Weekly Blog 9
This short almost 40 second video comes with the idea of music being influenced by Western parts of the world. It also questions the idea of why music should be considered special elite. Everyone listens to it. There is no need of experience or you do not need to have a special talent. Kids sing it and are seen as experts even though their notes might be off. Simply, music is music.
Even though music is questioned whether the artists have talent or if it influences people, the fact is music is like our favorite foods, we simply enjoy it.
In class, we were questioned whether technology affects the credibility of music. For example, the programs on the computer for instruments allow people to transform their not so perfect, original recording and turn it into a masterpiece. Or some now famous artists use auto tune to make their voices sound better.
Even though I am a strong believer that music should include talent and not some sort of software, the truth is, the artists who use auto tune have a different genre. It is hip-hop, rap, and pop music that are usually targeted on this subject which is great because it iss what makes the genre the way it is.
A whole other subject might come up when the genre is rock or others that usually have to include acoustical sound. Now, their live performances are a bit harder to perform than a pop singer who can easily manage to lip sync. These rock stars spend hours practicing and years to master which is why people debate whether the famous music right now has destroyed music.
In my opinion, music is music. People enjoy it, so why bother it. They are different genres and different people. You can not go up to a person and say their clothes are not right because they aren’t made the same way as the others. Music can be anything, actually. It can be you singing with your friends in a car or hearing your kid at a Christmas show.
Even though music is questioned whether the artists have talent or if it influences people, the fact is music is like our favorite foods, we simply enjoy it.
In class, we were questioned whether technology affects the credibility of music. For example, the programs on the computer for instruments allow people to transform their not so perfect, original recording and turn it into a masterpiece. Or some now famous artists use auto tune to make their voices sound better.
Even though I am a strong believer that music should include talent and not some sort of software, the truth is, the artists who use auto tune have a different genre. It is hip-hop, rap, and pop music that are usually targeted on this subject which is great because it iss what makes the genre the way it is.
A whole other subject might come up when the genre is rock or others that usually have to include acoustical sound. Now, their live performances are a bit harder to perform than a pop singer who can easily manage to lip sync. These rock stars spend hours practicing and years to master which is why people debate whether the famous music right now has destroyed music.
In my opinion, music is music. People enjoy it, so why bother it. They are different genres and different people. You can not go up to a person and say their clothes are not right because they aren’t made the same way as the others. Music can be anything, actually. It can be you singing with your friends in a car or hearing your kid at a Christmas show.
WEEkly blog 8
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For this week, I decided to use what was “hot” on TV, radio stations, and sales for the 90’s and the current time. Right now, Nikki Manaj is famous for her “singing” and rapping. Like many other stars now, Manaj is also famous for the sound mixing used in many of her albums. Nirvana was a rock and roll band that was a big hit in the 1990’s for their unique “punk” band sound. Nirvana recorded in the studio, Sound City, which were famous for the well-known bands and the “raw” sound that seemed to have disappeared when technology made it big during the 1980’s. The “raw” sound is what the artists actually sound like, not the mixing involved during the recording session that makes anyone sound good. These artists are from two different eras and it is unbelievable how much has changed due to technology.
I have always thought that you truly never know the true talent of bands, artists, or musicians until you hear them live. If you examine the first video of Nikki Manaj it is clear that in some parts of her performance it is actually her who is singing. Of course her rapping is hers (or is it?) but the actual singing of the song had already been previously recorded and basically she is just lip syncing. She is not the only one who had been caught doing this kind of singing. Other famous artists like Beyoncé, Brittney Spears, Mariah Carey, and others are known to use this kind of method during live sessions. This has saved many artists’ reputation especially when the new millennium came in. It makes the audience wonder if the voice going through our headphones or cars is actually the artists or a machine manipulating these wonderful voices we have come to love.
In the second video, the band, Nirvana, is playing live for MTV’s unplugged in 1993. Their live sound is no more different if they recorded in a studio and put it on a disc. Everything is instrumental and Kurt (the lead singer) sounds the same in any song since his voice was not changed during recordings. You are able to hear every strum and note this band is playing. Compared to the other video, there were no previous recordings and what you are hearing is raw talent that had no need to use a previous recording. But again, this was the 90’s and the artist had to use their talents to convince the listeners that their sound was real. It was not really until the new millennium kicked in and artist had the power to not sing if they did not want to.
Two different artists, two different genes, and two different eras being compared and the difference are obvious. Live sound now a day is no longer the same as it was before. It is tricky to see if the artists are actually singing or the speakers are going at the same speed as their lips. Technology definitely had a huge impact in the music business when it comes to live sound. It brings up the question if the artists right now actually have a talent for singing or if it is an illusion that a computer brought to life.
I have always thought that you truly never know the true talent of bands, artists, or musicians until you hear them live. If you examine the first video of Nikki Manaj it is clear that in some parts of her performance it is actually her who is singing. Of course her rapping is hers (or is it?) but the actual singing of the song had already been previously recorded and basically she is just lip syncing. She is not the only one who had been caught doing this kind of singing. Other famous artists like Beyoncé, Brittney Spears, Mariah Carey, and others are known to use this kind of method during live sessions. This has saved many artists’ reputation especially when the new millennium came in. It makes the audience wonder if the voice going through our headphones or cars is actually the artists or a machine manipulating these wonderful voices we have come to love.
In the second video, the band, Nirvana, is playing live for MTV’s unplugged in 1993. Their live sound is no more different if they recorded in a studio and put it on a disc. Everything is instrumental and Kurt (the lead singer) sounds the same in any song since his voice was not changed during recordings. You are able to hear every strum and note this band is playing. Compared to the other video, there were no previous recordings and what you are hearing is raw talent that had no need to use a previous recording. But again, this was the 90’s and the artist had to use their talents to convince the listeners that their sound was real. It was not really until the new millennium kicked in and artist had the power to not sing if they did not want to.
Two different artists, two different genes, and two different eras being compared and the difference are obvious. Live sound now a day is no longer the same as it was before. It is tricky to see if the artists are actually singing or the speakers are going at the same speed as their lips. Technology definitely had a huge impact in the music business when it comes to live sound. It brings up the question if the artists right now actually have a talent for singing or if it is an illusion that a computer brought to life.
Weekly Blog 7
In “New Voices” there is a student essay from Rebecca W. Lawson about Graffiti in the Los Angeles County.
The way she set up her essay was the first paragraph was an introduction to her subject. Her argument suggest that the graffiti that is shown in Los Angeles and other places like Boyle heights has now become a cultural art and should be respected instead of white washed.
The second paragraph explains that these graffiti art is not vandalism but art that has a story behind the people of Los Angeles. It shows their daily struggles and shows the Hispanic roots that are now marked on walls of stores and important buildings that can be seen in many places.
The third paragraph now gives examples of the 2nd paragraph. It explains specific murals like the mural in Estrada Courts which represent the “Culture and Heritage” of Chicanos.
Paragraph 4 explains the difference between this art graffiti and the graffiti that is known as vandalism. She says that the graffiti art shows a story and a message about the people. It shows culture within the Hispanic community. The vandalism graffiti are from gangs and are meant to go against the government.
The 5th paragraph explains how City Hall has the power to call this kind of art form as “Vandalism” and eventually white out the hard work from a person.
The last paragraph which is the conclusion explains that these art forms should be legal and not white walled since it shows the voice of the people.
I personallyf think it should have had a counterargument or a stronger one if the 5th one was designed to be the counterargument. I also think that the essay should of explained that not only the Hispanic community is responsible but all other cultures also has their own form of graffiti and expression.
In my own personal opinion I do not like the subject of this essay. Honestly, it just makes Hispanic be seen as this group of people who like painting on private property. Also, even though it is “art” it makes cities look dirty. You almost never see graffiti in cities that are known for money like Bel-air. Their lack of graffiti makes it known as the most beautiful cities in LA.
The way she set up her essay was the first paragraph was an introduction to her subject. Her argument suggest that the graffiti that is shown in Los Angeles and other places like Boyle heights has now become a cultural art and should be respected instead of white washed.
The second paragraph explains that these graffiti art is not vandalism but art that has a story behind the people of Los Angeles. It shows their daily struggles and shows the Hispanic roots that are now marked on walls of stores and important buildings that can be seen in many places.
The third paragraph now gives examples of the 2nd paragraph. It explains specific murals like the mural in Estrada Courts which represent the “Culture and Heritage” of Chicanos.
Paragraph 4 explains the difference between this art graffiti and the graffiti that is known as vandalism. She says that the graffiti art shows a story and a message about the people. It shows culture within the Hispanic community. The vandalism graffiti are from gangs and are meant to go against the government.
The 5th paragraph explains how City Hall has the power to call this kind of art form as “Vandalism” and eventually white out the hard work from a person.
The last paragraph which is the conclusion explains that these art forms should be legal and not white walled since it shows the voice of the people.
I personallyf think it should have had a counterargument or a stronger one if the 5th one was designed to be the counterargument. I also think that the essay should of explained that not only the Hispanic community is responsible but all other cultures also has their own form of graffiti and expression.
In my own personal opinion I do not like the subject of this essay. Honestly, it just makes Hispanic be seen as this group of people who like painting on private property. Also, even though it is “art” it makes cities look dirty. You almost never see graffiti in cities that are known for money like Bel-air. Their lack of graffiti makes it known as the most beautiful cities in LA.
Weekly Blog 6
Our reading this week was based on chapter 3 of Rhetoric forRadicals. In this chapter, the author explains that the power of language can be used as a weapon using different methods such as radicals or basically the way you speak and express your point can define how far one will get with your argument. I do believe in this theory that words are also a choice of weapon because of many historical events. Throughout history, there have been many groups who do not like the way their government is and decide to fight back and receive the respect they deserve. This could either be done using violence or it
could be done with the power of language.
Gandhi is one of these famous public figures to have used a nonviolent approach to get India their rights. He told his followers that the only way to get the respect they really desire was to use their voices instead of their actions. Later, Gandhi inspired Martin Luther King Jr. who was one of the well-known leaders of the Civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a lot of powerful speeches during the movement that enlightened people and inspired them to support his cause. He also told the people who were behind them to be patient and be strong because of course the people against them were going to use aggression towards them. Gandhi and King are examples of leaders who decided to use their voices instead of violence. Eventually their supporters continued on to do the same and eventually these people received the rights they deserved.
Language is most definitely a powerful weapon whether it is a speech, propaganda, or just defending themselves, language will be more help than a gun. People are able to persuade others without hurting anyone, physically. They are also words that would be remembered centuries after for how powerful their language really was. Their expressions have such an impact on people, some become followers or some even end up being convinced. Weapons only work to scare others while language can be respected and are usually remembered more.
could be done with the power of language.
Gandhi is one of these famous public figures to have used a nonviolent approach to get India their rights. He told his followers that the only way to get the respect they really desire was to use their voices instead of their actions. Later, Gandhi inspired Martin Luther King Jr. who was one of the well-known leaders of the Civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a lot of powerful speeches during the movement that enlightened people and inspired them to support his cause. He also told the people who were behind them to be patient and be strong because of course the people against them were going to use aggression towards them. Gandhi and King are examples of leaders who decided to use their voices instead of violence. Eventually their supporters continued on to do the same and eventually these people received the rights they deserved.
Language is most definitely a powerful weapon whether it is a speech, propaganda, or just defending themselves, language will be more help than a gun. People are able to persuade others without hurting anyone, physically. They are also words that would be remembered centuries after for how powerful their language really was. Their expressions have such an impact on people, some become followers or some even end up being convinced. Weapons only work to scare others while language can be respected and are usually remembered more.
Weekly Blog 5
I thought it was hate too. Hate was all I knew. It built my world, imprisoned me, taught me how to eat, how to drink, how to breathe! I thought I'd die with all the hate in my veins. But then something happened. It happened to me, just as it happened to you.
This quote was after Evey gets out of V’s prison and she realizes that V is the one who has been torturing her and making her suffer. I have to say, I saw this coming, and I knew it was going to be V. It was clear when Evey was being interrogated and V’s gloves were shown, but I was not sure because when Evey’s hair was being shaved, V’s hands were in gloves and they looked perfectly fine. After this scene, I kept wondering why V did it, why did he have to do this to the last person he will every have trust in.
At first, I thought V wanted revenge on Evey for confessing her secret to someone even after she promised. But, he could have understood that she had felt guilty for knowing about the person who was behind the chaos and deaths of London. If it wasn’t revenge, I thought it could have also been a test to see if V could trust her again after her confession, but it was in very gruesome way of getting back at her especially since he had been falling in love with Evey. He could have easily confessed when she was first in interrogation with him and she said she would not confess his location knowing that she would be tortured or even killed. Or it could have been the fact that he wanted her to be strong and not run away from her fears, but again, it was a harsh way to do it. It could have also been because he has a dark side to anyone who has gone against him. I just wonder what he would have done if she confessed to the “interrogator” that she knows where his liar is.
I don’t think I will ever truly understand why V really did it; it would not matter if someone would explain it or if I re-watch it, there are so many reasons why he would do it. I just don’t understand how he did it for so long or the things he did to her. There was really no need to make her go through the things he went through on purpose. Maybe he is just evil that way.
At first, I thought V wanted revenge on Evey for confessing her secret to someone even after she promised. But, he could have understood that she had felt guilty for knowing about the person who was behind the chaos and deaths of London. If it wasn’t revenge, I thought it could have also been a test to see if V could trust her again after her confession, but it was in very gruesome way of getting back at her especially since he had been falling in love with Evey. He could have easily confessed when she was first in interrogation with him and she said she would not confess his location knowing that she would be tortured or even killed. Or it could have been the fact that he wanted her to be strong and not run away from her fears, but again, it was a harsh way to do it. It could have also been because he has a dark side to anyone who has gone against him. I just wonder what he would have done if she confessed to the “interrogator” that she knows where his liar is.
I don’t think I will ever truly understand why V really did it; it would not matter if someone would explain it or if I re-watch it, there are so many reasons why he would do it. I just don’t understand how he did it for so long or the things he did to her. There was really no need to make her go through the things he went through on purpose. Maybe he is just evil that way.
Weekly Blog 4
You wear a mask for so long, you forget who you were beneath it.
Let me just start off this blog and say that this movie was violent, vibrant, victorious, and a very valuable visual. It was absolutely amazing and I honestly could watch it again and again. There are so many symbols, ideas, and important points in the film. It was hard to choose just one quote but I chose one that stood out to me as I was watching this movie that I saw connected everyone together. The quote is “You wear a mask for so long, you forget who you were beneath it.”
V was tortured and suffered because of the choices of government. I wish I knew more of his background and who he truly was before in order to make my argument more valid, but sadly, the only information the audience is given is the fact that “V” was just like anyone else who was craving for a change. For just this topic, I will just say that V used to be a typical guy with hopes and dreams that the future of Britain would eventually change. Somewhere along the way, V either did something that the government thought was inappropriate or he was a minority. He was eventually sent to this kind of concentration camp. He had a different reaction to the injections which gave him the power to have strength which also gave him the power to survive an explosion. V has been so angry at Parliament that he hid from the public and begun his plan for revenge against the government which completely changed who he was as a person. Evey eventually came along to his life and brought back a more human side of him rather than the strong persona that he tried to convey.
Evey was young and lovely but most importantly, she became stronger because of her past experience with the government, like V was. V had not had a friendship or someone to personally talk to since he began his revenge and he received Evey with hospitality and care. Every time he is with her, he becomes more open (except for his mask) he is back to being who he was before, he becomes human again. He had been hiding behind his mask that he forgot how it was like to love and care about something so dear instead of plotting deaths of Politian’s.
The people’s “masks” would be the fact that some would just take everything the television would say because they had fear that they would be killed or imprisoned for speaking up like past protestors. They have worn the mask of being vulnerable and not truly saying that the government was corrupt. But strangely, when they put on V’s mask, they became someone knew and forget who they were in the past. They were now unafraid, brave, and ready to put up a fight and stand by V’s side.
V was tortured and suffered because of the choices of government. I wish I knew more of his background and who he truly was before in order to make my argument more valid, but sadly, the only information the audience is given is the fact that “V” was just like anyone else who was craving for a change. For just this topic, I will just say that V used to be a typical guy with hopes and dreams that the future of Britain would eventually change. Somewhere along the way, V either did something that the government thought was inappropriate or he was a minority. He was eventually sent to this kind of concentration camp. He had a different reaction to the injections which gave him the power to have strength which also gave him the power to survive an explosion. V has been so angry at Parliament that he hid from the public and begun his plan for revenge against the government which completely changed who he was as a person. Evey eventually came along to his life and brought back a more human side of him rather than the strong persona that he tried to convey.
Evey was young and lovely but most importantly, she became stronger because of her past experience with the government, like V was. V had not had a friendship or someone to personally talk to since he began his revenge and he received Evey with hospitality and care. Every time he is with her, he becomes more open (except for his mask) he is back to being who he was before, he becomes human again. He had been hiding behind his mask that he forgot how it was like to love and care about something so dear instead of plotting deaths of Politian’s.
The people’s “masks” would be the fact that some would just take everything the television would say because they had fear that they would be killed or imprisoned for speaking up like past protestors. They have worn the mask of being vulnerable and not truly saying that the government was corrupt. But strangely, when they put on V’s mask, they became someone knew and forget who they were in the past. They were now unafraid, brave, and ready to put up a fight and stand by V’s side.
Weekly Blog 3
I have recently finished the Persepolis book; finally! I have so many thoughts and comments to this book. Overall, I enjoyed it very much and I have always had the curiosity to know what the women hiding behind the veil truly feel, especially the ones who did not start their lives that way or the rebellious ones. I finally know that there were many who are against this gender discrimination and there are many who believe this is right. Like all societies, there are ones who believe in the government and there are the ones who do as what they are told to do.
This week, it was difficult to find a passage since I have read the entire book already and honestly all the passages are worth commenting on. I decided not to do a quote but this scene where Marjane finally is frustrated and screams at officers who easily have the power of arresting her. All the girls think about is if they are in the right dress code when going out. They have fear of being arrested so they try to take precaution of what they are wearing. Marjane is rebellious but knows she has to follow the law in order for her not to pay a fine, be sent to jail, or even death. It was difficult for her to adjust but she did take the huge step into dressing appropriately after a while. She was only running to catch the bus since she was late to an appointment, but for the officers, it was wrong for a woman to be running like that. What more can the government want if the women are already covered from head to toe?
Throughout the book, Marjane has rebelled but this is one that was funny and tells the truth about the officers. She was only running not at all being seductive as these men were thinking. Why these guys to judge what are makes a woman attractive. Obviously these men were checking out her butt which she can’t really hide. If she did not yell at the officers, most likely she would have been arrested for running. How unfair is that? She is already following dress code as much as she can but there are limits to what a person can really hide. If a person has a big butt well let her run with her big butt, it’s a body no one can change that.
This week, it was difficult to find a passage since I have read the entire book already and honestly all the passages are worth commenting on. I decided not to do a quote but this scene where Marjane finally is frustrated and screams at officers who easily have the power of arresting her. All the girls think about is if they are in the right dress code when going out. They have fear of being arrested so they try to take precaution of what they are wearing. Marjane is rebellious but knows she has to follow the law in order for her not to pay a fine, be sent to jail, or even death. It was difficult for her to adjust but she did take the huge step into dressing appropriately after a while. She was only running to catch the bus since she was late to an appointment, but for the officers, it was wrong for a woman to be running like that. What more can the government want if the women are already covered from head to toe?
Throughout the book, Marjane has rebelled but this is one that was funny and tells the truth about the officers. She was only running not at all being seductive as these men were thinking. Why these guys to judge what are makes a woman attractive. Obviously these men were checking out her butt which she can’t really hide. If she did not yell at the officers, most likely she would have been arrested for running. How unfair is that? She is already following dress code as much as she can but there are limits to what a person can really hide. If a person has a big butt well let her run with her big butt, it’s a body no one can change that.
Weekly blog 2
For the first time, I realized just how much danger we were in" Page 136
I honestly think Marjane never realized how much danger her country was in since she always saw her family with full optimism. She thought this war was for fun and it added up to her rebellious stage that she was in. But when Iraq began hitting Tehran it was the first time she actually felt the danger she was really in. It was also the time where Marjane’s parents gave in and sent their daughter to a much safer zone.
Marjane had always been rebellious ever since she saw how much her parents loved their country and fought for it. She wanted to be just like them and be in the protest and watch the news and be proud of their country. She was still innocent of the situation and did not fully understand how much this could affect her life and the people around her. She thought being rebellious was something to joke about. She did not care about what others thought about how she dressed or the songs she was listening to. She felt unstoppable.
Disaster hit and it hit her hometown, the place where she felt safe. It hit a family that was close to her and her family. It was really a moment of reflection of Marjane’s family since they finally saw this war getting more dangerous and strict. Marjane’s family also saw this as the last opportunity to send Marjane somewhere safe from harm. But even though this disaster was horrible, it did not stop Marjane still was using her rebellious side to try to go against what she was being taught.
Marjane went against what the teacher was saying about the war and even though her parents were proud of her courage, they knew that the situation in their country was only going to get more strict and powerful against people like her. It was the time where she was finally sent to another country where she could not be in danger because of the war or because of her words. It was the ending of her childhood and the beginning of a new life for her.
Marjane had always been rebellious ever since she saw how much her parents loved their country and fought for it. She wanted to be just like them and be in the protest and watch the news and be proud of their country. She was still innocent of the situation and did not fully understand how much this could affect her life and the people around her. She thought being rebellious was something to joke about. She did not care about what others thought about how she dressed or the songs she was listening to. She felt unstoppable.
Disaster hit and it hit her hometown, the place where she felt safe. It hit a family that was close to her and her family. It was really a moment of reflection of Marjane’s family since they finally saw this war getting more dangerous and strict. Marjane’s family also saw this as the last opportunity to send Marjane somewhere safe from harm. But even though this disaster was horrible, it did not stop Marjane still was using her rebellious side to try to go against what she was being taught.
Marjane went against what the teacher was saying about the war and even though her parents were proud of her courage, they knew that the situation in their country was only going to get more strict and powerful against people like her. It was the time where she was finally sent to another country where she could not be in danger because of the war or because of her words. It was the ending of her childhood and the beginning of a new life for her.
Weekly Blog 1
Right away, the book, “Persepolis” catches the attention of many readers since there are no paragraphs, but images and shorter sentences. It is like going back to childhood and seeing comics and start imagining voices for them. Like Scott McCloud says “The primary cause of our childhood fascinations with cartoons through other factors such as universal identification, simplification and childlike features of many cartoon characters”. We are attracted to these characters because we give them life and a purpose. For this novel, Marjane’s childhood is being told in her eyes in a sort of childhood way.
By this novel being a comic, we are more likely to be more interested of what the characters are saying since the icons in the novel catches our attention. Scott McCloud also explains this example by drawing a more realistic version of him and says “You would have been far too aware of the messenger to fully receive the message”; which is true since we would normally prefer a simpler figured cartoon than a complex one. The novel is simple and only has two colors which make us also focus more on the situation of the character rather than all of our focus being on the complicity of the cartoon. But still we are able to see her expression and emotions
Having the comic version of the novel also supports the idea that this story is coming from a girl who is growing up through a war filled with violence and discrimination. But her innocence makes it seem like the revolution is not a war but a small fight. Her innocence is what also makes this book come to life. For example, in the beginning she did not understand why her world changed all of a sudden, she knew it was religion, but she truly did not understand the true danger that was going on. “I really did not know what to think about the veil” she explains in a sad face. That is the beauty of a comic; you see their expressions instead of trying to figure out how she is actually feeling.
For this novel to be in a comic book form, it really boosts it’s rhetoric since the readers are captivated by the simplicity of the pictures and it might also be one of the first picture book they have read in years.