http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZINQmqszyU
The link above is from 'One Tree Hill' an American drama that features a narrator reading to us at the beginning and end of the programme. By having the narrator it allows the viewer to feel more connected to the characters and enables us to follow them more closely on a journey. This is similar to 'The Great Gatsby' where Nick is the narrator of the novel, we follow him on his journey closely engaging with every character.
"A MAN of words and not of deeds Is like a garden full of weeds; And when the weeds begin to grow, It's like a garden full of snow; And when the snow begins to fall, It's like a bird upon the wall; And when the bird away does fly, It's like an eagle in the sky; And when the sky begins to roar, It's like a lion at the door; And when the door begins to crack, It's like a stick across your back ; And when your back begins to smart, It's like a penknife in your heart; And when your heart begins to bleed, You're dead, and dead, and dead, indeed."
The poem above is read by character 'Jamie' in 'One Tree Hill' that coincides well with the plot of the show, 'it's like an eagle in the sky' the use of American Freedom and the American Dream is communicated to the viewer, this is present in the novel with Nick as he is a middle class man that has worked to achieve his fortune, and is the only character that ends on a happy note. Similar to the end of the poem - 'and when your heart begins to bleed, you're dead, and dead, indeed' - the novel also ends in disaster, representing the decline of the American Dream for the novel on a whole.
Both medias are typically American and coincide well with one another.
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Monday, 10 December 2012
The Great Gatsby
Gossip
Girl, the recent television series, depicts the
daily life occurrences of the upper class in New York City, and all the scandalous
and eventful aspects of their melodramatic lives. Not only is there an obvious
comparison between this show and the novel The
Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, due to the setting of the series being
in New York City and many instances in the novel occurring in the eventful city, but,
also due to many of the characters in each of the examples. The character Dan
Humphrey in Gossip Girl is a naïve and
struggling writer and entrepreneur who is determined, yet, hesitant to become a
part of the elite class and is eventually misled by it, reflecting the innocent and exploited Nick Carraway. The relationship
between two of the lead characters Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf somewhat
mirrors the relationship between Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. Chuck and Blair
have a complicated relationship and are both aware of one another’s love for
the other, but, are unable to officially be together due to complications and interferences. Like Gatsby, Chuck is obsessed
with his female counterpart and is consumed by the idea of their future
together. Although never represented by an actual character like most TV shows,
the narrator is an important character, similarly Nick Carraway plays an
important role as the narrator and acts as both the informer of many events
that are not played out in the novel properly and the voice of reason in many
instances, which often occurs in Gossip
Girl as well. Both Gossip Girl
and The Great Gatsby reveal the
glamorous and evil side to the upper class in the north east and how it can devastate
and amaze its victims.
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Great Gatsby
The Illusion of the American Dream
The video I have posted above is a link to a song written by Alicia Keys, about
New York and its promise. This illusion that New York is the place ‘where
dreams are made of’ is similar to the illusion that existed in 1920’s New York.
In The Great Gatsby we see America in the microcosm of New York City, where all
classes are pitted fairly close together. In Gatsby, the American Dream seems
to be this wonderful lavish place, where money is no object, yet ironically
money is the sole object that the lives of all classes revolve around. Similarly
back then New York was where you ‘made it big’, a city full of opportunity and wealth.
This illusion is still very much alive today; every typical American film is
set in New York, endless songs written about its promise for success. Even I am
guilty when it comes to the American Dream the first thing I associate it with
is New York, Wall Street etc. all of those evolve around money. Whereas the
American Dream used to stand for independence and the ability to make something
of one's self with hard work, in Gatsby, the American Dream seems more about
materialism and selfish pursuit of pleasure. This illusion is present in both 1920's New York in 'Gatsby', and is still very much present in today's society.
The Great Gatsby
Topic - The Illusion of Glamour
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/31/kim-kardashian-to-file-fo_n_1067424.html
The topic I have chosen from 'The Great Gatsby' that is still relevant today is the falseness and illusion of glamour. In 'The Great Gatsby' it is shown that Gatsby hosts large, expensive parties for wealthy, upper class guests. The book suggests that the costs of the parties do not matter and the damages created can be fixed easily because Gatsby has the money to do so. This suggests that there is a sense of carelessness towards their choices and priorities.
In 'The Great Gatsby' the reason Gatsby throws the glamorous parties is in the hopes that Daisy will be a guest. This questions whether the glamour is the most important thing to him and suggests that behind the money, guests and alcohol there are more important things - such as his love for Daisy. It shows that the glamour and wealth are just a facade and underneath the 'ideal lifestyle' of a rich man, there are issues in his life.
Today, this topic can be related to the celebrity culture. I have chosen the example of Kim Kardashian's wedding. In total, the wedding alone costed $10 millions and the marriage only lasted 72 days. This example can relate to 'The Great Gatsby' because it shows how a wealthy person can throw an glamorous, extravagant party (similar to what Gatsby would do) and have the money wasted on the 'idea' of the party rather than what the money could actually be used for. It suggests that behind the glamorous wedding there are more issues that are covered up by the illusions.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/31/kim-kardashian-to-file-fo_n_1067424.html
The topic I have chosen from 'The Great Gatsby' that is still relevant today is the falseness and illusion of glamour. In 'The Great Gatsby' it is shown that Gatsby hosts large, expensive parties for wealthy, upper class guests. The book suggests that the costs of the parties do not matter and the damages created can be fixed easily because Gatsby has the money to do so. This suggests that there is a sense of carelessness towards their choices and priorities.
In 'The Great Gatsby' the reason Gatsby throws the glamorous parties is in the hopes that Daisy will be a guest. This questions whether the glamour is the most important thing to him and suggests that behind the money, guests and alcohol there are more important things - such as his love for Daisy. It shows that the glamour and wealth are just a facade and underneath the 'ideal lifestyle' of a rich man, there are issues in his life.
Today, this topic can be related to the celebrity culture. I have chosen the example of Kim Kardashian's wedding. In total, the wedding alone costed $10 millions and the marriage only lasted 72 days. This example can relate to 'The Great Gatsby' because it shows how a wealthy person can throw an glamorous, extravagant party (similar to what Gatsby would do) and have the money wasted on the 'idea' of the party rather than what the money could actually be used for. It suggests that behind the glamorous wedding there are more issues that are covered up by the illusions.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
American Commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyGCaTDgkUM
The above link leads to a American Ford Explorer commercial.
The above link leads to a American Ford Explorer commercial.
2012 Chrysler Advert
The advert above is a 2012 Chrysler advert, that is played
in the super bowl half time. There are so many things that place this advert at
the heart of American consumerism, right down to the language and the use of
images of those working class citizens, who work hard each day every day. ‘who
all pulled together’ After the downturn in the auto industry, using the metaphor
of America being in a game; its ‘half time in America’, ‘and there people who
are all wondering what they are going to do’ the financial crisis and rise in unemployment
was ‘the fog, division, discourse and blame that made it hard to see what lies
ahead’, but after more jobs are being created and the auto industry has received
a stimulus package that has allowed ‘America to make a comeback’. America car
industry is back on top and Chrysler is at the centre of this comeback, thus
the centre of America. The use of Clint Eastwood, a very iconic figure,
associated with America’s greatness and success. The language also displays a
very ‘American’ sentiment, all very emotive, and the idea of ‘what’s ahead’. The
idea that America is ‘one’, ‘together’, portrays the idea that its America
against the world, and America ‘ cant not be knocked out with one punch, [they]
get right back up again and when [they] do the worlds going to hear the roar of
our engines’ and Americas ‘second half is about the begin’ all point to,
America as the land of prosperity and opportunity, which it will remain in centuries
to come. The basis of American Patriotism.
J. C. Penney Advert
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJbCerJivgM
J.C. Penney the famous America retailer created
a commercial this year to advertise their spring collection. Scenes depicting
the often stereotyped perfect suburban life are extremely over exaggerated in
this commercial. Idyllic front gardens and happy families are often associated
with America, and this idea is represented very dramatically and colourfully in
order to sell the notion that this life is easily accessible if you purchase merchandise
from the corporation. Fashionably dressed adults and children that star in this
advert appear very content and sell the notion of pure bliss in the stunning
and unflawed world created in the commercial. The ideal American lifestyle that
is represented in many movies and TV shows is embellished in this commercial and
aims to convince the general public that after a shopping trip to J. C. Penney
this could all be available to the consumer.
Starbucks Commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14qeu7JRwt0
Lyrics:
Glen!
Glen, Glen, Glen!
Glen, Glen, Glen!
Glen, Glen, Glen…
Glen, Glen, Glen!
Glen, Glen, Glen!
Glen, Glen, Glen…
Glen’s the man, going to work
Got his tie, got ambition
Middle management is right in his grasp
Its a dream he will never let die!
Got his tie, got ambition
Middle management is right in his grasp
Its a dream he will never let die!
Glen’s the man of the hour
He’s the king of his cube
Status com reports have finally met their rival
Burning the candle at both ends on his way to the top
He knows one day he just could become…
Supervisor!
He’s the king of his cube
Status com reports have finally met their rival
Burning the candle at both ends on his way to the top
He knows one day he just could become…
Supervisor!
[...]
Roy!
Roy Roy Roy!…
Roy Roy Roy!…
[Survivor playing to the tune of its 1982 hit, “Eye of the Tiger.”]
The famous company Starbucks paired with the famous song ''Eye of the Tiger'' and the change of lyrics to suit the average American worker. The lyrics say that Glen has 'ambition' and a 'dream' that will get him the job he wants, as long as he drinks the coffee from Starbucks. This commercial is effective because it can relate to almost any individual that has an ''American Dream'' and wants to do well in their career. Also, because Starbucks is a successful company the use of the band Survivor and the comic effects help the commercial appeal to a wider audience, which so many American commercials do through appropriate advertisement techniques.
Saturday, 1 December 2012
American Eagle Outfitters - Ad Campaign
This is an ad campaign for famous clothes line 'American Eagle Outfitters'.
To begin this image is promoting everything 'American'. The backdrop of the photograph would immediately be linked to the American flag, with the use of stars and stripes, as this is the main focus. This communicates their patriotism.
The positioning of the stars and stripes are also cleverly composed leading you to the centre of the image, with the couple in the centre promoting the clothes line. Similarly to this is the use of colours and choice of clothes, with the man of the advert wearing stripes which compliments the backdrop, this is again communicating
their patriotism. The main colours of this advert are blue, however the girl is wearing a scarf with a hint of red, this coincides with the running theme of the advert, American patriotism. These are all subtleties in the advert that customers would connect - without realising - to America.
The boy and girl in the image also play an important role in the ad, they immediately set the age group the company are styling for. In order to gain customers there are usually attractive models styling the clothes, as people will see the models and desire to be like them, therefore purchase from the company. American Eagle Outfitters chose an attractive girl and boy, who would also be seen as an attractive couple, who many would strive to be like.
The image of the advert promotes cohesion and because of its running theme of American Patriotism the models also suggest the perfect new young couple; attractive, slim and American.
The name of the company also plays on patriotism, in first two words 'American Eagle' which is relative to the national symbol communicating freedom.
Although on the surface this promotional poster is very simple, when looking deeper into the image it is very symbolic as discussed.
Sunday, 25 November 2012
American Dream
http://www.slate.com/articles/business/project_syndicate/2012/06/the_american_dream_is_dying_here_s_how_we_can_fix_it_.html
The above link leads to an article
which argues that the likely hood of one obtaining the American
Dream is in decline, but however argues it can still be restored.
The article stresses the growing
inequality in contemporary American society. It does this by outlining the poor
state of the economy and highlighting 'inequality indicators' such as average
income levels, healthcare and life expectancy. It also argues that the wealthy
'at the top' benefit 'from
exploiting the poor' and that 'Those at the top, in such cases, are
enriched at the direct expense of those at the bottom'. It finally
ends stating that 'America can no longer regard itself as the land of
opportunity that it once was.'. This suggests in order to 'restore'
the American Dream improvement in 'equality' is the key.
This article relates to
Ragged Dick as inequality is prominent throughout the novel as
Dick is one of the few who achieves his 'American dream', and
other inequality features are also present such
as inequality in gender roles and clear racism.
American Dream
Above is a link to a website where every day Americans blog
about various topics, I came across one in particular that I found interesting,
which also had similarities to that of Ragged Dick. The article is titled ‘Dead
Woman Working: American Dream Died Long Ago’ although the article explores the
perspective of one woman’s personal experience of the American Dream, its
context applies to many working class Americans, Smith states;
The American system ‘ has been stacked against us from the
start’ and similarly to class division present in Ragged dick, Smith further states
‘The class in control doesn’t care how they stay on top. They do not care about you and they do not care
about me’ and ‘our ruling class doesn’t care that many people are disengaged
from the process.’ This article contrasts also with ragged dick in some ways,
as it suggests despite being ‘scrumptiously honest’ and hardworking like
Richard in the book ‘Ragged dick’ ordinary working class citizens in today’s
America like Mrs Smith are the ones most aloof from achieving the American
Dream ‘Hard work might keep you afloat at times, but in these United States,
it’s just not enough. Work 50
years? Believe you’ll retire in
dignity? It’s an illusion. It’s a lie.’
American Dream
This article suggest that the American Dream still exists today.
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/28/american-dream-polling-opinions-columnists_0129_john_zogby.html
''It takes a lot to blunt the optimism of the American people, and this recession has certainly put a dent on our outlook. However, when we measure how people feel about their long-term goals in life, it is remarkable how optimistic they remain.''
The article looks at polls and statistics taken from American people and tries to understand if the American Dream is still relevant in contemporary society. The statistics show that following the 2008 election (second week of January, 2009) 56% of people still believed that the American Dream exists.
The statistics in this article relate to Ragged Dick in many ways. The polls from this article were completed during a very difficult point financially in the USA similar to what it was like many years ago. Also, the article considers people who make less money (similar to Ragged Dick) and shows how a large percentage still believes that they can achieve their dream.
Friday, 23 November 2012
American Dream
In
his latest book, The Price of Inequality, Columbia Professor and Nobel laureate
Joseph Stiglitz examines the causes of income inequality and offers some
remedies. In between, he reaches some startling conclusions, including that
America is "no longer the land of opportunity" and "the
'American dream' is a myth."
Stiglitz provides a contemporary view which
heavily doubts the notion of an achievable ‘American Dream’. He points out that average income has
seen a serious decline, further weakening the opportunity of the so desired ‘American
Dream’, along with a lack of quality health care and education for those in
desperate need. Individuals in the top one percent of the United States wealth bracket,
are the ones with the control and ability to achieve this dream. Stiglitz
predicts an increase in this unfair divide and reveals the harsh reality that unfortunately
majority of Americans will never attain the so highly regarded dream. Inequality
is a significant theme in the novel Ragged
Dick, and the disappointing truth that not everyone’s dreams can come true is a crucial part of the plot.
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Gun Control
Pro-gun Control - Protest Easy Guns - http://www.protesteasyguns.com/artist.asp?ArtistID=21054&AKey=qcjqt2xp
This website has many facts and statistics that relate to ownership, purchasing and violence of guns. The website believes that it is 'too easy to purchase guns in America'. The website states that 'it is time to put common sense into our gun laws' suggesting that rules related to gun ownership and control within the US is not how it should be and things need to change.
Although this website does state that it does not want to completely take guns away from people, for activities such as hunting, they believe that there should be restrictions and limits to how many guns there are and how easily it is to obtain one.
This website shows how gun control is important for the safety of Americans and how new 'common sense' laws will be beneficial to everyone.
Anti-gun Control - Woman Against Gun Control - http://www.wagc.com/
This website deals with female gun owners who believe that their rights to owning a gun should not be taken away from them. They believe that it is important for women to 'believe in and work to preserve the Second Amendment'. The website also has a pledge that each member has to agree to and one of the points says that they 'do not believe that guns cause crime'.
They focus on issues such as being a female and needing a gun for self defense. The website states that 'not all woman want to be victims' and they suggest that the way to avoid this is by owning a gun. They believe that a message should be sent to politicians, especially female, to show that not all woman agree with gun control.
This website shows how a group of people - in this case female - believe that gun control will disadvantage them and will take away their 'rights' as an American.
This website has many facts and statistics that relate to ownership, purchasing and violence of guns. The website believes that it is 'too easy to purchase guns in America'. The website states that 'it is time to put common sense into our gun laws' suggesting that rules related to gun ownership and control within the US is not how it should be and things need to change.
Although this website does state that it does not want to completely take guns away from people, for activities such as hunting, they believe that there should be restrictions and limits to how many guns there are and how easily it is to obtain one.
This website shows how gun control is important for the safety of Americans and how new 'common sense' laws will be beneficial to everyone.
Anti-gun Control - Woman Against Gun Control - http://www.wagc.com/
This website deals with female gun owners who believe that their rights to owning a gun should not be taken away from them. They believe that it is important for women to 'believe in and work to preserve the Second Amendment'. The website also has a pledge that each member has to agree to and one of the points says that they 'do not believe that guns cause crime'.
They focus on issues such as being a female and needing a gun for self defense. The website states that 'not all woman want to be victims' and they suggest that the way to avoid this is by owning a gun. They believe that a message should be sent to politicians, especially female, to show that not all woman agree with gun control.
This website shows how a group of people - in this case female - believe that gun control will disadvantage them and will take away their 'rights' as an American.
Gun Control
Anti gun-control:
http://www.nraila.org/second-amendment/the-second-amendment.aspx
The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is an American non-profit lobbying group that advocates for the protection of the Second Amendment of the United States Bill of Rights, and the promotion of firearm ownership rights as well as marksmanship, firearm safety, and the protection of hunting and self-defence in the United States.The NRA website justifies why and how the American people have the right to bear firearms by outlining and interpreting the second amendment. The website supports its argument against gun control by giving referince to the 'founding fathers' of America, stating they also supported the ownsership of arms.
Jefferson said, "No free man shall be debarred the use of arms."
Patrick Henry said, "The great object is, that every man be armed."
Richard Henry Lee wrote that, "to preserve liberty it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms."
It also supports its view on fire arms by outlining the consequences of gun control by stating that "Criminals ignore gun bans, and law-abiding people will be even more at risk with no effective means of self-defence." It further supports its view by analysing areas which have adopted gun control and compares it to crime rates. "New York City has very strict gun laws, more strict than the rest of the state of New York. In spite of this, New York has always had significantly higher violent crime rates. Washington, D.C. and Chicago, Ill. have banned the ownership of handguns, and both these cities have much higher violent crime rates than the surrounding areas"
Overall this website strongly and clearly expresses that it favours gun ownership. It justifies the American people's right to bear fire arms by heavily relying on the second amendment, criticizing pro gun-control arguments while analysing gun laws in relation to crime and death rates in the United states and in other countries to further justify its view.
Pro gun-control:
http://nyagv.org/
The next website opposes the website's argument above, arguing that gun control should be enforced and more strict in the USA, specifically New York. The website supports its argument of enforcing gun control in several ways, one being factual information of deaths caused by fire arms in the USA. "More American citizens were killed by guns in the last thirty years than were killed in all the battles in all the wars our Nation has fought since 1775."
This website like the anti-gun control website analyses areas which have adopted gun control and compares it to crime and death rates etc. 68% of crime guns recovered in New York State and 85% of crime guns in New York City are first purchased from states like Florida and Georgia where background checks are not required on sales of guns" This means that the guns used to commit crimes in New York are obtained and accessed in other states which have "weak" gun control laws, and as a result New York is one areas that is "punished" and "suffers".
The final method in which this website expresses its view on gun control is the usage of emotive language (which the other website uses significantly less) "When felons, the adjudicated mentally ill, domestic violence criminals and other prohibited people have such easy access to firearms, something is terribly wrong" and "Mothers, fathers and children die every day in America because guns are in the wrong hands." By listing the common type of suspects who usually commit gun crimes overwhelms the reader and is further enhanced by including "mothers, fathers and children". By doing this it makes it more emotional and personal, thus engaging the reader more within the text, which as a result makes their opinion on gun control more effective towards the reader. Therefore due to the heavy usage of emotive language makes this website's argument more influential that the anti gun-control website.
http://nyagv.org/
The next website opposes the website's argument above, arguing that gun control should be enforced and more strict in the USA, specifically New York. The website supports its argument of enforcing gun control in several ways, one being factual information of deaths caused by fire arms in the USA. "More American citizens were killed by guns in the last thirty years than were killed in all the battles in all the wars our Nation has fought since 1775."
This website like the anti-gun control website analyses areas which have adopted gun control and compares it to crime and death rates etc. 68% of crime guns recovered in New York State and 85% of crime guns in New York City are first purchased from states like Florida and Georgia where background checks are not required on sales of guns" This means that the guns used to commit crimes in New York are obtained and accessed in other states which have "weak" gun control laws, and as a result New York is one areas that is "punished" and "suffers".
The final method in which this website expresses its view on gun control is the usage of emotive language (which the other website uses significantly less) "When felons, the adjudicated mentally ill, domestic violence criminals and other prohibited people have such easy access to firearms, something is terribly wrong" and "Mothers, fathers and children die every day in America because guns are in the wrong hands." By listing the common type of suspects who usually commit gun crimes overwhelms the reader and is further enhanced by including "mothers, fathers and children". By doing this it makes it more emotional and personal, thus engaging the reader more within the text, which as a result makes their opinion on gun control more effective towards the reader. Therefore due to the heavy usage of emotive language makes this website's argument more influential that the anti gun-control website.
Gun Control
http://library.thinkquest.org/J003080F/favorite.htm
This link grants access to a website that
argues why controlling the rights of gun owners is a waste of time and will do
little good at preventing one of the most debated issues of safety. It is
stated in the website that the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms, should
allow people to keep their guns and that gun laws will defeat the amendments
purpose. Another argument used by the author is that new gun laws will
interfere with American's hobby of hunting. Similarly, the ridiculous point of
accessibility to knives is made and is viewed to be another reason gun laws are
an impractical approach at preventing violence.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/is-gun-control-a-pro-life-issue-78976/
Oppositely, this website is pro-gun control. The "Christian Post" published an article using the example of the recent tragic shooting in Colorado to argue their case as to why gun laws must be enforced. They use the issue of pro-life to make their case and that a lack of gun control could prevent ones right to life. Although pro-life is an entirely different issue, their hopes at making a connection between the two topics will cause a reaction amongst gun owners, particularly conservative Christians, who may be persuaded by the guilty conscience effect this may cause.
Sunday, 18 November 2012
Gun control
http://gunowners.org/protect.htm
Above is a link to the, Gun Owners of America (GOA)which is a non-profit lobbying organization formed in 1975 to preserve and defend the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. GOA sees firearms ownership as a freedom issue. GOA has a nationwide network of attorneys in almost every state in the nation to protect gun owner rights. GOA has also worked with members of Congress, state legislators and local citizens.
This website encourages those who feel that their right is
being restricted by anti-gun laws, should take a stand and join the ‘no
compromise’ campaign. A few things I noticed is that it has a great deal of influence
in government, regarding health and safety boards, pro-gun control candidates
etc.
‘It raises funds to support the election of pro-gun candidates at all levels of government. GOA has a record of helping pro-gun candidates defeat anti-gunners in hundreds of races across the country, and will continue to do so as long as our supporters provide the necessary financial resources.’
Another key feature of the website is its professionalism, it’s very academic, and provides a lot of information regarding government action in relation to bearing arms. It really emphasises the second amendment and that it is every citizen’s right to bear arms, and how important it is that Government does not take away that right.
The use of emotive language also plays a key role in the support base for the organisation;
‘Strength comes with numbers and the more concerned Americans join Gun Owners of America, the more we can do to protect the Second Amendment and our freedom. We need you! Shouldn't you become a member of Gun Owners of America? Join here.’
Thus makes this website a very professional, effective organisation that due to its large membership and connections with congress/Government makes it believable and appealing to those gun owners, therefore this has allowed it to become one of the biggest lobbying organisations in America.
‘It raises funds to support the election of pro-gun candidates at all levels of government. GOA has a record of helping pro-gun candidates defeat anti-gunners in hundreds of races across the country, and will continue to do so as long as our supporters provide the necessary financial resources.’
Another key feature of the website is its professionalism, it’s very academic, and provides a lot of information regarding government action in relation to bearing arms. It really emphasises the second amendment and that it is every citizen’s right to bear arms, and how important it is that Government does not take away that right.
The use of emotive language also plays a key role in the support base for the organisation;
‘Strength comes with numbers and the more concerned Americans join Gun Owners of America, the more we can do to protect the Second Amendment and our freedom. We need you! Shouldn't you become a member of Gun Owners of America? Join here.’
Thus makes this website a very professional, effective organisation that due to its large membership and connections with congress/Government makes it believable and appealing to those gun owners, therefore this has allowed it to become one of the biggest lobbying organisations in America.
http://www.bradycampaign.org/
The other Website I found that poses the opposite view to
bearing arms was this one. Although this website doesn’t specifically suggest
that bearing any form or arms should be made illegal, it does suggest a pretty
strong opinion on the use of guns being very restricted. Such as;
Making ‘it harder for convicted felons, the dangerously mentally ill, and others like them to get guns in the first place.’
The website puts forward ideas/solutions to moving forward in the crackdown on gun control for example it states;
‘We can do this by passing laws such as requiring Brady criminal background checks on all gun sales; banning military-style assault weapons; and strengthening law enforcement’s efforts to stop the illegal gun market, like limiting the number of guns that can be bought at one time.’
Making ‘it harder for convicted felons, the dangerously mentally ill, and others like them to get guns in the first place.’
The website puts forward ideas/solutions to moving forward in the crackdown on gun control for example it states;
‘We can do this by passing laws such as requiring Brady criminal background checks on all gun sales; banning military-style assault weapons; and strengthening law enforcement’s efforts to stop the illegal gun market, like limiting the number of guns that can be bought at one time.’
One key area that I noticed about this website it its appeal
to safety and more importantly ensuring your family’s safety, The Brady campaign,
emphasises the importance of this, again with the use of emotive language to
appeal to those who live in fear of the bearing of arms.
‘Thousands upon thousands of people will continue to die and be injured
needlessly each year without stronger, sensible gun laws. The Brady Campaign
fights for sensible gun laws to protect you, your family and your community.’
In comparison, both websites display a very professional
outlook on either point of view, however, America is very divided in its
ideas/support for the right to bear arms, thus I feel that the second website
poses a much more sensible and realistic approach by promoting restrictions, when tackling the large issue
of gun crime which causes so many Americans to question the right for an
ordinary American to bear arms.
Monday, 12 November 2012
2012 Election
I believe that the second victory of Obama proves to people that may see America as a bad place that it is not all about the rich getting richer with a disregard to the poor. Though many people are quick to slate Obama for not doing much over the past 4 years, it is evident that he has done enough to win the majority of American's over a second time.
However, the result can also show us that despite all of Obama's and Romney's campaigning, despite a few rises and falls in electoral votes and a couple of states switching overall from Democrat to Republican, there hasn't really been any shift in the political opinions of each U.S. state since the last presidential election in 2008. This shows us that whilst many American's may think that Obama hasn't achieved much, that he still isn't a bad president. I could be completely wrong when I say this but after looking at the last three presidential election result maps, it seems that the last time a landslide win from states (despite only a victory by 35 electoral votes) was the 2004 election in which George W. Bush beat John Kerry. The lack of success from George Bush and all the controversy that arose during this period of time could be what made many states change from Republican to Democrat in the 2008 election, and now in 2012 people may still be too afraid to make the transition back to the Republicans even if they do agree with Romney, purely because of what happened last time they were in power.
Back to the 2012 result, it tells us that America are very much influenced by celebrities and other people in the public eye. Obama had thousands of people, compiled of comedians, actors, musicians, business people, former governors, even porn stars and more influential people of the U.S. (minus the porn stars) formally endorsing or just showing support for him and his policies. On the other hand, Romney had a list of these supporters that was disturbingly shorter than Obama's. Of course this is down to the fact Obama has already been president, but due to the likes of people in these lists it seems to mainly be down to personal choice. A lot of Romney's endorsers tend to be older, i.e. Clint Eastwood and Arnold Schwarzenegger, whereas Obama's tend to be younger, i.e. Anna Kendrick and Jesse Eisenberg. This shows how many people safely stick to what they know as well as the fact that America believes that Obama is doing a good job.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Barack_Obama_presidential_campaign_endorsements,_2012#Actors_and_actresses
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/ElectoralCollege2004.svg/350px-ElectoralCollege2004.svg.png
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/ElectoralCollege2012.svg/349px-ElectoralCollege2012.svg.png
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/24/ElectoralCollege2008.svg/349px-ElectoralCollege2008.svg.png
However, the result can also show us that despite all of Obama's and Romney's campaigning, despite a few rises and falls in electoral votes and a couple of states switching overall from Democrat to Republican, there hasn't really been any shift in the political opinions of each U.S. state since the last presidential election in 2008. This shows us that whilst many American's may think that Obama hasn't achieved much, that he still isn't a bad president. I could be completely wrong when I say this but after looking at the last three presidential election result maps, it seems that the last time a landslide win from states (despite only a victory by 35 electoral votes) was the 2004 election in which George W. Bush beat John Kerry. The lack of success from George Bush and all the controversy that arose during this period of time could be what made many states change from Republican to Democrat in the 2008 election, and now in 2012 people may still be too afraid to make the transition back to the Republicans even if they do agree with Romney, purely because of what happened last time they were in power.
Back to the 2012 result, it tells us that America are very much influenced by celebrities and other people in the public eye. Obama had thousands of people, compiled of comedians, actors, musicians, business people, former governors, even porn stars and more influential people of the U.S. (minus the porn stars) formally endorsing or just showing support for him and his policies. On the other hand, Romney had a list of these supporters that was disturbingly shorter than Obama's. Of course this is down to the fact Obama has already been president, but due to the likes of people in these lists it seems to mainly be down to personal choice. A lot of Romney's endorsers tend to be older, i.e. Clint Eastwood and Arnold Schwarzenegger, whereas Obama's tend to be younger, i.e. Anna Kendrick and Jesse Eisenberg. This shows how many people safely stick to what they know as well as the fact that America believes that Obama is doing a good job.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Barack_Obama_presidential_campaign_endorsements,_2012#Actors_and_actresses
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/ElectoralCollege2004.svg/350px-ElectoralCollege2004.svg.png
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/ElectoralCollege2012.svg/349px-ElectoralCollege2012.svg.png
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/24/ElectoralCollege2008.svg/349px-ElectoralCollege2008.svg.png
Sunday, 11 November 2012
2012 Election
The 2012 election didn’t change much on the face of things
for America, the Democrat-Republican vote differed acutely to that of the 2008
election, after spending 6 billion dollars on campaigning, all to result in
Barack Obama being decisively re-elected, with Republican control of the House of
Representatives and the Democrats the Senate. Thus ‘the nation that has re-elected
its leaders this week is the same nation that thinks its government is on the
wrong path.’ Political analysts this week have suggested that one reason for
the re-election is that American voters were unprepared to face spending cuts
and higher taxes, so voted for a progressive leader and a fiscally conservative
Congress, hoping that the two will work together moderately. However since 2012
the more realistic outcome has been Deadlock.
Many have found it difficult to understand why America in
its current economic state, and unemployment levels reaching record highs, have
voted for continuity, in what has ended up as one of the most immobile status
quo election results for many years, although it cannot be denied there was a
moderate shift to the right in voting patterns, however as the results show it
was significant enough, to change anything.
Thus it is very clear that in America, incumbency is extremely high.
What is interesting about the 2012 election is the significantly
growing gender gap; women remain the earthwork of the party of the left, whilst
men vote for the right. Furthermore probably the most significant feature
present in the 2012 election result is the significance of the Hispanic popular
vote, which will reshape 21st century America in the next century. Remaining
one of the few groups that moved even further left in its support for Obama
than in the 2008 election, with 75% support nationwide compared to that of 67%
in 2008, Obama owes a lot of his success to the wins in New Mexico Colorado and
California all of which are majority Hispanic votes. Hispanics also saved Obama
this week in places such as Florida and Virginia, highlighting that their
growing influence could eventually affect even the most republican states, such
as Arizona or Texas. In which case one thing that has been extensively highlighted
in the 2012 election is that if nothing changes the future of the Republican Party
looks weak. Republicans need to respond
to the growing Hispanic population or risk suppression.
2012 Election
Obama predominantly gained votes in the eastern
states and western states with his votes containing non-whites (mixed race, Latino
and black), young people, atheists and particularly women. Mitt Romney’s votes predominantly
came from the central and southern states of America. For women Romney stated that he would be ‘delighted’
to sign a bill banning all abortions while Obama said he believes women’s
health decisions should be decided by them not politicians. He did live up to
his expectations in some areas as job creations have gone up significantly since
Obama took office in 2008. However the national device as almost doubled in
contemporary America. Despite this many Americans still have faith in Obama’s
plans such as an nhs. There are other factors as to why Obama was re-elected
such as the war in the middle east as Obama wanted to withdraw American troops
as asap, while Romney was against the withdrawal.
As these voting patterns are almost the same for many elections it can be identified
that the country is almost 50-50 (split) when it comes to political ideology.
In my opinion I forecast more victorious elections for the Democratic party due to
higher populations increasing in the eastern and western states (which are democratic)
due to higher birth rates, immigration etc.
2012 election
|
The Contest:
The Result
Despite views of many troubles and lack of improvement over his first 4 years the people have re-elected President Obama.
There are many factors which could be reasons why this has happened:
http://www.votenight.com/
http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/WOR-TOP-return-of-barack-obama-its-all-about-the-money-4020506-NOR.html
http://www.usnews.com/news/washington-whispers/slideshows/10-reasons-obama-should-be-re-elected
|
OBAMA 2012 Election!
The recent results of the presidential election in America
prove that the country are pleased with how Obama had run the country, over the
four years he was in power. During his time in presidency, Obama pushed on
improvements in social security and safety that saw him order and oversee the capture
and killing of Osama Bin Laden. This may have been a large contributor toward
his win in the recent elections, for he was the president in charge at the time
that managed to capture the countries most wanted man. Similarly to this he
also kept many other promises - following his 2008 election win - improving the
economy by overseeing the creation of many jobs in 2010, which Bush wasn’t able
to do in the 8 years that he was in power. Obama saw a 96.7% success rate, in
winning congressional votes in his first year of power.
Furthermore, the competition was open to seven candidates however
the media were only focused on two, Mitt Romney and Barack Obama.
Obama is a democrat, a liberal man whose views are on the
community and social responsibility, in contrast to Romney a Republican. Romney
is a conservative man, whose beliefs are on individual rights.
Obama emphasised a move forward instead of backward
throughout his campaign and during the elections he promised a number of
things. Obama supported gay marriage in comparison to Romney who opposed it,
Obama also wanted to create jobs that were stationed in the U.S; by cutting
back on tax, in comparison to Romney who wanted to keep tax incentives, for
jobs that were overseas. Similarly to this is the overwhelming amount of votes
that Obama received from women, he wanted to allow women to feel part of the
community, thus putting women in charge of their own healthcare decisions,
which Romney also opposed. Romney wanted women to have less control; allowing
employers and the government the authority to limit access to birth control, to
allow insurance companies to continue charging women more than men and to
eliminate funding for planned parenthood.
Other areas that got Obama votes was in the education sector
where Romney wanted to increase fees and make spending cuts, which would result
in sending pre-school students home to learn, in contrast to Obama who
supported education, by strengthening public schools in every community.
Finally another area that also saw votes rocket for Obama
was in immigration, for Romney refused to speak on the matter of deportation -
for those who went to America as children - and would also consider deporting
11 million undocumented immigrants. Obama was against this idea and planned to
keep families together, allowing those who were undocumented in the U.S the
chance to apply for a citizenship.
http://pleasecutthecrap.typepad.com/main/what-has-obama-done-since-january-20-2009.html
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
2012 Election
The re-election of Barack Obama in the
recent 2012 presidential election reveals that majority of the people of the
United States of America are pleased with the efforts of the president over the
past four years and would like to see his work continue and his future plans enacted.
Obama fights for those who lack a distinct voice in the political scene, such
as, small businesses and middle class families. Due to the economic issues over
recent years, not surprisingly it has been the topic of conversation among the
people of America, and is similarly also one of Obama’s focuses and he talks of
a long-term plan to improve the economy. With the increase in young voters and
the boom in political interest among students, the current president has
rightfully put an emphasis on investing in the education system and cutting tuition
fees, which clearly played in his favour and he received majority of youth’s votes.
Furthermore, Obama has made an effort to appeal to female voters, and stressed
the importance of women’s health care and their own personal choices regarding
their wellbeing, and due to the fact that Mitt Romney was less than supportive
of Obamacare and wanted to limit women’s freedom of choice and access to birth
control, it was therefore rather obvious that majority of the votes of female
Americans went to Obama. Overall, the outcome of the debate was not surprising
given each candidates stance on current issues and the views of the majority of
Americans, but at some points it did seem as if things may not have turned out
the way they did.
http://www.barackobama.com/economy?source=primary-nav-om
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/07/youth-vote-2012-turnout-exit-polls_n_2086092.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/07/why-obama-won-womens-vote
Monday, 5 November 2012
Here is a photograph of Yosemite falls, taken by Carleton Watkins in 1861.
I can't tell for definite but to me it seems like one of the earliest photos taken of Yosemite falls. I believe this because in more modern photographic depictions of it, the greenery surrounding it is in the foreground and the waterfall itself is in the background. However in this picture Yosemite falls stands in the foreground despite being in the back of the picture. This could just be down to the fact that colour photography wasn't around in 1861, but photographers were still aware of the optical illusions they could create with lighting. They have made the waterfall the main object of this photo, taking it from an angle showing its might. It towers above the beautiful landscape that it leads in to.
Also, what strikes me about this photograph is the fact that it isn't showing the marvellous view from the top of the waterfall or even a close up of the plunge of the upper falls, it is a far away shot absorbing every single aspect of the waterfall and what surrounds it. To me this makes the photo very reminiscent of the time it was taken in. Because it is a photo that shows excitement about the very existance of the waterfall. New people living in America would've seen this photograph as representing theur strength and unity, as everything in the photo surrounds the waterfall yet at the same time comes together to make something beautiful.
There are no wildlife present in this photo, not even birds high up in the sky. I believe this has been done deliberately, to show the tranquility of the waterfall and the forest it leads to. It is showing the people of America how lucky they are to live there, and what a picturesque place they live in.
I enjoy this picture so much because I know that in today's times not very many families would stay at this view of it for long, they would be more interested in the top, and the majestic view from the top, rather than the wonder of the waterfall itself that was held by people in the 19th century.
Sunday, 4 November 2012
Native American Negotiations
This painting shows a group of Native Americans from various
tribes, gathered in perhaps the white house in Washington D.C, addressing the
President of the United States (Andrew Johnson?). The Native Americans are
dressed in traditional outfits which although the image is black and white we
can see still contrasts sharply with the society dress of the whites in
attendance. What I find interesting is that for what many described the Natives
to be ‘primitive’ and ‘uneducated’ this painting shows a very cultured and diplomatic
consultation in which the natives seem to be trying to negotiate with those
that have simply taken over their native land, without any consideration or
permission. Thus this painting almost seems ironic and very ignorant of
Americans. Its subject is thought to be the Indians of North America negotiating
land possession in the 1860-70’s. As we know many tribes were forced to make
agreements/treaties with Government, in order to protect the future of their tribes,
and protect their homes etc. The very fact that in the picture the natives are
heavily outnumbered by the whites, echo’s the future of their existence and the
arrogance in the way the president and other whites in attendance are
gathered/ standing emphasizes their ignorance to the damage they caused to the
Natives. The picture was originally featured in Harper’s weekly Magazine ‘the
journal of Civilisation’, on March 17, 1867. And I felt was a true reflection
of the mass annihilation of the Native Americans during the settlement period.
The Oregon Trail 1869
The
painting above is by Albert Bierstadt, which was produced in 1869. This was a
time when America was being developed and built up, they would head west to
make a farm, build houses, a town and then it would become a city. This
painting suggests just that. These men are heading west which suggests
that they are packing up and moving on to settle and build up new areas before
moving on again. The sun would also imply that there are better things to
come, portraying a new beginning.
It is not visible that there are any natives in
this painting, which would therefore suggest they have already been pushed out.
Ways in which this is also clear is the amount of cattle following behind these
men, and also the carriages and equipment in their possession which the natives
would not be able to afford. To the left of the painting there is a tree
that has been chopped down which indicates civilization, in that they are
chopping them down to build houses, roads etc...Ruining the peaceful structure
that the natives enjoy.
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