After our work in tonight's class, please look at what you have so far, take a breath, and try to write a first paragraph. There is no pressure here...just a chance to ride with the training wheels on, so to speak. You might never look at this first step again...or it might be a key into the paper itself!
Post your first paragraph in the comments section (with your name) by midnight tonight. Thanks!
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The 20th century saw the rise of the United States as a dominant global superpower. Throughout the century, the world saw the United States’ increasing involvement in global conflicts, starting with its involvement in World War I and culminating in an almost 50 year long Cold War with Russia with other minor skirmishes sandwiched in between including, but not limited to, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and the Gulf War. Whenever America went to war, its presence was sure to be felt in everyday life, whether it took the form of a radio commercial urging citizens to ration food or a cartoon aired on TV explaining what to do in the event of a nuclear attack. These popular culture manifestations reflected American wartime policies. While radio and television were two of the most impacted mediums, the medium of comic books is no exception. When examining the world of comic books (and its related superheroes), their characterization of the United States’ role in various global conflicts and their characterization of the opposition during wartime, one can see a shift in American foreign policy from a position of isolationism towards one of global hegemony.
Lucille Ball has changed the course and tradition of television in the 20th century by incorporating feminism into her sitcom and films. As the first female producer in history, she featured women as strong, independent characters who were capable of tricking their husbands, applying for jobs, and completing many other tasks deemed “unfeminine” during her time. Her characters and plots mostly revolve around female protagonists who desperately attempt to escape the domestic sphere in order to becoming more than a simple housewife. In addition, Lucille starred her husband, Desi Arnaz, in her sitcom “I Love Lucy” in order to increase acceptance of interracial relationships.
Katie Prakash:
The year of 1984, exactly two decades after the Civil Rights Act was the perfect time for a rising African American star to hit the scene. With an approach to capitalize on feminist issues and women's need for disclosure, Oprah Winfrey's new talk show was the perfect candidate to take over day time television and create a face for African American women in the public sphere. However it is now 2010, it has been almost four decades since the Civil Rights Act was passed and yet gay marriage is still not permitted in a majority of the United States. Over the past 10 years, the topic of gay marriage has become a prominent issue in society, sparking passionate conversations. It seems that at this point in America, gay oppression is a larger issue than racism. At the core discussion, lies Ellen Degeneres, a lesbian television talk host who provides comedy and entertainment. Which of these talk show hosts is better for the current generation? Although Oprah has reached near god like status through her talk show host appeal as the role model for self improvement, her popular literary recommendations, and her empowerment of women, in a new generation with different values and current events Ellen Degeneres' identity and her playful, humorous and entertaining approach to her talk show will be the one to attract the most viewers.
Throughout the 20th century there have been a multitude of important events regarding black history, such as the enforcing of the Jim Crow Laws, Segregation, and unequal education for whites and blacks. Events such as these spurred gatherings and conventions of African Americans hoping to become assimilated in a white society. During these times, American society was shifting towards an ever more segregated society and institutions specially made for blacks, such as schools, were not up to par with white schools. These shortcomings made the gap between whites and blacks increase and further stratified society in where whites became the more dominant race. Injustices such as these laid the groundwork of animosity towards a white society in Muhammad Ali. Issues in black history such as oppression and racial profiling influenced Muhammad Ali because he was discontent with the public and its treatment of African Americans and fought against the norms of society for what he believed in.
Madonna’s music video “What It Feels Like for a Girl” was permitted to air for the first time on MTV in the middle of the night only once before it was immediately censored. In it Madonna, and an elderly woman who accompanies, her wreak havoc around town in a couple of stolen muscle cars. Scraping against cop cars and then shooting the police with a water gun, running over various innocent victims, ramming into several cars, among other masculine-type violent activities, would not seem unusual in any music video by a man. MTV’s ban on the music video represents exactly where acceptable gender ideologies were at the time: in 2001. The fact that Madonna was still providing a controversial and valuable medium to express female empowerment more than a decade after “Papa Don’t Preach” is somewhat unsettling.
An individual or group can make a profound impact in American society and culture by providing and innovative new way to view a specific field and discourse outside of that field. Therefore, it is essential to explore groundbreakers who provide a critique of American society and or culture, which helped to challenge preconceived ideas and notions. This research paper analyzes the connection between politics and hip-hop culture. By focusing on hip-hop and political activism with specific reference to Public Enemy and N.W.A this paper aims to demonstrate the influence of hip-hop on Black nationalism. It also provides a historical sociology perspective by connecting hip-hop music to Black aesthetics. It is an interdisciplinary research paper that combines aspects of sociology, cultural studies, and popular music studies. Overall, the paper contributes a great understanding of the connections between hip-hop culture and political activism and the nationalistic sentiment presented by both Public Enemy and N.W.A.
Since its birth in the early 1950s, television has steadily become a powerful cultural presence in American society. Families that had once huddled around the radio to listen to their favorite news broadcasts began to gather around the television to watch the same news unfold before them. It was not long before televised media soon became the trusted source of news for the American public, especially in the realm of political information. However, in the early nineties news broadcasting stations, such as FOX and MSNBC, began airing 24 hour news, creating strong left and right wing biases. In turn, the public’s trust in the credibility of a formally unbiased source of media began to falter. These concerns were addressed when comedian Jon Stewart joined Comedy Central’s The Daily Show in 1999. Using satire and comedic interpretation of journalistic reporting, Jon Stewart has changed the face of American political discourse by becoming the voice for the growing population of apprehensive citizens during significant political events, as seen during the 2004 presidential elections and more recent financial crisis.
Most people remembered Richard Pryor for his iconoclastic comedy works that promoted black rights; few could conceive his turbulent personal life, his legal problems, his chaotic relations with women, and his drug abuses can serve as inspirations to his comedy works. While those personal setbacks and public transgressions colored the comedian’s reputation in life, when employed as backstories for his comedy on stage, touched the heart of America about the racial issues existed in the society. Pryor’s troubled social and personal life were also incited the creations of most controversial qualities of his works: the biting language, autobiographical tales, and role characterizations, So it is no surprise that Steve Allen contends that, “Richard Pyor’s comic genius is balanced by—perhaps even inseparable from—a pattern of erratic behaviors and social irresponsibility that consistently get him into trouble.” This paper will expand on how Richard Pryor channeled his tragic personal life and shortcomings to create a brand new style of comedy in defiance of the racial injustice in America.
Eric Rodriguez
As a young film maker George Lucas hoped create great films but at the time that goal was difficult to achieve. He then created Star Wars and Indiana Jones were two films that changed the way movies were made and both were blockbuster hits. Over the years he created more films based on those stories and his reputation as a artist has also grown. Using ancient mythology, George Lucas creates films that address current politics and history like the Vietnam and Iraq Wars.
Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan are respected musicians who made there lasting mark in the music industry. There ability to invoke thought and challenge authority enabled them to reach youth as well as promote social issues. Cash and Dylan have affected social reform by using their notoriety along with creating music that directly reflects the struggle and reform needed to improve the society. Cash and Dylan went outside their discipline into politics in order to address social issues. Both musicians used their music as a platform for change. They used songs, albums, performances and public appearances to voice their opinions and ideals.
John Coltrane was the vanguard of many important figures in jazz in the 1950s and 1960s, including those that have been labeled modal jazz, avant-garde jazz and world music. One dominant focus for him in his later year was the study of India music concept and spirituality. While Coltrane’s music remained embedded with jazz, this exploration was important to his personal composition development from the early 1960s to late 1970s. Coltrane’s emotional recording such as Alabama affiliated his career with politics. While Coltrane never made any statement about his involvement with the Civil Right movement poets and other black leader as Malcolm X adopted his music as a mean of expression for fighting inequality and an embodiment of black nationalism in the United States. Coltrane’s frequent usage of odd composition of Indian derived concepts, and spirituality innovated jazz to a new sound.
Bob Dylan is seen as a revolutionary in the genre of protest folk music. Many researchers have focused on his life because of his ability to reinvent to each changing time and event. By looking at each phase of influence on Bob Dylan’s life, including his hometown of Minnesota, his idol Woody Guthrie, the Civil Rights Movement, the Expressionist Movement, and change of religious faith, his lyrics can be understood from political and psychological stand point.
Count Dracula, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Beaker, Elmo, Bert and Ernie are just a few of the puppets that have captured the hearts of people all around the world for over the past forty years. These characters have made millions laugh and cry, but most importantly they have educated millions of children. Jim Henson changed children’s television in America and internationally by using television as an educational tool to teach children about the importance of learning, development, and the acceptance of others. This is seen through his most popular children’s shows “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show”. Firstly, Henson incorporated the importance of education into his television shows by using unique techniques. Secondly, he taught children about manners and other proper social behaviors that enhanced children’s development. Lastly, Henson changed children’s television dramatically by teaching them the importance of accepting different cultures, races and ethnicities. Henson’s ability to have learning, development, and acceptance in his television shows changed the standard of children’s television forever.
America cinema of the 1970s acknowledged American politics with anti-establishment criticism. The American nation was also faced with “a widespread perception that the foundations of the American Dream had been shattered by years of decline and frustration” (Tomasulo 157) with the happenings of the Watergate scandal and the end of the Vietnam War. Directors were channeling uncertainty and excitement into their films. Robert Altman broke grounds by steering away from those films and directed realistic and naturalistic films that depicted the nation as is. Altman broke grounds with his risky film techniques that forever changed cinema while integrating politics and connected psychology in his films.
The gaping hole between the abilities of male and female athletes was filled as Billie Jean King’s superior tennis skill excelled her to greatness. It is agreed today, that King is undoubtedly the catalyst that triggered a worldwide recognition to women tennis players and to all female athletes. Raised in the 1940s, King was told that the only acceptable sports for females were swimming, golf, and tennis (Hart 57). She elected tennis, discovering she was a natural, and excelled immediately, winning her first tournament at age eleven against a far more experienced player. As her career blossomed, King had to overcome ostracism from the more affluent tennis players, photographers and media due to her preference of a white pair of shorts and a white shirt over the conventional, ladylike white dress. Her improper mannerisms also made her vulnerable to criticism, critiquing herself during a match or yelling “Nuts!” when she hit a ball out of bounds (Sherrow 162). King went on to win numerous titles and championships in both singles and doubles, such as Wimbledon and The U.S. Open and became a world champion in Italy, Australia, Germany, South Africa, and France (Sherrow 163). By this time, hatred and annoyance with Billie, referred to as, “the serve-and-volley phenomenon,” by the Encyclopedia of Women and Sports, was instead, commended by her peers for her aggressive nature on the court (Hart 87). Women in sports were no longer held to the impractical standards of being feminine and proper, but rather applauded for their fines and skill in the face of fierce competition. What had always been socially acceptable for men in the realm of athletics was becoming equally acceptable for women. King proved the existence of this equality in 1973 when she defeated against Bobby Riggs, an older, former men’s champion in a match called, “The Battle of the Sexes.” She continued to promote the power of women in athletics thereafter, becoming the first woman to coach a men’s professional team and the first woman to win the large sum of $100,000 prize money (Sherrow 164). Honored numerous times for her courage and contribution to women’s rights and equality, she won the Elizabeth Blackwell Award, the Arthur Ashe Award, and was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame all within a decade (Hart 30). The assumption of women being weak and inferior to men would soon cease as interest and popularity of women’s sports rose to a significant, new high. King promoted equality in sports by defying heternomative gender standards, becoming an internationally-known female athlete, and proving herself worthy competition for professional male tennis stars.
The gaping hole between the abilities of male and female athletes was filled as Billie Jean King’s superior tennis skill excelled her to greatness. It is agreed today, that King is undoubtedly the catalyst that triggered a worldwide recognition to women tennis players and to all female athletes. Raised in the 1940s, King was told that the only acceptable sports for females were swimming, golf, and tennis (Hart 57). She elected tennis, discovering she was a natural, and excelled immediately, winning her first tournament at age eleven against a far more experienced player. As her career blossomed, King had to overcome ostracism from the more affluent tennis players, photographers and media due to her preference of a white pair of shorts and a white shirt over the conventional, ladylike white dress. King went on to win numerous titles and championships in both singles and doubles, such as Wimbledon and The U.S. Open and became a world champion in five countries (Sherrow 163). By this time, hatred and annoyance with Billie, referred to as, “the serve-and-volley phenomenon,” by the Encyclopedia of Women and Sports, was instead, commended by her peers for her aggressive nature on the court (Hart 87). Women in sports were no longer held to the impractical standards of being feminine and proper, but rather applauded for their fines and skill in the face of fierce competition. What had always been socially acceptable for men in the realm of athletics was becoming equally acceptable for women. King proved the existence of this equality in 1973 when she defeated against Bobby Riggs, an older, former men’s champion in a match called, “The Battle of the Sexes.” She continued to promote the power of women in athletics thereafter, becoming the first woman to coach a men’s professional team and the first woman to win the large sum of $100,000 prize money (Sherrow 164). Honored numerous times for her courage and contribution to women’s rights and equality, she won the Elizabeth Blackwell Award, the Arthur Ashe Award, and was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame all within a decade (Hart 30). The assumption of women being weak and inferior to men would soon cease as interest and popularity of women’s sports rose to a significant, new high. King promoted equality in sports by defying heternomative gender standards, becoming an internationally-known female athlete, and proving herself worthy competition for professional male tennis stars.
The gaping hole between the abilities of male and female athletes was filled as Billie Jean King’s superior tennis skill excelled her to greatness. It is agreed today, that King is undoubtedly the catalyst that triggered a worldwide recognition to women tennis players and to all female athletes. As her career blossomed, King had to overcome ostracism from the more affluent tennis players, photographers and media due to her preference of a white pair of shorts and a white shirt over the conventional, ladylike white dress. King went on to win numerous titles and championships in both singles and doubles, such as Wimbledon and The U.S. Open and became a world champion in five countries (Sherrow 163). By this time, hatred and annoyance with Billie, referred to as, “the serve-and-volley phenomenon,” by the Encyclopedia of Women and Sports, was instead, commended by her peers for her aggressive nature on the court (Hart 87). Women in sports were no longer held to the impractical standards of being feminine and proper, but rather applauded for their fines and skill in the face of fierce competition. What had always been socially acceptable for men in the realm of athletics was becoming equally acceptable for women. King proved the existence of this equality in 1973 when she defeated against Bobby Riggs, an older, former men’s champion in a match called, “The Battle of the Sexes.” She continued to promote the power of women in athletics thereafter, becoming the first woman to coach a men’s professional team and the first woman to win the large sum of $100,000 prize money (Sherrow 164). Honored numerous times for her courage and contribution to women’s rights and equality, she won the Elizabeth Blackwell Award, the Arthur Ashe Award, and was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame all within a decade (Hart 30). The assumption of women being weak and inferior to men would soon cease as interest and popularity of women’s sports rose to a significant, new high. King promoted equality in sports by defying heternomative gender standards, becoming an internationally-known female athlete, and proving herself worthy competition for professional male tennis stars.
Oprah Winfrey has become a pop culture icon through her involvement in numerous different fields. As a self made billionaire, the first African American to do so, she has made her presence felt in all aspects of American life. Born into poverty in rural Mississippi, she has used her humble roots and hardships as a reason behind her role as one of the greatest philanthropists in American history. In addition, Oprah endorsed presidential candidate Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election, further widening her sphere of influence. Oprah Winfrey has made immense contributions to philanthropic causes and changed how media affects politics.
ervin tong
if one were to compare the 1970s to the 21st century, once would realize that there was some kind of social and cultural shift. the next thing that would come to mind is how did this shift happen? there are many reasons for this change and one of them is fueled by Jim Henson. Henson’s “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show” encouraged social and cultural transformation throughout the world by using strategic character placement, and dialogue incorporating powerful social and cultural commentary in their episodes.
sorry i thought i sent this last night. but i forgot to click on anonymous, so it didnt send !
Many African American musicians where coming out of the south during the 1960s, Ray Charles was one was one who would soon top the charts and reach fame at a young age. After overcoming the rough childhood he endured and his blindness he saw success in a different light. He overcame his blindness and learned to adapt to his natural abilities and learned how to compose music with the skills he has acquired in mathematics. By combining music genres of the blues and country music Ray Charles helped break racial barriers during the 1960s.
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