Commodification

Evil Does Not Exist: powerful Japanese eco-drama about one community’s fight against intrusive land development

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

The film is a feat of storytelling that beautifully juxtaposes the enormity of grief with the everyday mundane.

Key Points:

The film is a feat of storytelling that beautifully juxtaposes the enormity of grief with the everyday mundane.
His new film, Evil Does Not Exist, is equally powerful in its use of juxtaposition.
Evil Does Not Exist follows Takumi and his daughter Hana as village life is turned upside down by a large conglomerate called Playmode.

Scenes from real life

His role as a woodcutter and water-gatherer crafts a rich tapestry of the rhythms of rural existence.
His observations, whether about the local flora or the nuances of woodland life, resonate with the film’s understated yet profound narrative style.
The glamping development is positioned in stark contrast to the village’s symbiotic relationship with nature.
The company want to expand into the natural environment and bring things along that could pollute and destroy the woodland.

A changing social fabric

The encroachment of Playmode is not just a threat to the village’s environmental harmony, but also to its social fabric.
The company’s plans to create an enclave for tourists in the local village, is emblematic of capitalist urban expansion and shows disregard for the intrinsic value of the community’s way of life.
The villagers’ resistance, portrayed through their articulate and passionate defence of their land and lifestyle alludes to countless real life resistances against the commodification of nature and culture.

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Oli Mould does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

To protect user privacy online, governments need to reconsider their use of opt-in policies

Retrieved on:

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Collection, Research, Privacy, European, Information Systems Research, Information system, Government, Commodification, University, Cambridge Analytica, Legislation, Privacy Act, CCPA, Online shopping

Consumers are not too happy with these requests and some even look for ways to avoid them.

Key Points:

Consumers are not too happy with these requests and some even look for ways to avoid them.
These pop-ups are in response to recent data protection and privacy regulations, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation and California’s Consumer Privacy Act.

Commodification of user data

Almost every website — both for-profit and not-for-profit — commodifies user data.
Within the first three seconds of opening a web page, over 80 third parties on average have accessed your information.
The usage of user data by third parties can be helpful, as it is an easy way for companies to earn money and it can easily connect consumers to any resources they are looking for.

The impact of privacy policies

Previously, we analyzed the privacy implications of website monetization strategies and the prediction of website trustworthiness by observing their third-party usage.
Recently, our focus has shifted to studying the impact of data regulation on consumers and websites to understand the impact of new privacy policies.
We collected third-party utilization of the most popular 100,000 websites globally when California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) went into effect.

Learning from past mistakes

In Canada, where privacy regulation is not yet finalized, there is an opportunity to learn from the mistakes of other regulators.
As our research has found, opt-in policies are counterproductive in addressing third-party data-sharing concerns and can harm competition.
Instead, we recommend using a mix of policies that are used in a more precise manner, rather than the currently preferred one-size-fits-all policies.

Hooman Hidaji receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Ram Gopal receives funding from The Gillmore Centre for Financial Technology at the Warwick Business School.

Forget flowers, the greatest gift for 18th century romantics was the heart of a deceased lover

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

My research into 18th century preservation practices led me to a favourite book that details these heart histories of the famous and infamous: historian Charles Bradford’s quirky tome, Heart Burial (1933).

Key Points:

My research into 18th century preservation practices led me to a favourite book that details these heart histories of the famous and infamous: historian Charles Bradford’s quirky tome, Heart Burial (1933).
Amazingly sweeping and entertaining, the book narrates the heart journeys of many – primarily western – military, religious and political figures.
One such figure, the diplomat Sir William Temple (1628-1699), is buried next to his wife in Westminster Abbey.

The practice of preserving the heart – the ancient symbol of the soul and emotion – was not uncommon.
But for people in the 18th century, as this case and others show, it also symbolised lovers being united in death.

Literary hearts

Perhaps the most storied literary heart is that of poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822).
Italian law required the cremation of a drowning victim’s body, so Shelley’s corpse was laid upon a funeral pyre on the shores of the sea, with literary luminaries such as Lord Byron and Leigh Hunt in attendance.

The Shelleys’ son, Sir Percy Florence, had his father’s heart encased in silver and placed on display at Boscombe Manor.
Upon his death in 1889, the heart was laid to rest in the family vault at St Peter’s Church, Bournemouth.

Hungry hearts

In May 1821, Napoleon Bonaparte’s corpse was autopsied over two days before it was to be transported from St Helena to France.
Napoleon had requested his intestines be preserved and given to his son, and his heart be sent to his wife Empress Marie-Louise.
When rumours circulated in January 1928 regarding the heart of renowned English novelist Thomas Hardy, many were in disbelief.

Placing the dead cat with the remainder of the heart in a box, he left the Hardy residence, surrounded by mourners, and proceeded to St Michael’s where the contents were buried.
Though Napoleon’s and Hardy’s storied hearts also serve as reminders, perhaps, that we shouldn’t take romantic traditions too seriously.

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Jolene Zigarovich does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Why South Korea is banning the sale of dog meat

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

People, Death, Legislation, Research, Farmer, Animal, Commodification, Attention, Meat, COVID, Dog, Government, Risk, Association, Sale, Neolithic, Human, Movement, Stigmata, 1988 Summer Olympics, News, 2018

The South Korean dog meat trade will officially end in 2027 after a bill was passed making the slaughter of dogs and the sale of dog meat for human consumption illegal in the country (though the consumption of dog meat will still be legal).

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The South Korean dog meat trade will officially end in 2027 after a bill was passed making the slaughter of dogs and the sale of dog meat for human consumption illegal in the country (though the consumption of dog meat will still be legal).
The news has been embraced in South Korea as a long-awaited victory by many animal protection organisations.
Dog meat is the fourth-most consumed meat in South Korea after pork, beef and chicken.

Stigmatisation of a practice

But an important moment of national and international friction around the practice occurred in the run-up to the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.
Influential South Korean public and political figures took a public stance in favour of dog meat as a national cultural symbol.
It was reported that the hiding of dog meat restaurant signs and dog carcasses had once again been introduced by the government.

A practice in sharp decline

In recent decades, a civil movement led by animal protection charities has campaigned for the end of the trade.
It could be argued that the COVID pandemic has also played a part in the sharp fall in dog meat consumption in recent years.
Since then, municipal authorities have opened a dialogue with dog retailers to negotiate the demolition of dog slaughtering facilities.

The perspective of the dog farmers

Since 2014, some of these municipalities have agreed to compensate dog meat retailers for closing dog meat stalls in traditional markets.
However, now that a full ban is coming into effect, dog meat farmers are requesting compensation schemes as this new law will directly affect their livelihoods.
The Korean Dog Meat Association has been arguing that the bill represents an abuse of power that overlooks the perspective of many South Koreans, and that it infringes on the right to choose what one wants to eat.

Julien Dugnoille received funding from the Korea Foundation and the Academy of Korean Studies to conduct part of the research on which this paper is based. John Knight does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Gothic getaways: the rise and evolution of 'dark tourism' festivals

Retrieved on:

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Mention October 31st and the mind instantly fills with images of trick-or-treating and the inevitable paraphernalia of pumpkins, polyester cobwebs, and witch hats.

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Mention October 31st and the mind instantly fills with images of trick-or-treating and the inevitable paraphernalia of pumpkins, polyester cobwebs, and witch hats.
It was also a day when, according to Celtic beliefs, the veil between the living and the dead is particularly permeable.
Notable authors included Mary Shelly, Walter Scott, Edgar Allen Poe, and especially Bram Stoker, whose classic Dracula was published in 1897.

Dracula rising

One of the better known “dark tourism” festivals is the Whitby Goth Weekend, which takes place in the Yorkshire town where Stoker spent his holidays and from which he drew inspiration for Dracula.
In the novel, Stoker gives a detailed account of the town’s layout, architecture and spooky atmosphere.

The Bram Stoker Festival is a playful celebration of his most famous literary creation.
It includes the family-friendly theme park “Stokerland”, literary walking tours, and lectures about his life and legacy.
The festival attracts everyone from families looking to entertain their children over the Halloween weekend to Gothic fiction enthusiasts.

When participation becomes co-creation

Many are there for the alternative music events, shopping at the local markets, or socialising.
This intersection of participation and observation draws in many photographers when the festival takes place in April and October.

As a result, the dressed-up participants do not simply experience the festival as passive attendees, they become a festival attraction themselves, co-creating the festival experience.
Some simply enjoy the performance aspects, while others use them to express what they see as their “true” identities.

Selling darkness

While some may remind us of long-standing traditions, as is the case of the Celtic celebration Samhain, others show clear signs of commodification.
Together, they become an integral part of the “commodification of darkness”, making them an under-recognised component of festival marketing.

Dark tourism destinations

Ready for a spooky escape? Here are five personal recommendations for the ultimate Gothic getaway.
Whitby Goth Weekend, Whitby, United Kingdom, October 27-29.
Bram Stoker Festival, Dublin, Ireland, including Stokerland, 28-30 October.
Salem Festival of the Dead, Massachusetts, United States; the month of October.
Derry Halloween Festival, Derry, Northern Ireland, Oct 28-31.
Wave Gotik Treffen, Leipzig, Germany, May 26-29, 2024.
Luisa Golz does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Family vlogs can entertain, empower and exploit

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Franke was known for making parenting videos on her YouTube channel, 8 Passengers.

Key Points:

Franke was known for making parenting videos on her YouTube channel, 8 Passengers.
Her videos frequently featured content on the family and her six children.

What is vlogging?

Family vlogs like Franke’s are a popular form of this medium, where parents take viewers into their homes.
The content might involve taking viewers along on the family’s daily routine.
Thinking about vlogging as a kind of social reproduction allows us to think through the double-edged sword of content creation.

A response to the pressures of parenting

The cost of living is rising, wages are stagnating, and government benefits do not provide the support families need.
Parents — and mothers in particular — are facing significant pressures when it comes to caring for children and the household.
As a response to these pressures, mothers developed their own online communities to express the highs and lows of parenting.

Commodifying families

Many family vlogs are highly curated productions that can perpetuate ideas about what constitutes “good” motherhood, rather than challenge racialized, gendered and classist ideals of motherhood.
On the other hand, content creation allows mothers to rebel against economic insecurity by making their motherhood a source of income.
While this offers a means of paying the bills, who benefits and who doesn’t when a certain version of the family is commodified?

Kids and clickbait: What is the law?

Firstly, in the United States, parents are considered responsible for protecting their underage children’s privacy information and consent.
This can become an issue when parents exploit their children while also being in charge of providing consent.
Secondly, social media algorithms determine whether a video becomes popular on a platform, which prioritizes content that gains the most views.
If family vloggers choose to stop showcasing their children on their channels, they might lose viewership and priority within the algorithm.
As the households of strangers stream across our screens, parents and lawmakers must think carefully about the impacts on families and children.

Lutheran Family and Children’s Services Pledges Support for Bipartisan Federal Adoption Act

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) , one of the oldest social service agencies in Missouri and a trusted provider of life-changing services for children and families, today announced its support for the ADOPT (Adoption Deserves Oversight, Transparency & Accountability) Act .

Key Points:

Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) , one of the oldest social service agencies in Missouri and a trusted provider of life-changing services for children and families, today announced its support for the ADOPT (Adoption Deserves Oversight, Transparency & Accountability) Act .
Co-sponsored by Rep. Ann Kuster (D-NH), and Doug Lamborn (R-CO), the federal legislation would address critical issues in the adoption system and protect children and families.
“At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, we are proud to support the ADOPT Act, which would provide much-needed oversight and transparency to the adoption process,” said Tina Miller, Program Coordinator/Adoption at LFCS.
The ADOPT Act proposes several key measures, including:
Preventing the commodification of children: The bill would prohibit unlicensed adoption intermediaries from profiting from placing children for adoption.

People are pretending to be 'NPCs' on TikTok and it's not just weird, it's also lucrative

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Non-playable characters, or NPCs, are taking TikTok by storm.

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Non-playable characters, or NPCs, are taking TikTok by storm.
Creator @loczniki, Nicki Loczek, has been acting like a video game character on her TikTok page for two years.
NPC creators perform scripted lines and reactions to purchased “gifts” from their fans that then appear on screen as emojis.
However, when creators accumulate large audiences, the profits can add up significantly, especially when the streams can go for hours.
Nicki Loczek’s popularity came from her funny videos pretending to be a video game character in public.

Commodifying the self

People online have been commodifying themselves since social media platforms introduced creator fund programs and brands recognised the income potential of content creators.
One of the key principles of being successful online is a consistent personal brand.
Audiences want consistent posts, a clear authorial voice, and a person and brand where they know what they’re getting.

Monetisation online

The most money to be made on TikTok, outside of brand deals, is through live streams.
Read more:
From being mildly late to sucking on people's tears – what is a 'beige flag' on TikTok?
The NPC trend has shown us how the self-branding online we are more familiar with, people being so authentically themselves, can be surpassed by people playing a character.
The rise in live videos on TikTok is linked to the platform’s monetisation policies.
If I found a way to do my marking on an ASMR live stream, you would find me on TikTok tomorrow.

The U.S. at a crossroads: How Donald Trump is criminalizing American politics

Retrieved on:

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Donald Trump has made history again.

Key Points:

Donald Trump has made history again.
And this is his third indictment in four months — and all of this is playing out amid his campaign for re-election in 2024.
Read more:
America is on the brink of another civil war, this one fuelled by Donald Trump

Racism, xenophobia

Boot writes:
“He has trafficked in racism and xenophobia.
He has called for his opponents to be locked up.”
“He has trafficked in racism and xenophobia.
He has called for his opponents to be locked up.” Put differently, Trump has criminalized both social problems and politics itself.
His distaste for Black people, migrants and others he considers disposable is matched by his support for the financial and corporate elite.
Even more troubling are recent polls indicating he’s in a dead heat with U.S. President Joe Biden if they’re the presidential nominees in 2024.

What explains Trump’s appeal?

But too little has been written about the conditions that have given rise to his authoritarian politics or why Trump is a national disgrace still backed by millions of Americans.
Civic culture came under attack along with the erosion of the values of shared citizenship.
The language of rabid individualism replaced the notion of the common good and gave way to a disdain for community.

Snubbing social responsibility

Under the regime of neoliberalism, social responsibility is now viewed as a liability.
Government was discredited as a force for good, its public infrastructure was eroded and replaced by a culture of cruelty in which matters of compassion, care, and ethical responsibility began to disappear.
This neoliberal poison helped to create a society of political monsters, immune to the virtues and conditions of democracy.

America at a crossroads

It should be a directive for what kind of society Americans want and what kind of future they desire for their children.
They should regard the election as a choice between democracy and the further criminalization of American politics.

Counting the wrong sheep: why trouble sleeping is about more than just individual lifestyles and habits

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

But as many of us know, getting enough sleep is not necessarily a simple task, despite what you might read in the media.

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But as many of us know, getting enough sleep is not necessarily a simple task, despite what you might read in the media.
But most of these articles are aimed at the individual and what they can do to improve their sleep.
Often missing is any reference to the external factors that can contribute to poor sleep.

Personal choice and sleep

So, if you’re not getting enough sleep it’s probably your own fault.
And it’s true, drinking too much caffeine or staring at a screen into the small hours might interfere with sleep.
As anyone who has struggled to maintain good sleep knows, simple tips don’t always overcome the complex situations that contribute to these struggles.

Awake to other factors

International research has also found women are more likely to experience insomnia due to their caregiving roles.
Sleep duration and quality have been identified as predictors of levels of haemoglobin A1c, an important marker of blood sugar control.
Failure to acknowledge the social context of poor sleep means sleep messages in the media ignore the fundamental causes in favour of the illusion of a quick fix.

The commodification of sleep

Sleep is also increasingly characterised as a commodity, with a growing market for products – such as sleep trackers – that claim to help improve sleep quality.
Sleep trackers promise to measure and enhance sleep performance.
But ignoring the underlying social and economic factors that shape the possibilities for good sleep will not address the problem.