On The Reservation

 This weeks blog is related to the book that we are currently reading in class entitled Montana 1948. In the book a boy living in a town close to a Native American reservation, learns that his doctor uncle takes advantage of his Native American patients. The book also touches on the subtle racism and prejudice that exist between the white town people and Native Americans. There is common feeling amongst the white town people that the Native Americans live a far too simple life and will not survive the change brought about by the twentieth century. I find it a bit hypocritical for them to believe this, considering that they live in a town with only one sheriff. I do feel that Native Americans don't live the most technological and civilized lives, but they way they do live is simple and in a pure form. I was watching an interview of a favorite artist of mine named Mike Giant. In the interview he explained his philosophy on how life actually moves at the speed of clouds, but people sometimes don't see that they do move because they move so slow. But, animals can see how fast the clouds move right away, and in that respect they understand that life doesn't have to  be move at the new overzealous way being introduced by the twentieth century. The Native Americans living on the reservation have a deep respect and connection with nature that allows them to also understand the way life should be.  

Propaganda

I would start off this blog by giving the definition of propaganda, but it looks like everyone else has so that is taken care of. I've noticed through all the varying definitions, one thing for sure that seems to be getting pushed is the deliberateness of propaganda. One of the key mechanisms of successful propaganda is to be bold and deliberate, whether this is in the overall message being pushed or the presentation. So as long as the message is extreme and the flyers are short and powerful, then it is guaranteed to alter some minds.
When I think about propaganda I think huge cargo planes showering a village with pieces of paper promoting something. Another key element in successful propaganda is repetition, which helps in brainwashing and sneaking into the subconscious of the masses whatever message that is being pushed. In todays society propaganda does not come in the form of flyers and brochures, now it is in the form of annoying commercials that saturate television. Propaganda does still exist, but the message isn't the same. Some of the messages being fed to masses these days include support for the military, voting for a particular mayoral candidate, living above the influence, and which car insurance to buy. As long as there is competition, which i'm not saying is a bad thing, there will be someone who wishes to influence the public to support them and turn against there opponent. 


You can't fool all the people all of the time,
But if you fool the right one, the rest will fall behind...-Dead Prez

Black Boy...

 The book black boy is an autobiography written by Richard Wright chronicling his life as an African American child growing up in the south. In his life Wright experiences the lost of his mother and father which rather than weakens him strengthens him, and helps to mature and take on more responsibilty. It seems to me that growing in maturity and responsiblitiy is a reoccurring theme throughout this story. At first Wright is a very mischievious and rebellious child who has no sense of accountablility. But, as the story progresses he becomes more mature and learns to take responsibility for his own actions.

Richard Wright is a very curious child with alot of questions about the world around which he is at times still very naive to. His questions are often met with violence both physically and verbally. I feel since Wright's questions are never answered with a straight response, the fire of his rebellion is just further fueled. Richard Wright is just a boy, whose curiousity and intelligence is superior to other boys his age. In the world that he lives in questioning the way things are is very estranged, and usually met with consequences. Wright's enviroment doesn't really cater to someone like him, so i feel that the best thing for him to do at this stage is to move north, to a more liberal society so he can progress.

How It Feels To Be Colored Me...

 The short story How It Feels To Be Colored Me was really interesting to me, and I found a lot of instances throughout the story that I could connect with. For starters, the story is based in Eatonville,Florida which is the first African American incorporated town. In those type of towns strictly African Americans lived in them, but on occassion white people would pass through. Living in a world like this would be hard for me because I can always remember having white people around. But, I also remember that a lot of the people that i went to grammar school with had never had an actual conversation with a white person until 3rd grade. Also, in the story the narrator mentioned that white people could not feel jazz music the same way that blacks could. In my case it was quite the opposite because growing up I was sometimes outcast by the people in my class because I was of a lighter complexion than almost all of the others in my class. At first I would get really upset by their remarks, but as they became more common I just learned to let them go and think that there is nothing I can change about myself so they could just learn to except it. The narrator says in the story, "At certain times I have no race, I am me." I feel that this quote is extremely true and important and should be taught to people throughout the world, because sometimes a persons race can be an excuse for them to act a certain way. But, in the end all they should really do is be themselves.

King, Still }((King??

Martin Luther King Jr. is probably the most recognizable and influential person involved in the civil rights movement, and the fact that each year he is celebrated each year on his own day is testament to this. He earned the right of having his own day of celebration through his non-violent efforts to gain equal rights for people of all colors. All of his efforts definitely earned him the right as King of the civil rights movement, suitable to his last name. But,  I feel that as time progresses and the gap in time between then and now his signifigance seems to becoming not as important, Now a days I see it as the youth ( including me at times) are seeing MLK as just another reason to get a day off of school. But, it's not that what he did isn't being seen as important, because it seems that MLK is the only person that is brought up when talking about the civil rights movement. So, he is definitely not being forgotten but times are changing so that space can be made for the leaders our generation to claim the throne as a King. in my eyes and the eyes of many others King is definitely still King, but an heir to the throne is coming.

Phantogram-Mouthful of Diamonds

Ok, so what can i say about Phantogram? A better question would be, what can't i say about them? I discovered this band this summer, and  I have to say that I am somewhat sad to let this song reach the masses. But, in the end I know that my efforts are for the greater good. So, Phantogram is an electronic rock duo from New York. In most music reviews, it's common for the reviewer to say that a certain musicians sound is unique, but in this case they really are. Their sound has many influences that include detroit hip-hop, acid jazz, and indie rock roots. The song that I'm reviewing "Mouthful of Diamonds" is one of there most popular songs and has a very easy listening feel to it. I feel that they have a great grasp on sampling and have an experimental edge to them that allows them room for improvement and the expectaion of something new. I have to say that i love this band and can't wait for them to drop another album. And by the way, their current album Eyelid Movies is definitely worth BUYING (oooohhh scary). Just trust in me that it will be one of those songs you can't stop listening to. Peace.

Jay and Nickk

So Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby, Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway, Nick Gatsby and Jay Carraway. To me personally I feel that their relationship provides each of them with something that the other can give. Mostly Jay provides Nick with a visual of things that he hates but, secretly wants at the same time. For Gatsby, Nick is the person that Gatsby secretly wants to be but, doesn't try to be because that isn't what is socially accepted. So, basically Nick and Gatsby's relationship is what every man of the 1920's should want to be. But, this is not all that the two men are using the relationship for. I feel that Nick is also using Gatsby as entertainment, something to provide Nick with something to do in his spare time. Ultimately Nick wishes to fully unravel the crumbled paper ball of a lie Gatsby has fed to people who ask. Throughout the story so far Nick points out numerous times where Gatsby's past comes into question which shows a sort of obsession for Nick to really understand Gatsby. Gatsby isn't only be used here, he is also using Nick to get to Daisy. This might sound selfish and shallow, but if you really think about it sort of makes sense. Gatsby is truely in love with Daisy and would do anything just to be close to her, such as buying a house and throwing massive parties in hopes of her one day stumbling into one one day. So, if he is willing to blow vast amounts of money on her, why wouldn't he be willing to risk a friendship?
Although Nick and Jay are really only using their relationship as a modem for them to get to something that they need, i do feel that they have to potential to become actual friends. Peace.