The Lie Factory
Politic is really not my thing. I never understood economics and politics when I learned them in high school. But as I grow older I realized I need to know what is going on and what benefits I can get from the politics. Since I am registered to vote for this year's election, I was very interested to read this article. But yet, I could not understand most of it....
I am assuming that what people hear now and want to see about politics are very fictional and politicians are trying to make that happen?
Fear of Black President
in 2008 election, I was counting votes as volunteer. And now,it is 2012 and I am waiting to vote myself in New York. Election policy and presidencies are different from country to country so I was surprised that we had to go to school on election day. In Korea, we do not go to school or work on election day. And also, formal president can not run again for the next term. Which is, i think, the reason why presidents give up easily and wait for the next president to fix the problems.
I really think it is reasonable to have a good president for many years without changing. I feel stable and safe about experienced president. I have not listened to all the speeches of candidates but have seen plenty of articles, slogans and movie clips about them.
During Obama's presidency, I could not imagine how hard it would have been for him to be the first black president. He was very wise and stayed in the middle of racial issues. I think it was very smart of him to not to take side of his own race because that will cause so much chaos. But at the same time he must have felt very sorry for those who believed that he will change everything about the racism.
We have to recognize that he is in very tough situation. Obama has to work twice as hard to be a respectable president by all people. I am sure that there must be many people out there who does not like him at all.
But I think this is a chance to break the stereotype on races. As a full Korean, I sometimes feel very uncomfortable when others try to fit me into stereotypes. In this case, Trayvon Martin was killed because of it. It must have been the hardest moment for the president to say things about this accident. I mean,,, what can he say? Even though he knows what to say he did not say it directly.
2012년 11월 12일 월요일
MacBeth
In class, we watched revised version of Macbeth.
In the play there no King but Generals.
I have read Macbeth when I was in highschool, so I could not remember the full story when I watched the film. And seeing the film did not help me at all. It was very strange to see people using old english when they dressed so modern. I wished the director also changed the speech.
What scared me the most was the three nurses. They were acting so weird in the movie that it was not pleasant. (In the original play, they are witches.)
But I think the modern version made sense anyways. After all, man hungers power even though they seem naive. Once he tasted the power, the more he seeks. He became bloodthirsty and cruel to be more powerful. He wants the power to himself. He doubted what three nurses said and killed everyone that seems to be in his way. He ended up getting killed. His wife, who persuaded him to kill the king later on kills herself from guilt.
Macbeth is an example of a bad king. He did not think of the responsibilities but only about his own benefit. He was too busy keeping his throne. He was not happy at all thorough out the entire play. He grew more anxious as he gained more power.
In the play there no King but Generals.
I have read Macbeth when I was in highschool, so I could not remember the full story when I watched the film. And seeing the film did not help me at all. It was very strange to see people using old english when they dressed so modern. I wished the director also changed the speech.
What scared me the most was the three nurses. They were acting so weird in the movie that it was not pleasant. (In the original play, they are witches.)
But I think the modern version made sense anyways. After all, man hungers power even though they seem naive. Once he tasted the power, the more he seeks. He became bloodthirsty and cruel to be more powerful. He wants the power to himself. He doubted what three nurses said and killed everyone that seems to be in his way. He ended up getting killed. His wife, who persuaded him to kill the king later on kills herself from guilt.
Macbeth is an example of a bad king. He did not think of the responsibilities but only about his own benefit. He was too busy keeping his throne. He was not happy at all thorough out the entire play. He grew more anxious as he gained more power.
Royster, Francesca T. Becoming Cleopatra: The Shifting Image of An Icon
When I hear the name Cleopatra, the image of a very beautiful dressed in gold with heavy make up pops up in my mind. Of course I have never seen her before, but she has been described in various fields. There are more than 2 movies of Cleopatra. And the actress that plays the role of Cleopatra looks rather proud to have that part. What does this ancient woman has that is so admired and praised by females throughout the centuries?
Before thinking into that topic, it seems important to actually know about Cleopatra herself. Going back to the very basic question. What is her origin? Movies from 1900s, portraits her as caucasian, which is not possible because she is from Egypt. While reading this article, I realized that I, too, pictured Cleopatra as white. Cleopatra takes such an important part of the history that debating over her origin seems very reasonable. I would be pretty upset if Japanese or Chinese people argue over our ancestors. And what makes this problem worse is that it has to do with race, which is the most sensitive issue.
Why do we obsess with Cleopatra anyways? Nobody really knows what she looked like or dressed up. But there are costumes and makeup tutorials of Cleopatra all over the market. It seems to me that we take her too seriously and somehow make own image of her. Exaggerate in a way. She must be pretty smart and cunning and seductive since she used it to control over man. But there are no evidences that says that she was extremely beautiful and sexy. Maybe that is what we think. We think woman can win over man by seducing them. With heavy makeup and provocative outfits....
There are many artists that uses the name Cleopatra to represent themselves. For example, Jazz Cleopatra. Why are we so obsessed with ancient heroin that we know not much about? Why can't we make our own term and be unique? I think woman should create their own icon. Not borrowing names from some figure that we do not even know where she is from.
Conclusion.... Is it really hard to be 'Powerful Queen' these days?
Before thinking into that topic, it seems important to actually know about Cleopatra herself. Going back to the very basic question. What is her origin? Movies from 1900s, portraits her as caucasian, which is not possible because she is from Egypt. While reading this article, I realized that I, too, pictured Cleopatra as white. Cleopatra takes such an important part of the history that debating over her origin seems very reasonable. I would be pretty upset if Japanese or Chinese people argue over our ancestors. And what makes this problem worse is that it has to do with race, which is the most sensitive issue.
Why do we obsess with Cleopatra anyways? Nobody really knows what she looked like or dressed up. But there are costumes and makeup tutorials of Cleopatra all over the market. It seems to me that we take her too seriously and somehow make own image of her. Exaggerate in a way. She must be pretty smart and cunning and seductive since she used it to control over man. But there are no evidences that says that she was extremely beautiful and sexy. Maybe that is what we think. We think woman can win over man by seducing them. With heavy makeup and provocative outfits....
There are many artists that uses the name Cleopatra to represent themselves. For example, Jazz Cleopatra. Why are we so obsessed with ancient heroin that we know not much about? Why can't we make our own term and be unique? I think woman should create their own icon. Not borrowing names from some figure that we do not even know where she is from.
Conclusion.... Is it really hard to be 'Powerful Queen' these days?
2012년 10월 8일 월요일
Dance Performance: Judson Church
This was my first time seeing dance performance in New York. I did not what to expect out of it. When I went inside the St.Mark's church, it was not how I pictured it would be in the first place. And through out the whole performance I was very confused. Even after Q&A time, I did not have anything to say.
But I remember this part where one performer reads and sings while other performer shows his sadness through dancing. Later on thorough research I realized that it was the modernized act from Greek Mythology called Antigone. To be honest, I did not really feel anything about the performance. I tried to understand but failed. Hopefully if I go see more performances I will get the sense of dance performances? Art is such a broad and creative world I will never understand them all!
But I remember this part where one performer reads and sings while other performer shows his sadness through dancing. Later on thorough research I realized that it was the modernized act from Greek Mythology called Antigone. To be honest, I did not really feel anything about the performance. I tried to understand but failed. Hopefully if I go see more performances I will get the sense of dance performances? Art is such a broad and creative world I will never understand them all!
King Arthur
Story of King Arthur is very well known, probably over used. I read it in book, saw a movie and cartoon of it, and heard that there is also a musical version of King Arthur. It has been awhile since I read King Arthur so when I read it again recently I suspected certain things about the meaning of 'true king.' After all, my mind is all focused on kings and queens.
It was a whole different experience reading King Arthur again. Before then, I remembered him as a chosen king that drew out Excalibur from the stone. I would expect him to be very wise and brave naturally because he was meant to be a great king of Britain. But as I was reading, Arthur seemed more like a gilded person. Only has the title of King and treated as a King because of Merlin, the great sorcerer said so. Nobody believed nor accepted Arthur as their King until Merlin tells them the story of Arthur. Merlin tells them that the boy's birth was no ordinary like others. He talks about what kind of blood Arthur has, and how he was blessed with many gifts from magical creatures that people can not see. People fall for that and suddenly respects Arthur and supports his authority as their King. This can not be done in today's society. However, in North Korea they believe that their leader Kim Jung Il was chosen by God and not an ordinary person. They worship him and obey him. It is not quite the same for Arthur, however. Most of the time, Merlin gets into Arthur's way and somehow manipulates. Whenever Merlin wants to change Arthur's mind, he says that it is all written in the future. What does exactly the King does? How do they become a King? It is very sure that they do not have to be wise or powerful to be a king. Rather, they need to have someone more powerful but yet not exposed in the real world. It is not the King that people respect, but it is the magical power and God's power. King is just the figure that delivers the messages.
It was a whole different experience reading King Arthur again. Before then, I remembered him as a chosen king that drew out Excalibur from the stone. I would expect him to be very wise and brave naturally because he was meant to be a great king of Britain. But as I was reading, Arthur seemed more like a gilded person. Only has the title of King and treated as a King because of Merlin, the great sorcerer said so. Nobody believed nor accepted Arthur as their King until Merlin tells them the story of Arthur. Merlin tells them that the boy's birth was no ordinary like others. He talks about what kind of blood Arthur has, and how he was blessed with many gifts from magical creatures that people can not see. People fall for that and suddenly respects Arthur and supports his authority as their King. This can not be done in today's society. However, in North Korea they believe that their leader Kim Jung Il was chosen by God and not an ordinary person. They worship him and obey him. It is not quite the same for Arthur, however. Most of the time, Merlin gets into Arthur's way and somehow manipulates. Whenever Merlin wants to change Arthur's mind, he says that it is all written in the future. What does exactly the King does? How do they become a King? It is very sure that they do not have to be wise or powerful to be a king. Rather, they need to have someone more powerful but yet not exposed in the real world. It is not the King that people respect, but it is the magical power and God's power. King is just the figure that delivers the messages.
It is not a surprise that there are no more Kings. People got educated and come to the sense that there are no such thing as chosen one. There are someone who is good at things, but that does not mean they are gifted by elves or was ascended from above.
This is why I come to the conclusion that no other king is greater than God. King of all kings. Human lack something at some point. But only God is just and mighty. I know I sound religious, but that is how I feel about King. There is only one King. And I am very glad to serve him as my King : )
Presentations of Self in Everyday Life
First impression.
It is said that first impression is very important when you start a new relationship with someone in life.
And there are more than just give them good impressions, it varies depends on who you are meeting and what role you will play.
When I was in Korea, I used to work at the kindergarten and was in charge of 7 year olds. I love children and love playing with them. So on the first day with them, I tried to be as nice as possible. They loved me for playing with them and became more friendly with me. But later on, when it comes to teaching, they seem to not care. They did not take seriousness of my teaching and I got upset. After realizing the seriousness of the problem, I have decided to be a strict teacher to them. It took me very long to get my authority as a teacher. That time I realized that I should have done this on the first day of class.
It is very interesting how people react to changes. When you are nice at first and eventually become demanding, you are likely to be ignored or hated by others. But if you are demanding and being difficult at first, people will appreciate you when you be nice to them later on.
What people think about me often determine myself even though it might not be correct.
Be true about myself. Be who you are. Be you. How can one express themselves fully by just being? I guess this leads to stereotype also. Sadly, even thought how much we hate to fall into certain category there is no way we can get out of being judged and fit into other's stereotypes.
To make a good impression there is only one way. We all know how to be good and what is good. But the key is can we keep on doing that?
It is said that first impression is very important when you start a new relationship with someone in life.
And there are more than just give them good impressions, it varies depends on who you are meeting and what role you will play.
When I was in Korea, I used to work at the kindergarten and was in charge of 7 year olds. I love children and love playing with them. So on the first day with them, I tried to be as nice as possible. They loved me for playing with them and became more friendly with me. But later on, when it comes to teaching, they seem to not care. They did not take seriousness of my teaching and I got upset. After realizing the seriousness of the problem, I have decided to be a strict teacher to them. It took me very long to get my authority as a teacher. That time I realized that I should have done this on the first day of class.
It is very interesting how people react to changes. When you are nice at first and eventually become demanding, you are likely to be ignored or hated by others. But if you are demanding and being difficult at first, people will appreciate you when you be nice to them later on.
What people think about me often determine myself even though it might not be correct.
Be true about myself. Be who you are. Be you. How can one express themselves fully by just being? I guess this leads to stereotype also. Sadly, even thought how much we hate to fall into certain category there is no way we can get out of being judged and fit into other's stereotypes.
To make a good impression there is only one way. We all know how to be good and what is good. But the key is can we keep on doing that?
Queens of Language: Paris is Burning
Burning paris.... What is burning Paris?
For a second, I thought it was name of the war between New York and Paris.
For a second, I thought it was name of the war between New York and Paris.
But when I looked it up I got the gist of what it was but not completely understood.
I have to say this is a very odd culture in my point of view. I meet some gay people on the street in New York sometimes but never had an idea that they had their own culture. Most of all I was very surprise to see that they exaggerate their looks as if their outfits and make ups speaks who they are. It seems like anybody can be what they are if he/she dress up in overwhelming outfit or puts on too much makeup.
When I first arrived in New York, I was very dazed off from looking at people. There were so many interesting people that I could not take my eyes off! After 3 years, it still is pretty interesting how diverse it is.
Vogue-ing their outrageous looks very serious to them. I am not very into fashion myself, so I can not say rather they have great taste in clothes. Which is first, them wearing unusual outfits and heavy makeups or thinking that they will wear something very different from us so we can define them? I can not say which is first, since I do not completely know their cultures.
New Yorkers wear black. California girls wear Holisters. These are some standards we have. And somehow people listen to that and wear what they are expected to wear to show where they come from. I am guessing that takes huge part in Burning Paris and Drag Queen Balls. But again, I can not judge.
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