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Impact of Music on the Cold War
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Music in the Cold War
Characterized by military apprehension, economic competition, and political conflict, the cold war was the term used to refer to the relationship established between the US and the USSR after World War II (Whitfield 377-392). Accordingly, these two states engaged in various proxy wars as they differed in their governance of each respective state. The two states considered themselves as sworn enemies and they were determined to outdo each other in relation to the ways in which the two states were run and governed. Though the cold war is considered as one of the political wars that characterized this period, researchers argue that the war between these two states was beyond political and military competition.
According to research studies, the cold war was also a cultural war with the states involved fighting for the sustenance of their different cultures. Because of the wars, the two states feared the possibility of cultural delusion in their states, and for that reason, they embraced the use of various artistic forms to help prevent this (Whitfield 377-392). Though many argue that the cold war had a significant effect on the culture and lives of the citizens in these states, others argue that the impact was vice versa. That artistic components such as music, literature, and film had effects on the cold war itself (Rosen 1). More specifically, music is considered to have had the most significant effect on the cold war. This is because, out of all other artistic elements and components, music was the most exploited, and more music groups and musicians came up with various compositions that impacted the cold war. Accordingly, researchers argue that music composed during this time had significant impacts on the cold war including augmenting the wars and conflict during this time, as well as, reducing and possibly bringing to an end the tension that was experienced during this time (Rosen 1). In essence, music had a great impact on the cold war, which is the subject of this paper.
This paper examines the impact of music in the Cold War. Specifically, the paper examines music as a weapon of war, music a cultural expression, music as a diplomatic tool, and music as a source of encouragement.
Impact of Music on the Cold War
In order to understand the impact of music on the cold war, one must consider the various ways in which music was used and exploited during this time. A closer examination on the exploitation of music during the cold war reveals that music was used in four key ways, including as a weapon, as a form of cultural expression, as a tool for diplomacy, as well as, a source of encouragement (Schmelz 3-16). These uses of music can be divided into two main broad categories to illustrate the impact of music on the cold war. These categories include the impact of music on the augmentation of the war and the impact of music on the reduction and end of the war.
Escalation of the War
Increasing and accelerating the war is the first impact of music on the cold war. Musicians and other musical composers established various musical compositions are considered as having been responsible for the escalation of the cold war during this time. This is because the states at were used their musical compositions weapons of war and forms of expression, thus increasing the disparities between the states at war (Whitfield 377-392). By increasing the disparities between the states, music indirectly fuelled the war between the states, as the two states fought to express their cultures through music.
Music as a Weapon of War
As previously mentioned, the cold war was largely influenced by music and other artistic forms of expression. Music impacted the cold war in various ways, with one of the ways being fueling war between the two states. According to Cusick, music during the cold war was used, not only as a weapon of war, but also as a weapon for torture (Cusick 1). The first use of music as a weapon of war and torture was demonstrated by the US troops in 1989. As a strategy for inducing a Panamanian surrender, the US troops played loud music as a form of weaponry known as “acoustic bombardment” (Cusick 1). As researchers explain, acoustic bombardment was a form of war attack in the battlefields that was considered to have a negative effect on those to whom it was being imposed. Specifically, this form of war weaponry was said to be an alternative to other lethal methods of armament. This is because, this type of weapon was used for torturing enemy troops through sensory deprivation and sexual humiliation, thus fostering more an increment of battle and war in between the states at war (Cusick 1). Using music as a weapon of war encouraged an increase in war and conflict because it prompted retaliation from enemy troops who were initially subjected to this form of weaponry. When prisoners were captured, they would also be subjected to various musical compositions that were designed to force them into revealing the secrets of their home troops. Detainee interrogations during this time were highly characterized by playing of music, which had a psychological effect on those under interrogation. This, therefore, illustrates how music fuelled wars and conflict during the cold war.
Music as a Cultural Expression
Evidently, music was and still is primarily used as a form of expression for the composer and his people. Musical compositions during the cold war were highly characteristic of cultural expression and attitudes (Whitfield 377-392). For that reason, most of the music composed during this time was created to reflect the different cultures of the people and communities in the society during this time. Though the composition of music as a form of cultural expression has a positive connotation to it, its overuse in the period during the cold war transformed these forms of music into political idioms (Whitfield 377-392). This transformation saw the escalation of the cold war because most people used music to express their political ideologies regarding the cold war. Music that was used for political expression slowly took over the society, and it in turn saw the increase of political protests in the different states. Using music as a form of cultural and political expression was is considered as a way through which music impacted the cold war as it promoted negative thinking in individuals under the name of “freedom of political expression”. Most people believed that they had a right to their political thought, and because these thought differed across cultures, the possibility of fighting among each other increased because of these differences. For that reason, music can be said as to having impacted the cold war by escalating the war into new levels that were not existent before.
Curtailing the War
Research studies on the impact of music on the cold war also identify the curtailing of war as one of the impacts of music on the cold war. Though music may have played a role in increasing the war, researchers and historians also argue that music composed during the cold war had a significant effect on the reduction of the cold war. Musical compositions were used to discourage the two cultures that were at war with each other form going into war. Instead, such music spoke for the need for peace between the US and the USSR, by educating individuals on the importance of maintain peace with each other. In addition to this, such music was also used to illustrate the disadvantages of going to war and the negative effects that this had on the society at large. Two main uses of music have been identified with relation to curtailing the war including the utilization of music as a diplomatic tool and as a source of encouragement.
Music as a Tool for Diplomacy
Music was also exploited as a diplomatic tool during the cold war. As Fosler-Lussier explains in her article, musical compositions were used for the enhancement of the image of the cultures that were at war with each other (Fosler-Lussier 1). Specifically, the US utilized various forms of music such as jazz and folk music to enhance America’s image to the rest of the world. Accordingly, the US state department deployed American musicians to various parts of the world to perform various forms of music as a way of illustrating their diplomacy during the Cold War. These musicians played the role of cultural ambassadors as they used their music to reach out to the different populations of the world and spread their message across (Eschen 55). They met various groups and populations and educated them on the culture of Americans, as well as, their thought regarding the cold war. By doing this, music was used to discourage war between the states, thus bringing to an end the cold war that had had a significant effect on the society at the time.
Music as a Source of Encouragement
The period during the cold war also saw the composition of musical pieces that were solely aimed at encouraging people during their trying time at the war (Cortright 12). Musical compositions were used to encourage the military soldiers as they went to war and after they came back from war. Such musical compositions encouraged these soldiers that they would come out as victors from these wars, thus urge them to march on to their success. Contrastingly, there were various musical compositions that encouraged the need for peace and stability, thus discouraging the states from going to war with each other (Cortright 37). Such music inspired these states to stop fighting with each other and embrace peace and harmony for a better future and society for the generations to come, thus reducing the possibility of individuals engaging in war. By encouraging people to stop engaging in war, music impacted the cold war through curtailing the cold war and its effects on the states at war.
Work Cited
Cortright, David. Peace: A History of Movements and Ideas, UK: Cambridge University Press,
2008. Print.
Cusick, Suzanne G. Music as torture / Music as weapon. 23 March 2006. Web. 7 December
2011. <<http://www.sibetrans.com/trans/a152/music-as-torture-music-as-weapon>>
Eschen, Penny M Von. Satchmo Blows Up the World. Jazz Ambassadors Play the Cold War.
Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2004. Print
Fosler-Lussier, Danielle. American Musicians in Cold War Cultural Diplomacy. 15 January
2006. Web. 7 December 2011.
<<http://mershoncenter.osu.edu/expertise/force/musiciandiplomacy.htm>>
Rosen, Charles. Music and The Cold War. 7 April 2011. Web. 7 December 2011.
<<http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2011/apr/07/music-and-cold-war/?pagination=false>>
Schmelz, Peter J. Introduction: Music in the Cold War. The Journal of Musicology,
26.1(2009): 3-16
Whitfield, Stephen J. The Cultural Cold War As History. West Virginia Quarterly Review,
(1993): 377-392.
FINAL PROJECT NONPROFIT Micro-campaign
Instruction
FINAL PROJECT: NONPROFIT Micro-campaign
Create a micro-social media campaign focused on supporting a nonprofit’s cause. A micro-campaign is a small, hyper-targeted promotion. To do this, you will research a local nonprofit and create social media posts that will fit their goals. Remember: each social media platform reaches different demographics!
Step one: Get to know your non-profit. You will do this by creating a creative brief:
Research your client to inform your creative brief. Model your creative brief after the attached PowerPoint slides and template. Your creative brief should be 1-2 pages and include the following headings:
Client
Brand Statement
Project Background
Target Audience
Advertising Objective
Consumer Message
Key Consumer Benefit
Support Statement
Tone
Mandatory Elements
Step two: design your social media posts. An easy way to create a social media post is to use Canva. See link on iLearn for Canva tutorials. If you have any trouble with Canva, please contact me and we can go through a step-by-step tutorial. If you are familiar with any other design software and prefer to use it instead, that is perfectly fine.
Create and upload four social advertisements (two for Facebook and two for Instagram). The social ads should have the correct dimensions/copy for Facebook and Instagram. They should all be different and tailored to that platform. There are no specific instructions for your design, style, and information BUT they must support your non-profit’s goals. Your copy and images should be appropriate for each social media platform as well as be directed towards each SM platform’s target demographic… do your research!! And don’t forget to be creative!
Step three: write the copy. You will prepare to write the copy by answering the following questions about your non-profit. Upload a typed document with the answers to the questions. The answers should be thorough and paint a complete picture of your client’s needs. After you complete the document, write a line of copy for each of your social media posts.
Who’s your ideal customer?
What are his/her hot buttons or primary concerns?
What keeps him/her awake at night, staring at the ceiling, dreading the day ahead?
How do you want this reader to feel as a result of reading this piece?
What do you want this reader to do as a result of reading this piece? (Have one focused call-to-action, not several)
What transformation do customers experience after buying your product/service? How will their lives, work or daily routine be different? (Paint a clear and compelling before-and-after scenario.)
Walk me through what happens after someone purchases your product/service, step by step.
What are common objections or sources of hesitation you’ve observed, that cause prospects to drag their feet or decide against your product/service?
Who else is selling something similar to this audience, and how?
What do you do better or differently from your competitors?
If your product/service isn’t different from your competitors’, what attributes can be stressed that haven’t been advertised or stressed by the competition?
What writing voice or tone best reflects your brand and customers? (Formal, casual, conversational, humorous, etc.)
**If you used any photographs in your social media posts, you have to have permission to use them. NO clip art. If your non-profit does not have any photos readily available, you will need to take them yourself.
Step four: write a proposal. The proposal should be 4-5 pages double spaced broken down into the following headings:
Research: What did you learn about your client from the creative brief, copywriting assignment, and individual research. Be thorough. Give a background on your company. Explain their current needs and goals you wish to accomplish through the micro-campaign. (1-2 pages)
Designs: Share the social media posts you created. Share why each element meets the client’s needs/goals based on your creative brief, copywriting assignment, and own research. Nothing should be done without a purpose so be sure to be able to explain all elements of your posts (not limited to photos/imagery, copy, colors chosen, and placement of elements). How did you choose your strategy? What demographics are you targeting and how did you achieve this goal? (1-2 Pages)
Summary of current and future recommendations: Based on your analysis of the non-profit, provide a summary of steps to take for future social media initiatives. Provide at least three recommendations you would suggest the non-profit to implement. (1-2 pages)
Must include a minimum of 10 sources for the proposal but will likely need more. Any claim made must be backed up by a source. Sources should be cited in APA format with a reference page attached.
Step five: Upload your documents to iLearn. You will upload creative brief, copywriting questionnaire, four social media posts, and proposal. Due 10/4 at 11:59 PM
Impact of Innovation and Creativity
Introduction
The paper analyzes three different organizations for benefits and drivers proposal. The three organizations selected for analysis are Dell Computers, McDonalds and Wal-Mart. The assignment in the first part would evaluate the innovation and creativity on the organizational strategy, processes, products, and services of these three organizations. Further it would identify innovation considerations for the selected organizations. Lastly, I would analyze the importance of these considerations for the organization.
Impact of Innovation and Creativity
Innovation and creativity had a positive and rewarding impact on all the three selected organizations. This part would analyze this impact for Dell Computers, McDonalds and Wal-Mart. Dell was incorporated in 1994 by Michael Dell while he was a student at University of Texas, Austin. From its very first initiatives, direct selling model was adopted. In the beginning PC’s were sold over the phone and they were customized according to customers’ specifications. Dell returned to its direct selling model after using the retail channel from 1990 to 1994. In mid 1990’s, the company grew rapidly, thus becoming number one PC seller in the US and number two worldwide in 1999.
Dell’s strategic choices and ways of realizing those choices have played an effective role in story Dell’s success. The supply chain management of the company is the key element in its successful business model. The core element of the company’s business m model is its direct sales model, referred as ‘direct mode’, with the build to order strategy. This differentiated model of dell help it creates a niche in the distribution channel and eliminates the entire mid channel members to arrive at cost leadership position in the industry.
Dell directly sells to all its customers, regardless of a home-PC to world’s largest corporations. The direct relationship with individual customer creates a great source of competitive advantage for Dell. This creates a valuable information about the end customers, and thus Dell knows who are the end users of their product, what they have purchased from the company, what are their future preferences, a fact that allows the company to stay closer to their customers by offering add-on products and services.
Wal-Mart has remained a largest retailing company in the world. The company is much bigger compared to its competitors in the US- K-mart, Sears Roebuck, Nordstrom and JC penny combined. The company always emphasized on the need of reducing its purchasing costs for offering best prices to its customers. Wal-Mart procured its products directly from manufacturers, by passing all the involved intermediaries. Wal-Mart always remained a tough negotiator on prices, finalizing a deal only if it feels confident that the products it bought are not available at lower prices anywhere else.
The company also spent its significant time in meeting its vendors an understanding different cost structures if their businesses. By this process of transparency, the company was certain that the manufactures are doing their best to cut down costs. Wal-Mart always believed in building long-term relationships with their manufacturers, once they are satisfied with them. The company did not spared even big manufacturers like P&G (Procter & Gamble).
Wal-Mart developed the ability of catering the individual needs of all its stores. Stores chose from a number of delivery plans. The company invested heavily in the stores across the US. Along with the rapid expansion of stores within the country, it became essential to quip itself with the good communication system. The company set up its own satellite communication system in 1984. The company also allowed stores to manage their own inventory, reducing sizes across major product categories along with timely price markdowns. This helped the company in reducing un-productive inventory. Wal-Mart also made use of it information technology capabilities for making inventories available in the situation of high demand towards certain products, further reducing the overall inventory levels. The suppliers of the company were also networked through computers. The system at the company identified the item which was low in stock and accordingly signal was sent to P&G. The collaboration between P&G and the company was win-win proposition for both the companies as Wal-Mart could monitor stock levels in its stores constantly and could also identify the items that are moved out fast as the result of high demand.
McDonald Corporation was created in the year 1955, when Ray Kroc opened his first restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois. He soon realized this success could be duplicated across the United States and beyond, if consistency and quality could be maintained. Quality is the mirror of any organization, customers could judge about the organization based on the level of the organization quality, therefore the first step to attract customers is through quality objective which is in somehow is to guarantee that customers will return back again, in this part McDonald provided high quality products and services though standardize all its branches, and therefore McDonald obtained customers satisfaction additional to made the operation more easy for the staff, for example McDonald deal with over 20 bakeries to standardize the products in all the united states in terms of color, flavor etc (Gale/Online), the target of standardization is not only to aim to standardize the food in all restaurants but also to reduce the possibility of mistakes and therefore reduce costs too, another part of the quality objective that McDonald provided which consider as rare in front of many restaurants is providing customers with nutrition information, thus customers can select the meal that applicable to their health.
McDonald is one of the rare organization that succeed to balance between its operation strategic and customer demands, McDonald combined order-winning and qualifying factors, in terms of order-winning which refer to the “customer as key reason of purchasing the product or service”.
Innovative Considerations
Dell represents the most successful e-commerce, logistics and supply history. To compete with the giants Apple, and Compaq, company has adopted a different strategy to market their PCs. They chose the e-commerce route. For ordering a PC with desired configurations and specifications, the customer has to log on to the Company website, place an order and complete the outline commercial formalities. Very often the customer gets his PC very next day, if he happens to be in USA. The electronic commerce system installed on the Company website registers an order after online completion of commercial formalities. The system estimated the demand of the various components going into commercial formalities. The system estimates the demand of the various components going into the computer and place orders for parts with the various suppliers. The supplier delivered the parts to predetermined supply centres wherein the computer is assembled. The system, while registering the order, communicates to its logistics partner, the details of the customer and the delivery location as well as the assigned supply chain for picking up the consignment. The supply chain partner’s office nearest to the Company supply centre is activated for material pickup and delivery. The result of this effective process is nearly zero inventory and total customer satisfaction.
Wal-Mart was among the first companies to use RFID tags. RFID tags were attached to manufactured products. The tags emit signals that were read using transmitters. These transmitters were connected to the ERP systems in the company. When the product with the RFID tag passed through an electro-magnetic zone, the tag responded to the reader’s signal and transmitted the information back to its reader.
Conclusion
Each of the selected companies reaped high benefits by innovating within their business. Considering the fact of Wal-Mart, the benefits of an effective and efficient SCM includes fastest inventory turnover, reduced lead time, accurate forecasting of inventory and demand levels, additional warehouse space, reduction of safety stock and superior working capital utilization. The company’s SCM practices resulted in high efficiency in operations along with better customer service. Similarly in case of Dell, the company via its partnership model has completely changed the industry methods. It has integrated the value chain by its access to information. Industry is facing stiff competition and in such a competitive scenario Company has differentiated at cost and also at offering.
References
A brief history of McDonalds. (2009). Retrieved Mar 13, 2012, from www.mcspotlight.org: http://www.mcspotlight.org/company/company_history.html
A case of McDonalds. (2010, Sep 24). Retrieved Mar 13, 2012, from www.citeman.com: http://www.citeman.com/10659-consumer-research-a-case-of-mc-donalds/
About Walmart. (2010). (Walmart) Retrieved Mar 13, 2012, from www.walmartstores.com: www.walmartstores.com
(2010). Dell Annual Report. Dell.
Importance of decision making. (2010). Retrieved Mar 13, 2012, from www.blurtit.com: http://www.blurtit.com/q573135.html
Integrating knowledge management technologies in organizational business processes. (2005). Retrieved Nov 2010, from km.brint.com: http://km.brint.com/RealTime.htm