Thursday, March 10, 2016

Visual Learning

     Art serves a similar purpose as language. Both are utilized to precisely describe a thought, feeling, or condition in a way that can be easily understood by others. Comic artist Scott McCloud guides his readers through art. Photos and phrases are broken up sequentially to provide a "picture book" effect. This supports basic human comprehension skills, creating visual connections between words and images. McCloud establishes ethos by skillfully combing the two.
     I can recall my struggle learning to read. In kindergarten, I stumbled through letters that looked like meaningless symbols. My mother bought me a case of BOB Books. This was essentially a collection of sight- words that were supported by illustrations. I remember trying read them as my mother pointed to the portraits. Before you know it, I no longer needed my mother's pointing skills-- when I struggled to find the meaning of a word, I used the visual context clues in front of me. Reading became easier for me, however I relied upon photographs to help me along-- almost as training- wheels on a bike. Now that I'm a high school student, I do not read picture books, but I am a visual learner. This means that I prefer diagrams, illustrations, graphs, and charts in order grasp a concept more efficiently (The Visual [Spatial] Learning Style, learning-styles-online.com). A visual learner appreciates the marriage of text and image.
     McCloud portrays a "show and tell" scene. A boy struggles to describe how he transforms his toy robot into an airplane. The story contains 16 panels; 6 of which without words. The story portrays the boy's simplistic communication skills. He cannot express each step he takes, uttering words such as "uh" and vague demonstratives to describe his object. Instead, he shows the class by doing. McCloud's work indicates that words are often not enough. Language can be supported by the most fundamental methods of comprehension such as motion, or picture.
      Mastering language is no easy task; I believe the most efficient way to describe oneself is through a deft combination of many. Scott McCloud does this to establish ethos in his art.

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Celeb Bodies

    In his essay Celebrity Bodies by Daniel Harris, the author describes the unhealthy nature of celebrities we idolize. Their glamorous lives include strict diets, perfect features, and virtuous habits. It is argued that Hollywood has set the unrealistic standards, such as maintaining a size 0 physique. According to Star Magazine, singer Taylor Swift is 5'11 weighs approximately 120lbs; 7 inches taller and numerous sizes smaller than the average American female. Dangerously thin women of the spotlight seemingly defy male stereotypes of sex appeal. Skin and bones are the antithesis of voluptuous hips and large breasts.
    So who sets the standards? According to Harris, it is our middle class society who decides how perfection must be embody. Hollywood does not inflict these unrealistic standards; it is our notion of what the ideal person should look, dress, and act like. Celebrities should not smoke, drink, or swear just as we do. Brit song- bird Adele smokes like a chimney. Actress Melissa McCarthy fills a size 18. 'Bad Gal RiRi' uses profanity more often than the paparazzi accuses Kim K's butt of being fake. Our principles of flawlessness ultimately determines the success of the Hollywood stars.      
    For some reason, or opinions have a strong effect on these distant stars. We are infatuated with the standards of popular culture; our obsession is described as "pathological in part because they are an absent presence in our lives" (para. 12). Although they are not "physically" there, we seem to know these characters better than we know ourselves. The monsters we create are unfortunately accused as culprits. The bar is set by our mediocre society, yet we prosecute Hollywood for imposing unrealistic standards.
    The irony of it all is that we are in fact belittling ourselves. Under self- abasing tendencies, we collectively impose our deepest insecurities upon the stars. They may be distant, but that does not make them any less human. It has to do with the idea of putting others down in order to feel better about ourselves. There are no personal ties, therefore we feel free to ridicule other beings that are just like us. We drink; we smoke; we swear... just like them. By acknowledging the paradox, you will recognize that despite their physical absence, we are emotionally connected.

Friday, March 4, 2016

My Zombie, My Social Media

    The way I see it, we all have our crosses to bear, and zombies to escape. In his essay My Zombie, Myself, Chuck Klosterman draws a parallel between the principles of zombie slaying and life itself. Klosterman states, "The zombies you kill today will merely be replaced by the zombies of tomorrow" (para. 19). These attacks by the undead never stop coming; no matter how hard you try a new army will arise to devour you. Similarly, the battles we face in life will always hit consistently.
    My zombie happens to be social media. It is like kryptonite glued to my finger tips. The habit to check my accounts has become so habitual I completely unaware of my actions as if brainwashed. My obsession takes hold of me at all hours of the day, from the moment I first wake up, to the second  I fall asleep. It viciously intrudes upon my conversations, interrupts my school work, and damages my self- esteem.
    Scrolling past pictures on sites such as tumblr, instagram, and twitter makes me feel weak. Jealousy sets in, and I get that vacant feeling. A constant desire for the looks and possessions of others deepen the void I feel obligated to fill. How? I have no clue. Materialist items don't help. Buying all the clothing, shoes, bags, and makeup the money can buy will not help. Money truly does not buy happiness.
     Perhaps it is not about having it all, but rather never being content with what I have. Ungratefulness does not sit well with me. In fact, it plagues me. I know that when I check my social media, I am really thinking of how much better life would be if I were just prettier, skinnier, taller, and richer. It will never be enough though. No matter how hard I try, my life will never improve unless I face my zombie.
     The ultimate strategy is to fight my zombie with an attitude of gratitude. If I continue to compare myself to others, I will never be adequate. By loving myself, my family, my intelligence, and other abstract qualities I can rise above the attacks. Although they will never cease to exist, I can learn to live with them nagging at my feet.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Pop Culture

    Hip Hop raised me. I am a child of the late 90's who grew under the musical influence of artists such as Whitney Houston, Brittany Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Jay- Z. It is a part of up- bring. Hip Hop is my culture. It posses its own dance style, feeling, and fashion. The music is a language of its own. When I need a pick- me- up, I can rely on the music like an old friend. Catchy lyrics, contagious beats, and good vibes flow through my mind, transporting me to another place. The experience is almost spiritual; it resonates within my core and reminds me of my roots. Hip Hop built me.
   I have discovered myself through self- expression. Through dance and motion I can utter what cannot describe in words. By belting out song lyrics, I relate to others. Countless of my most fond childhood memories include Hip- Hop sing-a-longs. Friendly collaborations made bonds; the music brought unity. Rich or poor, black or white, boy or girl, everyone belongs to the same culture. We understand each other because we speak the same language.
    The music has less to do with the violence and drug use and popularity, but more to do with how it feels to portray society we live in. Think of it as a lens through which another world opens up. Sharing in the experiences of others is one of the aspects that brings the unity.
   Author and musician James McBride discusses the aversion he first had towards hip- hop music. As the cultural movement began in the early 1980's, its influence became harder and harder to ignore. McBride realized the culture of "dance, graffiti, and dance" was something he could not escape. "Its structure is unique, complex, and at times bewildering" (para. 8). The author expresses the ignorance that blinded him. On the surface, hip- hop seems to embody materialism. Behind the lyrics, a new world is exposed.
     Hip- hop hold roots deep within us; the music is all around. Experience the culture. It has evolved throughout the ages, shaping each new generation. Never has a movement been so strong, and I encourage you to join.