Sunday, May 3, 2009
Dove- Evolution Commercial
The sender of the commercial is DOVE. The commercial has two objectives: to spread their campaign for self-esteem, as well as market their product. It is proven that companies which are active in their communities, such as Tupperware and DOVE, have more loyal consumers than those who just sell their merchandise. This method allows consumers to see that DOVE has their best interests in mind; therefore, they are more inclined to buy DOVE products. As one of their main consumers, DOVE is directing this ad to women. This proves to be a marketing tool, as the company depicts women the consumers can identify with. This campaign was a direct response to the issue of women’s lack of self-esteem. The campaign’s statistics show that only two percent of women worldwide would describe themselves as beautiful.
The main character of the commercial is first seen in the dark, with all of her blemishes left unseen. Moments later, she nods her head as to say that she was ready to enlighten the media of the fictitious beauty portrayed by most advertisements. The woman is then depicted as her looks evolve due to artificial means. After a large amount of makeup was applied to her face, Photoshop was used to fix the other traits in her face that were viewed as imperfect. Her mouth and eyes were enlarged, her neck was lengthened, and her face was made more defined, which are all characteristics of a stereotypical beautiful woman. After countless alterations were made to her appearance, the final product was posted on a billboard as an ad for a beauty product.
The absence of language allows the viewer to focus on the evolution taking place before them. The only noises present are the contrasting sounds of fast paced music and the muttered sounds in the background. The commercial concludes with the line, “No wonder our perception of beauty is distorted.” This is referring to societies need for perfection. People use any means possible to get the look that is projected by the media. The commercial reveals that nobody truly looks like the models depicted in ads. The commercial is entitled “evolution,” referring to society’s gradual limiting definition of beauty. This message is attempting to counteract our view of beauty as it breaks stereotypes. Dove’s Self-Esteem Fund states they try to “create thought-provoking ads, confidence-building programs and messages that embrace all definitions of beauty.” This commercial calls for people to take part in the Dove real beauty workshops for girls, manipulating their emotions to help those young women who are feeling the pressure to look a certain way. The viewers feel inclined to help those millions of girls who have the right to feel beautiful in their own skin, and face the world with confidence.
artificial
fictitious
objectives
alterations
absence
muttered
projected
counteract
manipulating
inclined
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Song Analysis
"Not Ready To Make Nice"
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting
I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it
I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
What it is you think I should
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting
The Dixie Chick’s music is widely popular due to the universal topics of their songs. The artists sing about subjects that their fans can relate to, playing upon their emotions. Their music is not only limited to the genre of country music, but also bluegrass and folk music. Like folk songs, their lyrics may convey political or religious sentiments, tell a vivid story, document history, or may be merely for entertainment. Folk music is the “music of the people.” Their tie to folk music is very evident as they incorporate many aspect of this genre. People are willing to forsake their freedom of opinion, if they find it will result in scrutiny from their fellow man.
The controversy that surrounds the Dixie Chicks came about when Natalie Manes said, “Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas," during one of their concerts. This resulted in chaos given that Americans found it was not patriotic to insult the president on foreign land.
Their song titled “Not ready to Make Nice” is a direct response to what the group has come to refer to as the “the incident.” It portrays how music acts as an outlet of emotions. The lyrics incorporated their anger and sadness that came from the political controversy. The song underwent several drafts, as the group tried to articulate their feeling of what they were going though. The song utilizes an ending rhyme scheme giving it a poetic air. The lyrics also incorporate slang such as “sayin” and “cause” which reflects the colloquial language of Texas. The repetition of “round and round and round” mirror the bands’ battle with their conflicting emotions of anger and sorrow as they spin in circles trying to defend their patriotism as they did not just accept the war “without a reason handed to us.” Although the group has gone through a lot because of this incident, Maines acknowledges she paid a “price” but proves to stand by what she said as the lyrics state, “I’ve paid a price/ And I’ll keep paying.” The diction utilized by the Dixie Chicks also proves to be multifaceted, as the word “bed” has several meanings. It can refer to the comment she made, as well as her decision to stand by it. It also refers to the saying you’ve made your bed now sleep in it, and she is content with her comment as she states, “I sleep like a baby.” The title of the song “Not ready to Make Nice,” also proves to put more emphasis on the message the group is trying to convey, given that “make” is not properly used. This may reflect Maines’ choice to be able to “make it right,” but does not find the need to as the lyrics state, “I probably wouldn’t if I could.” The song also refers to an incident of a protesting mother telling her two year old child to say “screw ’em.” She describes her sadness of being a witness to someone learning to hate as described by the lines “It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her/Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger.” The song also alludes to the death threats the band received from people who told them to just “shut up and sing.”
The Dixie Chicks’ music is inspirational and empowering to their fans, who are traditionally women. The intensity in their songs proves to their fans they will not just “shut up and sing,” and they are telling their fans they should not either.
articulate- to give clarity or distinction to
allude- to refer casually or indirectly
multifaceted- having many aspects or phases
traditionally- in accordance with tradition
acknowledge- to admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of
outlet- a means of expression or satisfaction
incorporate- to take in or include
convey- to communicate; impart
underwent- to be subjected to; experience; pass through
sentiments- an attitude toward something; regard; opinion
Monday, February 23, 2009
Love's Victim
In my life, I remain a victim,
Wandering aimlessly in a sea of love.
To be loved is but a journey,
Riddled with emotion and promise.
For me, love is but a disaster,
Riddled with heartache and doubt.
With love, I do not doubt
That everyone is truly a victim.
True love only ends in disaster.
We too often lose ourselves to love,
Forgetting our dreams, and destroying our promise.
Our identity is lost, and so is our journey.
Before we can love, we must embark on our journey.
Be sure of yourself, with no room for doubt.
Remember your worth and your promise
And you will find, you will never be love's victim
We must embrace a kind of self love
Failure to do so, will only lead to disaster.
If you change now, good will come from disaster.
Just imagine living your lover's life, taking their journey
You are willing to do anything to keep their love.
This leads to self doubt
You are no longer your lover's significant other, but their victim
Fearing you cannot go on without their love and promise.
This you must promise.
Try and find stability amidst disaster
You don't want to be the next victim
So go ahead, embark on your journey
Have respect for yourself and do not doubt
That if you try, you will find love.
There is no way to hide from love
This I can promise
It starts with a crush, and then you start to question and doubt
Your every move to avoid embarrassment and disaster
You attempt to hold on to your own life and journey
But-long and behold, your trapped again, your love's victim.
Please do not doubt that you will find love.
You might be a victim, but promise
That when disaster strikes, you will embark on a new journey.
Wandering aimlessly in a sea of love.
To be loved is but a journey,
Riddled with emotion and promise.
For me, love is but a disaster,
Riddled with heartache and doubt.
With love, I do not doubt
That everyone is truly a victim.
True love only ends in disaster.
We too often lose ourselves to love,
Forgetting our dreams, and destroying our promise.
Our identity is lost, and so is our journey.
Before we can love, we must embark on our journey.
Be sure of yourself, with no room for doubt.
Remember your worth and your promise
And you will find, you will never be love's victim
We must embrace a kind of self love
Failure to do so, will only lead to disaster.
If you change now, good will come from disaster.
Just imagine living your lover's life, taking their journey
You are willing to do anything to keep their love.
This leads to self doubt
You are no longer your lover's significant other, but their victim
Fearing you cannot go on without their love and promise.
This you must promise.
Try and find stability amidst disaster
You don't want to be the next victim
So go ahead, embark on your journey
Have respect for yourself and do not doubt
That if you try, you will find love.
There is no way to hide from love
This I can promise
It starts with a crush, and then you start to question and doubt
Your every move to avoid embarrassment and disaster
You attempt to hold on to your own life and journey
But-long and behold, your trapped again, your love's victim.
Please do not doubt that you will find love.
You might be a victim, but promise
That when disaster strikes, you will embark on a new journey.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Marriage
Marriage…
The moment every girl plans for her whole life
The day she has been dieting for
Only ten kilo away from her goal weight
She plans everything months ahead:
The red velvet bouquet arrangements,
The four tier wedding cake,
The assortments of cupcakes and the peach parfait,
along with the china glaze tableware.
It is essential she collects:
something old, something new,
something borrowed, something blue.
She can picture all that awaits her over the horizon
A two story house with a white picket fence
The live jazz concerts in Paris
She couldn’t wait for the countless gifts she would soon receive
The pink diamond, racing rubies,
And the sterling silver rose she will get on her twenty- fifth wedding anniversary
Marriage…
The day every man dreads
The day he willingly gives up his freedom
Leaving a life of chaos and wild things
For a life of structure.
Exchanging his sweat pants
For callvin klien.
He must give up his bachelors pad
For a cute house in the country.
Traveling to a café in aspen
Instead of his annual party destination in West Palm Beach.
He must turn in his Ferrari black
For a blue minivan.
He didn’t want to leave his one man show.
He didn’t know how he let it get this far
He felt like he had been under a voodoo spell
Marriage was a contradiction to everything he believed in
She enters the chapel of love
Her heartbeat is racing
She is ready to set her life in motion
His black suit slowly becomes full of perspiration
He must resist his inclination to run
And catch the next taxi
Marriage…
Her life of happiness awaits
Marriage…
His life of chains awaits
The moment every girl plans for her whole life
The day she has been dieting for
Only ten kilo away from her goal weight
She plans everything months ahead:
The red velvet bouquet arrangements,
The four tier wedding cake,
The assortments of cupcakes and the peach parfait,
along with the china glaze tableware.
It is essential she collects:
something old, something new,
something borrowed, something blue.
She can picture all that awaits her over the horizon
A two story house with a white picket fence
The live jazz concerts in Paris
She couldn’t wait for the countless gifts she would soon receive
The pink diamond, racing rubies,
And the sterling silver rose she will get on her twenty- fifth wedding anniversary
Marriage…
The day every man dreads
The day he willingly gives up his freedom
Leaving a life of chaos and wild things
For a life of structure.
Exchanging his sweat pants
For callvin klien.
He must give up his bachelors pad
For a cute house in the country.
Traveling to a café in aspen
Instead of his annual party destination in West Palm Beach.
He must turn in his Ferrari black
For a blue minivan.
He didn’t want to leave his one man show.
He didn’t know how he let it get this far
He felt like he had been under a voodoo spell
Marriage was a contradiction to everything he believed in
She enters the chapel of love
Her heartbeat is racing
She is ready to set her life in motion
His black suit slowly becomes full of perspiration
He must resist his inclination to run
And catch the next taxi
Marriage…
Her life of happiness awaits
Marriage…
His life of chains awaits
Friday, December 5, 2008
Vocab
Gone, But Never Forgotten
The rock of my family. My Uhr Oma. My great grandma. Her once majestic looks were subdued by time. Her amber skin was aged. The delicacy and grace of her walk was no longer apparent. Each wrinkle in her face signified some kind of account. She smelled of coffee and perfume. Her long cords of hair always went astray. Her ebony eyes were softened with knowledge. She was always there for my family. Her love transcended generations. She was dirt poor, yet she still had enough to give her daughter a nickel to spend so she might escape the anguish and realities of being poor. We would spend hours together playing games like Mensch aerger dich nich or sorry. She saved my mother from the brutalities of foster care. When I woke up, I knew a cup of hot chocolate would be sitting on my night stand. She kept her family together during the world war. A woman of valor. We would go for long walks in the forest. The crisp air filled my lungs. Not yet tainted and despoiled by the carelessness of man. We would sometimes walk in utter silence. Not due to the lack of words. But merely to enjoy God’s creation. We were mesmerized by its beauty. I could hear the bird’s mating calls. The echo of branches crackling beneath my hard step. The rock of my family. Every time I would leave her embrace, my body began to quiver and tears would come streaming down my face. A lot can happen in a year. I always knew that this may be my last hug.
Quiver- verb- to shake with a slight but rapid motion; vibrate tremulously; tremble.
valor–noun- boldness or determination in facing great danger
Delicacy- noun-extreme sensitivity; precision of action or operation; minute accuracy
Ebony : adjective -of a deep, lustrous black.
Majestic- adjective-of lofty dignity or imposing aspect
Anguish-noun- excruciating or acute distress, suffering, or pain
Amber: adjective- golden, yellowish-brown
Mesmerized: verb- to spellbind; fascinate.
Despoiled :verb-To deprive of something valuable by force
Brutalities: noun- The state or quality of being ruthless, cruel, harsh, or unrelenting.
The rock of my family. My Uhr Oma. My great grandma. Her once majestic looks were subdued by time. Her amber skin was aged. The delicacy and grace of her walk was no longer apparent. Each wrinkle in her face signified some kind of account. She smelled of coffee and perfume. Her long cords of hair always went astray. Her ebony eyes were softened with knowledge. She was always there for my family. Her love transcended generations. She was dirt poor, yet she still had enough to give her daughter a nickel to spend so she might escape the anguish and realities of being poor. We would spend hours together playing games like Mensch aerger dich nich or sorry. She saved my mother from the brutalities of foster care. When I woke up, I knew a cup of hot chocolate would be sitting on my night stand. She kept her family together during the world war. A woman of valor. We would go for long walks in the forest. The crisp air filled my lungs. Not yet tainted and despoiled by the carelessness of man. We would sometimes walk in utter silence. Not due to the lack of words. But merely to enjoy God’s creation. We were mesmerized by its beauty. I could hear the bird’s mating calls. The echo of branches crackling beneath my hard step. The rock of my family. Every time I would leave her embrace, my body began to quiver and tears would come streaming down my face. A lot can happen in a year. I always knew that this may be my last hug.
Quiver- verb- to shake with a slight but rapid motion; vibrate tremulously; tremble.
valor–noun- boldness or determination in facing great danger
Delicacy- noun-extreme sensitivity; precision of action or operation; minute accuracy
Ebony : adjective -of a deep, lustrous black.
Majestic- adjective-of lofty dignity or imposing aspect
Anguish-noun- excruciating or acute distress, suffering, or pain
Amber: adjective- golden, yellowish-brown
Mesmerized: verb- to spellbind; fascinate.
Despoiled :verb-To deprive of something valuable by force
Brutalities: noun- The state or quality of being ruthless, cruel, harsh, or unrelenting.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Dixie Chicks
"Not Ready To Make Nice"
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting
I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it
I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
What it is you think I should
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting
The musicians selected as the band of the year endured scrutiny from their fans, yet were able to defy all odds as their CD Taking the Long Way topped the Billboard’s national album chart at No.1. The Rolling Stones magazine is pleased to give the Dixie Chicks this honor. This recognition is well deserved given that as of May 2008, the female group has sold over 36 million albums and have won thirteen Grammy Awards. Their ever growing fan base is attributed to their gift to incorporate a traditional sound with modern ideas such as the 1990s “Girl Power movement.”
The Dixie Chicks formed in Dallas, Texas in 1989. The group originally consisted of four women, but now, the group includes Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines, and Emily Robison. Their musical influences came from Bela Fleck, Bob Wills, Sam Bush, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Dolly Parton, Indigo Girls, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt. Their song Travelin' Soldier tells a story of a man going to war, and the fears and heartache he is feeling once he leaves his life behind. Dixie Chicks' "Goodbye Earl" tells a story of a women and her high school friend putting matters into their own hands, as they poisoned her abusive husband named Earl. While they made clear they were not advocating harming their spouses, the Dixie Chicks wanted to empower women who were being physically or mentally abused by their husband. Some radio stations even played public service announcements regarding how to report spousal abuse after playing "Goodbye Earl,” which fostered community awareness.
The controversy all started when the Dixie Chicks were in a concert in London, England, and Natalie Maines stated to the fans, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas." This remark sparked an uproar in America. Several country radio stations banned their music, and their were rallies were thousands of their records were smashed. In an interview on CNN News, Larry King questions the women about Maines’ comment in London. Natalie Maines states, "It was the wrong wording with genuine emotion and questions and concern behind it. ... Am I sorry that I asked questions and that I just don't follow? No."
The Dixie Chick try to convey to the public that it is vital for people to be involved in their country. In response to their new found attention in political matters, they donated $10,000 to the Rock the Vote website, in attempt to get more young women to register to vote. They also gave their fans the opportunity to register to vote at their concerts. Maines stated, "We always felt like we were searching for ways to make an impact outside of music", and, "I believe everything that's happened in the last few months happened for a reason." Due their disapproval of the war, many found their beliefs and lyric to be unpatriotic. The Dixie Chicks responded to this by appearing on the issue of Entertainment Weekly naked with epithets including “Traitors,” Boycott,” and “Proud Americans,” on their bodies.A few of the countless people influenced by the Dixie Chicks include Taylor Swift and Dan Wilson. They ultimately are calling their supporters to fight for their freedoms, as well as question and challenge the status quo.
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting
I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it
I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
What it is you think I should
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting
The musicians selected as the band of the year endured scrutiny from their fans, yet were able to defy all odds as their CD Taking the Long Way topped the Billboard’s national album chart at No.1. The Rolling Stones magazine is pleased to give the Dixie Chicks this honor. This recognition is well deserved given that as of May 2008, the female group has sold over 36 million albums and have won thirteen Grammy Awards. Their ever growing fan base is attributed to their gift to incorporate a traditional sound with modern ideas such as the 1990s “Girl Power movement.”
The Dixie Chicks formed in Dallas, Texas in 1989. The group originally consisted of four women, but now, the group includes Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines, and Emily Robison. Their musical influences came from Bela Fleck, Bob Wills, Sam Bush, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Dolly Parton, Indigo Girls, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt. Their song Travelin' Soldier tells a story of a man going to war, and the fears and heartache he is feeling once he leaves his life behind. Dixie Chicks' "Goodbye Earl" tells a story of a women and her high school friend putting matters into their own hands, as they poisoned her abusive husband named Earl. While they made clear they were not advocating harming their spouses, the Dixie Chicks wanted to empower women who were being physically or mentally abused by their husband. Some radio stations even played public service announcements regarding how to report spousal abuse after playing "Goodbye Earl,” which fostered community awareness.
The controversy all started when the Dixie Chicks were in a concert in London, England, and Natalie Maines stated to the fans, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas." This remark sparked an uproar in America. Several country radio stations banned their music, and their were rallies were thousands of their records were smashed. In an interview on CNN News, Larry King questions the women about Maines’ comment in London. Natalie Maines states, "It was the wrong wording with genuine emotion and questions and concern behind it. ... Am I sorry that I asked questions and that I just don't follow? No."
The Dixie Chick try to convey to the public that it is vital for people to be involved in their country. In response to their new found attention in political matters, they donated $10,000 to the Rock the Vote website, in attempt to get more young women to register to vote. They also gave their fans the opportunity to register to vote at their concerts. Maines stated, "We always felt like we were searching for ways to make an impact outside of music", and, "I believe everything that's happened in the last few months happened for a reason." Due their disapproval of the war, many found their beliefs and lyric to be unpatriotic. The Dixie Chicks responded to this by appearing on the issue of Entertainment Weekly naked with epithets including “Traitors,” Boycott,” and “Proud Americans,” on their bodies.A few of the countless people influenced by the Dixie Chicks include Taylor Swift and Dan Wilson. They ultimately are calling their supporters to fight for their freedoms, as well as question and challenge the status quo.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Live Your Life
The hypnopaedia uses the art of rhetoric language. By depicting images of people in poverty and contrasting them with people who are overeating, it appeals to one's emotions or pathos. Society always tells us that we have to do something with our lives and live every day to its fullest. We have a feeling of entitlement because we find that we worked for all we have, so we should be able to reap the benefits. Yet, we tend to forget that by living out our lavish lifestyles, we leave our fellow man behind. We find that everyone has the same opportunities that we have. The parallel sentence structure mirrors the two paths that we are able to take in our lives,we can choose whether we want to be a curse to society or a blessing.
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