My question: When in the hell did promiscuity become an accepted societal norm? I've been thinking about this for awhile now after I got into a "debate" with a few friends (all three of them were female). After watching some Pussycat Girls, Britney Spears, and Madonna videos I heard them comment, "Boy, I would kill for that body." This disturbed for multiple reasons; then again, according to many, it is just female nature to feel envious about another or to look attractive. I disagree with these ideas, because I feel that women do this to please everyone around them (themselves being the last priority). I believe that it is a societal thing, and I based my argument (though I will admit, it had huge holes in it) on that idea. I believe strongly that it is our human duty to change the things in our family, society, world, etc. that are untrue and/or unhealthy. I believe that the majority of world problems are related to an uneducated, almost predisposed traditional mindset in which everything that we think, do, say, or see is influenced solely by what our parents have taught us. In other words, I believe that we are to question the beliefs, practices, lifestyles of our family and every institution that we can to evaluate them for serious faults (most of which come out of simple ignorance).
I do believe, however, that if something is good, there is no need for change. It is our human duty to make outselves PERFECT before we die. What better thing can we do? No matter what one believes, isn't this key to shaping the most purposeful of all purposeful lives? I have every intention of trying my BEST to make myself as perfect as I can make myself. I have my entire life to overcome my flaws rather than to let them fester and become part of who I am (though, not who I want to be).
I don't want to make this any longer, but I believe that our nation (even moreso than our world) needs either a complete martyrdom (in which we begin to value our morals under pain of persecution) or a complete re-evaluation of what really IS right. Have we let our society (particularly our media) make us forget what really is right? Have we dilluted what it means to be a good person, family member, worker,and friend? I think so, but I'm also not perfect. I'm part of this mess that we call a perfectly liberal society. I believe that it is my duty to make changes in any areas that I can to help improve life on earth.
I'll end with a piece from an Iggy Pop song that I found really interesting and amazingly true:
You're wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
You look better that way
You're wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
You look better that way
Are you my friend ?
Are you my plumber ?
Are you my God ?
What do you do ?
Wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
Which mask are you ?
Which mask are you ?
Complicated crushed up disappointed squirming angry thrusting stabbing regretting starving greedy human alien being, struggling down the street, up the alley, in the elevator, through the party, to the office, in the bedroom, on your way to the morgue. Bullshitting, lying, doing a good deed or feeling loved barely possible. Aware of insatiable demands of not a society all around you. Chunky frat boys in their shorts, pimps with old semite eyes, sex hoochies of the jungle, sensitive smart alec college graduates, critics fronting franticly in New York city, every body in L.A just plain licking ass or having it licked, irony in place of balls, balls in place of brains, brains in place of soul, where is the soul?, where is the love?, where am i?
Which mask are you ?
Which mask are you ?
Which mask are you ?
You're wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
which mask are you ?
- "Mask" Iggy Pop
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
A review of "Joshua" and a few other things...
Wow, things have been busy lately!
I turned seventeen on June 3rd, and shortly after I got my liscense! I also just got off of the first day of my first job at a supermarker. Finally, I might actually have some money! (Not to mention, a way to get around.)
I have been really worried about all of this lately, so I haven't had to time to blog every day or every-other-day like I said. Hopefully I'll be able to achieve that goal!
By the way, the e-mail address that you see on here (lotrrox04@insightbb.com) is actually my old e-mail address. It no longer works, so don't expect to get through to me that way. My new e-mail address is:
bowiefan1@gmail.com
Please, no spamming! If you have a comment, question, concern, or you just have a band that you would like me to hear, a movie that you would like me to see, a book that you would like me to read, or if you just want to talk about something, you can get ahold of me very easily there. I'm open to about anything!
I've seen a couple of movies lately. One of them is "Joshua" (which I will post a review of on this post) and the other was "The Strangers" (which I will try to review as soon as possible).
Speaking of which, here is my review for "Joshua." It's a fairly new film, and it's out on DVD.
"Joshua":
"Joshua" is just one of those films that seeps through you like liquid seeping through wood. It takes a while (because it all happens slowly do the density of the wood), but when it does, the wood swells to irregular proportions. This is exactly what happens to "Joshua"; certain points may touch you or horrify you, but overall you remain unpenetrated until it all seeps through. When I finished "Joshua" just a few nights ago, I was totally unsure about the film. Over the last few days, I have had mixed emotions as I though about the film. Now, I feel that the film has its major flaws-- all films do. The flaws in "Joshua" are more obvious, though.
The ways that his parents deal with him aren't beliveable. Rather than confronting "Joshua" about his problems, his father seems to go crazy. The way that the psychologist deals with Joshua is also unrealistic. How many kids would draw a picture illustrating abuse during the first visit from their shrinks? I could be wrong about this, but how many child psychologists travel to their patients' homes? I also didn't like when Joshua's father started to sneak pornography while his wife was drugged out. I could see possible affairs, maybe even private viewings, but not blatantly watching porn in you office!
The acting, overall, was stellar. I can't think of one horrible actor in the film. The little guy who played Joshua is probably the most memorable, though. His role was very believable and scary.
One of the other big problems (or maybe it could be looked at as an positive characteristic) was the plot overall. Unnatural things happen over the course of the film, but the mood itself doesn't ever pick up during one of these strange incidents. The viewer also never knows whether Joshua did any of this (though they have reasonable evidence that he did). So, at the end, Joshua is either a misunderstood and falsely accused child or he is a psychopath in the making, a boy without control over his psychological impulses. I'm still not sure whether I like this or not, but it is an interesting attribute of the film. It leaves the viewer with something at the end which is, after all, the main point of any ending. The ending itself is the most memorable point of the film. Strangely enough, I was touched by Joshua. The ending made me want to cry or even reach out to this potential killer.
I turned seventeen on June 3rd, and shortly after I got my liscense! I also just got off of the first day of my first job at a supermarker. Finally, I might actually have some money! (Not to mention, a way to get around.)
I have been really worried about all of this lately, so I haven't had to time to blog every day or every-other-day like I said. Hopefully I'll be able to achieve that goal!
By the way, the e-mail address that you see on here (lotrrox04@insightbb.com) is actually my old e-mail address. It no longer works, so don't expect to get through to me that way. My new e-mail address is:
bowiefan1@gmail.com
Please, no spamming! If you have a comment, question, concern, or you just have a band that you would like me to hear, a movie that you would like me to see, a book that you would like me to read, or if you just want to talk about something, you can get ahold of me very easily there. I'm open to about anything!
I've seen a couple of movies lately. One of them is "Joshua" (which I will post a review of on this post) and the other was "The Strangers" (which I will try to review as soon as possible).
Speaking of which, here is my review for "Joshua." It's a fairly new film, and it's out on DVD.
"Joshua":
"Joshua" is just one of those films that seeps through you like liquid seeping through wood. It takes a while (because it all happens slowly do the density of the wood), but when it does, the wood swells to irregular proportions. This is exactly what happens to "Joshua"; certain points may touch you or horrify you, but overall you remain unpenetrated until it all seeps through. When I finished "Joshua" just a few nights ago, I was totally unsure about the film. Over the last few days, I have had mixed emotions as I though about the film. Now, I feel that the film has its major flaws-- all films do. The flaws in "Joshua" are more obvious, though.
The ways that his parents deal with him aren't beliveable. Rather than confronting "Joshua" about his problems, his father seems to go crazy. The way that the psychologist deals with Joshua is also unrealistic. How many kids would draw a picture illustrating abuse during the first visit from their shrinks? I could be wrong about this, but how many child psychologists travel to their patients' homes? I also didn't like when Joshua's father started to sneak pornography while his wife was drugged out. I could see possible affairs, maybe even private viewings, but not blatantly watching porn in you office!
The acting, overall, was stellar. I can't think of one horrible actor in the film. The little guy who played Joshua is probably the most memorable, though. His role was very believable and scary.
One of the other big problems (or maybe it could be looked at as an positive characteristic) was the plot overall. Unnatural things happen over the course of the film, but the mood itself doesn't ever pick up during one of these strange incidents. The viewer also never knows whether Joshua did any of this (though they have reasonable evidence that he did). So, at the end, Joshua is either a misunderstood and falsely accused child or he is a psychopath in the making, a boy without control over his psychological impulses. I'm still not sure whether I like this or not, but it is an interesting attribute of the film. It leaves the viewer with something at the end which is, after all, the main point of any ending. The ending itself is the most memorable point of the film. Strangely enough, I was touched by Joshua. The ending made me want to cry or even reach out to this potential killer.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Sorry...
I know that the unforgivable sin of blogging is to not blog for long bouts of time. I have to confess that I'm guilty of that. This school year has been the most hectic and difficult of all school years before, and my lack of blogging can be attributed to that and to just plain laziness. Sorry..
But, now summer is here, and I have all the time in the world. In fact, summers are so boring for me that I practically do nothing. Blogging can be one of those activities to fill up some time.
I recently went on a trip to Kentucky Kingdom Six Flags. I rode all of the roller coasters there (save for one that was broken down), and they were really cool. There were a couple of first as well: I rode my first stand-up coaster and my first suspended coaster. These were very fun! I had a blast!
Of course, the whole roller coaster thing is new to me; when I was younger, I was terrified of roller coasters. My first coaster experience was at a fair where I rode the "Afterburner"-- a coaster with a huge loop in the middle and a change in direction (it went forwards and backwards). Next, I rode "The Raven" at Holiday World in southern Indiana. It scared me at the time, but I just rode it last year, and it didn't amuse me. My interest in coasters began last year when I rode a few small coasters at Indiana Beach.
Aside from apologizing and babbling about my vacations, I want to post a review that I wrote about on of the books I attempted to read. I say attempted because the book got so dry and pointless that I took it back to my local library 2/3 through. Please read the review below and please expect multiple posts each week for the next few months:
rating: 2 of 5 stars
I have to admmit that I expected a lot out of this book. It starts out strong, but it falls apart towards the end when the ghost begins to appear in broad daylight! The book, from the beginning, had a low fright-rate anyway. Towards the end, it was just confusing and stupid.
I could see traces of his father, Stephen King's, style in the beginning, but then he half-assed it towards the end. Don't waste your time by reading this one.
But, now summer is here, and I have all the time in the world. In fact, summers are so boring for me that I practically do nothing. Blogging can be one of those activities to fill up some time.
I recently went on a trip to Kentucky Kingdom Six Flags. I rode all of the roller coasters there (save for one that was broken down), and they were really cool. There were a couple of first as well: I rode my first stand-up coaster and my first suspended coaster. These were very fun! I had a blast!
Of course, the whole roller coaster thing is new to me; when I was younger, I was terrified of roller coasters. My first coaster experience was at a fair where I rode the "Afterburner"-- a coaster with a huge loop in the middle and a change in direction (it went forwards and backwards). Next, I rode "The Raven" at Holiday World in southern Indiana. It scared me at the time, but I just rode it last year, and it didn't amuse me. My interest in coasters began last year when I rode a few small coasters at Indiana Beach.
Aside from apologizing and babbling about my vacations, I want to post a review that I wrote about on of the books I attempted to read. I say attempted because the book got so dry and pointless that I took it back to my local library 2/3 through. Please read the review below and please expect multiple posts each week for the next few months:
rating: 2 of 5 stars
I have to admmit that I expected a lot out of this book. It starts out strong, but it falls apart towards the end when the ghost begins to appear in broad daylight! The book, from the beginning, had a low fright-rate anyway. Towards the end, it was just confusing and stupid.
I could see traces of his father, Stephen King's, style in the beginning, but then he half-assed it towards the end. Don't waste your time by reading this one.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
I've been away...
I haven't blogged for awhile (as if anyone has every read any of this). I just thought that I'd post an update on what's happening and everything.
I've heard a few good records since the last time that I've posted. Two that I've been listening to lately are Iggy Pop's "American Caesar" and "Skull Ring." I hope to post reviews for both within the week. I have also heard the entirety of Arcade Fire's EP album (I will review that one later as well).
I'm currently writing a novel (yes, I'm serious) about a dysfunctional family torn apart by a horrific series of events. It has a decent plot twist at the end and, so far, is pretty good, I guess. It could be better, but that's why editing was invented. It will take a lot of rewriting to make it as good as I want it.
I have also been looking for colleges and majors because I'll be going to college soon enough. I've been thinking about a few majors including English, Creative Writing, Sociology, Psychology and Film Studies. I really want to at least minor in the last one. Movies are very important to me, and over the time that I was gone, I saw "Sweeney Todd," "Hatchet," and "10,000 B.C." (I've probably seen more, but those are the three that I've seen. I'll try to review them (I only really like one of them [bet you can't guess which one]). From now on, this blog is going to be mostly reviews and opinions. Less bullcrap. Let's go.
I've heard a few good records since the last time that I've posted. Two that I've been listening to lately are Iggy Pop's "American Caesar" and "Skull Ring." I hope to post reviews for both within the week. I have also heard the entirety of Arcade Fire's EP album (I will review that one later as well).
I'm currently writing a novel (yes, I'm serious) about a dysfunctional family torn apart by a horrific series of events. It has a decent plot twist at the end and, so far, is pretty good, I guess. It could be better, but that's why editing was invented. It will take a lot of rewriting to make it as good as I want it.
I have also been looking for colleges and majors because I'll be going to college soon enough. I've been thinking about a few majors including English, Creative Writing, Sociology, Psychology and Film Studies. I really want to at least minor in the last one. Movies are very important to me, and over the time that I was gone, I saw "Sweeney Todd," "Hatchet," and "10,000 B.C." (I've probably seen more, but those are the three that I've seen. I'll try to review them (I only really like one of them [bet you can't guess which one]). From now on, this blog is going to be mostly reviews and opinions. Less bullcrap. Let's go.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
I apologize...
I apologize for not posting on here for quite some time. I have busy with essays and other loads of stress that I haven't been on the computer at all. This post is just to let all of my existent (or nonexistent) readers know that I'm still alive, and I haven't forgotten this blog.
I'm thinking about writing an essay about relationships, which I will post here. Please understand, if I ever post any of MY writing on here, you may not quote or steal any of my words. You can't take my essay and turn it into your teacher. This is called copyright infringement (which all original written works have), and it is also plagiarism if you use my words.
Now back to my essay, I have a couple things that I have been thinking about that seem feasible (at least to me). I would love to hear responses to this idea. I believe that relationships (whether social or romantic) are the cause of most disorder in society. We are so obsessed with impressing the significant other or the common "cool" friend that we forget about the relationship with ourselves and God (the only two relationships that we truly need). I think it's a good idea, and I'll try to find time to write this thing.
By the way, I also want to start my David Bowie reviews soon. Look for them. I'll probably have each blog headed with a quote from one of the songs and a big picture of the album cover will be at the top of the blog. I'll try to start from back to front, so "Reality" will be my first venture.
In the meantime, I will try to post another blog as soon as possible. I hope everyone has a great holiday season.
I'm thinking about writing an essay about relationships, which I will post here. Please understand, if I ever post any of MY writing on here, you may not quote or steal any of my words. You can't take my essay and turn it into your teacher. This is called copyright infringement (which all original written works have), and it is also plagiarism if you use my words.
Now back to my essay, I have a couple things that I have been thinking about that seem feasible (at least to me). I would love to hear responses to this idea. I believe that relationships (whether social or romantic) are the cause of most disorder in society. We are so obsessed with impressing the significant other or the common "cool" friend that we forget about the relationship with ourselves and God (the only two relationships that we truly need). I think it's a good idea, and I'll try to find time to write this thing.
By the way, I also want to start my David Bowie reviews soon. Look for them. I'll probably have each blog headed with a quote from one of the songs and a big picture of the album cover will be at the top of the blog. I'll try to start from back to front, so "Reality" will be my first venture.
In the meantime, I will try to post another blog as soon as possible. I hope everyone has a great holiday season.
Friday, November 23, 2007
The Scarlet Letter...
Now I finally have time to blog! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and a nice shopping experience during Black Friday. Today I'm going to talk about a book that I read recently in my sophomore advanced English class called The Scarlet Letter. This book had a profound effect on me and my thinking of adultery and hypocrisy.
Set in Puritan New England, Hawthorne's classic tale is a clever method of exorcism. It is Hawthorne's method for confronting his own demons. As anyone who truly knows the book is aware, Hawthorne's great-grandfather was responsible for some of the hangings during the Salem Witch Trials. Hawthorne was torn apart by this knowledge, knowing that his own relative was responsible for the deaths of many.
The Scarlet Letter is about choice and consequence just as much as it is about truthfulness and the effect of lies. The main character, Hester Prynne, chose to sin, and her consequence was to bear a scarlet letter, an A, meaning adultery. What makes the novel so interesting is how she is treated by the religious Puritans who consider adultery a capital offense. Moreover, her fellow sinner is one of these Puritans, a minister!
The Scarlet Letter's genius comes from its expert use of symbolism. Everything (I mean everything) stands for something else in this novel--the forest, the scaffold, the rose bush, the characters themselves. Never has a novel used symbolism so effectively!
I believe that The Scarlet Letter is a changing book. It shows the outcome of built up, unconfessed sin. It is also a highly influential and important book to have a knowledge of. If you have ever left a sin unconfessed, read this book! If you have ever been a victim of over religious hypocrisy, read this book!
Set in Puritan New England, Hawthorne's classic tale is a clever method of exorcism. It is Hawthorne's method for confronting his own demons. As anyone who truly knows the book is aware, Hawthorne's great-grandfather was responsible for some of the hangings during the Salem Witch Trials. Hawthorne was torn apart by this knowledge, knowing that his own relative was responsible for the deaths of many.
The Scarlet Letter is about choice and consequence just as much as it is about truthfulness and the effect of lies. The main character, Hester Prynne, chose to sin, and her consequence was to bear a scarlet letter, an A, meaning adultery. What makes the novel so interesting is how she is treated by the religious Puritans who consider adultery a capital offense. Moreover, her fellow sinner is one of these Puritans, a minister!
The Scarlet Letter's genius comes from its expert use of symbolism. Everything (I mean everything) stands for something else in this novel--the forest, the scaffold, the rose bush, the characters themselves. Never has a novel used symbolism so effectively!
I believe that The Scarlet Letter is a changing book. It shows the outcome of built up, unconfessed sin. It is also a highly influential and important book to have a knowledge of. If you have ever left a sin unconfessed, read this book! If you have ever been a victim of over religious hypocrisy, read this book!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Stress and other updates...
I apologize for not posting for some time (a week, I believe), but I have been under a great deal of stress. My English teacher has given us a project (a 25 page, 250 point project) that I have been working on for the time I have not posted. I just have not had the time, but I will try my best to post on here even under those circumstances.
As a sidenote, I 'll dedicate this blog just to give everyone a good deal abouting upcoming posts (these will most likely appear over the next couple of weeks). I have quite a few books that I have read and would like to review (they are not all positive reviews). These books are:
As a sidenote, I 'll dedicate this blog just to give everyone a good deal abouting upcoming posts (these will most likely appear over the next couple of weeks). I have quite a few books that I have read and would like to review (they are not all positive reviews). These books are:
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- A Box of Matches by Nicholson Baker
- On Writing by Stephen King
- The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
There may be more, but I'll add them as I go. Look for a The Scarlet Letter review tomorrow. I also may review "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Epic Movie" (I have seen these quite recently).
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