In everyday culture we encounter stereotypes and living binaries that shape our views, values, and our actual culture. The interesting thing about studying popular culture is being able to look at and analyze aspects of media in different forms and how they affect us.
In the clips from “Fatal Attraction” we are shown two completely different women. As talked about in class, Glen Close is the scorned lover who is looked down upon by the audience. Why is that? It’s because it is engraved in our mind what is right and what is wrong, who is good and who is bad, but why? It’s something our society does so well, needing to point the finger to place blame someone. Instead of blaming the cheating husband, he merely gets a slap on the wrist in this movie. Due to an unspoken code between women, the possibility that the husband lied about his marital status or whatever other excuse can be made on his behalf is not a major concern. Instead, it is the lover who has wronged the betrayed wife. Instead of taking a different view, “Fatal Attraction” appeals to the masses, in that it presents a view that most women in the United States would agree with, blaming the misdeeds of the husband on the lover.
Another interesting thing that came up in class was the idea in “Ancherman” that the female lead waited to show her approval until others demonstrated that they agreed. It is an idea that has become a popular strategy for ad campaigns. For example the slogan “Hey Mikey likes it!” implies that hey, if he likes it, you have to like it too. This now popular advertising trend has lead society to eat Wheaties, smoke cigarettes, etc. This will only continue as long as we allow it; unfortunately however, it does not look like the advertising companies will give up such a successful approach.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Binaries and Exiled
The last few class periods have raised some interesting topics that all are important in their own right. Dystopia as a category for the world’s ills brings several of the problems politicians try to “sweep under the rug”.
In the clip from “Sleeper”, it suggested a bleak future to come. A future in which the characters portrayed represents the well off and their tunnel vision that alters their perceptions of issues that the public faces. The clip instantly reminded me of a show that previewed on MTV recently called “Exiled”. The show is a spinoff of their popular “Super Sweet Sixteen” show in which they take these privileged sweet sixteeners out of their privileged lives and place them into real life situations, typically to places that are remote from the rest of civilization. Before the young sweet sixteeners were forced to face the reality of some of the more remote cultures, they had no idea of what was going on in the real world. Much like the teens, the main character in “Sleeper” could not understand what the less fortunate had to complain about life because she had all the amenities there were to enjoy, such as the orgasmatron.
In yesterday’s class period, I was suddenly reminded of how the distinction of black and white came into play during US history. This binary became more prominent when the white settlers had to justify their enslavement of a group of people, whom by their religion were equal in the eyes of God. It was this need for reasoning that created the meaning behind the view of African American slaves as a lesser people. It isn’t until we, as the human race, choose to assign meaning that binaries form their importance
In the clip from “Sleeper”, it suggested a bleak future to come. A future in which the characters portrayed represents the well off and their tunnel vision that alters their perceptions of issues that the public faces. The clip instantly reminded me of a show that previewed on MTV recently called “Exiled”. The show is a spinoff of their popular “Super Sweet Sixteen” show in which they take these privileged sweet sixteeners out of their privileged lives and place them into real life situations, typically to places that are remote from the rest of civilization. Before the young sweet sixteeners were forced to face the reality of some of the more remote cultures, they had no idea of what was going on in the real world. Much like the teens, the main character in “Sleeper” could not understand what the less fortunate had to complain about life because she had all the amenities there were to enjoy, such as the orgasmatron.
In yesterday’s class period, I was suddenly reminded of how the distinction of black and white came into play during US history. This binary became more prominent when the white settlers had to justify their enslavement of a group of people, whom by their religion were equal in the eyes of God. It was this need for reasoning that created the meaning behind the view of African American slaves as a lesser people. It isn’t until we, as the human race, choose to assign meaning that binaries form their importance
Friday, August 29, 2008
Back to School, Makes You Look Like a Fool.
As school once again starts back up, we get to see our friends and classmates on a semi-regular basis. It is now that I am once again able to appreciate school and all the opportunities it brings. I'm not just talking about gaining new knowledge or seeing best friends again, but the chance to escape a job, problems, or just escape the annoying people traveling around you.
My first week was great, I saw some great people that I haven't seen in months, another I saw a few weeks ago, and one of my co-workers! It's funny though how some of my friends have noticed somethings that haven't really presented themselves at CSUN in such a large number before. What I'm talking about is 1. Stupidity of people and 2. the increasing size of the average student. While we all complain about the Freshman in our Junior level class or the person we SWEAR is still in high school, there are more students that really just don't pay attention to the obvious signs. Yes, I'm talking about you, the girl in the green dress that tries to hit on the guy in the white pants who has his eyes glued to the boy next to him. Don't think I forgot you, Miss I've Taken this Class Before But Have No Clue About the Human Condition. Everywhere we look we are followed and stalked by these people that have no clue about the reality of the world going on around them, and never are we given a break from their meaningless chatter and annoying questions. When is enough enough we must ask ourselves! We need to stand up in a mass army and herd these people into some sort of college where they drive each other nuts and leave the rest of us alone. Okay, maybe that was a little extreme, but lets be honest with ourselves now, it's not like you haven't thought of it yourself.
Onto my next point. I've had and have overheard several discussions about the increasing size in the CSUN student. While school can be a great workout of the mind in the class and the body while huffing it up stairs and across campus, it clear that this summer has screwed up the progress that the school can do for one's physical condition. While, I have nothing wrong with a person with "much to love" it is difficult to not be annoyed when the person next to you is trying to share some space on your chair. One conversation jokingly said "I blame the economy on the fat people". While please keep in mind that was by people joking around, it can hurt when over heard, but it can also hurt to be sat on or displaced by someone that is not suppose to be sharing your seat. One a more serious point, it is very concerning that the waist line is increasing because of the possible health issues that can arise from these problems. How do we help each other gain a better awareness? While, I don't encourage passing around magazines with size triple zero models, one aspect that could be encouraged is a positive body image where one is happy with their image and takes steps to ensure they are healthy in all aspects of their life.
On a lighter note, if you are a lover of gossip, be careful what you gossip about my friend for it can lead to an impression that can push one's buttons a little harder then one would wish. Where does frustration with one's surroundings suddenly become a dark depression that one is having trouble getting a "leg up" on? It's nice when the conditions and situations in a work environment become so frustrating that it becomes unnecessarily stressful; and when confronted by a co-worker, though thoroughly explained, one is darkly depressed and is in need of learning to re-program their brain to be happy. Yep. That's me. Deeply Depressed...or would it be extremely frustrated???? hmmm....apparently its all the same these days.
Any-who. Have a safe and happy 3 DAY WEEKEND!!!
My first week was great, I saw some great people that I haven't seen in months, another I saw a few weeks ago, and one of my co-workers! It's funny though how some of my friends have noticed somethings that haven't really presented themselves at CSUN in such a large number before. What I'm talking about is 1. Stupidity of people and 2. the increasing size of the average student. While we all complain about the Freshman in our Junior level class or the person we SWEAR is still in high school, there are more students that really just don't pay attention to the obvious signs. Yes, I'm talking about you, the girl in the green dress that tries to hit on the guy in the white pants who has his eyes glued to the boy next to him. Don't think I forgot you, Miss I've Taken this Class Before But Have No Clue About the Human Condition. Everywhere we look we are followed and stalked by these people that have no clue about the reality of the world going on around them, and never are we given a break from their meaningless chatter and annoying questions. When is enough enough we must ask ourselves! We need to stand up in a mass army and herd these people into some sort of college where they drive each other nuts and leave the rest of us alone. Okay, maybe that was a little extreme, but lets be honest with ourselves now, it's not like you haven't thought of it yourself.
Onto my next point. I've had and have overheard several discussions about the increasing size in the CSUN student. While school can be a great workout of the mind in the class and the body while huffing it up stairs and across campus, it clear that this summer has screwed up the progress that the school can do for one's physical condition. While, I have nothing wrong with a person with "much to love" it is difficult to not be annoyed when the person next to you is trying to share some space on your chair. One conversation jokingly said "I blame the economy on the fat people". While please keep in mind that was by people joking around, it can hurt when over heard, but it can also hurt to be sat on or displaced by someone that is not suppose to be sharing your seat. One a more serious point, it is very concerning that the waist line is increasing because of the possible health issues that can arise from these problems. How do we help each other gain a better awareness? While, I don't encourage passing around magazines with size triple zero models, one aspect that could be encouraged is a positive body image where one is happy with their image and takes steps to ensure they are healthy in all aspects of their life.
On a lighter note, if you are a lover of gossip, be careful what you gossip about my friend for it can lead to an impression that can push one's buttons a little harder then one would wish. Where does frustration with one's surroundings suddenly become a dark depression that one is having trouble getting a "leg up" on? It's nice when the conditions and situations in a work environment become so frustrating that it becomes unnecessarily stressful; and when confronted by a co-worker, though thoroughly explained, one is darkly depressed and is in need of learning to re-program their brain to be happy. Yep. That's me. Deeply Depressed...or would it be extremely frustrated???? hmmm....apparently its all the same these days.
Any-who. Have a safe and happy 3 DAY WEEKEND!!!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Earthquakes
A few weeks ago, pretty much everyone in the valley felt the aftershocks of the earthquake, a few days ago, an earthquake of another kind found an epicenter in my apartment at 2 am. Since then, things haven't been quite the same.
As you all know, when you fight with your friends or family, things don't go back to the same right away. It's almost been a week now, and instead of trying to find our footing again, we are becoming divided. This is your life and this is mine, with no blending or meshing in sight. Even when we are home, sometimes it just feels like we are at a roadside rest stop marking our presence for only a moment in time. There is no more time for words, shared meals, or even watching tv together. You'd rather be way over there, when I am right here. I've tried reaching out and trying to make the first step to a truce, but really....I can see that it's really all for nothing.
What am I doing? Well I'm just bitching right now because I can't say these words to your face because your never home and you probably won't even read this.
....I hope all of your summers are going well as the last few weeks come to a close.
As you all know, when you fight with your friends or family, things don't go back to the same right away. It's almost been a week now, and instead of trying to find our footing again, we are becoming divided. This is your life and this is mine, with no blending or meshing in sight. Even when we are home, sometimes it just feels like we are at a roadside rest stop marking our presence for only a moment in time. There is no more time for words, shared meals, or even watching tv together. You'd rather be way over there, when I am right here. I've tried reaching out and trying to make the first step to a truce, but really....I can see that it's really all for nothing.
What am I doing? Well I'm just bitching right now because I can't say these words to your face because your never home and you probably won't even read this.
....I hope all of your summers are going well as the last few weeks come to a close.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Worn Down
There comes a time when we realize how tired and worn down we really are. When a simple weekend just never seems like enough because you have so much you want to do but by the time Sunday night comes around, you realize you accomplished nothing.
We all get worn down once in a while, and it is at that point we need to step back and refocus ourselves. When things get to be too much, walking out should not be the answer, but sometimes there seems to be no other option. What do we do then? Take a deep breath? Some how that does not seem like enough at times. We in turn can look to those around us that we trust to give us additional guidance. The support of friends and family can go a long way as we have all discovered from time to time. So do not underestimate their willingness to be there.
What do we do when we don't get anything accomplished?? Having a screaming fit always sounds like a nice solution. Scream at the people that prohibit you from doing your job, that create more work for you because they don't hold up their end of the bargin. Scream at your roommate, your family, or the people driving really slow on the freeway. All of these sound like amazing releases of frustration but what would that really solve? Unfortunately not much because if we screamed at everyone every time we felt like it, we would all be commited to an insane asylum and would be dosed up on meds for our excurciating headaches.
So what is the solution? Is it to just relax and take it easy? I guess there is no real solution that will solve all of these problems at once. Maybe the real solution is to do it in moderation, some yelling, screaming, crying, and relaxing. It's finding the balance or happy medium that keeps us sane enough to go on about our daily lives.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Lets be open for guidance, love, and suprises.
As the summer grows old, we look back to the start to evaluate what we have accomplished so far. What have you done this summer, have to rekindled a passion, found a new love, discovered an untold treasure, or reunited with someone from your past? The things that make us look forward to summer can be the smallest, most insignificant, or even the most random things.
The other day I went to my Alma Mater to watch my girls play in summer league. Taking that first step into the gym memories of all the years I spent in there came back. It made me remember how we used to look forward to summer so we could practice and look forward to season. As I watched them play and listened to them, I wondered if they experienced the same feelings. During their games, it was obvious who had the passion, who had the talent, and who was their because of their egos, not just on one team either. Watching them play made we want to find a way to make things work so I could help them. There's nothing more then teaching a team how to do something and watching them progress, however, it is also true that watching them digress and forget everything is as equally frustrating. It of course is more frustrating when they deny that they either ever learned the skills, or when they think they can do it on their own.
To one friend in particular this summer, he has found a new love. The glow that it gives him is almost infectious. We all reminisce from time to time on the feeling of what it was like when love was so new. I wish him the best of luck in love because it seems as though, love is hard to find for all my guy friends. Girls, why is that?? We want love, and they want love...but we can never seem to match up right. We hate them because they "break our hearts" or they did something "stupid". They don't like us because we are "emotional and dramatic".
"How treasure can one cavern hold?" How many surprises can one meeting or one opportunity hold? The amount is endless as long as we keep our minds and hearts open to the possibilities. Who knew that one person could help you meet hundreds more? You wouldn't know until you actually gave them a chance. So why is it that today we are so unwilling to give others the opportunity to change our world? Is it that we are now programmed to be suspicious? Who knows, but I urge us all to be more open for the rest of the summer because I'm tired of being shut down and watching others get shut down.
The other day I went to my Alma Mater to watch my girls play in summer league. Taking that first step into the gym memories of all the years I spent in there came back. It made me remember how we used to look forward to summer so we could practice and look forward to season. As I watched them play and listened to them, I wondered if they experienced the same feelings. During their games, it was obvious who had the passion, who had the talent, and who was their because of their egos, not just on one team either. Watching them play made we want to find a way to make things work so I could help them. There's nothing more then teaching a team how to do something and watching them progress, however, it is also true that watching them digress and forget everything is as equally frustrating. It of course is more frustrating when they deny that they either ever learned the skills, or when they think they can do it on their own.
To one friend in particular this summer, he has found a new love. The glow that it gives him is almost infectious. We all reminisce from time to time on the feeling of what it was like when love was so new. I wish him the best of luck in love because it seems as though, love is hard to find for all my guy friends. Girls, why is that?? We want love, and they want love...but we can never seem to match up right. We hate them because they "break our hearts" or they did something "stupid". They don't like us because we are "emotional and dramatic".
"How treasure can one cavern hold?" How many surprises can one meeting or one opportunity hold? The amount is endless as long as we keep our minds and hearts open to the possibilities. Who knew that one person could help you meet hundreds more? You wouldn't know until you actually gave them a chance. So why is it that today we are so unwilling to give others the opportunity to change our world? Is it that we are now programmed to be suspicious? Who knows, but I urge us all to be more open for the rest of the summer because I'm tired of being shut down and watching others get shut down.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Opporunities Come Knocking
When opportunities come and go, we look at the advantages and disadvantages that come with said opportunities. A year ago I would have jumped at the chance to be acknowledge for the contributions I have made over the years to my Alma mater's volleyball program; however, now I'm not so eager.
When I tried to get my job working as a coach for the new season and a new coach last season, I was essentially shut down, ignored, and dismissed. Now that there is a lack of people willing to coach for this head coach, he comes to me asking if I still wish to help. I have seen what this man has done to very respectable programs in the space of one season. Would I be willing to put my reputation as a coach on the line to rediscover a passion? It is hard to say. While weighting the positives and negatives, I must also take into consideration the obligations I now have. If things were different, the decision wouldn't be so hard.
Now here's the question I would pose to any readers of this blog, What makes one opportunity work sacrificing a sure and well paying job for one that is your passion? Being young and naive I once thought that no matter what one should go after their dreams and passions, if one job does not make you happy, find another. However, I can see that it is not so simple as that. (Then again, when are things as simple as one thinks it should be?)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Trust your blinders
Trust. A Nasty little thing. It leaves one in a vulnerable position at times; however, it can be one of the most blissful concepts around.
When one's trust is betrayed, it leaves scars that run deep that can effect the rest of one's life if you were to let it. Absolute blind faith and trust in someone is admirable but foolish. What makes one so worthy of such trust? In truth nothing makes one worthy because it is programed into every person to survive and part of this instinct is to lie, cheat, and manipulate. While that is not to say that every person will break your trust and scar you for life, these compulsions are just stronger in some while not so much in others.
I've become someone who does not trust so easily. While there are a few people in my life that I absolutely adore and trust, it did not come easy. As I grow older, I realize that trust can make and break relationships. As I am surrounded by new situations day after day, it becomes more apparent that the boundaries that we erect to protect what we trust are often a smoke screen to hide the true nature of our reality. Is it naive to think and hope that what is in front of us is in fact the truth and that what our senses allow us to perceive are things we can trust?
The deceitful side of trust is the fact that when you have trust in someone or something, it leaves you blissfully unaware of the harsh reality. Trust are the blinders we wear to protect ourselves from the truth. When something is as clear as day to everyone around execpt to you, it is because of the refusal to see what is really infront of you and the constant denial in which one lives their life. It's great to be able to take everything at face value, but when the proverbial rug is yanked out from underneath you, it leaves shock and a sense of betrayal in its wake. It leaves you suddenly questioning anything and everything, making you suspicious, paranoid, and scared. (que dramatic music).
so where does this leave us?? Really, lets be honest, being aware that trust is a nasty little concept that is ever changing shape and consistency, changes nothing. We know we can't trust certain people, but we either keep them around or we find someone else exactly like them to replace their now vacant space in our lives. Trust is the blinders we wear and the tides that shift throughout our lives.
When one's trust is betrayed, it leaves scars that run deep that can effect the rest of one's life if you were to let it. Absolute blind faith and trust in someone is admirable but foolish. What makes one so worthy of such trust? In truth nothing makes one worthy because it is programed into every person to survive and part of this instinct is to lie, cheat, and manipulate. While that is not to say that every person will break your trust and scar you for life, these compulsions are just stronger in some while not so much in others.
I've become someone who does not trust so easily. While there are a few people in my life that I absolutely adore and trust, it did not come easy. As I grow older, I realize that trust can make and break relationships. As I am surrounded by new situations day after day, it becomes more apparent that the boundaries that we erect to protect what we trust are often a smoke screen to hide the true nature of our reality. Is it naive to think and hope that what is in front of us is in fact the truth and that what our senses allow us to perceive are things we can trust?
The deceitful side of trust is the fact that when you have trust in someone or something, it leaves you blissfully unaware of the harsh reality. Trust are the blinders we wear to protect ourselves from the truth. When something is as clear as day to everyone around execpt to you, it is because of the refusal to see what is really infront of you and the constant denial in which one lives their life. It's great to be able to take everything at face value, but when the proverbial rug is yanked out from underneath you, it leaves shock and a sense of betrayal in its wake. It leaves you suddenly questioning anything and everything, making you suspicious, paranoid, and scared. (que dramatic music).
so where does this leave us?? Really, lets be honest, being aware that trust is a nasty little concept that is ever changing shape and consistency, changes nothing. We know we can't trust certain people, but we either keep them around or we find someone else exactly like them to replace their now vacant space in our lives. Trust is the blinders we wear and the tides that shift throughout our lives.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
First Time for Everything
Hey everyone
Welcome to my blog. I've come to a point in my life where a lot of new things have been happening lately and I figure this is the best time to actually sit down and start a blog like I've wanted to.
As some of you know, I have just moved out into my own apartment. First time I've been on my own, and first time I have lived somewhere other then the house I came home to in a car seat from the hospital. It's has it's up and its downs, but it's my own. Of course with everything, there comes doubt. Will this work, Will I be happy, Will it be everything I hope it will be. So far, its been pretty good, sometimes quiet, but that will probably change once everything is settled.
A few other changes have happened in my life. I've gained more responsibilities at work. Tonight I discovered that my office manager may be leaving. It got me really thinking about how stressful the office has become lately and how much tension has been in the air. Needless to say, it is not the best working environment and I'm sure a lot, if not all of you have heard me bitch about it from one time to another. This would be another first for an office though. I have contemplated leaving, my newest co-worker, the office manager and the biller all have thought about it. Which leaves the question, how would a hectic trauma surgeons office function with no one there? I'm sure it wouldn't be the first time an office has lost 95% of it's staff, but it would be the first time the doctors would actually see the stress level of our situation and how under-staffed we are.
Recently, I've also began to reach out to old friends. It's definitely interesting to see where people have ended up and how the decisions we've made in the past have shaped them into who they are today. If we've lost touch, I hope you are one of those people, if not, then...why don't you send me a message and we catch up???
Lately, I've had this burning desire to get back into my writing and actually fully develop a story, polish it, and actually finish it. It's always been starting a story with no idea of how it will develop, creating it, then let it collect dust because I turned it in or I hit a wall as to what to do next.
Mostly, I just want to end tonight on the thought of what next "First Time" experience would be the most desirable?
Welcome to my blog. I've come to a point in my life where a lot of new things have been happening lately and I figure this is the best time to actually sit down and start a blog like I've wanted to.
As some of you know, I have just moved out into my own apartment. First time I've been on my own, and first time I have lived somewhere other then the house I came home to in a car seat from the hospital. It's has it's up and its downs, but it's my own. Of course with everything, there comes doubt. Will this work, Will I be happy, Will it be everything I hope it will be. So far, its been pretty good, sometimes quiet, but that will probably change once everything is settled.
A few other changes have happened in my life. I've gained more responsibilities at work. Tonight I discovered that my office manager may be leaving. It got me really thinking about how stressful the office has become lately and how much tension has been in the air. Needless to say, it is not the best working environment and I'm sure a lot, if not all of you have heard me bitch about it from one time to another. This would be another first for an office though. I have contemplated leaving, my newest co-worker, the office manager and the biller all have thought about it. Which leaves the question, how would a hectic trauma surgeons office function with no one there? I'm sure it wouldn't be the first time an office has lost 95% of it's staff, but it would be the first time the doctors would actually see the stress level of our situation and how under-staffed we are.
Recently, I've also began to reach out to old friends. It's definitely interesting to see where people have ended up and how the decisions we've made in the past have shaped them into who they are today. If we've lost touch, I hope you are one of those people, if not, then...why don't you send me a message and we catch up???
Lately, I've had this burning desire to get back into my writing and actually fully develop a story, polish it, and actually finish it. It's always been starting a story with no idea of how it will develop, creating it, then let it collect dust because I turned it in or I hit a wall as to what to do next.
Mostly, I just want to end tonight on the thought of what next "First Time" experience would be the most desirable?
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