( I think My first rough draft was pretty good, it just needed the main idea to change for it to make sense. Let me know some examples in your opinion of my new main idea, which is in bold)
Imagine knowing you weren't the creator of your personality, that you were just a robot built by someone else. It now has become apparent that we ae living in a society where one word can determine who you are either by yourself, or by the people around you. Common Sense itself hasn't been playing a big part in the growth of the term "Cool", as it now creates conflict with people in society, especially in the teen age group and the middle/high school scenes. Without having anyone around you to yell in your ear, you would want to do and/or be whoever or whatever makes you happy the most. Unfortunatly, sources within the media play a big role in shaping the lives of upcoming kids who apprently would rather follow what someone else thinks is cool instead of their own way. In fact, cool has been defined in a way that disobeys parents, the people who brought us into the world. "Cool is an oppositional attitude adopted by individuals or small groups to express defiance to authority"(Cool Rules: Anatomy of an Attitude). Now this can be looked at in multiple ways, whether it be a teen ingnoring a parent, or a criminal running from a cop, these examples are surely the wrong way to go. Cool has made it apprent that we don't have 100% control over who we become as people, and that society has now become apart of everyone in it's life.
Cool in general should be defined as being your own person, following nobody except yourself. Cool however, wasn't grown in society in that light, so "Cool" isn't technically defined in that way by the majority of people. These individuals may look at Tattoos and over the edge hairstyles as a characteristic of the "lower social class", amoung other things. However, if those people opened their hypnotized minds, they would realize that these haircuts and bodyart are a way of expression, a way to say "I'm Different", a way to identify yourself in the world for real. Think about it, would you rather be standing in the world noticed by yourself or with a big crowd? The answer should obviously be by yourself because in this case, YOU are seen, in a crowd, the crowd itself only is seen.
People now use these ways of representation to mock self expression, not necessarily on purpose, but in an attempt to try and be accepted by others. When people look for the best ways to be cool, they are copyrighting someone else. " If you don't have your own idea, you'll be apart of society's idea" (quote from Andy's class). And on most occasions, they ARE noticed, but not in the right way, not for being yourself. Many Teen girls today who dress "sexy" aren't being looked at for their personailty first, girls today first attract guys by physical apperences. And I'm sure when asked, these girls will say that it's 100% their own style with NO inspirations. No? Never heard of Britney Spears? Really? Same goes for the guys, who may change their appearence and hide themselves behind baggy clothes and namebrand sunglasses. In fact, girls themselves are a reason why guys feel pressured to change themselves up a bit. Some guys who don't feel 100% confident in themselves will look to anything to impress a girl, at all costs. It's not just girls though, it can be in any situations wioth groups of people, a hopeful job, etc.
Cool has now become somewhat of a problem when thought of. Sure, cool can push you into the "in" crowd, but is it worth it? Is it worth losing your true identity, who you can truly become? People who are strong minded, who don't let other people's ideas and opinions affect them, those are the people who have the true right to say, "I AM COOL". They follow nobody except themselves, they are happy with the path in life they have chosen. How about those kids who are in the "cool" group? OK, now what? All they're doing during that period of time is wearing a mask, a white, plain, mask. There are these kind of people, then there are the strong minded people. I guess Cool can be looked at as proof to the fact that maybe some people are just stronger than others. Better yet, that is only one example of what Cool can prove.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
HW 36 Triangular Partner Help
Matthew B's Topic:
"Gangs are a way of life for many of these young black males because of their position in culture, sense they our born in mist poverty they our already for the most part given what will look achievable and cool".
My Idea:
To me, Matthew's paper gives a great P.O.V. as to why people do things such as joining gangs. In order to even think about the topic of cool, one most know what it feels like on both sides of the argument. Although I myself think gangs are wrong, it doesn't hurt to get an idea as to why people join gangs, to know their inspiration. These kids, they're lost in this world. Whatever the cause was, they're looking for a way out of the bad situation they unfortunatly have to call life. Just like everyone did at one point of their lives, these kids are looking for something to do, something to gives their lives that new twist. Although some people think it is wrong, including myself, I have come to realize that not me, nor any other human being on this Earth has the pure right to say what is right and wrong, unless they were there when the Big bang happened.
Michelle G's Topic:
"These roles we play make us who we are and are shaped by all that surrounds us".
My Idea:
Obviously, Michelle is stating what Cool is and what is does to us in our lifetime. In some period of time, Cool was invented. Nobody can say they know how, when or why, it just happened. And now, thousands of years later, it is still apart of society, apart of life. The society we grow up in, our surrondings we absorb into our brains as we were young, shapes us into who we become in that same society when we get older. Because of realizing this, alot of people would probably get fustrated when they realize they are not in control of the person they have been since they were born. However, I see this in a different light. Does society have an effect on who you are? Yes. Do you have an effect on who you are? Yes. Ads much as some people don't want to believe it, society has become a major part in how we grow up. However, i wouldn't say it has complete control. I'll put in like this, society gives us the tools, and we get to choose which tools we want to use in building our lives. So the way I see it, it has become somewhat of a partnership.
"Gangs are a way of life for many of these young black males because of their position in culture, sense they our born in mist poverty they our already for the most part given what will look achievable and cool".
My Idea:
To me, Matthew's paper gives a great P.O.V. as to why people do things such as joining gangs. In order to even think about the topic of cool, one most know what it feels like on both sides of the argument. Although I myself think gangs are wrong, it doesn't hurt to get an idea as to why people join gangs, to know their inspiration. These kids, they're lost in this world. Whatever the cause was, they're looking for a way out of the bad situation they unfortunatly have to call life. Just like everyone did at one point of their lives, these kids are looking for something to do, something to gives their lives that new twist. Although some people think it is wrong, including myself, I have come to realize that not me, nor any other human being on this Earth has the pure right to say what is right and wrong, unless they were there when the Big bang happened.
Michelle G's Topic:
"These roles we play make us who we are and are shaped by all that surrounds us".
My Idea:
Obviously, Michelle is stating what Cool is and what is does to us in our lifetime. In some period of time, Cool was invented. Nobody can say they know how, when or why, it just happened. And now, thousands of years later, it is still apart of society, apart of life. The society we grow up in, our surrondings we absorb into our brains as we were young, shapes us into who we become in that same society when we get older. Because of realizing this, alot of people would probably get fustrated when they realize they are not in control of the person they have been since they were born. However, I see this in a different light. Does society have an effect on who you are? Yes. Do you have an effect on who you are? Yes. Ads much as some people don't want to believe it, society has become a major part in how we grow up. However, i wouldn't say it has complete control. I'll put in like this, society gives us the tools, and we get to choose which tools we want to use in building our lives. So the way I see it, it has become somewhat of a partnership.
Monday, January 18, 2010
HW 35 - Cool Paper Rough Draft
Over the past couple of months, the term "Cool" has been investigated by classes of student to see what it actually means. It now has become apparent that we ae living in a society where one word can determine who you are either by yourself, or by the people around you. Common Sense itself hasn't been playing a big part in the growth of the term "Cool", as it now creates conflict with people in society, especially in the teen age group and the middle/high school scenes. Without having anyone around you to yell in your ear, you would want to do and/or be whoever or whatever makes you happy the most. Unfortunatly, sources within the media play a big role in shaping the lives of umcoming kids who apprently would rather follow what someone else thinks is cool instead of their own way. In fact, cool has been defined in a way that disopbeys parents, the people who brought us into the world. "Cool is an oppositional attitude adopted by individuals or small groups to express defiance to authority"(Cool Rules: Anatomy of an Attitude). Now this can be looked at in multiple ways, whether it be a teen ingnoring a parent, or a criminal running from a cop, these examples are surely the wrong way to go. Cool has made people look at life in the wrong way, it has made people expect more out of themselves than is already there and good enough.
Cool in general should be defined as being your own person, following nobody except yourself. Cool however, wasn't grown in society in that light, so "Cool" isn't technically defined in that way by the majority of people. These individuals may look at Tattoos and over the edge hairstyles as a characteristic of the "lower social class", amoung other things. However, if those people opened their hypnotized minds, they would realize that these haircuts and bodyart are a way of expression, a way to say "I'm Different", a way to identify yourself in the world for real. Think about it, would you rather be standing in the world noticed by yourself or with a big crowd? The answer should obviously be by yourself because in this case, YOU are seen, in a crowd, the crowd itself only is seen.
People now use these ways of representation to mock self expression, not necessarily on purpose, but in an attempt to try and be accepted by others. When people look for the best ways to be cool, they are copyrighting someone else. " If you don't have your own idea, you'll be apart of society's idea" (quote from Andy's class). And on most occasions, they ARE noticed, but not in the right way, not for being yourself. Many Teen girls today who dress "sexy" aren't being looked at for their personailty first, girls today first attract guys by physical apperences. And I'm sure when asked, these girls will say that it's 100% their own style with NO inspirations. No? Never heard of Britney Spears? Really? Same goes for the guys, who may change their appearence and hide themselves behind baggy clothes and namebrand sunglasses. In fact, girls themselves are a reason why guys feel pressured to change themselves up a bit. Some guys who don't feel 100% confident in themselves will look to anything to impress a girl, at all costs. It's not just girls though, it can be in any situations wioth groups of people, a hopeful job, etc.
Cool has now become somewhat of a problem when thought of. Sure, cool can push you into the "in" crowd, but is it worth it? Is it worth losing your true identity, who you can truly become? People who are strong minded, who don't let other people's ideas and opinions affect them, those are the people who have the true right to say, "I AM COOL". They follow nobody except themselves, they are happy with the path in life they have chosen. How about those kids who are in the "cool" group? OK, now what? All they're doing during that period of time is wearing a mask, a white, plain, mask. There are these kind of people, then there are the strong minded people. I guess Cool can be looked at as proof to the fact that maybe some people are just stronger than others. Better yet, that is only one example of what Cool can prove.
Cool in general should be defined as being your own person, following nobody except yourself. Cool however, wasn't grown in society in that light, so "Cool" isn't technically defined in that way by the majority of people. These individuals may look at Tattoos and over the edge hairstyles as a characteristic of the "lower social class", amoung other things. However, if those people opened their hypnotized minds, they would realize that these haircuts and bodyart are a way of expression, a way to say "I'm Different", a way to identify yourself in the world for real. Think about it, would you rather be standing in the world noticed by yourself or with a big crowd? The answer should obviously be by yourself because in this case, YOU are seen, in a crowd, the crowd itself only is seen.
People now use these ways of representation to mock self expression, not necessarily on purpose, but in an attempt to try and be accepted by others. When people look for the best ways to be cool, they are copyrighting someone else. " If you don't have your own idea, you'll be apart of society's idea" (quote from Andy's class). And on most occasions, they ARE noticed, but not in the right way, not for being yourself. Many Teen girls today who dress "sexy" aren't being looked at for their personailty first, girls today first attract guys by physical apperences. And I'm sure when asked, these girls will say that it's 100% their own style with NO inspirations. No? Never heard of Britney Spears? Really? Same goes for the guys, who may change their appearence and hide themselves behind baggy clothes and namebrand sunglasses. In fact, girls themselves are a reason why guys feel pressured to change themselves up a bit. Some guys who don't feel 100% confident in themselves will look to anything to impress a girl, at all costs. It's not just girls though, it can be in any situations wioth groups of people, a hopeful job, etc.
Cool has now become somewhat of a problem when thought of. Sure, cool can push you into the "in" crowd, but is it worth it? Is it worth losing your true identity, who you can truly become? People who are strong minded, who don't let other people's ideas and opinions affect them, those are the people who have the true right to say, "I AM COOL". They follow nobody except themselves, they are happy with the path in life they have chosen. How about those kids who are in the "cool" group? OK, now what? All they're doing during that period of time is wearing a mask, a white, plain, mask. There are these kind of people, then there are the strong minded people. I guess Cool can be looked at as proof to the fact that maybe some people are just stronger than others. Better yet, that is only one example of what Cool can prove.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
HW 34 - The Cool Pose and Various Approaches to Life Rooted in Class, Race, Gender, Age, etc.
After reading Andy's examples of what trying to be cool is like these days, it made me think about what cool is really all about. Cool isn't about being the most popular person in a given society, it's just a desperate, pathetic attempt to try and find a way in the world. Take the example of the kid dropping out of school to join a gang. WHAT!!!??? How could a gang possibly be beneficial for somone? The answer is nothing. Someway, Somehow, Cool was created in society to have people feel good about themselves by being fake and not who they are truly and spritually.
As I've mentioned in past blogs, there really isn't a definiton of Cool wehn you think about it. However, since society has had cool matched with a term for a long time now, I'll just give my opinion on what I think is the rightful term. Cool is being you. That's it. Not trying your hardest to have another persona to impress anyone other than yourself.
However, one definiton from one person doesn't answer the questions about what cool has become. As much as people like me have their own opinions about the idea of cool, it has still become a huge part of society, especially in our society at high school. Cool is inspired by alot of things. For example, I think relationships between the two genders have alot to do with change of personality throughout the day, from self to cool. When you have a crush on somebody, chances are you'll probably show off and be someone who isn't quite you on a daily basis. I think because of what Coo stands for in society, it has made us in general sometimes lose confidence in ourselves spritually, causing us to create a new persona that we wouldn't create if we were 100% comfortable with ourselves. Now not EVERYONE is like this, but majority of people, especially growing teenagers, go through it everyday.
Another example could actually be looked at as a positive one. In an attempt to either impress your family or even yourself, you may change your persona in school to succeed more. Alot of times, kids in classes may glare at the kid who's known as the class clown and think to themselves, "What's wrong with him/her today? He/She is so quiet". This is because the mindset of that person is concentrated on another thing, so their personality changes dramatically, at least between the hours of school.
So overall, people aren't always themselves 24/7. People may just have permanent, multiple personalities, which is both good and bad in different cases. However, I think it;s all "Cool's fault". Now when I look at my younger family members and think about this subject, I get kind of worried. Because these kids, who have a light to them, could be pushed by society to becoem someone they are not. If Cool is what we say it is now, what could it possibly be like in the future, Better? Worse? I think the only way we are able to know is not to wait for the answer, but to make the answer. Always be yourself under ALL circumstances. There is a quote that I know which says so much when it comes to this subject. " It's better to be Hated for who you are t than to be Loved for who you are not". In other words, be yourself, make friends and be in relationships for who you truly are, and NOT someone you are not, a fake.
As I've mentioned in past blogs, there really isn't a definiton of Cool wehn you think about it. However, since society has had cool matched with a term for a long time now, I'll just give my opinion on what I think is the rightful term. Cool is being you. That's it. Not trying your hardest to have another persona to impress anyone other than yourself.
However, one definiton from one person doesn't answer the questions about what cool has become. As much as people like me have their own opinions about the idea of cool, it has still become a huge part of society, especially in our society at high school. Cool is inspired by alot of things. For example, I think relationships between the two genders have alot to do with change of personality throughout the day, from self to cool. When you have a crush on somebody, chances are you'll probably show off and be someone who isn't quite you on a daily basis. I think because of what Coo stands for in society, it has made us in general sometimes lose confidence in ourselves spritually, causing us to create a new persona that we wouldn't create if we were 100% comfortable with ourselves. Now not EVERYONE is like this, but majority of people, especially growing teenagers, go through it everyday.
Another example could actually be looked at as a positive one. In an attempt to either impress your family or even yourself, you may change your persona in school to succeed more. Alot of times, kids in classes may glare at the kid who's known as the class clown and think to themselves, "What's wrong with him/her today? He/She is so quiet". This is because the mindset of that person is concentrated on another thing, so their personality changes dramatically, at least between the hours of school.
So overall, people aren't always themselves 24/7. People may just have permanent, multiple personalities, which is both good and bad in different cases. However, I think it;s all "Cool's fault". Now when I look at my younger family members and think about this subject, I get kind of worried. Because these kids, who have a light to them, could be pushed by society to becoem someone they are not. If Cool is what we say it is now, what could it possibly be like in the future, Better? Worse? I think the only way we are able to know is not to wait for the answer, but to make the answer. Always be yourself under ALL circumstances. There is a quote that I know which says so much when it comes to this subject. " It's better to be Hated for who you are t than to be Loved for who you are not". In other words, be yourself, make friends and be in relationships for who you truly are, and NOT someone you are not, a fake.
HW 33 - Cool Paper Outline
Thesis- (I'll change this so it is MY thesis, this is just to start with) 2. Coolness - as a heroic internal narrative and the successful command of attention and social significance - is a basic human need. We need to be cool - what are the best ways for us to do that, individually and collectively?
Argument 1- The differences between actually representing who you truly are and doing whatever it takes to be accepted by others.
Argument 2- Ways that people represent themselves for real ( Tattoos, Hairstyles, choice of attire, etc) AND ways that people use these representations to be fake for the acceptance of others.
Argument 3- Why Cool has become the way it has been and how this can affect a person both positively and negatively.
Argument 1- The differences between actually representing who you truly are and doing whatever it takes to be accepted by others.
Argument 2- Ways that people represent themselves for real ( Tattoos, Hairstyles, choice of attire, etc) AND ways that people use these representations to be fake for the acceptance of others.
Argument 3- Why Cool has become the way it has been and how this can affect a person both positively and negatively.
Monday, January 4, 2010
HW 32 - Tattoos & The Presentation of the Self
Tattoos have become the new, physical way of expressing self to others and the world. With unique color and design choices, Tats are the new way of having a visual identity in society. Although everyone doesn't prefer to even get one tattoo, they have become very popular in the general population.
When thinking of tattoos, most people probably think of tough, scary bikers who have their bodies covered with these designs. Nowadays, that is far from the case. In my opinion, tattoos are a way to show people who you really are. When walking down the street, people look at you for mere seconds, not knowing the person who you truly are. Although you may not even get to even show who you are eve if you want to, you might want to regardless, but without talking. Tattoos show people who are without you having to explain it to them. However, unless the tattoos you have are words, people will still NOT have a clear image of who you are as a person. However, people will look at you as a person who is proud of who he/she is, which is the reason why they insisted on getting it inked permanently onto their bodies.
I personally think tattoos are cool. Besides looking physically nice, the secret behind them are more interesting to explore. For me personally, I am a big fan of Destiny, so I would like to get a Celtic Shield of Destiny tattooed either on my arm or chest as a tribute to my Irish heritage and Destiny itself. There are other numerous tattoos I would like to get too for reasons other than trying to be cool and show off to other people. Unlike other people who actually get tattoos to just fit in, I believe tattoos are a way to represent for the new generation. However, some people still look at tattoos as being ugly and having no meaning. Well i just think those people aren't deep thinkers and can't have big enough imaginations.
Above is Carey Hart, A pro skateboarder who apprently has no problem with the idea of using tattoos as a way to express himself. I believe it takes courage and confidence to be able to use tattooing as a way to show the world who you really are, without caring about what other people think.
When thinking of tattoos, most people probably think of tough, scary bikers who have their bodies covered with these designs. Nowadays, that is far from the case. In my opinion, tattoos are a way to show people who you really are. When walking down the street, people look at you for mere seconds, not knowing the person who you truly are. Although you may not even get to even show who you are eve if you want to, you might want to regardless, but without talking. Tattoos show people who are without you having to explain it to them. However, unless the tattoos you have are words, people will still NOT have a clear image of who you are as a person. However, people will look at you as a person who is proud of who he/she is, which is the reason why they insisted on getting it inked permanently onto their bodies.
I personally think tattoos are cool. Besides looking physically nice, the secret behind them are more interesting to explore. For me personally, I am a big fan of Destiny, so I would like to get a Celtic Shield of Destiny tattooed either on my arm or chest as a tribute to my Irish heritage and Destiny itself. There are other numerous tattoos I would like to get too for reasons other than trying to be cool and show off to other people. Unlike other people who actually get tattoos to just fit in, I believe tattoos are a way to represent for the new generation. However, some people still look at tattoos as being ugly and having no meaning. Well i just think those people aren't deep thinkers and can't have big enough imaginations.
Above is Carey Hart, A pro skateboarder who apprently has no problem with the idea of using tattoos as a way to express himself. I believe it takes courage and confidence to be able to use tattooing as a way to show the world who you really are, without caring about what other people think.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)