Pop Culture: Lecture 5

What were some key Concepts of FIFA’s Human Rights Policy?

• States must protect human rights.

• Businesses (Like FIFA) must avoid contributing to rights violations.

• Victims must have access to remedies.

Why is Saudi Arabia being awarded the 2034 World Cup raising concerns?

• Saudi Arabia has a track record of human rights violations.

• FIFA’s limited ability to influence authoritarian regimes.

• The decision reflects economic motivations (sponsorships) rather than ethical considerations.

What were some Critiques of this Decision?

• Past events (such as Russia 2018) did not lead to lasting human rights improvements.

• FIFA’s justification: Potential for human rights progress is contractied by evidence

What is Sportswashing and Attention Economy according to Millington & Wilson-Liv Golf?

• Sportswashing: Using sports to distract from negative political issues or improve global image (soft power strategy).

• Attention Economy: Attention = Value; sports attract real-time engagement, making it commercially and plotically valuable.

What were some Key insights found by Millington & Wilson?

• Saudi Arabia funds LIV golf to:

  • Gain soft power.

  • Associate the regime with high-profile Western sports.

  • Compete with Pthe GA and reshape global golf.

What were some Criticisms of this move?

• LIV Golf is seen as a PR move, not a profitable venture.

• Golfers (eg. Phil Micelson) were paid millions, leading to ethical questions.

• Critics point out hypocrisy and complicity in authoritarian image laundering.

What were the key findings of Fetter et al’s study on Social Media Influencers?

• 75% of young Canadians (ages 16-30) aspire to be influencers- the main reasons:

  • Money.

  • Free products.

  • Perceived fun.

What were the three concerns brought up by Fetter et al?

• Trust: Many influencers promote products they don’t believe in.

• Health Risk: 1 in 3 young people trust health influencers more than doctors.

• Monetization is rare: Success is limited to a few; most struggle with:

  • Algorithms,

  • unpredictable income.

  • Lack of regulation or support.

What were the Disadvantages brought up by Fetter et al?

• Mental and Physical stress.

• Cyberbullying.

• Policy shifts (eg. Bill C-11) threaten visbility.

• Platform bans.

What were the Core challenges brought up by Arsel & Zanette- Influencer Marketing: Trust Over Metrics?

• Determining Value: Brands and influencers struggle to measure ROI fairly.

• Creative Control: Excessive brand control kills authenticity and reduces influencer-aduience trust.

What were the Key Tensions discussed?

• Paymement Models:

  • Upfront payments risky for brands.

  • Commission-based unfair to influencers (due to variables beyond their control).

• Influencer Autonomy:

  • Overregulation undermines creativity.

  • Leads to distrust and fake follower inflation.

What were some recommendations for influencers noted?

• Learn business skills or hire support.

• Form collectives to advocate for rights and fair practices.

What were some recommendations for Brands?

• Respect influencer voice to preserve authenticity.

• Don’t obess over metrics- buid long-term, trust-based relationships.

What was an example of Sportswashing used in Lecture?

• 1936 Berlin Olympics: Nazi-Germany used the Olympics to project a peaceful image.

What were the two examples of Influencer Scandals presented in lecture?

• SHEIN trip: PR-led influencer tour to whitewash labor abuse.

• Ozempic + Weight Loss Influencers: Raises ethics around body positivity and medical influence.

What were the two examples given in lecture about Media trust shifts?

• Growing distrust in traditional media.

• TikTok and Instagram now primary info sources- but without journalistic accountability.