Friday, April 25, 2014
Schools for Sale?
For years corporations have sponsored high school sports. Their ads are found on the outfield fence at baseball parks or on the walls of the gymnasium, the football stadium, or even the locker room. Corporate logos are even found on players‟ uniforms. But some schools have moved beyond corporate sponsorship of sports to allowing "corporate partners" to place their names and ads on all kinds of school facilities-libraries, music rooms, cafeterias. Some schools accept money to require students to watch Channel One, a news program that includes advertising. And schools often negotiate exclusive contracts with soft drink or clothing companies. Some people argue that corporate partnerships are a necessity for cash-strapped schools. Others argue that schools should provide an environment free from ads and corporate influence. Using appropriate evidence, write an essay in which you evaluate the pros and cons of corporate sponsorship for schools and indicate why you find one positions more persuasive that the other.
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Living in a capitalist country, it is quite easy to recognize that in an every growing and competing economy corporations have to reach out to young people, so as to culture them for future business. But, such culturing can sometimes lead to companies pushing forth some sort of bias, be it political or social. Thus, students may feel pressured or even be brainwashed by some companies into a certain way of acting or thinking. A student, who is probably already under pressure from teachers, parents, and friends, should be able to walk through his or her school without feeling pressured by a corporate sponsor.
ReplyDeleteOne might argue that corporate sponsorships provide much needed money for new classroom materials, such as microscopes, desks, televisions, or even i-Pads. However, more often than not, more money does not necessarily mean a better education. It requires a strong foundation and strong educational administration for a school to be successful. Essentially if the foundation is not right, corporate money is meaningless. It would be like hanging a picture over a hole in the wall. The problem is not gone; it is still there, just covered up by fancy equipment and a great big corporation logo to top it off. Furthermore, David Brinkley, ABC and NBC newscaster, once said, “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.” Thus, the bricks, or teachers and educational motives available at a school, are what will decide success.
Corporate sponsorship leading to the brainwashing of American students is not as radical as it may sound. Behind everyone action is a purpose, and whether a corporation’s purpose is virtuous or not is questionable, but there is also no denying that big time corporations have tried to ease their way into the malleable mind of the student. One recent example is Obama’s “National Organizing Internship”, a program that tried to indoctrinate high school students into a certain way of thinking, specifically with a reading list that included a book by Saul Alinsky titled “Rules for Radicals”. The book included profound political propaganda, and the ideals shared aligned very closely with those of President Obama. This type of under-the-radar influence and brainwashing is something that one is not likely to admit, but it is present and possible. Ceding to allow corporations influence the young minds of America students, those of which are the minds of the future, is something that cannot be allowed.
Corporate sponsorships are not all bad, however. For instance, consider an athletic program, say, basketball, which needs new balls and jerseys in order to conduct the season. It would be justly right for a sponsor to donate money or even maybe portray their logo at a basketball game in exchange for the basketball team to play out their season. The difference between sponsorship in athletics and sponsorship in school as a whole is that in sports a student’s education and views are not being compromised. For instance a sports team wearing a McDonald’s logo on their jerseys, is different from a group of students being forced to read a radically political book which pushes forward bias propaganda. Thus, it should be argued that schools undertake a bracketed view of sponsorship or a view with sponsorship in perspective. It is a matter of knowing what breaches the integrity of a student, and what is actually helping students perform.
There is a fine line between overuse and underuse of corporate sponsorships. A school should not give up its identity as a school in compensation for some new microscopes, while at the same time schools should not refuse money for new jerseys or balls so that students cannot play sports. With sponsorship in perspective, a school should be able to determine what crosses the line and compromises a student’s ability to think and learn on his or her own, without feeling pressured by big time corporations just looking to culture the next generation of business.
Ian good blog! This was very detailed and well written! I really enjoyed your opinion in your second last paragraph. I liked how you said about the difference in funding for sports and funding for academics. Also your conclusion summed up your opinion nicely! Good job!
DeleteIan, I truly enjoyed reading your blog. I like how you talked about how corporate sponsorships can brainwash people. It can affect the way that people carry out their everyday lives. This is definitely one of the cons to corporate sponsorships. I agree with your statement that there is a fine line with overuse and underuse. Corporate sponsorships can be beneficial, but at the same time they can be deadly. Great job!
DeleteAdvertising will appear anywhere you go. Sometimes schools need some financial help and businesses wish to expand their product to new places and display it wherever they can. Schools and corporations work together in the way that the corporation helps pay for the item, example; a scoreboard, under the condition that they get add a advertisement of choice to said item.
ReplyDeleteSome people are beginning to think the advertisements in schools are effecting the students. It is believed that the school staff feel pressured to partner up with corporations for the financial help and that students can be affected in the way that the students are being effected by the corporations influence. I cannot speak for the staff and any pressure they may feel, but I as a student have never felt a strong influence from and any advertisements I've seen in any school. I have seen other teams school uniforms at track meets with a solid swoosh on the front representing Nike, yet that has never influenced me to drive to Duhnams and buy a brand new Nike outfit. I see the Pepsi advertisement on the scoreboard in the gym on a daily basis, yet it has never influenced me to go to the vending machine and buy my own Pepsi. Maybe I am just too laid back, but I don't feel the popular belief that the advertisement creates an irresistible influence.
Already, there are rules involving schools and corporations. Some school sports under PIAA rules state that you can only have a certain number of sports logos visible during the athletic event. Logos are still aloud, but to a limit. The PIAA recognizes that it would be nearly impossible to ban all logos. Schools, however, believe that it is possible and would be beneficial to ban all logos. But my question is, how far would this extend to? I don't think I have seen one backpack in school without some sort of logo or company identification, would these backpacks be banned, too? What about our clothes. With all of the "just do it" Nike and UnderAurmour shirts and sweatshirts, what would happen to those? Would we be required to buy new clothes?
Honestly, I do not see the advertising as a problem. I certainly don't see how it could effect a students education, either. These companies are helping our schools by creating this business partnership, and I see nothing wrong with it. You give a little, you get a little.
Good blog, Felicia! We had different opinions about advertising for schools, but I really enjoyed reading your opinion. I think that funding does take away from the true goal of education, but it agree with your statements too! Good job!
DeleteFelicia, I enjoyed your unique perspective on this topic. I like how you brought in your own personal experience about advertisement. I too do not really feel pressured by advertisements, but maybe. I am not as over exposed to them as some people.
DeleteNice job Felicia!
Felicia, I loved your blog! I agree that advertising doesn't really affect me either. Advertising has always been present in my life and now I just ignore it or do not even see it which I how I think a lot of people our age are.
DeleteFelicia, this was a wonderful blog! I really enjoyed your approach to subject. I also liked how you mentioned our own scoreboard; it made the essay more personal. Like you, I do not feel pressured to go get a drink from the vending machine or even grab on at home after seeing the logo. Great job!
DeleteMany schools are participating in corporate sponsorships. Some people feel that these sponsorships are very beneficial for the schools and sports, while others feel it takes away from the educational purpose of these programs. There are pros and cons for both sides that can be argued.
ReplyDeleteThe argument for the pros is the obvious funding. When the school is funded, they are able to afford the essentials for the students. They usually receive these necessities at a discounted price when using corporate sponsors. Another positive aspect is the exposure created for the school. When a big company exposes the school, more people may become more familiar with the school and possibly attend. Especially at a small Catholic school, funding and exposure also add to the connections of the school. Students and staff have more ability to reach out to the community to contact powerful organizations.
However, even after taking the pros into consideration, the cons still outweigh the list of pros. In today's society, a corporation is not likely to give donations without expecting something back in return. So what expectations and obligations is the school going to need to give back to the big corporation? Also, some companies may not give off the best "image" for the school. Companies are doing whatever the can to sell their product, and some schools may not agree with their morals. Also, giving funding to the sports, gives the impression that education is less important.
In my opinion, receiving donations from large corporations prevents students from the opportunity to learn how to earn funding for themselves. Fundraising, for example, is a great way for students to learn values and ethics. The main goal of schooling is to provide a well-rounded education for the students, and having many sponsorships may take away from that original goal.
Jolene, I like how you included the point that schools receive a discounted price from corporate sponsorships in you blog. You made some valid points throughout your blog, but I think your best point was about how the concept of fundraising is basically gone. I also thought of this example. If fundraising was taken out of schools, I feel that it would truly take out a major component in the purpose of education. I also enjoyed how you concluded your blog explaining values and ethics. Great work!
DeleteJolene, although we did not have the same opinion, I really enjoyed reading your views and I respect what you have said! Bringing up a corporations beliefs in relation with the schools beliefs was something I hadn't thought about, and is understandable! You make a good point. Good work!
DeleteJolene, great thinking on your blog. You and I both had close ideas about the moral issues that could follow corporate funding. I agree that fundraising needs to be more prominent in schools so that the students can learn how to raise their own money. Good job!
DeleteThere is a controversy over whether or not schools should engage in corporate sponsorships. Some schools do because they believe it is in the best interest of the school, while other institutions feel that it is not the best idea. There definitely are pros and cons to both sides of the situation. In today’s society, some schools are being forced to make a difficult decision on whether or not to participate in corporate sponsorships.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few pros that come with advertising in schools. First of all, some schools struggle to continue being financially stable. The funding that comes from corporate sponsorships can assist the school system by providing the best supplies possible. It also is a bonus for schools because when a school is involved in corporate sponsorship, it is much easier to get the name of the school out. People notice that the school is sponsored by a major company, and in the end it attracts more people to attend the school.
In return there are multiple downsides to having corporate sponsorships in a school. Some people believe that it takes away all educational value. This is because some people think that fundraising is an essential part of each student’s learning experience. Fundraising allows a student to learn how to work with the public which can often be tough. It also teaches students to take initiative and responsibility to keep everything organized and under control. These couple cons are a few reasons why people do not believe in corporate sponsorships.
All in all, I believe that it is important for a school to realize when corporate sponsorships are beneficial to the school, and when they are detrimental to the school. The leaders of the school need to truly consider all aspects of the scenario when making the decision. If students are being compelled to perform tasks that are only to make sure that the school is doing well with money, than corporate sponsorship is a terrible idea. If the school is using the corporate sponsorship to enhance the education of students in many diverse ways, than it is a phenomenal way to improve the school. Corporate sponsorships are something that a school needs to look into before becoming involved because they can make a huge impact on the school.
Drew, you and I share similar views on this topic. I too believe that corporate sponsorships can be great for schools as long as there is not an underlying bias to accompany it. It is interesting how you pointed out that sponsorships can take away from educational value.
DeleteNice job Drew!
Drew, great job with the blog. Your ideas on educational and athletic sponsorships was jot something I really thought about. It definitely helped me to see the topic in a different light. You thought this out well and gave good points. Good job!
DeleteI agree with your point that sponsorships are sometimes a must while at other times excessive. There needs to be a balance inbetween, one where the needs of the school are being met but advertising is not impairing the students. Good job with your blog!
DeleteDrew, I found what you said about students being attracted to schools due to advertisements by particular companies really interesting. I had not considered that, but now that you mention it, it makes sense. I really liked what you said about it being up to the school to decide what is beneficial. No school is in the same exact position, so it is up to the individual schools to decide what is right for them. Great blog!
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ReplyDeleteWhat would be school without the sports? Sports, whether it be football, basketball, or track are all great extra-cirrcular activities. Plus, they are a great form of exercise and team bonding.
ReplyDeleteHowever, there are many costs that go into sports such as transportation, entry fees, uniforms, food, etc. These necessary expenses can add up quickly and place quite a burden on the school. After all, this is just for one sport. That is where corporations have come in to play. I think it is a great idea that schools and other sporting organizations have corporations sponsor them to cut down on the cost of the athletes, parents, and the organization itself.
There are many positives of having a corporate sponsorship. For example, it can cut down on the cost that the athlete and parents have to pay. For Bishop McDevitt students in Pennsylvania, they are required to pay to participate in varsity sports. For the first sport, it is a $75 fee, $50 for a second sport, but hey, the third sport is free!! These fees can add up quickly, especially with multiple siblings. Plus, these fees don't include the purchasing of any extra equipment that is necessary for the sport. With corporate sponsorship, these costs could be slashed quite dramatically.
However, just with any other good idea, there are always some flaws that are associated with it. Many adults and parents fear that high school sports will become too pressurized and serious for the athletes. After all, some popular sponsorship corporations are big names like ESPN, Fox Sports, and many others. These companies are definitely looking to advertise and promote the sports they are sponsoring, because it will get their name out there. The pressure to perform with injuries and such would be much greater. There is also the possibility of "special treatment" to certain schools, indicating that some competitions/games could be rigged with a predetermined winner. These are all very important factors to contemplate if considering a corporate sponsorship.
On the other hand, any kind of sport is a great form of exercise for students, something most get enough of in a day. Participating in a sport is constructive way for kids to release extra energy and stress while having a good time and developing positive friendships with their teammates. Without corporate sponsorship, sports at many schools would not be possible. In the end, the benefits of sponsorship out weigh the negatives.
Personally, I think any form of sponsorship is legtimate as long as the main purpose is still clear: to allow kids of all ages to play sports. I do not think it is wrong to allow corporations to sponsor school sports, because in the end it is providing a good outcome for the students. I think that people need to get used to having corporate sponsors place their names throughout the schools. In the big scheme of things, it really isn't a big deal. I feel in the coming years, we will see more corporate sponsors sponsor school sports. Sports are becoming more and more expense to fund.
No matter where you are, nearly any institution you walk into will be run by politics. This is no different for schools. With all of the expenses associated with schools, it makes sense that they will search for funding in any place possible. Corporations have funded schools for years while asking for advertising in many forms from the school they are helping. But is this sometimes harmful to the school and the quality of education it gives?
ReplyDeleteWhile corporations have other places where they could spend the money they are using to fund schools, they choose to help the schools mostly get sports equipment and other things for sporting events. This is extremely beneficial for the school, as it can now use then rest of its money to fund educational things such as new books, new technology, and educational field trips. So, in simplified form, this is very good for the schools as it can focus on creating a better educational situation for its students.
Yet, this can also become a big distracting factor with education in the school. If the schools becomes too dependent on the money it is receiving from corporations, it can bring the education down instead of up. The corporations are going to push for the teams to be great, so that their name is represented on a successful team, and not a team that loses. This will, in turn, cause people to put more focus on sports than academics. Also, certain companies may back other things that do not go along with the morals of the school, which could make students and parents uncomfortable. And finally, this funding from corporations teaches students that they need only to ask others for money instead of earning it themselves. Hard work in fundraising can do wonders for a school.
Corporate funding isn't an evil idea that corporations made up to get marketing through schools, it does have some very good benefits. Yet, the schools need to even out the amount of corporate funding used for sports and education, while remembering that fundraising can help them become more financially independent. Balance is always the best option.
Hannah, although we have different views on the subject, your blog was very interesting and persuasive! I never gave it a thought that some schools will become dependent on the money they receive from corporations, so that was a nice point. Overall, great blog!
DeleteHannah, great blog! You brought up an interesting point that corporate sponsorship has the capabilities and power to possibly bring the education system down. That is a very important factor I never considered.
DeleteCorporate advertising is a thing that Americans become desensitized to over time. We hardly notice the product placements in movies, or the logo on professional sports uniforms but we definitely notice it when it infiltrates the high school level. Is corporate sponsorship have a positive or negative on the learning environment of a student? Some argue yes, while others say no. Corporate advertising does have an effect on the student because it can draw attention to the school, makes connections with other schools sponsored by the company, or make the school obligated to fulfill a certain requirement, each reason affecting the students' learning.
ReplyDeleteWhen a huge corporation puts its name on a structure or a building it draws attention to the school other large corporations may follow suit to not be outdone. This can give the school more spending cash and allow them to provide activities and other necessities or luxuries to the student body. The negative aspect is that the school is locked into their association with the company and can be drawn into bad press if the company performs a folly. An example is the EQT Basketball Tournament, this is an event sponsored by the fuel company EQT, a company jet-set on trying to improve their image. This can jeopardize the future integrity of the school's reputation which can be disastrous for the community. In another light corporate advertising can connect different schools together.
A great thing about sharing a sponsor with another school is a feeling of unity. The schools can come together and do events or thank their sponsor together. During the EQT tournament sixteen different teams from around Pennsylvania and West Virginia were brought together to compete and enjoy each other's company and it was a great time. Meeting people from different areas or mingling with them was a way EQT united us with other high school athletes. The tournament is an experience I will not forget. The problem with this could be that it would bring out the competitive side of the schools, rivaling for sole sponsorship or to be the favor. This could pit the schools against each other, hurting previous relationships and liaisons. By agreeing to corporate sponsorship the school may also have to fulfill obligations to the company.
In a school gym I am sure everyone has seen scoreboards with a Pepsi, Coke-Cola, or another brand name displayed on it, this sponsorship holds that company's place as a soft drink supplier for the facility. What this means is that the drink sold at concession stands and in vending machines are all Pepsi products and for the loyalty Pepsi has payed for a scoreboard for the gym. This is only one example of an obligation to a corporate sponsor but there are many more such as referring to them during school functions or prominently displaying a banner of theirs in the middle of a well trafficked area. This can disrupt the students work environment and make it hard to focus on what they are there for, an education. Advertising and sponsorship is an important thing for schools to receive enough money but needs to be monitored so that it is not done excessively.
Advertising is a great way to receive needed money to provide students with the proper education and extracurricular activities needed to have an enjoyable high school experience. The way it is done is important through the attention received by the school, connecting high schools together through shared sponsors, and the obligations the school has to the company. There will never be a way to remove advertising completely from high schools but it should be kept to a bare minimum and should not obstruct a student's work environment. The struggle today is providing this detrimental balance of advertising and going without it.
Erin, I completely agree with you! This was a great post and I enjoyed how you included the EQT tournament to drive all of your points home. I, too, believe that a school should only receive the bare minimum of funding that is necessary in order to not distract the students from their education. Nice blog and excellent job on remaining clear and concise!
DeleteCorporations have been sponsoring things from benches to entire institutions for many years, and has helped create money for places that would otherwise have none without the sponsorship. This could be especially beneficial in schools if it is done for the correct reason. If the corporation has the right intentions and the right intentions and truly wants to help and not just advertise it is a win for both parties.
ReplyDeleteUsually if a corporation gets involved with a school, it is because the school could provide excellent propaganda for the corporation. This means the school has to have notability. This notability can come from many places. Some of these places could be sports, academic competitions, or club events. If a school has little money the corporation could find these events in order to allow the school to continue to have the luxury of them.
Dealing with corporations can be difficult as well. Typically they think of themselves before others because they are trying to make money. This could possibly lead to the declination of educational value due to sports and clubs being more notable aspects of a school. Therefore if a school is not in dire need of support, I do not believe they should become involved with a corporation.
Sponsoring schools can be a perfect fit if it is done at the right time and for the right reason. It can allow for schools to continue operation and allowing for students to get a great education. If everything is monitored and all seems to fit just right a corporation sponsored school could be a great way to help keep schools alive and flourishing in the United States today.
I really enjoyed reading your blog! I agree with your points made and it seems we share the same views. Intentions are everything! Good work!
DeleteAdvertisements are, in a way, essential to most things. Stores and restaurants showcase their best prices and deals, and TV companies display their new hit TV series. For a lot of high schools, advertisements get them what and where they need. People are so used to seeing commercials and billboards pertaining to companies and brands that they aren't really phased by them anymore.
ReplyDeleteHaving advertisements located around and in a school can be an extremely positive thing. If the company is a clothing store, they will most likely donate either money towards uniforms or the actual uniforms. Companies may also provide transportation to and from away games, and even boarding if the matches run late. Another good factor about advertising in schools, is that they will be saving money by allowing businesses to plant their logo on the bleachers or lunch tables. These corporates will probably provide cheaper food, drinks, books, etc., for the school. Keeping advertisements in schools just may be the solution to keeping prices affordable for families.
With anything, there are some negative outcomes as well. First of all, sport teams may start performing cut-offs because the business may only provide enough uniforms or equipment for the top players. This can lead to people feeling left out and to some transfers. Also, if the sponsor provides drink machines at school, they might not include nutritional ones such as water and Gatorade, causing people to buy their after school drinks at the local grocery store, which will probably be more expensive. Although the idea of having companies sponsor schools sounds nice, there are cons to look at.
As said earlier, people get used to seeing commercials on their TV, billboards on the highway, and receiving ads in the mail. I believe that allowing companies, businesses, and corporates to sponsor schools and put their names on gyms, lunch tables, jerseys, and lockers would benefit everyone. Stores and corporates want to get their names out there and in the eyes of younger generations, so why not invest money in schools? Yes, there are a few downsides to plastering logos all around a school, but it is no different from seeing all of the billboards, signs, and advertisements in New York City. Overall, advertisements in schools and on sport equipment should be given a chance by all districts, especially the ones that are struggling money wise.
Natalie, nice post! We had slightly different opinions, but I still enjoyed reading about your thoughts. I was impressed with your examples; you supported each one of your ideas with thoughtful evidence. I did not consider the fact that some sports would need to make cuts if they did not have enough uniforms or equipment. I get so used to our small school with tiny teams that I seem to forget about that. Nice blog, as always!
DeleteNatalie, I really liked your opening paragraph. It is very true that advertisements have little effect on people negatively and are not really phases by them. Great blog!
DeleteCorporate sponsorship is a very good thing. Schools receive funds for athletics, books, microscopes, desks, and other equipment. However, this situation has many pros and cons. It truly comes down to the old idea, too much of a good thing is not always a good thing. There needs to be a distinct balance between an excessive amount of funding and no sponsorships at all.
ReplyDeleteCorporate funding plays a huge role in athletics. Participants are often required to wear the sponsor's logo or display it on the scoreboard. However, these athletes are also supplied with uniforms and equipment; it is a "give and take" type situation. Schools are now exploring with corporal partnerships in classrooms, outside the realm of extracurricular activities.
At first, this situation seems ideal. The school simply needs to display advertisements, and then they receive funding for various necessities. Eventually, however, the hallways and school facilities become excessively cluttered with these advertisements. This corporal influence overwhelms the students in an environment where they are expected to learn. Where is the balance? In "City of Lost Souls", Cassandra Clare writes, "Too much of anything could destroy you. Too much darkness could kill, but too much light could blind." Similarly, in a scene from a movie, "Matilda", Bruce is a young boy who loves chocolate cake. He sneaks into the cafeteria and eats the principal's dessert. As a punishment, the boy is required to eat an enormous chocolate cake in front of the entire school. Does not seem too bad does it? However, he finds out quickly enough that he cannot eat the entire thing as his stomach begins to quiver. So what? So what does this have to do with corporal partnerships?
The pros, in this case, are that schools can provide students with the essentials. Secondly, the facility grows stronger and more powerful, which allows the school to reach out to more people. However, the cons prevail over the benefits. The school becomes obligated to meet all of the demands set forth by the corporation. Also, the school system may start to lose its true identity.
Corporal sponsorships are a wonderful idea, if done in the correct proportion. This funding is an important way to provide for students in sports as well as in the classroom. On the other hand, it should not be a distraction for the students. The goal of these partnerships should be to help the students, not hinder them. There is a fine line between not doing enough and overdoing something. School boards need to take these thoughts into consideration as they decide what is best for their system. In the worst case scenario, students can make up the lack of funds by doing some good old-fashioned fundraising around the blocks of their neighborhood.
Sam, your blog was very thought provoking. Maybe the corporal businesses should look at what they are doing and redesign the sponsorships to more benefit both sides. Great job!
DeleteAdvertisements can be pretty annoying. They clutter pages with information that is most often irrelevant for you, but they can also be useful at times. Occasionally you will see an advertisement for something you actually care about, and the opportunity to purchase an item or go to an event arises. Like most things, advertisement is good in moderation. Perhaps that's the current issue. Advertisement is taking a turn from Moderation Street onto Overuse Road. Schools are certainly not excluded from this trend.
ReplyDeleteMany school systems are seeing a steady increase in the use of advertisements both in sports and in the school building itself. Why would businesses find advertising in schools so effective? The students are a "captive audience". While you can turn off the television or simply not use the computer, difficult as it is, school is mandatory. Students have no choice but to go to school, where they will then see these advertisements. A study from 2001 shows that commercialism in schools increased by 473% since 1990. How much worse has it gotten since then? Nor can it be said that administrators just want some extra funds. With budget cuts as they are, advertisement is one of few, if not the only, way to save both programs and jobs within the school.
But, really, are advertisements that bad? As aforementioned, they are not bad, useful even, when used sparingly. As budget issues increase, so to do the advertisement issues. For example, the Jefferson County school district in Colorado has begun allowing advertisements on school buses. So far they only allow an advertisement saying that First Bank supports their schools. They are bringing in around $500,000 for the schools over four years with just these bus advertisements. Is something so effective in helping schools bad?
Location of advertisements is important, but the message of the advertisement is even more crucial. A wraparound ad covering a full row of lockers telling kids to watch Nickelodeon? Not very good, it supports watching even more television and has no real educational value. But ads about health and wellness and education? Those are the types of things students should be exposed to. Even in our school cafeteria, we have several Got Milk? posters that support drinking milk. These types of advertisements bring in money but also teach kids valuable information.
That still does not address whether advertisements are good in schools. Personally, I think advertisements in schools are a necessary evil. Administrators are sure to face even more budget cuts in the years to come. The money has to come from somewhere. And though my opinion is somewhat irrelevant, I would suggest the use of ads that support a better education or health awareness rather than ads of local businesses that the kids really have nothing to do with in the first place. Few things are inherently evil until society makes them so.
Meg, I like how you discussed the message behind the advertisement. I agree that it is a necissary evil in schools! Great job!
DeleteCommercial advertisements in high school sports are almost normal at this point. They are not a large inconvenience to the players, students, or fans. If the benefits received from using these advertisements are worth it for the school to aid the athletes in their future in sports, then the negatives of having them should be overlooked.
ReplyDeleteFor the current generation, advertisement has always been around. Integrating advertisements into schools will just bring it up to many other aspects of life. Advertisement is found every where in high schooler's lives, especially in social media. Advertisements in high school sports would not be a completely new idea to players.
Since professional sports are flooded with advertisements, integrating them into high school sports would make them more professional like. The realistic feel may lead to better playing because the students will be pushing themselves to a higher standard. This will also benefit the school's team if the students are all playing at a new level the team will succeed.
If the decision comes down to having a sports program or a having logos on the uniforms, players would rather save the sport they love to play so much. The commercial advertisements in sports is a minimal adjustment to make to keep sports programs running for the benefit of the students.
Sports are a great way for students to stay active in their community and school. Using money from corporations in order to do this is only making sacrifices for the athletes.
Erin, great analysis! It is true, everywhere you go these days we are surrounded by advertisements. Our generation does not think twice about it. However, it was key of you to point our that integrating all this into high school sports would make them more like a professional sport.
DeleteErin, I think the most important point in your blog is that everyone is already used to them at this point. Our generation has grown up with them, and they don't really inconvenience anyone at this point. Also, I agree that kids would rather play sports than not be able to play just because there can't be advertisements. You made some really good argument. Great work!
DeleteErin, you made some very good points in this blog. The point that stuck with me the most was that advertisements are everywhere in professional sports so it makes sense that they are in high school sports as well, and it makes the high school sports feel more professional. Great Job!
DeleteDue to the economy and the drop in school funding it is understandable that schools are temped to raise tuition and accept help from advertising companies. However, there is a line and it appears that the line is being crossed in places. For as long as I can remember there have been posters on the fence of every baseball field advertising for one product or another. That's not to say that I ever payed much attention to them and maybe that is why companies are starting to demand that if schools want their money the students are going to have to become engaged in their advertisements (Corporate 1).
ReplyDeleteThe most revolting of all of these corporate partnerships, as they are called, would be "Channel One." "Channel One" is a popular news broadcaster that offers twelve minute clips to schools (Nonprofit 1). While teachers and administration may think that these videos can be informative, keeping their students in sync with current events, a good portion of each video is devoted to advertising (Corporate 1). This could be easy to look past if the adds were all appropriate, but Fox News recently published a warning that exposed inappropriate advertisements on some of the videos. One of the adds in particular was for a sight that targets teenage girls and presents them with seductive stories, etc (Nonprofit 1). If schools are also willing to ignore this fact, which I hope they are not, there is also the fact that their students are being forced to watch TV (Corporate 1). This is obviously not nearly as bad as the vulgar advertisements, but it is more important for schools to promote books and sports than television programs.
Another corporate partner that recently launched a new campaign is the Coca-Cola company. When schools sign contracts with the Coca-Cola company they agree to promote and sell their product (Corporate 1). Now I apologize if this is a stupid question, but hasn't the government been working with schools to create a healthy diet for students? Isn't the selling of soda counter active? I'm not saying that I don't like Coca-Cola, but I don't think it is appropriate for schools who preach health to be providing their students with a substance that falls towards the category of "junk food."
It is not for me to say whether or not schools taking on corporate partners is good or not because I don't pretend to understand the financial aspects of keeping schools open and running. However, as a student, I feel that it is necessary to give my opinion. There has to be a better way to get money or at least a better way to negotiate with corporate partners than to market their products. Schools are not franchises, they are not stores, they are places for learning. At what point is it too much; when students can drink soda at lunch, when teenage girls are negatively effected by deplorable websites that their twelve minute news clips promoted? Just remember what Jesus did when he entered the market within the temple: "And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves" Matthew 21:12. Is it to much to believe that our schools, the places where our future generations are being taught, are too sacred to be penetrated by corrupt, power-hungry advertising companies?
"Corporate-School Partnerships Good For Profits, Not Kids ~ Newsroom ~ News from CSPI ~ Center for Science in the Public Interest." Corporate-School Partnerships Good For Profits, Not Kids ~ Newsroom ~ News from CSPI ~ Center for Science in the Public Interest. Center for Science in the Public Interest, n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. .
"Nonprofit urges schools to ban Channel One newscast over onslaught of commercials." Fox News. FOX News Network, 11 Aug. 2012. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. .