I haven't done part A right away because I didn't want to insult anyone I liked for being a cool conformist.
Then my sister came home for boarding school and I knew she was the perfect person to interview. Everything she does- dresses, talks and acts- is to fit a precise label of cool. Her facade is "I don't give a shit". More exaggerated, I'd say she tries to be ghetto fabulous aka lil white girl trying to be "down". She wouldn't agree though.
She listens to music her friends like, dances the way guys like and pouts in pictures the way she thinks makes her look "cute". She acts tough, that is until one of her group mates calls her out on her fake demeanor, where she then proceeds to get on the defense that that person is more fake then herself. She is horid toour parents and is typically nicer when she needs money or the car. I feel bad for her at times because she does a lot to appeal to these people who may never take her seriously.
When I asked her a question like "how does it feel to fit in with a certain click" she responded "better then being with people I don't like". Respectable.
So I follow up with "but in what ways to you do things to make your friends like you?"
She then gets intensely defensive and starts exclaiming that she doesn't have to do anything, they already like her for who she is. She proceeds to explain how I'm fake and the ways I try hard to be something I'm not good enough for. She may be right, and yet I feel like I'm better then her. I think this might be how cliques work. People have to find others who are most like them, then identify who they are better than and who they wish they could be.
Jessica wishes she could be the female Eminem, while I sometimes catch myself aspiring to attempt to become a mock Blake Lively (I wish). What makes me think I'm better then Jessica when we practically do the same things, just for different types of people?
After walking away from her cursing rant, I thought of how scared she must get at times that someone isn't going to like her. And it isn't just my sister, its a large sum of people that fear they can't fit in, that they don't belong or may not be accepted.
But like my mom always said: If your fearful all the time, then your not living.
This makes me think of how so many people adjust their ways of life so that their considered cool, and then they become someone they never meant to be.
Its easier for some over others, who are already easily accepted.
I just think if everyone were to truily and genuinely "be themselves and do what they liked" all the time, then we may never get along with one another.
Social structure is what makes the world go round, and without it we may all go nuts.
Yet, its as if we're all trapped and have to decide what kind of citizens we're gana be.
Then we'll know what path to follow to be the best ________ we can be.
Part B:
Like I discussed above, some of my actions are caused by the desire for a bit more attention or recognition, whether to attract boys or seek approval from fellow trend followers.
Its hard not to feel special when you wear an outfit that is desired by other girls and happens to look good for you own body. It gives you a boost of confidence, and air of security that you know how to dress and wear the right attitude with it. But that feeling usually only lasts a day, where your then expected to repeat the fashion show the next day, robbing you of your time, money and energy.
And for what?
To prove yourself to people who may not even care all that much that you own the chic boots from Urban or new dress from Top Shop.
I do this is one of the least successful ways. I only partake in this masquerade every so often, and on the days I don't, I get critiqued and criticized by fashionista's (you know who you are) and informed how I could have improved had I had the blessed gift of style.
This, like everything in life, has to be taken with a grain of salt. I mean it is more practical to be comfortable and warm then suffering from blistered feet and little circulation.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Hw 30: Psychological and Philosophical Theorizing of cool
What are the sources of this sense of meaninglessness but also of the need for a sense of meaning?
An existentialists perspective on life typically asks the question "what is my meaning for living." It can be a haunting and depressing to think that everything is pointless when life is limited and your whole existence will be forgotten when the last person who knew you will die. People today have gone to the extreme measures to prevent being unnoticed or forgotten, for instance aspiring reality t.v. stars pulling stunts for attention, authors writing overly personal autobiography's and celebrities doing the unthinkable to stay in tabloids.
Although not everyone yearns for a purpose in the universe, there are other ways people seek acceptance and recognition from smaller crowds.
It can be concluded that everyone, in some shape or form needs that feeling of being wanted. Women seek it from men, men seek it from those more powerful them themselves, and the powerful seek awe from everyone. Large corporations promote products and release advertisements that are meant to attract customers by telling them they have an answer to a problem they NEED to fix. They use pop culture to lure people in, and some buy into it so they can fill the emptiness inside them with new toys that should either distract them from their inadequite lives or bring them one step closer to happiness. Whats ironic is how the CEO's go to these lengths to beat out the competition so they can make massive amounts of money , filling a hole of their own emptiness. Its like a never ending cycle of desire. But where did this need for meaning come from?
Many factors of American culture add into the younger generations obsession with beauty. Many straight women are corrupted to believe that a source of happiness comes from having an attractive, fashionable sexy demeanor envied by other women and aroused by men. Thanks to all the constant advertisement for products and programs that are supposed to help women acieve such a goal quickly and efficiently, women have become beauty perfecting maniacks. One New York Times article (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/fashion/03Boyer.html) shines a light on ways females figure would boost their self confidence, meant to make them happier and more likely to succeed. But for women to be constantly striving for perfection could lead to a never ending strain or unmet expectations and lack of achievement.
Valerie Boyer thought “If someone wants to make life a success, wants to feel good in their skin, wants to be part of society, one has to be thin or skinny, and then it’s not enough — one will have his body transformed with software that alters the image, so we enter a standardized and brainwashed world, and those who aren’t part of it are excluded from society.”
Albert Bandura is a Professor and Stanfors University a while simultaneously an author of Psychology, having written his first book Adolescent Aggression in 1959.
(Quote from http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/bandura.html)
Theory:
"Behaviorism, with its emphasis on experimental methods, focuses on variables we can observe, measure, and manipulate, and avoids whatever is subjective, internal, and unavailable -- i.e. mental. In the experimental method, the standard procedure is to manipulate one variable, and then measure its effects on another. All this boils down to a theory of personality that says that one’s environment causes one’s behavior."
Bandura did a study and analysis on the personality and aggression in adolescence. He conducted an observational learning study to test his inference at personality as an interaction among three “things:” the environment, behavior, and the person’s psychological processes. These psychological processes consist of our ability to entertain images in our minds, and language.
People in this society observe the actions and lifestyles of others, mainly those they wish to be more like such as celebrities and trend setters, and do what their told to be more like them.
An existentialists perspective on life typically asks the question "what is my meaning for living." It can be a haunting and depressing to think that everything is pointless when life is limited and your whole existence will be forgotten when the last person who knew you will die. People today have gone to the extreme measures to prevent being unnoticed or forgotten, for instance aspiring reality t.v. stars pulling stunts for attention, authors writing overly personal autobiography's and celebrities doing the unthinkable to stay in tabloids.
Although not everyone yearns for a purpose in the universe, there are other ways people seek acceptance and recognition from smaller crowds.
It can be concluded that everyone, in some shape or form needs that feeling of being wanted. Women seek it from men, men seek it from those more powerful them themselves, and the powerful seek awe from everyone. Large corporations promote products and release advertisements that are meant to attract customers by telling them they have an answer to a problem they NEED to fix. They use pop culture to lure people in, and some buy into it so they can fill the emptiness inside them with new toys that should either distract them from their inadequite lives or bring them one step closer to happiness. Whats ironic is how the CEO's go to these lengths to beat out the competition so they can make massive amounts of money , filling a hole of their own emptiness. Its like a never ending cycle of desire. But where did this need for meaning come from?
Many factors of American culture add into the younger generations obsession with beauty. Many straight women are corrupted to believe that a source of happiness comes from having an attractive, fashionable sexy demeanor envied by other women and aroused by men. Thanks to all the constant advertisement for products and programs that are supposed to help women acieve such a goal quickly and efficiently, women have become beauty perfecting maniacks. One New York Times article (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/fashion/03Boyer.html) shines a light on ways females figure would boost their self confidence, meant to make them happier and more likely to succeed. But for women to be constantly striving for perfection could lead to a never ending strain or unmet expectations and lack of achievement.
Valerie Boyer thought “If someone wants to make life a success, wants to feel good in their skin, wants to be part of society, one has to be thin or skinny, and then it’s not enough — one will have his body transformed with software that alters the image, so we enter a standardized and brainwashed world, and those who aren’t part of it are excluded from society.”
Albert Bandura is a Professor and Stanfors University a while simultaneously an author of Psychology, having written his first book Adolescent Aggression in 1959.
(Quote from http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/bandura.html)
Theory:
"Behaviorism, with its emphasis on experimental methods, focuses on variables we can observe, measure, and manipulate, and avoids whatever is subjective, internal, and unavailable -- i.e. mental. In the experimental method, the standard procedure is to manipulate one variable, and then measure its effects on another. All this boils down to a theory of personality that says that one’s environment causes one’s behavior."
Bandura did a study and analysis on the personality and aggression in adolescence. He conducted an observational learning study to test his inference at personality as an interaction among three “things:” the environment, behavior, and the person’s psychological processes. These psychological processes consist of our ability to entertain images in our minds, and language.
People in this society observe the actions and lifestyles of others, mainly those they wish to be more like such as celebrities and trend setters, and do what their told to be more like them.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Hw 29: Merchants
This program on PBS revealed some of the tactics and lengths some large corporations go to sell a product. It proposed some complex points, that perhaps if a product isn't as in demand as to make them millionaires, they use pop culture and the desires of youth to make it into main stream and popular product.
"Is it nostalgic to think that when we were young it was any different. That the thing we called youth culture wasn't something was just being sold to us, it was something that came from us. An act of expression not just of consumption. Has that boundary been completely erased?"
"Is it nostalgic to think that when we were young it was any different. That the thing we called youth culture wasn't something was just being sold to us, it was something that came from us. An act of expression not just of consumption. Has that boundary been completely erased?"
People become so money hungry, so power driven and need to be ahead of the competition that art has become one big marketing campaign. It seems like once these experts find admirable beauty in things they only thing of it as a way to get ahead as opposed to appreciating it and savoring it for what it is.
Body image is used in the same way. Cooperate America takes a demeanor that is desired by the majority, for instance the midriffs referred to in the video. The general population of teenage girls all look up to model's and actresses of a certain style, figure and features. Advertisers use this as a way to convince girls that their product will bring the girls one step closer to achieving
But then again, people need these products just as much as these corporations need their money. Americans are cereal consumers addicted to purchasing new things as a way of making themselves feel better, perhaps they think they deserve all the latest gadgets and would feel more valuable themselves if they had it.
Entertainment companies own many aspects of society,
Look at teen market as major empire, their going to take over with weaponry or music, TV, clothing and all a part of this market.
"The MTV machine listens heavily to children, being ahead of the curve so you can give them what you want them to have. The MTV tunes in so that they can pitch what Viacom wants to SELL."
These corporations try to use celebrities and main stream luxuries to make products they want to make a lot of money off of more appealing. These corporations want teens to think its what they want as if their being original on their own.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Hw 28: Informal Research
"You gotta open yourself up to all kinds of people and all kinds of interesting opportunities if you really want to be cool. Cause if you limit yourself to some narrow definition of cool you're gonna end up an ignorant loser."
I can't find the web site i found this on, it was written by a former high school student on his theory of "cool" and his big revelation he finally came to at the end of his High School career. This was the most valuable quote from the whole paper, all the other points were repetition of what we already discussed.
http://www.ctheory.net/articles.aspx?id=338
This was article written by Jeff Rice entitled What is Cool? Notes on Intellectualism, Popular Culture, and Writing. He raises the same points we have but words them better and backs them up with well thought out examples.
He refers to an advertising section that was in Wired magazine called "The Phenomena of being cool" where it begins with the statement "Attempting to capture cool is a trap." I instantly think this means that if you not initially cool on your own, aspiring to become it by figuring out what is commonly seen as cool and mimicking it would turn you into a wanabee poser which is actually the most uncool quality in the book. Trying to hard is universally seen as lame, no one giver you credit for effort when trying to fit in with a certain crowd. It seems like trying to trap cool and hold on to it to analyze later only makes you seem like you care too much, yet another uncool attribute.
"Cool became remote, the opposite of mass. It morphed into the gadget, car, person, or party available to few but coveted by many."
Cool is like a valuable luxury, desired by many but owned by few. If everyone was considered cool then such a title would lose its value and less people would feel special about being cool. Its all about status, being a higher ranking then another, seen as the star in multiple people's movies. Not everyone is corrupted with such a glim outlook, and its more easily the people who don't care about it that succeed at actually achieving it.
On the other hand, this quote sums up easily how cool is a limited supply to be distributed only to the ones who invest the most money, time to appearance and networking to get into the right crowds. Now that I think about it, there are probably those who do put a lot of effort into being cool, and while their effort may pay off others may just not cut it.
As I continued my researched I realized there are various websites that can help those in need of becoming cool in short simple steps.
I got this from AskMen.com: http://www.askmen.com/money/how_to_250/252_how_to.html
It made me laugh when I first read it because it gave about 15 "simple ways" of transforming your self into a considerably cool person, arguably though I would say into a tool. The rules are juvenile and one of them even say trying too hard to be cool is notably uncool, and yet that's exactly what the site is constructing desperate internet nerds to do.
From a website SoSuave.com the author lists the fundamental aspects of cool that any man who wants to get a women needs to live by. It is one of many dating sites that instruct men how to act, dress and talk. To be able to follow these rules to the core where a person would act this way all the time seems ABSURD. It makes me wonder what it says about women of this society, if we could possibly be tricked into beleiving all men were as gunine as we thought or if there is really a good website behind the charm.
So suave says:
THE DEFINITION OF COOL
http://www.mindfields.org.uk/blog/?p=140 - How to be Cool and Attractive , written in 2007
“Do you know the old story about the Sun and the North Wind having a bet about which one of them could get some guy to take his coat off? Well, the North Wind had a go and blew his hardest, but the guy just clung to his coat with all his strength. But all the Sun had to do was shine and the guy took off his coat because he was too hot."
All these sites about how to be cool make me wonder how many successful cases there have been. Its been elaborated in class that there are two types of people, those who care about being cool and those who don't. Its been established that some of those people who don't care end up being inevitably considered cool anyways, while others have to work to keep such a status, perhaps by investing in trendy clothes, expensive work out plans and flashy gadgets. But is it possible that some people are so superficial, so shallow that they have to resort to changing their day to day way of life just to fit in with a larger crowd? Is it that much more important to be valued by the majority as opposed to a smaller more meaningful selective others?
I can't find the web site i found this on, it was written by a former high school student on his theory of "cool" and his big revelation he finally came to at the end of his High School career. This was the most valuable quote from the whole paper, all the other points were repetition of what we already discussed.
http://www.ctheory.net/articles.aspx?id=338
This was article written by Jeff Rice entitled What is Cool? Notes on Intellectualism, Popular Culture, and Writing. He raises the same points we have but words them better and backs them up with well thought out examples.
He refers to an advertising section that was in Wired magazine called "The Phenomena of being cool" where it begins with the statement "Attempting to capture cool is a trap." I instantly think this means that if you not initially cool on your own, aspiring to become it by figuring out what is commonly seen as cool and mimicking it would turn you into a wanabee poser which is actually the most uncool quality in the book. Trying to hard is universally seen as lame, no one giver you credit for effort when trying to fit in with a certain crowd. It seems like trying to trap cool and hold on to it to analyze later only makes you seem like you care too much, yet another uncool attribute.
"Cool became remote, the opposite of mass. It morphed into the gadget, car, person, or party available to few but coveted by many."
Cool is like a valuable luxury, desired by many but owned by few. If everyone was considered cool then such a title would lose its value and less people would feel special about being cool. Its all about status, being a higher ranking then another, seen as the star in multiple people's movies. Not everyone is corrupted with such a glim outlook, and its more easily the people who don't care about it that succeed at actually achieving it.
On the other hand, this quote sums up easily how cool is a limited supply to be distributed only to the ones who invest the most money, time to appearance and networking to get into the right crowds. Now that I think about it, there are probably those who do put a lot of effort into being cool, and while their effort may pay off others may just not cut it.
As I continued my researched I realized there are various websites that can help those in need of becoming cool in short simple steps.
I got this from AskMen.com: http://www.askmen.com/money/how_to_250/252_how_to.html
It made me laugh when I first read it because it gave about 15 "simple ways" of transforming your self into a considerably cool person, arguably though I would say into a tool. The rules are juvenile and one of them even say trying too hard to be cool is notably uncool, and yet that's exactly what the site is constructing desperate internet nerds to do.
From a website SoSuave.com the author lists the fundamental aspects of cool that any man who wants to get a women needs to live by. It is one of many dating sites that instruct men how to act, dress and talk. To be able to follow these rules to the core where a person would act this way all the time seems ABSURD. It makes me wonder what it says about women of this society, if we could possibly be tricked into beleiving all men were as gunine as we thought or if there is really a good website behind the charm.
So suave says:
THE DEFINITION OF COOL
- Being independent
- Being indifferent
- Being funny
- Being socially adjusted
http://www.mindfields.org.uk/blog/?p=140 - How to be Cool and Attractive , written in 2007
“Do you know the old story about the Sun and the North Wind having a bet about which one of them could get some guy to take his coat off? Well, the North Wind had a go and blew his hardest, but the guy just clung to his coat with all his strength. But all the Sun had to do was shine and the guy took off his coat because he was too hot."
All these sites about how to be cool make me wonder how many successful cases there have been. Its been elaborated in class that there are two types of people, those who care about being cool and those who don't. Its been established that some of those people who don't care end up being inevitably considered cool anyways, while others have to work to keep such a status, perhaps by investing in trendy clothes, expensive work out plans and flashy gadgets. But is it possible that some people are so superficial, so shallow that they have to resort to changing their day to day way of life just to fit in with a larger crowd? Is it that much more important to be valued by the majority as opposed to a smaller more meaningful selective others?
Monday, November 30, 2009
Hw 27: Informal Research
FAMILY
For the assignment where we were required to interview someone in our families we ourselves find cool. I had a difficult time identifying whom in my family I admired the most since I really don't look up yo any of them. My uncle is a bigot, my dad is a nut and my other uncle is sl0wly losing it as well. I didn't want to interview my mom because I figured that would be cliche, and I really don't understand my sister much.
So when I really thought about it, I was stuck between my little cousin and Aunt Tina.
I decided to interview both.
When I pulled my 13 year old cousin Samantha aside and asked her what she thought was cool , she said:
"Music."
When I asked her to elaborate, she responded by saying:
"What I mean is that I think any genera of music is cool because it can express how you feel and you can relate to it, no matter what kind of beat it is and singer is singing it. Anyone who can enjoy and appreciate music is cool to me. "
"I also think photography is cool, it captures the special moments in a lifestyle. I'm determined to document major aspects of my life so that I don't forget what I was at this moment in time."
I was blown away with that answer, and I realized my little cousin wasn't so little anymore. When did that happen?
"OH, also I think chastity is cool, saving yourself for the right person."
Now this belief was drilled into her head by the priests at the catholic private school she attends and her highly religious parents I'm sure, but I was still impressed that she referred to it as "cool".
When I asked her what she thought was UNCOOL all she said was smoking. "Its unattractive and it has such bad consequences that I don't get why people even start."
Aunt Tina
Friends
Venetia Geras thought that cool was...
"Being accepted by your friends. Its great to be your own person and not pose as something your not and in the process find people who enjoy your company."
Do you think your cool?
"Yes because the people I choose to surround myself with like me and I think its cool that I'm accepted for who I am."
How does the way you dress reflect your perception of cool?
"I basically think its cool not to dress like a hobo... I dress so that I look the part, basically to look good. If you don't dress well enough, that how will people ever feel comfortable to approach you?"
What kind of cool qualities do you look for in the opposite sex?
"I like guys who are confident, have a great sense of humor, a good heart and who isn't a slob, basically who knows how to take care of themselves."
Whose cooler, Obama or the Pope?
Obama, because he isn't narrow minded and cool people are usually open to new idea's."
I know I wasn't supposed to interview someone in your class, but I did anyway because I think Chloe Hillman is really cool and I know I'd get a good answer out of her. Her opinion was:
"Everyone cares about whats cool because we're raised and programed to know what to like and what not to like. I used to want to fit in and not I want to be unique but obviously not to the point where its weird. People who say "I don't give a shit" are lying, we all care in some way. We all portray cool in different ways and want others to notice our interpretation."
Street Interviews
Person #1- Aja and I decided to venture away from the school to an area where there were more stores, seeking out people we would more commonly consider cool. A young guy in his twenties working in Miss Sixty store on Park Avenue was willing to answer some of our questions, which is more then what I can say for his cowerker. When we asked him what his definition of cool was, he said in a rather gereric way that he thinkgs charasmatic people (like him) are cool and people who can keep composure under pressure. "Everything is energy, and being involved in it is what makes you cool." I asked if his outfit fits his image of cool and he said "I dress like this becase I want to, because I think it shows energy."
This guy was quite cocky, surprisingly so because he actually was dressed pretty tacky and wasn't all that good looking. I suppose some people build up an image in their mind of cool and somehow try to play it off that thats who they are. He found Obama cooler then the Pope because Obama is more charasmatic, but he lacked and real evidence of why he thought so.
Person # 2- I liked this guy a lot better from the first. He looked rather nerdy, sporting old fashion running shoes, croocked teeth and uncombed hair. He thought that living your own rules was cool and "not letting people tell you how to live." When Aja asked who he thought was cooler, the Pope or Obama he siad "Definitely Obama, because he supports something better then the catholic church.... and he's good looking." He said he thought strongly about being indifferent to conforming. That really made Aja and I stop and think.
Person #3- The last person we got to interview was the hugely buff Fabio looking fellow who is always seen walking around the neighborhood. He thought people who are reasonable and understanding are cool and who don't judge. When we aked him how he incorperated style into being cool, he said he really only cares about being comfortable, which is obvious from the ripped shirt and baggy sweater he was sporting.
For the assignment where we were required to interview someone in our families we ourselves find cool. I had a difficult time identifying whom in my family I admired the most since I really don't look up yo any of them. My uncle is a bigot, my dad is a nut and my other uncle is sl0wly losing it as well. I didn't want to interview my mom because I figured that would be cliche, and I really don't understand my sister much.
So when I really thought about it, I was stuck between my little cousin and Aunt Tina.
I decided to interview both.
When I pulled my 13 year old cousin Samantha aside and asked her what she thought was cool , she said:
"Music."
When I asked her to elaborate, she responded by saying:
"What I mean is that I think any genera of music is cool because it can express how you feel and you can relate to it, no matter what kind of beat it is and singer is singing it. Anyone who can enjoy and appreciate music is cool to me. "
"I also think photography is cool, it captures the special moments in a lifestyle. I'm determined to document major aspects of my life so that I don't forget what I was at this moment in time."
I was blown away with that answer, and I realized my little cousin wasn't so little anymore. When did that happen?
"OH, also I think chastity is cool, saving yourself for the right person."
Now this belief was drilled into her head by the priests at the catholic private school she attends and her highly religious parents I'm sure, but I was still impressed that she referred to it as "cool".
When I asked her what she thought was UNCOOL all she said was smoking. "Its unattractive and it has such bad consequences that I don't get why people even start."
Aunt Tina
Friends
Venetia Geras thought that cool was...
"Being accepted by your friends. Its great to be your own person and not pose as something your not and in the process find people who enjoy your company."
Do you think your cool?
"Yes because the people I choose to surround myself with like me and I think its cool that I'm accepted for who I am."
How does the way you dress reflect your perception of cool?
"I basically think its cool not to dress like a hobo... I dress so that I look the part, basically to look good. If you don't dress well enough, that how will people ever feel comfortable to approach you?"
What kind of cool qualities do you look for in the opposite sex?
"I like guys who are confident, have a great sense of humor, a good heart and who isn't a slob, basically who knows how to take care of themselves."
Whose cooler, Obama or the Pope?
Obama, because he isn't narrow minded and cool people are usually open to new idea's."
I know I wasn't supposed to interview someone in your class, but I did anyway because I think Chloe Hillman is really cool and I know I'd get a good answer out of her. Her opinion was:
"Everyone cares about whats cool because we're raised and programed to know what to like and what not to like. I used to want to fit in and not I want to be unique but obviously not to the point where its weird. People who say "I don't give a shit" are lying, we all care in some way. We all portray cool in different ways and want others to notice our interpretation."
Street Interviews
Person #1- Aja and I decided to venture away from the school to an area where there were more stores, seeking out people we would more commonly consider cool. A young guy in his twenties working in Miss Sixty store on Park Avenue was willing to answer some of our questions, which is more then what I can say for his cowerker. When we asked him what his definition of cool was, he said in a rather gereric way that he thinkgs charasmatic people (like him) are cool and people who can keep composure under pressure. "Everything is energy, and being involved in it is what makes you cool." I asked if his outfit fits his image of cool and he said "I dress like this becase I want to, because I think it shows energy."
This guy was quite cocky, surprisingly so because he actually was dressed pretty tacky and wasn't all that good looking. I suppose some people build up an image in their mind of cool and somehow try to play it off that thats who they are. He found Obama cooler then the Pope because Obama is more charasmatic, but he lacked and real evidence of why he thought so.
Person # 2- I liked this guy a lot better from the first. He looked rather nerdy, sporting old fashion running shoes, croocked teeth and uncombed hair. He thought that living your own rules was cool and "not letting people tell you how to live." When Aja asked who he thought was cooler, the Pope or Obama he siad "Definitely Obama, because he supports something better then the catholic church.... and he's good looking." He said he thought strongly about being indifferent to conforming. That really made Aja and I stop and think.
Person #3- The last person we got to interview was the hugely buff Fabio looking fellow who is always seen walking around the neighborhood. He thought people who are reasonable and understanding are cool and who don't judge. When we aked him how he incorperated style into being cool, he said he really only cares about being comfortable, which is obvious from the ripped shirt and baggy sweater he was sporting.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Hw 26: Pix & Q's
I unfortunately couldn't get an interview for the first two ladies above because they were both in a hurry to either catch a train or flag down a cab, but they were both gracious enough to pose for a picture showing off their outfits. I know this style is something you've probably all seen before from fashionista's of our grade like the lovely Beatrice and Ali Jo, but what I liked most about these trendy women was how they didn't need to be a size two to flaunt their taste in clothes. It was the fact that their average sized young people who poses typical New York fashion mixed with their own bold twists like unique booties and vibrant purses, that I found so admirable and praise worthy. I've always idolized people who make a style work no matter their imperfections, regardless of what other people think and the general followers of such fashion. The first woman I saw was a photographer, and I thought he had exactly the right demeanor for her fast paced job. The second women I hear works for a magazine, so there is no surprise that she would be so well dressed, sporting gorgeous white laced boots I was practically drooling over.
NOTE: The next several interviews were conducted with Chloe, so if one or two of the same people show up on both our blogs its because we both awed the persons fashion. :)
This next girl I saw I practically fell over myself to track down before she walked too far to interview. Unfortunately the picture doesn't serve her justice since in addition to impecable taste in clothes and gorgeous hair she also had reeally unique peircincs including a septum one. She was edgy yet feminie and she had a confidence that I was in awe of. I suppose it was the fact that she could stand out so successfully that made her seem cool to me. When Chloe and I asked her what her perception of cool was, she said she thought New York was cool and that she idolizes trend setters like David Bowie and Lady Gaga. "People who don't give a shit, who are fearless."
This of course is one of the 5 most common responses we expected to hear from people, and I wasn't especially surprised she was the kibnd of person who thought defying the norm was cool.
I like this next girls casual chicness. She was working at one of those booths that sit in the carnval of stands that pop up in Union Square around christmas time, and what I really loved were the authentic leather bags she was selling. When Chloe asked her how much her whole outfit amounted to she estimated around $160 give or take. Mainly it was her Steve Maden boots that cost $120 that made her total so large, the rest of her clothes she said she bought at forever 21. Since I generally think forever has really tacky clothing, I was impressed she pulled off a relatively trendy outfit.
She finds people who know a lot to be cool, who are interesting and funny and who doesn;t judge others. This made me think that she is someone who has been judged and resports to friends who are shy and boring, but I could be wrong.
When I asked what celebrities she finds cool she listed two people I've never heard of, so I assume that she takes pride in original taste which is another perception of cool people take most pride in.
This last person I interviewed so far actually approached me! Its an old friend from camp Anya who goes to Laguardia, and who happend to be in Beatrice's social circle so you know she has to be cool. I especially liked her jacket and boots, she's possesed a style that I've secretly taken notice of on faceook for a while and she has a really laid back personality to go with it. "Being who you are is whats cool... um, not being a loser? lol"
She thought that NOT trying to be a part of a group is whats cool, I assume she meant conforming to a certain social circle or being labled. She liked being comfortable, reffering to her outfit and her lifestyle. It was a slighty different answer then most, but I guess being comfortable with yourself is the same as being yourself and that of course is what we're all encouraged to do.
I really liked this responbse because it didn't seem like she was TRYING to be cool when saying it like some others are.
I'm a little disatisfied with myself for not interviewing any men even though there were plenty of good looking ones I wish I had worked up the nerve to approach. But generally since I am a girl I only usually pay more attention to other cool girls.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Hw 25: Story comments
Part 1:My Story comments to various peers:
Sam,
I really enjoyed your story, probably because I'm such a romantic and you really embodied how this guy had a thing for this girl with out flatly saying so in one sentence. You compressed the scene nicely and its easy to tell that your interpretation of cool is someone who doesn't think their too good for anyone.
I think a reoccurring problem in high school is that when teenagers (especially girls) grow out of their awkward stages and into their good looks, they become superficial and egotistical over it. Its clear that an ideally cool girl to you would have confidence and modesty.
Great job :)
- Alicia
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHRIS!
This was your story?
Andy read it in class two Friday's ago and I was blown away.
I'm pleasantly surprised it was your story, I never knew how well you wrote. You did a fantastic job with this assignment, for one because you didn't write about the typical type of cool but the more admirable type, like a father who would do anything for his kids. For two you wrote about a realistic scenario as opposed to a fantasy heroine like most of us wrote about.
I thought it was brilliant how you included the mother's boyfriend as the "typical" form of cool that most kids would idolize more because of his flashy luxuries, but that in the end it took the death of the father for the kid to realize how very amazing his own father was.
You used examples like working two jobs but always making time for the children in his life, including one who weren't even biologically his, to embody how he put others first, a quality most kids overlook in their parents.
Very very well done, I plan on looking at you blog more often and look forward to reading what else you have contribute to this class.
:D
- Alicia
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evannnn,
I didn't know this was your story being read aloud on Friday! I thought it was very well written and a perfect example how how people fall under PRESSURE to be cool.
This is definitely a conflict that has popped up before, for some reason in high school slacking off and not giving a shit is seen as bad ass and way cooler then doing well.
I'm not sure if I'm right, but it seems like in the last paragraph when Mike finally decides to circle the correct answer and get the grade he deserved, you were portraying that being true to yourself is much cooler then dumbing yourself down to "appear" cool.
Great work
- Alicia
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chlohoe!
Hey mommy, I'd like to tell you that I really enjoyed your story, simply because this is YOU and you are definitely one of the coolest people I know.
I can tell cool to you is a person who makes their own rules, follows their own trends and doesn't let anyone interfere with who she is.
I like how you embodied all that in your story with one compressed scene just like we were supposed to. You used a common example that we all go through, except your character portrays a complex trait that no other person had. They are independent, rebellious yet not in a way that insults the intelligence of others.
I agree that being cool is trying your best to do well but with out imposing consequences to your true beliefs.
Lovely job hun <3 - Alicia ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!
I read your story Thursday night, I loved it then and I love it now. Its not just because I would personally like your character and their spontaneous act of enthusiasm, but the fact that they are bold enough to do what they want when they want is a quality that is in fact cool. I like that you used a simple, compressed example that I'm sure you may have experienced in your class once before. That being said, you also envisioned a scenario that said a lot in not so many words which to me encompasses good writing skills. I like that you character does something unexpected especially for their personality. He is an attentive well behaved student who can also have a great time and be somewhat of a trend setter. He was able to stand up to the teacher without insulting or threatening their authority, which is pretty rare for our age and this school. You didn't have a hero who did something extreme or badass like most people would have,you had a typical average joe (or ryan) who did something that HE would be proud of which is better then any typically common act of "cool". Pretty prettyprettyprettypretty well done. :D - Alicia ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Max, I was pleasantly surprised you actually did this assignment. Nice to see you have a creative side. Your story was interesting and although you were straight forward wit your perception of whats cool you suggested it in a different way then others. I got from your story that a quality you find cool in people is trust and loyalty. Although it took tragedy for both Pascal and Roxy to help them relate to one another, there were still able to confide in each other because of the common bond which wasn't easy for Pascal. Your cool person seems a lot more realistic, sadly, then most others. The people who are seen as cool are typically those who think their better then everyone else, which makes your character the most believable. You embodied the egotistical jerk quite nicely, well done. :) - Alica ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Beabear, Huh, interesting character. It sounds like something you'd see in the movies, the mysterious unpredictable cool new kid who everyone wonders about but can't quite figure out. I like her attitude of not caring what others thought and being bold enough to stand up and speak when no one else would. Its seems to me you admire people who groove to the beat of their own drums and makes it work because they believe it works. She doesn't need the reassurance of others, nor does she care about what is the norm. That is definitively a quality most people would find cool. I loved the way you structured your story too, you compressed it into a couple scenes that easily embodied the personality of your character. I thought I had figured your character out as the badass rebel who wasn't afraid to take fashion risks and who went against school rules by listening to music in class and walking in late. But then she stood up and showed an intellectual side, proving she was more that met the eye. I like that. Well done gurl :) - Alicia ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Part 2: Analysis of stories
This was such an eye opening assignment, what an interesting way to get to know my peers. A lot of these stories reflected the values of typical American teenagers. They idolize the rebellious noble person who defies the norm and does there own thing, but successfully.
I was impressed at how many people included academics in their stories, how even though most of us seem like we don't give a shit, deep down we desire to have great social lives while also managing good grades and intellectuality.
I thought Evan's was the most realistic story, a dilemma many people striving to be cool face. There is such pressure in society to have come form of social status that some people have to dumb themselves down to accomplish such image. The desire to fit in can over power the skill to excel and do well. The baffling part is that no one would think that someone who tries so hard to be cool that they purposely fail is cool, but instead pretty desperate.
But the stories that stood out the most to me were ones that didn't discuss high school coolness, but real life cool like Chris R's and Ali Jo's. Something I stressed in my other blog post was how our image of whats cool varies with our moral values, something that is increasingly changing as we get older. Its seems that as we age, its the little things that satisfy us more then our image or physical demeanor. Once we have more purpose and responsibility, people begin to have a better appreciation, its just hard to get the younger generation to value life in the same way.
A majority of the stories told the short tale of trend setters, teenagers who don't wait to be told the rules but sets them for themselves. Its blatantly obvious that this generation idolizes people who stand out and only conforms to whats trendy but not so much that everyone has it. A lot of people want to be praised for their originality more then they'd like to admit how much they want to fit in. Its seems like unique style only works when you have a following, otherwise it comes across as weird or obnoxious.
It also seems, like we discussed in class previously, that having a voice that is projected and listened to, is also perceived as cool. Take Conor's story. The trouble maker had a bad attitude and a colorful vocabulary that he used to put down another and did so that it humored his freind. But it wasn't until someone was louder that he shut up, proving that volume dominates which gave the girl leverage.
Baically, cool lies within the eyes of the beholder and you can only really be cool if you respect yourself and have the respect of others.
Sam,
I really enjoyed your story, probably because I'm such a romantic and you really embodied how this guy had a thing for this girl with out flatly saying so in one sentence. You compressed the scene nicely and its easy to tell that your interpretation of cool is someone who doesn't think their too good for anyone.
I think a reoccurring problem in high school is that when teenagers (especially girls) grow out of their awkward stages and into their good looks, they become superficial and egotistical over it. Its clear that an ideally cool girl to you would have confidence and modesty.
Great job :)
- Alicia
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHRIS!
This was your story?
Andy read it in class two Friday's ago and I was blown away.
I'm pleasantly surprised it was your story, I never knew how well you wrote. You did a fantastic job with this assignment, for one because you didn't write about the typical type of cool but the more admirable type, like a father who would do anything for his kids. For two you wrote about a realistic scenario as opposed to a fantasy heroine like most of us wrote about.
I thought it was brilliant how you included the mother's boyfriend as the "typical" form of cool that most kids would idolize more because of his flashy luxuries, but that in the end it took the death of the father for the kid to realize how very amazing his own father was.
You used examples like working two jobs but always making time for the children in his life, including one who weren't even biologically his, to embody how he put others first, a quality most kids overlook in their parents.
Very very well done, I plan on looking at you blog more often and look forward to reading what else you have contribute to this class.
:D
- Alicia
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evannnn,
I didn't know this was your story being read aloud on Friday! I thought it was very well written and a perfect example how how people fall under PRESSURE to be cool.
This is definitely a conflict that has popped up before, for some reason in high school slacking off and not giving a shit is seen as bad ass and way cooler then doing well.
I'm not sure if I'm right, but it seems like in the last paragraph when Mike finally decides to circle the correct answer and get the grade he deserved, you were portraying that being true to yourself is much cooler then dumbing yourself down to "appear" cool.
Great work
- Alicia
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chlohoe!
Hey mommy, I'd like to tell you that I really enjoyed your story, simply because this is YOU and you are definitely one of the coolest people I know.
I can tell cool to you is a person who makes their own rules, follows their own trends and doesn't let anyone interfere with who she is.
I like how you embodied all that in your story with one compressed scene just like we were supposed to. You used a common example that we all go through, except your character portrays a complex trait that no other person had. They are independent, rebellious yet not in a way that insults the intelligence of others.
I agree that being cool is trying your best to do well but with out imposing consequences to your true beliefs.
Lovely job hun <3 - Alicia ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!
I read your story Thursday night, I loved it then and I love it now. Its not just because I would personally like your character and their spontaneous act of enthusiasm, but the fact that they are bold enough to do what they want when they want is a quality that is in fact cool. I like that you used a simple, compressed example that I'm sure you may have experienced in your class once before. That being said, you also envisioned a scenario that said a lot in not so many words which to me encompasses good writing skills. I like that you character does something unexpected especially for their personality. He is an attentive well behaved student who can also have a great time and be somewhat of a trend setter. He was able to stand up to the teacher without insulting or threatening their authority, which is pretty rare for our age and this school. You didn't have a hero who did something extreme or badass like most people would have,you had a typical average joe (or ryan) who did something that HE would be proud of which is better then any typically common act of "cool". Pretty prettyprettyprettypretty well done. :D - Alicia ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Max, I was pleasantly surprised you actually did this assignment. Nice to see you have a creative side. Your story was interesting and although you were straight forward wit your perception of whats cool you suggested it in a different way then others. I got from your story that a quality you find cool in people is trust and loyalty. Although it took tragedy for both Pascal and Roxy to help them relate to one another, there were still able to confide in each other because of the common bond which wasn't easy for Pascal. Your cool person seems a lot more realistic, sadly, then most others. The people who are seen as cool are typically those who think their better then everyone else, which makes your character the most believable. You embodied the egotistical jerk quite nicely, well done. :) - Alica ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Beabear, Huh, interesting character. It sounds like something you'd see in the movies, the mysterious unpredictable cool new kid who everyone wonders about but can't quite figure out. I like her attitude of not caring what others thought and being bold enough to stand up and speak when no one else would. Its seems to me you admire people who groove to the beat of their own drums and makes it work because they believe it works. She doesn't need the reassurance of others, nor does she care about what is the norm. That is definitively a quality most people would find cool. I loved the way you structured your story too, you compressed it into a couple scenes that easily embodied the personality of your character. I thought I had figured your character out as the badass rebel who wasn't afraid to take fashion risks and who went against school rules by listening to music in class and walking in late. But then she stood up and showed an intellectual side, proving she was more that met the eye. I like that. Well done gurl :) - Alicia ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Part 2: Analysis of stories
This was such an eye opening assignment, what an interesting way to get to know my peers. A lot of these stories reflected the values of typical American teenagers. They idolize the rebellious noble person who defies the norm and does there own thing, but successfully.
I was impressed at how many people included academics in their stories, how even though most of us seem like we don't give a shit, deep down we desire to have great social lives while also managing good grades and intellectuality.
I thought Evan's was the most realistic story, a dilemma many people striving to be cool face. There is such pressure in society to have come form of social status that some people have to dumb themselves down to accomplish such image. The desire to fit in can over power the skill to excel and do well. The baffling part is that no one would think that someone who tries so hard to be cool that they purposely fail is cool, but instead pretty desperate.
But the stories that stood out the most to me were ones that didn't discuss high school coolness, but real life cool like Chris R's and Ali Jo's. Something I stressed in my other blog post was how our image of whats cool varies with our moral values, something that is increasingly changing as we get older. Its seems that as we age, its the little things that satisfy us more then our image or physical demeanor. Once we have more purpose and responsibility, people begin to have a better appreciation, its just hard to get the younger generation to value life in the same way.
A majority of the stories told the short tale of trend setters, teenagers who don't wait to be told the rules but sets them for themselves. Its blatantly obvious that this generation idolizes people who stand out and only conforms to whats trendy but not so much that everyone has it. A lot of people want to be praised for their originality more then they'd like to admit how much they want to fit in. Its seems like unique style only works when you have a following, otherwise it comes across as weird or obnoxious.
It also seems, like we discussed in class previously, that having a voice that is projected and listened to, is also perceived as cool. Take Conor's story. The trouble maker had a bad attitude and a colorful vocabulary that he used to put down another and did so that it humored his freind. But it wasn't until someone was louder that he shut up, proving that volume dominates which gave the girl leverage.
Baically, cool lies within the eyes of the beholder and you can only really be cool if you respect yourself and have the respect of others.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Hw 24- Short Story
The fall leaves fell from the orange trees onto Nate's shoulder as he walked up the steps to his small High School in lower Manhattan, New York. He took a moment to breath in the fresh morning air, closing his eyes to grasp the peaceful quiet moment so rare in this city. He was slightly late because he had to walk his little cousin to School and lost track of time in losing himself in the conversation with this bright little person. He walked in calm and collective, not trying to give any lame excuses or avoid security, just wrote his name on the late list and made his way to his first class.
Making an entrance to an already in session class cost him various stares, but he just nodded to the teacher and apologized for being late. Mr. Mork was usually austere when it came to tardiness, but Nate was a impeccable student so he just nodded back and continued with the lesson.
As Nate stood behind his seat and took off his jacket he noticed a few lingering glances, including one from Chad the theater star who was biting on his lower lip as he peeked at him before turning back to the front.
Nate sat next to Stacy, whom he had several affable conversations with but who generally didn't care for him. She was aloof to his entrance, which made her that much more intriguing to him.
She was an abstruse girl who was obsessed with the environment, something he always found fascinating to hear about from her. But he could tell she wasn't exactly allured with the thought of him ever since Veronica started making snide remarks about how Stacy never had a chance with Nate. He looked up and saw Veronica staring him down. He felt the iPhone in his pocket vibrate.
Veronica: "Nateeeeeeeeee... I missed you in the caff this morning, how was your weekend?"
Nate: "Pretty good V, how bout yours?"
Veronica: "Hahaha omg SO crazy, the party I told you about got shut down, there were mad heads in the streets so we just booked it to James freeeeeeeee with like 10 L's, I was sooo done."
Nate: "Really? Sounds like last weekend."
"yeah it was pop'in. You should come next time"
Although Veronica and her group of friends made up a small percentage of the student body, they still dominated the halls with their intimidating attitudes that made them unapproachable to anyone who wasn't a facebook junky.
Nate typically tuned down her invitations to parties. Rather he went to concerts and shows on the weekends, appreciating art and partaking in new experiences and meaningful relationships. Drunken hookups and racy photo shoots seemed tiring to him, you could only do it so many times before it felt routine.
Nate enjoined talking to people with different interest then his, able to learn something new while letting the person light up about their passion. He could photograph Stacy all day long and embody how she fervently described the green guide segment she saw on National Geographic.
Nate sat and sighed, took out his notebook to a clean page that had not yet been touched with notes or doodles. He outlined the corner of his notebooks with the faces of strangers he hoped to meet in exotic places in countries far from here, places where you adjust to a new culture and appreciate the natural beauty of the world.
Making an entrance to an already in session class cost him various stares, but he just nodded to the teacher and apologized for being late. Mr. Mork was usually austere when it came to tardiness, but Nate was a impeccable student so he just nodded back and continued with the lesson.
As Nate stood behind his seat and took off his jacket he noticed a few lingering glances, including one from Chad the theater star who was biting on his lower lip as he peeked at him before turning back to the front.
Nate sat next to Stacy, whom he had several affable conversations with but who generally didn't care for him. She was aloof to his entrance, which made her that much more intriguing to him.
She was an abstruse girl who was obsessed with the environment, something he always found fascinating to hear about from her. But he could tell she wasn't exactly allured with the thought of him ever since Veronica started making snide remarks about how Stacy never had a chance with Nate. He looked up and saw Veronica staring him down. He felt the iPhone in his pocket vibrate.
Veronica: "Nateeeeeeeeee... I missed you in the caff this morning, how was your weekend?"
Nate: "Pretty good V, how bout yours?"
Veronica: "Hahaha omg SO crazy, the party I told you about got shut down, there were mad heads in the streets so we just booked it to James freeeeeeeee with like 10 L's, I was sooo done."
Nate: "Really? Sounds like last weekend."
"yeah it was pop'in. You should come next time"
Although Veronica and her group of friends made up a small percentage of the student body, they still dominated the halls with their intimidating attitudes that made them unapproachable to anyone who wasn't a facebook junky.
Nate typically tuned down her invitations to parties. Rather he went to concerts and shows on the weekends, appreciating art and partaking in new experiences and meaningful relationships. Drunken hookups and racy photo shoots seemed tiring to him, you could only do it so many times before it felt routine.
Nate enjoined talking to people with different interest then his, able to learn something new while letting the person light up about their passion. He could photograph Stacy all day long and embody how she fervently described the green guide segment she saw on National Geographic.
Nate sat and sighed, took out his notebook to a clean page that had not yet been touched with notes or doodles. He outlined the corner of his notebooks with the faces of strangers he hoped to meet in exotic places in countries far from here, places where you adjust to a new culture and appreciate the natural beauty of the world.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Hw 23- Exploration of Cool
The concept of cool frustrates me, probably because I never considered myself that cool in the first place. I'd like to think that I don't try really hard to meet other people's standards of cool yet, I'm not bold enough to be so rebellious that I'm a trendsetter. I sort of blend into the background, which I think is way better then conforming to something don't like or respect. Being "cool" is a part of Highschool, and even though nobody likes everyone in their grade or school, people still care what the people around them think of them.
There are so many different interpretations of cool. It cannot be defined with one universal definition because not every one person thinks the same and therefore won't agree completely.
According to Wikipedia, Cool is an aesthetic of attitude, behavior, comportment, appearance and style, influenced by and a product of the "spirit of the times". Because of the varied and changing connotations of cool, as well its subjective nature, the word has no single meaning. It has associations of composure and self-control and often is used as an expression of admiration or approval.
This definition is dead on, cool is basically an expression of admiration and approval. For someone to think another is cool is to look up to them and perhaps in certain situations mimic them.
It seems though that there is always a ranking of cool rather then just one type. Someone can be cool by association, meaning its who they know that makes them well liked. Someone can be cool for the their property, for instance the stylish clothes they wear, the cars they drive the money they will inherit. And more commonly cool is someone who breaks the norm, who isn't afraid to be different and does so successfully.
I think people who are cool and people who try to be cool are two different things. In all the movies, "trying" to be cool is considered uncool, but not giving a shit is whats admirable.
Cool really isn't a term used by all people, its really something important in youth. When your young you have no real responsibility, no bills to worry about or taxes to pay. We have a lot more time to interact with our peers and devote more energy into fitting in. It seems in high school everyone wants to be well liked, if not by the majority then at least amongst the group of people they associate themselves with.
For adults though, being cool is not what a teenager would think is cool, they care more about moral standards and being proper. I suppose as you get older, its not as important to be cool as it is to be happy. For teenagers, we think we can't possibly be happy unless we're considered cool. But over time, I think people realize that life isn't all about fitting in but figuring out whats really important.
Cool varies as we grow up. It all really depends on the time period, the area in which you grow up and the people your surrounded by. Some people have a corrupted image of cool where others choose to think for themselves. Either way, I think life would be easier if people just stopped trying to be cool and put as much energy into doing something good for the world.
BUT!
What I do believe more then anything is that no matter your age, gender, ethnicity or background, it is NEVER cool to gain social status by putting others down. Many people think it shows self confidence and power to be mean to another, when really its only an attempt to make another person feel worse and less significant then they do. Its lame, cruel and inhumane to purposely seek out to hurt another, friend or no friend. Bullying is pathetic and weak, and the most uncool quality I can think of.
My definition of cool is a person who tries to be nice to everyone, and if people aren't willing to be nice back then that's their problem. But the best revenge for any problem is HAPPINESS.
And therefore, the coolest people in the world are usually the happy ones who achieve such happiness peacefully.
There are so many different interpretations of cool. It cannot be defined with one universal definition because not every one person thinks the same and therefore won't agree completely.
According to Wikipedia, Cool is an aesthetic of attitude, behavior, comportment, appearance and style, influenced by and a product of the "spirit of the times". Because of the varied and changing connotations of cool, as well its subjective nature, the word has no single meaning. It has associations of composure and self-control and often is used as an expression of admiration or approval.
This definition is dead on, cool is basically an expression of admiration and approval. For someone to think another is cool is to look up to them and perhaps in certain situations mimic them.
It seems though that there is always a ranking of cool rather then just one type. Someone can be cool by association, meaning its who they know that makes them well liked. Someone can be cool for the their property, for instance the stylish clothes they wear, the cars they drive the money they will inherit. And more commonly cool is someone who breaks the norm, who isn't afraid to be different and does so successfully.
I think people who are cool and people who try to be cool are two different things. In all the movies, "trying" to be cool is considered uncool, but not giving a shit is whats admirable.
Cool really isn't a term used by all people, its really something important in youth. When your young you have no real responsibility, no bills to worry about or taxes to pay. We have a lot more time to interact with our peers and devote more energy into fitting in. It seems in high school everyone wants to be well liked, if not by the majority then at least amongst the group of people they associate themselves with.
For adults though, being cool is not what a teenager would think is cool, they care more about moral standards and being proper. I suppose as you get older, its not as important to be cool as it is to be happy. For teenagers, we think we can't possibly be happy unless we're considered cool. But over time, I think people realize that life isn't all about fitting in but figuring out whats really important.
Cool varies as we grow up. It all really depends on the time period, the area in which you grow up and the people your surrounded by. Some people have a corrupted image of cool where others choose to think for themselves. Either way, I think life would be easier if people just stopped trying to be cool and put as much energy into doing something good for the world.
BUT!
What I do believe more then anything is that no matter your age, gender, ethnicity or background, it is NEVER cool to gain social status by putting others down. Many people think it shows self confidence and power to be mean to another, when really its only an attempt to make another person feel worse and less significant then they do. Its lame, cruel and inhumane to purposely seek out to hurt another, friend or no friend. Bullying is pathetic and weak, and the most uncool quality I can think of.
My definition of cool is a person who tries to be nice to everyone, and if people aren't willing to be nice back then that's their problem. But the best revenge for any problem is HAPPINESS.
And therefore, the coolest people in the world are usually the happy ones who achieve such happiness peacefully.
Hw 21: Art Project; Our brains our lives
I unfortunately didn't get to make my project into what I originally envisioned, but I did get close enough.
Feed sparked my idea to have various drawings of the human head where we could see inside the brain. I wanted to make a flip book or a variety of brains from children to teenagers to adults to conformists to rebels and so on. But I wasn't able to capture all of that with the time I had, so I narrowed it down to four heads.
One is a portrait of a normal brain, as to express what humans are today. Another holds all our digital gadgets and the devices that consume our time and concentration. A third is what the brain would look like with a feed computer chip were inside of it, and the forth holds what people commonly view as happiness. I organized it in a way so that each picture had a different colored backround, and It will slightly resemble the art Andy Warhol use to do.
My art is definitely a mirror, reflecting life and certain interpretations. Although I would have enjoined to be creative enough to have my art be a hammer, I just don't think I am capable of making people think in a way that's different from how they already do. All I can do is express how I see this phenomena and hope people can relate.
I think my art can provoke some thought. I wanted to make it resemble the Andy Warhol pictures as a way of conforming to a certain style, yet have each one of them say something different from the others so that no one brain is the same.
I don't think my art will make anyone feel any extreme emotions, they will most likely think its average.
But I think the most interesting aspect of my art is that it kind of shows how we're all so similar yet always different in some aspect. Although we might conform and although we might appear robotic and fake, we really can be anything we want to be if we put our minds to it. Look at all that was accomplished because someone had an idea, I think that's possible for anyone with dreams and ambition and the desire to live.
The picture of my art will be up shortly, thanks.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Alicia Proto’s Big Paper on Digitalization
Representations of reality have changed significantly over the course of the last several decades and it seems that humans are now evolving along with the developments of digital technology. Digital representation devices such as cell phones, computers, televisions and iPods dominate our focus and attention on a daily basis and have for years. The people of tomorrow, or rather the children of today, will be the ones who go through a whole lifetime run by digital technology. You can’t help but wonder what consequences come with so much face to screen interaction and what it means for the future of humanity. It seems today that one can't walk into an American living room without spotting at least one digital electronic, if not more. The widespread integration of digital media in our society has fostered an unhealthy digital obsession and reliance which defeats the original purpose of digitalization. It has become an imperative part of business, communication and safety and quite significant to a well functioning society, causing these various devices to be a necessity that many individuals cannot function fully without. This begs the question if all this advanced technology really benefits our lifestyles or not.
Brief History of Human Evolution
Any native New Yorker knows that the best place to get jam packed information and a clear visual about the evolution of man is at the
Brief History of Electronics
In 1879, Thomas Alva Edison invented the light bulb which allowed light to be accessible in all places for all people. Although he wasn’t the first to experiment with electricity, he did start a trend that would evolve into a skyrocketing business of must need innovations. Electricity, required to light a light bulb, is a basic part of nature and is one of the most widely used forms of energy. We get electricity from the conversion of other sources of energy like coal, natural gas, oil, nuclear power and other natural sources, that power up our daily electronics including digital representation devices.
A digital system is powered by electricity, and uses two state, either on/off or high/low voltage pulse, to encode, receive and transmit information. Digital electronics is a technology that underlie digital techniques (The Essential Dictionary of Science). These powerful little devices provide a means for storing, transmitting, processing and reconstructing information of all kinds. There have been a phenomena of the late twentieth century and an uprising in the twenty-first of these electronics. Thanks to all the digital exposure, many people cannot go a day without using one of these devises to communicate, work or relax.
For every one invention, there are 5 more Interpretations Just like It
In this day and age we are constantly “upgrading” to devices that are smaller, easier to use and prettier to look at. For every one new idea it seems like there are 5 more variations. Although competition is what makes the businesses of this lovely Country keep their prices affordable, it is still mind blowing how many products are pitched to us claiming it’s a “must have”. This as already occurred with cell phones, music players, television networks, and computers. Every other year there has to be the release of a new version of an original device. Companies are always looking for ways to improve their already adequate product in fear that the competition will come up with the next best thing first. “Was good before, now its better.”
These constant innovations encourage us to keep up with the trends, always have the best and flaunt what everyone is bound to have eventually.
“Images challenge us to be better consumers rather then better people.”
No Hiding from Big Brother
Author’s like George Orwell and Aldus Huxley wrote books like 1984 and Brave New World that anticipated the effects of a totalitarian government that controlled society by the use of technology. In Brave New World, digital representation devices were used to spy and brainwash citizens of such a Utopia into thinking they were happy, which agrees with the phrase ignorance is Bliss. “A happy slave doesn’t run away” because we don’t rebel against things we enjoy. The devices could supply the people with whatever information the government wanted them to know, and they would never know the difference. Although this is a far fetch from what society is today, in some respects it can be inferred that we are headed down that road. Instead of cooking up our own thoughts in a kitchen, we read off a menu (Andy Snyder).We don’t challenge what we’re told as much as we accept it, meaning we don’t think outside the box nor do we encourage ourselves to participate in constructivism. According to Gavin McCarthy “Its much easier to remember stuff then think about something new.”
Take for instance, the media. Every provider of information can be criticized for being biased or having a lack of an alternate perspective. The issue that can be overlooked is that hardly many people question the sources in which provide them with such information. Andy Snyder once said “Most people don’t think. They regulate what’s been said to them, then eat it back up again.” Although almost anyone can have an opinion, do we ever truly question the facts? Since there are so many sources of information, there are constant updates and new releases. But how often to people view all sources or compare and contrast? Its not as common for people to go out and get original data or research anymore. Therefore we can be told one thing by one source and have to believe it because we didn’t test its validity ourselves. “He hardly knew why he rebelled. Everything was easy, except!- Anything could be true.(Pg 248 of 1984)” How do we know what’s true? How can we know if our belief’s are justified? How do epistemologists explain this?
Happiness
Are we taking some of the simple pleasures out of life by digitalizing everything? Why go out to a movie when you can watch it from home? Why go on the internet when the library is around the corner? Why text when you can talk in person? Some of the most exciting experiences of life are being cut short because there is a quicker more efficient way of doing them. How can we ever truly appreciate things that come to easy for us. These fast easy working electronics turn us into impatient on edge robots who cannot cope when something doesn’t work as well as our devices do. The screens seems to memorize us rather then induce happiness upon us. Isn’t entertainment more fun to talk about after then to actually watch? In times of boredom, struggle or stress we turn to distractions to experience, if just for a small amount of time, the pleasures from a source that doesn’t really exist. What’s the point of human interaction anymore when there are computers, iPods and televisions. According to a report on Social Isolation and New Technology,
“A widely-reported 2006 study argued that since 1985 Americans have become more socially isolated, the size of their discussion networks has declined, and the diversity of those people with whom they discuss important matters has decreased.”
And on the other hand, it isn’t even about convenience, but social expectation and conformity. These once useful gadgets are now serving a different purpose, to higher our ranking of power and popularity. We use our cell phones, iPods and gaming systems as accessories to show how in demand we are, how many trends we can conform to and what little originality people strive for anymore. Its all keep up with pop culture and not falling behind the curve. In M.T. Anderson’s novel Feed, his main character Titus struggles with this very expectation he is pressured to follow. “
Alternative Point of View
Of course, not all technology and representation devices are bad. Its not easy to resist using them because they have made life so much easier, bearable and functional.
For those with social disorders, and escape from reality is comforting. Televisions don’t discriminate, challenge or require work to understand. It is just a series of images that catch the interest of the eye, as opposed to a scrambled bunch of words on a page.
Bibliography
- http://karachi.metblogs.com/2009/06/18/the-next-big-invention-after-electricity-a-hand-held-fan/
http://en.hnf.de/Permanent_exhibition/1st_floor/The_invention_of_the_computer/The_invention_of_the_computer.asp
H.W. 20; Revised draft
Alicia Proto’s Big Paper on Digitalization
(What comes next?)
Representations of reality have changed significantly over the course of the last several decades and it seems that humans are now evolving along with the developments of digital technology. Digital representation devices such as cell phones, computers, televisions and iPods dominate our focus and attention on a daily basis and have for years. The people of tomorrow, or rather the children of today, will be the ones who go through a whole lifetime run by digital technology. You can’t help but wonder what consequences come with so much face to screen interaction and what it means for the future of humanity. It seems today that one can't walk into an American living room without spotting at least one digital electronic, if not more. The widespread integration of digital media in our society has fostered an unhealthy digital obsession and reliance which defeats the original purpose of digitalization. It has become an imperative part of business, communication and safety and quite significant to a well functioning society, causing these various devices to be a necessity that many individuals cannot function fully without. This begs the question if all this advanced technology really benefits our lifestyles or not.
Brief History of Human Evolution
Any native New Yorker knows that the best place to get jam packed information and a clear visual about the evolution of man is at the
Brief History of Electronics
In 1879, Thomas Alva Edison invented the light bulb which allowed light to be accessible in all places for all people. Although he wasn’t the first to experiment with electricity, he did start a trend that would evolve into a skyrocketing business of must need innovations. Electricity, required to light a light bulb, is a basic part of nature and is one of the most widely used forms of energy. We get electricity from the conversion of other sources of energy like coal, natural gas, oil, nuclear power and other natural sources, that power up our daily electronics.
A digital system are powered by electricity, and uses two state, either on/off or high/low voltage pulse, to encode, receive and transmit information. Digital electronics is a technology that underlie digital techniques (The Essential Dictionary of Science). These powerful little devices provide a means for storing, transmitting, processing and reconstructing information of all kinds. There have been a phenomena of the late twentieth century and an uprising in the twenty-first of these electronics. Thanks to all the digital exposure, many people cannot go a day without using one of these devises to communicate, work or relax.
“Images challenge us to be better consumers rather then better people.” (Yes this purposely is my heading…)
No Hiding from Big Brother
Books like 1984 by George Orwell and Brave New World by
For every one invention, there are 5 more Interpretations Just like It
In this day and age we are constantly “upgrading” to devices that are smaller, easier to use and prettier to look at. For every one new idea it seems like there are 5 more variations. Although competition is what makes the businesses of this lovely Country keep their prices affordable, it is still mind blowing how many products are pitched to us claiming it’s a “must have”. This as already occurred with cell phones, music players, television networks, and computers. Today the most recent victim or numerous interpretation are
Happiness
Are we taking some of the simple pleasures out of life by digitalizing everything? Why go out to a movie when you can watch it from home? Why go on the internet when the library is around the corner? Why text when you can call? Some of the most exciting experiences of life are being cut short because there is an easier more efficient way of doing them. How can we ever truly appreciate things that come to easy for us. These fast easy working electronics turn us into impatient on edge robots that cannot cope when something doesn’t work as well as out devices do.
And now, it isn’t even about convenience, but social expectation and conformity. These once useful gadgets are now serving a different purpose, to higher our ranking of power and popularity. We use our cell phones, iPods and gaming systems as accessories to show how in demand we are, how many trends we can conform to and what little originality people strive for anymore. Its all keep up with pop culture and not falling behind the curve. In M.T. Anderson’s novel Feed, his main character Titus struggles with this very expectation he is pressured to follow. “ (
Alternative Point of View
Of course, not all technology and representation devices are bad. Its not easy to resist using them because they have made life so much easier, bearable and functional.
Bibliography
- http://karachi.metblogs.com/2009/06/18/the-next-big-invention-after-electricity-a-hand-held-fan/
http://en.hnf.de/Permanent_exhibition/1st_floor/The_invention_of_the_computer/The_invention_of_the_computer.asp
Sunday, November 8, 2009
HW# 18: Most reccent Draft Of Big Paper
Representations of reality have changed significantly over the course of the last several decades and it seems that humans are now evolving along with the developments of digital technology. Digital representation devices such as cell phones, computers, televisions and iPods dominate our focus and attention on a daily basis and have for years. The people or tomorrow, or rather the children of our future will be the ones who go through a whole lifetime run by digital technology. You can’t help but wonder what consequences come with so much face to screen interaction and what it means for our futures. It seems today that one can't walk into an American living room without spotting at least one digital electronic, if not more. The widespread integration of digital media in our society has fostered an unhealthy digital obsession and reliance which defeats the original purpose of digitalization. It has become an imperative part of business, communication and safety and quite significant to a well functioning society, causing these various devices to be a necessity that many individuals cannot function fully without. This begs the question if all this advanced technology really benefits our lifestyles or not.
Brief History of Humans and Electronics
Any native New Yorker knows that the best place to get jam packed information and a clear visual about the evolution of man is at the
A digital system uses two state, either on/off or high/low voltage pulse, to encode, receive and transmit information. Digital electronics is a technology that underlie digital techniques. (The Essential Dictionary of Science) These powerful little devices provide a means for storing, transmitting, processing and reconstructing information of all kinds. There have been a phenomena of the late twentieth century and an uprising in the twenty-first. Thanks to all the digital exposure, many people cannot go a day without using one of these devises to communicate, work or relax.
“Images challenge us to be better consumers rather then better people.” (Yes this purposely is my heading…)
No Hiding from Big Brother
In a New York Times Business section, there was an article by Claire Cian Miller entitled Twitter Serves up Idea’s From Its Followers where it states “Companies big and small monitor twitter to find out what their customers like and what they want changed. Twitter does the same.” It seems everything is a marketing opportunity and if big businesses can improve their sales by snooping on possible consumers, they do. If this is true, then perhaps anything is available and nothing is truly that private from other people on the internet.
For every one invention, there are 5 more Interpretations Just like It
Are we taking come of the simple pleasures out of life my digitalizing everything? Why go out to a movie when you can watch it from home? Some of the most exciting experiences of life are being cut short because there is an easier more efficient way of doing them. How can we ever truly appreciate things that come to easy for us. These fast easy working electronics turn us into impatient on edge robots that cannot cope when something doesn’t work as well as out devices do.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Hw #17- Outline suggestions to a partner
Hey Evan,
This is a really good stat, its clear you have a strong vision of where your going with your paper. But I have some suggestions to make it a little more organized and easier to write.
First, and I'm saying this because I overheard Andy suggest it, You may want to consider editing down your thesis to make it a bit shorter and less scattered. Your point is societies obsession and addiction to digital (not technology) representation devices has drastically changed out way of life, in more ways then one.
(obviously this isn't strong enough, but more short and to the point like this)
You should probably map out a series of paragraphs that specifically explain which argument it is providing evidence for.
Use the examples you listed in your original thesis.
- Alicia
This is a really good stat, its clear you have a strong vision of where your going with your paper. But I have some suggestions to make it a little more organized and easier to write.
First, and I'm saying this because I overheard Andy suggest it, You may want to consider editing down your thesis to make it a bit shorter and less scattered. Your point is societies obsession and addiction to digital (not technology) representation devices has drastically changed out way of life, in more ways then one.
(obviously this isn't strong enough, but more short and to the point like this)
You should probably map out a series of paragraphs that specifically explain which argument it is providing evidence for.
Use the examples you listed in your original thesis.
- Alicia
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Really?
I take the SAT's for the third time this Saturday and I spent last night and today studying and taking a practice test in between my internship work.
I'm irritated and overly stressed that this exhibition like paper was assigned the week before the SAT's and only given a week to write.
I hope to get around to it in Thursday, if not then Friday.
Thanks
I'm irritated and overly stressed that this exhibition like paper was assigned the week before the SAT's and only given a week to write.
I hope to get around to it in Thursday, if not then Friday.
Thanks
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Hw # 16: Big Paper 1 outline
I. Introduction
Thesis: Digital media has become an imperative part of business, communication and safety and quite significant to a well functioning society, but this has also made it a necessity that many individuals cannot function fully without, which may be more harmful then helpful.
II. Background Information:Brief History of the beginning of digital technology
III. Argument 1: Evolution of digital representation devices over the past two decades.
IV. Evidence: Cell Phones, Computers and iPod popularity skyrocket in business and in the home- Past & recent articles
V. Evidence:Reliant on devices for
VI. Evidence: Future obsession with future devices; what people expect to develop
VII. Argument 2: Perks of Digital Representation Devices
VIII. Evidence: Easier lifestyle
IX. Evidence: Entertainment
X. Evidence: Safety
XI. Argument 3: Disadvantages/ Harmful future
XII. Evidence: Dependency- Digital Experiment/ Movies + Conformity and lack of individuality
XIII. Evidence: Increase of laziness/ more impatient. Less grateful.
XIV. Evidence: Big brother is always watching; no privacy. Never alone. Always able to track down.
XV. Conclusion
Thesis: Digital media has become an imperative part of business, communication and safety and quite significant to a well functioning society, but this has also made it a necessity that many individuals cannot function fully without, which may be more harmful then helpful.
II. Background Information:Brief History of the beginning of digital technology
III. Argument 1: Evolution of digital representation devices over the past two decades.
IV. Evidence: Cell Phones, Computers and iPod popularity skyrocket in business and in the home- Past & recent articles
V. Evidence:Reliant on devices for
VI. Evidence: Future obsession with future devices; what people expect to develop
VII. Argument 2: Perks of Digital Representation Devices
VIII. Evidence: Easier lifestyle
IX. Evidence: Entertainment
X. Evidence: Safety
XI. Argument 3: Disadvantages/ Harmful future
XII. Evidence: Dependency- Digital Experiment/ Movies + Conformity and lack of individuality
XIII. Evidence: Increase of laziness/ more impatient. Less grateful.
XIV. Evidence: Big brother is always watching; no privacy. Never alone. Always able to track down.
XV. Conclusion
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