Zooming In

December 14, 2005

Final Post

The most important skill I feel that I've gained from this class is to think in an ABSTRACT way, or "outside of the box". I don't think there's any other way to put it. It has helped me to be more creative in my thinking.

I agree with Jessica that the highlight of the semester was the final project. I was completely blown away by how much thought and talent went into everyone's projects. And since the class is called "Visual Culture" I enjoyed doing a project that was visual! The other part of the class that I loved equally as much was the trip to the MFA and getting the chance to write about art through the context of the class. It helped me apply the concepts to something that I love.

My goal related to Visual Culture is to take this abstract way of thinking and apply it to many aspects of my academic life, and hopefully my future career, as well as to question what I see and what is presented to society.

Posted by lcishagan at 05:54 PM | Comments (1419)

December 04, 2005

Response to Yasmin

Yasmin's question: Why do people decide to code-switch (change one's dialect)in language?

If I understood the author correctly, her daughter was able to "code-switch" between Black English (more than one form of it too) and Standard English. And as her mother, the author believed that in order for her daughter to succeed in many aspects of life, particularly in the workplace, she would need to know Standard English. I think it is similar to changing the way you speak with your friends versus how you might speak to a formal audience. You change your linguistical style, and it sounds like code-switching is the same thing, but taken to a whole new level with dialects.

Posted by lcishagan at 11:26 PM | Comments (0)

Baldwin's article

James Baldwin’s editorial is very well written. It flows smoothly and the language itself is interesting. His final quote is very to-the-point, “…it may very well be, that both the child and his elder have concluded that they have nothing whatever to learn from the people of a country that has managed to learn so little”. This quote is a good one to end on because it is thought-provoking.

Although I have not lived in enough places to have experience, I agree that our nation has not placed a lot of interest in educating minorities. This leads to a trail of tension, and is what leads to poverty. It is obvious that in minority towns (in general) the schools are much lower quality, and yet we as Americans do little about it. So, when he says that white people have learned “so little”, and have closed minds, he is, generally, correct.

As many people stereotype African Americans, this article seems to stereotype Caucasians as well. This is with good reason though because it is referring to them as a whole. The fact that there is so much historical baggage behind it is part of the making of this situation. Baldwin’s article brings our attention to the fact that we still have a long way to go for equality in society.

A few questions were raised in my mind as the article progressed. The one big one is: What makes Black English its own separate language? If white, black, Hispanics, etc. are able to communicate amongst each other all in the common language of English, then why is Black English a separate language? Wouldn’t that make it a dialect? We can all understand each other, at least for the most part, except for the pompous jerks who look down their nose at minority accents.

Also, a general question to ponder: in the formation of the United States, we have hurt so many ethnic groups, such as the Native Americans, and the Africans. So, why are we not trying harder to redeem ourselves by reaching out to them? Baldwin’s article does a good job of indirectly saying this.

Isn’t Black English hip now? Isn’t it the latest trend? I’m from Maine, the second whitest state in the country, so maybe I’m not getting it. But isn’t it ironic that we are gradually taking on the sayings found in Black English, but many of us still look down upon it?

Posted by lcishagan at 08:26 PM | Comments (0)

“No Kinda Sense” by Lisa Delpit

Comments:

Before reading this chapter, I don’t think I had a very good understanding of the debate behind the Ebonics controversy. Although we went over it in class, I like how the chapter brings new light to the issue because it is discussed from the point of view of someone who is experiencing a similar situation. I’m still ignorant when it comes to the topic, but I feel more informed now.

Seeing actual examples of Ebonics in written words also helped me understand the issue. I hadn’t thought much about it before, but to a child, hearing nothing but Black English at home, and trying to take a test in Standard English would be terrifying to the student.

I think Delpit is absolutely correct in that in order to teach a student a new dialect or any type of concept, the teacher must use a means that interests the student. I know that if I am interested in a subject, I tend to do better in the class, even if it requires more work than another easier but less interesting class.

“To speak out against the language that children bring to school means that we are speaking out against their mothers, that their mothers are not good enough to be a part of the school world. And in the African American community, talking about someone’s mother is the worst form of insult!” This quote is so true. At that age, children idolize their parents. Their parents know everything, and to indirectly tell the children that their parents are “not good enough” is heartbreaking.

On a lighter note, I enjoyed that Delpit added some humor in this chapter, such as the part when she explains how the black radio stations poked fun at the Oakland Policy with phrases such as “Hooked on Ebonics worked for me!”

Questions: Are the teachers who are telling these children that they cannot speak in Ebonics, in general, white? What does “chetto” sound like? I can’t imagine it from the description. Why were Atlanta’s Black Professionals against Ebonics? And was the NYT also against it because it published the ad for free?

Posted by lcishagan at 08:21 PM | Comments (0)

Chapter 5, Sociolinguistic Concepts

Comments:

The part in “Language and attitudes to language” that refers to teachers’ judgments about students who “look and sound intelligent” is interesting. I think teachers try not to do this, but it happens regularly, especially in bigger schools where teachers have less time to get to know the students one-on-one.

“Me Tarzan you Jane” is much different than saying “sort of”. Sort of is used when you’re in an informal setting and not quite sure of what you’re saying. The Tarzan quote refers to someone who doesn’t know much English.

It is daring of the author to say that certain languages would not be as well-suited as others to speak about particular topics. However, when you think about it, he’s right because it probably would be very difficult to explain civil engineering in Amazonian Indian language not because of some type of inferiority but because there is not a need for engineering words in their culture (I assume, based upon the author’s words).

It is an interesting point that “There is, in fact, no standard English accent, and standard English may be spoken with any accent”. We can all understand each other, no matter whether it is a British accent or Southern accent.

“An adult’s passive vocabulary, for example, typically includes several hundred words which he understands but does not use.” I never thought about this before, but I bet it’s true. Many of these words are probably from other dialects and we would think it out of character for us to use them, but we do understand them.

Questions: Were the professor’s recordings that we listened to in class inspired by the Giles experiment? How different are the dialects between upper-middle class British and the farmers from Devon? Why would they find so much trouble understanding each other? **see paragraph #4 above-- does he mean that there are also no general accents in terms of countries? Isn’t there a general American dialect, and a general British dialect that speak for the majority of citizens?

Posted by lcishagan at 08:18 PM | Comments (0)

November 28, 2005

Thesis

My thesis for the Linguistics paper:

Although Adam Kendon's research is a step in the right direction to understanding the origins and organization of gesticulation, his research and reasoning is flawed.

Posted by lcishagan at 11:12 AM | Comments (0)

November 20, 2005

"Baby Talk"

The pronunciation, syntax and vocabulary of an individual child evolves extraordinarily fast. It's difficult to put those three aspects in order because they are quite simultaneous. As a baby repeatedly hears and recognizes basic vocabulary words, he will learn to prounce them, as well as learn the meaning behind the words. Sometimes pronunciation continues to be a struggle, as children will make errors such as pronouncing an "s" as "th". After learning basic pronunciation and vocab, the child will go on to use these words in sentences. However, syntax is not entirely last because children are always learning new vocabulary, as we will still are now.

Posted by lcishagan at 08:54 PM | Comments (2)

November 17, 2005

Museum Assignment

Sorry that this is so long! :)

1

My favorite room in the MFA is the American Impressionist Gallery, not only because of the paintings, but also because of the ambiance. Architecturally, it is rectangular with simple trim along the edges. There are stained oak floors with wide boards that are similar to those found in an old American home. A dark chestnut-gray paint covers the walls, but the ceiling is left white so that I don’t feel confined. What is also interesting about the ceiling is that it is very low compared to most of the towering ceilings in the rest of the museum. This makes it feel more comfortable so that I can observe the art more intimately. This makes my imagination run wild as to how and where the paintings were created.

In the center of the room sits a circular, cushioned gray seat covered in gray velvet, adding to the luxuriousness of the atmosphere. Because the rest of the room is so simplistic (besides the gold-leafed frames that surround the artwork), my attention is automatically drawn to the richness of the paintings. The dim lighting, spotlighting the work also adds to the luxuriousness of the artwork.

There are two vases in two corners of the room, which are the same vases that are in the painting discussed in Question Six. Their height is easily at least half of the height of the entire room. Temperature is also notable in this gallery. The coldness may be to preserve the artwork, or to add to the mood. To me, the low temperature makes it feel like the paintings are in what may have been their original setting, an old and drafty New England home. A low fan sound can be heard in the background, while visitors’ footsteps and voices echo throughout the room. This is the sound of timelessness. When trying to compare this feeling with that of something else, the only other place that comes to mind is that of an old church that possesses the great energy of eternity, just as the artist is living on eternally through his legacy and work.

2

“Yet when an image is presented as a work of art, the way people look at it is affected by a whole series of learnt assumptions about art.” –John Berger

When we enter an art museum, we expect the art to be of high caliber. The wealthy almost single-handedly support these institutions, so we expect the art to be nothing but the best. If we saw the same watercolor in a restaurant or in a hospital, we may not take notice, but if it is hanging on a wall within the museum surrounded by a gold-leafed frame, than it must be valuable and worthy of our praise. Monet, for example, is one of the most famous artists, so when we see one of his paintings, we take note. If we were to purchase one of these paintings, we’d know that it would be “worth” millions of dollars because Monet is famous, and therefore his artwork must be good. “Good”, however, is a matter of taste, and thus the tastes of society shape our individual opinions about art as well.

3

Landscape: “The Tetons and the Snake River”, Ansel Adams, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming 1942.

This photograph speaks to me because I visited Grand Teton National Park last summer and had the privilege of seeing these magnificent features in person. In this photo, Adams found the perfect angle from which to view these mountains. He is literally representing the sky, mountains, tree-covered land, and the winding river. But, I think that when he photographs mountains, he is most concerned with making them seem as large and magnificent as possible, almost like a cathedral. The river is a sharp contrast with that of the land. That is what separates a professional photographer from an amateur—contrast and the range of values. Contrast is always very important to Adams.

Because I have visited this particular place, I know that this is not, in fact, precisely what it looks like. The land is not so dark, and does not contrast so greatly with the water, no matter what type of weather there is. In this type of flat, open land, everything is bright because you can see for miles. Adams chose to make it seem darker to emphasize the contrast of the brightness of the sky, snow, and water with the dark, shadowy land, exaggerating all of these features.

4

Portrait: “Charis Weston”, Ansel Adams, Sierra Nevada, California 1937.

What is important to Ansel Adams in this photograph is the composition, and filling the whole space that he is given. It is a portrait of a woman named Charis Weston, though we know little about who she was. This is shot from her hips upward, with the pale gray sky behind her. Another major concern of Adams in this photo is whom, exactly, he is representing, and how to use the light to his advantage in accomplishing this goal. The woman is wearing a wool sweater and black pants with a scarf tied around her face. According to the description, this is because the mosquitoes were virtually intolerable to her. The abstraction elements are the making of Adams. He chose what to include and what to leave out of his photo. There could have been many people around Weston as her photo was taken, and yet, Adams chose to leave out all external activities, focusing directly on her.

What kind of person was she? Her slight smile is mysterious, and although she is young, the shadows on her face make her seem wise and confident. Her face looks like that of a movie star without makeup, a very natural beauty. The clothes she is wearing are masculine, and the headscarf would make most women of such age feel foolish, especially in a photo. But somehow, she wears it well. She may symbolize a natural woman, the kind Adams admires himself. The fact that the camera is directed upward, and the sky is behind her rather than the ground is an indication that in this representation of Weston, we are admiring her, gazing up at her.

5

Abstract: “Grass, Water and Sun”, Ansel Adams, Alaska 1948.

Strands of thin, apparently white grass are stark against a black background. Beads of dew rest, clustered on the grass, signifying early morning. The sun is reflected off of the dew, creating the brightest diamonds glistening in the grass. This is what is actually represented in the photo. At first glance, however, this was not as obvious.

What this photo looks like is a piece of black etching paper with many scratches throughout. These are the blades of grass. The etched lines move in waves, flowing into each other like that of an ocean current, changing direction with the wind. On top of this, metallic paint appears to be splattered, shining in the gallery lighting. These are the drops of dew. Because of this confusion in what the viewer is seeing, it is very abstract.

While this is true, once we are familiar with the title of photo, the meaning changes and we realize what the actual subject is; we see what the lines and splatters represent. Adams was trying to capture the essence of early morning, and it is fascinating that he has done this by taking a photo of nothing but the ground itself. In this patch of grass, he has captured the energizing light of the morning that illuminates the dew, as well as the curiosity of man, who wonders what exactly is represented in Adams’ photo.

6

Favorite Painting: “The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit”, John Singer Sargent, 1882, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, American Impressionist Gallery.

“Daughters” is a painting that has “spoken” to me since I first saw it a few years ago. I like the painter’s style, his brushstrokes, his use of contrast, and the feelings that it evokes. What is interesting as well is that the painting is almost a perfect square, rather than a rectangle which makes it easier to become immersed in.

Sargent’s painting shows four girls who are the daughters of Edward Darley. The youngest is in the front, looking directly at the painter, seemingly unaware of what is happening. She has a doll in her arms. The second eldest is in a red dress with a white pinafore, standing in a proper pose, doing what she is asked. The two oldest daughters are in the background, less sharp and in the shadows. One is leaning against a large vase.

Without knowing that Darley did actually have four daughters, the viewer might think that this painting illustrates the evolution of one particular girl. The youngest, being curious and playful with her doll; the second daughter solemn and reserved; the third still looking at the painter and less interested; and the eldest turned away from the painter but less in focus and detached, uninvolved and uninterested in what is going on.

Why makes this a work of art? The brushstrokes are beautifully visible, especially in the daughters’ pinafores, creating a creamy, white with shadows. The manner and personality of each person expertly comes through in Sargent’s portrayal. The mysterious feeling of the room is also well represented in the way the shadows are cast across the canvas. The viewer subconsciously wants to know more. The artist’s talent also shines through in the vases that are in the back of the room that he has painted. These same vases are in the gallery, very detailed and ornate, yet in the painting, Sargent has carefully chosen which details to imply with his brushstrokes. Knowing what to include, and what to leave to the imagination is part of his extraordinary talent.

Posted by lcishagan at 12:23 AM | Comments (2399)

November 10, 2005

My Dialect

Question 1

My dialect, according to the Speech Accent Archive with the sound clips, is closest to that of the speaker from Caribou, Maine. (Caribou is way up in northern Maine, close to Canada). As for my parents, my mom grew up in Panama and Texas, while my dad was raised in Virginia. They both have southern accents that have faded over the years so I only notice them sometimes. I spent the first ten years of my life in Southern Massachusetts, and the last nine years in Midcoast Maine.

What's funny about Maine is the range in accents. The woman from Caribou in the clip whom my dialect most resembles sounded slightly Canadian. Other Mainers have a distinct accent, somewhat similar to that of a Bostonian but with more "hick". I don't notice an accent in most people who are from my area, although there are some very strong accents particularly in the more isolated areas (such as on the island where I live), and in the people who have spent their whole lives here. I don't feel like I have a type of accent, besides general American, but I'm sure people from other parts of the country would disagree! It's interesting because my aunt who lives in Colorado told me that I sound Canadian.

Question 2

I witness someone altering her dialect (based on whom she is talking to) on a regular basis. Let me tell you a little something about my mom...she will pick up the phone and say "hello" in a voice that sounds normal to me, and as soon as she finds out that it's one of the relatives from the South, she starts talking like she never left Texas. It's the weirdest thing. Especially with her inlaws; I hardly recognize her voice. I don't think she does it on purpose, but I can't help but giggle when it happens. Even her laugh sounds different when she has that twang. My dad doesn't do the same, even though he grew up in Virginia. According to my friends, he has an accent by I don't notice it often. These kinds of things are interesting to think about.

Posted by lcishagan at 10:07 PM | Comments (1)

November 09, 2005

Mid-semester Evaluation

I enjoy our Learning Community because it challenges me in ways that my high school English classes didn't. The fact that our writing assignments are so drastically different from each other (i.e. the Ode, SLAM poem, and analytical Crash paper) that we are able to practice a variety of different kinds of writing. In high school, it was always the analytical essay that we repeated over and over again. I like the freedom here that we are given, and a new kind of assignment is always a good challenge.

What is also good about our classes is that all of the people here really want to learn. We help each other with our writing and critique each other's opinions. Having someone edit my paper helped immensely, and has helped me become a better editor myself. I recently edited a friend's paper and he was shocked at how thorough and original my comments were. I don't think I could have done it without the experience from these classes.

In terms of content, I enjoy learning the process behind language because I've never thought about it before, especially in-depth. What I like about the Visual Culture class is that it forces us to think outside of the box. It has helped me channel my creative side. The fact that the class's emphasis is not on grades but on learning is particularly helpful.

There are not many ways in which I think the program could be improved. At first, I didn't like the mandatory blogging but it has helped me to critique my own writing now that I have seen it from others' points of view.

Posted by lcishagan at 11:08 AM | Comments (2)

November 08, 2005

SLAM

"SLAM"

Unlock

Unwind

Uncover

Undo

Understand.

Distances and fright

Between Red and Yellow

Black and white

These, the categories

What about the stories?

Ever think

To ask?

Smash

Smile

Seize

Sculpt

See.

Choice, but

Not a chance.

Slam—doors close.

Posted by lcishagan at 05:23 PM | Comments (3)

November 05, 2005

Museum Visit Question #1

I've been working on answering the questions we were assigned for our museum visit. They are too long to post all of them, so I've just posted one for now. It is the response to the question about the "feeling" of the museum and the meaning behind its features.

Question 1

My favorite room in the Museum of Fine Arts is the American Impressionist Gallery, not only because of the paintings, but also because of the ambiance. As for the architectural structure of the gallery, it is rectangular with simple trim along the bottom edge of the walls, and around the doors. The stained oak floors with wide boards are similar to those found in an old American home. A dark chestnut-gray paint covers the walls, but the ceiling is left white so that the visitors do not feel confined. What is also interesting about the ceiling is that it is very low compared to most of the towering ceilings in the rest of the museum. This also makes it feel like a room in a house.

Although it has similarities with that of an old house, the room is empty of furniture and windows, with the exception of a circular cushioned seat in the center so that the viewer may choose a particular work of art anywhere in the room and be oriented in its direction. This seat is covered in gray velvet, adding to the luxuriousness of this gallery. Assisting in the creation of this atmosphere is the dim lighting and the detailed, golden frames that contain the paintings.

There are two vases in two corners of the room, which are the same vases that are in the painting discussed in Question Six. Their height is easily at least half of the height of the entire room. The style is Asian-influenced blue-and-white porcelain. Temperature is also notable in this gallery. The coldness may be to preserve the artwork, or to add to the mood. A low fan sound can be heard in the background, while visitors’ footsteps and voices echo throughout the room. This is the sound of timelessness. When trying to compare this feeling with that of something else, the only other place that comes to mind is that of an old church that possesses the great energy of eternity, just as the artists are living on eternally through their legacy and work.

Posted by lcishagan at 08:16 PM | Comments (2254)

November 03, 2005

A Good Book.

In response to Brenna's post about Ways of Seeing by John Berger, I didn't realize that we will be using it in class; are we reading just an excerpt or the whole book? I'm reading it right now for my Art History class with Professor Weiss, and finding it quite interesting so far. I have only read the first chapter, but part of it talks about photography (how it changed the interpretation and perception of art) especially with regard to time. What is odd but intruiging about Ways of Seeing as well is that some of the chapters are entirely composed of pictures, and we as readers are expected to infer the authors' message from a purely visual explanation.

Posted by lcishagan at 08:39 PM | Comments (0)

November 01, 2005

Marion Jones Photo

Photo Analysis: Marian Jones, Raleigh, NC Taken by Annie Leibovitz

Studium:

The given information on the back of this photograph says that the photographer is Annie Leibovitz, with a woman named Marion Jones as the subject of the photo. It was taken in Raleigh, North Carolina, but no date is provided. In the center of this black-and-white photo is a woman. She is black. Although she is in the center of the photo, her body is moving to the right, which would be straight ahead from the Jones’ point of view. We can tell that she is a running, and has just started because one foot is still in contact with a start block. She is looking straight ahead, so we see the side profile of her face. As for clothes, she is wearing a black leotard that is similar to a swim suit. Around her neck is a metallic chain, and she is wearing stud-earrings. Her head is shaved and her face looks very masculine. The muscles in her body are evident, and some are flexed, particularly those in her lower leg. Her sneakers are bright white with black trim. Most of the picture is in focus except for her hands that appear fuzzy, as does her right foot. Underneath her is a grassy surface, and in the distance, another stretch of land that is separated from her by a body of water. The sky in the background is clear.

Punctum:

This is a photo of a determined woman. She is looking straight ahead, in the direction that her strong body is moving. A look of concentration consumes her face, and her jaw appears to be clenched. The fact that her hands are not in focus, shows movement. We can’t tell what her nationality is because there is no indication of this, but because the name given is Marion Jones, we know that she is probably American. She is likely a professional athlete, perhaps one that is practicing for an important competition, or to prove to herself that she is capable. The jewelry that she is wearing also suggests that she has money, and her shoes are new, possibly never used before. The fact that she has time and money to devote to extreme exercise shows that she is at least making a sufficient income. She looks like an athlete who has had a lifetime of training, without a single flaw in her toned body. Even her head is shaved, which may show what she holds valuable in her life. Femininity and appearance are probably not first on her list, but rather her low-maintenance lifestyle to give her energy to training.

It is interesting that she is running on grass, with an image of nature in the background, rather than a man-made track. In this photo, there are actually very few indications of the interference of man with nature, with the exception of the human subject. This may be an indication that her focus and talent is very natural and beautiful. Also, the image could be reminiscent of the history of athletics. With the exception of her clothing and jewelry, this woman could be placed in any time in history, her type of legacy and mindset being eternal and repetitive throughout history. This takes the emphasis off of her own identity by using it as a broad statement about athletes and ideals.

Posted by lcishagan at 06:54 PM | Comments (0)

October 30, 2005

Eliza

Eliza is funny to talk to; I wonder how anyone would have taken her seriously! I think she "chooses" the content words out of what I type, and throws out the function words to create her response. Example:

(In this excerpt, Eliza speaks first)

• Do you enjoy being actually?
• That doesn't make sense, Eliza
• I'm not sure I understand you fully.
• I see, well shall we talk about your problems?
• Say, do you have any psychological problems?
• No, I'm happy as a clam, thank you.
• How long have you been happy as a clam, thank me?
• Forever, Eliza, forever.
• I see.

So, as you can see, Eliza chose to repeat the content words, like when I said "happy as a clam" she repeated the whole phrase to me, and then took the word "thank" and put it in a context that doesn't make sense. But she did know that it was important to the meaning so she repeated it in the form of a question. She also picks up on pronouns. If I'd ask her a question using "you" she'd tell me that we were supposed to be talking about me, not her.

Posted by lcishagan at 08:49 PM | Comments (0)

October 29, 2005

Alan Magee

The very realistic paintings that looked like photos reminded me of an exhibit that was at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Maine a few years ago. I didn't see anything in class because I couldn't remember the artist's name. His name is Alan Magee so check out his paintings. They're amazing. I like the one of the paints at the bottom of the page:

www.alanmagee.com/paintings/newPnt2.html

--Ariel

Posted by lcishagan at 06:34 PM | Comments (1)

October 27, 2005

Technological Determinism

This idea is very interesting, but as Practices of Looking states, it isn't a believable idea. I think that POL has a more realistic and scientifically-based explanation of technology's progress, that the changes in technology are triggered by "collective cultural and social desires". This is exactly my opinion of technological determinism, and it couldn't have been stated more clearly. Items like records leading to cassetes, eventually leading to CD's did not come about without a desire from the population to have a variety of music readily available and accessable. The trends of a society and the growing desire for more advanced systems to add either more entertainment, or to make life easier are what guide the direction of technological changes.

Posted by lcishagan at 11:46 PM | Comments (0)

October 21, 2005

Persepolis 2

I like Jennifer Camper's review because I think it's very creative of her to conceive the idea of doing it through the same style as Persepolis. At the end, she pointed out that graphic novels, especially this one, can appeal to people at all different levels of thinking. For instance, the ladies were discussing the semiotics and complexities of Persepolis, while the daughter liked it simply because the "drawings are cool".

Although I haven't read Persepolis 2, I felt like Camper gave away too much of the story. I like to be surprised when I read something, rather than to be informed ahead of time. But, since I probably will not find the time to read it, it's good to know what happens to Marji. I think it's fantastic that Satrapi decided to write these novels because it educates western society about things we might not otherwise be aware of, from someone who experienced it firsthand. Camper points this out, and I think that was one of the most important ideas to include in her review.

Posted by lcishagan at 01:01 AM | Comments (0)

October 17, 2005

Blondie

COMIC ANALYSIS

In the Sunday October 2, 2005 Blondie, there are six panels. Dean Young and Denis Lebrun are the creators. The two main characters in Blondie are Dagwood and his wife, Blondie. They live in a house with their two children and dog, but there is always some light-hearted joke about what is going wrong in the lives of this family.

In this particular strip, Dagwood awakes to the sound of a particularly loud lawnmower at an ungodly hour in the morning. He and his neighbors march around the neighborhood to confront the source of the noise. However, the source turns out to be a model who says, “I hope I’m not disturbing you gentlemen, but I have a modeling job this morning.” This, of course, causes Dagwood and the other men to calmly go back to their beds with earmuffs because they are so surprised and excited by the beautiful woman.

The panel transitions certainly fit most comfortably into the moment to moment transitions because it takes place during ten minutes or less of the characters’ morning. It could also be argued that it is action to action because in every panel, there is a new action by Dagwood. In the first he awakes, in the second he is leaving the house, in the third, he is shown in the lawn talking to his neighbors, and so on. Also, each panel is the same size, and all of the pictures or words are contained inside the lines.

As for the level of representation, there is not a clear category. It is definitely not realism because the characters are cartoons, but the characters are not completely abstract or symbols. Somewhere between realism and symbolism may be the best definition. Although they are not simply smiley-faces, the people are not realistic. They do have human-like features so that we can deduce that they are, in fact, people.

Blondie does not seem like a particularly deep or meaningful comic, but one more just for laughs. The female model and the end, does seem to be used as metonymy, representing the population of exceptionally beautiful people, and how the rest of us tend to give these people special treatment and privileges.

This comic is interdependent. It would be possible to understand the comic without the speaking bubbles but it wouldn’t be as clear and would be missing a necessary visual component. On the other hand, without the pictures, the humor would be lacking. The pictures illustrate the emotions and events that are happening so that the reader can fully comprehend the story. Both the words and pictures contribute equally to the content.

In a comic strip, the visual aspect is very important when communicating what the characters are doing and feeling. The eyebrows and mouths that are drawn in Blondie effectively represent the anger and surprise on Dagwood’s face. His clenched fist, and sense of urgency showed in his forward posture are indications that he is angry. There is sweat on one of his neighbors’ faces, showing that he is also agitated. Most of the characters’ bodies are drawn, rather than having close-ups of the faces, so that we can see what they are thinking from their body language, and their physical actions, like running in panel 4, and the hands on the neighbor’s hips in panel 3.

Planning out a comic strip must be more difficult than we might have thought, now that we are analyzing the meaning behind the panels, line, shapes, angles, and many other aspects. As in this comic, there are various aspects to consider that all work together to create a funnAy, visually pleasing, and meaningful display.

Posted by lcishagan at 10:12 PM | Comments (1)

October 15, 2005

Gestures

Last week, I tried hard to analyze one of my professors' gestures as she taught class. She mostly used beats as she spoke and definitely did have more emphasized beats on the words that she emphasized while speaking. This is hard to distinguish from cohesives because she was using both kinds at the same time with repetitive gestures. As for deictic, she also used these gestures many times to point at images in her Powerpoint presentation. What Nanette V. said about the professor whose ratings went way up when he began using gestures was very interesting to me. But, I was thinking as the other professor was giving her lecture, although she did use gestures, it was still a rather dry lecture. And this is about a suject that I LOVE so it's not the content, but the lecture itself that can be boring, even with gestures. So I would argue that alongside gestures, the manner in which someone speaks is also important when it comes to captivating an audience. When the professor says "um" over and over, and only reads off of her slides rather than giving a lively presentation, gestures help, but do not singlehandedly make the lecture wonderful. Even though it doesn't sound like it from my writing, this professor is a very nice person who is interested in her subject, and really does know what she's talking about. This is only a critique on whether or not gestures can make or break a lecture.

Posted by lcishagan at 11:50 PM | Comments (0)

October 06, 2005

Mimesis vs Social Construction

The debate regarding mimesis versus social construction is difficult to understand as a whole, much less come to a conclusion. Representation is complex and reaching conclusions is very much a matter of opinion. Mimesis refers to visual representations being returned to us as accurate and realistic, while social construction refers to creating an impression of a visual representation based on cultural meaning. Social constuction does seem more realistic, even though it involves distortion of reality. For instance, a Picasso painting is of something that actually existed in real life, but it does not look like this object through mimesis. Instead, it is a representation that we can understand because of social construction. Also, advertisements can give us a false reflection of the world because they are an attempt to idealize their product.

Posted by lcishagan at 11:50 PM | Comments (1)

October 01, 2005

Alfred Leslie's Painting

This painting clearly evokes a particular mood. It is difficult to put into words this exact Gestalt, but I felt it as soon as I looked at the painting. If there is a synonym for ANTI-nostalgia this would the the one that I am looking for. At first, it seemed like it might be nostalgic (because of the retro aspect) when I tried to analyze the painting, however the mood it evokes is too musty and uncomfortable to ignore.

The focus of the painting looks fuzzy, almost like a TV screen itself. Whether this is because it is on the computer, I can't discern. The TV is obviously old, and the reflection inside looks like a beach. When I asked someone else what she saw, she said "a parking garage", but I believe that it is, in fact, a beach. Although it is indeed a part of nature, it is reduced to something sterile and dim on the TV screen. This could be a metaphor for the fact that society will not get outside, but instead watch it from the comfort of their TVs.

Behind the TV, there is nothing but darkness and shadows. This signifies that society as a whole, using this one person's TV, does not want to go outside, and see what is in real world, beyond their television. There may be a window back in the darkness, or a door, but we don't want to see it. It is blocked off with the mustard-colored chair, which is a symbol for the ugliness of the indoors. Because the shoes are on top of the TV, I believe that also supports the idea that the owner (or all of us) doesn't want to go outside. They are new, still bright red. Most people would put their shoes by the door if they are planning on using them to go outside.

As for the broom without a handle, it is a metaphor for something that doesn't work, or isn't functioning. Maybe this is the belief of Leslie that our society isn't functioning. This may be metonymy, representing the world as a whole. If I'm not mistaken, Jellies are a rather new invention. So, even though the time depicted by the artist looks retro, the jellies may be a sign that it is actually this current day he is representing. And, a metaphor to say that this is what the world is being reduced to: plastic shoes. Nothing is natural, even the image of "nature" on the TV screen.

The empty plate also supports this idea. Whoever was watching TV, was probably also eating, which is something common and a sign of laziness to us. He is saying that this little world with the TV, food, and unused shoes is blocking out everything that is natural and everlasting. A TV, shoes, types of furniture can go out of style, as all of these have, but what is outside and natural, does not.

Overall, everything in this picture as a whole is menotymous, a fragment of one person's living room, representing a whole society's lifestyle.

Posted by lcishagan at 09:01 PM | Comments (0)

Language Chapter Three

Question Number Two

The auxiliary verb “am” and other similar words should be considered function words because a word like “am” is usually only used before a more descriptive verb, or adjective, such as I am jumping, or I am skinny. A content word is what conveys the meaning of what is said and “am” seems to be used like an article or some other word that is not descriptive and is rarely used to develop a more complex idea.

Society invents new words constantly, including function words. “Very” is a word that doesn’t imply any particular meaning, it just adds to another word, like “I am very ill.” New quantifiers are invented with every new generation. A word like “super” was probably not used 50 years ago to describe quantity. Sentences like, “He is super cool”, or “I am super hungry” are now used in different context rather that just “Superman” or “This candy is super”. Also, the New England term “wicked” is used in place of “very”, like in the sentence, “I’m wicked thirsty.”

Posted by lcishagan at 08:15 PM | Comments (0)

September 30, 2005

First Draft (Seeing)

Whether you like Annie Dillard’s essay or not, it is clear that she has a unique way of saying things. “What you see is what you get” is not, in fact, her strongest statement in “Seeing” in terms of originality, however, it is a quote that I think may be the most important for the reader to pay attention to. Although this piece of writing is not the most pleasant to read, Dillard has an imaginative way of describing the point she is trying to make.

What is this point, exactly? Dillard explains her childhood experiences to begin. “…finding a penny will literally make your day, then, since the world is in fact planted in pennies, you have with your poverty bought a lifetime of days” (Dillard 95). This is her first major idea that she constructs. She is saying that if we are in the mindset that something small, such as seeing a perfect flower or watching a happy family together on the subway, can bring excitement, then we will live all of our days in happiness. This is a strong point to make. Many people in today’s modern world have fast-paced lives full of burden and tragedy. They only see the big picture without the details.

This is very closely related to her other main idea. Dillard writes about how when we take the time to look at something carefully, especially in nature, we will get more out of it. When we make time to see, we get more out of what we are looking at. She uses the example of the birds in the trees, and how if we just glance at a tree, we may see nothing but a tree, but if we sit on the grass and watch it closely, soaking up the atmosphere and staying attune to our senses, then we may notice the birds there even before they move and fly away.

If we look at the semantic meanings of this piece of writing, rather than the literal syntax, other meanings can be found in the text. For instance, when we focus on and notice the people around us who care, and the relationships that we take for granted, the more we will get out of these relationships that we form. Therefore, using nature could also be a metaphor for everything in life.

Overall, I agree with Dillard’s ideas, and after reading the essay again, I enjoy the layers of meaning that she includes, as she points out the importance of seeing life using nature to form stories. And we too, have to really see and focus on “Seeing” to see the semantics behind it and realize that “What you see is what you get.”

--Ariel

Posted by lcishagan at 12:48 AM | Comments (0)

September 28, 2005

Genie's Existance

Poor Genie had, and maybe still is having, an all-around terrible life, as we all know. It baffles me how anyone could do such awful things to his own child. Most parents can't help but love their children, it is innate. Her father must have been very mentally unstable. I wonder, though, why he didn't just kill her. If he was capable of doing these shocking things to her, and if he was so ashamed that she might have been retarted, then why wouldn't he eliminate her from his life? I think it was because he liked to control and feel powerful. Having this power over her, her mother, and possibly her brother made him feel superior. Even after Genie was put through this unheard of living situation, she was still put in many more than awkward postitions-- her mother suing the hospital, being placed in many foster homes, even more abuse, etc. In some ways, I do believe that the scientists exploited her in order to finish the "forbidden experiment". Genie's mother sued for $500,000 but this little girl's life was priceless and it is not something that she can buy back.

Posted by lcishagan at 10:17 AM | Comments (2)

September 26, 2005

Language Chapt. Two

I don't think anybody else has answered this question yet in a post, so I picked it just to be different. :) It doesn't make much sense, but I thought it was an interesting question, and I'd like to know the real answer.

Question Two:

A person who doesn’t have any speaking difficulty would quickly think of what they want to say and the words come out verbally as the person’s brain works quickly like a database to search for the correct words in the correct sequence. It also helps if the speaker thought clearly and had a moment to think before they spoke.

When someone speaks incorrectly, they may switch the beginning sounds of words which translates into nonsense. We all make this mistake every now and then, and speaking from personal experience, this is because the speaker doesn’t think about what the words as they’re saying them, like when they are speaking fast, for any reason such as anger, excitement, etc. Because someone who is aphasic has a damaged brain and therefore a damaged thinking process, the words often don’t come out right.

Posted by lcishagan at 12:22 AM | Comments (0)

September 22, 2005

Seeing in the Dark.

What is most interesting to me about Annie Dillard's "Seeing" is the part about what happens when people who have never been able to see are no longer blind. Their reactions, quotations and behavior are things that I've never read about, so this is enlightening. The beginning of this piece of writing, however, I find slightly unorganized. It is difficult to follow, and I ended up falling asleep while reading it. The only part I remember well is the part about how you can't see in the dark, and you imagine what you see, your senses are heightened and you see things that aren't really there. The second half is more direct and easier to follow. I do understand what she is getting at, though, how we should really take the time to see what is in nature, and how people will miss the beauty of it when they don't take the time to "see".

Posted by lcishagan at 10:20 PM | Comments (1)

September 16, 2005

Illusion

An illusion that I remember from my art class last year is at the following address: http://www.cs.toronto.edu/~moraes/optical-illusion-wheels-circles-rotating.png

When I look at it, I see concentric circles spinning around each other and each one looks like it's moving. The only way to stop the "motion" with your eyes is to keep your eyes still, according to my former art teacher. I think it looks like a kaliedescope, which I loved as a kid, so it's the most interesting one I've seen yet.

Posted by lcishagan at 02:59 PM | Comments (1149)

September 15, 2005

Language

What is language?

Language is a shared extensive collection of words with meaning made up of individual sounds, used as a way to communicate. To understand one's language, one must be able to read, write, and speak it, as well as be able to apply the grammar. Each word has a meaning behind it that the sounds represent, and being able to interpret these meanings are also part of language. What makes the distinction? Humans use language to express their feelings and thoughts. Naturally, humans want to share and connect with each other, and are intelligent enough to do so. This is why I believe we have such a complex communication system in relation to the other creatures of the earth.

Learning a Sentence vs. a Word?

Saying that you learned a new sentence today just doesn't make sense. It is much more likely that someone would say that he learned a new word. Sentences are created with a collection of chosen words using knowledge and creativity. You must know words to learn, write, or make a sentence. If you wrote a new sentence, it must be based on words that you already knew. I think "create" a new sentence makes more sense that "learn".

Posted by lcishagan at 11:00 PM | Comments (0)

September 14, 2005

Culture and Identity

After much thought, I listed some of the aspects that define a culture: food, self-image, background, traditions, beliefs and religion, morals and thoughts. In the same way, these things define an individual. These are the things that characterize my culture and identity.

Family traditions were once very influential in my life. As a child, we had Christmas traditions at my grandmother's house such as setting up the train that circled around the tree. We had particular Easter and Thanksgiving traditions, and certain foods also coincided with these annual events, such as my mom's sweet potato pudding that she has been making ever since I can remember.

As for my background, I'm English, Irish, Norwegian, Dutch, Scottish and German. Therefore, I can't place myself in one particular category. This doesn't bother me though because there are so many nationalities in America now that we have merged to make our own combined and diverse culture. Although this is true, I do not define myself by my country, as it has many flaws on the superficial, materialistic and imperial levels.

In terms of religion, beliefs and morals, it's hard to decide from where or whom I inherited them. My extended family is quite religious, so in this sense, it is hard to identify with them. I adhere to what I think of as strong morals, but it is not my religion guiding me, but my own conscience. At this point, I'm not sure what I believe when it comes to a higher being. I know what I would like to believe in but I would say I'm agnostic. And with every year, each generation develops differing ideas from their parents and grandparents. So in that sense, it is also my generation and my own integrity that form my morals and beliefs.

In other cultures throughout the world, self-image is a very controversial issue because of the fact that women have been led to believe that they are inferior and should be submissive and silent. Practicing the opposite of these beliefs is one way in which I am proud of my culture; in this country, we have mainly gotten past such obstacles. In many ways, such as this, the society I was brought into at birth has shaped who I am, and who I am allowed to be, in my life. That was basically out of my control, and all I can do is be thankful that I am this luck to be one of the fortunate women of the world.

When it comes down to it, there are countless aspects of society and my background that have affected my own personal culture, but these are the main influencing factors on any individual and groups of people. What makes a specific culture or a particular person so interesting is that they are unique in their history and how they came to be. Every story is different.

Posted by lcishagan at 09:57 PM | Comments (1)

September 13, 2005

Graduation Metaphors

I was Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz during senior year in high school. I wanted to tiddly pom with Winnie the Pooh all day or frolic with Dorothy through the Emerald City; instead, I was faced with the task of writing a speech for graduation. At that point, I was the cowardly lion.

Being the turtle, I was left in the dust by the hares. Slow but not steady, and procrastinating with every day; I was Alice stuck in Wonderland with ridiculous and confusing images floating around me. I did end up making it to the finish line but it took more than tapping the heels of my ruby slippers together. I ran from the Big Bad Wolf and the only thing going for me was my pretty red hood that kept my mind off Mordor and the ring.

The day approached faster than Gandalf on horseback. The only things comforting me were the Fred to my Holly Golightly and the Brady Bunch at home. In reality, I was Lula-May, but thank goodness Fred still loved me. As the day approached, I was terrified that I was about to pull a President Bush at an unexpected press conference. As it turned out, things went better than expected and as soon as it was over, I was ready to go back to Kansas, and take the ruby slippers with me.

Posted by lcishagan at 11:40 AM | Comments (0)

September 12, 2005

Memories and Fallen Leaves (an Ode)

Memories and Fallen Leaves (an Ode)

It’s that time of year again. The leaves are about to change color, and float to the ground in peaceful silence. Before we know it, old man winter will be waiting at our doorstep, and he will invite himself in without asking. It is the time between the final shred of our Indian summer days and the first snowfall that I like the most. What is best about this time of year are the colorful leaves. Memories from a lifetime coincide with their slow drift to the ground. For me, however, it is not a time of endings. It is a sign of a brilliant and hopeful beginning.

At age seven, waiting at the bus stop for the big yellow bus to come around the corner, I would notice each week the difference in temperature and the crisp, cool feeling of autumn that was creeping up on me. Suddenly one day, everything would burst into color: lemon yellow, cinnamon brown, pumpkin orange and red apple. I would snatch the first fallen leaf and save it for later to bring home and show my family. Its pointed angles, yet smooth edges, each jagged ridge leading up to a point, seeming like the outline of a perfectly symmetrical mountain. Three points for a maple leaf, and always with the veins running through it like tributaries of a river. The rich crimson color would begin at the vertex of the points and fade into a lighter red near the stem, and sometimes even yellow.

Everything associated with the fall leaves takes me back to my of my childhood: dressing up as a lion on Halloween and skipping down the street making crunching noises in other people’s neatly raked piles, carving pumpkins, picking apples and many other memories that will never be forgotten. For me, this time of year is reminiscent of a happy life. As I raked leaves last year with my friends, I was thrown into a pile of brown oak leaves and was reminded of how much fun it is.

If I could go back in time and speak to my twelve-year-old self, I’d say that nail polish is not, in fact, the most important thing in the world. Even though I had this mindset as a foolish teenager, still I enjoyed walks in the woods in the fall, with the pure white birch trees surrounded by maples and a sea of orange leaves in which to walk through. This was my paradise. Searching for the perfect leaf, I’d take it home to put in a scrapbook. Because nature is something I like to enjoy by myself, the leaves from years ago are a reminder of my independence and sense of self. When I stumble upon my scrapbook while cleaning, I am once again transported to my home in the woods. I can almost smell the earthy breeze that only comes once a year in the autumn while raking leaves or on a solitary walk in the forest.

Each year as I got older, the leaves and autumn had a new meaning to me. I started to bring my friends with me, or now, my boyfriend Matt occasionally on my walks. With the yellow, red, and orange swirling around us, we built a relationship. Nature is the place where everything in our busy lives disappears and it’s just us together in the most comfortable silence admiring what is so untouchable and flawless that we wonder if anything in life could ever be better.

With a twirl, a swirl, and a whirl, the utter beauty and simplicity of a single falling autumn leaf can remind me of who I was, who I am now, and how I want to continue to live in the future. This can be one second in time, whether it is walking down the street in the city or at home surrounded by a forest, it is my secret remembrance of years past, the evolving of myself as a person, and what is most important in my life.

Posted by lcishagan at 09:26 PM | Comments (2)

September 09, 2005

"Ode to an Orange"

The best aspect of "Ode to an Orange" is that the author covers almost all of the senses. The descriptions are phenomenal. He savors each bite and I felt like I was there, diving into my Christmas stocking hoping for my own orange. First of all, the taste and how the juice squirts out in an exlosion of sweetness is described intricately. Also, the texture of the orange is described, not directly, but by mentioning how his father peels the orange in a "continuous ribbon". As for smell, he reminisces how the whole grocery store once was filled with the aroma of oranges wrapped in their beautiful purple paper. All around, I enjoyed this piece of writing because it brings back the best feelings of nostalgia.

Posted by lcishagan at 10:53 AM | Comments (2)

September 07, 2005

Greetings from room 251A TEST

"Life is a festival only to the wise"-Emerson

Posted by lcishagan at 12:16 PM | Comments (0)