My definition of writing is being able to express everything you want to say, verbally or mentally. Whenever I sit down and write something, I always want to transfer whatever emotion I'm feeling to the reader. Whether it's sadness, happiness, anger, love, or despair, the goal of the writer should be to push that emotion to the reader and be able to "show the story" instead of telling it. I'm always free with what I write and I treat each piece of writing as if I was having a general conversation with a close friend, having the confidence to be myself and express whatever I want.
When a new writer is starting out, no need to be afraid! Writing is a healthhy way to let out anger or distress. Writing is also a fantastic way to show someone you care! I know I express my feelings towards someone with words. But, of course, my actions back this up. Saying something is one thing, but being able to back it up makes it all worthwhile. One should be free with writing and willing to think outside the box. How boring would one be if he was always the same? Being spontaneous with writing is good, but make sure to be real. Because, if one lies, he's lying to himself.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Blog 11
The four letter word projects are writing in a different way. While the word is written, there are hidden messages to be discovered in the images. There is a general argument, but one can view that argument differently than another. Perhaps the four letter word projects are a sense of "unofficial writing," hiding a written message in the different pictures. They say that a picture says a thousand words, but it is our job to find the messages in the pictures.
While there isn't a written form of writing on the visuals, there is a message in each picture. The argument itself can be viewed as a form of writing. Even though one can't actually read the story word for word, the story is depicted through visual. Therefore, this is "unofficial writing." But, is this writing real?
While there isn't a written form of writing on the visuals, there is a message in each picture. The argument itself can be viewed as a form of writing. Even though one can't actually read the story word for word, the story is depicted through visual. Therefore, this is "unofficial writing." But, is this writing real?
Blog 10
In the poem, "Hubris at Zunzal," Rodney Jones is arging the pain he gets from losing something he loves. When he dumped the alcohol and coconut milk into the sounding sea, he regretted what he did. He realized how much he loved that drink. It proves the fact that one really doesn't know what he had until it was gone.
In life, everyone takes people for granted. One little mistake can cause a friendship or relationship to be ruined forever. It is important to be mindful, always thinking before doing or saying something that has hurt another. That person who was always there for you may not be there the next morning. But the truth of the matter is, we all know exactly what we have. We just don't want to face the cold hard truth that it can be lost in the blink of an eye because of one mistake.
In life, everyone takes people for granted. One little mistake can cause a friendship or relationship to be ruined forever. It is important to be mindful, always thinking before doing or saying something that has hurt another. That person who was always there for you may not be there the next morning. But the truth of the matter is, we all know exactly what we have. We just don't want to face the cold hard truth that it can be lost in the blink of an eye because of one mistake.
Blog 9
Whenever I put on text, it is not for any special reason. Personally, I'd rather be wearing a solid shirt or a shirt with a pattern. But, when it comes to wearing an article of clothing that has text on it, that will not be my first choice. Contradicting this, one of my favorite swearshirts says, "Tri-M Music Honor Society." But, it doesn't have a deeper meaning. If someone is wearing a shirt that says, "The Best," for example, he can look conceited, when he may not be trying to at all. Honestly, I don't expect people to read my shirts. Not only is it unnecessary, but i doesn't describe me as a person.
When I use Twitter or Facebook, I anticipate my readership to be either interested friends or nosy teens. Today's generation LOVES to know what's going on in others' lives, without having to necessarily ask. So, when a status is updated, one can pretty much guarantee it's being read by anyone out there in thesocial networking world. Because, of course, there is no such thing as privacy on the Internet.
The meaning of the texts we wear and the texts we tweet are completely different. If someone tweets, another will truly hear his voice because that person already knows the other and how he'd tweet. However, when one puts on a shirt that has a written message, it is very difficult to hear a voice. It could not be worn for a specific reason. It could be a random shirt that he pulled out of the drawer. Messages on text don't necessarily mean the same thing posted by a writer. Actions always speak louder than words!
When I use Twitter or Facebook, I anticipate my readership to be either interested friends or nosy teens. Today's generation LOVES to know what's going on in others' lives, without having to necessarily ask. So, when a status is updated, one can pretty much guarantee it's being read by anyone out there in thesocial networking world. Because, of course, there is no such thing as privacy on the Internet.
The meaning of the texts we wear and the texts we tweet are completely different. If someone tweets, another will truly hear his voice because that person already knows the other and how he'd tweet. However, when one puts on a shirt that has a written message, it is very difficult to hear a voice. It could not be worn for a specific reason. It could be a random shirt that he pulled out of the drawer. Messages on text don't necessarily mean the same thing posted by a writer. Actions always speak louder than words!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Blog Number 5: A Response to Zadie Smith
To conclude her essay, Zadie Smith discloses: “In this lecture I have been seeking to tentatively suggest that the voice that speaks with such freedom, thus unburdened by dogma and personal bias, thus flooded with empathy, might make a good president” (192). However, she rejects this claim by advocating for the many-voiced role of the poet. The difference between the rhetoric of a president and the rhetoric of a poet is that a president can be a complete hypocrite. For example, he knows about the problems the country is facing and says they will be fixed in a specific amount of time, but nothing ever gets fixed. The voice of a poet, however, goes one way, but can be interpreted by an outsider in many different ways. What can be a very melancholy poem may be viewed in a sense of happiness by another reader. As stated in many previous blog posts, it all depends on the perception.
Zadie Smith does not really suggest that there should be a difference. Everything is going to have a little bit of bias hidden in its shadows. It is up to the outside viewer to take that bias into consideration or offense, depending on the perception. As for the president, he needs to be real or else the country will fall to pieces. A piece of poetry, however, has bias hidden between the lines, but in order for an interpretation to be "right," it is all about perception.
Zadie Smith does not really suggest that there should be a difference. Everything is going to have a little bit of bias hidden in its shadows. It is up to the outside viewer to take that bias into consideration or offense, depending on the perception. As for the president, he needs to be real or else the country will fall to pieces. A piece of poetry, however, has bias hidden between the lines, but in order for an interpretation to be "right," it is all about perception.
Blog Number 8:A Piece of Writing by Jen Weng
Flexibility of voice leads to a flexibility in all things. When one does not have a rigid voice, one is more open-minded. One is able to experience different things, rather than stick to familiarity. Familiarity is not always the best option. It is more beneficial to learn something new. When one learns something new, one can share his or hr knowledge with the rest of the world.
Blog Number 7: A Response to Crayons
I found that the writer seemed to be limited by the use of crayon writing. While she did shape a compelling argument, I felt that she could have went on and pushed her view about thinking outside the box and trying something new even further. This writing is definitely good. I completely agree with the approach she was trying to make. When one "lets go," the writing is more enjoyable than when it's all rigid and serious.
I really appealed when the writer stated that familiarity isn't always the best approach. If one writes in a different voice than he's used to, the audience will almost always appeal to the taste of a new recipe. Also, the color scheme of magenta and purple is soothing to the naked eye. Visuals definitely count, but it is vital to hear the voice.
I really appealed when the writer stated that familiarity isn't always the best approach. If one writes in a different voice than he's used to, the audience will almost always appeal to the taste of a new recipe. Also, the color scheme of magenta and purple is soothing to the naked eye. Visuals definitely count, but it is vital to hear the voice.
Blog Number 6: Twouble With Twitter
Whenever I post on a social networking site, I always know exactly who my audience is. I try to express my true emotions in different statuses or tweets. For example, if I'm having a fantastic day, my statuses are generally happy. As a result, my friends or other outsiders on the website will comment, generating the same feedback. When a friend is happy, others around him generally get the same emotion in return. My relationship to my audience is usually pretty clear. I could thank my friends for being their amazing selves or show that someone really hurt me to no end and then the concern from outsiders really warms my heart.
We all know generally uses Twitter, Facebook, or any social networking device. Yes, while there are adults out there, it is generally directed towards the appeal of adolescents. Teens love to keep the public updated about their lives, sometimes a little too much. For example, there can be REALLY graphic statuses about wanting to get away from all sorts or being so deeply in love with someone. There are people out there who can use that info against others or simply bash them behind their backs, stating that they don't care about their so called "pathetic lives." There really are other people out there who always will have it worse off, and that is why I don't make any status updates too graphic.
Twitter really is not a valuable tool. Honestly, if someone has something to say to a specific person. he can just tell the other. Truth be told, not everyone out there is going to care and sometimes it looks as if the status updater is complaining. Any form of online text, whether it is a blog or a status update can be looked at the wrong way. It is up to the writer to take precautions and be mindful of what he posts online.
We all know generally uses Twitter, Facebook, or any social networking device. Yes, while there are adults out there, it is generally directed towards the appeal of adolescents. Teens love to keep the public updated about their lives, sometimes a little too much. For example, there can be REALLY graphic statuses about wanting to get away from all sorts or being so deeply in love with someone. There are people out there who can use that info against others or simply bash them behind their backs, stating that they don't care about their so called "pathetic lives." There really are other people out there who always will have it worse off, and that is why I don't make any status updates too graphic.
Twitter really is not a valuable tool. Honestly, if someone has something to say to a specific person. he can just tell the other. Truth be told, not everyone out there is going to care and sometimes it looks as if the status updater is complaining. Any form of online text, whether it is a blog or a status update can be looked at the wrong way. It is up to the writer to take precautions and be mindful of what he posts online.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Questions (Blog Post Number 4)
Zadie Smith makes the claim to the reader that, "How persistent this horror of the middling spot is, this dread of the interim place! It extends through the specter of the tragic mulatto, to the plight of the transsexual, to our present anxiety -- disguised as genteel concern -- for the contemporary immigrant, tragically split, we are sure, between worlds, ideas, cultures, voices -- whatever will become of them?(181-2)"
Is Zadie Smith stating that eventually, different ideas or cultures will be extinct?
Are people in today's society too self-absorbed to adapt to a different voice?
Is our anxiety going to make or break the society as a whole?
Will it be in our best interest to open our minds to different generations of culures?
Why are we so afraid of change?
Is it a true statement that "A leapord cannot change its spots overnight?"
Is Zadie Smith stating that eventually, different ideas or cultures will be extinct?
Are people in today's society too self-absorbed to adapt to a different voice?
Is our anxiety going to make or break the society as a whole?
Will it be in our best interest to open our minds to different generations of culures?
Why are we so afraid of change?
Is it a true statement that "A leapord cannot change its spots overnight?"
Does Twitter Afford a Purpose?
What I really think about the writing space that Twitter affords is generally a social one. Twitter is a social networking sight, usually aimed at teenagers. But the question of whether tweets are in fact a form of writing is not up for debate. Tweets are absolutely writing, no matter how short it may be. In each update, one can write for a different purpose. If someone is having a bad day where nothing is going right, a sad tweet may be posted. It is for friends or family to view it, commenting to answer this cry for help. However, a tweet may not always be a bad call for attention. If something fantastic has happened, the good mood will take one straight to the computer. There is no such thing as privacy on the Internet, as the general public is beginning to realize.
While tweets are basically for the social aspect, who's to say that communicating with others through the computer isn't a form of writing? As a matter of fact, it definitely is. As long as there is a purpose in the piece of writing, whether it is a tweet or a paragraph, writing is. Writing paints a story in the mind, as tweets and Facebook status updates imply. If there is a happy go lucky status update, an outside reader can instantly feel that emotion and paint a picture of that happiness. Because of the different purposes writing has, if tweets are posted for a reason, that reason makes it a piece (short or long) of writing.
While tweets are basically for the social aspect, who's to say that communicating with others through the computer isn't a form of writing? As a matter of fact, it definitely is. As long as there is a purpose in the piece of writing, whether it is a tweet or a paragraph, writing is. Writing paints a story in the mind, as tweets and Facebook status updates imply. If there is a happy go lucky status update, an outside reader can instantly feel that emotion and paint a picture of that happiness. Because of the different purposes writing has, if tweets are posted for a reason, that reason makes it a piece (short or long) of writing.
Reasons for Wearing Text
I'm not sure why so many people wear texts on their clothing and on their skin. Perhaps they feel that such portable writing serves to send a message that they cannot give with words. I know plenty of people who have song lyrics on their ankles, wrists, backs, or anywhere a tattoo can go. For example, one of my best friends has lyrics from a popular rock opera, "RENT." "No other road, no other way, no day but today." What does this mean to her? Perhaps she has forgotten about the past, doesn't focus on the future, and is solely living for today. Some forms of text on the body are inspirational. For instance, if one has "MOM" inscribed on their skin, clearly his mother had a tremendous impact on his life. He admries her for his own personal reasons, which would make the mother feel more than special. However, does this apply in all forms of text?
I have walked past various texts on shirts in my lifetime. One that struck with me was a shirt that stated, "You are beautiful." Is this message necessarily supposed to be given to the general public? Or is it so a compliment will be returned. It is common nature for one to compliment another in return for a compliment. If I were to be called "beautiful," I would probably give the same compliment to that person, whether it be on the outside or inside. But, are texts on the body simply cries for attention? Or do they serve a universal purpose?
Different forms of writing can express the inexpressable. Are texts on the body trying to tell a story or just attempting to send a message? Can it be a cry for help or a cry of happiness? Everyone is different, viewing visions or stories in a completely different way. It is up to the opinions of outsider to find the reasons. But, will the reasons be unanswered?
I have walked past various texts on shirts in my lifetime. One that struck with me was a shirt that stated, "You are beautiful." Is this message necessarily supposed to be given to the general public? Or is it so a compliment will be returned. It is common nature for one to compliment another in return for a compliment. If I were to be called "beautiful," I would probably give the same compliment to that person, whether it be on the outside or inside. But, are texts on the body simply cries for attention? Or do they serve a universal purpose?
Different forms of writing can express the inexpressable. Are texts on the body trying to tell a story or just attempting to send a message? Can it be a cry for help or a cry of happiness? Everyone is different, viewing visions or stories in a completely different way. It is up to the opinions of outsider to find the reasons. But, will the reasons be unanswered?
The Problem with Describing Trees
Robert Hass states that there is no "right answer" in language. Words can mean many different things and it all depends on the perception of the individual. However, Robert Hass can also be describing the trees as a human being. At any given moment, a human is almost always doing something a little differently than what might have been done before. It is up to an outsider to figure out the reasons for going about performing an action. People do things because of different emotions developiong a reaction to a stimulus. There can be many different reasons that a person does the things he does. It could be for passion or even done because of acting on impulse. Each perception is different, like the steady movements of a tree.
The wind blows on trees, but for what reasons? Does a stronger wind indicate a violent mood or an aroused one? Is the shedding of leaves in Autumn a bittersweet moment, letting go of the old and starting anew? Each human has a different perception of many different actions, and no opinion is necessarily "the right answer," like a general meaning of a word or perhaps a deeper meaning. Who's to say that a barren tree can't be the least bit beautiful? It is all up to what one views from the naked eye.
The phrase "Dance with me dancer. Oh, I will" can be seen as two people having a stern conversation. One person is trying to get the other to "dance with him," meaning to follow him. He is begging the other to go along with his point of view. The other person is trying to understand his personal perception, but may or may not agree with it. Really, there is no "right answer" for describing such a phenomenon. Everything happens for a reason, but are the reasons actually right?
The wind blows on trees, but for what reasons? Does a stronger wind indicate a violent mood or an aroused one? Is the shedding of leaves in Autumn a bittersweet moment, letting go of the old and starting anew? Each human has a different perception of many different actions, and no opinion is necessarily "the right answer," like a general meaning of a word or perhaps a deeper meaning. Who's to say that a barren tree can't be the least bit beautiful? It is all up to what one views from the naked eye.
The phrase "Dance with me dancer. Oh, I will" can be seen as two people having a stern conversation. One person is trying to get the other to "dance with him," meaning to follow him. He is begging the other to go along with his point of view. The other person is trying to understand his personal perception, but may or may not agree with it. Really, there is no "right answer" for describing such a phenomenon. Everything happens for a reason, but are the reasons actually right?
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Rockapella Folgers Commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feZ3htf4C1I (this is the video)
This commercial takes place on a "typical" morning. No one wants to get out of bed and the "5 more minutes" whining factors in. However, this morning will be different than any other morning. For the people involved in the commercial get to wake up to a nice warm cup of Folgers coffee. Wow, isn't that great? Not only will this cup of coffee be the highlight of the day, but the catchy song in the background really brightens up anyone's' mood. If only I did that every morning, I would never have a bad day ever again, right?
What makes this brand of coffee different from any other brand of coffee out there. What's the "secret" ingredient that makes this specific cup of coffee special? It's a matter of opinion. One may think that Chock Full of Nuts has more of the "spark" to wake them up. Every person is born different with individual preferences, so it can't be true that just Folgers brand coffee is the so called "best."
Another interesting observation is that the catchy song in the background is not your average instruments and voice. It is an A'Cappella arrangement. It is crazy how much of an influence A'Cappella music has on heightening the moods of people. I know that hearing good A'Cappella arrangements makes me feel happier. Of course, I'm not saying that EVERYONE feels happier, but it definitely draws listeners in to buying the product. Now, every single commercial knows the "secret weapon" to drawing listeners in. Good music = good product.
This commercial takes place on a "typical" morning. No one wants to get out of bed and the "5 more minutes" whining factors in. However, this morning will be different than any other morning. For the people involved in the commercial get to wake up to a nice warm cup of Folgers coffee. Wow, isn't that great? Not only will this cup of coffee be the highlight of the day, but the catchy song in the background really brightens up anyone's' mood. If only I did that every morning, I would never have a bad day ever again, right?
What makes this brand of coffee different from any other brand of coffee out there. What's the "secret" ingredient that makes this specific cup of coffee special? It's a matter of opinion. One may think that Chock Full of Nuts has more of the "spark" to wake them up. Every person is born different with individual preferences, so it can't be true that just Folgers brand coffee is the so called "best."
Another interesting observation is that the catchy song in the background is not your average instruments and voice. It is an A'Cappella arrangement. It is crazy how much of an influence A'Cappella music has on heightening the moods of people. I know that hearing good A'Cappella arrangements makes me feel happier. Of course, I'm not saying that EVERYONE feels happier, but it definitely draws listeners in to buying the product. Now, every single commercial knows the "secret weapon" to drawing listeners in. Good music = good product.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
German Beer Commercial
Generally, this commercial depicts an evening affair. This affair takes place at a big, luxurious house. Many people are seated, having a grand old time. The two hosts, male and female, each take three of their friends into two separate rooms. The girls go into a room where clearly she's "hit the jackpot." Expensive clothing, stylish shoes, and beautiful jewelry. What female doesn't wish she had these? Of course, the girls celebrate in screams of excitement. Overheard, the guys are shouting happily about something, too. A whole room full of beer. Because, of course, what guy can't live without beer?
One very interesting observation is that while the room full of clothes, shoes, and jewelry is very nice, it is also quite small and empty. Whereas, the room full of beer was huge and around every corner, one would be able to find a bottle of this highly valued beer. Also, another observation is that the girls don't seem to understand why the guys are so excited over this beer. What's so great about it? Is it because this beer is from Germany, the country that's most well-known for its beer and cars? If this is the case, it is peculiar that the girls did not react highly to this.
Everyone has heard it once before: males are more likely to drink than females. Is this the message that the commercial is trying to make? If so, this is a very sexist observation. The commercial generally points fingers at the 4 guys freaking out over the beer, whereas the females do not. If beer is what makes males happy and clothes and material items are what make females happy, one now knows what to get people for their birthdays. (as long as the males are of age!)
One very interesting observation is that while the room full of clothes, shoes, and jewelry is very nice, it is also quite small and empty. Whereas, the room full of beer was huge and around every corner, one would be able to find a bottle of this highly valued beer. Also, another observation is that the girls don't seem to understand why the guys are so excited over this beer. What's so great about it? Is it because this beer is from Germany, the country that's most well-known for its beer and cars? If this is the case, it is peculiar that the girls did not react highly to this.
Everyone has heard it once before: males are more likely to drink than females. Is this the message that the commercial is trying to make? If so, this is a very sexist observation. The commercial generally points fingers at the 4 guys freaking out over the beer, whereas the females do not. If beer is what makes males happy and clothes and material items are what make females happy, one now knows what to get people for their birthdays. (as long as the males are of age!)
Monday, September 12, 2011
AT&T Commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_iWajvrZns (this is the video)
In this commercial, two young kids were depicted as Hansel and Gretel. As the fairy tale states, Hansel and Gretel were walking alone in a forest, soon to be lost. These children were walking in the "forest" of skyscrapers, leaving behind pieces of bread as their only form of direction. For the span of day, the children were only walking, relying on the pieces of bread to be there when they returned. Once they were out of bread, something happened. The day quickly gave way to night, leaving the children lost and confused in the big city. Long and behold, the girl depicted as Gretel had a 3G cell phone, sponsored by AT&T. Once they got the information from the GPS, the mood changed from fear to relief as they skipped happily along the forest of skyscrapers. If it wasn't for this cell phone, they clearly would have been left alone to find their own way back.
With this commercial, one can infer that technology almost always ensures a form of security. For example, if a person is driving in his car alone, he'll always feel at ease if his GPS is in the glove compartment. People rely too much on technology to get them through difficult situations that they lose track of how to physically face obstacles and be street smart. But, AT&T is also depicted as the "best" cell phone company in the world. Is this really true? There are many other cell phone companies out there that can be just as fast as AT&T. Either way, technology has been used as a safety blanket and without this, people don't know how to step outside the comfort zone. This hurts society because people will not know what to do in a sticky situation without technology. Which is the best? Clearly it's AT&T because it gave the children a happy ending, like a fairy tale should.
In this commercial, two young kids were depicted as Hansel and Gretel. As the fairy tale states, Hansel and Gretel were walking alone in a forest, soon to be lost. These children were walking in the "forest" of skyscrapers, leaving behind pieces of bread as their only form of direction. For the span of day, the children were only walking, relying on the pieces of bread to be there when they returned. Once they were out of bread, something happened. The day quickly gave way to night, leaving the children lost and confused in the big city. Long and behold, the girl depicted as Gretel had a 3G cell phone, sponsored by AT&T. Once they got the information from the GPS, the mood changed from fear to relief as they skipped happily along the forest of skyscrapers. If it wasn't for this cell phone, they clearly would have been left alone to find their own way back.
With this commercial, one can infer that technology almost always ensures a form of security. For example, if a person is driving in his car alone, he'll always feel at ease if his GPS is in the glove compartment. People rely too much on technology to get them through difficult situations that they lose track of how to physically face obstacles and be street smart. But, AT&T is also depicted as the "best" cell phone company in the world. Is this really true? There are many other cell phone companies out there that can be just as fast as AT&T. Either way, technology has been used as a safety blanket and without this, people don't know how to step outside the comfort zone. This hurts society because people will not know what to do in a sticky situation without technology. Which is the best? Clearly it's AT&T because it gave the children a happy ending, like a fairy tale should.
Pantene Commerical
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7X_X1zdH8k (here is the video)
In this Pantene commercial, a deaf girl was told she could never learn to play the violin. While she was attempting to play in the beginning, she was ridiculed. Everyone around her would tell her that she was wasting her time because "it is impossible for a deaf girl to learn the complexities of the violin." The constant slamming of the violin to the ground connected to the girl's hopes of ever being "normal." Her struggling happiness was visible through her mediocre playing styles. Once the music stopped and the violin hit the floor, so did her happiness. She came into contact with a wise old man, who was an exceptional violinist. She had asked him, "Why am I different?" The old man had told her to not be like everyone else and that music was a "visual thing." In other words, people can not only hear music, but see it through their own eyes.
Before she performed in a classical music performance, she was holding back tears, seeing as her violin had been smashed into a million pieces, as was her heart. The only thing keeping it together was a little tape and a little glimmer of hope. After being continuously told that she can't play the violin, the girl was able to let go and "dare to be different." Now, it is obvious that a taped violin does not play very well, or at all. But, she played beautiful music in her own way. When she first started to play, she moved with the music. Her whole entire body was swaying to the rhythm, including her luscious locks of hair. In a short amount of time, she blossomed from a scared caterpillar into a confident butterfly who was clearly not afraid to think outside of the box. It was clear that the audience truly had a visual sense of the music inside of her. It shined from her soul to every single person in the audience, leaving them speechless. The wise old man's advice was right, music is visual. But, there is one point that was not made by this man.
Because the violin was smashed, and the girl's hearing was impaired, it was apparent that she was not playing. While music is a visual aspect, there is also a musical sense in silence. Silence can express the inexpressible, say more than words, and cut just like a knife. The young girl expressed music in her own way. It was not only the vision, but the silence that intrigued the audience more than sound ever could. Through the visual aspects and the silence that came along with it, the young girl showed that when a person dares to be different, he can truly "make it shine."
In this Pantene commercial, a deaf girl was told she could never learn to play the violin. While she was attempting to play in the beginning, she was ridiculed. Everyone around her would tell her that she was wasting her time because "it is impossible for a deaf girl to learn the complexities of the violin." The constant slamming of the violin to the ground connected to the girl's hopes of ever being "normal." Her struggling happiness was visible through her mediocre playing styles. Once the music stopped and the violin hit the floor, so did her happiness. She came into contact with a wise old man, who was an exceptional violinist. She had asked him, "Why am I different?" The old man had told her to not be like everyone else and that music was a "visual thing." In other words, people can not only hear music, but see it through their own eyes.
Before she performed in a classical music performance, she was holding back tears, seeing as her violin had been smashed into a million pieces, as was her heart. The only thing keeping it together was a little tape and a little glimmer of hope. After being continuously told that she can't play the violin, the girl was able to let go and "dare to be different." Now, it is obvious that a taped violin does not play very well, or at all. But, she played beautiful music in her own way. When she first started to play, she moved with the music. Her whole entire body was swaying to the rhythm, including her luscious locks of hair. In a short amount of time, she blossomed from a scared caterpillar into a confident butterfly who was clearly not afraid to think outside of the box. It was clear that the audience truly had a visual sense of the music inside of her. It shined from her soul to every single person in the audience, leaving them speechless. The wise old man's advice was right, music is visual. But, there is one point that was not made by this man.
Because the violin was smashed, and the girl's hearing was impaired, it was apparent that she was not playing. While music is a visual aspect, there is also a musical sense in silence. Silence can express the inexpressible, say more than words, and cut just like a knife. The young girl expressed music in her own way. It was not only the vision, but the silence that intrigued the audience more than sound ever could. Through the visual aspects and the silence that came along with it, the young girl showed that when a person dares to be different, he can truly "make it shine."
FWW 9/12/11
John Trimble makes the case that all writers are like warriors, defending claims and fortifying arguments. I agree with this trope. Of course, writers do not physically fight like warriors would. But, they do fight with words. Words strike more than actions will and writers will do whatever it takes to prove their points. No matter what outsiders may say about their personal opinions, writers will always have something to back their arguments up. One common goal that all writers possess is to show the readers that they know what they are talking about. Writers like to prove that they're right, for this is a quality in human nature. The facts and knowledge that writers possess is the "secret weapon" in the fight to prove a point.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
The Open Door to Future Blogs
So, here I am at Hofstra and I am blogging. Writing online makes me feel a few different emotions. First of all, I feel good because I LOVE writing. I could literally go on for hours and hours. With writing comes the ability to express oneself. There is so much to be said in words, but also to be read between the lines. One can figure out how another is feeling not just by reading the exact words, but also by digging a little deeper to "speak the unspoken." I, for one love the ability to express myself in this way. The people who know me best always know that if their birthday is coming up, a birthday novel is on the way. Not a birthday card, a birthday novel. Do you know how many people would do that? Not many people. I always say that the best gifts aren't the ones that are bought, but are the ones that come from the heart. I could easily go out and buy my best friend a necklace or shirt or even both. But, I feel there's a lot more to be said when you actually take the time to express how you feel about this person. Sometimes when I have so much to say in person, I can't find the words to speak. This is where writing comes in handy. It allows me to piece every thought together and let out everything going on in my heart and mind. This is why I feel online blogging will be great for me. Readers can feel what I am feeling and like I said, read between the lines.
While knowing that many people can read what I am writing, this can also be nerve wracking. For example, if I were to write something "wrong" or "stupid," I can be ridiculed for life. Ahh. This is a scary thought. And yes, this will probably get me ridiculed for life, yay. On that note, twelve minutes have passed and this was the amount of time I was alloted. There will be future blogs to come. But until then, I hope you enjoyed this and don't think I'm TOO much of a freak! :)
While knowing that many people can read what I am writing, this can also be nerve wracking. For example, if I were to write something "wrong" or "stupid," I can be ridiculed for life. Ahh. This is a scary thought. And yes, this will probably get me ridiculed for life, yay. On that note, twelve minutes have passed and this was the amount of time I was alloted. There will be future blogs to come. But until then, I hope you enjoyed this and don't think I'm TOO much of a freak! :)
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