The Real-Life Batman (Part 3)

Second Assignment: Essay

     As stated in my initial response to the podcast which discussed Daniel Kish, I was very interested in the idea that how we perceive things can alter how things develop. Towards the end of the broadcast, it was revealed that Kish's most challenging foe is love: that parents, teachers, friends and family members are his greatest challenge because they sometimes hinder a child's ability to learn for themselves. Although Kish focuses his efforts on those who are visually impaired, what he says is true about all children: if a parent is overprotective because they fear for their child's safety, they sometimes keep their child from experiencing something that would benefit their character overall. It is his belief that setting the bar of expectations low or high for a child will yield one or the other as a result. Kish's idea can be refuted; many children rise to greatness from nothing and with virtually no one to support them. However, society's expectations of children with any sort of disability (even the name "disability" has a negative connotation) effects how children see themselves and how they challenge themselves in life.

     By expecting a child to do well, the child is pushed to do more. They're told that doing more will better themselves and their chances of success; sometimes they are pressured by family and friends, sometimes they want to better themselves, and sometimes they want to please those who are expecting them to do well. As a high school student myself, I often am held to a high standard by those around me. I come from a family of hard-working individuals, who until my parent's generation dropped out before high school in order to help their families financially or take care of younger siblings while their parents worked hard jobs. Now however, with times changing, schooling (especially college) is required to get any well-paying job, and a high school diploma is needed for most of the lowest paying opportunities: my family understands this, and so they strongly encourage me to do my best in all aspects at school. I take what advanced classes I can and plan to go to college: I know that my parents, my teachers, and my friends expect me to. Although I want to advance in school for myself, the expectations set by those around me also push me towards my goals. I don't want to let those that care about me down, and I know that I'm expected to do more because I am able to do more. Through their expectations I find myself pushing myself harder and becoming stronger for it. If I wasn't held to the standards that I am personally, I'm not sure that I would work as hard.

     My little cousin is taking a different path: my aunt never places extremely high expectations on him, and allowed him to do as he wanted if she wasn't doing it for him. Now that he's older, he gets by with doing as little as he possibly can, and he's told me several times that if he didn't have to be in school he wouldn't be. This sort of attitude is strange to me, especially since the two of us are close and I've seen how skilled he is in several things. I understand that other people's expectations don't always effect how people turn out, but I feel as though if my little cousin had more people telling him that he could do more and he should do more simply because he can, he would.

     My personal experiences are why I believe that high expectations lead to beneficial results (at least in some cases). Daniel Kish was treated like any other boy: he was expected to explore, have fun, and get hurt, which he did. As he got older, he started helping others with vision impairments by showing them that they too were expected to challenge themselves. As Kish explained, love can be the biggest challenge for families to overcome: it forces those who are meant to love and care for their children most to take a step back and allow room for their child's personal growth. In this way high expectations can yield higher than expected results for children; the difficulty comes with finding the balance between expecting a child to push themselves and expecting too much.

The Real-Life Batman (Part 2)

First Assignment: Response

     No, of course I didn't think that this assignment was due on the 16th and the essay was due on the 23rd. <.< >.> 

     I was very interested in this podcast topic and the idea that thoughts/perspective can change a life-form's physical and mental capabilities. I had heard about Daniel and his ability to find his way around through clicks, but I wasn't aware of the extent he had gone to in order to try and help others with vision impairments. Although I listened to the clip about a week ago, I'm listening to it again as I work on this to try and pick up on a few points I might have missed before: I still enjoy learning more about Daniel and his apparently unusual sense of self confidence and the various stories he tells about his personal experiences. His reactions surprised me when he described his first meeting with another blind individual: I didn't expect him to treat the other boy poorly in order to try and fit in, although I can understand why he picked on the other child. I've personally experienced being put into a category of people, where my name was mixed up with another person and their's with mine; just as with Daniel, it bothered me a great deal, and I changed certain things about myself to try and be distinguished. Just like him I wanted to be recognized for being myself, and I think it's wrong that society puts children like Daniel with a certain group because of something they can't help. I agree with Daniel's idea that society sometimes coddles those with disabilities to a point in which it's more harmful than beneficial. I don't believe that Daniel's "ability" is one of supernatural power, but one of adaptation that comes naturally to him and others like him: a skill that should be refined, now buried. I am hopeful that society will eventually see things in a similar light.

Ten Music-Musts For Me

     Note in advance, a good portion of these songs may seem sad but I promise I don't listen to each of these in succession on a rainy day while sitting in my car and watching a montage of all my mistakes in life. These songs are my top ten because of how each has inspired me at various points in my life (10=less of a favorite, 1=more).

10. "It's Been A While" by Staind

          This song was one that I heard while young, and one that as I got older I understood more and more and began to enjoy it more as I started to really comprehend the lyrics. Today it's not a song that I listen to often, but it is one that I found myself listening to in order to get a sense of nostalgia: because of my fondness for the song and yet distance, this song finds its place at number ten.

9. "Never Too Late" by Three Days Grace

         I heard this song for the first time a few years ago when I began to inspect the band known as Three Days Grace and their music. Not only do I enjoy I overall music and flow of the song, but the lyrics captured my attentions since day one with lines such as, "It's not too late...It's never too late...". The lyrics, although seemingly dark to a new listener, were able to bring me hope during times in which I struggled and almost became an anthem to me each time I got overly-stressed.

8. "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers

          Although this particular song can be interpreted in several different ways, this song is one of happiness to me (which is strange, considering the lyrics of the song are sung from the point of view of a man who has kissed and fallen for a woman who is already promised to someone else). The reason that I enjoy this song to the extent that I do is because through the singer's pain and through the experience he is describing, the reoccurring lyric, "Open up my eager eyes...'Cause I'm Mr. Brightside", is present. To me this lyric meant that no matter what this man was going to, he found it within himself to pull the good out of a bad situation; something I wished to incorporate into my own life.

7. "How You Remind Me" by Nickelback

         The first phrase of this song is why it is placed at number seven. The lyrics, "Never made it as a wise man...Couldn't cut it as a poor man stealing...Tired of living like a blind man...I'm sick of sight without a sense of feeling..." forced me to think a great deal about the possible meaning behind them. In only one line the song contradicts itself, and as the song goes on it describe heartbreak although I didn't relate to that nearly as much as I did other parts. I enjoy songs that make me think, that make me want to know the lyrics after hearing it only once and this song did just that.

6. "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls

        Yet another song that I heard in my childhood (I see a pattern here). This melody finds itself on my list because it appealed to my personality at a young age. The song explains that the singer doesn't wish to be seen fully by the world because he worries that no one will understand him. Being that I was/still am on the path of finding myself, the mindset described in the song is one that I used to cling to as a shy individual who wasn't sure how to portray myself without making myself seem awkward. Now that I am further on this path and have a better grasp on who I want to be, listening to this song reminds me of a path taken within my life.

5. "The Kill" by 30 Seconds To Mars

          "The Kill" is a song that I heard only about a year or two ago, but one that I thoroughly enjoy. Just like the other songs within the list this song was an anthem for me, especially during my freshmen year in high school. When listening to this song I found myself pushed to do better for myself and my grades, for my friends and family no matter what obstacles came towards me and no matter what hurdles I might face; in other words, it helped to build my confidence when I was unsure of a great deal of things.

4. "Battle Scars" by Paradise Fears

         Finally, an upbeat-ish song! "Battle Scars" is high on my list of favorites because it can serve as a beacon of hope to many different people. It basically says that every person has their own problems, struggles, and in the sense, battle scars, but that people are still able to come together and move forward because their struggles make them both wiser and smarter. It asks what you as an individual plan to do with yourself, and in a way encourages you to chase what you want while you can: songs with meaning seem to capture my attention.

3. "I Will Not Bow" by Breaking Benjamin

          I won't lie, the actual music style and guitar solo initially captured my attention in this song. This is the type of song I would/do listen to if I'm feeling unsure or weak at points in my life by pushing me to go forwards and be strong; in a sense this song does several of the things described in the previous songs, but the music style and personal history I have with this song make me cling to it and place it at number three.

2. "I'm Still Here" from Treasure Planet

        Although from an animated movie, this song is in close competition with both two and three because-surprise- it is from my childhood and I have loved it since I first heard it. It has traveled with me when I knew nothing of trying to find myself, through times in which I felt insecure and unsure, and to where I am now with myself. It convinced me that even if people aren't able to see me for who I am completely, I am able to know who I am and be who I want to be within life.

1. "I Stand Alone" from Quest For Camelot

         Finally, number one. "I Stand Alone" was one of the first songs I heard growing up from an animated movie that I would rewind and watch again and again just to learn the lyrics as soon as possible. Even as time has gone on I often think of the title of this song with a fondness, as I'm quite proud to think to myself "I stand alone". I don't mean in the context of sadness, as if I'm alone without a partner or family or friends: I have people in my life that I love and care for. However, "standing alone" in the sense of the song to me means having others to support you and supporting others while understanding that you are strong and confident enough to take care of yourself and be yourself. In short, this song ties in everything I value in a meaningful, personal song in a beautiful melody that provides nostalgia.

     So, there you have it: my top ten songs based on personal vendetta and meaning. I don't expect anyone to listen to these particular songs: there is a huge chance that I'll grow out of some, but for now these are on a high pedestal for meaning and coaching throughout my life.

     

Shines Like A New Penny

     In the interaction between Penny and Fugit at 2:20-2:22, several arguments are created. By simply taking Fugit's pen Penny suggests that Fugit's attention is in the wrong place: that he needs to let go of his material object and set task in order to live within the moment along with everyone else. This is just one of several arguments that can be interpreted (such as the argument that people can lose site of what's important, etc.). However, it seems that Penny's primary argument is that Fugit should focus on the show and the people around him rather than his notes.
      Fugit's facial expression immediately following Penny's action is one of happiness and almost relief, as if he was more satisfied with interacting with her than his work. If Fugit had tried to take the pen back, Penny could have easily said something along the lines of "the smile on your face tells me that you don't actually want the pen back". Once the pen is gone Fugit smiles and glances between Penny and Russell, who both look at him and smile back in approval: Russell's smile of encouragement works to support Penny's argument that Fugit's "choice" to participate in the show rather than note-take is one that people approve of. The clip's design in itself also support's Penny's idea. Shortly before the scene cuts to Fugit writing the title of the band's song, a woman on the shoulders of another person is seen singing along and slowly clapping: although she is enjoying the music, she's calm and not cheering or screaming with excitement. The video doesn't show people cheering and screaming again until Penny has taken Fugit's pen and Fugit is seen watching Russell and the band. Following this Fugit stares at Penny, and it just so happens that the song's main guitar solo (or at least the one the viewer hears) takes place, possibly signifying again that interacting with Penny and becoming a part of the crowd was the "right" choice. Finally, Fugit is invited to accompany Fugit and his band members to L.A before being kissed by a groupie. Both of these events leave Fugit feeling accomplished and proud rather than ashamed for not continuing to take notes during the band's performance.
     Overall Penny's quick swipe can be interpreted as several arguments. It's different to see someone taking a material object away from someone so that the attention is placed on what's happening in the moment. In the video no one in the crowd had a pen and paper, a cell phone, a camera. Each person is cheering and swaying with their hands in the air and eyes trained on the band. Today people encourage one another to take pictures or videos of the event to show others, to share later rather than now or in the moment. In a way both Penny and the designers of the movie place a reminder that living in the moment can be just as (if not more) appealing, rewarding, and satisfying than trying to make notes for a later.

A Futuristic Argument?

     The above video is meant to give the viewer a "shock-and-awe" feeling over how the world has changed and is changing in terms of population, education, and technology. The video is bases around facts meant to surprise the viewer as many do not know how quickly the world is changing or at least do not know the mathematical statistics presented here. The video is arguing that people across the world are slowly losing touch with their past and present in order to accelerate into an unknown future. It is arguing that people as a whole are moving towards a face pace style of life: instead of looking for a consistent job or using what they have they are leaving to try and find the "next big thing", a thing that may not even be in existence. The "Did You Know?" logo is repeated throughout the video alongside the suspenseful yet tense music in order to remind the viewer that most likely they did not know many if any of the facts generated here. An interesting point to make also is that the video is not from a credible source: although I was inclined to believe all the facts presented here at first, predictions can be made by anyone and anyone can throw together "facts" to make one question where society is going: a well-crafted video just helps to make one think. Overall the argument is a fair one even IF one cannot fully rely on the source of the information: people are moving towards an uncertain future rather than working with what they know is in the present.
     As already stated above the video's use of music is one way in which the creator or author of the video conveys their argument: it is tense at first, making one curious until more facts have been revealed and the view is interested. To ensure that the viewer remains comfortable the music becomes excited: does the creator want the viewer to leap onto the futuristic idealism it describes? It also uses common topics to either provide one with a sense of worry or curiosity. An example of this is when the video begins speaking of education at 0:38. "Researchers predict that 65% of today's grade schoolers will hold jobs that don't yet exist"; those children could be your children. Moments later the video says that "We" are preparing students for jobs that don't exist with technology that doesn't exist for problems that don't exist yet. It makes those with children of their own and even those without children wonder if they want that for their child or for children: in a sense children are being taught to deal with problems for a later time instead of helping to make what is in existence today better. As teenagers we (or at least I) am pushed to find a part-time job and soon a job to help build responsibility and earn my own income: yet another scenario to relate to. However the video presents the "fact" that the same students mentioned before will have between 10-14 jobs by the time they reach the age of 38: does this mean that our ability to be content with what we have is fading, or that we are prepared to embrace the future as we should be? This is yet

again an argument. Populations are huge, be it in a country such as China or on a mass-media website such as Facebook. Using technology such as Vine we again push our ability to maintain focus, as it is a sight that only requires our attention for six seconds at a time. People search for questions on Google that, at one point in time, were asked to grandmothers and grandfathers instead of a non-living technology. The number if internet devices has more than doubled since 1984, and the same can be said about the number of words in the English Language.
      Authors such as Shakespeare were able to write magnificent works with far less than what we have today, so I believe that the core of the video is trying to hit the point of this: we study people of our past because of the great feats they have achieved throughout history: each historical figure, Lincoln, Gandhi, da Vinci, were without a great deal of the things we have today. Although they fought and prepared for the future, they also were sure to exploit what they had to work with for the time being. Without this we as a race lose touch with what surrounds us mentally and physically: family, dreams, love: instead we focus on tomorrow when in fact, we never know what tomorrow will bring. Certain ideas within the video excite me, but some also worry me greatly. There are benefits in being ahead and preparing for the future as long as we do not lose touch of ourselves: of what it means to be the only creatures with our capacity for thought, expression, and emotion. For such things that help us to do this, I am excited. However I fear the thought that we are bound to rush to quickly into things, that we are not fixing what global problems are happening now and that we are not enjoying what we have now. I worry that we will not have time to do anything but work towards the thought of "better" when our best may be what's right in front of us. A super-computer able to handle more than the human mind or even the human race is beautiful but also tragic. It is beautiful that we are able to create such a thing, but the question is not if we are able, but if we should. Because I know how to lift an axe, should I cut a tree down simply because I can? I believe it depends on how the tree is used in the end.
     Overall there are many arguments to be made from this video and I have described how they are portrayed above: some involve the video's color and style, the music, while others involve a psychological method meant to relate to the viewer while forcing them to question themselves and their future, such as with schooling for their children or possible careers/jobs. Although both hopeful and worrying, the future is a thing we must all wait for, prepare for, and anticipate. However for the time being I plan on focusing most on what is now and what I can do now, rather than dwelling on the future v.s. the past.

Law or Loyalty? Lincoln's Narrative To Enforce The 13th Amendment.

     The following is an analysis for an AP Literature class concerning how President Lincoln's use of a narrative in the movie Lincoln helped to effect the overall argument he was making to his advisers concerning the 13th Amendments. The narrative tells of Lincoln's encounter with Melissa Goings. For reference, see the movie Lincoln.

   

     While in a conference with his Cabinet concerning war-strategies against the South, President Lincoln is confronted by a member who questions why Lincoln has his intentions set on the 13th Amendment rather than effective war-strategies. In response Lincoln first jokes with the Cabinet, allowing them to relax before beginning a short narrative about his encounter with a defendant named Melissa Goings. Lincoln goes on to explain that he was representing Goings in a trial in which Goings had been accused of murdering her husband while being choked by him. It ends with Lincoln explaining that he had called for a short conference with Goings while in a courthouse: during this conference Goings had asked where to find a good drink of water, and Lincoln had answered with "Tennessee". Lincoln emerged from the room without Goings; a window was found open and when Goings was not found, her chargers were dropped. Although the Cabinet is at first unsure as to how the narrative relates to the pressing matter of slavery, Lincoln is able to relate the story with his actions concerning both the Emancipation Proclamation and the upcoming 13th Amendment. 

   

     The use of Lincoln's anecdote/narrative effects the entirety of his speech by letting his audience (his Cabinet) know that he holds morality above law. Although he does not verbally admit it, it is suggested that Lincoln allowed Goings to escape the courthouse: furthermore it can be assumed that Lincoln would allow this because Goings had only committed the crime in order to save herself and would not do something of that nature again. Therefore, the narrative relates to Lincoln in the sense that although it may not be in his legal powers to press so thoroughly towards abolitionism, he continues to push the boundaries because it is the morally correct thing to do. Goings protected herself from her husband because she was attacked: because her freedom and life were in danger. Lincoln in a sense is replacing Melissa Goings with slavery. Slavery, or slaves, are in the same situation as Goings was during Lincoln's narrative: they are being attacked, with their freedom and lives being taken away and just like Goings, they are trying to save themselves. Lincoln uses the narrative to portray why he has taken such a strong sense towards the 13th Amendment instead of war and the firm legal processes. If Lincoln had followed the firm legal processes and the sense of "war monger" when dealing with the case of Goings, Goings might have spent her life in jail or even paid with her life when she was just defending herself. Overall Lincoln knows that he could possibly have limited time to get the 13th Amendment approved or even on the table: the 13th Amendment is Goings' window. Without it there may not be an escape.  

     The use of Lincoln's narrative while addressing his advisers in the Cabinet gives the members a scenario where they can possibly look inwards at what they would do themselves in the scenario of having to choose: give the innocent (or quite possibly innocent in Going's case) a fighting chance to stand for themselves, or continue to focus on war and what the law "restricts" the President from doing? The narrative opens the Cabinets ideas about what is quite possibly most important in the battle against slavery: even if the Amendment isn't carried through, it gives people hope and a chance to fight their own battle. The quote in the image to the right is closest to President Lincoln's view on the matter. By passing the 13th Amendment with success, others will be able to achieve success.

Rocketing Into the Future

     The above video is a commercial filled with clever propaganda that is packed with the aim of convincing the viewer that rockets skates are the new style. The video begins with calm relaxing music, slowly panning down to reveal that an older male is wearing a strange pair of shoes. A skateboarder passing by even slows and turns his head to examine them before continuing; the viewer now knows that they are not the only one interested in this technology. Seconds later the slowly building music picks up and the gentlemen wearing the rocket skates begins showcasing his wardrobe, gliding smoothly along the pavement with a look of confidence about him (his open shirt suggests confidence as well). By adding this list of small elements together the video captures the viewer's interest through music and by saying "if this older man in his casual clothing, in this open street-setting can wear these rocket skates and have confidence, why can't you?".
     After capturing the viewer's interest the video tosses about random facts, such as the weight of the skates and their design to further ensure that the possible buyer is interested while refraining from giving too much away at such an early stage. Yet again the settings for each display are in open streets, large common areas in which several people visit each day; this appeals to the viewer on another level by exampling how "normal" it would be to wear the rocket skates to and from day-to-day activities. Even the people shown wearing the skates are every-day people wearing every-day clothing, as if inviting the viewer to join the bandwagon.
     With the product introduced and interest captured the video moves to provide the facts behind the technology by introducing Peter Treadway, the Co-founder and CTO of ACTON and allowing him to further appeal to the audience. His tone is calm and he remains happy throughout his speech, ensuring that the mood is kept upbeat and explaining that the future is on its way with this new development, even comparing it to things such as flying cars and jet-packs, attempting to excite the viewer with the thought of new and improved products. To back up the company's claims Treadway explains the science behind the company, such as the "talented engineers and designers" working to create the first rocket skates known to man; he is also sure to use many adjectives to describe anything to do with the company: "talented engineers", "light weight", "long range", "fun, smart rocket skates". By doing so Treadway gives emphasis to both the company and the rocket skates, making them a more desirable product. During the time of this emphasis the video also cuts to images of several "average-Joe's" who are skating, and Treadway pulls the thought of this far away future back to something that can be grasped with the phrase "...but just remember what it was like to learn how to ride a bike, or roller-blade; just stick with it and you'll get it". How hard can it be?
     The video ends with Treadway himself narrating off-screen with camera following him as he speeds down the sidewalk, his narration tempting the reader once more with the idea of usefulness and comfort that the skates can provide by saying that they can be used anywhere, be it a veranda, college campus, or even indoors. To add something special to try and lock in the viewer's fondness of the product Treadway explains that those who purchase the rocket skates are also able to have an app on their phone which allows them to create games and compare their mileage with that of other skaters; this in a way is the cherry on the cake. By now Treadway and the company video have explained how and why the rocket skates are a good product; by adding something like the available app they hope to make the viewer feel as if they are getting a good deal; with a bonus.
    Overall the company and Treadway find several ways to lure the viewers of the video into purchasing or at least considering their product; it is sure to grab attention and stand out simply due to the fact that much like Treadway exposed, rocket skates are thought to be a technology of the future. The use of neutral settings, people, clothing and word-choice provide a person with the sense that he or she can own this product themselves, and the explanation of science behind such a futuristic machine is meant to persuade an individual into thinking "I need to be a part of the future like these people; they dress like me, go to the same places I do. I want to be a part of it, a part of the future", further inducing bandwagon, pride and comfort all in a relatively successful campaign for ACTON's RocketSkates.