It’s hard to unknow what you already know.

-I’m not entirely sure of the source

So sad that after decades of declared feminism and the fact that women aren’t objects, we still see that well an alive in pop culture.

Take Angels and Demons for example. Dan Brown clearly reinforces the stereotype of Robert Langdon, a prominent symbologist and the very feminine Victoria. She’s not what most of us would imagine as a physicist and in reality is not so.  She overly sexed to produce an interesting dynamic in an otherwise academic mystery novel. And that seems to be her only purpose.

Evolutionary biology would infer that men are more attracted to physically find women, while women just want men to be able to provide. However, the society clearly dictates otherwise. Women are able to provide for themselves and their offspring without the involvement men ( even if this fact is heavily debated).  So why are we still buying into a society that reinforces the White patriarchal stereotype. As we move into future generations of non-race, the inherent White patriarch is still embedded in our society. And even if move beyond it, our subconscious still has an effect. Can we really move beyond race and gender, if white, whether the symbolism of the color or the race, and male dominated societies still remain in our collective views?

I’m not sure, but race and gender are certainly not the moot issue that pop culture dictates it should be. Clearly it’s still prevalent in our culture.

My friend Joshua Hooper is a graphic artist.  His work is pretty freaking sweet. But I noticed in one of his illustrations, that of a black girl (of if you prefer African American woman), was considerably lighter than her real pictures.  When asked, he simply responded that it was the lighting. She’s glamorous and stunning in both depictions, but why is there a differential in terms of color?

I also noticed this throughout mainstream culture.  Even when Tyra Banks was touting her involvement in an Ebony issue featuring the different shades of beautiful black women, the ‘lighting’ made all the models look well… light skinned.  And the only lighting that seems to reflect the beautiful glow of a black woman were in stereotyped editorials and culture shots of traditional “African women.” Magazines or pictures depicting exoticism.  Gorgeous?  Yes.  But fetishizing as well?

Hooks discusses race, sexuality and gender in her esssay “Power to the Pussy,” stating:

Madonna’s [the famouse artist] text constructs a narrative of pure white womanhood contaminated by contact with the colored ‘other.’ It would be easy to dismiss this construction as merely playful if it were not so consistedn through Sex… The structure of [the] narrative suggests that it… appeals directly to white supremacist sexual fantasies.”

Sure this essay was written in the 80s, and we’re fast approaching the second decade of the 3rd millenium.  But is this professional ‘lighting’ suitable only for the portrayal of white women?  Another piece of the underlying evidence of the dominant white patriarchy that we live in?

If so, why are we, as consumers, as people, and as conscious citizens, buying into it?  How do we change this paradigm that exists in our subconscious?  What are the consequences if we don’t?

I understand appealing to emotions, but why appeal with this picture?

I’ve always wanted to join the Peace Corps and fight poverty and corruption on the ground level.  It’s not out of fear that I’ve hesitated.  Fear of seeing so much suffering, danger of being captured as an American aid worker or loneliness in such a huge change in lifestyle.  I have great admiration for those who do step out of their environment to help others.

I just don’t necessarily believe that aid workers are doing much long term good. Most of the relief that the NGOs are delivering tend to be short term.  Of course, children need immediate vaccination, and northern countries of Sub-Saharan Africa need food and shelter to survive through the civil wars and food shortages. But how much are the NGOs providing in terms of long term industrial development? Infrastructure building? Skills training and education? Sometimes, it seems that major US and Chinese corporations are doing more in road and communications development than any nonprofit agency.  Yes, they’re doing it for selfish reasons but what lovely side effects.

At the end of the day, I personally feel like such volunteerism leads more to egotistical superiority than any sustainable development for the people I could have helped.

I’ve left my comfortable life to live in a mosquito infested village, helping vaccinate people against malaria and educating women about HIV prevention.  What have you done lately?

Or this picture...

Well, yes, you have been altruistic/self-sacrificing to help those in need.  But what happens to them after you leave?  Are you going to continue keeping in touch with the families you’ve aided?  What will they do if someone doesn ‘t come to replace your position?

The process just seems so convoluted.  You join the Peace Corps and think you’re aiding some poor bloke in Ethiopia or Malaysia or Nicaragua (not that there aren’t programs in more developed nations).  The NGOs operate the best they can within the web of political agendas.  Developing nations are struggling to provide the basic services, while fighting guerilla movements/militants, debt/interest, corruption and a whole host of other problems.  The guerilla warriors are revelling in their power and not at all helping ‘those they represent.’ OECDs are lending money to these nations with strict stipulations that don’t lead to sustainable development.  All the while, they’re making money off incredible loans and interest rates.

Conclusion: the people who really need aid are fucked.  They don’t have a voice, and all the other parties can’t get on the same page.  And now with a global recession and OECDs worrying about their own debt and development problems, who’s going to think about the starving and dying in Kenya, Brasil or Kyrgyzstan?

I mean our Salvation Army and Goodwill donations have actually dessimated the textile industry in Zambia.  How fucked up is that?

How do we get out of this vicious cycle?  How do we focus on long term development, education and job training instead of the basic necessities of food, vaccination and water?  What can I do to form a better solution?

And not more images like this?

So without further anecdotes, here are my 2008 lessons and 2009 goals:

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Hope

It’s a strong word.  One that’s lost so much meaning between the years of 2000 and 2008… and between a virginal 16 year old and a budding 24 year old.

As my friends and I debated over the merits of Hillary and Barack, and then Obama and McCain, this year, I’ve come to understand the utter simplicity and difficulty of conveying and garnering the spirit of hope.  I’d become too pessimistic in America’s ability to make the best decision for the world, too jaded by money and power and politics.  And on that new November day, I cried (okay, wailed) because I had been so naive in losing faith in that simple, singular concept.

That my single ticket only made a marginal difference to the Obama ticket is insignificant compared with the inspiration and hope that leaped through my eyes and streamed down my face, when I found out that our country has a future.  Yes, a tough one in the year(s) ahead.  But it’s a necessary one.

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Maturity

I’m a spoiled brat.  It’s taken me this long to figure it out.  And I have a pretty legitimate excuse.

I’m the only child of immigrants.  I understand what it’s like to lose the only pair of shoes of the cheapest doll in the store because my parents had to ‘splurge’ to even get me that one.  And guess what?  There’s no replacing it.  I worked damn hard for my grades.  Being rejected from my choice middle school meant that high schools were calling me into the principal’s office to sweet talk me into attending (yes, it really happened and it was High School for the Performing and Visual Arts – I guess I’m the rare bass playing, Asian female) and my choice college- The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.  Sure, I’m proud.  Because I earned it.

But I’m also spoiled.  I learned how to use a washing machine at age 16, when I attended Wharton’s Leadership in the Business World (LBW) program for high school students.  I learned how to use the dish washer 3 weeks ago, when Julie a manager at SHIFT taught me- I’m used to washing by hand.  I have lots of clothes and more than enough shoes to own a boutique- 110 at the last count… yes, that’s pairs.  The material things, the ‘stuff’ that didnt directly contribute to my educational/career goals, were handed to me.

… Well, I learned a lot this year.  First of all, I learned how to share, which being an only child is a pretty new concept.  I thought I knew.  Turns out… not so much.  I have to compromise more.  Things aren’t always going to go the way I want. I’m not really ‘deserving’ of anything.

Most importantly, I learned how to take care of someone else and keep a living thing, well, alive.  (Hi, baby!)

(She’s 8 months old on Christmas Day.  Since her physical in August, she’s gained 5 lbs… which for a kitteh who used to weigh 4 lbs, is a lot.)

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Work

I thought I was a rock star just blasting away projects.  Turns out, yes, I am a rock star at that (yes, yes, I win the award for humility in 2008).  BUT.  BUT.  BUUTTEEEEHHHHH.  There’s a lot more to being a rock star than I realized.  There’s getting along with co-workers, working in a team, understanding compromise (see above), realizing the needs to different teams (and roles within the company), prioritizing, the dedication (and time and rewards) of managing someone… okay, I’m not going to name all of them… but you get the idea.

THIS is a lesson they don’t seem to teach in college (WhyTF not?!?!) and yet, a critical one.  It’s so important that it deserves to be a lesson of 2008 and a goal for 2009.

2008: Learn to rock out.  Check.

2009: Learn to sing in tune.

(I’m using this picture because I absolutely believe my PR agency is one of the BEST places to work… I’m saying this as a singular person with no prompting from the company.  Views expressed here are in no way associated with… etc.)

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2009 Goals:

Get Healthy

That picture above is pure lard (ew.).  In 2008, I lowered my cholestrol by 40 points.  (YAY, whoohoo!!!).  I’m so glad because I’m young enough to do something that dramatic in a year.  In another 24 years, not so much.

So I want to keep going at it in 2009.  It’s not about being thin or pretty.  I’m okay with being my size (10-12… 14 on fat days. P).  I like being an Asian with boobs, even if that means I have thighs like whoa.  And I am pretty.  (If you don’t agree, 1. shut up and 2. don’t be around me cuz I don’t need your negativity.)

I’m saying yes to the gym, and no to size 2′s.  I got 10 up on ya, and I’m good.  Thanks.

(That’s me in the middle.  It’s the most recent picture available online.  It’s not the most flattering, but I’m happy with it.)

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Get Smart

There are several steps to this:

1. Read.  Like a lot.  Like newspapers and blogs and magazines.  No, not the funny one or the gadget ones or the fashion ones.  World news and business and industry trends.  Understand where the trends may be heading and how to hedge them, lead them or at least differentiate within/from them.
2. Start going out more and learning from people.  I can only learn so much from reading, and it’s faster, and more fun, to interact with people.
3. Figure out how my diverse (and sometimes misunderstood role) benefits the non-marketers.  That includes within the agency, to friends and family, around people who can’t differentiate marketing from say… PR or advertising or focus groups.  Cater to each group.  While (this is the hard part) keeping myself sane.
4. Find my happiness.

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Get Me (Back)

When entering Wharton, I was an ENTJ (Myers Briggs).  The basic catch phrase is “My way or the highway.”  ENTJs are extroverts, hugely aggressive, go-getters, strong, fierce, egotistical… and most adjectives that describe your typical Type A, ‘end justifies the means’ personality.

Now, I’m a… I don’t remember, but it’s like the exact opposite.  I’m more introverted, mothering, looking to make everyone happy… basically, what my ENTJ-self would call a softie (or more rudely, a pussy).  Maybe not all my friends would agree with that assessment.  It’s what I feel inside.  And I’m playing a jacked up battle trying to figure out which one I am.

Well I’m not either.  As I’m getting closer to understanding exactly what personality I play in my groups of friends, coworkers, acquaintances, the goal isn’t one way.  It’s the balanced way.  It’s me… whoever that is.

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So that’s my list.  These are the major ones.  I’m quite proud of the psychological and emotional growths in the past year.  It’s been a tough year.  But a necessary one.

Here’s to 2009.  It’s going to be tough.  But (you know it) necessary.

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Merry Christmas.  Happy Hanukkah.  Wonderful Holidays.  Peace.  Safety.  Love.  Sharing.  Hope.

Three thoughts:

“San Francisco is godless.”

I paraphrase but that’s what my friend told me over dinner last night.  Why?  SF is hugely liberal, progressive and largely accepting and non-religious.

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“Apple evokes a similar response to a religious experience.”

Again, I paraphrase.  It’s from the book Buyology, about marketing, marketing research and buying habits by Martin Lindstrom.

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“As people evolve, the characteristics of ‘God’ change with them.”

You know what I’m about to say.  This is one point from History of God, an exploration of the three major religions- Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

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So does this mean consumerism is the new God?

Okay, okay.  We’re in a recession.  Stores are closing its doors left and right, and brands are scrambling to mark prices down since before Thanksgiving in an effort to sell sell sell during the Holiday Season.

Well, first of all, we’re talking about strong brands, brands like Apple and Coca-Cola, etc.  Sure, they hurt during a recession too, but they’re not likely to go away.  Also, let’s think in the long term.  This economy thing isn’t going to last forever (knock on wood, salt over the shoulder and all that).  What about in the long run?

More and more, I’m seeing that the younger generations are identifying more with brands than religion.  Instead of going to church, we’re waiting for the new release of our favorite labels.  It’s not just about the technology or design; it’s about lifestyle, self expression and social standing.  Why pray to a grand being who’s become bogged down in religious politics and causing strife worldwide?  Brands speak directly to who we are and where we live.  Islam and Christianity segregate but can’t everyone enjoy a Coke?

Maybe that sounds pretty extreme.  We’re probably not going to have Oprahism or Bartism (remember that Simpson’s episode where Bart become a religion?).  No, we can’t use 20th century traits to define the new religious experience.  But we can draw other parallels.

Waiting in line for the new iPhone, the people around me felt a bond.  We were all freezing, all impatient and yet all energized at the prospect of the new shiny box from Steve Jobs.  Getting the 3G iPhone isn’t about utility but about 1) our lifestyle, 2) our social status in getting one first- okay, exclusivity wasn’t based on social standing but still, and 3) the white glow of the Apple store and its products is bordering on seeming heavenly.  The Apple fan boys act more like a religious cult than just any excited fan base.  (You can read more about it in Buyology, but I’m not here to peddle, and these are only loosely based on what I read.)

It seems that we’ve evolved from God is angry, which is why our crops fail and our wives die from childbirth.  To God is merciful and rewards good deeds.  To God is a bureaucrat and if you can’t read, you’re really at least 5 layers from God with the priests and cardinals and so forth.  To God is democratic and everywhere.  To God loves you unless you’re Muslim or gay.  To God like whatever.  To God?  Oh, btw, did you hear about the new Adidas line?

We’ve gone from “godless heathens” to “God” to “Godless.”  Now will brands be the new gods?

If the answer is yes, don’t worry.  All the major designers carter to all price points by sub-branding, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs… soon Target by Marc Jacobs?

(Not-so-secretly, I’m praying yes because that means I’ll still have a job and career years down the line. )

All kidding aside, this really is an important move and probably one of the crucial votes of our lifetimes.  Not to be overly dramatic, but this election could literally dictate the continual leadership or the fall of the US Empire.  So honestly, whatever your opinions may be, please go out there and show that you appreciate the gravity of this election.

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As incentive:

Starbucks is giving out free coffee to those who say they’ve voted today.

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Krispy Kreme is handing out heart-shaped doughnuts with red, white and blue sprinkles.

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Ben & Jerry’s is giving out free scoops!

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On a personal note, I’m an FIRMLY AGAINST PROP 8. I understand that people are worried about the argument of gay marriage impeding on religious views, having LGBT rights being taught in schools and the value judgment that the definition of marriage is a union between a man and a woman.

This is what I have to say:

• One of the reason people came/come to this country is for the right to practice their own religion, to believe what/who they want and live life their way.  Why would we suddenly take that right away and write it into the amendment of our constitution to forever remove the right for people to live their life?  Gay marriage isn’t a religion; it’s a singular act to express the love.
• LGBT rights being taught in schools: seriously, it won’t promote “being gay” to children.  First of all, the deepest sense of values should come from the parents and not the schools.  That being said, yes, schools do affect how children grow up and act.  But how is teaching children that California promotes civil rights and equal treatment of all people a bad thing?  Being taught the feminist movement, doesn’t make us all feminists and believe feminism is the best thing since sliced bread.  It only teaches students to be more accepting.
• I don’t really understand how gay marriage would intrude other people’s lives.  The Yes of Prop 8 people say that marriage is between a man and a woman.  EXACTLY.  It’s between those two people.  A.K.A. None of your business.  So why impede your opinions on someone else’s life?  It just doesn’t make sense to me.

I just think that we shouldn’t impose our views on others.  Especially when the marriage of LGBT members don’t affect straight people’s lives.  Honestly, they really don’t.  Just because you may not agree with their way of life, doesn’t give you the right to judge them and restrict their rights and actions.

It’s about equality.  It’s about acceptance.  It’s about the celebration of love.

[Sorry, this post isn't about "food politics"; it's more about "food" and "politics."]

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During dinner with a couple friend last night, my girl friend said, “I’m really surprised we didn’t talk about politics tonight.  I always thought you were really knowledgeable about it.” (or something like that…)

A few reactions instantaneously popped into my head:

• Oh, that’s so flattering!  Thank you.
• I don’t know as much about the election, or politics in general, as I should.  But thanks for thinking that.  I’ll definitely work harder on doing my research and finding out the details of each candidate’s platforms.
• My friend M from college could blow me out of the water.  Are you kidding? I’m like novice ^infinity.
• Uh… sorry… *munch munch munch*… This salmon is delicious.  I can’t stop… *munch* eating *munch*… what were we talking about again?  (BTW, thanks for the recipe.  Seriously.  Best salmon ever!)

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Truth is I have done my research.  After the primaries and finally accepting the Obama over Clinton win, I didn’t know much about McCain Camp.  In fact, I saw him in Letterman and thought, “Wow, he’s a really nice guy.  Maybe we’ll have a real reformer on the Republican end, and American can see social reform AND lower taxes.” Wait… don’t stop reading… [and definitely don't use this as a sound byte]… cuz I was dead wrong.  Let me repeat that dead bleeping wrong.

So I started by watching the news, reading political blogs, monitoring links and bites on Twitter and Tumblr (yes, I admit this is overly liberal).  Most importantly, I went to each candidate’s websites.  Now, some may think that’s the last place to go.  After all, this is where McCain and Obama get to paint their picture perfect version of the U.S.  But that’s exactly what I want.  If their websites aren’t able to convince me (and most of my friends are liberals and campaign commercials are always too vague and inflammatory), then what will?

I’ve written over the past few weeks, posts on some of the issues where McCain and Obama take diverging stances (to put it lightly).  This is what I’ve discovered:

Fuck the issues.

FUCK THE ISSUES.

Here’s why.  We’re trapped in a jacked up love triangle.  The only choices are McCain or Obama (realistically anyway), and we have to choose.  Now both want to get elected, so they’ll sweet talk us and send us flowers and promise to love us forever.  They’re politically wooing us right now.  Each has their own strengths and weaknesses.  Each their own opinions on issues.

But the question we really need to ask ourselves is, “Which one is going to stick around after we’ve said yes and let them have their way with us?”

Or better yet, “Who do we trust?”

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We know that McCain hasn’t always been faithful to the Republican party.  He’s a maverick, right?

We know that he has to answer to major corporations.  So when the economy’s gone to shit (“We have about a year… a year and a half more of this…” according to an analyst after Pepsi Co. fired… sorry… ‘laid off’ over 3,000 employees today), who’s McCain going to come home to?  The public?  He’s already had us.  We voted for him and everything.  Obviously, from the last 8 years, we’ve proven that impeachment doesn’t work.  Or the major corporations and banks like Citigroup and Bank of America, who can very much affect McCain, his friends and the people around him?

We know McCain picked one of the most inexperienced Vice Presidential candidates in history, and she’s completely incapable of answering the simplest questions with preparation and note cards.  She’s a smooth talker, so there’s no excuses.  Palin just didn’t know the answer.  You comfortable with that?  Cuz I sure ain’t.

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Now, what do we know about Obama?

Obama championed to stop all lobbying.  What does mean?  Hold back, giant corporations.  Thou shall not influence his decisions on whether to benefit the rich or the poor.

His platforms are not based on broad statements about how hardworking Americans are or how we deserve better.  Are we hardworking?  Sure.  Do we deserve better?  If we earn it, then yes.  But those aren’t his points.  Obama has specific goals and plans that he says he will carry out over the next four years.  It doesn’t mean that he will, but I sure trust specific timelines and strategies over general, sweeping wishes.

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So there you have it.  I choose Obama because I believe he will be true to his word.  And that’s more important than all the promises in the world.

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[Image courtesy of shiftingheat. There used to be an image here, but the artist (not the one linked) is being a poopface (read: complete asshole) about credits.  FYI, I'm more than happy to credit your art, but 1) please allow time to do so, i.e. more than a day, and 2) tell me which piece is yours.  I'm too lazy to scour the internets to figure it out, so please help me. ]

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On a completely different note…

Google,

I believe in you, and I believe that I would deliver 110% as your Chief Marketing Officer… err… you don’t have a CMO?  Really?  Well, let me get right back to ya on the specific title, all righty?

You embody the right philosophy, and your employees deserve praise for their innovation and dedication.  Together, we can make a better internet.  We can kick Yahoo’s ass and leave victorious.  Now is not the time to withdraw and hide.  We need to dedicate as many resources as possible to this vital threat.  Screw Microsoft, Powerset, Ask, Facebook and the others.  Yahoo’s the real threat.

And let’s make sure Google’s staff has the tools for making more innovations.  We shouldn’t educate them on the best practices for managing a side project/start-up.  Instead, we should verbally dissuade them from making anything new, but let’s make sure they have the tools just the same.

Oh, last thing.  In this ailing economy, Google certainly understands the hardships people are having.  We should pay larger dividends on all Google stock.  Sure, the payout benefits major shareholders and the executive management the most, but it’ll all trickle down.  A payout’s a payout, right?

… Google.  I know with me as your CMO, we will make a brighter internet for tomorrow.  Sure, I’m just two years out of college, but I have been the social director, professional chair and president of multiple clubs.  And heck, I manage a WordPress blog, a Tumblelog and a Twitter.  If that doesn’t make me fit to be CMO, I sure as heck don’t know what will.

Vote fer… err… hire me!

Your patrio… supporter,

Jany

Update: July 6, 2010  Apparently, I didn’t credit the artist (totally not going to pimp him out) for one of the above images.  Apologies.  That image has since been removed (at least I don’t have to deal with him anymore).

My last post on the vice presidential debate highlighted the great marketing campaign of the GOP.  I say marketing because many of you pointed out via emails and ims that Sarah Palin, and to some extend John McCain, focuses on broad sweeping statements about some utopian United States without much in the way of a plausible road map.  Well… that’s what worries me most of this campaign, as did the campaign in 2004.

The American people have always held on to great hope for the future.  It’s been the promise of the American dream that’s driven so many people to immigrate to this great country (yes, it’s still great).  And that’s exactly the tactic that the republican party focuses on during election time.  They toy with our optimism, fondle our emotions and make those sweeping generalizations about how their candidate, McCain, will change the U.S. and the middle class for the better.

But so many supporters of the GOP at major corporations and the wealthy.  They hold much more sway over the party than the millions of rural, small town and middle class families.  Can we trust that they will serve us over the rich?  Has the last 8 years taught us nothing?

But the Obama and democratic party actually gives clear goals and action plans that cite the benefits, costs and consequences on the economy, healthcare, social security, foreign affairs, the energy crisis/global warming, etc.

But at the end of the day, as we learned in Made to Stick, the emotional appeal works much more effectively than the factual… right?

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PART II

Well to explain, let’s examine the brief history of marketing [via lessons from my management 101 class at The Wharton School].

Let’s start at the very beginning (a very good place to start – The Sound of Music). Marketing is defined as “an ongoing process of planning and executing the marketing mix for products, services or ideas to create exchange between individuals and organizations.”  Advertising, public relations, research, branding among others all fit under the marketing umbrella.  But marketing is the core strategy that directs all of the above.

New technology = economic growth.  The Industrial Evolution spurred the beginning of mass production.  No longer do we have to make our own clothes because the cotton mills could do it faster and cheaper.  Great!  With Ford’s application of the assembly line, the Model-T was so much more cost effective car that the average American could afford.  Great!  However, there wasn’t much in the way of marketing.  No strategic placement of a product or service, finding market segments, developing a unique selling point.  There was no need.  It’s “any color, as long as it’s black.”

Skip forward to proliferation of the market place.  Developments in transportation, packaging and refrigeration means that people now have a choice in what they want to buy.  These were especially apparent in the CPGs (consumer packaged goods) like Heinz ketchup (“47 varieties!”), Campbell’s soup (“M’m m’m good” since 1935), Coca-Cola (“Deliciously refreshing” 1900) and so many more.  Slogans were a way to set products apart from competitors and a catchy phrase to help advertising and consumer choices.

From there, marketing mutated to a complex machine.  In order to keep things brief (because it gets a lot more complicated), here are some highlights in no particular order.

• Proctor & Gamble realized that it’s better to cannibalize their own products, if it means gaining more of the marketing.  Just in their family of detergents, they have Tide as a household name and top market brand.  Cheer and Gain, which sorry for not knowing, play somewhere in the mid-cost, mid-performance range.  (I’m sure PG has gigabytes of consumer studies, scanner data and much more market research on the differentiators and market segments under each.  I just don’t know them.)  Then Era at the bottom (which I assume b/c I’ve never heard of it… maybe it has higher market proliferation abroad).
• Intel evolved into a household name by using both the push and pull strategy.  During a time when chips were a dime a dozen and consumers weren’t aware of what went into their computers, Intel pushed their chips as the top of the line.  More importantly, they pulled consumers in with effective advertising and PR (all part of marketing).  Make sure that your computer has “Intel inside” to guarantee quality, etc.
• Pepsi, as the newcomer, challenged Coca-Cola with their blind taste test, and stupidly Coca-Cola (instead of leaning on their tradition, branding and established consumer base) fell for the trap.  They came up with New Coke.  Sure… months later with people across the nation hoarding the old stuff and complaining so fervently, Coke came back with Coca-Cola Classic.  But Pepsi had make it’s mark, and they’re still competing with about 50-50 market share (depending on country) of beverages and snack products.  [Side note: some people suspect that Coke had introduced New Coke as a ploy to convince the public how much they really love Coca-Cola.  I think the executives were just idiotic.  Side note #2: Coca-Cola determined a few years ago that there are 27 beverage opportunities in a day.  Yeah, 27.]

Those are just three very quick snapshots of successful marketing techniques and how much marketing’s evolved from “47 varieties!”

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Now every company is trying to differentiate itself.  We have dozens of choices.  Brands are freaking sub-branding, creating off-shoots and variations.  There’s like 12 types of Tylenol ache, cold and flu medicines.  When I’m in pain, I just want “THIS IS THE ONE YOU NEED.”  So advertising’s become less effective.  Direct mail’s also less effective because my mailbox is full of ads I don’t want.  [Discover, unless you're giving me 10% cash back, which I know you can't afford, stop sending me biweekly mail.  I'm not going to accept your 'exclusive offer.']  Telemarketers hounds us all the time.  These annoying marketing techniques work because they’re so cost effective that a few “YES’s” make up for the majority of “NO’s.” [Unfortunately, they also give marketing a bad name.  It's become an industry of shoving shit people don't want down their throats.  Not true marketing: exposing product/service options to audiences who want to know.]

The problem was that companies were offering their guarantees so often that what they say mean nothing to us.  We’re emotional numb to their appeals and no longer trusted their slogans.  At the end of the day, no matter how kitschy or cute the advertising is, if the product/service ain’t work, we ain’t buying it.   So things started to change.

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Remember new technology = economic growth.  Internet = proliferation and democratization of information.  The normal paradigms of advertising, public relations and branding are changing.  Thus, marketing (the planning of such) is evolving as well.

Inventions like TiVo and DVRs help us skip the ads, while companies are trying to find ways to ‘cut through the clutter.’  Marketers are moving online.  Okay, yes, a lot of the bad habits of marketers have moved online.  The flashy, corny banners.  The incessant pop-ups selling us crap and then selling us pop-up blockers.  The spam, even from legitimate companies (you have the money; hire an email-marketer!).

But this is just the beginning.  More and more, word of mouth is playing a role.  Blogs and influencers across the web are popping up and spreading relevant information to interested niches.  Email marketers are popping up with opt-in policies and reassurances that our information isn’t getting sold to the evil spammers.  Semantic search and backend settings allow us to just see ads and banners that may be of interest to us.  Because we do want marketing.  It helps us find out about great sales, the new android phone or 20% off coupons.  We just don’t want what we don’t care about.

So here’s the lesson: marketing works.  Emotionally appealing to audiences works.  BUT.  BUT, there has to be facts that support the emotion.  In order to prevent buyer’s remorse and to keep a customer (which is so much cheaper than acquiring a new one), the product/service has to deliver.

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Part III

Thanks for sticking with me.

Presidential nominations are like laundry detergent.  We have to choose one.

The difference (other than the fact that one is soap and one is people) is that the companies and branding may stay the same, democrats, republicans, independents, etc., but the product changes all the time.  Last time around it was Kerry and Bush.  Now it’s Obama and McCain.  So we can’t rely 100% on past experience to determine which one we want this time.

But we learn from shopping (an everyday task of differentiating among products and choosing what’s right for us) that we have the tools to make those decisions.  For example, we know that we care about the product specs above marketing gimmicks.  As a shoe fanatic (I have the proverbial shoe closet), Manolos would go so much better with my lifestyle brand.  However, they hurt my feet, don’t fit as well and quite frankly, I’d rather save $200 and buy Kate Spades.

The same should go for decisions on candidacy! Yes, I love America.  Yes, I want the government to be for the people again.  Yes, I want someone who isn’t afraid to challenge the authority and be a ‘maverick.’ But that doesn’t mean I’m going to blindly go on my emotions and not look at the FACTS!

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1) I’m SO enraged that the GOP would use a cheesy marketing ploy to try and fool the American people.

2) Even more so, I’m irked that the public would buy into it!

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FACT: Sure, she’s cute and a MILF, but Sarah Palin said exactly 0 about specific plans of the McCain doctrine.

FACT: A ‘blanket’ tax cut helps the rich exponentially more than it helps “the Joe six-packs and hockey moms.”  (see below)

FACT: Obama’s healthcare reform includes a specific plan.  He plans to “make employer contributions more fair.”  HOW? … “by requiring large employers that do not offer coverage or make a meaningful contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of their employees health care.”  McCain’s healthcare plan is full of unsupported claims.  “John McCain will reform health care making it easier for individuals and families to obtain insurance.” How?  Not sure… but “Americans [sure] are working harder and longer, yet the amount workers take home in their paychecks is not keeping pace because of rising health care costs.”  Really?  I wasn’t aware.

FACT: Obama’s foreign policy talks about the situations, the factors and multiple influences we have as a country to resolve/strengthen the problem/our position. McCain… doesn’t have “foreign policy” on his website…  Apparently, it’s not that important to him…  The closest thing I found was “national security.”

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Look, I’m not going into all the issues and who said what (all from their websites).  You can do your own research.

The point is that when we’re making such an important decision that affects not only Americans but the entire world, shouldn’t we look above the marketing ploys that tug at our heart strings and get to the not-as-interesting facts?

To answer the first question, wayyyy above: the emotional appeal works much more effectively than the factual… right?

We’ll see.  But it shouldn’t.

Oh, gosh.  How to start.

1. I think I’m starting to talk like her [Sarah Palin], which is freaking me out and forever destroying my warm fuzzy feelings of Bobby’s World with Howie Mandell.

2. The Vice Presidential Debate at Washington Univesity in St. Louis gave the voters are great sense of both democratic and republic platforms.  Namely that Obama/Biden have concrete plans for energy, economy, education, international policies (which is one of my biggest concerns), LGBT rights and “the war on terror.”  On the contrary, McCain/Palin talk a lot of rhetoric of representing the American people, the average Joe, drilling in Alaska and “straight talk.”  Even the website doesn’t give specific details and plans, which if you look at Obama’s site, each issue is clearly spelled out with bullet points on analysis and a plan of action.

2a. During the primaries, I specifically blogged a chat with my friend stating that Hillary had a specific plan of attack and Barack didn’t.  Of course, as with many Hillary voters, I would have liked her to win.  But they’re so close on all the issues; the only major difference is in their leadership styles.

Now, Obama has a definitive plan and McCain… not so much.

3. I love Biden’s concrete examples of how to tackle the energy crisis, the specifics of economic stimulation, the U.S. relations with Iran and Afghanistan, etc.  The bar is much lower for Palin.  Thankfully, she was well-prepare, had extensive notes and smiled a whole gosh darn lot. *wink*

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I’ve listened to the pundits’ opinions (and agree that Bidden was less talkative & Palin pretty well spoken).  Here are some of my personal take-aways:

• Clarification: foreign countries do not hate us because they’re jealous of our “freedom,” great nation, economy, democracy, etc.  They dislike our hypocrisy, our foreign policies, our egos and our lack of perspective (I can’t believe how many students can’t locate foreign countries on the map, and they’re easy countries like France and Spain!).
• I loved that Palin looked at the camera when she spoke.  She was able to get a real connection with the audience.  I widh Biden did that more.  Most of the time, he was talking to Gwen Ilfill.
• But I loved that Biden was about “here’s what we want to change and here’s how to do it,” while Palin just used a bunch of canned phrases (woman, it’s not like your speech will help with SEO; stop saying “straight talk”).
• Sarah seems to keep going off topic and discussing the points that she has experience talking to: Joe six-pack, “straight talk,” bringing confidence in government back to the American people, her work with oil companies in Alaska and McCain’s war hero record (btw, yes, he’s a hero, but that doesn’t mean he has experience managing a country in times of war; being a soldier is completely different).  Biden’s comfortable talking across all issues.
• Apparently, the republicans have officially coined the word nucular.
• Although I appreciate Palin’s ability to memorize lines, she obviously isn’t well versed in Israel… or for that fact North Korea, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq or Spain.
• Favorite line (paraphrased) from Sarah Palin: It’s okay for us to have nucular weapons because we’ll use it as a deterrent, but people who don’t like us, e.g. North Korea or Iran, absolutely cannot be allowed to develop nucular weapons.  Why I love it: if the situation is reversed, how would we react to North Korea saying, “We want to keep all the countries civil, so we’re going to keep all the nuclear weapons.  We promise not to fire.  *zing!*”
• For the most part, I agree with Biden’s policies and loved how he spoke and what he said.  So most of my notes are on Palin.  Biden said one thing that irked me: any country who participates in genocide or harbors terrorists without any prosecution is forfeiting their right to be not invaded.  The first part, especially pertaining to Darfur, I don’t dispute.  But to say that the U.S. has the right to invade any country who harbors a group that disagrees with us… that’s too one sided for me, even if it is about security.

I really tried to be impartial, especially with my entries on abortion and healthcare.  However, the more I do research on each candidate’s platform, the more I lean towards Obama ’08.  I don’t necessarily understand how an educated person can go the other way, other than tax shelters and economic protectionism.

If you’re a republican (and actually got through this entry w/o wanting to send me hate mail ), please explain.  Thanks!

UPDATED: If you missed the debate, you can read the entire transcript here.

What I want RIGHT now:

[Thanks, Edatrix! ]

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I’m really excited about the Vice Presidential Debate tonight.  For some stupid reason, I missed the McCain/’08ama debate, so I’m definitely rushing home at 5pm to watch this one (just have to stop on the way home for more lemons… ick).

AND… I just discovered this faboo new bingo game, courtesy of Tumblr of course.  The best way to get rid of this hunger is to gather a bunch of friends (after they’ve eaten), print out a bunch of these (there are 4 boards and make your own) and go at it!   My prediction is that each game will last about 10 minutes… if that.

breakie!