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.