Music vs. Shiny Toys

In English class last week, we went over two songs that both had the topic of enterntainment, but each with different takes.

First, in the song "Music" by Madonna, she expresses music as being fun and reflecting social values. The song sets us up for the theme of having fun within the first two stanzas. "Hey, Mr DJ put a record on...Do you like to boogie woogie?" With these lines, we already could tell that Madonna wants to enjoy herself--it is even reflected in the music video. Where social values is reflected are in the lines, "Music makes the people come together. Music mix the bourgeosie and the rebel." The term bourgeosie is a french term meaning socio-economic classes. Using this terms denotes a social class oriented to materialism and upholds the interests of the capital class. She is basically saying that music and having fun brings everyone together, no matter who you are.

In contrast, Joni Mitchell's "Shiny Toys" not only speaks about having fun, but entertainment is a personal choice. We know that she feels as if entertainmen is pesonal choice with the lyrics, "Whatever makes you 'yahoo', whatever makes your time feel satisfyin', whatever makes you..." The anaphora of "whatever makes you" distinguishes the fact that it's up to you. However you decide what fun is, is personal preference. The fact that her song is also about entertainment and having fun is seen with the entire stanza that can basically sum up a party (at least during this time, because this song was definitely not in the 21st century!!!) "Party night...Megalights and supersonic sounds...Flashy boys and girls that really want to play..." This is where she exemplifies wanting to have fun!

Both songs speak about entertainment, but not just pure entertainment. One speaks about more serious issues such as class whilst another speaks about personal preference.

Thank you all for your time :)

Isolation and Manipulation

So, what better thing to do at 3:14 on a Saturday morning then write a blog? Correct. Anything else, really. But since I'm a night owl, I've decided to share some late night (or should I say early morning?) thoughts with you. 

This past week in English, our class reviewed two songs with the same theme of alienation--the feeling of being alone; not belonging. Rather than just simply listening to these songs, we dissected them. Here are the clickable song links: 

1. Clash - Lost In The Supermarket

2. Lily Allen - The Fear

Listen, as or while, I explain the logistics--or some of them--on how we broke apart the songs. Of course there are multiple themes, but alienation is one we decided to focus on. Now I left all of my notes elsewhere as I am not home, so I'll do my best!

First, I'll start off with the song "Lost In The Supermarket". The very first line explicitly evokes the theme of alienation with the choice of diction. As a matter of fact, the whole entire chorus does. "I'm all lost in the supermarket, I can no longer shop happily. I came in here for that special offer, a guaranteed personality." 

The word "lost" sets us up for the theme of feeling isolated. He doesn't even know how to be his own individual, hence him wanting a "guaranteed personality".  

A couple of stanzas later, he sings, "I'm all tuned in...I've got my giant discoteque album, I empty a bottle and feel a bit free". Basically, he gets away from life and is in his own world by being a drunk. There, is where he doesn't necessarily not feel alienated, but the feeling will disappear temporarily.  

The song ends by stating, "And it's not here. It disappear. I'm all lost." Very effective. He still is disgruntled. He falls prey to being an outkast.

Next, the song "The Fear". I bet you are all thinking, Why is that picture there? (At least, I hope you guys are questioning that). Well, the meaning behind this picture, you ask? The individual represents all of us as a part of society, whereas the television represents the media. Replacing our own thoughts and what we believe, is the media's perception on everything. Compared to "Lost In The Supermarket", these lyrics are a bit more vulgar.

This song has a different take on the theme of alienation. "And I am a weapon of massive consumption. And it's not my fault it's how I'm programmed to function." It's take is that the media is starting/trying to dictate our lives, forcing us become a certain way, but our fear of the media alienates us. 

"I look at the Sun, and I look at the mirror", is a clever line. Both are actually the title of national newspapers. This truly represents her point of the media's influence. There is also inner dialogue on what to believe (as the media depicts), and why she is scared and lost, "'Cause I'm taken over by fear" (everyone's desires).

Now that is my short little rant that took me until 4:08am to finish. I'm exhausted. I hope you all enjoyed! Thanks again. :)

Power of Empathy and Connectivity

The profound ways that have shaped our society. 

A video that the invisiblechildren.tumblr.com posted recently. Check that tumblr out to see all of what they have been saying on the Kony 2012 issue and what not. One way that I believe in this whole ordeal. But when it comes to other articles, I'm still dumbfounded.

So I wanted to follow up on the Kony 2012 video. There has been a lot of controversy on this video on whether it is true to it's word or if it's just a scam. People are unsure and supporters are turning into skeptics. Even I still don't know where I stand anymore. 

One conflict I've heard was the timing. "If this has been going on for a long time, why is it just becoming viral now?" The side that is for this video are saying that the whole point of his video was the whole timeline issue. How it starts off with the past until now, to lead up to it. (I don't really understand this much.. Unless I didn't read clearly? I'm not sure.) The side that is against this video reply that the video effects just appeal to us, and this is all just a scam.

Another issue I've heard is money. Some people are saying that the Invisible Children Inc. just want to get in our wallets and that a majority of the donations haven't even been going to direct support, but grants, school, etc. Others are denying it and saying that it mostly goes to the whole "Kony foundation". Both sides have "proof" of this.

Basically, I've read multiple articles speaking on both sides of the story. There's even a couple of articles that speak of how this video is outdated, and Kony is already cornered and on the brink of captivation. But how about the talk of Obama sending troops to help the Ugandan army just this past October, etc. and so on? Very confusing. I don't even know how to react.

KONY 2012

Hello, everyone!

This is rather off topic, but I wanted to inform you all of KONY 2012 if you aren't aware already. Please take 30 minutes of your time to watch this video. It explains an issue that must become viral--is becoming viral as you read this. It is worth your time.

"Filmmaker Jason Russell visited Africa in 2003 and returned with a story that made people ask what they could do to help. Jason co-founded the non-profit Invisible Children Inc. which is working to make the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, Joseph Kony of Uganda famous by raising support for his arrest. Kony’s arrest will save thousands of women and children allowing them to live a normal life without fear from the LRA rebels. Jason shares with us his friend Jacob, who after losing his brother and not having the opportunity to attend school Jacob would rather die than live. Unfortunately the ‘United States will not get involved if our National Security or Financial Interest aren’t at stake’. The issue to the US government is not important enough to get involved. So, the people have spoken and made it clear that they want to see something done. Invisible Children currently has 475,000 fans on Facebook and looking to increase that number before April 20th. On the night of April 20th, Kony 2012 crews will hit the streets to set up posters, with hopes of grabbing national attention to the issue. This 30 minute video will be the best thing you watch all week and you can help by spreading the word to get our government involved."

From EHS '10-'11 Yearbook with the
four leaders in the front. I'm colored!

When I was in high school, I was secretary of a club titled "Invisible Children." Our mission was--and still is as it is an ongoing club--to raise awareness about children in Uganda who are impoverished and unable to attend school. Eastlake High (where I attended), along with multiple other schools, participate in a program called "Schools for Schools" where money is raised by groups around the world to build a school for children. One way money is raised is through "Change for Change", where club members collect change from other students. Our total amounted up to $1000. "Threaded together by the need of students across the world, EHS will shine the light on the invisible." Cute, I know.

Now I knew how important being a member, as well as a leader, of that club was. But boy, I didn't realize all the importance.

MAKE KONY FAMOUS.

Thank you for your time,

Jennica Sarmiento

Community Service Project

My English 115 class is planning on taking on three different community service projects: High school presentations, Middle/High school tag-a-longs during school hours, and a Symposium.

Here is an outline I made for middle school tag-a-longs. Basically, our main goal is for students to take this Bayan (community) class--to inform them about it and persuade them in being a part of it. So we're planning on having them sit in classes with us, especially the Bayan class itself to experience what an amazing class it is.