3rd Topic of Interest - Globalization of Musical Theatre

In this weeks reading assignment, we covered the topics of popular culture and folk culture, and the globalization of many ideas, practices and customs.  Globalization of popular culture is dominantly influenced by America and European countries.  We see this evident in fashion, music, film and food amongst other places.

I have always loved theatre, particularly musical theatre and Broadway.  One thing I find interesting to follow is the globalization of musical theatre.  Many productions that you may see on Broadway or even in London's West End may very well end up on the other side or even on tour throughout North America, where it is not only more profitable for companies but also to spread the joys of live theatre.

Aside from London and New York, there is a growing popularity for these shows to appear in other countries.  Let's take one show for Example; Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'The Phantom of the Opera', originating in London and currently Broadway's longest running show of all time has now been deemed the highest grossing entertainment event of all time and the most financially successful theatrical show in history (Wikipedia).  Since it's origination in 1986, it has been seen by more than 130 million people in 145 cities in 27 different countries on 6 continents and is still running strong. 

Are you a fan of the music or the original London Cast Recording?  If so, you might be interested to listen to the various cast recordings available of the German, Canadian, Austrian, Japanese, Mexican, Korean,. Polish, Dutch, Swedish and Hungarian Productions.  I think it's awesome how a musical that helped me to fall in love with musical theatre has spawned into a phenomenon that can be enjoyed in it's original format, yet re-invented so that a specific country can integrate it into their culture.

We are now beginning to see other popular musicals originitaing in NYC and London take on global forms as they continue to gain popularity.  This can be seen in such musicals as the blockbusters Wicked and Disney's The Lion King.  See the pictures below for a few examples of foreign cast recordings and be sure to support musical theatre; the rest of the world is!

- John



The Lion King:  Original German Cast Recording



Wicked:  Original Japanese Cast Recording



The Phantom of the Opera: Spanish Recording

Sources used:  Google and Wikipedia

2nd Topic of Interest - Cuban Migration

Migration can be a tough subject. We all have personal experiences with it, whether a friend has moved across the country for a new job, we knew someone affected by Hurricane Katrina, or our family moved to America years ago from another country. There are three main reasons people migrate; economic opportunity, cultural freedom and for environmental comfort.

The Chapter on Migration was particularly interesting to me, because I learned a lot about why people migrate. When I was a younger student, I was taught that people from all over the world wanted to come to America because it was the greatest country in the world. While I believe America is great, I see other perspectives now. Perspectives that show it's not only America's pull factors that cause people to migrate here, but how the country they live in may possess certain push factors which cause them to leave. They come to America seeking cultural and/or political freedom. They come in hope of a new life for themselves and their future families.

A personal example came to mind after reading the section on Emigrants from Cuba (page 93 of the text). The people of Cuba fled in the mid 1900's due to the power of Fidel Castro. My partner and his family are Cuban, and I recall his grandmother telling me her story of how her and her husband left Cuba in 1962, coming to America seeking political asylum. My partner's father was only 8 years old at the time. The only thing they were allowed to bring with them were the clothes on their back. All other material possessions remained in Cuba in the custody of the Cuban Government.

They were given food that was not recognizable to them and spoke no English. Living in Miami, they were eventually able to connect with other people from Cuba. As a newly formed community, they learned their way in this country and created new lives. Cultural and political freedoms were the driving forces behind their move with both push and pull factors involved.

Within the past year, both of my partner's grandparents passed away, but they made a great life for themselves and their family here in America.

- John

1st Topic of Interest - Family Planning Programs

Family Planning Programs - India vs. China

In the text this week there was a case study on India vs. China in relation to population and family planning programs.  While both countries clearly have incentive programs for helping to control the population, they have very different circumstances.

India provided monetary compensation for sterilization until 1977, at which point sterilization was emphasized as a voluntary action.  Today, sterilization still occurs but primarily it is women who have had children that seek out this option.  Contraceptives and other forms of birth control are provided either free or reduced cost.

China handles things a little different; they seem quite content with their current policies in relation to family planning.  Because they are still trying to reduce their crude birth rate, they have strict marriage laws in place and even stricter laws for having children; couples actually need a permit to have a child!  Additionally, if they agree to only have one child they are compensated financially and rewarded with better housing options, etc.  While there are wider plans in place for couples wanting more children, I can't help but ponder what life in America would be like if we had these policies are others in place to control population growth and it's affect on our world?

I personally would be in favor of couples having to obtain permission before having a child here in America.  I don't believe that we need to limit one child per family, but I am in favor of people considering their own actions before adding to the population.  We clearly have to do no more than turn on the nightly news to see how such simple measure could benefit our country.  While contraceptives and abortion are options available in America, they are not always favored.  How would applied measures such as what takes place in China or India affect our population and economy here in America?  Is Family Planning something we should consider?

I would love to hear your thoughts!

- John

Assessing at the Start - Week 2

Week 2 Already!

In looking over all of the course materials, it seems hard to believe that we will cover everything laid out for us in just 12 weeks.  I know that they will fly by!  Even in accomplishing all of the tasks laid before me, I know that we will only scratch the surface of many topics introduced within this cluster course.

One thing I am excited about, is diving into the "Religions of the World" book and "One World, Many Cultures" book.  Understanding more about various cultures and sampling some of the readings derived from individuals cultural experiences is exciting!  One thing I love to do is discuss at both a high and detailed level what I have uncovered and learned.  This is a strength I feel I will bring to the class.

The geography concepts may pose a challenge to me.  Although some of the concepts are review, I have not been exposed to them in quite some time.  Getting my personal bearings at first and being able to put it all together with statistical information will be something for me to tackle.  I am hoping that my parts I am excited about will aid me in my potential challenges.

I am excited for what this class will do for me.  Not only from a knowledge perspective, but also for future travel plans.  I love to travel and want to do more of it.  I am looking for this cluster at Bellevue University to help me decide future places I want to visit, things to do and take in culture that I will appreciate!

- John

A Few Pics From Abroad ...

This is me outside of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. (2009)

Since this was in our reading this week, I thought it would be interesting to post this picture of a McDonald's neighboring The Pantheon in Rome, Italy.  I thought it funny at first, but now see the Globalization of Culture & Economy in Action. (2009)

This is me just off the beach of St. Maarten (or St. Martin depending on which side of the island you are on).  One side belongs to the Netherlands and the other side France. (2011)

Testing - One World, Many Cultures - Summer Term 2012

Hello -

This is a test for my new blog for the Summer Term 2012 at Bellevue University ... "One World, Many Cultures" Cluster.  I look forward to learning many things in this course!


- John