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Make sure to make specific connections to the readings and the experiences of the visit.

Prompt 2 [Final Prompt]: At Teufelsberg this week you will see a lot of graffiti. It's a cultural phenomenon here - highly skilled artists have been allowed to paint the walls of this defunct spy station. Some murals have lasted years, while others are painted over from one week to the next. As Ledingham tells us, “Public relations is best defined and practiced as the active attempt to restore and maintain a sense of community.” How is this graffiti a function of community building/maintenance? How might this space be different in the U.S.? Would the owners of this property or the federal government be likely to allow this long-term graffiti haven to continue untouched by anyone who isn't part of the community? Post a selection of murals to illustrate your post.

Note: Each post should include both text AND photo/video. You should also be referencing our readings (citing specific concepts with page numbers) and referring back to/quoting our tour guides/hosts.

The walk up to “devil’s mountain” truly captured the vas space that Berlin makes up. As we were walking through the Green Forest of Germany, it was a moment to realize the amount of land of Germany is diverse. At the top of the Teufelsberg sits an old American listening tower from the Cold War Area. These towers were built on the outskirts but faced toward the socialist section controlled by the Soviet Union. The history of the building is one of great mystery, but what lays there now is destructed city, but a blooming art gallery.

Like it’s land, the people and the art of Germany are very diverse. This was most apparent by the variety of styles displayed throughout the open air gallery. While this gallery is not formally recognized, these old spy buildings host a hierarchy of artists who are able to present their art. This community of artists is self-run by volunteers and utilizes the empty spaces. “The key to managing successful relationships is to understand what must be done in order to initiate, develop and maintain that relationship” (Ledingham, 2001, p. 289). While tagging is illegal, the flourishing art on the buildings suggests a certain understanding between the local government and the artists. This further suggests that the local government and the artists have some understanding to allow for the development of this attraction. Teufelsberg differs greatly in comparison to other cities in the United States in this aspect, because by allowing this understanding the is a release of art. In contrast the United States does not seem to have these same relations and tagging remains illegal.

That said, the artists of Devil’s Mountain are technically there illegally and it would be quite interesting to see the future aspects of this location. In future times, I wonder if there will be a continued use of this space as artist statement given that it is owned by someone else and strict rules are enforced by the federal government. Based on the note by Dr. Pyle that the restrictions of the federal government are now being strictly enforced, it suggests that these relationships may be changing.

An interesting side note on a similar exhibit is the East Side Gallery. Because this area is recognized as an open air gallery, even recognized as the largest open air gallery in the world. It is strange comparison that the federal government protects the art on the Berlin Wall while the art at Teufelsberg is still technically considered illegal.

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Pauline Week 4, Post 3: In preparation of our visit to the Olympic Stadium and as a continuation of our conversation about public communication, watch the video on this page (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Feel free to google more videos about the Nazi influence on the 1936 Olympics.

Think of science & technology as a form of public communication for propaganda. Pick one article of your choice that we have read this semester to help answer the following:

·      How is sports as an industry used as a political statement? – you can draw parallels to other visits we have been on

·      How did science & technology contribute to the propaganda?

·      How would your answer differ (or not) if we looked at it from a Public Sphere standpoint as opposed to a public communication standpoint?

Earlier on this trip, me and some of the other students had an opportunity to visit Munich for a day. Munich is a city close to Stuttgart on the western side of Germany. While in Munich for 24 hours we scheduled our time where we would see as many historical landmarks and sites as we could. We were able to see the Olympic park from the 1972 summer Olympics.

The Olympic park in Munich stood out due to the class reading regarding the Olympics in 1972. The article was in regards to the East Germany doping scandal that has since emerged from those Olympics. The reading pointed out that it was not only special for the new Western German establishment to be hosting the games but that “the other important aspects of the 1972 games related to the East-West rivalry in Germany. This event was the first [time] in which the East was acknowledged by the [Olympic community] as a separate country” (Dimeo, Hunt, & Horbury, 2011, p.230). Due to this being the first international sporting event that East Germany was recognized as a separate country, East Germany felt that they had to prove the strength of socialism through their dominance of sports.

This notion is accompanied by the saying “diplomats in track suits”, which can be analyzed by looking at the assumptions that viewers make regarding successful athletes. This notion builds off the idea that correlation does not equal causation. Just because an athlete is successful does not mean that the country in which they come from is successful. That said, many to this day believe that more successful, established countries produce better athletes and vice versa with successful athletes representing successful, countries. This was the idea that the East Germans were operating under and believing in the years leading up to 1972. Many may argue that this idea most likely stems out of the 1930’s and Hitler’s Olympics were he advocated that “pure” Germans would excel at athletics, only then to be outplaced by African American Jesse Owens.

This aspect relates directly to our visit today to the stadium of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, which is now regarded as the Nazi Olympics. A video on the United States Holocaust Memorial museum illustrates how the 1936 Olympic games provided the Nazi regime with a platform to promote an illusion of a better situation than the actual. The video highlights that by the point of the Olympic games, Jews within the country had already lost many of their rights and even their citizenship and that the first concentration camp had already been opened. This additionally relates to our visit to Sachsenhausen because it was constructed around the time of the Olympics. The video mentions how visitors of the Olympics were welcomed with open arms and that the Olympics served as the perfect propaganda opportunity for the Nazi party to produce a rosy image to the world. This claim can be supported by the display of prominently Aryan athletes for the German team. Certain athletes from Germany were removed because of their heritage. This removal was supported by “science” that stated that Aryan athletes were the “supreme” athlete. The video detailed how a Jewish German track and field athlete removed herself from the competition because “either way it would be a lost.”  

This aspect of this rosy German government also adds to the public sphere of Berlin at the time. Because the tour guide on the first day said that Hitler didn’t come to Berlin often, even avoiding it if all possible. These facts create a complex, distorted image of Berlin’s public sphere at the time. Since public sphere is created by individuals agreeing to a certain dictate, it begs many questions about the public dialog and the public communications of art, government and advertising. I will acknowledge that it is easy to make these statements in hindsight, but there were discussions of Boycotting the Olympics at the time by many countries, including the United States. It is difficult to learn that there were discussions of boycotts, but that they still participated. This situation is similar, but not the same as the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia in which the United States again talked about boycotting but still ended in the US participating. It is very interesting how threats of boycotting are made but when it boils down to it, the diplomats in track suits mentality stands.

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Pyle Week 4: Post 1 This week you have two posts. Each should be a moderate-length discussion. Be sure to connect to readings and refer to specific aspects of the visits the posts are about. Prompt 1 [Medium Length]: You have now seen the Mercedes-Benz arena & museum, the BMW Motorcycle Factory, and the VW Autostadt. How are these various locations similar in terms of stakeholder engagement? In what ways are they different? As a tourist viewing these locations (rather than as a local fan, a native German, or a customer), which was more effective in creating a compelling experience for you? Think about the Ramshaw reading as you answer, and include specific examples. Note: Each post should include both text AND photo/video. You should also be referencing our readings (citing specific concepts with page numbers) and referring back to/quoting our tour guides/hosts.

Previously this week, we were able to add attending the Volkswagon (VW) Autostadt in Wolfsburg Germany to our list of auto places visited. The Autostadt is an unique experience where fans, tourists, and purchasers of VW can come and see their products. While Autostadt is mainly a way to connect with their consumers. The tailored experience of picking up their personal car and being treated to a distinct experience further enriches the relationship between VW and their consumers. Autostadt serves as a connection point, similar to that of the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Arena, as well as, the BMW motorcycle factory tour. VW’s aspect of being able to pick up your own product in an area devoted to VW is in great contrast to the BMW motorcycle factory tour that we took last week. The personalized experience offered at VW is a better way to connect with consumers and thus stakeholders, rather than BMW motorcycle factory. The BMW motorcycle factory, while connecting to the their consumer’s needs by offering ways for the motorcycles to be customized in addition to offering a factory tour, pales to the overall aesthetic appearance and experience of Autostadt. That said, Autostadt is an area meant to engage and educate visitors and fans, while in contrast the BMW motorcycle factory is a fully functioning factory.

Similar to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Volkswagon has museum aspects for their classic cars and the luxury name brands. While the guided tour that we were given at Autostadt was informational, we tended to skip through the historical museum aspects and move on to the showcases of the luxury cars. In a way, this aspect really bothered me because I am not as educated on VW and would have appreciated a more historical backdrop. “The meaning-making element of the tour perhaps becomes easier if there exist recognizable collective heritage elements” (Ramshaw, 2013, p.19 ). This quote comes into meaning in this situation because as someone who is not as educated on the subject, the rest of the exhibits and showcase houses were somewhat lost on me. That said, as a tourist, I do think that Autostadt was among the most creatively engaging and  most stylishly displayed. The way that VW displayed their luxury brands as halls for themselves allowed each branch to be customized in the representative way that benefited the brand. This changing dynamic from brand to brand was visually creative and kept my attention.

Additionally, in terms of other areas of stakeholders, the VW Autostadt provides a better experience for those wanting to learn more, super fans, and then their children. “Some visitors would no doubt be happy to have just ‘been there’ and stand near, photograph, and touch the stadium” (Ramshaw, 2013, p.18 ). The interactive area that VW produced with the different showcase halls, and the classic car museum allowed fans of all types to engage with the products. The museum was there to assist those who wanted to learn more, while the huge play area was for the children of the consumers. Additionally, the child test track and ways to get their “driver’s license” provided something for all age groups.

Personally, I felt that the way that I felt most connected to VW was when we got to go inside their storage towers and be lifted like one of their cars. This provided the most in depth look of their practices and the ways of their efficiency. Similarly, once at the top of the towers, it was easy to see the overall concept and layout of the visiting area and see how it flowed together.

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Pauline Week 4: Post 1: Describe how one of the visits you have done on your own during your free time or a weekend trip would be a great learning opportunity for our class. Be sure to use class concepts and/or readings to help explain how your discovery would fit into the @cuingermany program. Add a picture to your post.

           During the previous long weekend I had the opportunity to explore two different areas of Berlin that promoted different cultural aspects of this city. Both were museums, but they took different approaches on the way the information that was communicated. On Saturday, I had to the opportunity to visit the East Side Gallery. This open air museum is the biggest in the world stretching across several blocks. It features prominent art pieces painted on the Berlin Wall. Many of the art pieces contrast the meaning and symbol of the wall. Since Berlin has encouraged the use of the wall as a materials to change the perception of the wall the whole gallery speaks to a greater sense of public communication. The East Side Gallery combines art and government to portray the sense of change in Berlin. I think that if we added this visit to the overall list, we could easily make connections to class content and readings.

On Monday, I was able to visit the Neues Museum of Berlin. This aspect of Museum Island featured artifacts from Ancient Egypt, Bronze Age, and early archeological Berlin history. Each aspect and exhibit of the museum contributed to how public communication has been dictated over time. The artifacts presented in the museum were those of art, government, and in some ways advertising. The artifacts presented in the museum were pottery, paintings, and functional aspects of the everyday life in Ancient Egypt. These forms of art are ways to interpret the forms of public communication that was used. Additionally, there were sculptures of the royalty of Egypt which combines art and government. The art of the sculptures indicated differences of nobility and ordinary people by the level of details and difference of colors. This further emphasized the importance certain sculptures over others, which also emphasized governmental figures.  

Even if you looked beyond the artifacts, the layout, set-up and marketing of the museum itself conveys a sort of public communication. In turn, we could incorporate the museum visit with the Public Relations class on how the museum is communicating with the local community of Berlin. We could analyze the communication on how the Museum is representing the early history of Berlin. The museum overall provides an opportunities for both aspects of the @cuingermany program.

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Ms. Julie Seydoux talked to us about her work at FRiStyle (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and how they collaborate with Skippr (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. She also shared a little bit of information about the make-up of Fribourg being not only a bilingual region but also one with varied cultural rituals and traditions.

We learned that public communication is not simply the opposite of private communication but that it addresses an audience with a persuasive appeal. We also talked a little bit about intercultural communication during Dr. Pyle’s class at the Tiergarten. So with those concepts and ideas in mind, please discuss 1 way in which creating content and aligning messages as partners can be an asset and 1 ways in which it can be a challenge for FRiStyle and Skippr.

The talk with Ms. Julie Seydoux was one of the more education and interesting visits that we have had, in my opinion. In high school I was involved with yearbook and other publications, so I was very interested to hear about her job and how she had incorporated what she learned in school to her current job. I found that sample booklet that she brought to be very interesting because it corporate many different aspects of public communication while still being visually appealing. The booklet applied the art and advertising aspects of public communication. The booklet itself was art with the different visuals, theme, and writing but also description of local events was showcasing the art in which the community was producing. The connection to the community applies to the public communication aspect because as Julie pointed out the purpose of this booklet is to promote the community and what local and tourists alike can do to be involved and contribute to the community.

           Contrastingly to benefiting the community, the booklet is made able to be printed still due to the large paid advertisements. While it is a good partnership with these businesses that allows the publication, it is a direct contrast to the goal of the publication. But that is sometimes necessary when it comes to smaller organizations, especially those working on a small budget such as Fristyle.

           Anyways, the partnership with Skippr that Julie detailed was interesting, because it detailed how this publication is working to better serve the multicultural and bilingual region. From Julie’s description it seemed that Fristyle was successful before the partnership, but that they were aware that they weren’t serving the whole community. The partnership illustrates the desire and the values of the company to better serve the community. The partnership between the two benefits the community because as more people are aware of the local events, businesses, etc. then the better the local economy. Additionally, the more aware tourists visiting the area, then the larger the attendance and profit of events. 

Contrastingly, the partnership of the bilingual communities limits the ways in which the booklet and online media can communicate. Julie highlighted how the two platforms have different themes, but try to have similar content. She said that usually it is communicated well when it is simple information, but when it comes to more language or cultural based content, then it is more difficult to communicate. The example Julie used was when someone from Skippr wanted to post a joke to the social media platform, but when the joke was translated into French, then it wasn’t funny. That is just one way in which there may be a communication block.

Overall, I think the partnership is a good idea, potentially a merger might even better align the messages, which in turn would produce a better product for their consumers. But their current situation is appealing and including those living in the area. 

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While visiting the Museum of Communication this past week, we got to experience a really cool exhibit related to hand gestures and hand movements. This exhibit really resonated with the reading that we did in Pyle’s communication class and my previous post regarding hand gestures in Berlin. The chapter pointed out that “because people from almost every culture use their hands when they speak, gestures -more so than clothing or expressions- can send unintended messages during cross-cultural communication” (Guth & Marsh, 2012, p. 438). This quote is also relevant regarding the incident in Tennessee that we discussed with Pyle. The incident relates because it involves the use of a hand gesture most associated with Nazism. This topic is of specific relevance due to the location that we are studying in currently, but it is also a point of discussion in the United States. While I support the education and awareness that the historic events deem necessary, the presentation of Hitler in a school presentation to other students, parents, and staff is uncalled for. While I encourage the education of the hand gesture and its background, it is not necessary for the hand gesture to be acted out or returned for educational purposes. This case is specifically difficult because of the age of the students. The students themselves were around the age of 11-12. It is difficult at the age to judge the meaning and significance of one’s actions, and more likely that the students potentially did not grasp the heaviness of the situation. That said, adults, like teachers and staff should have not permitted the situation of a child portraying Hitler to occur. While I deem the education and background of the situation necessary, there are plenty alternative methods for teaching the concepts. Additionally, there is plenty pf photographic evidence to illustrate the point rather than a student demonstration.

Using the Toulmin model of argumentation as a guide for framing arguments on how this situation should have been prevented, or stopped while in action, I will defend my own personal stance.

Grounds (because, support): The grounds of my suggestion to use period set pictures or evidence comes from the way I was educated on WWII. Additionally, from a historic and conceptual example it is easier to define situations by utilizing time period examples, such as photographs or recordings.

Claim (Thesis) The hand gesture should still be taught to the students with the heavy disclaimer of the hand gesture’s associated meaning and weight, but remove the situation of the “Living History” where the students had the opportunity to reenact the hand gesture.

Warrant (define terms, bridge the gaps) The “Living History” was a play of sorts in which different historical figures where displayed, one of which was a student dressed as Hitler. When the student was on stage, several students in the audience signaled the Nazi salute and where not told by teachers that it was inappropriate or to stop.

Backing (supports the warrant): Building off of my own background and education about how I was introduced and educated about the events of WWII as a 12-13 year old, the direct photographic evidence and explanation of this hand gesture as a historic symbol made it clear that it was never intended to be used again. There was also never any use of the hand gesture in a public setting. To contradict the “Living History” aspect of the situation, there are some events that shouldn’t be portrayed by young children. This specific instance is complex, because you are asking a 11-12 year old to portray debatably the most evil person in world history. It is unfair for the adults in that situation to even consider asking a student to place themselves in that situation. Thus the responsibility falls on the educators of the area to remove the live action part of the situation. They must continue to educate the next generation of the tragic events, but must do so without the reenactment of the symbol.

Rebuttal (3 responses concede or agree; refute or prove wrong; compromise or modify) Many may disagree with my statement that the hand gesture should still be taught at all, but I argue that if students are not taught the meaning of the gesture in a way that is informative but also suggests the harmful nature of the gesture that students while eventually find out about it other ways. The educational system should be the ones who educate the students on the grave historic relevance of the gesture, instead of removing the difficult content. The point of the educational system is to prepare the next generation and when it comes to something as dire as the impacts and consequences of WWII, then it is the school’s duty to properly educate the information regarding those events. On the contrastingly side, some may disagree with my proposal to remove the “living history” element of this situation. They may argue that it is important that children receive information in different ways so that they can learn better. I would argue that there are many different ways in which a child can be educated without the use of a child portraying the likeness of Hitler.

Qualifiers (how the claim is true; probably, could, often, possibly) I believe my claim to be the best situation of middle ground, because through my claim the children are still being educated, but there is the removal of the opportunity that caused the issue to begin with. I think that all school regions should look to their own schools and implement a policy that both encourages historic education but discourages historic reenactment.

While the learning more about hand gestures and their symbolism was interesting, I was much more intrigued with the technology that was monitoring your hand movements and then replicating them. For example, the box that mimicked your hand movements as a ball rolled through a maze or the simulation of making pottery. I found that these exhibits related more to the development of technology, as well as, wearable technology. There was a small description of how developers are creating a cast/glove like sleeve with electrodes to assist those who have lost mobility in order to attempt to stimulate those muscles. I found these exhibits to be both entertaining and educational, and felt that they needed to be acknowledged.  

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I ask you to employ quotes this week - make sure that the quotes you choose actually connect to both the prompt and the point you're trying to make.

Pyle Week 3; Prompt 3: Capture an image from the portion of the BMW Motorcycle factory where we’re allowed to have photos – anything you like (something cool, obviously). Discuss the concept of communicating/connecting with internal & external stakeholders, and how this tour accomplishes both of those things (refer to the entire tour and to things we learn from the tour guide and the promo videos). Draw specific connections to the Zerfass reading - quotes w/ page numbers are a good way to do this.

Note: Each post should include both text AND photo/video. You should also be referencing our readings (citing specific concepts with page numbers) and referring back to/quoting our tour guides/hosts

This past week I had the opportunity to visit the BMW motorcycle factory in Berlin. Visiting the motorcycle plant was a very interesting experience since I have relatively little background information about motorcycles and their production. When we began the tour in the Biker Bar, I was impressed at the different types of motorcycles that BMW was producing at the moment. It was interesting that currently BMW is producing about five different lines of motorcycles in Germany alone, and then has partnerships in other countries that help to produce two additional lines of motorcycles. The slides pertaining to the partnerships were quite interesting because it further explained how BMW is working to be an international and a global company. “Organizations [like BMW] should have core competencies and policies that are valid worldwide, while at the same time their implementation in different parts of the world should appreciate local specialties. These they organized into five environmental variables: political ideology, economic system, degree of activism, culture, and media system” (Vercica,Zerfass, Wiesenberg, 2015, p.786).  An example of how BMW is being culturally aware in their production is by how the scooter they produce is manufactured in India, because that is where the greatest demand is located. Not only is BMW aware that that area holds the largest market, BMW is also aware of the cost assumed with shipping from Germany to India. They adapted through a partnership to better serve their customers. BMW additionally adapted to the economic system with their African plant. The guide explained how the German plant sends the motorcycle disassembled as parts to the African plant to avoid high import taxes. This not only saves the company money, but also the customer. These measures further enhance the consumer based relation that BMW has created with their consumer base.

Similarly, the tour itself is a way that BMW is connecting to their stakeholders and their fan base. By having open, public tours BMW is reaching out to those who are interested, while also educating many others about their company’s values. Throughout the tour it was evident of the safety precautions, and the quality of the facility that BMW values the products that the create for the consumers. This was probably most evident by the test drive center where each bike is test driven to insure it’s luxury quality. If the bike did not pass the inspection, it was placed aside and checked. This precaution not only communicates the company’s values of a quality product, but also how much they cherish their consumers. BMW wants to insure that each bike and each consumer has the best experience and product. This devotion to detail was also present on the assembly line, as each bike has the option to be customized to fit the consumer’s wants and needs. It was evident as the bike’s rolled down the line that each bike was treated the same, thus each customer the same.

Additionally, during the tour it was evident how BMW respected their workers and their contributions. Throughout the time, we observed spaces where the workers could take breaks, eat, or when they are older sit and work instead of standing. BMW cares about their workers as stakeholders and has prompted them to communicate with the company. During the length of the tour two examples of how previous employees made suggestions to the company that contributed to the change of the company where detailed. This program embodies how BMW is “simultaneously think global and local and act global and local” (Vercica,Zerfass, Wiesenberg, 2015, p.786). Because not only are they improving their production methods globally but also impacting the local workers and their production measures. These examples of changes not only improved the local production, but both examples prompted environmental changes that helped reduce the environmental impact that BMW was having. Now, the company has reduced their waste, helping both the local and global environment.

Overall, it was really interesting to learn more about a global company that maintains such good relations with their consumers and their employees. By the end of the tour, I think all of us were ready to try a motorcycle!  

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Pyle week 3 Prompt 2 (extended): We visited Sachsenhausen this week. The holocaust undeniably was a crisis, and created a series of cascading crises for Germany, Europe, and the world over the following months and years. Thinking about the Guth reading, how does Sachsenhausen function as a response to that crisis? How does the organization utilize Sachsenhausen (and museums/memorials like it) to pursue healing, restoration, and a prospective vision for the future with the various publics affected by the holocaust? Make specific connections to both the Guth reading and the ECC (Effective Crisis Comm) reading - again, quotes are a good way to do this.

This week, my study group and I were able to visit Sachsenhausen, which was the site of a Nazi forced labor camp, and later was a Soviet POW camp. This visit has been one of the hardest places to visit because one can never fully comprehend the intensity of the actions that were taken on that land. One of the first things that I noticed during our tour was the shape of the place. The overall plan was that it was in the shape of a triangle, but in actuality the area that the prisoners lived in was shaped as a semi-circle. This shape was designed after the idea of a panopticon. The panopticon is a type of institutional building and a system of control designed by the English philosopher and social theorist Jeremy Bentham in the late 18th century. Bentham suggested the institution should build the prisoners cells around the guard tower, and then the guards are able to view the prisoners in masses, while the prisoners are never able to tell when they are being watched. When you entered the gate of Sachsenhausen, as you moved throughout the grounds of the previous grounds, the guard tower was always in view. It provided a chillingly feeling to have learned about this concept, but more to see it in action was unnerving.

While the visit was chilling, I felt a sense of relief that I was able to visit the site, because it made history more tangible than just reading about it in history books. The organization of Sachsenhausen is engaging in “public relations [as] a management function” (Guth & Marsh, 2012, p. 5). They are acting as a management function because they are hoping that by educating the public and managing the response to this historical site that they will be able to manage the relationship with the community, the rest of Europe and the rest of the world.

The SachsenhausenMemorial and Museum addresses the various stakeholders invested within the history of the area. The main operation of having Sachsenhausen continuing to be open to tours is to serve as a place to remind the world of the dangers of group think and to educate instead of dismissing history. The continuous tours of the Sachsenhausen facility continue to address and explain questions of future generations regarding the events that took place there. The tours and exhibits continuously attempt to answer the questions regarding what happened, responsibility for the event, who was affected, and how we as a society should respond. During our visits I witnessed many groups of school children, some of which were probably around the age of middle school. Reflecting on my education, I was first introduced to the darker history of WWII around the same age of the children that I saw visiting. I remember thinking during the tour, that it is such a great thing for those children to have such an opportunity to directly connect with that history. The place of Sachsenhausen is there not only to manage the current relations with the world, but also with future generations. By having this tour for younger children, Sachsenhausen is affecting the future response of the next generation.

In addition to educating future generations, Sachsenhausen provides a place for those directly impacted to have a space to heal. During the tour, the guide indicated that there are areas of Sachsenhausen that considered and regarded as a cemetery for those who died there. This allows a space to process what the Effective Crisis Communication chapter one identify as the psychological and sociological responses triggered by this event (Ulmer et. al, 2008, p.15). By having this space for those impacted to revisit and respect the loss, Sachsenhausen is promoting a message of remembrance. It should be noted that a country that experienced such a tragic past, could have demolished everything and started fresh, but instead, the town of Oranienburg and the country of Germany preserved the history to stand as a constant reminder to the country and the world. The transition of the area of Sachsenhausen acts on the idea that“actions speak louder than words” (Guth & Marsh, 2012, p. 17). By selecting that the labor camp would continue to be open and tours available builds off the complex feelings that we need to work on as a society. By having Sachsenhausen open, it provides a sense of remembrance as the world heals and moves forward.

That said, the idea that part of this memorial site was under arson attack less than 30 years ago, suggests that as a country, as a world, and as a human race we need to focus more on healing and on resolving tensions between various groups of people and the world if we want to move forward.

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EXTENDED: Last week, during our visit to the Mercedes-Benz Arena, we learned how big of a role soccer fans can play in shaping the culture around the team and the sport.

Since we have been in Berlin, I took notice of a series of advertisement for an upcoming soccer game. I took a few pictures – they’re not great – but they are available below. All of them were taken at different U-train stations.

·      Please take a look at the pictures

·      Research more information about the “In Berlin kannst du alles sein” campaign (remember that Google usually also gives you the option to translate websites that are not in English)

·      Review the notes and think back on our conversation about public spheres

Once you feel more familiar about the campaign, please explain it as a form of public communication using one of the following concepts: ideology or government.

**Hint: remember we have heard info about Germany’s complicated past, we got to visit a Parliament in Stuttgart where we learned about German democracy, our guide in Berlin mentioned upcoming elections, we have learned about sports and fandom during our tour at the arena, we got to see the Holocaust Memorial and the Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism, etc.

“In Berlin, you can be everything” (Pauline’s Picture, 2019). This is the slogan that accompanies pictures of actual, diverse Berliners. This photo series is the latest campaign from the Berlin football club to try and connect with their fans. The campaign originally began with the players, and them explaining how their identity and their nationally. One of the player touches on the idea that he is from somewhere else but he still sees himself as a Berliner. It was interesting that the player identified as a Berliner. This was similar to the tour guide and how she identified as a Berliner. Overall, this idea of being a Berliner connects to how Selasi explained how people should be asked where there are loyal rather than where they are from (2014).  Following the players video, the campaign was expanded to include local Berlin fans. “At the start of the season, 25 fans from over 500 applications received were selected. It gives you the opportunity to become part of the campaign. The 25 motifs, which can be seen in large numbers in the whole of Berlin, show in addition to the people depicted sights and peculiarities of the city of Berlin. Thematically, the campaign is focused on the specifics of the capital and its districts” (Hertha, 2018).  The expansion of the campaign was a calculated move by the football club’s marketing to make their fanbase more inclusive, while also playing on public opinion regarding a greater form of inclusion.

The idea of inclusion is one that is prominent on the German communities’ mind, that including Berlin. The tour of Berlin was especially reflective on this aspect given the heavy weight of history and memorials committed to historical remembrance, inclusion of groups previously alienated are in the forefront of the process of moving forward. For example, during the tour we saw two memorials that were dedicated to two of the groups that were alienated in previous times. These memorials are evident of the complex situation that Berlin is facing as a city. They are finding the balance of remembering the past, while still moving forward. The German government has committed to respectfully remembering the past by dedicating these memorials. The two memorials that we viewed were dedicated to the Jewish population and the LGBTQ community. The campaign produced by the Hertha football club also dedicated a series of their photo series to members of the LGBTQ community. The use of the rainbow flag used in the advertisement, the rainbow flag being associated with the LGBTQ community, communicates to their audiences that open to be inclusive of all fans. This relates to the government lens of analysis because as the government is pursuing a path of inclusivity and equality, so are private local football clubs. This is an example of how the pulse of the people is also aligned with the steps that the government is taking to include their diverse population. Similarly, the fact that this football club feels comfortable promoting a diverse, inclusive image of their fans, which contrasts the typical all male fandom, it shows that there is an accepting fanbase that is willing to expand and grow with the changing of times.

While I appreciate the inclusion of the LGBTQ community, the ad that really stands out to me is the man with down syndrome. This ad stands out to me because of my brother having down syndrome. By showcasing someone with this condition, Hertha is communicating that they have fans who are disabled. Given some of my experiences with my brother in public places that are loud and crowded, I would be very interested in how Hertha works with their fans and accommodates them in order for them to have a similar experience to the other fans. It was somewhat addressed when we visited the Stuttgart stadium, but that was in regards to the safety of those in wheel chairs being far enough away from the opposition’s team. So I’d be very interested to see the way they would actually treat fans with disabilities at the stadium as opposed to when it is to promote a public image.  This aspect of disparity in image and reality is unfortunately usually related to government and ideology when it comes to accommodating those with disabilities. Many school, businesses, governments and other organization claim to be inclusive and promote a rosy image of inclusion, but often when you look closer that is not so. I was thankfully surprised when visited the Stuttgart parliament building where they have installed elevators, ramps, and accessible displays to assist those who are disabled. This was refreshing in contrast with previous experiences in the states. It was also refreshing to see something as central to the European culture as football to be embracing all individuals; and not only embracing them, but proudly advertising that these individuals are members of their fanbase.  

These aspects of open inclusion is illustration that the ideology of the majority of Berliners is changing to include and celebrate differences in the community. Not only is the government of Berlin advocating for these changes, but the private sector (the football club) is also showcasing these changes. In terms of moving towards a more inclusive future, the aspects of German society are moving towards that ideal. 

References:

Hertha. 2018. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH0IeS31iE4

Hertha. 2018. Retrieved from https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=https://www.herthabsc.de/de/intern/kampagne-start-2018-/page/14912--17-17-.html&prev=search

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Pyle week 3 Prompt 1: Pick a concept from the chapter 14 reading on cross-cultural communication and PR that you have seen exemplified during our time here so far. Perhaps at a cafe you've witnessed differences in how space is used (Proxemics). Maybe on a weekend trip you've seen ways that people from some countries view time differently than we tend to (Chronemics). Or perhaps you've seen a really clever ad that bridges cultural/linguistic boundaries. Post a photo or video, and explain how it captures or illustrates the concept you choose.

           During our stroll today the park, me and other students were chatting about our surroundings. In that short period, I may have used about ten hand gestures to express myself along with my words. After reading the chapter from Guth and March, I was hyper aware of my hand signals today, while also observing others’ use of gestures. I was so aware of these movements “because [while] people from almost every culture use their hands when they speak, gestures -more so than clothing or expressions- can send unintended messages during cross-cultural communication” (Guth & Marsh, 2012, p. 438). After reading that statement, I have very aware of how I am using my hands to try to bridge the communication gap, because if the hand gesture is miscommunicated then it is just adding to the issue at hand.

           Additionally, after this realization I have been going back through my own pictures, group pictures and other content and I have been noticing how a go to pose for the group is to pose with a peace sign or a thumbs up. After doing some research, I am relived to know that both of these signs do not carry an offensive meaning here in Germany. The thumbs up is usually used to count but the American meaning has also been incorporated. Similarly, the peace sign is deemed appropriate, but 30 years it would probably be offensive. This is because the symbol was assumed with “victory” and American culture. Given America’s history that deals with the occupation of parts of Berlin, then the peace sign would probably be considered offensive in some parts. This aspect makes me concerned as me and others are displaying these signs while taking pictures or videos of the trip. It concerns me that if the symbols are misinterpreted then it is communicating the wrong message.

           As I observed some of the interactions of today, I did not see a lot of hand signals being used by the Berliners. This aspect that I barely noticed any Berliners using hand gestures adds to my embarrassment because it must be painfully obvious that I am an outsider. As a traveling guest in this country, I don’t want to miscommunicate any messages due to my hand signals or when I talk with my hands. The fact that I am probably easily perceived as an outsider also leads to what Guth and March identified as stereotyping. Because while I don’t perceive myself as the “typical” American, to a German audience, I may fit the stereotype of an American. I selected a picture of me holding up peace signs in a picture from the local night club. I am sure that fact that I took a picture with peace signs adds to my Americanness. Moving forward with this new information I will be more conscious of talking with my hands and holding up signs when taking pictures, but I will also be more observant to see if I see any different hand gestures that Germans use that I am not familiar with.

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Pauline week 2: post 3: We are now in Berlin and we can sense the history. Use the TED Talk linked above to make sense of our walking tour and your knowledge of the city's past. You can choose which concept you want to use as a lens for your post.  https://www.ted.com/talks/taiye_selasi_don_t_ask_where_i_m_from_ask_where_i_m_a_local?language=en (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

           We have an update on location! We are now in Berlin. While Stuttgart was interesting and engaging, I am happy for the change of location. Berlin is special in many ways. Being a history minor, I am very excited to be within a city that has such historical ties. So far, my favorite thing regarding our short time in Berlin has been the walking tour. It was really enjoyable learning more about our new city. It was amazing to me the developments that this city has been able to make in the last 30 years. The tour guide took time to explain about the large amounts of development since there were areas within Berlin that had been left undeveloped due to the spilt of the city’s center. It was very intriguing at how different the city looks in comparison to pictures that are 30 years old. It is mind blowing to think that 30 years ago, there were two separate countries, where now you have one united city.

The TED talk does a good job detailing and conceptualizing these changes in country-scape, because in society we “talk about countries as if they were eternal, singular, naturally occurring things,… that a country was an absolute, a fixed point and place in time” (Selasi, 2014). It is hard to fully conceptualize the changes that countries throughout the world have experienced within the last 50 years. As an American student, I have learned about these events but have never fully understood them until stepping inside the city of Berlin. Selasi encompasses the concept that a country is a an absolute, fixed point and place in time; contrastingly Berlin has one foot in the past while leaping towards to the future. The development of new business sector and buildings in the space that was previously the death zone of the Berlin wall is evident of the city’s desire to move forward. While the new installments of memorials such as the Holocaust memorial and the stone line that marks where the wall used to be is a nod towards the past. Berlin is acknowledging that the “history was real, culture was real, [but the] countries [of East and West Germany] were invented” (2014). That quote encases the feelings one has when in the city of Berlin. One certainly feels the weight of history, while also feeling the desire towards progress and development. One object of the tour was the partly demolished church in the center of the shopping area. The perseveration of the church stands to show the desire to have a permeant reminder of the past, while building a new modern worship area to allow the parish to move forward in their future. The church reminded me of the exhibits within the parliament building in Stuttgart, where the people and the government are avoiding denialism and accepting the past, while continuously learning from it.

One thing that Selasi touched on was the aspects of  “rituals, relationships, restrictions” being the three prong test towards determining where someone is from (Selasi, 2014). She specifically points at how one’s daily routine and rituals make ones experiences thus adding to where one is from. But the more interesting aspect was the idea of restrictions on locality. The other weekend when we were in Munich we meet a man in the “Typically Munich” museum who talked to us for a while, asking questions about why we were visiting. Later in the conversation, the man had expressed his desire to visit the United States, and how he feared he couldn’t obtain the proper paperwork. He expressed how lucky we are to have an American passport and be able to travel and learn freely without restriction. This has remained in my mind throughout our time. As a child growing up, I had never fully recognized the full ability and weight that an American passport holds. I can most attribute it to the oversimplification of the idea of what privileges an American citizen holds. Now that I am older, and here, I have a whole new respect and understanding for how lucky I am to have been born where I was.

Reflecting on this new understanding, I am sure that it will impact me moving forward in terms of how I relate to ideas and connections from home. Selasi best sums this view by saying “we can never go back to a place and have it be the same as the way we left it” (2014). I have found this in my own life when moving from state to state as a child. Growing up, I attended five different schools spread across two states. When I was asked where I was from when I was little, I would just say where we were currently living. But as Selasi pointed out, that isn’t entirely true. Given that I have had experiences in more than one place, it is more easily to explain to others by where I was local to, because local rituals and cultures of Louisville, Kentucky and Chapel Hill, North Carolina greatly differ. And given those experiences I am who I am today. Even now in college, I have added another state and school to my resume. The transition from going to school and back home is something that continues to amaze me each major break. I notice that as I start to get used to the rituals back home it is time to head back to school, and vice versa. I now start to realize those same effects while abroad. Because as of now, I am starting to adjust to the new cultural norms and I will take part of that home with me. This relates to Selasi quote that you can never return to a place and have it be the same as how you left it.

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Pyle week 2: Prompt 3 (extended): AFRICOM is the focal point for U.S. military operations and engagement across the entire continent of Africa. How is this entity engaged in public relations? Who are the key publics? Through our tour and through listening to our hosts, what did you learn about how the U.S. manages relationships abroad? What could organizations you’ve visited this week learn from AFRICOM? What could AFRICOM learn from other organizations.

           The other day I got the privileged opportunity to visit the Africom base in Stuttgart, Germany. Africom is the American Military base responsible for U.S. military operations and engagement across the entire continent of Africa. We learned while visiting that in former times, the base was responsible for engagement on the continents of Africa and Europe, but has since been reassigned to Africa only. This not was surprising due to the large scope that Africom held just in regard to one continent, let alone two. Additionally, many other aspects of the tour were intriguing to gain a glimpse into the actions of our military.

The entity of Africom is engaged in a specific type of public relations, one in which the public, that is the American public, is not often aware of. Africom mainly serves to maintain American relations with the multitude of countries in Africa. So in many ways, Africom’s main public audience is the countries in Africa and their citizens. While we were visiting, the presentations detailed a recent operation as an example of how Africom tailored their communication to several different audiences in order to accurately, and safely, communicated their tactics and approach to the operation. In terms of this recent operation, the key publics ranked in order were the private/governmental public of that country, then the main public citizens of the related area. The ranked order was due to the fact that USAID, a government disaster aid segment of the United States government, had partnered with the American military in order to safely transport the necessary supplies to the impacted areas. Africom had to communicate to the local African government what the exact terms of engagement were regarding the use of the American military in order to not appear hostile. Dr. Pyle touches on this notion in his research regarding international and intercultural crises where ineffective intercultural communications include taking over, lacking empathy and disrespect for the local culture (2018). Africom is doing its best to not commit those actions and be seen as a helping force. 

Both the speaker from USAID and the telecom speaker touched on that fact that the organization has to be extremely cautious when interacting with other foreign governments, especially in the moments when the US military is involved. The telecom speaker, and the two before her, touched on the fact that the local American government representative has to declare a state of emergency, and then the local foreign government has to agree that the amount of devastation is beyond their scope of control. Then is branches like USAID able to help, sometimes with the assistance of the US military. The structure of the internal communication between the local American official, and then later the internal communication by the different branches of humanitarian aid illustrates the drastic structure and organization to make sure every tactic is perceived as friendly and helpful.  This further speaks to the idea of public communication by the government, because by assisting the government is producing a persuasive message to stay within the good graces of other foreign countries.

The telecom speaker specifically touched on the idea of group communications and group coherence. She spoke on the organizational and logistical impact that these operations must have to execute efficiently and effectively. She touched on how the different organizations of USAID and the military worked together to deliver lots of supplies. She showed us a promotional video that she helped create to further enhance our understanding of the partnerships, and exactly how many different moving parts were involved with the operation. The video itself was interesting because it was an example of the way that these military operations must document how they are effectively utilizing their funds. The audience for this video ranged from an American Congress member, to an American citizen, to a foreign government, to the local foreign citizens that were impacted. Of those audiences listed, I would argue for the American government and then the audiences of the foreign nation. Due to the persuasive message of assistance, the video appeals most to proving that the mission was worthy and successful, but also to support that frame of non-threating assistance to those foreign audiences.

In terms of cohesion, I felt that I was able to tell that the speakers had not interacted with one another to confirm the information presented. There were many times where information would be restated or questions would be diverted to the next speaker, but then never answered. While I understand we were guests, I would have appreciated a prepared presentation where information was not repeated. That said, the repeated information are the things that stick out in memory now, so there is a chance that the repetition was planned in order for us to understand the facts. It could be that the repeated facts in what the presenters wanted us to take away from the presentation. Although, I would argue that the different parts of Africom should work more closely with one another. From some of the questions asked, it was apparent that the different speakers where from different groups and may not be fully aware of what the other members do and contributed.

In relation to some of the other organizations and companies that we have visited these past two weeks, I was surprised that an organization such as the Mercedes-Benz Arena would appear to have better public communication with their key publics then the governmental military base of Africom. “Corporate public relations in Europe is an international, globalizing practice with non-profit and governmental sectors lagging behind” (Verc, Zerfassb, and Wiesenberg, 2015, p.791). This quote describes what I believe is the issue. The corporate companies, such as Mercedes-Benz Arena are adapting to the growing world of public communications because they rely on that relationship with their consumer base to stay afloat. In contrast, Africom does not rely too heavily on public relations, in regards to the American public, thus it is difficult to feel the same way towards to the different approaches. I assume that the more important key publics and audiences of Africom would have a different opinion, but it is hard for me to speak from that perspective given the little knowledge I have.

Although, in terms of what other organizations need to look towards Africom for techniques is the way they were able to partner with other large providers to accomplish their task. I think this would most likely relate to Ecoland and their development of partners. While Ecoland has a solid foundational business, I think that as they grow, they will need to develop partnerships with other organizations and companies to further achieve their mission. For example, as of now they have small partnerships with local butchers and other providers. But I think that Ecoland should look into a larger partnership, perhaps with an Aldi, to bring their high quality product to a larger audience. Africom is a great example of the way several different departments came together to accomplish a larger goal.

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EXTENDED: Based on class content and the museum tour, discuss communication of automotive science and technology within a society.

o   For a little bit of nerdy fun: Review notes on Futurism. Read “The Furturist Manifesto.”What exhibit at the Mercedes Benz Museum do you think Marinetti would like the most? Why?

o   And more importantly, how are science and technology symbols of a nation and its strengths?

           I always have, and most likely always will be a museum enthusiast. Ever since I was little I have loved walking through a museum to experience the visual, artistic ways in which someone has decided to showcase history. This past summer I had interned at a local history museum in my hometown of Louisville. During my time there I was able to assist in the reconstruction of the main focus and main exhibits of the museum. I was able to get a behind the scenes experience of the structural and strategic way that museums are designed in order to convey certain messages, while engaging multiple audiences.

Given my background experience with museum, I was especially impressed with the design and layout of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. As I walked down the spiraled design of the museum, I was impressed at the way they utilized the space while having various engaging exhibits. I found that the way the showcased Mercedes-Benz areas of development by strategically separating the floors by era flowed with the idea of the spiral shape of the building. The spiral motion intimated a continuous motion, which mimics the flowing motion of time. As the audience moved through the time periods of Mercedes-Benz history, they moved through the building. In terms of how automotive science and technology is communicated within a society, one could analyze the selection of cars that Mercedes-Benz positioned on the floor. For example, on the floor that represented the 1960s-1970s, there was a societal focus towards individualism, thus Mercedes-Benz created cars where one could select certain aspects such as color to promote the individual consumer. This aspect of history was supported by the selection of different colored cars, such as the cherry red one prominently in the room. The aspect of individualism leads to the conception that objects, such as our cars are extensions of our persons. Often types of cars are associated with certain values and personalities, that are then associated with the owner of the car. For example, a Mercedes-Benz is considered a luxury car in the United States, so it is associated with a high income lifestyle. In contrast to German culture where most of their service vehicles like taxis, buses, shipping trucks, ambulances and firetrucks are Mercedes-Benz. Thus Mercedes-Benz communicates a different message in German culture as compared to American culture.

Among the exhibits that I found interesting was the development of the motored car, and the growth of the Mercedes-Benz name through high speed racing cars. Similar to me, I also think that writer Marinetti would appreciate the development of the car, but also be fascinated by the advanced speed cars that Mercedes-Benz has developed. I tend to think that these would be the exhibits that he would gravitate to because of the way they challenge the social norm and push the bounds. In his Futurism Manifesto, he stated that “We [must] declare that the splendor of the world has been enriched by a new beauty: the beauty of speed. A racing automobile with its bonnet adorned with great tubes like serpents with explosive breath ... a roaring motor car which seems to run on machine-gun fire, is more beautiful than the Victory of Samothrace” (Marinetti, 1909, p.2). I think that this quote shows the depth and awe that Marinetti held towards automotive and how he believed they were the paths to the future. I think he would especially be interested in the race cars that were showcased towards the end of the museum due to their speed, but also their agility. Given that he was writing in the 1900’s, he would most likely only have experience with cars that could accelerate and speed in one direction. In terms of the evolution of the speed race car, I think it most likely aligns with Marinetti’s personal values. His values are best illustrated by his quote "Let us leave good sense behind like a hideous husk and let us hurl ourselves, like fruit spiced with pride, into the immense mouth and breast of the world!” (Marinetti, 1909, p.1). This quote captures how he is excited and unafraid of technology developments. The stark contrast can be illustrated by comparing his enthusiasm against that of a technopanic, who would be afraid and concerned of the growing technological developments. Marinetti’s views are starkly different then someone who would fear this cultural shift.

Many who share similar thoughts to Marinetti— those who encourage a futuristic world, would agree with the assumption that countries, like Germany, who excel in science and technological developments are stronger nations. This is based on the assumption that science and technological advancements are symbols of a nations strength. In many ways this is supported by evidence of emerging businesses, drugs, technology, and alternative ways of producing products. But often to host these types of advancements, the country must have an influence, and usually an excess of funds. Countries like the United States, Germany and France are larger economic systems that have institutional systems that ensure coverage of basic needs for the citizens, which allows for the excess of funds to invest or explore or consume other means of products. This in turn can lead to an increase of additional funds that can be donated or invested into developing technology or drug studies. In the United States, there are governmental grants and systems in place that allows for finical assistance to be provide to certain companies or entrepreneurs who are researching. This support for new leading technology and research in science is prompted by nations who desire to learn and explore, but also to boost their accomplishments.

In contrast in nations who are unable to cover the basic needs of their citizens, such as food, clean water and livable shelter, then those nations are less likely to be viewed as strong. Given the strain of funding or investment into those countries’ economies, there is less opportunity for the development and emphasis on science and technology development. That said correlation does not equal causation. That means that even though a country may not have a lot of science and technological advancements, it does not mean that are not a strong nation. Historically, this debated viewpoint of stronger nations were the ones with the further developed technology has been a contention point, and has dominated both political negotiations and arguments. A distant historical example of this mis-notion is the American Revolutionary war where Britain assumed that since they were the more technological advanced society that they could quell rising tensions and later the dispute. That assumption has historically shown itself as leading to dangerous assumptions and underestimating the “less developed” nations. The United States has made this mistake many times, most recently regarding conflicts in Vietnam, Korea, the Middle East, and currently in negotiations with North Korea. Though areas of those examples led themselves more to the discussion of what classifies an Utopia vs. dystopia, given that those examples surround the political debate of whether democracy and capitalism is more beneficial than socialism.

An example from our visits this week where different approaches in technology from differing cultures may lead to issues is Ecoland and their expansion into the spice industry. Ecoland’s expansion into the spice industries of India and Africa run into the historic issues of Western countries imposing systems and structures on Eastern and African countries because Western countries believe that they are doing good. During our Ecoland visit, we were shown a video were the partners of Ecoland were shown using ancient farming techniques, while the Ecoland’s founder was noted saying that they would just have to alter those techniques slightly to gain German quality standards. The debate over technology and advancements when it comes to certain situations should be analyzed for long term consequences.

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Pyle week 2, Prompt 2: How is the Mercedes-Benz Arena utilized for public relations? Who are the key publics here, how are they engaged, and what types of relationship management strategies are employed to engage with these publics? Again, using information learned on the tour is a good idea.

I have recently been interested in the mystic that European football clubs produce. The pageantry, the aesthetic, and the long standing traditions set the bar high for sports clubs and organizations in the United States. During our time in Stuttgart, we were able to visit the home of the Stuttgart football club, who are represented by their crocodile mascot. The stadium itself had an impressive position within the community, being across the street from the Mercedes-Benz Museum, but also situated in the middle of other athletic structures. The guide mentioned that the other athletic structures housed top German athletes including Olympians. So just in terms of the location of the stadium communicates to the public that the Stuttgart team wants to be viewed as an elite, premier athletic club.  

Researcher Botan stated that "communication cannot be conceptualized as transmission. Rather, it must be conceptualized in terms of both parties involved in creating meanings, by means of dialogue" (1997, p.196). This notion is in regards to all aspects of life and culture, thus including dialogue between fans and sports stadiums. In terms of community public relations between the Stuttgart team and their ever loyal fans, the stadium and their managers attempts to promote positive changes that benefit those relations. For example, during our tour the guide revealed that the standing area seating could be converted into seated chairs. The standing area was created due to the fans devotion to producing choreography in that area, but in order to be competitive in terms of the stadium’s ability to host larger football events, there had to be a way to convert that area into chairs. The guide revealed that this solution was not only beneficial for the fans, and the team’s relationship with the fans, but also was cost efficient for the stadium. This change can be analyzed under the concept of technology and youth, because when the stadium was first built adaptions like these weren’t available. Now that the technology exists that stadium was able to make an addition that benefited both the wishes of the fans, while assuring the ability for larger events to be hosted at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

Additionally, recent changes to the men’s bathroom were undertaken to add windows so a male fan doesn’t have to miss a second of the game. This change was prompted by open communication with the season ticket holders. The stadium’s staff asked the fans what would be one thing they would like to see changed, and bathroom windows won. This yet another example of how dialogue between both parties involved led to creative solutions, which deepen relationships between the loyal fans and the stadium.

It was once said that “you are judged by the company you keep” (Guth & Marsh, 2012, p. 65). This saying is pertinent in regards to the company of Mercedes- Benz entangled history with the Nazi government during the 1930’s, which was addressed within the Mercedes-Benz Museum. During the time era of WWII, there were several plaques on the wall explaining to the audience the why and the how of the involvement of Mercedes-Benz with the Nazi party. The exhibits allow Mercedes-Benz to own the consequences of their actions while explaining to their local and global audiences their exact involvement. In a way when Mercedes-Benz decided to explain their history within the Third Reich instead of sweeping it under the metaphorical rug, Mercedes-Benz was engaging in litigation public relations. While Botan explains that litigation public relations is used to influence the outcome of a jury, I believe he meant a jury in the traditional sense (1997). Though, I argue that Mercedes-Benz is engaging in litigation public relations in order to influence the outcome and decision of public opinion. By being forthcoming with the information that someone could use to frame Mercedes badly, Mercedes is further building an idea of honesty in the eyes of the consumer, whether they be a local consumer or a global consumer. Mercedes actions of presenting potentially damning information speaks to the notion that “public relations should simply make available the information publics need, along with a forthright and honest advocacy of what the client wants” (Botan, 1997, p.197). Mercedes-Benz and its museum is adopting this approach by featuring related information about their historical role in their museum. The idea that Mercedes-Benz is being proactive with this sensitive information speaks to the company’s values and the transparency they want to have when it comes to their past.

In addition, to the museum’s public relation approach regrading Mercedes’ past, the Mercedes-Benz Arena is an attempt to reconcile ties to the local community. The stadium was built in the 1930’s and originally named after Adolf Hitler. So not only is Mercedes-Benz connected to the previous government, so is the stadium. By merging the two pasts to transform into a more positive future for the local community of Stuttgart, Mercedes is attempting to reconcile with the community in order to promote a better Stuttgart. The merger could be analyzed by the notion that typically sports and industry determine the value of a country. Given that Mercedes-Benz is now associated with both a sports team and the leading automotive brand/company in Stuttgart, Mercedes-Benz is attempting to reconcile their past endeavors to promote Stuttgart, even the German identity in a positive light for the global audience.  Similarly, due to the automotive success bringing many tourists and visitors to the museum, the local community and the Stuttgart football team benefit from the shared exposure.

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Pauline Post 1week 2: Dimeo, Hunt & Horbury, “The Individual and the State: A Social Historical Analysis of the East German ‘Doping System’” explores a governmental scandal about a sports/medical technology. Compare this to a contemporary sport scandal of your choice, using at least two quotes from the reading. Take a local photo to illustrate the East German doping scandal in some way, and another photo to illustrate the scandal you choose.

           Over the week, me and some of the other students had an opportunity to visit Munich for a day. Munich is a city close to Stuttgart on the western side of Germany. We were able to take a train which provided an ideal chance for us to view the German country side since we had only experienced the city. While in Munich for 24 hours we scheduled our time where we would see as many historical landmarks and sites as we could. We were able to visit a museum showcasing the history of Munich, climb over 365 stairs in a 1000 year old church, visit Bayern Munich’s football (soccer) stadium, and also see the Olympic park from the 1972 summer Olympics.

The Olympic park in Munich stood out due to the recent class reading regarding the Olympics in 1972. The article was in regards to the East Germany doping scandal that has since emerged from those Olympics. The reading pointed out that it was not only special for the new Western German establishment to be hosting the games but that “the other important aspects of the 1972 games related to the East-West rivalry in Germany. This event was the first [time] in which the East was acknowledged by the [Olympic community] as a separate country” (Dimeo, Hunt, & Horbury, 2011, p.230). Due to this being the first international sporting event that East Germany was recognized as a separate country, East Germany felt that they had to prove the strength of socialism through their dominance of sports. This notion is accompanied by the saying “diplomats in track suits”, which can be analyzed by looking at the assumptions that viewers make regarding successful athletes. This notion builds off the idea that correlation does not equal causation. Just because an athlete is successful does not mean that the country in which they come from is successful. That said, many to this day believe that more successful, established countries produce better athletes and vice versa with successful athletes representing successful, countries. This was the idea that the East Germans were operating under and believing in the years leading up to 1972. Many may argue that this idea most likely stems out of the 1930’s and Hitler’s Olympics were he advocated that “pure” Germans would excel at athletics, only then to be outplaced by African American Jesse Owens.

While some may point out that the government system had changed between the times in the 1930’s to the 1970’s, it is hard to change the thinking of entire generations, especially when it comes to ideas that are seem to be innate and believed to correlate to one another such as the successful athletes coming from successful countries idea. The article from class notes that the East Germans continued to try and develop high achieving athletes as the Olympics drew near. It was only years later that it was founded that “the unmatched success of East German athletes in international competitions was built on the systematic doping of athletes with anabolic steroids” (Dimeo et al., 2011, p. 220). The article mentions that in many times the young athletes, sometimes even as young as 16, would be prompted to take these doping medications without their knowledge. An athlete from the time is quoted saying “it [doping] came up once in a conversation between my parents and my coach. My mother asked about the pills. Mrs. Borner repeated that these medications were vitamins” (Dimeo et al., 2011, p.232). The doping scandal depended on a strict government, were those who would citizens felt that they had no way to push back at the system.

Although terrible, the East Germany Doping scandal did lead to the creation of regulatory doping agency throughout Germany, Europe and internationally in order to protect athletes globally. If one were looking at this situation through a futuristic stand point, the scandal prompted positive change to help better protect the world’s athletes. It has also lead to a greater awareness of what we put into our bodies. For example, the German government has developed standards to grade products, we specifically just learned about the food products from our Ecoland visit. From Ecoland we learned that the German government sets high restrictions and tests now to grade the quality and how organic products are. Similarly, in the United States, our government has also developed a governmental program, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that tries to ensure the best quality and safety when it comes to the food and drugs that Americans engage with. Though, the FDA is in place for American consumer’s protection, it can also create issues. For example, new, experimental drugs can take up to eight years and costly finances to obtain FDA approval. While this is meant to keep quality and safety in the highest regards, it can also be a hindrance to those who may be saved or cured by the new drug. Similarly, returning to the article about East Germany, in that case and the current situation of the United States system, the government is in charge of the reviews and approvals. That said, if for some reason the US government wanted to be deceitful of what was actually in the drug but still approve the regular use, it would be similar to the German scandal.

Furthermore, the FDA in the US does not review athletic enhancing substances, for example protein powders. Products sold at stores like GNC and others that sell protein powders are often not aware of what’s in the containers and neither are the labels on the containers themselves (Conover, 2016). This situation of not knowing what you are putting in your body is related to the Germany doping scandal, because while athletes may consent to taking the substance, they do not know all of what they are taking. This point of ignorance was recently called into question when Clemson University defensive line man Dexter Lawrence failed a drug test. Lawrence failed due to a small trace of an illegal substance which he showed positive for and was banned from playing in the last two games of the season, which happened to be play-off games. After attempting to contest the drug test, it was later announced that maybe the nutrition staff supplied him with a powder that may have contained that substance. This situation further speaks to the idea that as the cultural norms are changing to prompt a healthier physique, even if you aren’t a defensive lineman, the new products that are promoted to help you achieve that image are not being regulated. In order for us as a society to safely move towards healthier lifestyles we should be aware of the things we consume, whether it be pork or protein powders.

Outside sources used: 

Conover, A. (2016). Adam ruins everything-Why Supplements are just modern day snake oil [Youtube video]. Published by TruTV. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnW4uVvIVY4

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Pyle Post 1 week 2: While we are at the Farmer Producer Association market/tasting, look/listen for stories, examples, artifacts, and practices that represent the ethical views of the organization. What values are represented through this tour experience? BESH only produces their own content, they do not rely on an external agency. Is this a values position, or a cost-saving measure? Remember to post photo(s)/video to illustrate your post.

Ecoland is a cooperative farm operation outside Stuttgart and Ludsweig Germany. The company of Ecoland is striving to produce a community where small farmers can benefit from a higher buyer price. The company was founded on the idea that the small farmers were becoming stagnant in growth and that they needed to gather together to create a collective community to avoid being consolidated by the larger corporations.

Ecoland incorporated the founder’s personal codes into the values and the mission statement of the company; while the personal social codes of the founder being determination to better the community. This aspect is similar to the Guth and Marsh reading example of Chick-fil-a and Turnet Cathy where the founder’s personal code influenced the company’s values and mission, shown most evidently through the company being closed on Sundays (Guth & Marsh, 2012). Ecoland’s mission statement encompassed the desire to the develop potential and resources of the region into community and social values and provide them to the local farmers. Ecoland’s core values are solidaric business, cultural projects, organic, sustainable projects, and lastly social projects and commitments. Throughout the tour that was given, it was evident by multiple examples that Ecoland was striving to produce the best organization to protect the individual farmer. During the introductory debrief in the conference room, the nature of the founding and the growing development of the different programs was evident towards the goal of better social structures. The slide detailing the steady growth of the farmer’s numbers and continual growth of income earnings, even in regards to the 2008 market crash, illustrates the importance of the company’s public relations and ability to protect the individual farmer by holding prices high even through the economic dip. It was evident in the showcase of the continuous growth, despite the market turn that Ecoland was determined to stick with its values of promoting a better livelihood for smaller farmers. Similarly, the introduction of the spice project, where Ecoland is partnering with other farmers in other places further illustrates the lengths to which Eecoland considers promoting the farming community and encouraging smaller scaled farms globally. As addressed earlier on the bus, I may disagree with the extent that Ecoland is growing in regards to the spice project and their plans to “westernize” the ways of farming and certification in those other countries. I do think that promoting smaller farmers in Germany, where the company has cultural knowledge and experience may be the best solution. I fear with Ecoland’s entrance into other cultures and other agricultural settings issues with oversimplification, technology and youth, and also a distorted view of an utopia may develop.

Returning to the facility we toured, the layout and the structure of the complex further spoke to the company’s values and ethics by housing the pigs for several months on accompanying spacious land, having the slaughterhouse and the canning factory on location, and the spice processing centers on property illustrates how the cooperation is dedicated to reducing the influence of middle men. By full servicing their own manufacturing needs. The set-up also reflects the company’s dedication to the best quality of product. The field that we were shown showed how the pigs live in a vast open field, which we learned was twice as much as the industry standard. Ecoland also closely controls the exact measurements of the pigs when breeding to produce the best quality of meat products. Similarly with the spices, the methodical process in which they hand comb through the spices to ensure the high refinement and cleanliness of the spices supported the company’s values of producing the best product. Additionally, the company had invested in special blue lights that would attract insects within the spice storage facility. Not only did these lights help refine the product, Ecoland was also studying the dead insects found within the light to determine which spice they were accompanying from the various spice partnerships. Applying the lens of futurism, Ecoland is studying and tracking these insects to proactively improve their spice products as their spoce partnerships and sales continue to grow. These examples among others, serve as evidence that Ecoland and its founder strive to provide the best product.

           Additionally, during the tour we learned that Ecoland and their accompanying mother organization BESH only produces their own content, and that they do not rely on an external agency. This aspect was surprising given the amount of success within the region and internally within the European Union that the company had experienced. Though I do think that the guide’s explanation saying that they choose to do the marketing in house because they knew their organization and their products made sense from a business and marketing stand point. If someone within their own organization is able to clearly communicate the co-op’s mission, values and goals better than a hired agency then that is what the company should do. I also think that that aligns with the company’s vision regarding the meat industry. Just like the meat industry, the company is wanting to cut out the marketing “middle man” represented by an agency. That said I also think that this tactic is a cost saving measure. By doing their own marketing and production of materials in house, Ecoland is saving additional costs that might have been spent on marketing. Though, I think that notion of cost efficiency and reducing the middle man returns to their values. While I do believe that their current system of marketing supports their values, I have concerns as they try to grow and expand internationally that their current system will not withstand international competition and scrutiny. Thinking under the lens of futurism, and the future of the company of Ecoland, I would advocate that they start building a relationship and potential partnership with a local marketing agency. That way, as Ecoland continues to grow, their marketing and advertising can grow with it.

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Pauline: EXTENDED POST: Find an example of advertising here in Stuttgart that communicates about automotive technology. Then find that advertisement's same product in a social media platform. Post photo, video, links, and/or audio of both the advertisement and its social media component. Describe if and to what degree this combined advertising and social media public communication uses Okazaki & Taylor's three key theoretical perspectives (networking capability, image transferability, and personal extensibility).

           The ad that I have seen several times around Stuttgart and over the weekend in Munich was this Toyota ad. It caught my eye the first time because of the bright red color and the English phrase of “no risk, more fun”, mixed with a German phrase that translates to “the new corolla hybrid”. Once I had noticed this one ad, I began seeing the exact, identical ad in many places. The first thing that stood out to me was the fact that it had English as its main phrase, with the German following it. This seems to promote the idea of buying a Toyota to the visiting English population first, and then the local German population second. After researching the Stuttgart area and finding the immense influence by Mercedes Benz, followed by BMW, it is more easy to comprehend that advertising to a visiting population rather than a current one may make more sense, though I am not sure that I would agree with that marketing tactic.

In terms of the print ad by itself, Toyota struggles to communicate the idea of their slogan “no risk, more fun” by simply selecting a car speeding across a bridge. It was only after viewing their online social media that I realized there may be a connection. The new idea of Toyota as far as brand image goes is to get outdoors and to have great adventures. This is evident on their social media by featuring pictures of their cars in outdoor, nature scenes. So if a consumer who was familiar with that brand image of Toyota viewed the printed billboard ad, then they may interpret that the ad was supposed to be the car leaving the city for some great outdoor adventure. Otherwise, the true imagery and message of Toyota may be lost on the consumer.

Relating to social media, researchers Okazaki and Taylor highlighted three key theoretical perspectives when it comes to social media content and advertising as it relates to the automotive sector. Those three key theoretical perspectives are “networking capability, image transferability, and personal extensibility” (Okazaki & Taylor, 2013, p.57). These three key theoretical perspectives are identified to help assist the automotive industry and its advertising into the social media age.

Defining network capability, it is how consumers are “in control of how information is generated, created, organized, and shared” (Okazaki & Taylor, 2013, p.59). In terms of the printed ad I saw, network capability is stretched thin. In terms of control from the consumers end, there is almost no control of what kind of printed ad you may see as you are walking down the street. Contrastingly, this is true for Toyota’s social media content. Social media allows consumers and owners to generate, create, organize and share content. Toyota is currently excelling at this aspect on social media because the photo credits of the featured photos were submitted by actual Toyota owners. By letting owners submit pictures to feature on the company’s social media page, it adds to their network capability in two main ways. In one way the company of Toyota can easily connect with their consumers to promote the “fun” , outdoorsy brand image of Toyota, that current Toyota owners are experiencing and posting about. Secondly, by being able to receive free content from owners Toyota not only saves on advertising costs, by utilizing free word of mouth marketing, but also transitions into the world of image transferability.

The notion of image transferability is if I as a consumer am able to see someone like me, driving a Toyota somewhere that resembles where I live or where I would want to live, then it is easier for me as a consumer to picture myself owning a Toyota. Each car company selects their own way of approaching image transferability. For example, Lincoln company choose to advertise for sleek, higher income lifestyle with the famous Matthew Mcconaughey commercials in 2014. Toyota is currently taking a different approach to image transferability by producing content geared to adventurous, outdoorsy, younger people. This is evident from their social media because most of the three picture series show one of their Toyota products in a rugged, outdoorsy area and sometimes featuring a younger appearing person. In terms of image transferability, Toyota is performing on a high level through their social media content. As for their printed ad on the billboard, I think they run the risk of the consumer not being familiar with their rebranded image and missing the connection. It should also noted that the area in which these ads are posted is an urban area, thus the message of outdoorsy adventure may hit or miss the mark with those living within the city. 

Relating to Okazaki and Taylor’s piece which argues that as technology continues to develop so does interactions, as Toyota’s social media branding and platform grow, they will experience a greater interactions with potential consumers. Okazaki and Taylor described this growth as personal extensibility, definitionally “the expansion for human interaction, and improved abilities for movement of ideas over great distances” (Okazaki & Taylor, 2013, p.65). As social media grows, Toyota will have a greater opportunity to spread knowledge regarding their rebrand which in turn promotes their printed ads. Regarding the current printed ad, Toyota does an effective job of reaching global audiences by placing their ads around Stuttgart, but fails to communicate their message and their brand image in the current ad. Contrastingly, the current ads on social media accomplish both reaching global audiences and affectively communicating what it means to own a Toyota.

Though these Toyota ads seem to be effectively utilizing the three theoretical perspectives that Okazaki and Taylor highlighted in their research, Okazaki and Taylor also pointed out that they were “being premature in the light of the very recent evolution of social media as a significant advertising vehicle” (2013, p.57). Since 2013, many other researchers and articles have attempted to define the impacts of social. But with the constant upgrades, installations, and versions it is difficult to say for sure that we know as a society how social media impacts marketing and advertising. In addition to social media, we also need to consider the global scale. One ad that may be effective in the United States, may not be effective in Germany. “We know too little about how culture affects mobile social media adoption and usage, and how consumers’ perceptions of and behavior toward these media vary across countries. Future research should explore to what extent the differences in how mobile social media advertising is used and accepted across countries are driven by economic, technological or social factors” (Okazaki & Taylor, 2013, p.66). So while I have analyzed a German ad through American perspective, someone with a German perspective could consider the Toyota printed ad to have been impactful.