This is a wonderful interpretation of the media and its effect on our society. I've always seen the daily news as the easiest way to become paranoid. There are constant reports of unavoidable catastrophes and instructions to lead a healthy life that, cumulatively, are impossible to follow. That's not to say that the world isn't in bad shape in many ways. The idea that "[we] have [gotten] into troubles all over [our] head and practically wreck[ed] everything in spite of [our] own strong intelligent Buddha-nature" is accurate. The media, however, plays a strong role in hyperbolizing these problems until we are scared for our lives.
More focus on the good aspects of the world would certainly create the unity you describe. People are brought together by kindness and interaction. The bonds created between teacher and student, parent and child, donor and recipient of any transaction, are often overlooked. They are mythologized and generalized, but never seen as reality. People who clean garbage from the side of the highway, recycle their plastic bottles, bring cloth bags to the grocery store, or plant a tree do as much for the world as policy makers.
The human race may be facing an apocalyptic end, or we may just be in another downturn that will someday be portrayed in sepia tones on film. Either way, there is nothing more powerful and beneficial on a day-to-day than simple good deeds. Unity with each other and nature can help save us.
Your response to Snyder and critique of today's society is fantastic. I agree completely with you about the ridiculousness that is High School Musical . I found it haunting me while home in Southern California this summer--every where I turned there was some product being sold with Zach Efron's face on it: a lunch box or bedding at Target, a backpack in Long's or Vons, notebooks and folders everywhere. I think I may have even seen "HSM" underwear in the kid's section of Kohl's. Granted those are all chain stores--there aren't many other places to shop in Southern California other than thrift stores (which are probably also overwhelmingly in stock with HSM merchandise).
I do think that a disconnect has grown between our current society of consumerism and the ideals presented by Snyder in his "Smokey the Bear Sutra." High School Musical certainly doesn't provide any nourishment for the soul of the individual or the vast majority of society, but is rather another example of consumerism at it's best. Unfortunately, I also have found this to be true with the Harry Potter series--which I will admit to loving. But I do find it slightly repulsive how movie and merchandise companies are pulling every last dime that they can out of the Harry Potter craze. I've even heard recently that the seventh movie will be split into two parts- which although will be a better representation of the book, also seems to be just so that the movie companies and all involved will make more money.
I found your analysis into the imperialistic symbolism of the Golden Gate Bridge very interesting. That the bridge attracts so much death, and how this can serve as a prism through which to understand the operations of imperialism in general, I think opens up a world of useful analogies.
For instance, you mentioned the controversy over installing guard rails on the bridge to prevent suicide. Those against installation argue that the rails would be aesthetically displeasing and would ruin the bridge's monumental and romantic appeal. In other words, keep the negatives invisible, don't admit that the bridge is an instrument for death. With a stretch of the mind, I think this can be compared to Imperial countries, ie America, and their reluctance to admit their historical and current mistakes. This sort of righteousness carries with it an aire of superiority. So, both the bridge and powerful nations suffer from delusions of grandeur.
I really enjoyed your "Smokey" critique of Sarah Palin as a politician. I thought about doing a similar thing, but I really wouldn't have done a very good job. You mention many different occasions where she has proven herself to be less than moral by the standards of many people, not just we the exuberant college students of norther California. I particularly liked the fact about her trying to get polar bears off the endangered list as I didn't know about that.
My only critique is that I feel you could have used more Snyder language! Your war chant at the end about crushing smut was really good, and I'm sure you had more ideas like that you could have used to dramatize even further some of Sarah Palin's more foolhardy remarks.
I completely agree with your stance on our culture and its obsession with consumerism. It’s hard to find someone walking around on campus without headphones in (though I’ll admit, I usually have mine in, too) or their phone glued to their ear. We’re so dependent on technology and the noise that we constantly create around us that we have no idea what to do with silence. When the conversation and music stop, and we find ourselves alone in nature, we are humble and we are scared. I fully believe and agree with you that the only way we can get back to our roots and understand ourselves is to have some time alone in nature, with the only sounds the chirping of birds and the wind rustling the grass.
I also discussed the view of water as production and development. With the expansion of water comes more housing, which then creates more money for San Francisco. The city will become more powerful and wealthy as it continues to expand and grow. While Golden Gate Park may have been designed to produce more money, it is an important part of San Francisco’s history and culture. While this may make the park unappealing to some, it is crucial to the city’s environment. Despite this, without the Gold Rush San Francisco would not have prospered as quickly as it did. It was able to develop because of the flood of people that came to California and the water lines were necessary because of the population growth. San Francisco became a dynasty because of the Gold Rush and its ability to obtain the necessary tools to become an even greater city.
The way you wrote your response in poetical form, almost in a Brautigan style was really interesting. I particularly liked the metaphor of the dog throughout the piece, and who is walking who. I agree with the overall sentiment… “Entering marriage is entering into an institution. Marriage cannot do anything more for love but to suffocate it.” Marriage and the ideals surrounding it have created a sort of unrealistic expectation and standard for love. Marrying someone does not make your love any more true than not marrying them. A childhood friend of mine had parents that had never married, but had remained together for thirty years and raised three children. They simply disagreed with the institutionalizing of the marriage act. Marriage is not something with which the government should interfere or tax. It is a personal and private matter between two people.
Kim Anderson/Sarah Palin's Vice Presidential Nomination
This is definitely a cleverly constructed piece. You did a good job of working Brechin in as well even though you were concentrating on the Snyder prompt. Sarah Palin's views on abortion are disturbing, but to play devil's advocate for a moment Alaska does not yet have an overpopulation problem.
The point you made about the polar bears really made me curious as to what Snyder would have to say about that. Perhaps we'd have a polar bear sutra as well. Can you see it? What would the polar bear wear on its head or carry in it's hands? A snow cap and a snow shovel, perhaps.
I have an eleven year old son who thinks Hannah Montana is the cutest girl ever... I love your irreverence in bringing these icons Sarah Palin's kids probably worship into your piece. The only good thing that has come out of this woman's nomination seems to be the humor that it has produced. From Tina Fey's SNL impressions to your response to the Smokey the Bear Sutra. Thank you for making me smile in the face of her wickedness.
I found this entry brought up some extremely crucial and poignant messages with real life experiences to paint the pictures.
I especially liked the part in which Ryan mentioned a discussion he had with his nephew about Tahoe. So often the youth of our society is overwhelmed by the choices that are made for them through TV and many other technological factors. It saddens me to learn that so many have not been allowed to experience the beauty of the world.
Every time I watch a movie that takes place in a city the first thing my eyes are always drawn to the gas prices that are shown in the movie. I can't help but gaze in wonder at the prices that used to be reasonably below 10 thousand dollars/gallon or whatever it is today.
It is true as you said Ryan, we must appreciate everything while we still can, it is impossible to tell what the future might turn our land into.
I really enjoyed your poem about Prop 8. Although I didn't really see much of a correlation between your poem and Snyder's "Smokey The Bear Sutra," I think you wrote a wonderful piece that clearly describes a specific current event. The rhythm you create really reflects the push and pull of the "yes-no-yes" dynamic that has defined the election year. I love your use of irony and sarcasm throughout the poem, such as "Let me use my pride to restrict others." At the end it is very apparent what your stance is on the subject and I agree with you wholeheartedly. I won't say "no" to love!
Kim Anderson: Sarah Palin's Vice Presidential Nomination
I really like that you link Brechin's quote, "the last two hundred years of scientific and social materialism, with some exceptions, have declared our universe to be without soul and without value except as given value by human activities" with Sarah Palin (77). However, Sarah Palin does not stand alone. She's not that out there in here beliefs. She's a symbol for a large portion of our population who believes the same things she does. These issues you bring up go beyond just Sarah Palin. Where do her ideologies come from? Why do so many people, while maybe in Santa Cruz, agree with her? I love when you say that "smokey the bear must stand tall as a signal to all Palins of the world" because you recognize the number of people who agree with Palin.
After reading your post I couldn’t help but be filled with immense anger over the fact that this movie will actually top the box office. Forty million dollars – and for what? For “weird looking Disney channel stars”. Disney itself is extremely problematic, especially in consideration of the fact that it perpetuates racist/gender-based stereotypes in most of its films and has for the past sixty years…but that’s an entirely different tangent. I loved your discussion of “High School Musical” in relation to Snyder and the Smokey the Bear Sutra; it really served as a reminder of our society’s near-complete dismissal of anything non-corporate, such as the harmony/beauty to be found in nature. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if camping suddenly became more popular simply because a picture of Zac Efron’s face were attached to a tent. Would people then finally be willing to expose themselves to what Snyder is discussing? Is that really what it takes to grab peoples attention?
I thought your post was an insightful glimpse into the racist interior that lines the walls of San Francisco history. While I do agree that the West may be "technologically and militarily superior," I do have to diverge when it comes to ideological advancement. Typically, the West demonstrates this arrogant attitude that it happens to be positioned at the apex of evolution, whereas other civilizations are still staggering behind attempting to catch up. I find this notion to be pretty outrageous, and yet it's genuinely what a large portion of our country believes. This has been used as justification for war, for over-consumption, and environmental unrest for the past few centuries. The West doesn't have the right to dominate another society on the basis of said society developing in a different manner -- a manner that doesn't enshrine greed and consumerism at its core.
First I would like to say that it would have been awesome if you ended the poem with "Fight their butts with peace, don't put up with their shit." I would have just liked the little play on words. On a more serious note though, I would be surprised if in Santa Cruz there is anyone that would disagree with your stance. Everyone knows hindsight is 20/20, too bad there isn't a way for politicians to have foresight 20/20, then we wouldn't be spending the $5,000 a second just to have men and women die. Not only are our American troops dying, but what are they fighting against and for? Against terrorism? It's been around since the dawn of man when we would try and take over territory from a neighboring cave. For peace. Bull. For oil. And how is that going? $4.00+ for a gallon of gas? Just look at the debt we are in and how is this war benefitting anyone? I don't think we could fight with peace though, simply because they are contradictory to one another. But then again, that's me just being knit-picky with words, I understand what you are trying to get across. I think what we need to do as a country is refocus our goals and redisign where we are going. We need to fix our world first before we fix the rest of it. So on that note, go out and VOTE!!! In the words of P. Diddy, Vote or Die.
We do live in society where evil seems to overpower the righteous. The media is more interested in the horrible and dishonest then promoting the positive and moral. This makes more interesting news. Despite what we would admit most people prefer to be reminded how favorably they compare to the rest of society as opposed to being reminded how they personally could improve. We define ourselves by comparison to others. While this comparative definition of the individual is strongly utilized Snyder suggests looking outside American politics and Christian religions for greater insight. The goal of Buddhism is the cessation of humanities suffering. The Buddhist teachings offer karma as the greater moral scale. Your actions alone good or bad will follow you in the future. Just as our actions morally follow us so will our actions politically, economically, and environmentally. It is our own responsibility to control how we as individuals contribute to future generations. The grim picture of our society the media paints should only motivate individuals to make a difference in the future definitions of themselves, their homes, and their nation.
kelsey cat mcbride / food resources as a method of control
While I would agree with your assessment to a degree that there is a huge detachment in the association people make about food and its source, to say that people should take time out of their day to garden and what have you, and that this would have a positive impact on the world, is a bit optimistic. We are able to have society because of our ability to allocate time away from such tasks into other things, such as academic per-suits. I agree with you though, a sea change in thinking is required to make change, but I think a better way to go about it would be to make more well informed decisions, such as buying organic and local food, for instance.
This is a difficult argument because not every marriage is comparable, believe me, if anyone should be jaded towards marriage it would be me because everyone who has ever been married in my family has been divorced, at least once. Marriage hasnt always meant gold and diamonds or even rings and many cultures exclude both. Any relationship can be categorized in the way which you have with the concept of marriage. To write the concept of marriage completely off would be like wiping an christianity off as a buddhist. Its just bad practice, there are obviously ideas within marriage that are positive had not imperialism and capitalism and government tainted those.
Yes, Hollywood caters to the mass and unfortunately the current mass is something hard to associate with. Like the music industry the film industry is no longer for educated and elite crowds. Think about it, nobility and sophisticated types once attended the majority of concerts at a certain point-fast forward to now and the majority of people who go to concerts are children ages 12-18. The same goes for films. The market caters to what feeds it and rewards the same. Real film afficendos dont really go to the theatre anymore because of all the kids, taalking, cell phones, ridiculous prices, etc. Therefore shitty scripts that seem capable of attracting particular age groups make it. Same with reality shows-no writers because there is no audience any longer.
While I do agree with the idea that Harry Potter has done a lot of good in getting kids to read again (I'd never heard of people waiting in line all night for a book release before those books) I wonder if the fact that it has become so commercialized is having any negative influence on the readers.
A lot of the movies boil the books down to an action packed light show and the actors themselves have become synonymous with their characters. It's a shame that something that inspired a lot of kids imaginations is probably more likely to be remembered as a series of films starring Alan Rickman and Daniel Radcliffe than the books I read and enjoyed for the past seven years.
I like the way that Pablo took the alternative route that instead of picking a major political scandal, he chose to speak about the release of High School Musical 3. Your analysis of the Sutra was well-argued, but I would’ve liked for it to be more defined.
I liked in your analysis when you said, “They who lie in the fires of this earth and do not look up at the great, blue sky are those who would choose to support this High School Musical. Those who are skinny and underfed of the earth's great bounty are those who would see this High School Musical.”
Very nice work, I enjoyed this poem very much. It almost seems more effective than all of the adds and marketing for the campaign, or maybe that's just because those become less effective over time. In keeping with the Buddhist nature in Snyder's sutra (and work overall), the moral thinking of Buddhism fits very well with Prop. 8. With this as the basis it really strengthens the argument of your poem. Nice work!
I think it's a really interesting point you made about the Bridge reaching out and touching the contado in order to more efficiently exploit it. It's also a thoroughfare to outsource workers from San Francisco; I wonder how the numbers compare of people who travel in and out of the city every day to work. Also, your and Daniel's posts remind me of the Garrison essay in "Reclaiming" which discusses the Bridge and its symbolic meaning in the city and out. People travel to work and home on the Bridge, and they sometimes travel to their deaths. The Bridge reaches out and touches the contado, and perhaps it touches and exploits the Pacific Ocean in the same way as it forces the waters to still the dead. Such a morbid thought, sorry. But having read that essay, I think it can viewed as a bit of a morbid "tourist attraction" of a Bridge.
23 comments:
Nick Furnal/Good Deeds
This is a wonderful interpretation of the media and its effect on our society. I've always seen the daily news as the easiest way to become paranoid. There are constant reports of unavoidable catastrophes and instructions to lead a healthy life that, cumulatively, are impossible to follow. That's not to say that the world isn't in bad shape in many ways. The idea that "[we] have [gotten] into troubles all over [our] head and practically wreck[ed] everything in spite of [our] own strong intelligent Buddha-nature" is accurate. The media, however, plays a strong role in hyperbolizing these problems until we are scared for our lives.
More focus on the good aspects of the world would certainly create the unity you describe. People are brought together by kindness and interaction. The bonds created between teacher and student, parent and child, donor and recipient of any transaction, are often overlooked. They are mythologized and generalized, but never seen as reality. People who clean garbage from the side of the highway, recycle their plastic bottles, bring cloth bags to the grocery store, or plant a tree do as much for the world as policy makers.
The human race may be facing an apocalyptic end, or we may just be in another downturn that will someday be portrayed in sepia tones on film. Either way, there is nothing more powerful and beneficial on a day-to-day than simple good deeds. Unity with each other and nature can help save us.
Pablo: Consumerism vs. Smokey's Sutra
Your response to Snyder and critique of today's society is fantastic. I agree completely with you about the ridiculousness that is High School Musical . I found it haunting me while home in Southern California this summer--every where I turned there was some product being sold with Zach Efron's face on it: a lunch box or bedding at Target, a backpack in Long's or Vons, notebooks and folders everywhere. I think I may have even seen "HSM" underwear in the kid's section of Kohl's. Granted those are all chain stores--there aren't many other places to shop in Southern California other than thrift stores (which are probably also overwhelmingly in stock with HSM merchandise).
I do think that a disconnect has grown between our current society of consumerism and the ideals presented by Snyder in his "Smokey the Bear Sutra." High School Musical certainly doesn't provide any nourishment for the soul of the individual or the vast majority of society, but is rather another example of consumerism at it's best. Unfortunately, I also have found this to be true with the Harry Potter series--which I will admit to loving. But I do find it slightly repulsive how movie and merchandise companies are pulling every last dime that they can out of the Harry Potter craze. I've even heard recently that the seventh movie will be split into two parts- which although will be a better representation of the book, also seems to be just so that the movie companies and all involved will make more money.
Sadie/ Golden Gate symbolic of Imperialism
I found your analysis into the imperialistic symbolism of the Golden Gate Bridge very interesting. That the bridge attracts so much death, and how this can serve as a prism through which to understand the operations of imperialism in general, I think opens up a world of useful analogies.
For instance, you mentioned the controversy over installing guard rails on the bridge to prevent suicide. Those against installation argue that the rails would be aesthetically displeasing and would ruin the bridge's monumental and romantic appeal. In other words, keep the negatives invisible, don't admit that the bridge is an instrument for death. With a stretch of the mind, I think this can be compared to Imperial countries, ie America, and their reluctance to admit their historical and current mistakes. This sort of righteousness carries with it an aire of superiority. So, both the bridge and powerful nations suffer from delusions of grandeur.
Very good work Sadie.
Kim Anderson/Sarah Palin
I really enjoyed your "Smokey" critique of Sarah Palin as a politician. I thought about doing a similar thing, but I really wouldn't have done a very good job. You mention many different occasions where she has proven herself to be less than moral by the standards of many people, not just we the exuberant college students of norther California. I particularly liked the fact about her trying to get polar bears off the endangered list as I didn't know about that.
My only critique is that I feel you could have used more Snyder language! Your war chant at the end about crushing smut was really good, and I'm sure you had more ideas like that you could have used to dramatize even further some of Sarah Palin's more foolhardy remarks.
Sam Evans
I completely agree with your stance on our culture and its obsession with consumerism. It’s hard to find someone walking around on campus without headphones in (though I’ll admit, I usually have mine in, too) or their phone glued to their ear. We’re so dependent on technology and the noise that we constantly create around us that we have no idea what to do with silence. When the conversation and music stop, and we find ourselves alone in nature, we are humble and we are scared. I fully believe and agree with you that the only way we can get back to our roots and understand ourselves is to have some time alone in nature, with the only sounds the chirping of birds and the wind rustling the grass.
Rosa Donaldson/Water Lines and Expansion
I also discussed the view of water as production and development. With the expansion of water comes more housing, which then creates more money for San Francisco. The city will become more powerful and wealthy as it continues to expand and grow. While Golden Gate Park may have been designed to produce more money, it is an important part of San Francisco’s history and culture. While this may make the park unappealing to some, it is crucial to the city’s environment. Despite this, without the Gold Rush San Francisco would not have prospered as quickly as it did. It was able to develop because of the flood of people that came to California and the water lines were necessary because of the population growth. San Francisco became a dynasty because of the Gold Rush and its ability to obtain the necessary tools to become an even greater city.
Aaron/Marriage
The way you wrote your response in poetical form, almost in a Brautigan style was really interesting. I particularly liked the metaphor of the dog throughout the piece, and who is walking who. I agree with the overall sentiment… “Entering marriage is entering into an institution. Marriage cannot do anything more for love but to suffocate it.” Marriage and the ideals surrounding it have created a sort of unrealistic expectation and standard for love. Marrying someone does not make your love any more true than not marrying them. A childhood friend of mine had parents that had never married, but had remained together for thirty years and raised three children. They simply disagreed with the institutionalizing of the marriage act. Marriage is not something with which the government should interfere or tax. It is a personal and private matter between two people.
Kim Anderson/Sarah Palin's Vice Presidential Nomination
This is definitely a cleverly constructed piece. You did a good job of working Brechin in as well even though you were concentrating on the Snyder prompt. Sarah Palin's views on abortion are disturbing, but to play devil's advocate for a moment Alaska does not yet have an overpopulation problem.
The point you made about the polar bears really made me curious as to what Snyder would have to say about that. Perhaps we'd have a polar bear sutra as well. Can you see it? What would the polar bear wear on its head or carry in it's hands? A snow cap and a snow shovel, perhaps.
I have an eleven year old son who thinks Hannah Montana is the cutest girl ever... I love your irreverence in bringing these icons Sarah Palin's kids probably worship into your piece. The only good thing that has come out of this woman's nomination seems to be the humor that it has produced. From Tina Fey's SNL impressions to your response to the Smokey the Bear Sutra. Thank you for making me smile in the face of her wickedness.
Ryan / Automobile Dependency
I found this entry brought up some extremely crucial and poignant messages with real life experiences to paint the pictures.
I especially liked the part in which Ryan mentioned a discussion he had with his nephew about Tahoe. So often the youth of our society is overwhelmed by the choices that are made for them through TV and many other technological factors. It saddens me to learn that so many have not been allowed to experience the beauty of the world.
Every time I watch a movie that takes place in a city the first thing my eyes are always drawn to the gas prices that are shown in the movie. I can't help but gaze in wonder at the prices that used to be reasonably below 10 thousand dollars/gallon or whatever it is today.
It is true as you said Ryan, we must appreciate everything while we still can, it is impossible to tell what the future might turn our land into.
Amanda Lopez/Prop 8
I really enjoyed your poem about Prop 8. Although I didn't really see much of a correlation between your poem and Snyder's "Smokey The Bear Sutra," I think you wrote a wonderful piece that clearly describes a specific current event. The rhythm you create really reflects the push and pull of the "yes-no-yes" dynamic that has defined the election year. I love your use of irony and sarcasm throughout the poem, such as "Let me use my pride to restrict others." At the end it is very apparent what your stance is on the subject and I agree with you wholeheartedly. I won't say "no" to love!
Kim Anderson: Sarah Palin's Vice Presidential Nomination
I really like that you link Brechin's quote, "the last two hundred years of scientific and social materialism, with some exceptions, have declared our universe to be without soul and without value except as given value by human activities" with Sarah Palin (77). However, Sarah Palin does not stand alone. She's not that out there in here beliefs. She's a symbol for a large portion of our population who believes the same things she does. These issues you bring up go beyond just Sarah Palin. Where do her ideologies come from? Why do so many people, while maybe in Santa Cruz, agree with her?
I love when you say that "smokey the bear must stand tall as a signal to all Palins of the world" because you recognize the number of people who agree with Palin.
Pablo/ High School Musical
After reading your post I couldn’t help but be filled with immense anger over the fact that this movie will actually top the box office. Forty million dollars – and for what? For “weird looking Disney channel stars”. Disney itself is extremely problematic, especially in consideration of the fact that it perpetuates racist/gender-based stereotypes in most of its films and has for the past sixty years…but that’s an entirely different tangent. I loved your discussion of “High School Musical” in relation to Snyder and the Smokey the Bear Sutra; it really served as a reminder of our society’s near-complete dismissal of anything non-corporate, such as the harmony/beauty to be found in nature. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if camping suddenly became more popular simply because a picture of Zac Efron’s face were attached to a tent. Would people then finally be willing to expose themselves to what Snyder is discussing? Is that really what it takes to grab peoples attention?
Aaron/ San Francisco and Racism
I thought your post was an insightful glimpse into the racist interior that lines the walls of San Francisco history. While I do agree that the West may be "technologically and militarily superior," I do have to diverge when it comes to ideological advancement. Typically, the West demonstrates this arrogant attitude that it happens to be positioned at the apex of evolution, whereas other civilizations are still staggering behind attempting to catch up. I find this notion to be pretty outrageous, and yet it's genuinely what a large portion of our country believes. This has been used as justification for war, for over-consumption, and environmental unrest for the past few centuries. The West doesn't have the right to dominate another society on the basis of said society developing in a different manner -- a manner that doesn't enshrine greed and consumerism at its core.
Sarah Welsh/War
First I would like to say that it would have been awesome if you ended the poem with "Fight their butts with peace, don't put up with their shit." I would have just liked the little play on words. On a more serious note though, I would be surprised if in Santa Cruz there is anyone that would disagree with your stance. Everyone knows hindsight is 20/20, too bad there isn't a way for politicians to have foresight 20/20, then we wouldn't be spending the $5,000 a second just to have men and women die. Not only are our American troops dying, but what are they fighting against and for? Against terrorism? It's been around since the dawn of man when we would try and take over territory from a neighboring cave. For peace. Bull. For oil. And how is that going? $4.00+ for a gallon of gas? Just look at the debt we are in and how is this war benefitting anyone? I don't think we could fight with peace though, simply because they are contradictory to one another. But then again, that's me just being knit-picky with words, I understand what you are trying to get across. I think what we need to do as a country is refocus our goals and redisign where we are going. We need to fix our world first before we fix the rest of it. So on that note, go out and VOTE!!! In the words of P. Diddy, Vote or Die.
Nick – Media and Human Society
We do live in society where evil seems to overpower the righteous. The media is more interested in the horrible and dishonest then promoting the positive and moral. This makes more interesting news. Despite what we would admit most people prefer to be reminded how favorably they compare to the rest of society as opposed to being reminded how they personally could improve. We define ourselves by comparison to others. While this comparative definition of the individual is strongly utilized Snyder suggests looking outside American politics and Christian religions for greater insight. The goal of Buddhism is the cessation of humanities suffering. The Buddhist teachings offer karma as the greater moral scale. Your actions alone good or bad will follow you in the future. Just as our actions morally follow us so will our actions politically, economically, and environmentally. It is our own responsibility to control how we as individuals contribute to future generations. The grim picture of our society the media paints should only motivate individuals to make a difference in the future definitions of themselves, their homes, and their nation.
Rosa
kelsey cat mcbride / food resources as a method of control
While I would agree with your assessment to a degree that there is a huge detachment in the association people make about food and its source, to say that people should take time out of their day to garden and what have you, and that this would have a positive impact on the world, is a bit optimistic. We are able to have society because of our ability to allocate time away from such tasks into other things, such as academic per-suits. I agree with you though, a sea change in thinking is required to make change, but I think a better way to go about it would be to make more well informed decisions, such as buying organic and local food, for instance.
Aaron/Marriage
This is a difficult argument because not every marriage is comparable, believe me, if anyone should be jaded towards marriage it would be me because everyone who has ever been married in my family has been divorced, at least once. Marriage hasnt always meant gold and diamonds or even rings and many cultures exclude both. Any relationship can be categorized in the way which you have with the concept of marriage. To write the concept of marriage completely off would be like wiping an christianity off as a buddhist. Its just bad practice, there are obviously ideas within marriage that are positive had not imperialism and capitalism and government tainted those.
pablo/high school musical
Yes, Hollywood caters to the mass and unfortunately the current mass is something hard to associate with. Like the music industry the film industry is no longer for educated and elite crowds. Think about it, nobility and sophisticated types once attended the majority of concerts at a certain point-fast forward to now and the majority of people who go to concerts are children ages 12-18. The same goes for films. The market caters to what feeds it and rewards the same. Real film afficendos dont really go to the theatre anymore because of all the kids, taalking, cell phones, ridiculous prices, etc. Therefore shitty scripts that seem capable of attracting particular age groups make it. Same with reality shows-no writers because there is no audience any longer.
Dana/Harry Potter
While I do agree with the idea that Harry Potter has done a lot of good in getting kids to read again (I'd never heard of people waiting in line all night for a book release before those books) I wonder if the fact that it has become so commercialized is having any negative influence on the readers.
A lot of the movies boil the books down to an action packed light show and the actors themselves have become synonymous with their characters. It's a shame that something that inspired a lot of kids imaginations is probably more likely to be remembered as a series of films starring Alan Rickman and Daniel Radcliffe than the books I read and enjoyed for the past seven years.
High School Musical Shitra/Pablo
I like the way that Pablo took the alternative route that instead of picking a major political scandal, he chose to speak about the release of High School Musical 3. Your analysis of the Sutra was well-argued, but I would’ve liked for it to be more defined.
I liked in your analysis when you said, “They who lie in the fires of this earth and do not look up at the great, blue sky are those who would choose to support this High School Musical. Those who are skinny and underfed of the earth's great bounty are those who would see this High School Musical.”
Amanda Lopez/Prop. 8 Poem
Very nice work, I enjoyed this poem very much. It almost seems more effective than all of the adds and marketing for the campaign, or maybe that's just because those become less effective over time. In keeping with the Buddhist nature in Snyder's sutra (and work overall), the moral thinking of Buddhism fits very well with Prop. 8. With this as the basis it really strengthens the argument of your poem. Nice work!
Sadie/Golden Gate Bridge
I think it's a really interesting point you made about the Bridge reaching out and touching the contado in order to more efficiently exploit it. It's also a thoroughfare to outsource workers from San Francisco; I wonder how the numbers compare of people who travel in and out of the city every day to work. Also, your and Daniel's posts remind me of the Garrison essay in "Reclaiming" which discusses the Bridge and its symbolic meaning in the city and out. People travel to work and home on the Bridge, and they sometimes travel to their deaths. The Bridge reaches out and touches the contado, and perhaps it touches and exploits the Pacific Ocean in the same way as it forces the waters to still the dead. Such a morbid thought, sorry. But having read that essay, I think it can viewed as a bit of a morbid "tourist attraction" of a Bridge.
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