The Meaning of ‘Alone’ – (Discovery Channel)

‘Alone’ is a reality television survival show where contestants are sent to isolated locations in the wilderness to see who can last longest living alone, exposed to the elements and separated from society. Yet, what the show really wants to talk about is the viability of the American socio-economic project.

The Social Commentary Embedded in ‘House Hunters’ (HGTV)

In HOUSE HUNTERS, the choice of casting demographics suggests an intentional signaling of progressive values and a tweak to the stereotypical vision of the American Dream.

Semiotics & the Meaning of the Crystal Craze

There are signs of an emerging romanticism at work in American culture, where the received wisdom of “pure” scientific, critical rationalism is being challenged and sometimes replaced by alternative systems of thought and expression.

‘The Help’ & the Discourse around Protest Literature

When THE HELP was made into a successful Hollywood film, critics attacked the story for its social-politics. To these critics, the very area of THE HELP’s thematic strength seemed to also be the text’s weakness.

Semiotics

A brief introduction to Semiotics.