Final Project Proposal

My final paper will focus on the Drama television show Breaking Bad that has been claimed as one of the greatest television shows of all time. I’ll be analyzing the show & its characters to contemporary culture & particularly to American society as a whole; particularly that the series coincided within the post-recession era where each character had a significant impact based on the issues they had to deal with with interpersonal relationships and as well externally. Where these such issues are somewhat relevant to current social and personal issues every individual has to deal with in the U.S. One prime example is the main character of Walter White’s terminal illness of Stage 3 Lung Cancer whose situation trickles down to how he can afford chemotherapy & personal expenses and necessities with a high school salary and as well the future of his family; if matters get worse on the day of his death. 

Some questions to consider….

1. How does the show create an effect on American society & culture?    
2. What kind of symbolism does Breaking Bad have that shows a particular meaning? 
3. What kind of issues arise during that series that show relevance in contemporary culture?  
4.  Is there a sociological and/or psychological meaning during the show between evilness and goodness?
5.  Does the series itself show moral lessons throughout the show that the audience had caught on? 

What is McBride’s central argument? What are some of his main claims? Use evidence from the text to support your interpretation.

McBride’s central argument on his article is that Hip-Hop has a meaningful message that has evolved over time from the 70’s. You can tell that McBride is somewhat old-school in some sense, of his distaste of Hip-Hop itself; although it is not his forte, he tries to get accustomed to ever changing music. However, he mentions that Hip-Hop comes from the roots of African American ancestry that were brought from its native land of Africa, through its storytelling, folktales and whatnot. “Ethnomusicologists trace hip-hop’s roots to the dance, drum, and song of West African griots, or storytellers, its pairing of word and music the manifestation of the painful journey of slaves who survived the middle passage” (McBride, 2).

In the opening paragraph how does McBride establish his persona and forecast some themes he will explore later in the essay?

He establishes his persona as a father-figure at the moment when he mentioned that his daughter was getting married and somewhat happened to be a Rapper and was well his distaste in music. As it shows that he’s old-school, social conserative to a certain extent; where in hi mindset he’d want his children the best out of everything, or even their daughter marry a much more educated person and whatnot. As in the last paragraph, he describes his strong distaste of hip-hop and his avoidance of music itself. As it’s a music genre that he didn’t grow up in, as Jazz and Blue were the most common genre during his early adulthood as he somewhat mentioned on page 2. “That is why, after 26 years, I have come to embrace this music I tried so hard to ignore. Hip-hop culture is not mine. Yet I own it. Much of it I hate. Yet I

love it, the good of it” (McBride, 5).

Discuss an element of you found most interesting or that related to your own experience.

Rapper Davey D has said, “When brothers start flexing their verbal skillz, it always reflects what’s going on politically, socially, and economically.” McBride seems to agree. Discuss one way McBride thinks rap reflects a cultural or social issue.

McBride discusses how each rapper discusses the social norms through the lyrics of their own songs and/or music itself, where a particular social issue within the citizens in the U.S., life experience that they went through, explicit wordings of the lyrics and whatnot. “the genre has become dominated by rappers who brag about their lives of crime. 50 Cent, the hip-hop star of the moment, trumpets his sexual exploits and boasts that he has been shot nine times” (McBride, 3).

At the end of the article McBride presents his own personal, conflicted relationship to rap music. Give an account of your own feelings/relationship to rap music.

When it comes to music in general, I am reserved to what I’m hearing. It’s not just that I try to avoid songs that use curse words and whatnot. But I am still trying to find my taste in music and expand myself in the life of music itself; as I always listen to radio music, what’s being played and whatnot. However, I’d say that I have neutral feelings towards rap music, as every genre, songs and whatnot, music has a meaning within itself and its lyrics based on what the artist is trying to say. 

Share some lyrics from a rap song, or a song from another genre. Talk about one of the following:

The Nights by Avicii

“He said, “One day you’ll leave this world behind

So live a life you will remember.”

My father told me when I was just a child

These are the nights that never die

My father told me”

a) why it is meaningful to you:

 This song is written and composed by Avicii who happened to be a well-known artist within Electronic music and I feel that his music and among other artists within the genre, he’s in is meaningful. Especially in contemporary culture, there are known electronic festivals that are always being held such as EDC, Coachella and whatnot. However, his song The Nights is quite fascinating, especially the lyrics that I’ve posted. Where I felt that within his lyrics, he’s trying to say that to live life to the fullest and those days will be memories that will be cherished and remembered to oneself and those who were part of it. And that’s something I found meaningful because that’s something I’d like to live by everyday, even if it’s nothing big such as traveling and whatnot, but also cherish the moment with those I consider close. 

Ruben Meza

RWS 510

Dr. C. Werry

March 17th, 2020

Mini-Assignment #4

During class, the class was shown the short version documentary “Codes of Gender: Identity and Performance in Pop Culture” which discusses how women and men alike are categorized and seen differently through gender based through brand advertisements and/or other photos. Where for example when men are on advertisements and whatnot, they seem more masculine, confident, firm based on its posed, the way they’re holding certain objects (if applicable) and but over shows then its dominance and power. Whereas, on the contrary with women, it shows that women are merely submissive, powerless and whatnot, that its posture based on its body, face, and/or hands when they’re grabbing an object shows they’re not confident to the environment, to others and itself. Whereas it shows its vulnerability and as well that shows that they are dire and desire dependency from someone else to give them safety, and confidence. However, based on its postures, what they’re wearing and whatnot, are sexualized, misinterpreted that women are far powerless and what men are. Yet, many of these products that brands are offering through such advertisements, are targeting specific audiences, either male or female; whether it’s a new line of perfume/cologne, clothes, films and whatnot.

In Alahna Ly Instagram’s account shows what in today’s society people want everyone to see towards women; where they oversexualize the body of a woman through the use of explicit clothing that she has on.  Which also means that she’s posing for a purpose, whether for attraction and whatnot, however, may attract a certain group of audience. Yet shows vulnerability, dependency and that this is the route women should go through, being submissive and showing her body. Yet it shows to the audience that’s what she can provide to the audience by showing her body in a highly sexual way, yet her pose can such as looking over her shoulder shows her vulnerability. 

Yet, in the contrast of the GQ’s 20 Hottest Male Photos, shows the posing of men quite different to Alahna Ly Instagram photos. Which shows firm confidence of their own body, yet the posture of its body is always showing off its body (if applicable such as muscles and whatnot), and yet most of its photos cover most of its body. One interesting contrast is that its photos shows that the most of its photos that are taken are always in an outdoorsy setting, and posing what’s appropriate based on the setting and as well looking towards the camera and on the side (i.e. the model with the dog). Whereas Alahna Ly photos are always indoors either in a room, bedroom, fitting room and whatnot and looking over her shoulder is a common pose that she gives out. 

The analysis does prove that men and women’s gender are expressed extremely differently and based on its advertisements and whatnot attracts different groups of audience, yet, it keeps the stigma the same way we view towards men and women in a negative way and whatnot. And that’s something that may need to change where society needs to see both genders in a much positive way where everyone can be a role model to others in some sense.

The article ‘The Order of Things’ By The New Yorker writer Malcolm Gladwell discusses the ranking methodology among the ‘best’ automobiles, ‘best’ higher educational institutions, and as well the example of rankings of countries towards suicides; can be somewhat biased in some sense. For example when Gladwell was discussing towards the ranking methodology among automobiles, he mentioned that it was somewhat flaw in some sense because the sports cars were merely ranked based on a system that would rank an economical car such as SUV’s, sedans and whatnot. and like he mentioned in the article; car enthusiasts pretty much care more towards its speed and whatnot, rather than other factors. Whereas there should be a newer ranking system where automobiles of all kind combined should be ranked equally without biased. And same goes with universities which can be ranked biased to a sense which perform better based on certain sectors such as tuition fees, certain major programs and whatnot. Overall article is based on ranking systems that being established by certain group of individuals or individual where they rank it based on certain sectors that can be somewhat flawed in some sense and can also be misleading in some sense to certain group of people who see these such results.

One interesting topics I’d like to choose and analyze Disney films/characters and how they are related to social norms and the kind of message it represents in past and current social trends. Well another topic is analyzing, comparing & contrasting between the Prohibition of alcohol during the 1920’s and as well the current prohibition of marijuana; although legal medically, as to where alcohol was legal ‘medically’; as I somewhat find it interesting since I’m a Criminal Justice major. Also one last idea that I have in mind is use the show “Breaking Bad’ topic that I wrote on one of the previous assignments and come to a much better understanding to real life situations many citizens are going through within the U.S. itself. More ideas to come throughout the semester.

Vaccination Articles

Based on two different L.A. Times articles written by two journalist writers Wendy Orent & Amitha Kalaichandran; discusses how vaccinations are deemed safe and that there’s no such thing that would give children and/or adults in such diseases such as autism and/or other chronic health issues that may prolong throughout a human life span. Wendy Orent’s article “Measles is deadly. Vaccines are not. We need our laws to reflect this reality.” discusses how people especially know ‘anti-vaxxers’ believes that vaccinations cause harmful diseases such as measles, autism and much more. Yet many citizens who believe that vaccinations cause such diseases felt attacked when states like California make it mandate for all students to be vaccinated with the exemption that they’re either homeschooled and/or have a medical excuse. Yet many medical professionals have proved the contrary with extensive background that vaccination does not lead to any such diseases. The author uses several strategies to prove her point that vaccination is safe. The author used some narration as some examples based on two distinct citizens who reside and live in the United States, who shared similar stories and/or beliefs why they don’t vaccinate their children. As one couple who reside in the state of California, the mother felt bullied by her pediatrician because they wanted to vaccinate their child, where although measles doesn’t affect her and/or frighten her, she dislikes the new bill that has been passed SB 277. “When she and her husband had children, “I felt bullied by our pediatrician” to vaccinate, she said” (P. 1). Yet many anti-vaxxers believe that vaccination is another way for pharmaceuticals and physicians to profit from people, as another citizen believes more in natural immunization. “…but shares her belief that vaccines are being pushed by greedy pharmaceutical companies and physicians. He told me he trusts in natural immunity […]” (p. 2). Also Wendy Orent uses another strategy known as logo where she provides not just evidence, but also hard pressed facts and data from government organizations and professional figures such as the CDC, World health Organization (WHO), Peter Hotez; Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Where vaccination main purpose is for the immune system to get stronger and immuned to fight off deadly disease and whatnot. 

Amitha Kalaichandran main purpose of her article How Doctors Can Help Skeptical Patients Understand Vaccines for her audience to have a better understanding of vaccines and that if anyone who have doubts about vaccines and whatnot should consult with their physician and/or other medical professionals, but better yet more informed with the correct information that has been backed up by research. As it has been mentioned in the context that immunization rate has declined in recent years, it’s best to stay informed. The author uses several strategies within her written article, and one of these strategies is analogy where she compares vaccination are like helmets and/or seat belts to prevent something bad from happening. As laws require us to put our seatbelt on for safety and as well when it comes to a likelihood of an accident, there is a better chance of surviving. “A vaccine needs to be seen more like a helmet or a seat belt — preventing something from happening rather than treating something that’s there” (Kalaichandran, 4). Although the author states that parents are somewhat misinformed that vaccination lead towards vaccination, where the author points out that signs and symptoms of autism may arouse around the age of 3, similarly around the same age when children get their first round of vaccinations; which gives a slight detrust of vaccination and not just that, but a misinformation about them and leading to inconclusive research. But better yet another best strategy the author uses is comparing and contrasting some of its information. “But even though the symptoms of autism often first emerge in children at around the same age that they are being vaccinated, there’s no biologically plausible basis for a connection — any more than, say, than if a child who prefers to wear yellow every day develops autism, we could establish that yellow clothing caused the condition” (Kalaichandran, 4). What the author somewhat lacks when it comes to strategies is the use of information in some sense and points out a government source that oversees vaccination. 

However, in the end, both authors have shown exceptional different points of views based on why people may be pro-vaccination and anti-vaccination and parents do make such decisions based on what’s best for them and their children and whatnot. As one author shows why laws are made for vaccinations to be mandated and as on the other hand why we should be fully informed and educated towards vaccines and what not. 

Guns

1. Kristof’s main purpose of his article was towards the lack of gun control which has led to countless saddening events such as massacre and much more. Many politicians refuse to discuss the issue itself and avoid making future legislation to not just ban weapons, but to regulate them instead. Also Kristof pointed out how fascinating that the government is able to regulate certain issues such automobiles where laws dictate to not text and drive, don’t drink and drive, safety concerns such as seatbelts and the like, and also building codes are to be enforced so tenants of the building are safe.  
2.  Some persuasive strategies the author used within his article was the usage of evidence; which the author used facts, datas and examples. Where he has used Australia as an example that they passed a ‘National Firearms Agreement’ back in 1996 after a mass killing that left multiple people dead. Since then the numbers of mass killing have dwindled down, stronger gun control regulations, and much more. Whereas in Canada they have tighter regulations when buying weapons such as a 28 waive period and such. These measures have proved effective and shown that the government isn’t there to take away weapons, but more as that it doesn’t fall on the wrong hands and such. Also the author was persuasive in some sense that also politicians somewhat refused to enacted further legislations and many are backed by the NRA and as well that many aren’t well informed and as well certain legislations that have been previously enacted is poorly worded and aren’t well enforced, for example a New York law which banned gun magazines that has more than 7 bullets where as there’s no such weapons that have less. Kristof used research based data to support his argument that the U.S. lacks universal background check in which many citizens and organizations support it, and our current background check is flawed and that countless citizens obtain weapons without going through one.  
3. Some of the author’s weakness of his article is that it may sound biased to the point that he’s siding for much more gun control, regulation and whatnot. Also that he doesn’t provide any such evidence of rebuttal based on why many don’t really agree on a universal background check, safer regulations and much more. I believe that can additional background why further legislation hasn’t been enacted or provide further factual evidence to support their opposition. A strength that the author has was he was able to use factual representation to use for his argument and as well have a better understanding of the political lack of interest to further enact legislation where politics aren’t fully well informed. Where the author used how the term ‘gun control’ is being overused, yet poorly worded and should consider an alternative such as ‘gun safety. “And every time liberals speak blithely about banning guns, they boost the N.R.A. Let’s also banish the term “gun control”: the better expression is “gun safety.”’ Also a big applause to the author that most of the sources can be widely legit of course, but most of them are governmental sources in which gives more credibility. 

Testing, check, check, check

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.

You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.

Why do this?

• Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
• Because it will help you focus you own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it.

The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish.

To help you get started, here are a few questions:

• Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?
• What topics do you think you’ll write about?
• Who would you love to connect with via your blog?
• If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?

You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.

Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.

When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.