developed their chess skills. Also, Mr. Fischer commented that this new form takes away from the authenticity of the game of chess and could potentially damage the game by cheating via computer assistance. The song that I would use to associate with playing chess would be Joe Esposito, “You're The Best Around.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oomCIXGzsR0

According to McLeod, the energy and rhythm of rock music primarily demanded a physical response(p.6). This song truly reflects the energy that individual player like in the game of chess must overcome setbacks and promote a positive image of your self with the material at hand. In the DDR museum, I saw where East Germany glorified the sport to the extent where the scientific knowledge of the enhancement of Drugs would increase East Germans ability to compete. The songs like rock music clearly demonstrate the culture and the spirit of competition. The East was willing to do anything to win in sports to reinforce their brand and ideology. As reported by McLeod, “ Increasingly became focused on the lyrics and on the creation of music which promoted more passive intellectual contemplation, often enhanced by the kinesthetic experience of psychedelic drugs”(p.6). Sports,  likewise,  entered  an  era  of  increasing  experimentation  with  performance-enhancing drugs(p.7). An example of the music that depicts this era would be the song, "Hearts on Fire” by John Cafferty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swo51-CG9Ss. The lyics of  the song talks about the drive to compete and ultmaitly win at what ever cost.

Prompt 2: Capture an image from the portion of the BMW Motorcycle factory where we’re allowed to have photos – anything you like (something cool, obviously). Discuss the concept of communicating/connecting with internal & external stakeholders, and how this tour accomplishes both of those things (refer to the entire tour and to things we learn from the tour guide and the promo videos). Draw specific connections to the Zerfass reading - quotes w/ page numbers are a good way to do this.

The BMW company in Berlin is one of 30 sites in 14 countries on four continents. The BMW motorcycle factor in Berlin is a prime example of internal and external communication. The location in Berlin is an example of external communication that specifically targets motorists enthusiast worldwide. The international production network offers a distinct advantage for the customers. The idea of open dialogue through the concept of international dialogue that demonstrates the values of BMW such as honesty and authenticity to their clientele.  Since globalization is apart of everyday business it is imperative that companies are aware of the advantages of embracing an international culture appeal. On the tour of the BMW motorcycle factory, I noticed that BMW makes motorcycles that appeal to every customer throughout the world. Specifically, with the motorcycle designs, BMW ensures that they meet the standards and automotive laws of the countries that the customers live in. According to Zerfass, “the development of public relations as a profession globally correlates with historical developments in three areas: communication, democracy, and global social interdependence” (p. 2). BMW through their brand use communication and global social interdependence to help form open and healthy dialogue by the ideology of a democracy.  BMW company through the lecture has placed a tremendous value of diversity and inclusion. The products that BMW motorcycles produced appeals to every demographic group which includes race, ethnicity, age, and gender. Internally BMW communicates to their employees to develop a sense of inclusion and community. Throughout the tour, I saw the first-hand embracement of differences that people bring to the company.  For example, the different hairstyles and differences in wearing the uniforms the company issues to their employees. In addition, the pictures in the breakroom, the high fives, and dancing to the music on the radio while on the assembly line demonstrates the company willing to be flexible to the principle of diversity and inclusion. BMW being adaptive to their employees allow them to be precise in their production of motorcycles. 

Prompt 1 (extended): Pick a concept from the chapter 14 reading on cross-cultural communication and PR that you have seen exemplified during our time here so far. Perhaps at a cafe you've witnessed differences in how space is used (Proxemics). Maybe on a weekend trip you've seen ways that people from some countries view time differently than we tend to (Chronemics). Or perhaps you've seen a really clever ad that bridges cultural/linguistic boundaries. Post a photo or video, and explain how it captures or illustrates the concept you choose.

Culture is a way of thinking and living whereby one picks up a set of attitudes, values, norms, and beliefs that are taught and reinforced by other members in society. This set of basic assumptions and solutions to the problems of the world is a shared system that is passed on from generation to generation to ensure survival. A culture consists of unwritten and written principles and laws that guide how an individual interacts with the outside world. Members of a culture can be identified by the fact that they share some similarity. They may be united by religion, by geography, by race or ethnicity.

Our cultural understanding of the world and everything in it ultimately affects our style of communication as we start picking up ways of one’s culture at around the same time we start learning to communicate.  Culture influences the words we speak and our behavior.

Ecoland / Tempelhofer Feld: Public Communication of Health Sciences and Technologies. Find the community gardens at Tempelhofer Feld. Compare how they communicate sciences and/or technologies of health (such as nutrition, sustainability, etc.). What values are expressed? How are they similar? Different? Do you see any miscommunications?

The Tempelhof Airport in its present form was built between 1936 and 1941 by the Nazi Regime in Germany. At the time Tempelhof Airport is the largest monument in Europe stands for the monumental self-staging of the National Socialists. During the Cold War, the Tempelhof Airport has become a symbol of freedom through the Berlin Airlift of 1948 (City of Berlin).  The Airport structure consists of the ellipse of the airfield and the huge complex of buildings.  This consists of a sequence of symmetrical components: a court of honor flanked by two office wings;  the reception and check-in hall;  and the 1230 meter longbow of the hangars. Tempelhof Airport has the largest hangars and Airport at least within Europe.

The city of Berlin sought fit to use the Tempelhof Airport as a signature park for the citizens of Berlin and the visitors to the city. Tempelhofer field communicates the science of being healthy with the adequate exercise. The city is promoting the science of gardening through commonly used goods. For example, the old shoes like Jordans, Nikes, and Adidas are utilized as flower pots to grow flowers. The city hopes to encourage its citizens to recycle materials like shoes to help persevere and protect the earth. According to Mclelland, the temporary house in the park is a prime example of the scientific process of experimentation to demonstrate the effective use of temporary housing in an eco-friendly park with the addition of community gardens. 

Prompt 3 (extended): We visited Sachsenhausen this week. The holocaust undeniably was a crisis, and created a series of cascading crises for Germany, Europe, and the world over the following months and years. Thinking about the Guth reading, how does Sachsenhausen function as a response to that crisis? How does the organization utilize Sachsenhausen (and museums/memorials like it) to pursue healing, restoration, and a prospective vision for the future with the various publics affected by the holocaust? Make specific connections to both the Guth reading and the ECC (Effective Crisis Comm) reading - again, quotes are a good way to do this.

We as a human race constantly live in a world of chaos and disaster brought by natural disasters or man-made disasters. On the tour of Sachsenhausen, I notice that the museum/ memorial utilize the space to perform an open dialogue for visitors to express themselves in that space. According to Guth, he defines public relations as a planned management function that fosters two-way communications between an organization and the public as an important step to success.  The tour guide from the organization was well trained to answer potential questions about the history of Sachsenhausen and the to facilitate an open dialogue about racism. The tour guide was a facilitator or mediator between the organization and visitors to Sachsenhausen. The organization still see racism as a threat to mankind but they address the problem by opening the inside of the camp to visitors this enable s the organization to address the questions/problems about the racism and genocide.  The ultimate goal of Sachsenhausen is to offer Remembrance of the victims that lost their lives during the Holocaust. In addition, Sachsenhausen, wants us to make connections with the lessons of the Holocaust are present in our daily lives and directly connect to world events. The organization wants to ensure that visitors need to recognize their own responsibility in making sure that genocide does not happen again. We must all take action and respond whenever we see hatred, prejudice, and antisemitism.   The environment at Sachsenhausen aids in the complex-dynamic that helps with persuading and informing a visitor about the Holocaust. Sachsenhausen embodies the organizational renewal theory emphasizes opportunities to grow and learn from the crisis. As long as Sachsenhausen stands the buildings, fences, and memorials serve the public as reminders that we as human beings must not let mass genocide or any form of genocide to never happen again. We have the choice to act on what is ethical and morally right for the betterment of society.

Briefly describe how the readings by Nebel and Stobbe and Sun relate to one of the types of miscommunication of science and technology we have discussed. Find an example of public communication of science or technology here that also evidenced one of the types of miscommunication and explain how?

The ‘Nazi Titanic’, was a 1943 German wartime propaganda film commissioned by Joseph Goebbels who was the Third Reich’s Minister of Propaganda. The main intent behind the film was to demonstrate to the world the superority of Nazi Germany in terms of filmmaking. In addition, the film was to illustrate the corrupt behavior of the capitalist British and Americans.  

The types of miscommunication involved in the film are technology determinism, oversimplification, and ideology. Technology determinism is the prevailing attitude that technology determines history. Technology has its own will and essential writes humans out of the picture. In the film, the technological marvel of the Titanic leads to the owner of the ship as well as the captain to put their trust in man-made products /technology rather than their trust in scientific knowledge about the maritime sea.

 Oversimplification according to Nobel is erasing the complexity of sci/tech by focusing on sensationalistic detail. One of the main themes that kept reoccurring throughout the movie is the sense of greed and entitlement by the wealth capitalist owners. The Nazi oversimplified the message in the movie Titanic to get the impression that the Western governments only care about money and not the safety or welfare of its people. 

Lastly, the most important component of the film was the ideology put forth by the propaganda ministry that fundamental led to the film is a prime example of miscommunication.  Ideology shared beliefs or “what everyone knows”. The  ideology of Nazi Germany at the time was one of the superiority of the Aryan race that evolved around the idea of racism and prejudices stereotypes.   The main character, First Officer Peterson, who is German, begs the ship's rich, greedy owners to slow the ship down, but they refuse, which directly led to the Titanic hitting the iceberg. Petersen reflected the ideology/culture at the time was that Germans should be calm and collective and put their duty before family or individual pleasure. In the end, the Nazi version of the Titanic was not shown because of the detrimental impact it could have on the German people. Joseph Goebbels forbid the film to be shown to German people because the film to closely resemble the allied bombings that led to the death of millions of Germans and the film would cause panic within the German people.

How is the Mercedes-Benz Arena utilized for public relations? Who are the key publics here, how are they engaged, and what types of relationship management strategies are employed to engage with these publics? Again, using information learned on the tour is a good idea.

The Mercedes -Benz Arena is the oldest stadium in Germany that still remains inside the city. The stadium holds about 65,000 seats after the team renovated the stadium from 2009-2011. The renovation was designed to offer their fans more seats. On the far side of the stadium, the stadium staff offers a pull-up device that allows for the fans to stand up that gives the stadium staff the opportunity to fill the stadium up to capacity. Or the stadium staff can offer comfort to the fans by converting stands into seats which means fewer people in the stadium. The ability for the stadium to offer this accommodation demonstrates the values of the Mercedes- Benz company to offer the best experience and customer satisfaction. With the extension of the stadium with the addition of the box seats,  gives the team opportunity to attract new corporate partnerships that will enhance its image. 

The Mercedes-Benz Arena is used as a way to promote sports entertainment for the German sports club VfB Stuttgart. Mercedes uses the stadium as a way to enhance the values of the company as well as the values of the city. When we toured the stadium they reflected the values that city of Stuttgart believes in.

The relationship between the fans, media, and corporate sponsorships. Throughout the lower level of the stadium, there are backdrops so the media can do interviews quickly and conveniently with the players. In addition to that, they have the tradition press room. These accommodations demonstrate the willingness for the company to engage with the press as a positive step to an open/professional relationship with the team.

The Way of the Future

Review notes on Futurism. Read “The Furturist Manifesto.” What exhibit at the Mercedes Benz Museum do you think Marinetti would like the most? Why?

 According to F.T Marinetti,  “No reason to die unless it is the desire to be rid of the too great weight of our courage! We drove on, crushing beneath our burning wheels, like shirt-collars under the iron, the watch dogs on the steps of the houses.” On the tour at the Mercedes museum, I notice these two cars as a symbol of the enduring human spirit to have the courage and to fully embrace the desire and the adrenaline of the speed of the car. You should not feel ashame or guilty for taking a chance for the advancements in speed car. The death of some many drivers for Mercedes is a result of creative destruction. Just When Marinetti alluded in the Futurist Manifesto that,  “Death, tamed, went in front of me this at each corner offering me his hand nicely, and sometimes lay on the ground with a noise of creaking jaws giving me velvet glances from the bottom of puddles.” For the death of these people created an opportunity for the advancement in the creation of a faster and efficient car. As the cars got faster the in the sports cars so did the fashion such as the goggles, hats, gloves, jackets.  The images that Mercedes had throughout the museum with celebrities, political figures, and everyday folks is a “testament to all the living men of the earth. “ It takes some sweat, tears, and failure to fully live out the meaning of the human endurance and that’s what defines a person.

What sciences and technologies are communicated during the tour of Ecoland? Find one example to describe in detail. How effective do you think it is?