I choose the Cynthia Fuchs interview with Stacy Peralta for the subject to analyze and respond to. I started reading the piece with anticipation because I have seen the movie that they are discussing. I enjoyed the movie and, because of my children's interest in the sport, was very curious about the director's view as to why he made it.
The interview focuses on the "why and how" the film developed from an idea to an actual finished production and how this can inspire young filmmakers to follow their own stories. Stacy has a unique perspective for a director, as he is actually one of the minor characters in the story. Cynthia and Stacy discuss the steps he had to take, such as contacting friends, gathering film and editing, and factual information that needed to be presented. Stacy felt that 'cost and wages' weren't an issue for him; it was something that he just had to share with the world.
The fact that Stacy and Cynthia dealt with the financial issues, whether conditions, and the social climate that the films subjects faced, amongst other things, attest to the projects authenticity, and the crews dedication to underscoring the very real fact that they were rebels in an unaccepting world. Most of the people were nothing more than children with nothing to do. Yet Stacy made sure that we, the audience, could relate to them on a very basic level. He appealed to our remembered childhood of hot boring days, when there was "nothin' to do".
Many of us will never get on a skateboard, or will never again get on one. I believe that anyone can thoroughly enjoy this film. It's fun, informative, and well put together. It can be looked at and discussed on any number of levels. We can argue the legalities of their crimes. We can appreciate the beauty of the sport. We can argue AND appreciate almost every aspect of this film, with just about everyone.
I've watched this film myself at least three times. I'm fairly certain that I will see it again and still find enjoyment in the viewing. The interview actually gave a deeper meaning to the film that I had not grasped before and I know I will consider these things when I see it next.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Comment on a Picture
The assignment was to pick a picture from our textbook and write our comments on it. After paging through the book I found an image that inspired me. The double photo on page 8, the Buddha photos, intrigued and depressed me at the same time. Because of this reaction in me, I decided to do a bit of research of the site. The two images are of the exact same statue at two different times in Afghanistan in 2001.
The first image is of a huge Buddha carved into the cliff side and the other is of the same Buddha destroyed. This cliff is located in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, and at several points in history the land belonged to Pakistan. When the Taliban took over that region in 2001, some militant groups began to destroy this, as well as other, carvings, stating that they are graven images and blasphemous. There have been two proven attacks on this statue alone. These have been in broad daylight, using explosives. Many other Buddha's in the area, and the in nearby Swat Valley in Pakistan, have undergone similar treatments of destruction.
Pakistani archaeologists have begged the Taliban, Afghan officials, and other world leaders to stop the destruction. For several years, no help has come to save or rebuild these sites. Recently, however, an Afghan sculptor, Amanulah Haiderzad, has been commissioned to undertake the huge job of restoring two of these statues. It will take much time and resources, as this project will involve archaeologist, engineers and other experts, to accomplish this enormous fete.
There are a few reasons as to why this event, and the pictures, evoke depression and inspiration in me. I am not a Buddhist, I am not a Muslim, I am not an archaeologist, nor am I a sculptor. I am someone who enjoys historical things, and I truly love art in almost all its various forms. The destruction of something that was carved 1,300 to 1,400 years ago, disgusts me. That it was an inspired piece of work, and the scale it was achieved at, impresses me to no end.
I think the greatest aspect of this situation that intrigues and inspires me is the people who have worked for and are now working for these restorations. The sculptor is a Muslim, as are the majority of the others working on this. By agreeing to this undertaking, they are telling the world that they love their country and its past, that they have respect for their regions cultural history, and it matters greatly to them that this comes about, as they are all taking huge pay cuts to achieve their goal. This shows the world that they don't have to agree with a different religion, nor do they have to agree with some of their own people; their love and respect for the artwork is what matters at this point for them. I can give these people whom I will never meet so much respect for their integrity in the face of what could have been ignored. I thank them for their work to human-kind, and the generations to come.
The first image is of a huge Buddha carved into the cliff side and the other is of the same Buddha destroyed. This cliff is located in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, and at several points in history the land belonged to Pakistan. When the Taliban took over that region in 2001, some militant groups began to destroy this, as well as other, carvings, stating that they are graven images and blasphemous. There have been two proven attacks on this statue alone. These have been in broad daylight, using explosives. Many other Buddha's in the area, and the in nearby Swat Valley in Pakistan, have undergone similar treatments of destruction.
Pakistani archaeologists have begged the Taliban, Afghan officials, and other world leaders to stop the destruction. For several years, no help has come to save or rebuild these sites. Recently, however, an Afghan sculptor, Amanulah Haiderzad, has been commissioned to undertake the huge job of restoring two of these statues. It will take much time and resources, as this project will involve archaeologist, engineers and other experts, to accomplish this enormous fete.
There are a few reasons as to why this event, and the pictures, evoke depression and inspiration in me. I am not a Buddhist, I am not a Muslim, I am not an archaeologist, nor am I a sculptor. I am someone who enjoys historical things, and I truly love art in almost all its various forms. The destruction of something that was carved 1,300 to 1,400 years ago, disgusts me. That it was an inspired piece of work, and the scale it was achieved at, impresses me to no end.
I think the greatest aspect of this situation that intrigues and inspires me is the people who have worked for and are now working for these restorations. The sculptor is a Muslim, as are the majority of the others working on this. By agreeing to this undertaking, they are telling the world that they love their country and its past, that they have respect for their regions cultural history, and it matters greatly to them that this comes about, as they are all taking huge pay cuts to achieve their goal. This shows the world that they don't have to agree with a different religion, nor do they have to agree with some of their own people; their love and respect for the artwork is what matters at this point for them. I can give these people whom I will never meet so much respect for their integrity in the face of what could have been ignored. I thank them for their work to human-kind, and the generations to come.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
An Area
I walk out of the store that I work at and into the mall. I sit down at the tables by the Starbuck's kiosk. I watch the people go by. Some are employees of other stores here, but many are shoppers. There are several people who come to just walk; their number increases when the weather in very hot, wet, or cold. Most seem to be in a slight hurry; they move quickly from store to store.
I look up towards the ceiling. There are tall white poles rising high from the floor that are 'trees' and many colored square 'leaves' hang from the roof. The skylight lets in sunshine, lending to the atmosphere of "Aspen Grove". I look around. There is carpeting on most of the floor, nice couch-like benches and casual stuffed chairs. Not very upscale, but not shabby.
Most of us who work here at the mall know each other. We also know many of the regular walkers and shoppers. A bit like a small town attitude; I know more about many of these people than I do some of my own neighbors. There is the gentleman from Lebonon who runs the jewelry store. The manager at Wet Seal doesn't get enough time with her young children. The "Snake-Lady" bemoans that her eldest son is in jail---again.
Lunchtime at work, for me, is a time to people-watch and to people-connect.
I look up towards the ceiling. There are tall white poles rising high from the floor that are 'trees' and many colored square 'leaves' hang from the roof. The skylight lets in sunshine, lending to the atmosphere of "Aspen Grove". I look around. There is carpeting on most of the floor, nice couch-like benches and casual stuffed chairs. Not very upscale, but not shabby.
Most of us who work here at the mall know each other. We also know many of the regular walkers and shoppers. A bit like a small town attitude; I know more about many of these people than I do some of my own neighbors. There is the gentleman from Lebonon who runs the jewelry store. The manager at Wet Seal doesn't get enough time with her young children. The "Snake-Lady" bemoans that her eldest son is in jail---again.
Lunchtime at work, for me, is a time to people-watch and to people-connect.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Acceptance Speech
I'm supposed to write about what my acceptance speech would be if I won the vote for president-elect. Well, I find that to be something very difficult to contemplate, as I have some serious 'issues' with presidents, candidates, and most other politicians. I know that I never would run for any office, so I have never even thought about what I would promise to the masses. I think I'll tell you my political position instead.
I was raised in a very politically active household. My grandfather on my father's side was in the Indiana State Senate, Republican. Although he had retired two years before I was born, my family still were involved with many aspects of politics. The first campaign I was involved with was Tom Tancredo's first run for anything. I was raised a Republican, but was aware that it should always be "the best person for the job". This attitude would start some heated arguments in our home, but there were also intelligent debates. This is the atmosphere that my political beliefs were developed.
Fast-forward thirty-five years and you have me; someone who is so incredibly disgusted with the politics of the American government that I ALMOST don't feel like voting. Almost. I have done research in so many directions and have found all kinds of rumor, heresy, and fact mixed together, it is impossible to know the truth about a single person or group. I'm not a big conspiracy theorist, but some of the theories that are floating around make sense to the political climate that we live with. I've heard and watched the two major parties rip each other apart over childish nonsense. Partisanship is has gotten to be nothing more than middle school popularity games. I find most of these people repulsive with the way they act. I just want to scream at them, ground them, and send them to their rooms to think about what they've done wrong.
I really don't think that it really matters who is voted into office this November; our country is demanding a change, and it will happen or we, the people, will figuratively lynch the office-holder. I do not consider myself a Republican or a Democrat. No, I'm not Independent, either. I consider myself to be a Constitutionalist, but that is not a recognized party. I just want our government to stop the childish b.s. and do the right thing.
In my opinion, the office of president should reflect the best that we are; we haven't had that in my lifetime--- the last president who was truly a good, decent, smart person, who had the country's best interest at heart was John F. Kennedy.
I was raised in a very politically active household. My grandfather on my father's side was in the Indiana State Senate, Republican. Although he had retired two years before I was born, my family still were involved with many aspects of politics. The first campaign I was involved with was Tom Tancredo's first run for anything. I was raised a Republican, but was aware that it should always be "the best person for the job". This attitude would start some heated arguments in our home, but there were also intelligent debates. This is the atmosphere that my political beliefs were developed.
Fast-forward thirty-five years and you have me; someone who is so incredibly disgusted with the politics of the American government that I ALMOST don't feel like voting. Almost. I have done research in so many directions and have found all kinds of rumor, heresy, and fact mixed together, it is impossible to know the truth about a single person or group. I'm not a big conspiracy theorist, but some of the theories that are floating around make sense to the political climate that we live with. I've heard and watched the two major parties rip each other apart over childish nonsense. Partisanship is has gotten to be nothing more than middle school popularity games. I find most of these people repulsive with the way they act. I just want to scream at them, ground them, and send them to their rooms to think about what they've done wrong.
I really don't think that it really matters who is voted into office this November; our country is demanding a change, and it will happen or we, the people, will figuratively lynch the office-holder. I do not consider myself a Republican or a Democrat. No, I'm not Independent, either. I consider myself to be a Constitutionalist, but that is not a recognized party. I just want our government to stop the childish b.s. and do the right thing.
In my opinion, the office of president should reflect the best that we are; we haven't had that in my lifetime--- the last president who was truly a good, decent, smart person, who had the country's best interest at heart was John F. Kennedy.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Tattoos and Piercings
I have some opinions about tattoos and piercings, but I'm not the stickler I once was. When I was younger, I felt that it was wrong to have a tattoo but had no problems with ear piercings. I do have some piercings--- in my ears. One in the right lobe and two on the left. I very rarely wear earrings in these, as I'm not as 'into' fashion as I once was, and I really don't care.
As for tattoos and other piercings, I still have a 'taboo' attitude towards it, but nowhere near as strict as I used to be about it. Part of my objections stem from my religion, but I believe that I've grown enough in my faith to believe that a person will NOT "burn in eternal damnation" for having a tattoo.
I personally couldn't get a tattoo for three reasons---
1. It's done with needles!!!!! I don't 'do' needles, unless it's a medical necessity.
2. My belief system says that if you were meant to have that, you would've been born with it.
3. I am from a family of artists. I have given birth to artists. I just cannot understand how an amazing artist could put their artwork, masterpiece or otherwise, on a medium that will not last. We can still look at the Sistine Chapel, the Temple at Karnac, and "Starry Night", but I personally refuse to 'go Nazi' on you, and skin you when you die, just so that I can see the artwork.
I have come to the point in my life that I can accept a lot of other peoples forms of self-expression. Yes, I believe that some people carry it too far, but I was one of the first people in the Denver area to wear their hair in a mohawk AND it was either blue or purple, depending on my mood. Sometimes we do things for 'shock value', not realizing that it may be a mistake. Other times we just have to do what we feel we gotta do. We also can be influenced by our friends, past, family, and even our heritage to show ourselves in a bold manner. Whatever the reason, long live the freedom of expression!!!
As for tattoos and other piercings, I still have a 'taboo' attitude towards it, but nowhere near as strict as I used to be about it. Part of my objections stem from my religion, but I believe that I've grown enough in my faith to believe that a person will NOT "burn in eternal damnation" for having a tattoo.
I personally couldn't get a tattoo for three reasons---
1. It's done with needles!!!!! I don't 'do' needles, unless it's a medical necessity.
2. My belief system says that if you were meant to have that, you would've been born with it.
3. I am from a family of artists. I have given birth to artists. I just cannot understand how an amazing artist could put their artwork, masterpiece or otherwise, on a medium that will not last. We can still look at the Sistine Chapel, the Temple at Karnac, and "Starry Night", but I personally refuse to 'go Nazi' on you, and skin you when you die, just so that I can see the artwork.
I have come to the point in my life that I can accept a lot of other peoples forms of self-expression. Yes, I believe that some people carry it too far, but I was one of the first people in the Denver area to wear their hair in a mohawk AND it was either blue or purple, depending on my mood. Sometimes we do things for 'shock value', not realizing that it may be a mistake. Other times we just have to do what we feel we gotta do. We also can be influenced by our friends, past, family, and even our heritage to show ourselves in a bold manner. Whatever the reason, long live the freedom of expression!!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
One Hell of a Week
So, my week has been total crap, but it ended on a pretty good note.
One of my sons is having emotional melt-downs for the past month. His girlfriend of 2 1/2yrs, screwed around on him, broke up with him, and is now playing vicious mind-games with him. She has done it 3 times this week, and all of this is disrupting my house AND my sleep. We are all worried about him, but we're all tired of the messed up drama that the two of them are putting us all through. I just want to smack them both up-side their heads with a cricket bat, but it won't do them any good--- it'll just make me feel better(hahahaha).
My oldest is having issues with her soon-to-be ex-husband. He is refusing to give her the agreed upon amount for child support, and won't give her any contact info on himself. So, she's going through his C.O.(navy), witch is causing him to have problems at work. His own fault, if you ask me. AND she's trying to have a relationship with some guy whose ex wife just died, and my daughter just can't understand why he's pulling away. Do you believe the crap I have to listen to??? She should let him be, and take care of her kids. But she's not listening to anything anyone has to say about it.
At least Sunday ended up to be a good day. My 24yr old nephew just got married to this incredible lady. They've been together for about three years, and they make an amazing couple. She made the most beautiful bride, and I don't believe I've ever seen Shawn smile so much. I truly wish them both my best for years to come.
So, let's see what this week holds!!!
One of my sons is having emotional melt-downs for the past month. His girlfriend of 2 1/2yrs, screwed around on him, broke up with him, and is now playing vicious mind-games with him. She has done it 3 times this week, and all of this is disrupting my house AND my sleep. We are all worried about him, but we're all tired of the messed up drama that the two of them are putting us all through. I just want to smack them both up-side their heads with a cricket bat, but it won't do them any good--- it'll just make me feel better(hahahaha).
My oldest is having issues with her soon-to-be ex-husband. He is refusing to give her the agreed upon amount for child support, and won't give her any contact info on himself. So, she's going through his C.O.(navy), witch is causing him to have problems at work. His own fault, if you ask me. AND she's trying to have a relationship with some guy whose ex wife just died, and my daughter just can't understand why he's pulling away. Do you believe the crap I have to listen to??? She should let him be, and take care of her kids. But she's not listening to anything anyone has to say about it.
At least Sunday ended up to be a good day. My 24yr old nephew just got married to this incredible lady. They've been together for about three years, and they make an amazing couple. She made the most beautiful bride, and I don't believe I've ever seen Shawn smile so much. I truly wish them both my best for years to come.
So, let's see what this week holds!!!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Compose 2. On Body Image
Bordo made some very good points about the body image that the media perpetuates for girls and women, but I believe that the same claim can be made for men and boys.
As the mother of four sons, I have seen them grow into different body shapes and styles. I have also observed that the media culture has my more heavy-set sons as not so appealing. Two of my boys have incredibly built, athletic bodies---the media (t.v., magazines, models) says to the world that they are better-looking than their brothers. Of course, as their mother, I'm biased. They are all handsome men.
The media culture states that my six-foot, five-inch, 220 lbs son should either be playing football as a lineman or play basketball- he hates sports. My heavy-set 21 year old should not be snowboarding because he does not fit the image of what "that" body should be.
Yes, Denzel Washington is a great-looking, fit man, as are many others that we see on t.v., movies, and billboards. There is nothing wrong with a heavier-set man, some are quite good-looking and, without the 'glamour', you are able to see their personality shine through that much easier.
All in all, men and boys have almost as hard of a time maintaining a proper body-image as do women and girls. It seems that the media finds females to be just a bit more susceptible to their machinations.
As the mother of four sons, I have seen them grow into different body shapes and styles. I have also observed that the media culture has my more heavy-set sons as not so appealing. Two of my boys have incredibly built, athletic bodies---the media (t.v., magazines, models) says to the world that they are better-looking than their brothers. Of course, as their mother, I'm biased. They are all handsome men.
The media culture states that my six-foot, five-inch, 220 lbs son should either be playing football as a lineman or play basketball- he hates sports. My heavy-set 21 year old should not be snowboarding because he does not fit the image of what "that" body should be.
Yes, Denzel Washington is a great-looking, fit man, as are many others that we see on t.v., movies, and billboards. There is nothing wrong with a heavier-set man, some are quite good-looking and, without the 'glamour', you are able to see their personality shine through that much easier.
All in all, men and boys have almost as hard of a time maintaining a proper body-image as do women and girls. It seems that the media finds females to be just a bit more susceptible to their machinations.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
McCain's Acceptance Speech
After watching, printing out, and reading it twice, I have come to the conclusion that McCain had no intention of influencing any one's vote with this speech. The speech was incredibly vague. There were few things that he indicated specifically, and even those items were not expressly reviewed.
Don't get me wrong... I'm not for or against McCain. I have heard other speeches that he has made recently, and I know that he has touched on important issues prior to Thursday evening. He has made some very good points and some others that I either don't agree with or just don't understand.
I feel that the only two subjects that he had anything "real" to talk about was that, because of his past, he understands soldiers, and that everyone wants a change in the way out government is ran. Forgive me for being critical, but....DDUUHHHH!!! We all get it, so who's going to change it? Nothing in this particular speech had me inspired.
Everyone knows that Obama is a more charismatic speaker than McCain, but you would think that the writers took the day off for this particular night. Do they (the writers) want their candidate to win or not? I just wasn't impressed.
Don't get me wrong... I'm not for or against McCain. I have heard other speeches that he has made recently, and I know that he has touched on important issues prior to Thursday evening. He has made some very good points and some others that I either don't agree with or just don't understand.
I feel that the only two subjects that he had anything "real" to talk about was that, because of his past, he understands soldiers, and that everyone wants a change in the way out government is ran. Forgive me for being critical, but....DDUUHHHH!!! We all get it, so who's going to change it? Nothing in this particular speech had me inspired.
Everyone knows that Obama is a more charismatic speaker than McCain, but you would think that the writers took the day off for this particular night. Do they (the writers) want their candidate to win or not? I just wasn't impressed.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Obama's Acceptance Speech
Barack Obama's speech on August 28th had several good points and even more great points, depending on how you personally view his positions. I believe that his main point was three-fold; his 'take' on the state of our nation, why he believes that the current administration has failed Americans, and what he proposes to do about these situations that we have found ourselves.
According to Obama's speech, he feels that our economic, social, and military situations have been neglected, ignored, passed over, and battered. Economically, our government has placed a great majority of Americans in dire straits, making it almost impossible to achieve higher goals, let alone continue supporting ourselves with what we now have. Social programs have not been available to average people, just to special interest groups. One example is the health care breaks that politicians have are incredibly good, while a middle-aged father of three cannot even afford a health plan, leaving his family with few options when there is an illness or emergency. The state of our militaristic presence in the Middle East is 'off the mark'- we don't belong in Iraq, and we need to step up what was started in Afghanistan. We also need to reward our soldiers for serving our country in a way that is of value to the soldier, not just a financial gain to Washington D.C..
Barack's message is directed at all the people in the nation. To his way of thinking, the past eight years has been a burden to all citizens of our country. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and all others should understand that we, as a nation, cannot continue with the policies that have been used to run this country. We are hurting ourselves as individuals, as well as a community and a nation. We are still a strong nation, but we are sinking into an abyss of un-hopeful people, despairing of ever gaining our dreams or the dreams of our children.
I think that his message is very insightful and promising. I do not know if he will be able to pull us out of the depression that we have sunk to. I do believe that he is correct in saying that now is the time to change the way things have been done. I do not know if his administration can achieve to goals that he has set before us. I am hopeful, regardless of who wins the election, that our country will enjoy a change for the better, because it is time for us to do it.
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