Virtual Empowerment

Empowerment- a word you hear a lot when kids talk about social media. Does social media really empower people?

A lot of people suffer from low self-esteem. It can, and definitely has often been brought about through a lack of attention or 'empowerment' that a person may feel through social connections with others. In the world of absolute virtuality that is social media, those feelings can be totally eliminated.

Likes. They're a powerful thing nowadays. It is the source of virtual empowerment that can be felt by any person on any social media. Often, someone might, for example, like your profile picture. From their point of view, it's just a nice profile picture, but from yours, it's often a indication that they are liking YOU. How could you not feel a sense of (virtual) empowerment and self-esteem if you get the impression that someone likes you?

Today, that's surely the case for many people. Just one click of the like button may lift someone's spirits by a great margin, reality that would be of sheer disbelief in previous decades.

Welcome to the 21st Century.

Good Music Videos

There is always much controversy over the topic of homosexuality. There will always be that one person who stands against everything a homosexual does. Mass media has tried to change this. An attempt was made with a fourth single released by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis in 2012, called "Same Love," a rap song solely designed and released to promote the acceptance of same-sex marriage. This is not the first time a celebrity uses fame to spread a message addressing social change, but it is of the strongest and most persuasive. It's pure. No cussing, and very minute use of AAVE, unlike the large majority of the music he is known for.

The lyrics of the song boast a lot of depth and unusually sophisticated vocabulary for a rap song, and the video, approximately 7 minutes in length, also plays quite a significant part of depicting the message visually. The song begins where Macklemore shares the thoughts he experienced regarding homosexuality in his childhood. "When I was in the third grade, I thought that I was gay because I could draw...I told my mom, tears rushing down my face." He knew of stereotypically homosexual actions that he found himself doing as a kid, and was therefore worried. He thought of the idea stereotypically as a child, and the lyrics continue, mentioning that he had "a preconceived idea of what it all meant."
This is in sync with the film, as it opens with the birth of an average child, and continues to show the stages of growth and how he slowly realises he's true identity. Macklemore talked about how he failed to fully understand this kind of identity, and what it's like to be gay. Similar is the case for most people today. He reflects this lack of understanding in one of the lines soon following. "The right wing conservatives think it's a decision." Most straight people don't understand what it's like, and that particular line also stresses the idea that being homosexual and feeling attraction towards people of the same gender is not a choice. This is further emphasised in the chorus, sung three times within the song. "I can't change, even if I tried, even if I wanted to." It reflects that people of that particular nature do not necessarily want to be the way they are, yet they cannot change.

After the first chorus, he talks about the associations we now make with the word gay. "A word rooted in hate, yet our genre still ignores it." He addresses how changes have not been made. There is still hatred behind a word that used to mean the complete opposite decades before. Macklemore also mentions the common yet negative use of the word on social media. "Have you read the YouTube comments lately." He then argues that similar hatred has sparked wars and acts of racism. "It's the same hate that's caused wars from religion, gender to skin colour..."  After this build up of the second verse, and the video continuing underneath depicting the difficulties of a man, now grown up, trying to find acceptance in humanity, the verse goes on and says "Live on and be yourself." Towards the end of the verse, Macklemore says the words "No freedom till we're equal, damn right I support klit." To help put these words into clearer perspective, the video at this point shows Macklemore himself raising the gay pride flag, showing the audience that he is in true support of same-sex marriage, and leaves the thinking to the viewers.

The problems have been stated, and after the chorus is repeated a second time, he comes to the punch line. He gives encouragement for homosexual to "progress" and "march on." At this point in the video, the man proposes, and the scene of the wedding day is the main focus. He then also encourages the rest, with no one excluded, as he signifies through the line "whatever god you believe in," to rise up and make a change. "A certificate on paper isn't gonna solve it all, but it's a damn good place to start." Later in the video, as the final repetition of the chorus is heard, the wedding ceremony is shown, where Macklemore is seen within the crowd of people, further portraying his support of same-sex marriage.

Macklemore States the problems, the mistakes that we make by judging homosexuals, and effectively describes the struggles that gay people may go through. He uses these as persuasive devices to help encourage the target audience (everyone) to support same-sex marriage, and support the people who are trying to stand up for their rights.

NO SMOKING!

The message itself is brought about in a very unique approach. It is much unlike the typical anti-smoking advertisements, that simply state the devastating results of smoking, and leave the rest to the conscience of the individual. The ad, in this case, is more positive, and reflects a sense of hope if the primarily targeted audience did speak to their children about the issue of smoking at a young age.

Another value or characteristic of the given advertisement we could consider is the broad audience that it has the ability to attract. As discussed in class, we reached the conclusion that no specific race or ethnicity is isolated in the visual, resulting in a broader audience. This is also significant for the purpose of the advertisement, as it is able to send out the message and include many more individuals.

Leaning more towards analysis of the visual aspects, one could notice the calm and serene feeling that is instantly felt when the advertisement is first seen and examined. This feeling is emphasised by the stillness of the water, among other aspects. It helps convey the message in the way that, perhaps, the entire idea should be approached: with patience and in a calm manner.

The symbolic meaning in the advertisement (Aiden's genius, not mine) is also significant in this situation. It all lies in the visual. Firstly, the act of fishing is a depiction of patience, which, as previously mentioned, is the way these conversations should be approached. Another symbolic portrayal in the image can be found when considering the contrast between the conditions in the sky and the water. The water is calm, yet the sky suggests an approaching storm. Collectively, this may portray the idea of the problem before hand (storm) and the solution after the conversation is executed (water).

The targeted audience is empowered and served by this advertisement. They are even given instructions as to how to approach the conversation that are symbolically hidden within the advertisement. The teenagers or children themselves may also benefit, as the advertisement may emphasise the issue further, and assure their awareness of it. In connection to previous points, the advertisement individualises no specific race of ethnicity, and therefore no one can really be excluded or ignored. It reaches out to everyone.

Should not wearing seat belts be illegal?

Nowadays, many people of rebellious nature, teenagers in particular, seem to ask the question: why wear a seat belt? The real question is: why not? Why not reduce your chance of death or severe injury? It's your life isn't it?

Statistics from the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that in the United States, over 2.2 million adult drivers and passengers were treated in hospitals as a result of car accidents in 2012 alone. This puts emphasis on just how extreme the issue is, considering the fact that car accidents are the leading cause of death to people aged 1 - 54 years.

The sad reality is that most people know of the benefits that seat belts have to their safety on the road, yet they still travel long distances without being tied in. They're very much aware of the fact that, at any moment, they could be flying through the wind screen, head first at 120 km/h, with blood gushing from their brains. The even sadder reality is, that could be you.

For these reasons, not wearing seat belts should be considered illegal. That would be the most reasonable law ever enforced. It's like making death illegal, in a way. This would prevent casualties be almost 50%, a fact with which comes no disadvantage what so ever. Annual statistics would change for the better. Life's would change for the better.

A law such as this would really get one to think about the difference it makes to wear a seat belt. It could be the difference in your children's or your families future. It could be the difference in your tomorrow, if you have one.

Wear your seat belt. What do you have to lose?

ACTS

Audience and Purpose:

The text is a memoir written with the aim of projecting the character of Mary Seacole in a favourable and positive light in the eyes of the beholder.
“The Wonderful Adventures of Mary Seacole (1857)” was available back in her time as a possible form of entertainment or enlightenment. Those with a fascination of reading firsthand the lifestyles of those immersed in the British culture at its height, particularly that of one of their colonies, could have their interests piqued by such a text; alternatively, it could be of interest to people such as those who have a desire to read about the effects of Yellow Fever on a society from a personal perspective.

Content and Theme:

It is a memoir which takes place in 19th century Jamaica. The content of the text is the depiction of the struggles and suffering when she, as a nurse, witnessed the death of patients. She provided an example of one patient in particular: a surgeon, whom she didn't knew extensively well. These experiences being shared further suggests the text type to be a memoir, in which a theme could, arguably, be death, among others.

Mood and tone:

The mood and tone of the excerpt is relatively dark and depressing, based on the many reiterations of the word death, and the content in general. But this is not the case throughout the entirety of the piece. The mood does lighten up. "His kind heart feigned a feeling that he saw would bring me joy." (The peaceful death of the surgeon). One can notice how the mood and tone alter from beginning to end.

Structure and Style:

The structure is very precise when considering the text type. The piece is written in first person, as a memoir should be. (Use of 'I') There is a date provided as well, which further suggests the text type. The style of language is very formal, along with the vocabulary used. Both these points could be supported by one piece of evidence. "I do not willingly care to dwell upon scenes of suffering and death." The use of English here is very formal, and the use of 'I' supports the idea of first person writing.

WT1 Rationale

The written task is in the form of a formal interview. This is because discussing with an artist the meaning of their lyrics and the reflection of culture within them is a very personal topic, which can best be portrayed in an interview.

Specific aspects of my chosen text type that I wish to emulate are the depth of each question, and, therefore, answers that require a level of thinking and self-reflection to answer. The answers to the questions asked in the interview are from Tupac’s point of view.

In the case of this text type, the intended audience consists predominantly of those who do not know much about 2Pac. It includes those who feel desire to learn more about what his music conveys, or any aspects that the audience does not yet understand or appreciate, especially considering the sheer depth of every uttered word.

The intended purpose is to show a strong understanding and appreciation for the true significance behind the lyrics. It is additionally to put emphasis on the context in which 2Pac wrote a lot of his music. It takes place in the 1990’s, during times of difficulty for African American people, the context in which 2Pac wrote much of his music.

Topics that I’ve desired to communicate and show understanding of is the presence of AAVE in the lyrics of 2Pacs music and how AAVE itself relates to the background of African American people, and therefore the background of Tupac himself. Another is how he uses the language to express his views on the community in which lived, and how his lyrics reflect his own culture as well. I lastly wanted to portray how the lyrics depict the context in which he wrote, and the hardship he felt and experienced.

Written Task 1 Draft

2PAC Interview

Interviewer:

Welcome! It is really a pleasure to have you here.

Tupac:

It's my pleasure to be here.

Interviewer:

I would like to start by asking you a relatively personal question. Have you, at any point in your life, experienced hardship or conflict?

Tupac:

My life is and always has been full of conflict. So many stumbling blocks have been placed on my path of life, it's near unfathomable.

Interviewer:

Anything specific; any events that have remained with you until today?

Tupac:

Well, looking back to my childhood revives no sensations of nostalgia or wistfulness, but rather feelings of melancholia. Significantly seldom, in hindsight, were there any clear or distinctive 'bright sides' to many events in my life. I could muse on the countless experiences of criminal actions within the community in which I was raised, and even within my own family. My stepfather is a good example, as he remained for four years on the FBI's list of the 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, starting in 1986, at which point I was only around 10-12 years of age. He was imprisoned for murder; he was imprisoned for involvement in robberies, and yet, surprisingly, that alone is so minute in comparison to the rest of my experiences. Generally speaking, I was constantly surrounded with violence and crime, even drug abuse and the dismantling of families. In all honesty, it was really depressing to a certain extent, but that was everyday life for me.

Interviewer:

Now, you obviously write most of your music with these inner and outer conflicts in mind, and, based my own assumptions, I feel as if your music strongly depicts these conflicts. Do I make a valid argument?

Tupac:

Indeed you do. If I may reiterate, the violence, crime, drug abuse, and dismantling of families, all of which I spoke of just a second ago, are often themes that lay in the depths of my music. I saw rapping as a unique way to express and depict the aspects that define my difficult yet resultantly successful life.

  Interviewer:

"Difficult yet resultantly successful." Interesting. Do you refer, perhaps, to the idea of your difficulties acting as the greatest of factors in the success of your career?

Tupac:

Yes. That is the basis of what my life is: turning struggle into success. Considerably, what does the large majority of my lyrics illustrate anyway?

Interviewer:

On that note, I was listening to your song "My Block," paying close attention to the lyrics of the song. Would you share with us the real meaning behind the lyrics, or at least what thoughts and feelings had, seemingly, taken over your mind while writing it?

Tupac:

"My Block" simply represents my block. It is an illustration of my life; a memoir of my struggles. I uttered the words crime and violence and claimed that they acted as one of multiple underlying themes of my music. It is the case in this song specifically, out of which so many excerpts could be taken, and, believe me, each line is equally meaningful. Let me give an example. "Now s*** is constantly hot, on my block, it never fails to be gunshots." Truer words have never been spoken. It is a description of my surroundings; my environment. For us, struggling each and every day, hearing a gunshot was just as common as a rich man hearing his new BMW arrive at his doorstep. Sometimes we actually saw it happen as inner scars formed, changing us and altering our view on life, which was constantly in flux.

I, additionally, talked about family problems. One line from the song reads: "A single mother with a problem child, daddy free." How sad it was that that very line could accurately portray the unfortunate reality that was, for many, life: a split and morally drained "family." Alike violence and crime, it was all around me. Honestly, I could baffle on for hours upon hours, because, for me, looking back at these lyrics and reflecting on them are opening multitudinous floodgates, out of which so many memories are flowing as we speak. It is quite incredible what I've been through.

Interviewer:

I can speak on behalf of your fan base of millions by stating that indeed, we feel it. I may not be able to feel it with you, but there are millions out there who do, because you've reached out and provided hope to so many dark corners of this world.

Tupac:

That's what my overall intention was from the very start.

Interviewer:

Well, it's quite clear that you have, over many years, more than successfully expressed your difficulties and hardship through your music, but is that it, or do your lyrics portray any positive aspects of your life?

Tupac:

Elaborating on what mentioned earlier, my music could just as easily and accurately be described as being a cultural memoir as one of my struggles and pain. My lyrics link, strongly, back to my African-American roots, and it doesn't lay in the depths of my music, but rather at the very surface. I, extensively often, use African American Vernacular English while writing my lyrics, evident of the fact that I do, as well, portray a sense of pride in culture and backgrounds. I could very easily adapt the use of the words "going to" instead of "gonna," or "am not" instead of "ain't" in my lyrics, but why do that when it is the truncation of words and forms of negation that clearly illustrate the spirit of my African-American roots and emphasize the cultural connection that my music has?

Interviewer:

Well this is exactly why you should, rightfully so, be considered one of the greatest and most influential artists of all time, and this is despite the statistical success that you have achieved over the past few years, and solely based on the depth and meaning that you have proved your music to portray and possess. On that note, I would like to thank you for giving a few minutes of your time to be here with us.

Tupac:

It is my absolute pleasure.

lol jk

Both linguists argue against the typically negative view that most people have on technology, as well as it's influence on language in recent years.

In a TED talk from February 2013, American linguist John McWhorter stated his relatively unique perspective on the affect of technology on language. He doesn't agree with the idea that technology is having a detrimental affect on language. McWhorter rather argues against it, by stating that 'textspeak' and writing are two different things. He stresses that over many generations, people had the tendency to speak like they wrote, but the ability to write like one speaks did not become a seamless process until technology came in. In this way, he proves that technology has come to suite our needs when communicating, such as the need to communicate quicker, as we tend to do when speaking. (And therefore textspeaking)

British linguist David Crystal also views the issue in a more opposed and positive way in comparison to a majority of linguists. Crystal perceives 'textspeak' to be a language of limited punctuation, excessive abbreviations and excluded letters. He states that these characteristics are a result of the limitations that technology brought along with it, causing its users to communicate more efficiently and therefore suiting our needs to do it quickly. Crystal also comments against any negative statements in regards to the affect technology has on the performance of children at school, arguing that it should be seen as a way to practise language rather than destroy it.

Both Crystal and McWhorter address the issue in a more positive way, stating that technology is a way to suite our communicative needs. Yet, they both view the idea from a different perspective. Crystal believes that 'textspeak' is a result of our communicative needs, evident in the way we have manipulated standard writing. In contrast, McWhorter argues that textspeak is detached from writing, and is the ability to write like we speak (Faster), which is a developing language of its own.

A letter to the Editor

Keenan Paterson

5 October 2014

Dear Editor,
After reading the article "Wanna ‘Go Indian’? Welcome to the Party of 1 Billion+!" stating your view on the use of cultural symbols in pop culture, I felt the urge to comment on certain points that were brought about. I, not being from the Sub-continental region of Asia, do not have much first hand knowledge of the cultural meaning and value behind these symbols, and I, therefore, feel that I have no right to judge, nor fully argue against your views on the use of your own cultural traditions. But I will take the time to comment on some points you made based on what I perceive the general idea of cultural appropriation to be.

Firstly, you stated that if she wants to be indian, she should be welcomed and embraced with open arms into the "party of 1 billion+." Selena Gomez received much controversy regarding her use of the bindi in several performances. When Gomez was criticised for it, she was asked to apologise and said:
"I think the song has that Hindu, tribal feel and I wanted to translate that. I’ve been learning about my chakra and bindis and the culture — it’s beautiful."
Where's the wrong in that? With regards to the idea of cultural appropriation, Gomez states that she has been learning about the cultural symbols that were used. As long as this is the case, there is no reason why it should be considered inappropriate cultural appropriation, and in the same breath, I do agree with the idea that she should be welcomed to the "party of 1 billion+."

I am also in agreement with the contradictory comment that was made about the loss of authenticity and ancient meaning. It's great to have brought up this topic.
Referring to what was said in the last paragraph, it is true that Americans may not have known what a bindi was around a decade or two ago. But now that more Americans do, many of whom supposedly see the bindi as nothing more than a "pretty" accessory, it is beginning to lose its authenticity. It's in situations like these where use of cultural symbols should be seen as inappropriate cultural appropriation, when the user has no knowledge or appreciation for its meaning.

If I see or hear of foreigners using objects or components of our own cultural, I too tend to feel a strong sense of pride over offence, that is if I feel offended at all, but as long as they know of the cultural meaning and authenticity of it. Overall, the level of cultural open-mindedness that you express is a really great thing, for as long as they understand, why not embrace them?

Music, a cultural memoir

"Music is a cultural memoir discussing all cultural realities." For many artists, music has been a valuable tool in their hands, used to demonstrate and depict messages and connect with the audience. Music could as well be a political voice for artists in times of hardship and difficulty, just as it could exist as a sign of hope for those who listen: those in similar situations. Endless depictions and emotions towards the cultural realities of the time can be found embedded in larger spectrum of African American music. Sam Cooke is considered a great example of an influential artist who expressed the feelings of his community through what he wrote, having experienced it all first hand.

Cooke was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on January 22nd, 1931. For Sam Cooke, Gospel singing had already become a profession at the age of only 10. In the fifties and sixties, he did something special with the gifts he already possessed. Cooke took the sounds of gospel and combined them with secular themes, and as a result, he contributed in the creation and shaping of soul music as we know it today. The meaning of the genre 'soul music' is near self explanatory, but is simply a form of secular testifying or preaching. This is a mere sum up of what Sam Cooke became world renowned for.

"He wrote of what he saw and heard. He listened to it and spoke to it. Effortlessly and instinctively, he turned it into music." (Brian Leli) Sam Cooke expressed his life and culture through music, which became not only a memoir of his own cultural realities, but of the many millions of black Americans with whom he shared hardships within the community

There was one specific single released by Sam Cooke that inevitably reached out to the people. "A change is gonna come." Again, a clear and self explanatory title, a piece of music that was a political voice for the artist, and a sign of hope for the intended audience. It was written within the Civil Rights Movement. This social movement aimed to end all racial segregation and discrimination in the United States at the time, and this was a movement for which many considered the song "a change is gonna come" to be an anthem.

In this piece of music, he uses language, with traces of African american vernacular English, to express the emotions and connect with the people. "I go to the movie and I go down town. Somebody keep telling me don't hang around" This supposedly depicted the fact that many owners of cinemas and restaurants did not want any blacks on or anywhere near their establishment. "A change gonna come." This phrase is in constant repetition throughout the song, which could suggest that hope is the underlying them of the lyrics. It is also clear that AAVE is present: evident in the typical use of the word "gonna" as a replacement of "going to."

The legacy of Sam Cooke lives on within the replenished hearts of black american people. What he left behind was unlike anything else. He was a true example of artists who used music for a meaningful purpose, and not just a form of entertainment. The statement that music is a cultural memoir is relevant when discussing the music of Sam Cooke, since all the ups and downs (realities) of his culture are laying deep within every note he sings and every word he utters.

Bilingualism

Language and identity have a strong connection. Identity refers to characteristics distinctive to a certain individual, and it is constantly in flux. After all, it is more of an accomplishment than a thing.

But identity can be revealed and changed through certain contextual uses of language. Aspects of language, such as accents, can vary based on ones conversational partner.

One obvious example would be the natural alteration in an individuals relational or interactional identity between school and the comfort of his/her own home.

I am one of many whom I know alter their accent, form of language or even the language itself depending on who is at the receiving end of the conversation, whether it is a huge crowd of eager listeners, or your own mother.

In the essay (with the pun-intended title) "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan, she reveals that she experienced this change in identity when conversing with her mother in her "limited" and "broken" form of English and a different accent. Amy Tan alters her relational identity in order to connect with her mother and use the language she felt to be more simple and meaningful.

When given the talk to a larger group of people, however, her accent and form of English, and therefore her interactional identity, completely changed, even with her mother in the midst. "I was saying things like, “The intersection of memory upon imagination” and “There is an aspect of my fiction that relates to thus-and-thus’–a speech filled with carefully wrought grammatical phrases...the forms of English I did not use at home with my mother."

I too change my accent depending on who I converse with. At school, I tend to use a much different accent than at home with my parents. It's a natural tendency in my case.

Accents can attract a lot of judgemental and prejudice people. Far too often are native speakers from many nations judged harshly by non-native speakers. Having lived in this country for many years, I have never experienced such prejudice. (Thankfully) But Tans mother experienced plenty unfair judgements based solely on her accent.

The hospital didn't apologise for losing the CAT scan nor show any good service considering what had happened. They saw her English as a way to look down upon her. She said "did not seem to have any sympathy" towards her.

Me.

Culture has played a significant role in my life, especially during my teenage years. Born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1998, as well as having spent a relatively large fraction of my childhood in my homeland, I had the privilege of experiencing the extensive diversity of South African culture in my surroundings. Everything from music, art and sports, to the food and traditions were engraved in my childhood. It developed my love and interest in many things, like music and sport, in which I still find joy till this day. Almost certainly, language plays the most important of roles in my life to date, as it does for almost all humans. It is a special and complex system of communication that is unique to the human race. Besides English, my mother-tongue, I got to learn a fair amount of Afrikaans, a language closely linked to South African history, which also helped my feel more included in my own culture. Evidently, culture was a special part of my childhood. But it wasn't until 2008, the year I moved to the UAE, it started to play a different and more life changing role.

Things in this country are indeed very, very different. It was particularly alien to me at first. Even though the culture here is alike any other, with language, religion, food, music, traditions and customs that are unique to its land, there are strict rules and laws that exist because of this culture. One thing to get used to was not being able to eat in public during Ramadan, a tradition which at first I struggled to understand. Some may judge and show a lack of respect to these laws, regulations and traditions that are a result of a religiously oriented culture. But I, having interacted with people whose lives the culture defined, began to show respect towards them, as well as that which they believed and thought to be right. 

Moving to RIS only developed my respect and open-mindedness towards different cultures further. I started to realise and appreciate the diversity of different cultures from all corners of the globe, and because of this diversity of cultures, no single definition for the word 'culture' can be decided on. It is based entirely on opinion, and how much culture and language played a part in the life of the individual being questioned. Based on what I've experienced culture to be, I think that it is a cumulative deposit of knowledge, beliefs, rules, ideas, customs, and traditions that are acquired by a group of people over generations. But language plays the biggest part. Without it, how would we be capable of depositing any knowledge and communicating ideas, beliefs, customs, etc? Not only is language itself special, but it is the key to what makes us unique, and the most intelligent of all species.