Month: November 2012

30 Years Later: The King of Pop In Context And How “Thriller” Changed Everything

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The legendary best-selling album of all time, Michael Jackson's Thriller, was released 30 years ago today.  It was a groundbreaking album that marked a defining achievement worthy of"King of Pop" status.  But do you know why? Well, It's a good thing you have a Narcissistic Anthropologist to find some context and share it with you.  … Continue reading 30 Years Later: The King of Pop In Context And How “Thriller” Changed Everything

It’s the Ritual That Counts: Gift Giving In Context And Practice

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ 2 Comments

Does holiday shopping stress you out?  Do you pine over what to give to the person who has everything or how to budget so you can give thoughtful gifts without breaking the bank?  Do you worry about saying too much or too little with your choice in gifts?  What about not giving a comparable gift … Continue reading It’s the Ritual That Counts: Gift Giving In Context And Practice

Starbucks To China: “You Will Drink Coffee And Like it!”

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Perusing the WSJ this morning (as I am occassionally wont to do on mornings when things come a little slower)  I got a quick jolt from the article below. The topic is about the critical importance of considering local cultural context when opening a retail oriented business in China  - China being the new "wild … Continue reading Starbucks To China: “You Will Drink Coffee And Like it!”

Gangnam Style In Context: A Global Phenomenon In Appreciation of Irony?

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ 3 Comments

If you are among the youtube watching masses, music enthusiasts or otherwise avid followers of popular culture, then you are likely among the close to 900 million viewers and counting who have seen this video by prolific South Korean superstar hip hop artist Psy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0 What kind of content could possibly overtake Justin Bieber (who … Continue reading Gangnam Style In Context: A Global Phenomenon In Appreciation of Irony?

The Irony Of Being A Hipster-Hater

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I have spent much time living as a participant observer (turned mostly observer) among the hipster populations in the urban and suburban metro area I have called home for the last 8 or so years. I've also spent a lot of time studying youth culture:  what is it that floats Gen Y's boat and what … Continue reading The Irony Of Being A Hipster-Hater

The American Ritual Of Giving Thanks Immediately Followed By Wanting More

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As I sit staring out from my temporary living-room at the still blue gulf and sun-drenched sky, I can't help but be incredibly thankful for many things, including having a job that allows me the income to rent a beach house for the week as well as the right combination of family and friends to … Continue reading The American Ritual Of Giving Thanks Immediately Followed By Wanting More

Honoring A Global Tradition Of Thanksgiving

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You may think that American's are the only one's who have a holiday set aside for giving thanks.  Perhaps it would surprise you to know that setting aside a day / rituals for giving thanks is a global tradition that spans many cultures and has been around for a long, long time. On howstuffworks.com  this … Continue reading Honoring A Global Tradition Of Thanksgiving

Some Pre-Thanksgiving Native American Education: The Creek Indians

~ thenarcissisticanthropologist ~ 2 Comments

In the spirit of Thanksgiving's connection to the Native Americans (If you recall from the stories of the pilgrims, they helped us find / grow food so we wouldn't die when our pasty white ancestors were fresh off the boat) and as inspired by my vacation travels, I thought I would drop a little knowledge. … Continue reading Some Pre-Thanksgiving Native American Education: The Creek Indians