Still Roommates

If the sole purpose for Saturday's film festival was to entertain, then I would have to say that the "Audience Award" hit the nail on the head. I felt that this film was not only entertaining, but also very well made. The aspect that caught my attention the most was how emotion was portrayed. With the humorous and catchy technique of using music to show emotion, this film wouldn't have been nearly as entertaining without the music. I also thought the camera angles showed the film maker's talent, and also made the film seem very professional. The camera shots, particularly the close-up shots, added lots of depth to the whole point of the film by helping portray intimately the actor's emotions. The film was very professional and it felt like each move of the camera was precisely placed. Overall, I was just thoroughly impressed with this film and the aspects it used.

The Open Frame

On Saturday evening I attended Malone's film festival, called "The Open Frame," in the Johnson Center. This was the first time I had ever attended such an event, so I wasn't sure what exactly to expect. Along with not knowing what to expect, I really had no previous knowledge as to what characterized a good film from a bad film. Being the oblivious audience member that I was, I went in with the attitude that I would be entertained rather than to critique the films based on proper film making standards. However, I got thinking about the films and all the awards that were presented Saturday evening and was somewhat disappointed. Now keep in mind that I am no film expert, however wasn't the sole purpose for these films to either entertain or get a point across to one's audience? Honestly, I have no idea, however that is what I went in assuming the films were made for. Each film was different and unique, but only two truly stuck out to me, those being ones that entertained, caught my attention, and made a point. So I guess the question is...What was the purpose of these films? Were they made to entertain? To get a point across to the audience? Or were they made to show the maker's talent? (...Or maybe Rudd mentioned it and I wasn't listening...haha! I apologize if that is the case.) Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. It was very obvious that each film took tons and tons of time and effort, and I guarantee that once I find the reason for why these films were made my outlook on the entire evening will change.

Nike Air Band

During last evening's competition of "Nike Air Band" students on campus participated in serious role play. By dressing up to fit the role, as well as lip syncing to various popular songs, they took part in "fandom". Without "Nike Air Band" last evening's role plays would have seemed extremely strange, out of the ordinary, and unconventional. By identifying with celebrities through their performance they were able to find their identity in another role. Through this serious role play, the "celebs" of last evening were also able to develop a sense of belonging(ness) within the community here at Malone because their faces will be recongized on campus by those in the audience. Overall, through "fandom," identity and community are shaped and developed.

Happy Endings

When relationships go wrong and someone walks away with a broken heart, particularly the female, it isn't surprising to find her wallowing in her sorrow for a few days following the "break-up." Taking part in "fandom," she expresses her emotions by setting in front of the television for hours on end with a carton of Ben & Jerry's and a variety of chick-flicks. Through these chick-flicks she is able to slowly overcome her despair and verge ahead by focusing on the happy times and happy endings within the film. By watching this film she slowly renews her identity, searching and longing for characteristics that was presented within the love relationship in the film. This expressing of emotions and renewing of identities also helps the female in releasing her emotions in a positive way.

HGTV

During our discussion on Wednesday in class we discussed the motives of the "Media Effect Theory". I felt that HGTV was an excellent example of the "socialization motive". Within this genre of the media text television, many viewers will watch to learn tips, hints, and get ideas about the home and gardening. By doing this they are able to keep up with the trends, staying in tune with what is popular and what is not. By using HGTV viewers feel they are able to join in a semiotic domain while also keeping up the "Jones'". They are then able to relate to others who are apart of this same domain, maybe even eventually making HGTV and this semiotic domain into a "ritual motive" which is also apart of the "Media Effect Theory".

TAG Body Spray

I'm sure many of you are familiar with the advertisement which involves a male spraying "TAG" body spray on himself and instantly females appear, tackling and almost groping him. At the end of the commercial a warning appears across the screen stating, "The makers of TAG body spray accept no responsibility for any injuries resultant from the wearing of this product." Obviously, this is not exactly how a situation would go down for a user of "TAG" in real life, however the company portrays this as a common or almost automatic occurrence in hopes of alluring viewers to purchase the product. I felt this advertisement went somewhat along the lines of our discussion in class on Monday about pornography. Within this genre of media, pornography gives it's audience a perception that sex is just as good as it looks on the computer screen or television. However, without the airbrushing it would not be nearly as alluring. The advertisements for "TAG" body spray could fall under these same lines. Male viewers may think that with this product they withhold the power of alluring girls upon girls, this almost being a false advertisement. Yet with this strategy of marketing, viewers are convinced that they need this product. Media uses this type of strategy not only in advertisements, but also within various media texts to intrigue and allure audiences, this in turn bringing more of what they hope to be fame and fortune.

Iron Chef America

I've never been a huge fan of Iron Chef America, however I believe it is an excellent example of "hegemony". Within this cooking reality television show chefs compete for "top chef" status by using mystery ingredients which they are unaware of until the battle begins. They then fight or cook until the time runs out and in conclusion their concoctions are judged by the critics, whom are usually chefs or restaurant owners. Hegemony comes into play when viewers who are chefs themselves watch the show believing they are just as good as those competing, however they are not participants themselves which in turn makes them realize they aren't are good as they think. This keeps those who are lower in the cooking domain down, keeping those you are already top chefs on top. Another example of hegemony within this show would be the chefs competing who lose the competition. They may go onto the show with a mentality that they are just as good as the others, however when they lose reality hits making them realize they aren't as good as they thought. This also lowering them on the ladder of top chefs, in turn helping the top chefs keep their status and power. This defining exactly what "hegemony" is , those who are on top striving to keep those lower than them down.

Is Media Taking a Seat "Backstage"?

This afternoon I was reading in my psychology book about how "it is the best and worst times for today's adolescents". But why? Before I continued to read I knew exactly why. In the book it states, "The hazards of the adult world, its sometimes fatal temptations, descend upon children so early that the ideal of childhood is demolished". So what exactly is powerful enough to impact a generation, being a detriment to their childhood? Could it possibly be the media? Obviously, their are other influences in our society, however I can imagine this would play a major role in affecting a child. Take for example the "bizarre versions of reality" that are portrayed on television like MTV's "The Real World", where young so called "adults" party and sleep around as if it is a way of life. Or look at Akon's hit, "I Wanna F*ck You Dirty" (...also known as "Smack That"). It doesn't matter who he is addressing in this song it is simply the fact that he is addressing it publicly in the first place. Adolescents are being exposed to a world full of complex lifestyles and struggle in deciding which ones they are to follow. So, my question is simply what happened to the formality within the media? What happened to the formal role or "frontstage" that was once apparent within the media. Obviously, there were issues in the past with what the media was exposing, but are they beginning to push the envelope? Okay, so maybe they haven't gone completely "backstage" where we are being surprised with every flip of the channel or change of the station and I agree that not all that is publicized within the media is garbage, however where is the civility or decorum? Before too long it may no longer be a surprise or unusual to hear lyrics of vulgarity and obscenity played on America's radio stations, or flip through the channels to find young "adults" being sexually promiscuous on national television. Maybe it is time to bring back the "frontstage" or formal role within media before it's too late.

Hollywood Simulation

After acting as agent to Miss Gloria Morningstar, I've come to realize I would never survive playing this actual role in Hollywood. I never realized the difficulty that is involved in getting a film on it's feet. In fact, I didn't think it was a difficult task at all, I assumed the actual filming of the movie was the difficult part...what was I thinking? I have a tendency to want to know all my options, however this morning options were coming and going so fast I didn't even know what they were. Before I knew it we were down to the wire and there weren't many options left. Throughout the process of finding the best contract I felt extremely selfish. Sure I wanted the best for my client, however I only got 10% of what she made so I had to look out for myself while weighing the options. Still we had to find something that best fit Faith's, I mean Miss Morningstar's abilities and talents. Obviously, one major goal was to find something that would show your talents, however sticking to the norm wouldn't get us anywhere. Audiences want something new, different, and intriguing, however it must still be familiar and comfortable, kind of like the popular myths within movies. So, we had to find something that wasn't too far fetched, but still showed all the capabilities of this actress, while getting a good paycheck in the process. Finally after the bargining and chaos of signing or not, in the end I was confident with our choice. Yes, maybe we played it safe in a way, and I'm sure in this actual business you would have to take risks, but thankfully today wasn't the real deal :)

Facing the Giants

Lately I've been hearing a lot about the movie "Facing the Giants", so I decided I should check it out and see what all the raving was about. I was a little unsure at first after hearing the story behind how it was made, afraid that it wouldn't be up to par or as professional as other movies, however I was still intrigued. In fact, I was impressed to say the least when the film came to an end. I found the film refreshing, uplifting, and very encouraging, especially after seeing the message being conveyed through a media text so popular in our culture, one where films like these are hard to find. This film also made some correlations with the myth, "A Value of a Challenge." Grant Taylor, the head football coach for the Shiloh Eagles as well as a husband, faces a number of obstacles within the film. These obstacles include the possibility of him losing his job, the possibility that his wife and him are unable to have children, their car dies, the stove no longer works, as well as other issues. However, although many of these obstacles may make others stumble, Taylor reaches for the Lord and is able to face the obstacles by standing firm in his faith and trusting in God. Without ruining the movie, Taylor is able to overcome each obstacle and achieve a challenge others and also himself never imagined possible, along with finding a bigger purpose in football and life. With this theme of faith and determination, as well as the film's connection with the myth "A Value of a Challenge," the movie is a refreshing break from what is the norm in our media culture today.

Deal or No Deal

After class today I decided I definitely wanted to blog about the concept of "frontstage" and "backstage" which has recently become obvious within the television show, Deal or No Deal. If one was flipping through the channels and came across Deal or No Deal without ever watching it, they would find what seemed to be a professional and classy reality game show. With the host, Howie Mandel, dressed in his best which consists of a suit and sometimes a tie, while the models are dressed to the nigh in glitz and glam, "frontstage" and a formal role is portrayed. However, until just recently the producers of the show have started to cater to the interests of it's contestants. For example, a female contestant who was a die-hard Grease fan was just recently on the show and the producers had each model dress as Sandy from Grease during the show, catering to the contestant's interests. Also, another contestant who was originally from some part of Africa or Korea (I don't remember exactly) was on the show simply for the purpose of putting the money she won toward a good cause in Africa/Korea. Since she has now been living in the U.S. for quite some time she has been unable to visit her mother, so the producers flew her mother to the U.S. and she surprised the contestant on the set of Deal or No Deal the night of the show. Now, this may not necessarily be "backstage" or informal, but it is more intimate, letting viewers into the lives of the contestants. Now, if Howie were to show up to the set of Deal or No Deal dressed as a street bum the theme and "frontstage" formal role would be thrown off causing the show to go from order to disorder. This show exhibits what is expected of a television show, however adds a tiny piece of backstage, making things unexpected and maybe a little more interesting to it's audience.

Supernanny vs. The Real World

I chose these two shows because of their characteristics within the Populism and Progressive Myths. First the television show Supernanny, which focuses on "disorderly children" with extremely overwhelmed parents, shows the characteristic of the Progressive Myth. Jo Frost, also known as "Supernanny", steps in and guides the parents as well as the children on a journey of discipline and control, slowing helping to achieve order within the home. Jo Frost would represent the "elite few" within this myth. These changes show the characteristic of disorder to order within the Progessive Myth. As for the Populism Myth, MTV's The Real World is an excellent example of order to disorder. In the beginning seven housemates come together to live under one roof and immediately hit it off, feeling as though they have no worries in the world. They enjoy the freedom for the first few nights and adore each other's company, however personalities begin to clash and things instantly take a negative turn.

These myths may not be apparent in all types of media texts, however they are in everyday real life. For example, when one cleans their room this could be considered disorder to order, yet a divorce in the family could cause things to go from order to disorder like that of the Populism Myth.

What Makes a Genre?

Concerning the media text of television, I believe genres are developed through various concepts and ideas that intrigue and captivate audiences. Things such as occupation, interests, hobbies, and emotions, basically semiotic domains in general, impact what viewers want in a television show or movie, this in turn shaping genres. For example, if someone's interests include history, they may tune into the History Channel, this being a genre. Also, if someone's hobbies include cooking they may tune into the Food Network, this also being a genre. Along the lines of genres, I tend to be a sucker for romance comedies within the media text of movies. This media text of movies is a genre itself, having genres within it such as romance and comedy. I find these genres of movies to be my favorite because they don't confine themselves to one type of genre, such as strictly drama or comedy or suspense, which can tend to get old fast. In conclusion, there may be no real way to truly define a genre, however .

P.S. Friday 12:15 p.m. -Ironically, I didn't realize we would be discussing this in-depth in class today. However, this blog was going off the question Dr. Rudd asked us at the end of class on Monday and my beliefs on what makes a genre --not necessarily on what was discussed in class today, since I'm sure you were just dying to know, haha! :)

Genres

After briefly discussing genres in class yesterday, I began thinking of certain shows that fit into the genres my media squad came up with. Something I found interesting is how many of these shows could fit into other genres as well. For example, America's Next Top Model along with Project Runway are both television shows that definitely fit into the genre of fashion. With fashion icons such as Tyra Banks, who hosts America's Next Top Model, and Heidi Klum, who hosts Project Runway, there is no doubt these two shows belong in this category. However, as females, primarily from across the U.S., battle it out to become "America's Next Top Model" there is also a taste of reality television going on. This also goes for Project Runway, where males and females compete to make winning designs that appeal to the judges and hopefully move them up the ladder toward becoming a top designer in the fashion industry. However, these two television shows first belong in the genre of reality and then in the genre of fashion, this showing that genres can be broken down into various other genres within themselves. For instance, dating reality shows like Parental Control on MTV, reality game shows like Deal or No Deal, and survival reality shows like Survivor. Yet, Survivor brings on yet another genre within a genre because not only is it a reality television show, it can also be classified as a survival reality show and possibly a reality game show because those competing are out to win the grand prize of money. Obviously, almost all genres can be broken down and because of this more viewers are able to become more interested and involved, this adding to the the fame and popularity of that specific television show or media text.

Anna Nicole Smith

With a title like that you'd be crazy to not stop and read! (As I roll my eyes...) However, for the past day and a half I've seen this woman's face more than I can count. In fact to be quite honest, other than knowing her as the woman, 26, who married an 89-year old billionaire because she was supposedly "attracted to his liver spots", I don't know much about her. Yet, any information I may want to know about Smith is extremely accessible due to her sudden death yesterday. Now, I'm not here to harp on her publicity in any way. I believe it is perfectly okay and normal for the media to be covering the story on her death considering she was somewhat of an icon. However, at 10:00 this morning I turned on the television to find eight channels covering this story, including the story being all over the Internet. Was absolutely nothing else as important going on in our nation, or even world that needed to be covered? Because as I turn on the television now, I come across five channels still covering the story. Obviously, I haven't been lounging in front of the television all morning to know what other stories were, which I'm sure, covered, and as I stated before please don't think I'm writing this in regards to her actual death or her as a person. I'm just stunned at how the media has focused in so intensely on it. What triggered my thoughts on this was something Dr. Rudd mentioned in class after viewing the clip of the news from Wednesday morning. Botox injections took the limelight over recent levy issues within education. I truly cannot find the reason for this to be overshadowing education, or even why it is "LIVE" on the news in the first place. I turn on the news to be informed and updated, however I want to be informed on what is truly beneficial to me. Sure Botox may be in 20 years, but I'm interested in knowing of events that may affect me, my life, and the things around me, not watching reality television, if I want that I'll flip to MTV.

Relient K

&

A Value of a Challenge

"Sadie Hawkins Dance"

All the girls in the bathroom talkin'
Who they gonna take to the Sadie Hawkins?
My ears are burning, but I kept on walking
A smile on my face, and an air guitar rocking.

Chorus:

The Sadie Hawkins Dance, in my Khaki pants
There's nothing better.
The girls ask the guys, it's always a surprise.
There's nothing better.
Baby, do you like my sweater?
Sitting in the back of my next class napping,
Gotta give a speech, then bow to the clapping.
Told a funny joke, got the whole class laughing,
I think I got a tan, from the Language Arts basking.

Chorus

Scan the cafeteria for some good seating.
I found a good spot by the cheerleaders, eating.
The quarterback asked me if I'd like a beating.
I said "That's one thing I won't be needing!"
And since I'm rather smart and cunning,
I took off down the next hall, running.
Only to get stopped by a girl so stunning,
Only to get stopped by a girl so stunning.
She said "You're smooth, and good with talking.
"You'll go with me, to the Sadie Hawkins?"


Although I'm sure many of you are aware of this story, my friend Holly Reiber and I were discussing how Relient K's story can be compared to the myth, "Value of a Challenge." This small band, which started off, ironically, here in Canton, Ohio made it's debut at "The Hub." They became known amongst Christians who enjoyed their style of music. "Sadie Hawkins Dance" was the song that made heads turn, which was played on all sorts of radio stations, not strictly Christian. They produced many cd's becoming more and more famous, and before they knew it they were being faced with the challenge of changing their sound. After a while they became noticed so widely that they were nominated for a Grammy award. Grabbing the attention of a well-known record company was the next challenge for them, stay with Gotee Records or go big. Not only was that a challenge, but what would they be losing and gaining if they chose to go big. They wanted to go bigger to affect more people, however in doing so they would risk losing the faithful fans they had from the start. Now being big they face the pressure and challenge of conforming to what media and society wants, while still trying to stay true to their roots and faith. The connection between their story and the myth is how although obstacles were thrown their way, they were still able to overcome the challenges presented and be successful. Thus, making the journey valuable, accomplishing, and worthwhile.

My Media Log

Wednesday:

7:45-8:00 a.m. - Internet: Checked e-mail, news, & blogs

4:00-4:15 p.m. - Internet: Checked e-mail

6:30-7:00 p.m. - Internet

8:45-9:00 p.m. - Car: Listened to 98.1 & 96.5

12:50-1:10 a.m. - Internet: Checked e-mail

Thursday:

11:25-11:35 a.m. - Internet: Checked e-mail, news, & blogs

4:00-5:00 p.m. - Internet & Television

5:30-5:45 p.m. - Car: Listened to 98.1

10:30 p.m. -12:15 a.m. -Television

Friday:

7:45-8:00 a.m. - Internet: Checked e-mail, news, & blogs

1:10-1:45 p.m. - Car: Listened to 98.1

5:35-5:45 p.m. - Internet

6:25-7:15 p.m. - Car: Listened to music

11:30 p.m. -1:00 a.m. - Movie: “The Notebook”

The Notebook

After discussing various camera shots during class today, I wanted to find a movie in which these shots were apparent so I could blog about it. I began looking through my collection of movies and "The Notebook" stuck out to me. Throughout the movie I came across many of these shots, all which were more obvious to me after learning about them, and all affecting the way I viewed the movie. There were many times throughout the movie when a love scene would come on and the camera shots would become closer, this showing the intimacy between Noah and Allie, the two main characters. One shot that really stuck out to me was toward the end of the movie. I would consider this shot to be close-up. At this point in the movie the drama has really set in, and with this shot the audience is drawn into the situation and it's suspense.

As you can see, Allie's emotions are very apparent because this shot is close-up. Even without being able to see her eyes, just by the way she is hunched over in thought it is obvious there is a burden on her shoulders. Also by the way she is wrapped so tightly in the blanket, it is almost as if it is a "security blanket" to her, protecting her from all that is going on around her. However, I do not feel this shot is invading or uncomfortable as some close-shots can be. As the audience, I was more captivated by Allie's emotions and concerned for her. (However...that may just be the girl in me!) I feel that if this shot was a medium-shot or a long-shot, the audience wouldn't be as aware of how serious the situation is or even drawn in to wonder in the first place. Something I found interesting at the beginning of the film was the first long-shot that was shown. It was not of the main setting or place that was consistently shown throughout the film. In fact, it was of a place that Allie and Noah visited only one time later in the film.

Now this picture is not the exact shot shown at the beginning of the film, however it looks somewhat like it, and this is not the exact place Allie and Noah visited. But, I just found it different that the audience was not immediately introduced to the main setting of the film right off the bat. Obviously, the setting changes frequently throughout the film, (as it does in many films, due to the length and plot) so it would be hard to stay consistent. But, because this was different from what is usually shown, to me, it was a little more appealing and not necessarily distracting- however, this may depend on a viewer's preference. Plus, as I stated before it is harder to do so in a film of longer length and a more complex plot, unlike television shows like "Full House" or "Family Matters." By becoming aware of these different camera shots, I paid more attention to the plot and got more out of it by being drawn into the film. This in turn changed my way of watching the film, which in essence is exactly what directors and producers are shooting for.

A Semiotic Domain

I couldn't put my finger on a certain semiotic domain that I truly felt apart of or dedicated to. Of course there are plenty I'm apart of, some I'm sure I don't even realize. There is the obvious of being a student, loving music, enjoying chick-flicks, etc. However, as I began racking my brain I realized that as I've grown up I have been apart of a variety of different semiotic domains. One semoitic domain that I was consumed in for almost 14 years would be dance, primarily ballet. Although it has been over four years since I have been an avid member of this domain and I'm sure this domain has changed and developed, I still find myself somewhat connected. For example, although I am no longer as skinny as a stick, my hair is not found in a bun on a daily basis, and my posture is no where near what it used to be, I still unconsciously find myself standing in fifth position from time to time. I own enough bobbie pins and hairnets to supply an army of ballerinas, I still don't know what to do with myself on Monday through Saturday without rehearsals, and it is evident from the looks of my feet that I have survived many bloody and broken toes. I will always enjoy classical music, and I've put up more cash on pointe shoes, ballet shoes, and leotards than I even realize. So, it is very apparent that this domain played a major role in my life, however it is amazing how much it still does after not being apart of it for some time now.

She's the Man

This morning I was brainstorming with Miss Holly Reiber about something I could blog about, because nothing was jumping out to me. We were discussing movies, specifically "She's the Man" with Amanda Bynes, and Holly pointed out how amazingly the movie was connected to the "Value of a Challenge" myth. Although this may have been mentioned in class, I did not realize how closely connected the movie and myth were until I looked a little deeper. In the movie, Amanda plays on the women's soccer team for her high school, however the program is cut because of funding. In turn, Amanda decides to prove that girls can do anything guys can do by dressing for the boys' soccer team...disguised as her twin brother. In order to achieve her goal of proving not only herself, but girls in general, Amanda takes on many challenges, some being unexpected. While striving in disguise to confirm that girls are just as capable as guys, Amanda suddenly falls for Duke (Channing Tatum), the forward for the boys' soccer team. This, in a girl's world at least, presents a challenge in itself, especially when you're playing the role of your jock brother. This obstacle throws things a curve, pushing Amanda off track for achieving her set goal. Of course, just like any chick-flick, the world comes crashing down on Amanda and she questions why she ever put herself up to this in the first place. However, don't think this chick-flick didn't end in a "happily ever after", because as expected Amanda proves herself and wins the guy in the process. I feel the myth, "Value of a Challenge," correlates directly with this movie. Amanda sets a goal of proving herself after the women's soccer program is cut, and although obstacles such as Duke are thrown her way, she achieves and overcomes the challenge. In turn, getting more out of it than she has expected. In fact getting not only the guy, but also proving herself, both things to be valued from the experience.

Mississippi Burning

In class while dicussing the myths, I wasn't sure I would be able to find a connection between any media text and a myth, they just seemed to far out to find a connection. However, once I started thinking of movies I have watched and books I have seen I was able to match up almost every myth. The closet connection I was able to find was with the fourth myth and a film I watched recently called "Mississippi Burning" starring Gene Hackman and William Dafoe. The film is set in a small southern town in...you guessed it, Mississippi. It takes place during the 1960's, a time when racial tensions were at their peak. To make a long story short, two FBI agents are sent to the town to investigate the murder of two young civil rights workers. They find that the town is completely divided and that it is full of secrets. No one seems to want to agents there and at first the agents find it extremely difficult to investigate. Either people are part of the Klu Klux Klan or they are afraid to speak out against them. Eventually, the secrets begin to unfold and the agents begin to realize that they are dealing with a giant conspiracy. It ends up the Mayor, Sheriff, and other prominent members of the community were connected to the murders in some way or another. The myth, "The Presence of Conspiracy" is directly related to this film. The conspiracy in this film is the cover-up of the murders and how the secrets in the town lead back to town officials. The agents then step in to fix the situation, bringing justice to the community. Just as the myth professes, the agents do fix the conspiracy behind the harmful secrets; this film fits the myth almost perfectly.

We Wear the Mask

We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.

Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.

We smile, but O great Christ, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream otherwise,
We wear the mask!

-Paul Laurence Dunbar

When I first read this poem I was immediately intrigued how something written in 1896 was still so apparent today. Now Dunbar, an African-American from Dayton, Ohio, was not necessarily experiencing first hand what life was like in the South, however through this poem it is evident that he was aware of the circumstances. So, as I said previously, I was immediately intrigued how something written in 1896 was still so apparent today, but I wasn't really referring to racial protest. Instead, I interpreted this poem as something people in general do everyday in our society. We hide any sign of weakness or any sign that we may be invulnerable. We don't want anyone to "count our tears and sighs." We mask our true emotions and situations with smiles, in hopes that there will be no questions asked. But why? And what exactly does this have to do with media? (Since I'm sure you're beginning to wonder...) Well I became questioning why we do this and instantly I thought of the media. How often in Hollywood do we hear of someone doing something good or worthy of praise? Not often. Instead, when the world comes crashing down or even a single tear is shed everyone has heard about it. This in turn showing the whole world that this famous celeb may not be as strong as we all may have expected. Well of course not, they're human. Even with all that glitz and glam life isn't always going to go their way. And although some may think so, I begin to keep in mind that they are wearing a mask as well, maybe even more than we think or do so ourselves. Yet, even though our stumbles won't be on headline news that evening, we still hide behind a mask. And these masks we hide behind aren't just simply smiles. From the make-up to clothing, the media exhibits this persona that with the right look everything else will fall into place. Now, I'm not Dr. Phil here to tell everyone to just be themselves and stop hiding behind masks, because honestly I'll be the first to admit I don't want people seeing me cry. However, if the media was not so influential in how life should be lived, would we peek out from behind those masks a little more than we did before?