Annotations of a Bibliography

Academic Source

McCracken G., (June, 1986), Culture and Consumption: A Theoretical Account of the Structure and Movement of the Cultural Meaning of Consumer Goods Vol. 13, Retrieved from: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2489287?seq=1

A culmination of over 30 years as a large corporate consultant gives Grant McCracken sway within the field of anthropology, and amongst his most recognised works is his first book ‘Culture and Consumption’. This reading elucidates McCracken’s ideas that cultural meaning is “constantly in transit” (G. McCracken, 1986) and is subject to the whims of producers, advertisers and the consumer as a collective. He labels the process of cultural meaning affecting the consumer with diagrams and explanations, stipulating the transition that occurs when fashion, advertising and other such entities produce goods for individual consumer markets. He often uses many effective examples to show that culture is a blueprint for human activity, which suggests to the audience that culture is a main constituent of the modern consumerist world by “supplying it with meaning” (G. McCracken, 1986). Some of his larger ideas that permeate the text include one that cultural categories are integral to the functionality of this blueprint, and other such extrapolations upon these notions. A plethora of citations are included in his writing, to substantiate (not always directly) his various claims, and making this book a timeless benchmark for any subsequent discussions regarding culture and consumption.

Print Media

Owen, M. (2012, May 23), Women told to ‘ignore sex bias at work’ The Australian. pp. 6.

            Michael Owen of The Australian has presented a fair and balanced report in of South Australia’s Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond’s statement concerning discrimination against women in the workplace. Unlike the many articles that filtered through the internet after Ms Redmond’s statement which belligerently attacked her reasoning, Owen shows the audience both sides of the story. It is a true representation of Redmond’s speech at the function, with a factual take on the varied opinions surrounding her advice. He doesn’t leave much to speculation, using quotes from Ms Redmond and others to bolster the integrity of the article, making it a worthy reference. Owen has organised his information to have the most recent and relevant at the forefront, allowing one to quickly sift through what can sometimes be a cumbersome quagmire of information that isn’t so useful. He provides viewpoints from the woman to whom the advice was directed and Elizabeth Broderick (the Sex Discrimination Commissioner) which allows the audience a lot of accessibility to the topic, and makes it easy for one to relate to either side of the difference of opinion within the article. Starting with the original quote that is under dispute, he continues to give new snippets of lesser importance of Ms Redmond’s speech with reactions from various women’s rights supporters, rounding out the article as a very unbiased, useful and organised resource.

Internet Article

Novak L., (May 2012), Ignore discriminaction, Isobel Redmond tells women, News.com, Retrieved from: http://www.news.com.au/business/your-business/ignore-discrimination-isobel-redmond-tells-women/story-fn9evb64-1226364123189

            This article written by Novak is deceptive in the way it seems like a balanced recount of events, but when read intimately is more one sided than one would like. She never goes out of her way, but the writer manages to include subtle hints she doesn’t support Ms Redmond’s claims. The subtle bias is enough to deter one from using this as a source, but also the amount of original content supported with quotes rather than paraphrasing is lacking. The quotes used are relevant as such, but are still not quite as supportive of the story and representation of events that Novak attempts to display. When Redmond is quoted in the article, it is positioned to make it seem weaker, rather than letting the audience have the straight fact. “…she does not think there [is] 'any point in confrontation' over discrimination” is one example where the quote is weakened to make the article pitched towards one side of the argument. One downfall of this article is its inherent need to appeal to the fast-pace of the internet. Unlike Owen who, comparatively could take his time and delve in to larger detail, Novak seems to gloss over a lot of detail and leave her report very unsupported. Overall this article is ill-suited as a source, more so in juxtaposition with Owen’s report.

Radio Source

Fidler R., (May 2012), ABC Local Radio, SA: Conversations with Richard Fidler, Retrieved from: http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/local/adelaide/201205/r946304_10058559.mp3

            The last source is a radio interview with Ms Redmond, concerning her statements and advice given to the conference. Unlike the above sources, this provides an insight without third party speculation which makes this interview a very useful resource. Ms Redmond is put on the spot about her various disputed comments and gives her recount of what transpired and what she believes she meant. Although sometimes harsh and quick-tempered, Fidler provides fair question and like any interviewee, questions Ms Redmond’s defence. He quotes the luncheon conference, and asks her to explain her choice of words, giving her a chance to dispel conjecture. Although it becomes obvious Fidler takes a different standpoint to Ms Redmond, he still allows her to speak her mind, unlike the previous source, which without doubt surreptitiously excluded and included certain quotes and tailored her words to suit the writer's own underlying agenda. The complete interview includes her reaction to quotes of workplace bullying from Rupert Murdoch, and also opinions of callers who get their say in this discussion. If writing a piece on Ms Redmond and her advice for dealing with sexual discrimination in the workplace this would be a very direct, unbiased and informative source that is strengthened by its primary nature and lack of writers’ interference.