Original WWII Propaganda

You have probably all seen this iconic Rosie the Riveter “We can do it” campaign poster before. J. Howard Miller originally produced this poster in the United States during World War II (1943) as propaganda to boost morale and increase female participation in the workforce. An article written by Lane Wallace in the Atlantic states, “the poster portrays women eager to take on jobs involving manual labor and/or heavy machinery” and the poster was “trying to convince the world that women could, in fact, do physical and traditionally male jobs” (2011). However, the poster actually grew in popularity and became famous after the war in the 1980’s as part of the feminist movement. It became a symbol for feminism in a period some may classify as the second wave of feminism, or as Linda Nicholson would prefer, a historic period for gender activism seen through the metaphor of a complex kaleidoscope, rather than a wave. “We” in “We can do it!” was seen as a push for all women. While the “we” could be seen as an oversight of the complexities of intersectional differences between the diverse women fighting for gender equality, the poster was seen as a positive symbol for the feminist movement. The poster embodied a stand for gender equality and a sense of empowerment for all women, regardless of their diverse backgrounds. It symbolized the ability for women to take on various roles, regardless of gender stereotyping or traditional roles for “men” and traditional roles for “women”.

Original Clorox Advertisement:

However, years later, Clorox came out with an advertisement for their cleaning products, using the same concept and almost identical branding as the traditional “We Can Do It!” campaign. A poster that was initially meant to encourage women to take on roles that were traditionally held by men, that then grew into a symbol for the feminist movement, which encouraged women to stand together, be independent and eliminate gender stereotyping and gender specific roles, had suddenly done a 180 degree turn. Clorox was using the same branding to advertise the complete opposite: women doing traditionally female roles: cooking, cleaning, and looking after the home. The advertisement, with an identical Rosie the Riveter states “Get the power, the power to clean anything,” taking away from the initial, progressive meaning of the poster, and replacing it with gender stereotypes and controversial, non-inclusive binary relationships. It placed the women directly back in the home, in a domestic role, rather than it’s initial purpose of getting women out of the home and into the workforce to take part in society, while most of the men were at war.

Jammed Version:

I changed the Clorox ad to feature a man and woman, while re-instating the traditional “We Can Do It!” slogan, with the intention of eliminating the traditional binary relationship, with gender specific roles and stereotypes. My intention with including the man was to eliminate gender stereotyping, create an advertisement that is more inclusive, opens peoples minds to eliminate bias and empower people to work together for a more equal, open minded society. I hoped that the inclusion of a man would remind people that cleaning and taking care of the house is not gender specific and should never make a man feel alienated and uncomfortable for doing a traditionally “woman’s job”, nor should it make a woman feel obligated and confined to take care of the house. I also changed “Get the power, the power to clean anything” to “Faster, stronger, together. The power to DO anything;” changing “power to clean” to “power to DO” was done with the intention to prove that Clorox is not only the most powerful cleaning product and allows you to clean anything, it also works so well and efficiently that it gives you the power to do more than just clean, to have more time to invest in the other work you desire to do. “The power to DO anything” is meant to re-empower women (and men) while eliminating gender roles and standards that have been established and preserved by mainstream society through media platforms. I also thought it was important to state “We can do it!” with a male and a female to move away from the traditional photograph to remind people that feminism is not just a women’s movement. Feminism is equality for all; therefore, the conversation should include everyone (men, women, trans, white, black etc.). Conversations and ideas ignites through mainstream media, let’s make that conversation an inclusive and positive one!

Nicholson, L. (2010). “Feminism in “waves”: Useful metaphor or not?” New Politics 12(4).

Wallace, Lane. “The Complex Legacy of Rosie the Riveter.” The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 11 Jan. 2011. Web. 28 June 2017.

Photo Source: as found November 12th, 2014

The United Nations (UN) is a well established intergovernmental organization which serves a necessary purpose. The UN provides assistance all around the world to avoid conflict and provide solutions. The UN has great value, however, in my opinion, the organization provides short term solutions. Social enterprise and actions such as the Arc initiative create opportunities to network, create personal relationships and provide long term solutions.  Therefore, I believe that even if the United Nations were fully funded, there would still be a need for social enterprise.

The Arc Initiative provides business tools that give solutions for the long run while creating personal relationships and opportunities to network. The Arc helped Ms. Tesfaye in Ethiopia who was inspired by a speaker from the Arc Initiative workshop and was given the necessary advice to start and run a successful restaurant of her own.

Social enterprise is crucial in creating long lasting improvements around the world. The UN focuses on quick solutions for immediate problems but social enterprise gives the opportunity for locals to educate themselves in ways that will allow their country to continuously grow and prosper after the international aid has left. This is key in such a globalized world.

*this blog is in preparation of class 20 and not a part of my submitted 10

Photo Source: As found on November 5th, 2014

Anxiety rises in Alberta as oil prices decline. Oil is crucial to Alberta’s economy. The decrease in prices has caused much discussion and debate all over the world. This change in price could result in increased unemployment, a hindrance for real estate and a decrease in the economic boom in Alberta. The province has prided itself on economic growth and strength over the years. Oil production has been largely beneficial to the province but also to Canada as a whole and this slowdown is a concern for the entire country.

As an Albertan, I am concerned with the low price oil has reached and the effect this has on my home. I struggle to see the benefits to other regions of Canada from this downturn that Macdonald and Vieira refer to in the Wall Street Journal. Alberta is a safe haven to job seekers. Our unemployment rates are (and have been for years) far below the average in Canada. Oil production is “an estimated 7.5% of Canada’s GDP”, and therefore very influential on the country as a whole.

Photo Source: Posted on April 18th, 2013

A drop in oil prices will not only negatively effect Alberta, but the country as a whole will be heavily effected and should bear this in mind. The negatives for Alberta outweigh the potential positives in other provinces from this economic slowdown. At the end of the day, we all live in oil country.

Forbes’ article on the most valuable brands discusses the importance of a strong brand name for a company. The brand name is the company’s chance at creating a lasting first impression on the consumer; it is therefore the most valuable asset because it directly influences the buyer. A strong brand value creates increasing returns to a company by allowing it to charge a premium price or increasing its market share.

Photo Source: As found November 5th, 2014

Forbes ranked Apple as number one and Microsoft as number two for the World’s Most Valuable Brands of 2014. It is interesting when you compare new technologies emerging from companies competing with Apple to actual Apple products. Competing companies are developing just as quickly, creating products that are just as, if not more, efficient, modern and user friendly as Apple products, and yet these companies struggle to receive the same recognition and the same market share. The power of Apple is so strong in the consumers mind that it is the subject of comparison; this is how you know it is a strong brand. People will pay a higher price for an Apple product than for an cheaper yet equally valuable product over at Microsoft.  I will admit, I am one of those consumers brainwashed by Apple. Now that I have Apple products, I can never see myself switching. When thinking of purchasing a new cell phone, a new music player or laptop, I think of Apple and what the company’s newest model this year is. To switch from Apple to Microsoft would result in consistent comparisons and constant disappointment, quite possibly only because it does not have that sleek Apple symbol.

Photo Source: Published on November 16th, 2011

I do not believe Microsoft will ever surpass Apple in brand value. Apple subconsciously dominates the consumers mind and this influence is hard to overcome once present. 

Apple’s Emmy Winning Commercial “Misunderstood”

Photo Source: Posted September 30th, 2014

The Most Unforgettable Ad Campaigns of 2013 featured in Forbes caught my attention when I saw which ads were being recognized. Although I had previously seen most of these ads, I did not hesitate to watch them all once again; they were just as powerful and captivating the second time around.

An advertisement is successful if it is memorable, if it tells an authentic story, spurs thought in the viewer, captures the emotion of the viewer and leaves a lasting impression, quite simply put by Forbes it “creates a visceral response”. This visceral response has always been key to marketing but has become crucial with the digital revolution. Consumers are ambushed by ads everywhere they go, to be remembered amongst the chaos created by “advertisement overload”, a product must invoke emotion, change conversations and develop a new culture, a new way of thinking. The most effective ads are those that pull on the heartstrings, invoke nostalgia or create desire and intrigue. I believe that by playing on emotions, a brand can truly “hammer home a key value proposition.”

Edmonton, AB legislature at Christmas

Photo Source: Posted December 11th, 2006

In 2013, Apple released a commercial named “Misunderstood” that won a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Commercial. This commercial hit home for me because it was filmed in Edmonton, my home, during Christmas time. Edmonton is disregarded because of its cold, long winters but people neglect to see what a magical place it is at Christmas time. The commercial displayed a Christmas most people only see in the movies yet is authentic to Edmonton.  This commercial had a lasting impression on me. It invoked feelings of nostalgia and a sense of community and belonging. One full year later, and it is getting me in the Christmas spirit once again.

Photo: As retrieved on October 23, 2014

I stumbled upon Jack Marshall’s (ethicist and lawyer) ethics blog, “Ethic Alarms” when researching information on business ethics and was immediately intrigued by the mass amounts of articles presenting unethical practices around the world in day-to-day situations. The blog is well organized, making it easy to find posts in different categories, from different times of the year over the past five years.

Jack Marshal explains the term “Ethic Alarms” by “feelings in your gut; twinges in your conscience, and the sense of caution in your brain when situations involving choices of right and wrong are beginning to develop.” The study of ethics – right and wrong – is important in every profession, but especially in business.  As someone who is pursuing a career in business, I have developed an interest in ethical standards and corporate social responsibility. I have realized it is critical to have a clear understanding of ethics and develop personal values and morals before entering the workforce where you can easily be influenced and swayed by capital and power.

Factors of Ethics

Photo Source: As retrieved on October 23, 2014

Jack Marshall’s accumulation of articles presenting every day unethical practices was eye opening. It made me realize how prevalent unethical practices are in our every day lives and that more often than not, nothing is done to change it. In the business world, large corporations often get away with questionable ethical standards due to lack of public awareness, consumers demand for low prices driving producers need for low costs and power lying in the hands of a few.

SeaWorld Adventure Parks main attraction: Killer Whales

Photo Source: Retrieved on October 23, 2014

Kathleen’s Blog on SeaWorld’s controversial captivity of orcas captured my attention since I am a huge fan of the documentary, Blackfish. The documentary puts a light on the company’s utter lack of corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) and calls into question its ethical standards.

SeaWorld is renowned for its aquariums of magnificent sea creatures, however, with increasing awareness of the harm to animals in captivity, the business is slowly losing appreciation from the mass media. CSR has become a modern trend to keep businesses afloat, and SeaWorld is falling behind. Its standards of living for their animals are despicable and studies show the orcas in captivity at SeaWorld have shortened life spans and issues with aggression when compared to the whales in the wild. As presented in the film’s trailer, SeaWorld neglected to inform its trainers of the danger they were in when working with the orcas, especially Tilikum, who had previously shown signs of aggression. SeaWorld, driven by the profit orcas could make the company, neglected to take precautionary measures to avoid the risk these killer whales posed. After, the death of one of their trainers, the company blamed the incident on the trainer in order to protect themselves from the potential of both a decrease in shares and an increase in regulation. The corporation feared a loss of profits, after several years of growth and wealth due to the majestic animals. The company put capital ahead of ethics.

SeaWorld’s breach of ethics and lack of CSR, lead to increased media attention sparked by Blackfish. The company’s leadership faced scrutiny for its unethical treatment of both its employees and animals. Due to bad press, increased awareness of SeaWorld’s orca incidences, and the ever increasing popularity of CSR, the company’s stocks plunged to a record low proving that modern day investors and consumers place a great importance on CSR and high ethical standards.

Orca in the Wild

Photo Source: Retrieved on October 23, 2014

Photo Source:

Photo Published: January 28, 2013

With the majority of British Columbia being First Nation land, it is nearly impossible for major corporations in the region to expand and progress without encountering legal issues regarding new projects on First Nation land. First Nations are most concerned over the effect of these developments will have on their traditional lifestyles. Companies who are wishing to expand must seriously take into consideration the legal issues they will face when developing new technologies on Native land while keeping in mind the effects these developments may have on the environment. Rather than pushing their way onto the land, they should make deals with the First Nations and incorporate them into the decision-making process while also compensating them for the use of their land.

BC Hydro is attempting to get the approval to construct and operate a dam and 1100 megawatt hydroelectric generating station on the Peace Rive in northeastern British Columbia. This megaproject could lead to flooding resulting in the destruction of farmland and wildlife habitat that are crucial to the First Nations inhabiting this land and their traditional practices of fishing.

Although I believe it to be important that companies maintain good relations with First Nations, they must also continue their expansions as population grows, technology develops and demand increases. If the benefits of the project outweigh the negatives then the company should be granted permission to begin this project despite the imposition on Native land. BC Hydro should try to make a deal with the First Nations. BC Hydro should develop technology that can reduce the cause of flooding and in the case of a flood be responsible for the damage and clean up. The company should incorporate First Nations in their decision making process in order to reduce environmental degradation and avoid legal issues. The First Nations should also receive compensation for their land.

Cassandra mentions the increasing consumer popularity of e-commerce and its negative effects on existing shopping malls. Canada expects e-commerce sales to nearly double by 2018. If these trends continue, malls will be at risk of losing a large percentage of their customers.

Cassandra makes many good suggestions on malls finding ways to differentiate themselves from e-commerce and really advertise the positives to doing purchases in person rather than online. I strongly agree with the need to advertise the pros to shopping in stores such as having the ability to have your product immediately rather than waiting weeks for it to be shipped, trying things on to avoid the hassle and frustration of purchasing something that is faulty or the incorrect size. However, they also need to improve their locations by creating an environment that is just as user friendly as online shopping by categorizing products so that they are easy to locate and keeping them clean and organized; this can be further improved and surpass online shopping through excellent customer service. These minor changes make it more appealing to the consumer. However, I also think it is important that malls adapt to the advances in technology rather than differentiating themselves from e-commerce. All stores should create websites where you can purchase certain products online. This way, the consumer can get the best of both worlds out of your company.

Photo Source: http://www.sodtechnologies.com/blog/e-commerce-solution-for-better-shopping-experience/ 

Photo Retrieved: September 28th, 2014

https://blogs.ubc.ca/cassandracannon/2014/09/25/online-shopping-threatens-malls/ 

Photo Source: http://thisisnotadvertising.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/share-a-coke-campaign-a-coca-cola-with-your-name-on-it/

Retrieved on September 26^th, 2014

The creative “Share a Coke” campaign has been a major success for the soda company, Coca-Cola. The idea of sharing a coke and catching up with friends is a great marketing strategy that targets a broad range of people yet remains personal. The personalization of the product gives the consumer a sense of connection to the brand and tricks them into thinking that coke bottle was made with them in mind. Coca-Cola has turned soda into a trend. Where people would have ignored the soda fridge in the past, they now seek it out in search of their personalized pop. The campaign also aimed to turn coke into a “gift”. People would have never considered buying soda as a gift for a friend in the past since it is impersonal and boring; but now it’s personal and exciting making everyone want to find a can of coke for someone they know.

I have yet to find my name on a coke bottle and it is frustrating to have to purchase a bottle labeled “Eric” just to satisfy my cravings; however, these disappointments and frustrations have not been enough to overpower the “Share a Coke” campaign and affect my consumption of coke.

http://online.wsj.com/articles/share-a-coke-credited-with-a-pop-in-sales-1411661519