Response to Riley's "What's the deal with Abortion"

Response to Riley's post found here http://jesusblawg.blogspot.com/2011/03/whats-deal-with-abortion.html

Hi Riley!

            Your post on abortion and Seinfeld got me thinking of the discussion we had in class on Tuesday regarding the amount of times abortion has been shown on primetime. Professor Harris mentioned that although over 40 million abortions have occurred in the United States over the past 40 years, only 9 have been broadcasted. Harris mentioned abortions taking place on Maud, All My Children, Degrassi High, Six Feet Under, Weeds, Degrassi the Next Generation, Private Practice and Friday Night Lights. However, I believe that in discussing abortion, one should rather look at the times abortion has been referenced within television and film. As mentioned in one of my previous posts (found here), the popular television series Sex & the City has an entire episode, entitled Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda devoted to abortion. Miranda, one of the four star characters, finds herself pregnant after a one night stand with her ex boyfriend Steve. When the girls meet for their weekly breakfast, Miranda tells them that she is pregnant and is definitely going to have an abortion. Miranda’s announcement opens discussion to how many abortions each woman has had. Charlotte, disgusted at Miranda that she even considering an abortion gets up and storms out.  Sounding like they are talking of shoes, Carrie responds that she’s had one and Samantha has had two. The remainder of the episode is Miranda debating as to if she will have the baby. In the end, Miranda has a beautiful baby boy named Brady. The actors of Sex & the City have also been criticized for supporting Planned Parenthood and giving the proceeds of an auction to the organization.

            A film that I immediately thought of when on the topic of abortion is Dirty Dancing. In the film, one of the lead dancers has an abortion in a back alley with what is described as ‘an old coat hanger’. This was my first interaction with abortion in my early teens. I didn’t really understand what was going on and until I was 15 and watched an abortion video in my grade 10 religion and morality class, I thought that the only place you could get an abortion was in a back alley with a dirty hanger. Seeing the abortion video and pictures of the process of abortion brought the entire class to tears. After this experience, it wasn’t the back alley and coat hanger that disgusted me, but rather that a little human being could be sucked through a vacuum and then disposed into a garbage bin out back. Over the past six years I have become more informed of abortions, including laws and procedures and the platforms for both pro-life and pro-choice organizations. However, that video from grade 10 has stayed engrained in my mind. I am not sure if I disagree with the tactic that my high school used or if in a way it benefited the class to see the reality of what is happening. I just know what I would do if I fell into a situation such as this one, and I believe that it is not up to any other individual to criticize a woman for the choice that she may decide.

- Kathleen :)  

Teen Pregnancy: Media Influence or Bad Parenting?

 

           

     Last weeks lecture on sexuality in media reminded me of one of my pervious posts that can be found here  on the pop culture phenomenon Sex & the City. As found in that post, popularized television series are being blamed for teen pregnancies, abortions and teens having sex at a young age. As mentioned by Professor Harris, 13 of every 1000 pregnancies in Canada involve a teenager, whereas in the United States, 41-42 pregnancies of 1000 are teen (820, 000 in 2010 alone), with the US having the highest teen pregnancy rate in the world. With television programs such as MTV’s Teen Mom and 16 & Pregnant, the hardships of teen pregnancy are being undermined by the glory of actually being on television. Something to keep in mind is that the teen stars of the series will eventually have their babies and turn 20. This means that eventually MTV will need a new crop of teen moms auditioning for the show. 

         In June 2008, seventeen girls at Gloucester High School north of Boston intentionally got pregnant after agreeing to a pregnancy pact with none of the girls being over the age of sixteen (in Grade 10). Even more scary, MSNBC reports that the reason for they becoming pregnant is that it was ‘the glamourous thing to do’ due to movies such as Juno and Knocked Up. Additionally, MSNBC reports that usually a quarter of that number (17) is the number of average teen pregnancies at the school. To add to the glamorization of teen pregnancy, Lifetime, has created a made-for-TV movie entitled Pregnancy Pact that is inspired by this story. On primetime, Law & Order: SVU had an episode in season 10 called Babes that followed an investigation of a group of girls who made a pregnancy pact. Liz Goodwin, the assistant editor of The Daily Beast, reports that in 2010, the teen pregnancy rate has actually risen by 3% and is on the rise for the first time in fifteen years. Goodwin mentions the influence of Jamie Lynn Spears, Glee and Bristol Palin, but the lack of television speaking of abstinence, birth control and abortions.

            Last year, my aunt who is an elementary school guidance counselor in Torontp, asked her grade eight girls where they see themselves in five years. Four of the twenty five students answered with a baby. After getting over her initial shock, she then asked why they would want to have a baby in high school and they answered because they would receive ‘free money’ (i.e. welfare) from the government just like their moms did when they had them.

            This begs the question, is it the media that is influencing these girls to get pregnant or rather a lack of guidance from parents, school guidance counselors or is teen pregnancy a vicious cycle with teens being influenced by their mother and grandmothers? 

                              How to tell your parents you are pregnant - a HowTo YouTube video

Is MTV causing teen pregnancy rise? - Liz Goodwin Interview

What Happens When Children are Being Parented by Children? - An Interesting Look at Teen Pregnancy

Response to Diana's "Commit the Crime, Do the Time!"

Hi Diana!

Great post. I like that you also thought of Akon. When we were sitting in class discussing music and the influence lyrics and performers have on society, my mind was drawn to Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, groups of rappers such as D12, G Unit and Murder, Inc. and then on the other side of the spectrum – Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and Rihanna. As I write this piece, I am currently listening to the Lil Wayne recording ‘3 Peat’. I am not sure if you are familiar with this song, but every second word for the first 40 seconds or so is ‘motherfuck’ and ‘nigga’. He then goes on to say that ‘suck my d%$k b$tch, swallow my thoughts, if its too nasty then spit it back at me’. To be honest, I am incredibly embarrassed to be even listening to this. The song goes on to speak of hurting his girlfriend if she doesn’t give him what he wants. Although this song does not bring up the idea of not ‘snitching’ as Akon’s does, it instead is absolutely disgusting and offensive to not only women, but also African Americans. Other ‘crew’s’ (I really don’t know what to call them, sorry I’m not up with the rap lingo) such as G Unit and Murder, Inc. create not only violent music about gangs, guns, murder, drugs and women, but even in their group names they portray violent connotations (G Unit = gun it). In 2003, one man was killed in Toronto following a 50 Cent concert, and another shot  following a 50 Cent concert in Montreal. In fact, a Canadian MP attempted to ban 50 Cent from performing in Canada and the only way that he could go through with his tour was to obtain a temporary resident's permit. Other countries have also banned 50 Cent including the UK banning his Bulletproof video game and Reebok ad of him counting to 9 (the number of times he was shot). 

         Differing, Biebs, Swift and Rhianna’s music is not violent in the least and is at the top of the pops. This causes me to wonder, does violence really sell? Although Lil Wayne and 50 Cent are successful rappers, it was their less explicit songs that were ranked in the charts. Although some still have explicit sexual undertones (as found in Lollipop and Candy Shop ... funny they both are about sweets haha), violence is not at the core of the songs. Now as I sit finishing up this post, my iTunes has shuffled to the Spice Girls – hmmm... that’s much better.

Rap, Music, Violence and G-Unit Rapper 50 Cent

http://www.clarkyboy.com/rapmusic.htm

Ban for Ad in UK

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4556093.stm

3 Peat - Lil Wayne (please note there is explicit content)

Lollipop - Lil Wayne

Personal Paranoia: Fuelled by Law & Order or the media?

            During class yesterday when Professor Harris asked who watches shows such as the CSIs, Law & Order (Special Victims Unit, Los Angeles, United Kingdom, Criminal Intent and plain ol’ Law& Order), Criminal Minds, etc, etc. I really should have raised both hands. Yes, I am a HUGE crime show nerd. Every night before bed I watch at least one episode of  the above listed and keep up to date on the regular L&O: SVU and Criminal Minds. To be honest, the creator of Law and Order Dick Wolf is always on my list to be one of the people invited to my fictional ‘if you could have ten people over for dinner dead or alive …’ However, my somewhat obsession has its negative effects. My friends joke that I am paranoid about walking outside alone after dark, I don’t like staying over night in my house alone and am nervous about my big move to London this fall alone (because on so many episodes the victim is always the girl living alone who has no one to check up on her). When Professor Harris mentioned the substantial difference between the homicides in Manhattan on prime time (108 over four shows in one season) versus the actual amount (59 in one year), it actually was kind of reassuring for me. I know that I must sound like a nut bar who should just stop watching crime shows and separate what is fiction and what is real. However, whenever I do put on the news, the headlines are always speaking of shootings, car accidents, break ins, trials, child pornography, and wars. In my neighbourhood newspaper The Village Post, there is a page devoted to the burglaries and violence in my area since the last issue. After reading these excerpts in each issue, I become frightened that my house will be next. This causes me to wonder, is my irrational fear of something happening to me rooted in my love for crime shows and overactive imagination? Or is it driven by the medias constant reporting on violent crimes?  

Response to Marica's "Can we REALLY say sports are religious?"

Hi Marica!

I really like your post, however I think that in your discussion of sports and religion, it would help to add a personal experience of determination, passion and endurance found in sport that led the athlete to treat it like religion.

            Coming from a competitive athletic background, I understand the pain, pressure, endurance, passion and commitment one has to undergo in order to succeed at their given athletic activity. I remember missing countless birthday parties, semi-formals and family events, as well as seeing my friends go off to camp during the summer and family holidays because I was always in the dance studio practicing or traveling to competitions. Although I maintained to be a strong Catholic and went to mass every Sunday at 8 am (I had to be in Mississauga by 11 for a 4 hour class), Irish dancing for me was my religion. I lived, breathed, ate, thought, and dreamt about dance. For fifteen years, the only music I would listen to in the car, on my iPod or in my room was dancing music thinking up new steps and practicing a new move that I learnt the night before. I spent over 25 hours a week in the studio, and sometimes had two practices a day.. one before school at home with my mom and then another after out at the studio when a big competition was coming up. However, all of the work paid off as for ten consecutive years I held the Canadian title for team dancing and in 2005 was chosen to represent Canada at the World Championships in Ireland. After representing Canada for a few more years, my Irish dancing career came to an abrupt halt when I was placed in hospital with severe kidney disease. To be honest, having kidney disease really does put a big damper on my life, but the real thing that I was most disappointed with was that I was left so weak from being so sick that I could never train the way that I did ever again. Within a month I went from getting ready to compete in England to being never able to competitively dance again. I remember laying in the hospital bed after being told that my body could never handle the vigorous schedule that I was used to and thinking “God, why did you do this to me?” I felt betrayed and left with nothing. Because really, my passion and my personal religion, was taken away from me. The studio was my church, my coach was my preacher, my jigs and reels were my hymns and my satisfaction lay in doing a really good performance. It took me a long time to come to terms with this change in my life, but finally after three years of not competing competitively I have been able to look back on my time with fond memories and realize that I just had to make room for the other passionate young dancers to take my place. Now, I share my love of Irish dancing with little 3 to 7 year olds and instead get great satisfaction in seeing their little faces light up when they master a step.

            Phew! What a long post haha. All that I wanted to do is share my experience as someone who has experienced their sport being their religion. I also know that I am not the only one with a story like this. Any high level or professional athlete has the exact same story as me. I remember seeing a Sidney Crosby commercial a few years ago (see below) with him talking about all the events that he missed. I couldn’t help but think that he was really talking about me. To finish I will recite a line that is on one of my favourite t shirts: Eat, Breath, Irish Dance.

Sidney Crosby

"Time Well Spent"

 World Championships 2005

On stage at the World Championships 2005

Winning our tenth consecutive team Canadian championship

Response to Josh's Confessions of a Cult Member

Hi Josh!

Yet again I absolutely love your blog post (as I gushed in my post that has already commented on your article). I definitely agree that the series LOST has attracted a cult following, with viewers scheduling time to watch the show around the rest of their lives, generating debates between friends on aspects of the show, and of course, becoming attached to the characters.

            To be honest, I am one of the people who scheduled by week around LOST. For the first few years of my university career I made sure that NOTHING came between me and the TV on LOST nights. Similar to me, my cousin also was an avid viewer and watched every single Wednesday (except with her, no one else was allowed to watch with her in case they talked, commented, sneezed or breathed haha). During each episode we would wait anticipating the commercial breaks to call each other and “OH MY GOD” for four minutes until the next segment came on. After the show, we would then call each other back and have a full (almost) hour (the length of an episode) dissecting every tiny detail. Upon the series finale, she actually went through each of her favourite moments on LOST and took screen shots then commented on them and posted it to Faecbook. Some people may call us crazy or obsessed, but we were sucked into this life on The Island and fell for all of the characters (she had a thing for Sawyer, me for Jack). In fact, to this day, every time we see one of the characters on another television series or movies, we either watch that series or episode (lots of TV watching, I know) and still refer to them as Jack (Matthew Fox in Vantage Point), Sayid (in Law & Order) and Jin (in Hawaii Five O… however, I have yet to see an episode of that as I really don’t like the show in general … my cousin instead is a fan).

            I am just waiting for school to be over to book off a few weeks and watch the complete series over again. My cousin (as she was making the stills) re-watched it and actually created a chart of when characters first came up, how they know each other, what episode it was in, etc., etc. It actually is astonishing the connections between them and how different themes are evident throughout the entire series (not just the general themes, but for example shoes. Shoes become a symbol throughout the series either right after the plane crash when they are found in a tree, Kate stealing shoes from another passenger, etc etc).

Anyways, I am very happy to have found another LOSTie! Great Post,

K

PS. check this out! http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

Finding Positive Pop Icon Role Models (Like Finding a Needle in a Haystack)

 JUSTIN BIEBER 

VERSUS 

 KE$HA

LADY GAGA

    LIL WAYNE

Today we focused a lot of our time on the great pop phenom Justin Bieber. Within our discussion my colleagues had a myriad of opinions on not only Bieber himself, but also the music video for his hit single Pray. In Pray, Bieber sings of hope, change and striving for a better tomorrow. Imagery in the video include Bieber visiting patients in a local hospital, the people of Haiti both in field hospitals and on the streets, Bieber meeting with Make a Wish children, soldiers going to Afghanistan and praying behind the scenes at his show. The first feeling that I felt from the video was that it is incredibly refreshing. Although Bieber functions as a money making entity (with t-shirts, dolls, pencil cases and hair clips (to name a few) made in his image), he also stands as an inspirational figure for the younger generation. Think about it, who are the other icons found in the top 10s of the pop world? Katy Perry? Lady Gaga? Lil Wayne? K$sha?!?! Can they function as good, wholesome role models? I believe this to be untrue. Some of these pop icons have prison records, sex scandals, music videos that border on being pornographic and lyrics that truly disgust. However, Justin Bieber, as found in his lyrics and the video Pray, stands as a positive role model and inspirational figure for teens all over the world.

            

     It is here that I would like to prove my point: Justin Bieber (and his entire media campaign) is not meant for twenty somethings or people within our age bracket, rather his target audience is 14, 15, 16 year olds and even younger. After hearing the negative feedback from our classmates regarding the Bieber video, I first considered their comments and thought that “yes, he is being marketed in a certain way to make money”, however, I think that we need to get over this and recognize that really, his entire career and mantra is really a positive. He stands as a figure young people can recognize and look up to. To add, a fellow classmate mentioned that what Bieber was doing in the video (visiting hospitals) is nothing new. She spoke of Avril Lavigne in her hayday visiting a hospital under the watchful eye of the Much Music cameras. I think that it is here that really my point is proven, Bieber does not stand for someone who we (University students) watch. As we watched programs of Avril Lavigne and other celebrities taking part in philanthropic activities in grades 7 and 8, Bieber is now their Lavigne, Backstreet Boy or Spice Girl.

          

      Another point of interest that a classmate brought up is that really, Bieber does not have to make a video like this. He is a teenage pop idol who could really do ANYTHING in the world and still people would watch. However, in Pray he chose to raise awareness of world issues such as homelessness, health care, economics, disease, hunger and natural disasters. With this, Bieber is acting as a medium between what is going on in the world and younger citizens of humanity who may not necessarily be aware of the world around them.

            

      All in all, I believe that Justin Bieber is not only a positive role model for young teens, but also a role model for the rest of us to be an agent of change and live out our lives full of compassion, love and understanding for others.

PS. Justin Bieber reportedly promised to donate a portion of sales from his last album to Childrens hospitals throughout the US. He tweeted “"I am in the position to give back thanks to my fans and God. I wrote Pray thinking I wanted to help others and I feel like I have a responsibility to do so. "What is the point of doing all this if you can't make a difference in others' lives? This album is a gift to my fans and the money raised from it allows us all to help out."...

found here: http://www.metrolyrics.com/2010-justin-bieber-donates-to-charity-news.html

Katy Perry's video for California Girls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOhcwksG4hE&feature=fvst

Ke$ha's video for Take it Off (make note of the lyrics... really great for 14 year olds)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edP0L6LQzZE

Ke$ha's video for We R Who We R (note her lyrics.. 'getting sexified')

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXvmSaE0JXA

Lil Wayne's video for Gonorrhea 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMuiDT33gHs&feature=related

Lil Wayne Trial Date Set in Yuma

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2009/10/lil_wayne_trial_date_set_in_yu.php

I believe in God, America and the Packers

            As I sat watching the Super Bowl on Sunday I couldn’t help but think of the millions of viewers across America glued to their screens watching ‘the big game’. In a statement released by Fox TV on Monday, this past Sunday’s Super Bowl drew an American TV audience of 111 million viewers (over 1/3 of their population!). This number of people watching a single televised event is recorded as being the highest in the past twenty years. This causes me to think, what does football mean to Americans? As discussed a while ago in class, Lynch mentions that sport is comparable to traditional forms of religion specifically in mentioning the essence of community it derives. Using the Super Bowl viewer numbers as an example, one can determine that the American religion is football.

            Joseph L. Price, an associate professor of religion at Whittier College in California also viewed the Super Bowl having a religious function in his article The Super Bowl as Religious Festival (1984). Price identifies American mythology surrounding the Super Bowl – the founding of a nation and providing hope for a nation. As seen in last Sunday’s pre-game presentation of The Journey with voice over by Michael Douglas, images and videos of American history blaze across the screen. He speaks of the American dream and that ‘through it all, generation after generation we never give up. How could we?’ He also questions ‘what life would be like if they (American soldiers in battle during WWII) did not show the world on our darkest day that our flag was still there’. Douglas mentions briefly the history of the two teams, one founded by the Indian packing company and the other ‘named after proud steel mills that forged this great nation’. However his overall message relies on the belief that the Super Bowl is one night ‘to dream, to believe, to remain united and celebrate their journey, and our journey’. I think that it is here in this video and voice over that the religiosity of football in America is encapsulated. Douglas is the voice for the nation, creating pride and providing hope for all and uses this event as a pinnacle of both pride and hope.

            I also wanted to touch upon one of my favourite shows Friday Night Lights that revolves around the drama surrounding a high school football team in the fictional Dillon, Texas. Briefly in last weeks episode one of the main characters, Vince, admits that football saved him from the streets, going to jail and possibly ending up dead. The passion and commitment that the boys have towards the game and the sense that if it weren’t for football, they wouldn’t have any chance at not just college, but a successful life, astonishes me. I think that overall we cannot just find American football religiosity in Michael Douglas’ words to inspire a nation, but more importantly, we find this deep belief in the power of the game in small towns throughout the United States and in the hearts of millions. 

'The Journey' Super Bowl 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdDNkh98XZE

Response to Georgia's "Thoughts on Marketing"

Please find Georgia's original post here.

Hi Georgia!

What a wonderful post!

            First off, I am so happy that you brought up Facebook. I too was surprised that no one mentioned it in class, so I wrote my post from last week on the future of social networks and not only our relationships with each other, but also God. I agree with your points regarding online advertising and Facebook. I have been ‘in a relationship’ for the past two years and have recently been getting ads pop up in my side bar for ‘Getting engaged? Wedding planner here!’ and ‘Diamonds rings for less!’ I also recently have been thinking of moving abroad to study and yet again, ads have been popping up asking me ‘Thinking of Studying Abroad? Look no further than the University of XXX’. I understand the marketing aspect of it and getting the product out there, however, it just is downright creepy. I remember last year during UTSU elections I logged on once and a candidates face was taking up my sidebar. The candidate ended up winning the election in a landslide and after talking to friends they said that they heard of them and their platform from the Facebook ad.

            Your mention of Nazi- related products hit home with me as well. My grandfather, who was in the navy during the war, could never understand why his Jewish Holocaust survivor neighbours had a fleet of Mercedes. He mentioned it to them one day and they blew him off saying that they liked the design and how it drove, not addressing what his point was in the first place.

Hitler and his Mercedes in the 1930s

           In speaking of the American Apparel fad, I understand the draw in wearing their clothing because of its ‘no sweatshop’ mentality, however I will never, ever, ever wear American Apparel. Not only is the quality atrocious, (my brother has a zip up hoodie that has already fallen apart from Christmas, while I am still wearing my Gap hoodie from grade nine), I just cannot stand the hipster mentality of the brand. I find the store incredibly irritating and have noticed that none of their products are unique. You know the nightmare of showing up to a party and wearing the same thing as twenty other people? Well, if you are an American Apparel fan… be ready for it. Speaking of which, I still cannot understand the fad of wearing a lace top with just a bra underneath from last summer, but that I will rant about on another blog.

            I too have seen the Hermes colouring book, however it was marketed as being ‘create your own Hermes art’ in Vogue. Other brands such as Louis Vuitton, Ugg Australia, Hugo Boss and Burberry (to name a few) have launched children’s lines with mini purses, boots and clothing to start little ones on the luxury good road early. 

Car companies such as Mercedes Benz sell mini foot peddled convertibles for toddlers to roll around in. My little cousin who is seven has a closet full of luxury clothing, a jewelry box full of Tiffany’s and a vintage 1960s Mercedes car that she can sit and drive. My aunt and uncle think it is ‘cute’ that she can match mummy and daddy. I keep thinking, just wait till she is sixteen and expects her own Mercedes to add to the family fleet. Maybe she’ll let me borrow it in exchange for my metropass. For some reason, I doubt it.

- K

Here is a blog of a very excited mother who recently found out that Saks carries Gucci for kids... exciting! 

Are you 'Friends' with God?

Last week as I took a break from some schoolwork and decided to check out few of blogs saved in my bookmark bar. One of my favourite blogs is from the University of Toronto Center for the Study of the Religion called The Religion Beat. Each week bloggers post a ‘Link Roundup’ of interesting articles, pictures, videos and journals that they find on the web. The journal primarily focus’ on the relation between religion and pop culture with links leading readers to articles about Priests rescheduling masses around football schedules, graphic novels depicting the end of days and most interestingly the Vatican on Facebook.

            Last week (January 25-January 31), ‘Link Roundup’ led me to an article on Canada.com addressing the Pope’s warning of social networks. He gave a ‘qualified blessing’ of social networks and spoke of their benefits but also warned of solely relying upon them for human interaction. He urged users to keep in mind that virtual relationships must and cannot replace real friendships.

            In this electronic world, we are constantly getting caught up on the internet, Facebook, YouTube, Google, iPhones and BlackBerrys (the list goes on and on). We are constantly connected. Upon reading Pope Benedict’s address, I thought of my younger brother (a child of the late 90s) who is always ‘connected’ with the world outside our home. In the middle of the night I hear his phone tinging with text messages, Skype calls and Facebook chat bleeps. I remember last year my grandfather said that he remembers when his family didn’t even have a telephone. My brother of course looked at him like he had seven heads. “But how did you talk to your friends Papa? And make plans?” my brother asked. “Well, we saw each other at school, played in the park, met at the corner store… we just talked when I say them face to face,” my grandfather responded. My brother still couldn’t grasp this idea.This begs me to ask the questions, what will our relationships with each other turn into? Will our children of the future be totally electronically dependent? More importantly, what will our relationship with God become?

            When I was very ill a few years ago in the hospital, a friend of my mother’s brought me a book called Emails from God. It was an entertaining read, with ‘God’ providing insight into almost any problem (‘Dealing with a break up? Turn to page 64’), but there was just a feeling that I couldn’t shake of this being wrong. I understand that the writers were attempting to create a ‘hip’ religious read for teens, but is the relationship one has with the Lord really supposed to come down to humanity looking for salvation in emails and text messages? Or are we, in our modern era, meant to find it on the Vatican's YouTube Channel, iPhone App and Facebook? Only God knows.

- K

ps. here are a few interesting articles from the Globe and Mail about social networking, the internet and friendships

The Great Disconnect: Using Facebook for Social Distance

In the age of social media, can we have some discourse?

Stop the internet, I want to get off!

Response to Riley's "Real Talk with Kanye West"

Please find Riley's original blog here http://jesusblawg.blogspot.com/2011/01/real-talk-with-kanye-west.html

Hi Riley!

         I am so happy that you posted on this topic! As we were watching the Jesus Walks video 2 classes ago, I could not help but think of how Kanye West is a type of Christian “poser”. Although West proclaims himself to be a follower of Christ, he seems to be ‘all talk and no do’. Some of his songs, as you reflect, evoke Christianity and he does talk openly about his faith, however other areas of his life do not reflect this.

         One of West’s most popular stints of his career is saying on international television that “George W. Bush hates black people” while hosting a telethon for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Bush responded to West’s accusations were one of his lowest points in office. His other more recent faux pas was at the 2009 Video Music Awards when he grabbed the mic from Taylor Swift’s hands and told the world that Beyonce should have won. When I see these types of actions, I really say to myself: “are you serious?? Who is this guy? And WHY am I buying his music and seeing him in concert?” Just this past November, West brought up these two incidents yet again after a performance in New York City citing that Swift should have come to his defense in an interview and that she “rode the wave”. West then brought up Bush’s response to him saying ""If you look at the interview, he said, 'It's one of his lowest moments,' and he said it about 10 different things… but because the popularity of me, they [the media] exploited that to make you watch the interview and make you feel that he was stupider than ever...It shows you the way they try to villainize." Here we see West’s not too subtle approach at criticizing the media. But really, do you think the media are going to stop criticizing you if you continue to do the wrong thing? It's funny, because just two weeks before his performance, he cancelled an interview with the Today Show over Twitter saying that he was not going to make it in 'tweets'. 

         In brief mention of Dustin Kidd’s argument of normalcy and establishing social change, is Kanye West (and his entire persona, rapping, etc) an example of social change that really is beneficial to society? Is his outspoken nature going to influence young people that view him as being a role model? Who will he offend next? Will he continue to praise God? Will he ever really feel bad for what he did to Taylor Swift or George W.? Personally, I think when it comes to celebrities and their unpredictable nature there is only one answer we can ponder: “who knows”.

- kathleen

Kanye West 'tweet's' the Today Show his cancellation

http://ca.eonline.com/uberblog/b210986_mr_bitter_twitter_kanye_tweets_in_his.html

Taylor Swift Should've Stuck Up for Me!

http://ca.eonline.com/uberblog/b213088_kanye_west_taylor_swift_shouldve_stuck.html

Video of Kanye West speaking of Bush and Swift in New York, November 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LcnE_SM6x0

Sex & the City: A Pop Culture Phenomenon

            Upon reading Dustin Kidd’s article Harry Potter and the Functions of Popular Culture, and then speaking of the levels of popular culture (such as creating norms, maintain boundaries, developing rituals, innovation and social change) during class, I couldn’t help but think of the popular television series Sex & the City. After reading my colleague Elona’s post on Jersey Shore and thinking of how the characters actions influence and affect the youth of today, again, my mind wandered to the girls of Sex & the City.  Beginning in 1998 and running until 2004, the series followed the lives of four best friends Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda. Throughout the show, characters got married, had children, worked, traveled, and partied (to name a few), however, the most prevalent theme on the show lies in the title – sex. Sex & the City opened new doors for women and sexuality. It has been argued that the show is an example of the progress in women’s rights (as the characters frankly talk of their sexual exploits) and that is has positively raised awareness about sexually transmitted diseases and safe sex. However, the real issue lies not in the characters promiscuity (really, they are all adults and can make their own decisions), but rather the young audience that view the series. According to a 2008 study by the American Journal of Pediatrics, “Teens who were exposed to high levels of television sexual content (90th percentile) were twice as likely to experience a pregnancy in the subsequent 3 years, compared with those with lower levels of exposure (10th percentile)”. Sitcoms such as Sex & the City glamorize sex and belittle important issues such (the obvious) sex, promiscuity and, most frightfully, abortions (please see link below). Also in 2008, ABC covered a story on a girl who believes that Sex & the City caused her to have sex at 14. Has Sex & the City developed norms, boundaries, rituals, innovation and social change? The answers to all are yes. Cosmopolitans are one of the most popular drinks to be ordered, women compare their relationships to those of the Carrie & Co., the term ‘Mr. Big’ and calling someone a ‘Samantha’ are understood without explanation, fashion has been influenced tremendously and women are not afraid to be open about their sexuality, and as Samantha would put it ‘have sex like a man’. However, can the show be deemed a positive popular culture innovation? Does it really push the boundaries of women’s rights and promote healthy sexuality? What do you think?

- K

American Journal of Pediatrics: Does Watching Sex on Television Predict Teen Pregnancy?

'Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda' Sex & the City, s. 4, ep. 11 (please start at 2:32)

'Sex & the City' fiend: Show Turned Me Into Samantha

Sex & the City Bad Influence on Lohan

"Sex and the City" Charity Auction Criticized for Abortion Donation

my other online adventures!

hi all!

check out my other blog at:

killin the kanvas

and my website at:

kathleenkillin.com

thanks!

K

Response to "Jersey Shore and Dustin Kidd" on Elona's Blog

Please find below my response to Elona's blog post located here:
http://ekhoy.blogspot.com/


     I really like your idea of using Jersey Shore (JS) as an example for Dustin Kidd’s arguments. When a fellow classmate mentioned that people claim to watch reality TV ironically, but not actually ‘like’ it and continue to watch it, this is the first program that I thought of. I know a lot of people who also watch reality TV, specifically Jersey Shore (including my little brother as well), and say that they only watch it because the characters are ‘so ridiculous’.  However, each week they continue to watch it. In response to your breakdown of Kidd’s steps and their relation to JS, I have a few comments particularly on creating norms, rituals and social change.

            

    In looking at a cultural artifact such as Jersey Shore, the characters, as you outline, develop a set of norms that we see reflected in the lives of the viewers. Terms such as ‘GTL’ (gym, tanning, laundry) and calling yourself ‘The Situation’ have become mantras for young men who watch the show, while female viewers see the female characters acting and dressing promiscuously with skin tones that come close to the colour orange.

            

      In speaking of rituals and social change, the rituals of the cast on Jersey Shore have formed rituals for the viewers and inspired a change of societal views. As mentioned previously, the development of what can be considered normal on the show is emphasized in the rituals of the individuals and directly influences the viewers perception of how one should act, dress, etc. You mention particular rituals of the housemates, however I think of the group of young people who collect on the couch every Thursday night (I think it is on Thursdays?) to watch the program and follow their every move.

            

    Coming from an Italian background that I am very proud of, I feel that these individuals are making a bad name for the rest of us and do not reflect what it is to be a young person of Italian descent. Although this reflection is only about Jersey Shore, many other programs on television promote a similar type of life style. For example, Sex and the City sparked a revolution in the 1990s with elements of the series falling under all of Kidd’s steps. However, I will save that analysis for my own blog posting.

Thanks for the post!

- K

Response to "Are the Flanders Good Christian Role Models?" on Josh's Blog

Please find my response both below and located here: http://buddychristsjesuspiece.blogspot.com/2011/01/are-flanders-good-christian-role-models.html

            I am unsure if I agree with you or not on the issue if the Flander’s can be considered ‘good Christian role models’. I understand that you are concerned with the Flander’s ambushing Homer when he decides not to go to church. I disagree with your judgment of the Flander’s motives in going after Homer. However I believe that they are not showing a lack of acceptance, but instead are concerned with his salvation and show that they genuinely care, rather than them trying to get church numbers up. In fact, there are a few Christian churches that actually in force missionary work and going into the community such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Seeing as Christianity owes it’s entire existence to missionary work (Paul’s missionary work to the Gentiles far surpassed anything the Judean church did), the argument of the Flander’s missionary measures must be considered a norm in the Christian faith. I was just wondering what you meant by ‘keeping their church’s numbers up’? Are you referring to more money in coffers or more souls saved? Or something else?

            

        However, in support of your argument that Ned Flanders can be considered a bad Christian, one must look to the episode A Star is Born Again (Season 14, Episode 13). During the episode, Ned meets and has pre-marital sex with a movie star (after Maude dies). In the Bible, pre-marital sex is condemned throughout both the Old and New Testament. Hebrews Chapter 13 says: “Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery” and Matthew Chapter 5 notes Jesus preachings on adultery and lustful acts. Here, you could find an example of Flander’s acting against his usual ‘Okaly, Dokaly’ daily Christian routine.

            

      Lastly, I would like to challenge your post-script message regarding Ned being home during the fire at the Simpson’s house… he may have attended another service on that Sunday.

           

Very stimulating post!

- Kathleen

A Star is Born Again (Season 14, Episode 13). Please begin around 17 minutes.

http://www.iwatchsimpsonsonline.com/s14e13-a-star-is-born-again/

JESUS SAVES (and Gretzky gets the rebound)

           Trothen, Tracy. “Holy Acceptable Violence? Violence in Hockey and Christian Atonement Theories.” Journal of Religion and Popular Culture 21 (2009), 42 pp. 

           

            Upon finishing Tracy Trothen’s article Holy Acceptable Violence? Violence in Hockey and Christian Atonement Theories for the first time I was left questioning a few of her arguments. I wasn’t sure if it was just me not reading the article properly or too quickly, so I reread it and then brought up some of the issues that were bothering me to my family and boyfriend over dinner this evening. I come from a hockey family – my dad plays hockey, my brother plays hockey, I worked with the women’s hockey team throughout high school, my mum is an avid hockey fan and my boyfriend played Jr. A and then Varsity for U of T. So lets just say, hockey is a common theme throughout my life and day-to-day conversation in my home. Saying this, I was excited to read Trothen’s article as I was unsure of how she would approach the issue of the relationship between Christianity and hockey. However, as mentioned, after completing the reading for the first, then second time I was left with mixed feelings of a few points Trothen presents.

            The first is her mention of female athletes and their ‘selling themselves’ in a sexual way for more ‘ice time’ and scholarships (beginning in paragraph 32). I know many female athletes, including myself, who achieved a high competitive level in sport due to hard work either at the rink, field or studio, and devoted themselves to achieve scholarships and receive funding. I understand that some female sports teams do create calendars with the girls in risqué outfits to raise funds, however I feel that Trothen’s argument is flawed because of the fact that she did not provide any specific advertisements or examples in which athletic women are athletically portrayed.            

            A second point that caused my brow to furrow was Trothen’s discussion of men’s sexual views of women (“rape culture”) both within the hockey dressing room and elsewhere in their lives (paragraph 53). I understand that this fact is true (in that men do speak about women), however Trothen portrays hockey players as, to be crude, ‘pigs’ in that they do not respect women and only view them as sexual beings to use and abuse. As I have said, I am surrounded my male hockey players constantly and am left offended by her statement as she does not consider that it is not only male hockey players that speak in this way concerning women. In any dressing room of any sport, fraternities or when getting a few guys together similar conversations will occur. Looking from the other side, I have been in many female dressing rooms and have overheard conversations about boyfriends or guys that are incredibly appalling, thus it is not only the male individual who speaks crudely of the other sex.

            The third point that I would like to address is Trothen's discussion of the amount of Christian elements throughout the game of hockey. I would like to address that although a large population of North America, and many professional hockey players are Christian, there still are a numerous non-Christian hockey players including Leaf draft pick Nazeem Kadri (a practicing Muslim), and Jewish players including Matt Schneider, Mike Cammalleri (yes, despite the Italian name and being from Woodbridge, he is the grandson of Holocaust survivors from Poland) and Marty Turco. Online, a large number of discussions have been set up concerning the religious background of NHLers with people noting the strong Christian following, but also acknowledging professional hockey being sprinkled with other religions and a growing number of players identifying with atheism. 

            Upon summarizing the article to my family and boyfriend tonight at dinner, I mentioned my primary concerns and received a similar response to how I felt.  I am concerned regarding Trothen’s mention of females in sport and the male view of women. I also believe that Trothen did not look at this topic in a broader perspective, but rather viewed the two, Christianity and hockey, as separate entities. She also failed to view hockey’s violence as being adrenaline based and the overall competitive nature of high level sports. As my family and I sit together on the couch this evening to watch some NHL network and see what game is on (after getting home from my brothers game at a far off rink), I doubt any of us will be thinking of the Christian elements in the violence of hockey. Rather, I think Trothen should have spoken primarily of Lynch’s idea of looking at hockey as a religion. I could definitely agree with her there.

Make sure to check out the links below!

Here is a link to an article about Paul Henderson speaking about hockey being the sport least influences by Christianity:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Ex-NHLer-says-hockey-s-the-sport-least-influence?urn=nhl-87601

Interview with Brian Pothier (Washington Capitals captain) on hockey and faith:

http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/prayingfields/2008/12/what_does_god_think_about_hock.html

Here are a few of my favourite hockey fighting moments (try to picture the Christian elements of violence in them). To make a note, hockey’s most violent act, the fight,  is usually to swing momentum in the game, while hockey’s second most violent act, the body check’s, primary purpose is to get the puck back.

Probert vs. Domi 1992

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiMJdl7k9sU

George Laraque fight (start at 46 seconds).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxFS2JAyleo

Canada vs. Russia 1987 World Juniors Hockey Championships

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq4BLVRorKY

Cheers,

Kathleen

Bloggin' on..

WELCOME to my BLOG on Christianity & Pop Culture! I am currently a student at the University of Toronto and am going to be writing my reflections and responses over the next 8 weeks to readings and lectures I encounter in the course Christianity and Pop Culture. Please feel free to respond to any postings!

Cheers,

Kathleen