Many loved the Fifty Shades trilogy. Many others loved to hate it. Just like any other popular culture, but especially because of their vast, E.L. James's trilogy and its movie unearth who we are as a society that not only created but also popularized such a controversial work. On the one hand, critics argued that Fifty Shades of Grey reflected the glorification of sex. Some even explained that the trilogy normalized sexual abuse. On the other hand, many expressed a sense of relief that sexual preferences and choices that have long been marginalized could not be discussed in the mainstream. Furthermore, the trilogy reflects our society's obsession with wealth, failure to identify questionable behaviors in romantic relationships, and very traditional views on sex, sexuality, and romance in contrast to more liberal depictions of them in popular culture. The trilogy also enables us to explore the value and meaning of fan works, parodies, merchandizing and product placement, and other forms of creative endeavors.

The counterculture period represents a struggle over the legacy and the meaning of the U.S. in a turbulent time and continues to do so today. Films produced in the 1960s and early 1970s, as well as films focusing on the era have reengaged and revisited the social, political, and cultural ideals of the time for generations of film audiences. The counterculture, however, was not monolithic. Studying the music used in countercultural and counterculture-focused films reveals the intricacy and complexity of the movement. Struggles to establish both collective and individual identities based on one's race, class, gender, and many other forms of categories surface in such music. A crash of values, generational gaps, and anti-war sentiment are also just a few of the many examples of the countercultural experiences film music helps to examine, reaffirm, and challenge for audiences looking to cinema for a sense of the times.

Soccer Culture in America examines what world's favorite sport means in the U.S. Despite the common belief that it is only a women's sport, immigrants' sport, and small kids' sport, or that hating soccer is a very American thing to do, essays compiled in this volume attest that soccer indeed is very American. Although American football, basketball, ice hockey, and baseball are often considered to be prototypically American, the popularity of soccer is high in the U.S. both in participation and viewership. Essays will touch upon issues concerning: business of the game, meaning of men's professional, women's national, high school, and youth soccer, media, hooliganism, academic examinations of the sport, and referees.

This book is about the realities baseball as an economic force and as a product of popular culture. Baseball does not happen only between the white lines or in the ballparks--it's in the media, bobblehead giveaways, and mobile device apps. Issues of globalization, race and ethnicity, nationality, legacy making, iconic value building, and marketing concerns are all essential to understanding the complex and global product that Major League Baseball is today. A rich...intersection shall we say of fan, corporate, player, media, and owner values exist in each of these parts of the whole. These parts combine in nearly countless ways.

Young people have long used-and essentially created-popular culture to explore, define and express who they are. For many, popular culture is also a tool of survival. Gone are the days when a set of proscriptive programs or institutions were needed for young people to transition to adulthood. Today, youth culture is communicated and expanded through information technology-particularly social media-enabling young people to remain relevant and to engage the world. Yet, as with previous generations, youth culture is often a cause of concern for adults and policy makers. This collection of new essays focuses on modern youth popular culture and its influence on communities. Topics include social justice and youth mobilization in Ferguson, Missouri, social media and sexual literacy among LGBT youth, and youth culture's influence on children's sports.

We expect sports to be fair and equal. If one works hard, everyone has a chance to win. But is it really true? In reality, female athletes are paid far less than male counterparts. Youth sports cost too much for many families to participate in. African American athletes continue to face discrimination on and off the field. Adaptive sports are considered to be only for those with disabilities. But we also see signs of progress. Sport organizations try to promote equality and fairness through sports. We will explore the intricate relationship between sports and inclusion/exclusion.