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ENG101-Composition1
Shirley Rivas
Eng101-0783
April 12, 2005

WE WANT MORE

American’s mentalities have been influenced with endless opportunities. Laurence Shames, author of “The More Factor,” easily describes Americans as tireless workers who are optimistic entrepreneurs. Their vision has always been towards the future. In the article “WorldCom Guilty of Fraud” by The Daily Herald clearly explains how a man became unethical.
America has been described as the land with no borders. The country sets no limits or restrictions. Shames states “The habit of more had been instilled as the operative truth among the economically ambitious” (Shames pg 57) leading many to strive for the finest. The rapid growth in the U.S allowed many to keep looking forward; it was different from the rest of the world. Many people were easily offered homes and second chances. Other countries either placed bars or fences, leading many people to give up or deal with what they have been given. Americans were overwhelmed by the good fortune and good blessings. Ambitions in searching for further triumph left Americans confused. Many Americans felt the power to determine their destiny. Many felt the value of money was important, and mistakenly disregarded the morality of our souls. Shame quotes “The ethic of decency has been upstaged by the ethic of success.” (pg 59) It is simple to understand how Americans became materialistic. Many people questioned its sense of purpose and sense of being, as the economy went through turmoil and triumphs.
The stock market defines the “American Dream”.  The hope to one day become rich was the ideal plan for many. Many knew they would double their money, if invested wisely.  Americans lacked restraint. They always wanted more and more. “WorldCom Guilty of Fraud” is an article about a man Bernard Ebbers who is the owner of a long- distance provider known as the global telecommunications WorldCom. He was convicted of corporate fraud. This article clearly proves Shames’ argument how Americans are unethical and become obsessed with money. Ebbers has lied and provided the public with false advertisement. WorldCom has lied about its wealthy revenues. Ebbers was said to have “led WorldCom to fall in debt of $11 billion dollar in accounting fraud.” Ebber was under pressure and became corrupt. Ebber is now sentenced to spend life in prison for nine counts on behalf of the justice system.
 Martha Stewart is an American icon who is known for her rich lifestyle and home decor. She recently has spent time in jail. Martha Stewart was CEO of her company. She as well was accused of lying to investigators about her and her stockbrokers investments. In class it was discussed how a woman with such class became a liar. All the money in the world did not make her happy. Leading many to question was it greed or natural instinct that led Martha Stewart to lie about her wealthy investments.
    The nation’s character has just been described as very open-minded. The Americans are accustomed to this way of life. The article clearly illustrates how people indulge themselves in luxury. The extravagance is merely more important than the morals of our true souls. “The More Factor,” as well illustrates how our county became known to be for what it is now.

Shirley Rivas
Eng 101- 0783
Professor Yen
April 8, 2005

Denim Jeans

    The American advertising industry has been a big influence in our economy. The U.S has sold billions of products from the use of commercials and marketing strategies. Jeans are known to be the most historical and symbolic ensemble. The article by Fred Davis “Blue Jeans” illustrates the contribution and origin of the blue jeans. The article describes the renovation of denim blue jeans in the new era. 
The ad I have chosen is by Macy’s. Macy’s department stores has been around for a very long time. It capitalizes on making money from the many customers. Macys have been known to sell inexpensive items which target the middle class. The Blue Denim Jeans are sold worldwide. The jeans are denim and are from the company Mudd. In the magazine article there are two young women actively sporting jeans on the beach. Therefore, Mudd recognizes teenagers as the targeted audience.  Mudd has captured the youth by hiring various young looking teenage models for their clothing catalogs. The slogan states “Denim is it!” it is in big white cap letters. One of the young models accessorizes with elegant earrings, expensive sunshades and with a pair of torn jeans.  It offers the young teenagers a fashionable look.  The other model is sporting a casual look with her jeans and sneakers as well as a tied scarf on the hip pockets. There are many various funky details, embroidery as well as fringed holes. The ad depicts jeans in a casual way, the sense of wearing jeans at the beach illustrates that these jeans can be worn anyplace at anytime.
The marketing strategy used by Mudd is to target the young teenagers of America. The embroiled details represent a young playful vibrant look. The care free attitude of the girls illustrates a new fashionable look and easy to buy. The ad presents a fresh young attitude. Since the two girls of different ethnicity are used sporting the jeans it’s attracting the young crowd of various backgrounds.
In the Fred Davis article “Blue Jeans” he states the hard shipmen and miners of the past have been originally known to wear the jeans. (Davis 95) The jeans are torn and cropped to symbolize the democratic characteristic or the left side of democracy, which defines a hard worker. In the Mudd catalog there were various jeans which have been torn and faded out. It has been providing customers of today the old fashion sense of style. As the jeans transform, it instantly receives the media attention. Today the magazines and television commercials have publicized jeans. The blue jeans are the common denominator which links and unites us all Americans.
The denim blue jean is a symbolic characteristic of our past. The jeans are trendy, have always provided customers with a sense of nationalism. We understand the passed history of jeans. Davis argues, in which “status and antistatus, democracy and distinction, are in a constant flux, moving with the tides of history itself.”  The future of the jeans industry is constantly changing.
   





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