Conversations with my mom and the leftist ideals that are causing you communication problems part 1

Over the past few weeks I have engaged in a serious of conversations with my mom that seem to overlap a lot of reoccurring themes in the news, my classrooms and conversations with other people. Many of these themes revolve around the presidential race and regard race and/or various accusations or issues with Barack Obama.

Many of these conversations have delved off from specifically talking about the topical subject in which started the discussion and into bigger themes that seem to overlap or include progressive/liberal/leftist(take you pick) ideology, ideas and attitudes.

The interesting aspect of these conversations is that they tend to be a conglomeration of taking very huge issues and interspersing them with immediate experiences involving these issues. This can be really annoying in some cases. However, this intersecting of extensive issues with personal experiences which are initiated from current events and topical subjects has been interesting and caused some self-reflection upon my generation, political standpoints and you. I would like to expound upon some things in maybe two or three different entries. Here’s number one:

A journalism conference in Los Angeles that I attended in January begin with two hours of panel discussions with various from the west coast news media. Somewhere along the lines, the topic of racism came up and many people were saying that the difficulty in dealing with racism in the news media and with the general public was the lack of discussion going on in academia, the media and general public about the subject of racism. Suddenly, Marc Cooper, contributing writer to The Nation spoke up and completely disagreed. He thought that people do talk about racism all the time. As a part-time professor, Cooper mentioned that in his classes it is constantly brought up. Cooper went on to assert that especially with the elements of race and gender in the presidential elections that people are talking about racism along with a series of other related issues quit frequently.

I have to say that I agree with Cooper’s assessment not just from my recent conversations with my mother but also my experience as a student over the last year as well. I cannot remember another time in my life where race has been so often apart of the headlines in mainstream media whether it’s the Huffington Post or Bill O’Reilly.

However, what this has also exposed is a certain ignorance, inability and general difficulty in talking about such issues as racism. I think this exposure is good though because it gives us a sort of litmus test of where we are as a country and the change that still needs to talk place. However, it also shows though the difficulty in actually talking about an issue like racism.

A recent pro-McCain propagandist video I watched took an Obama quote where he stated, “My grandma was a typical white person…” and asked the question of what would happen if McCain was to say, “typical black person.” Their assertion was that it would be the end of McCain’s presidential run. Maybe…but that’s not why I bring it up. In addition, I have written enough on this blog about such issues and I also trust that you know the intricacies and reasons why it is legitimately different if McCain to say such things. Although, generalizations normally aren’t a good idea whether your black, white or polka dot.

I bring this up though because it does reveal another difficulty of explaining these reasons especially to the generation of our parents or grandparents. It is even difficult to explain such reasons to some of our peers, even our college educated peers. I don’t say this to scoff or chastise these people but to reveal yet another real issue: How do we, as a left-leaning, progressive, young generation actively discuss these issues in a productive manner? It is a difficult task and if one thing seems for sure, it is that we aren’t doing a good job so far.

Imagine something that you passionately believe in or something that is so apart of the way you think that it almost comes natural. Now imagine engaging in a conversation with someone who is radically opposed to that? Difficult to talk to them? How do you engage in a conversation with this someone? We’ve probably all experienced this with a family member at the dinner table resulting in a loss of appetite or an uncomfortable silence.

I think it is imperative that we learn the tools and how to engage in a real conversation with these people. I also think that it is our biggest fault that we don’t or have difficulty in doing so. (When I say “our” I am meaning the American political “left”- which I know is a bit elusive but roll with me.) It seems that our reactions now usually consist of frustration, name calling or a general lack of participation on our part. Yet, we are all so willing to spout our opinions over a beer amongst our friends. What do we actually do though?

It’s difficult to set the feelings aside sometimes and have a real conversation with those who disagree. However, by not engaging in such discussions then how can change come about? Perhaps, we can not change their vote but I still find it advantageous to reach a point where they can at least understand our point of view. Conversely, I find it equally important that we learn their points of view as well. And if we reach that level field where we understand each others reasons and motivations that fuel our beliefs and vote then real development towards a possible change can occur.

Before concluding I think it is important to point out that there are numerous methods which tend to distract from the real issues and motivations. I am addressing mainly those chain emails you might get from that conservative relative. Perhaps, it’s a photo, video or declaring the lack of patriotism with subtle tones of racism and classism (i.e. Barack’s lapel pin, etc.). They are usually not very logical and tend to be aimed at getting under you skin-which they often do. However, these are probably not the reason why Grandpa is voting republican. Underneath the distracting BS, are the real reasons and it probably has to do with where they come from, their experiences, where they work or their current quality of life.

My mom mentioned these differences in talking about my grandmother (her mom). My grandma doesn’t have any children living at the house, she is retired and I assume apart of an upper-income bracket. Thus she is against Obama probably not because he doesn’t wear an American flag lapel pin but because she disagrees with socialized healthcare. There are other reasons which are not entirely illegitimate and I wouldn’t mind having a conversation with her about it. I think it’s important to know, understand and learn these opinions if any of us have any real desire to create change or swing the pendulum towards our direction in any small or big way.

I realize that the issues I brought up are things that have always occurred and will continue to. I don’t plan on anyone being able to evr permanently alter change this. However, I think, from what I have seen, there is a sincere lack of self-reflection on our part when it comes to these issues and it might do us all a bit of good in our own lives if we learn to step back, look how we are reacting to those opposed to us and maybe change our attitudes in hopes of changing theirs and making even a small difference.

Cult Film ressurection

Is it strictly an American tradition where we celebrate low-budget B-movies, horribly shallow action films, or simplistic teen dramas? Perhaps. Almost all of us have some crappy film(s) that we secretly love and watch faithfully every year that can be categorized in one of the prementioned genres.

If i wrote out a list of my top 25 films, amongst the Czech new wave, Godard's and Antonioni's, you would also find Space Balls, Major Leagues and maybe even Weird Science. That being said, I excitedly await the next installment of...

Point Break 2? Yep. Written by the same dude who wrote the original. Oh man...i can't wait.


Heres the description (now over a year old) taken from SlashFilm:
The new movie will be set in Southeast Asia and uncover the fate of the surfers’ leader Bodhi (played in the original by Patrick Swayze) who was supposedly (spoiler alert) killed by a giant wave at the end of the first film. The sequel will not feature the return of FBI Special Agent John ‘Johnny’ Utah (who was played by Keanu Reeves in the original), but will instead follow a surfer-turned-SEAL who is on the trail of “a criminal gang.” They hope to cast “a young male action star at the same stage in his career as Keanu (Reeves) was.”

Sounds horrible. Horribly amazing.

Think they'll have Clinton and Bush Jr. masks now? God, I hope so.

Post-Script: Screw artistic integrity. Who wants to put their creativity to good use and assist me in writing the next cult film? We can be the laughing stock of Hollywood but still get all the perks(wink wink).

Terry's miss

Sports- art with muscles.

I saw one of the most heartbreaking moments ever in sports today. It nearly brought me to tears. For those of you that scoff at sports there is certain elements of theater, drama, spectacle and even art that it contains which cannot be denied. They say sports players get paid too much. If that is true then so do actors and so do some artists,writers and even musicians. Film, television and sometimes to a lesser degree music and literature, are just often more easily related to than sports. Either that or there is a certain element of fantasy that taps into the realms of our imagination that fits our dreams and desires and expresses them onto a screen, a canvas, a book or into a song.

I wouldn't exactly equate such with sports. (Although some would...) In addition, I don't think it is or ever will be something for everybody. However, I will say that for those who understand your game of choice and all the nuances involved, the reactions can often be on the same emotional level than these other forms of entertainment and art. That being said, what I saw today definitely emitted a similar response in me that is usually reserved for other such mediums.

Sure, sports is just entertainment but if anything; what happens out on the field isn't scripted and it can never be replayed the exact same way twice. This only makes it all that more fascinating, affecting and unique.

John Terry-my heart goes out to you man.

Marriage Equality? How about marriage illegalization.

Everyone is texting, blogging and freaking out today over the good news in California that a state Supreme Court ruling of 4-3 stating that "the state’s ban on same-sex marriage violates the “fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship.” Thus, for the time being, marriage equality exist in the fine State of California.

It seems pretty absurd and dated to be against same-sex marriage. Such an attitude is rooted in a archaic judeo-christian morality that if seperation of church and state really exists, shouldn't be so ingrained into our politics. Obviously, they are but its good to see the pendulum shifting.

However...let me ponder a bit and expand on an idealistic pipe-dream in a moment of frivolity....

Why is the institution of marriage so wrapped up in legality in the first place? The fact that marriage is a legal binding agreement between two parties seems absurd as well. Why are the courts even involved in the issues, desires of formed relationships between individuals?

I guess issues like who gets the kids, the dog and the brown sofa are often decided through legal means. But can't such issues that may need legal guidance, counseling or mediation be separate from the actual act of committing your life to someone. Can't the contract you create with someone be simply a binding between you and them on an intimate, personal or spiritual level?

I am stoked on the recent invents in California and I realize that this is the context we exists in but stepping back a minute; the whole issue that we even have to go through courts to establish marriage equality seems a bit absurd in the first place.

Regardless, if you enjoy stand-up comedy, please take 2 minutes and 43 seconds to watch this following clip of Doug Stanhope talk about marriage. Its not even comedy...its just frank, somewhat offensive, yet insightful honesty on marriage put perfectly:

Street Art goes to the Tate

As the street artists community continues to expand, evolve and grow in popularity, the Tate Modern in London has decided to dedicate an exhibition this month to some of its more established and known figures. According The Observer, many of the artists are now beginning to be commissioned to create pieces for millions of dollars in the homes of famous figures. Apparently, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie just had a Bansky piece put up in their living room. Good to know that he no longer needs to throw up his pieces sans permission in the MOMA. Not to mention that his hometown in England has trained the local sanitation department to no longer paint over his pieces.

In addition, May 5th was concluded the last day first ever Cans Festival-a stencil art battle in London under the Waterloo Station Bridge.

More power to the these street artists but it does seem to take away a bit from the ideas which street art is founded off of. Not like it hasn't happen before though...e.g. Basquiat, etc.



Images courtesy of Wooster Collective.
A website dedicated to exposing street art around the globe.

Party Time. Not-so excellent.

So, this was out-loud funny to me. A blog solely dedicated to other peoples parties from photos found on Flickr.

Check it at: Sorry I Missed Your Party

Thanks again to Diana for discovering this. I think this is the second time in less that two weeks I have co-opted a post from her Systems of Operation blog.

Weather Report

Recently, I have been fascinated with the We Can Solve It commercial campaign promoting awareness and activism in regards to climate change and environmentalism.

In case you haven’t seen them yet, they involve supposed opposite politicians and public figures, sitting together on a couch, expressing that despite their differences, they both agree on the need for climate change. Here are the two that have been released so far.

Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich

Pat Robertson and Al Sharpton

Here is an excerpt from the About Us section of We Can Solve It

“The We Campaign is a project of The Alliance for Climate Protection -- a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort founded by Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore. Our ultimate aim is to halt global warming. Specifically we are educating people in the US and around the world that the climate crisis is both urgent and solvable.”

Admittedly, there are certain elements of this organization and their ad campaign which could be objectionable. More radical environmentalists tend to reject solving the impending climate issues through big business, special interest groups and the government. I am not well-versed in environmental politics but it seems that tendency from the radical left to work on the peripheries of society while refusing to cooperate or work with the organizations, systems, and/or governments they impose resolves in more conflict than positive, productive outcomes. In addition, it also seems that to take such an attitude is selfish and unconstructive.

Personally, I tend to see this sort of attitude quit frequently in Portland-a city which tends to boast its liberalism, open-mindedness and green consciousness. (side note: In October Business Week voted Portland the third most toxic city in the United States.) Attitudes tend to chastise those who don’t ride a bike or pour Biofuel into their cars. More than once, I have been scoffed at and dismissed for renouncing my 3 years of veganism. This also occurs in regards to political and religious issues. If you are not openly left then you’re possible friend ratio might drop significantly in this town-no joke! Obviously, this can personally frustrating. However, it has gotten to a point where one is tempted to question the foundation of leftist ideals altogether. Are all these kids doing it to be cool or do they really want to instigate realistic change?

In regards, to these commercials, I have personally found them to be possibly quite effective. It seems that a pragmatic outlook on the issue of climate change is that most people are uninformed and see no immediate incentive in making a change to their daily lifestyles. So regardless of how much money Pelosi and Gingrich are getting paid, and regardless of how much they are realistically attempting to push legislation forward towards creating constructive policy in climate issues, I think these commercials could be a beginning to getting people who don’t ride bikes, are vegan, food-forging anarchists or enviro-terrorists actually aware and maybe even involved with what is going on. It seems that such a cause really needs to target those who don’t live in conscious urban areas where being environmentally friendly is so easy. The suburbs need to know, the lower class need to know the incentives, major cities suffering from urban sprawl need funding to implement such measures.

I don’t see a lot of push for that kind of action with radical leftists. They seem content with their small, close-knit group of like-minded people. How is that ever going to change anything on a broader scale? Or maybe that isn’t the point....and maybe I'm just turning into a sellout.

P.S. I know Portland is a hip city but it’s frustrating that so many people who have ambitions of making social, political or environmental change move here. Portland has got enough people for that. People with such motivation should go to cities that really need to implement such change…like Detroit…or Phoenix….or even Los Angeles...or to the steps of Congress in D.C. Now that’s a challenge.

As they say: Portland-the most over qualified city of hyper-intelligent, MA holding baristas and bookstore clerks.

Diving Bell review...

My recent review of Diving Bell and the Butterfly is up on Fanbolt.

Check it here.

It may seem sort of familiar from a previous post of mine late last year.

Our Duty to Die

First, apologies for the dark subject matter of this blog. Blame it on it still being under 40 degrees outside even though we are in the middle of April. Its dreary, rainy, and the wind is cold. One is suppose to write about such themes in such a dark and dreary environment, right? When in Rome...

So the last broadcast of This American Life was on the theme of "mistakes". Broken up into two acts, the first was a lengthy, bizarre story on the first years of cryogenics on the west coast. Without going into the details of the story (although it is a fascinating listen and I highly recommend it), the ideology behind cryogenics brought to my attention (obviously) the occurrence of death and how it is perceived in America(and possibly a large majority of the rest of the western, first world).

The main concept behind cryogenics for those who are unfamiliar is that "death" might possibly be just another form of illness that someday we may be able to cure. According to the show this idea gained popularity in the early sixties and thus led to the idea of cryogenics. So if you freeze someone in the first few moments of their death, it is assumed that someday, there will be a cure for death and these people can be "resurrected" or "reanimated".

Death is surely something that many of us have trouble coming to terms with. Perhaps this gets easier the older you get, maybe not. Furthermore, it seems to me, although I know this can be argued against, that in a first-world society we are removed/shielded from having to encounter death on a personal, intimate basis. Surely, our lives are not riddled with death due to the absence of war and disease within our immediate vicinity. Nevertheless, the fascination still remains, if not heightened by our disconnect from it, and thus I believe it could be argued that maybe this is the reason why violence is recreated and depicted so frequently in various outlets of media.

I am aware though that there is an argument that we have become desensitized to death. And with that desensitivity, cultural practices that help us to deal with death have deteriorated. (I think Heidegger has some things to say about this which I don't care to look up)

However, I would like to present that if we are so removed from death, as I believe, then it has developed a culture where our ability to understand, cope and accept death has also diminished. The outcome is perhaps ideas such as cryogenics. The outcome is also, perhaps, the development of an attitude which asserts that we exist atop some sort of constructed hierarchy which gives us more of a right to live longer(or forever) than certain"others". I feel that there are numerous events that have taken place just in the last 10 years which could be argued to be connected with the existence of such an attitude.

Finally though, my main reaction to the event of death in regards to this radio program was personal. Immediately, this idea that we could permanently "defeat" death seemed so absolutely selfish and characteristic of an attitude that the first world would produce to me. When I heard that people actually felt a right to be able to freeze someone, in order to at some time possibly reanimate them was something I immediately had a objection to. Upon further examination, I discovered that my objection was because death, to me, is something that we not only obviously all have to endure, but something that is our "duty" to endure. How dare we try and cheat death. And thus for the first time, in a long time, I feel like I came to some sort of small, epiphany on my own mortality. If given the option to live forever, or if cryogenics was much more closer to a possibility than it is today, I would clearly decline. What a strange world we live in where even the idea of never having to die has strongly been considered and undertaken...that is...if you have the money ;)

To not end on a completely dark note... take comfort in this small celebration of longevity:

Brought to my attention by my friends blog Systems of Operation, photographer Mark Story has traveled the world the last twenty-plus years in search of centenarians (people that are over 100) and super centenarians (110 years old) to get their stories and take their portraits. Its called "Living in Three Centuries: the Face of Age"

Check out the site...here is an example:
10 year 115 day-old*
man of German and Irish descent.
Several of his grandparents lived past 100.

He served in the Army in World Wars I and II
and then worked as a railroad brakeman.
During the Depression
he traveled much of the country
riding the rails with hobos.

At 102, he was walking ten miles a day.
Now he walks three miles a day and can still
read the bottom three lines on an eye chart.
He gave up drinking in his 60s,
but smoked into his 80s.

He continues to work a few hours a week
at a tanning salon/espresso cafe.

He said, "I still chase
good-looking women around.
I just can't catch up with them —
my legs don't work fast enough.

100x50

So...as you may have already heard, Me and a Ms. Madeline Stevens have begun an experiment in short fiction called 100X50.

Basically, we each will post fiction (or something) original for 50 days straight that is 100 words or less.

If you get a chance, check it out for the next month and a half or so. There is a lengthier description of what its all about on the page.

Hearts...

Translation

Taken from the often entertaining, interesting and totally worth a hit every now and then Litlab.

Can we even do this in our language? Probably, but it would sound silly. In addition, I find the Czech portion really aesthetically pleasing to look at. I want to hear audio of this being read.

enjoy:

ída Sobková: Prosté popisování pátečního poledne / A Simple Describing of a Friday Noon

A short story in Czech where every word starts with the same letter and then translated in English.

In Czech:

Prší. Pátek patnáctého prosince. Pošmourné počasí protíná polední pauzu. Pozdní podzim povzbuzuje pápěří pampelišky poletovat. Plnicí pero popsalo papír poletujíjcí pod podloubím. Proslulý proutník Pavel provází podél podloubí pihovatou Pavlínu. Proč právě Petra? Proradný prostopášník povalil Pavlínu pod platan, poodhalil Pavlínin pihovatý pupík. Pořád poprchává. Pavlína promrzla. Pojď popijeme pro pohodu. Pokračují paloukem, přicházejí k pohostinství „Pod Pařezem.“ Popíjejí Plzeňský Prazdroj, peprmintku, punč – prostě praví požitkáři. Pojď popít pomálu podomácku pálené pálenky. Potřebujeme přejít potok. Pak projdeme pokosené pšeničné pole. Promiň, provlhlo pověšené prádlo. Proč? Prší, pitomče. Pan porybný povídal podivné předpovědi. Pokud povídá pravdu, přijde pravá pohroma. Přehrada potřebuje poopravit proti prolomení. Pak prošel pohřební průvod. Paní Pazderková podlehla příušnicím. Protivný policista Parma pokukuje po plačících pozůstalých. Podívej, pomaličku přestává pršet. První pichlavé paprsky prozařují palouk. Přines pálenku. Pec plápolá posledním posmoleným polenem. Pavlína pomalu přestává plakat, promrznutí přestává. Ponenáhlu poleno praskne, plamen povyskočí, podnapilý Pavel polije Pavlínu pálenkou. Pavlína plamenně poskakuje. Podívej pitomče, pálenka podporuje plameny. Popadne placatku pálenky, praští Pavla po palici. Pavla pohltí plameny. Pospíchejme potopit postavy pod proud potoka. Plameny pohasly. Pavel povídá Pavlíně: Přestávám pít pálenku. Pravím, Plzeňský Prazdroj, Punč, peprmintku pouze. Pitomý pátek.

In English:

Raining. Friday, the fifteenth December. Murky weather passes over a noon-hour. Late fall encourage blow ball to fly. A fountain pen overwrote the paper flying under the arcade. Renowned voluptuary Paul promenades freckled Pauline along the arcade. Why Pauline? Perfidious libertine laid Pauline under the sycamore; he undressed Pauline’s freckled bellybutton. It’s still drizzling. Pauline is freezing. Come, we’ll partake for strain. They continue walking throughout the glade; they are arriving to the pub “Under the Tree Stump.” They drink Pilsner Urquell, Peppermint, and Negus – simply real sybarites. Come drink some of my family style eau-de-vie. We need to cross the creek. Then go through the mown wheat field. Sorry, the hanged clothes soaked. Why? It’s raining, you idiot. Water bailiff told me strange prognoses. F he told me the truth a real disaster is coming. Reservoir needs to be repaired against crashing. Then a funeral procession came. Mrs. Pazderková succumbed to parotis. Mean policeman Parma peeked around on crying mourners. Look, the rain is stopping. First sharp rays are shining on the glade. Bring the eau-de-vie. The fireside flame with the last pitched log. Pauline slowly stops to cry, she is not freezing anymore. All of a sudden the log crack, the flame jumps out, tipsy Paul spill eau-de-vie to Pauline. Pauline falmy jumps around. Look, you idiot, eau-de-vie supports the flames. She snatched the flask and punch Paul on nob. Paul is eaten by flames. Let’s go hurry to sink our bodies under the flow of the creek. Flames die down. Paul is telling to Pauline: No more eau-de-vie drinking. I say, Pilsner Urquell, Negus or Peppermint only. Damned Friday.

Questionable Art?

Aliza Shvarts, a Yale art major has decided on something peculiar and controversial for her senior art project. As reported by the Yale Daily News Shvarts has decided to document her nine-month process of artificially inseminated herself "as often as possible" while periodically taking abortifacient drugs to induce miscarriages. She plans to display her relics of the piece by showing video recordings of these forced miscarriages as well as preserved collections of the blood from the process.

Needless to say, the project got national attention and sparked much debate. While it was recently reported that Shvarts was supposedly faking the whole process or re-titled as "creative fiction" by Yale university, the piece brings up an interesting question of when, if ever, can art go too far? Are there boundaries to art when it comes to as one student from Yale stated as, "manipulating life for the benefit of her art"? Without any applicable normative aesthetic to determine what is or isn't art(please argue this..please?!), the question remains if all morality and/or ethnics are also absent from art today as well.

My immediate impulse would be yes. Academically, there seems to be an emphasis on the relativity of morality depending upon what eachh culture we are specifically examining. We are taught to recognize and respect these cultural differences. However, issues do arise. International human rights efforts often encounter problems and/or lack of support when it comes to bringing up issues such as female genital mutilation. While one may be hard pressed to find someone who would actually argue PRO for this, it isn't completely unthinkable to devise an argument which would be founded in a tolerance for such practices in order to not project one's culture,and all the norms and morals that go with it, onto this 'other' culture.

The point is if we look at art then it is easy to see such application of certain ethical standards to have deteriorated due to the arrival of a sort of "liberalism" (i guess...) which emphasizes (may be too much) a tolerance for all people, their way of life and practices. On paper it sounds great. However, when you get into issues like FGM, it becomes a problem. The same goes for art. Anything goes, right? Well, what about Ms. Shvarts?

Personally, I don't have a problem with Ms. Shvarts piece. Actually, I find it fascinating and all that much more disappointing that she actually DIDN'T go through with it. I think her piece speaks to the fascination and sort of "mysticism" if you will of the female body that still exists in today's society.

In addition, art already has a long history of artists who have utilized, manipulated and damaged their bodies for art. Marina Abramovic, Chris Burden, or Tehching Hsieh are a few performance artists who immediately come to mind. Their work was much more taxing on the body than Shvarts proposed piece. Even artists like Eva Hesse who worked with toxic material all her life have sacrifice health for their projects. There doesn't seem to be too much of an issue with these artists because they are not hurting(usually) anyone else in the process. However, what happens when we actually do cross that bridge and effect others? Unwillingly? Are we violating an 'ethics' of art? Or does, and if not should, such a thing still exists?

Costa Rican artist Guillermo Vargas ‘Habacuc’ sometime last year in a gallery in Managua tied a dog up in a gallery, put it on display, then let it starve to death. As reported, People entered and left, day in and day out. The dog remained without water or food and eventually gave up the ghost. The artist has said a number of different things about the piece. Most of what is said refers back to the situation of massive amounts of stray dogs that are throughout the major cities of Costa Rica. One statement the artist suggest that if he had not captured this dog and tied him up he would of died anyways and no one would of noticed. (Google his name for more. Its hard to get a good link to anything that isn't completely biased). Recently, his name has blown up all over the Internet again because he has been invited to reenact the piece in Honduras.

Now, I am an animal lover and yes I find this disturbing. However, apart of me feels that this is an overly-hyped issue that roots back to our westernized, first-world attitudes towards animals and pets. Frankly, animal rights would probably seem like a pretty absurd movement in most third world countries where huge portions of the population are going without food. However, I don't want to go so far as the fully back that assumption so rather I will stick with what I know which is that we, in this country, have the privilege to even have pets. Our attitudes towards domesticated cats and dogs is much different than some countries. And while this piece probably wouldn't fly in the U.S., it certainly seem to go over relatively acceptable in Costa Rica.

So in regards to art, which seems to be without any borders or if it does have borders damn are they fucking broad, do we accept this? And if we don't accept this then under what pretext do we make that judgment call? That it is unethical? That it is morally wrong? If so, then what are exactly are those ethics that we must abide by in art? And if we do make that judgment then I find it imperative to take into account cultural and moral relativity? And furthermore if you are a liberal, progressive, open-minded individual who supports the application of such relativism then by what means do you make that judgment without becoming hypocritical?

I don't like the piece. However, I find it difficult to extract an argument against it that isn't rooted in my own subjective and emotional objection to it. I would almost rather argue against this relativity, and for a moral standard ,than try and argue against the piece within the definitions of such.

Juno Review

Here is my latest review on Fanbolt of the film Juno.

Actually click on the link for me even if you don't want to read it. If I get the my review get the most hits thi month then I win something. Thanks!!!!

Misogyny, Racism and Pop Culture part 2

A recent hip-hop single blowing up all over the charts called “Independent” by southern rapper Webbie has caught my interest. As an avid listener to popular, mainstream hip-hop I am often confronted with tired and overused go-to terminology when describing drugs, women, guns or cars. The popular terminology to describe these themes that are regularly covered in most mainstream hip-hop singles seem to change by the month. However, many still remain.

One instance of terminology that has not evolved much in the last 20 years of hip hop is the terms used to describe women. Or rather not just all women, but a described lower-type of particular woman who is usually attributed to being untrustworthy, unfaithful and dishonest. We all know the terms and I don’t need to mention them. The terms are definitely derogatory, sexist and over-used. It is also these terms that mainstream hip-hop is most often criticized about. In the early 90’s it was violence, now it is the inherent sexism and objectification of woman that seems to be the focus of those critical of hip-hop.

Mind you, one will usually find me in defense of this terminology to a certain extent. I don’t support the misogyny but from a standpoint of art and self-expression I think it should be tolerated. In addition it is important to take into consideration the various iconography and terminology that hip-hop and black American urban youth culture is rooted in.

Finally, to single out hip-hop is ultimately unfair. Sexism and misogyny permeates throughout all aspects of pop culture. And if we are going to talk about such issues we need to take into consideration not just hip-hop culture but the greater context in which it exists in: pop culture. As I have previously quoted, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson points out that objectifying women is not solely rooted in just hip-hop:

"it ain’t hip-hop that’s teaching the broader culture how to dog a woman; it’s the broader culture’s ways and rules that are keyed in by hop-hop lyricists.”

Whether Dyson is correct is debatable. I think there is more of a fluidity to the relationship and that both sides perpetuate the problem at hand. Nevertheless, hip-hop cannot be completely singled out.

That being said, misogyny and sexism is still probably hip-hop’s biggest problem to a certain extent. The issue is complex and it is representing something about not only American black culture, but American society in itself as well. Unfortunately, these complexities are rarely examined or talked about in depth by either the artist performing the song or the overly, feminist close-minded liberal (or super conservative) who is criticizing the lyrics. (see my blog post Its Bigger Than Hip-Hop for more)

Enter Webbie’s “Independent”. In my last blog I mentioned that pop culture seemed to often act as an arena where taboos and issues such as race and sexism could move beyond the borders which are often towed in most social settings. Webbie’s “Independent” does just that. Here is song that is in support of a woman who is independent, motivated and who doesn’t rely on a man. She rejects traditional ideas of a woman’ role. And from the standpoint of Webbie that is the most attractive woman that a man can find. He encourages the listener to find a girl like that. However, the complexity doesn’t really stop there.

Where things get interesting is when Webbie and the other rappers allude to the fact that all she needs a man for is a “good drill”. Here we see the independent female taking on almost the role of the male “pimp” or “ player”. The attitude often permeating hip-hop that a “true” male only utilizes a female for sex and maybe a good back rub is now taken on by the female character described in Webbie’s song. It’s almost an attitude of “hey she is like us…and that is hot!!”

However, to counterpoint, none of the rappers in the song utilize the tired, old, go-to terms that are used to describe a woman in hip-hop songs. To his credit, this is impressive. Webbie has essentially created a single that appeals to the lowest-common denominator, made it popular, and never has to use any of the terms or lyrics that seemed to have become almost a necessity to make a song popular on mainstream hip-hop charts.

It certainly isn’t going to get ultra-feminist to go run out and buy his record. Nor even please them to any degree. Nevertheless, in a genre of music that regardless of the reasons and complexities is overrun with overt sexism; I find Webbie’s contribution to be highly fascinating and worth a listen.

Finally, to add to the complexity of the song, “Independent” is actually a bit of a lyrical re-working of one of his older songs called, “Bad Bitch”. So its almost as if by taking out the go-to term he was able to make a song that was much more popular than his previous single.

strange…

Here’s the video. P.S. I love this song and sing it on the regular:

Misogyny, Racism, Pop Culture and Bret Michaels' wig

The democratic primary elections are spawning intense debate and discourse in both the media and your local bar on the issue of race and gender. While there have been some calls to move beyond these topics when examining which candidate one should elect, the conversation seems to always fall back into this touchy and passionate subject matter.

Really though, it’s a good thing. Never in my short 24 year life do I recall such continual and intense discourse in all aspects of our social spectrum on the issue of gender and race. Needless to say, a whole lot is being revealed about our society. While some of it may be ugly and difficult to deal with, the very fact that the conversation is taking place is a good thing. If we are going to ever begin to break down the institutionalized structures and generalizations that perpetuate this oppression then the first thing to do is acknowledge that they exist. If anything talking about it allows you to really understand what the other person, who is supposedly on the otherside of the conversation or poltical spectrum, is all about.

Nevertheless, emotions do fly and one approach to this conversation is examining the historical context of race and gender in our country in an attempt to reveal who has suffered more: blacks or women. Of course, there is a lot wrong with this approach. First and foremost should be the place of black women. Where do they fit in to this conversation? In addition, making comparisons about who has suffered more is the unfortunate outcome of a near-sighted perspective that fails to examine the possibilities for moving beyond the small framework of such an argument. For the sake of this blog let us just agree on one thing: both have suffered and continue to be marginalized.

A reworking of this question that has recently arisen in conversatons is rooted in a more contemporary context that may be more constructive than who had it worse. Rather, let us ask what is more prevalent in today’s society: misogyny or racism?

I don’t ask this question to determine who would be a better candidate. In fact, I think this question should bear no impact on one’s vote. Rather, I think it is an interesting point to bring up to reveal the differing characteristics and nuances that these forms of marginalization are presented in society today. If anything, an attempt at assessing this question can help is lead to a better understand of the two in a contemporary context.

Due to a few recent encounters with pop culture and a conversation with a friend, it seems that while racism does still exist, it seems to exist on a much more subversive, almost unconscious level. Out right blatant racism is hardly tolerated in American society and especially in mainstream culture and media. Certainly it is there but it’s all below the surface. Please inform me if one thinks I am incorrect here. Remember, I am not saying that it doesn’t exist, its just not so outright blatantly expressed.

However, the same cannot necessarily be said for misogyny which seems prevalent in society on a much more apparent level. Turn on your television; it doesn’t take a gender studies major to realize that there is serious sexism still going on in mainstream society. Recently, a few things brought this revelation to my attention:

Example one: Rock of Love.

For those of you unfamiliar, Poison lead singer Bret Michaels has a show solely dedicated to finding his next “rock-girl of love.” Sure, these girls put themselves in this position but there is something seriously wrong (but admittedly…amazingly entertaining) going on in this show. It’s the ultimate groupie fantasy played out on television. Bret spends a day with these girls doing various different activities with them. Then equipped with pen and a pad of paper (no doubt the same one that he writes down those genius lyrics on) he determines which girls get to say on the show and which need to leave.

“Well, Katrina is a bit of wacko but she has got a good rack so that’s a bonus.”

This show is completely absurd. Nevertheless, the sexism is obviously apparent and perpetuating stereotypes and even encouraging them with each passing second. Watching the show, I couldn’t help but think of a show on television that would be this apparent in perpetuating racist generalizations about minorities. I don’t think such a show exists nor could it.

Example 2: Miss Bimbo

Anyone hear about this video game site yet? It basically a RPG where girls as young as seven are encouraged girls to go on crash diets and get breast implants. Yikes!

As CNN reports:

“When a girl signs up, they are given a naked virtual character to look after and pitted against other girls to earn "bimbo" dollars so they can dress her in sexy outfits and take her clubbing.”

Once again, it’s hard to think of a similar video game site that would be so apparent in its racism. I suppose Grand Theft Auto series would be the closest to perpetuating such ideas…but even the sometimes racist undertones come off not so apparent and in your face.

It is at this point in the conversation that I don’t know where to necessarily go. Misogyny and sexism seem to reveal themselves in a lot more apparent ways in mainstream media and pop culture. However, we can’t all get too serious on ourselves and become stick in the mud super liberals with no sense of humor. After all, generalizations do seem to exist on partial truths. (Thus the beauty and hilariousness of the blog: Stuff White People Like) Furthermore, perhaps this just reveals that the subtle nature of racism in this country is a sign that it is all that more ingrained and harder to educate about, examine and pinpoint. Nevertheless, the observation has been made.

The line between what is entertaining and what is perpetuating the marginalization of a certain group of people can often be fuzzy. All I can conclude is that there doesn't seem to be a whole lot you can do to change it on the level of pop culture. In fact, it seems that such generalizations that walk that line is what drives pop culture. Thus, my only conclusion at this point is that the level of mainstream pop culture seems to be a arena where touchy issues such as sexism, racism and other forms of oppression are able to cross boundaries and partially exploit taboos that are otherwise discouraged from conversations in our interactions within most social settings. However, there is also an interesting tension because even the arena of pop culture is restricted in regards to language, imagery and some types of subject matter. Thus, the freedom to explore these sensitive issues beyond the context of how they are typically discussed in social forums(excluding some academic levels) is given, yet not without certain restrictions. The end result is often fascinating and highly creative. (Personally, it often makes low-brow, trash culture so much more interesting to me than any form of high-art or culture. )

Thus, when examing an issues like misogyny or racism within a contemporary context is seems that often one of the best places to start is by flipping on your television. What are you seeing and what are you NOT seeing? Obviously, there are many more levels to be explored. Does pop culture really represent our society? How much are we dictating mainstream culture? How much does pop culture dictate how we act, think or consume? Regardless of these debatable points, the arena of pop culture is a fascinating place to watch some of these issues play out and often times is a seemingly more accurate, true, representation of where and how these issues permeate into American society.

Final question: does anyone else think Bret Michaels is wearing a wig?

Kite Runner Review

My most recent review for FanBolt of The Kite Runner is up.

Check it here.

Handheld Shows

The blog world seems to be becoming increasingly more interesting and diverse. What was once overrun with mid-30's corporate slaves and old journalists looking for a forum to rant has begun to get a bit creative and expand into all realms of culture. With the creation of such programs as Stumble, Del.icio.us, Digg it and many others; the world of the Internet and blogs is attempting to become a bit more organized and customized to your preferences and interests.

It is also creating a community. Sure, it is a bit of an artificial community since interaction is done completely through electronic means, but nevertheless it is a form of people coming together around an idea, a news story, or just a funny video and promoting it in a certain way. Never have we had such an ability to control what we want to read, listen, or watch. While a lot of crap came come from that, I think in the end it is a good thing. Its a power that is controlled more by the average internet user and less by a board of directors. Good thing right?

On the occasion, I will let myself "stumble" through a series of blogs and sites in search of something interesting. When something catches my eye, I usually put it up on the links in the sidebar to the left. (Which if you haven't already, check out Awesome Tapes from Africa and or the Post-Secret blog)

My most recent discovery is Handheld Shows. I believe that it is based in Denmark...or at least one of those Scandinavian countries. Basically, they film bands playing tunes in random places. I like the spontaneity and the move from this controlled area where there is a divide between band and audience to a more unstructured, natural setting. Its kinda like having a show in your basement, which for those who have experienced such, know that the lines between audience and band often become blurred or totally erased. Plus, I feel like it takes the concept of the annoying dude on the corner strumming too hard on his guitar as he tries to remember the lyrics to a Beatles song and makes it brilliant and worth stopping for a minute or two and watching.

Here is a video from the blog by Wildbirds & Peacedrums called "Doubt/Hope". This was also recently featured on Pitchfork...enjoy.

New Badu

My review of the new Erykah Badu album New Amerykah, Pt 1: 4th World War is up and can be found at Fanbolt.

Check it.

Wolfgang Laib

New issue of Sculpture features German artist Wolfgang Laib who collects pollen which he then uses to create stunning installations.

“I was facinated with what pollen is in itself. Pollen has incredible colours,
which you never could paint, but it is not a pigment and its colour is only one
quality out of many, like a hand has a colour, or blood is red but it is not a
red liquid, and milk is white, but it is not a white liquid. It is the difference
between a blue pigment and the sky.”

“Milk or pollen are extremely beautiful - like the sun or the sky. And why be
afraid of beauty? Recently so many artists, especially German artist, seem to
think it has to be as ugly and as brutal as possible. Beauty is bourgeois?
What a strange idea. I tried to participate in beautiful things…and this is
my great fortune.”
-From Light Seed catalog 1991

There is something to be said about the collaboration of what is seemingly chaotic and interjecting elements of form and symmetry. Such combination done precisely seems to perfectly simulate life. Yet on the other hand, it is able to create something unique and unnatural as well. It is as if the art becomes a mediator- a "Third Way" in the Hegelian dialectical sense.

Is nature chaos? To a certain extent it would seem so. Yet, the pollen collected by Laib is produced for reasons that science can logically explicate upon. However, (as far as I am aware) there is no mathematical pattern or at least a repetitive regularity to the amount of pollen produced, collected by flying insects, let off in the air, etc. Its like the weather-which can be explained but not entirely predicted or calculated.

Enter Laib. Collecting the pollen and adding a certain amount of methodically planned out, very precise (and often primary) color scheme. Sometimes he creates very balanced and aligned piles, or a spreads the pollen out into a recognizable shape like a square albeit with soft edges. It is symmetry but not precise. It is disorder and logic collaborating. The end result is the creation of a pleasing and fragile equilibrium in both the theoretical and the purely aesthetic.

Keep it coming Germany...

FanBolt

I am writing reviews for Fanbolt.com. It boasts about 80,000 members/readers right now. Not huge by internet standards but definitely on the up.

Check it out...support, etc.

Website: Fanbolt

Most recent review: The Darjeeling Limited

Next up: review of the new Erykah Badu. Check it out if you haven't. Its amazing. "That Hump" is a great single. Madlib and 9th Wonder produce....