“Books breed empathy.”
. . . so does watching Orange Is The New Black.
One of the challenges of living in a pluralistic and diverse society is having empathy for people who have different life experiences and beliefs. It’s a lot easier as a human when we lived in social groups in which everyone looked the same (were of the same race and ethnicity) and everyone went to the same church. In these situations, there was no doubt who were in the tribe and who were outsiders. Empathy was extended to people who were clearly defined as part of the tribe through familial and cultural connections.
The moral development of America has called on us to look past the physical markers of our tribes and extend out community to people who do not share our own beliefs. Desegregation asked us to move passed our evolutionary instincts and see others that looked different as no longer being “other.” As we try to move to a more pluralistic idea of religious diversity we see the struggle of faiths to balance their own need to be the “right” religion while accepted the validity other faiths.
All of this is asking us to broaden and strengthen our sense of empathy and this is really hard. The most immediate and effective way to broaden our sense of empathy is to created positive relationships with people who represent the “other.” The problem with this is that even though we live in a more diverse society than ever before in history of our country, many people simply don’t encounter people who are different than them.
In the reactions to the tragedy in Orlando, it has become clear that many people still have a sizable empathy gap with the LGBTQ community.
How do cross this empathy gap? If a liberal minded person like myself who has lived in liberal and diverse cities didn’t meet their first openly gay friend until college and didn’t make their first transgender friend until last year how are people who live in more homogeneous cities suppose to bring people who are LGBTQ into their community?
Watch Orange Is The New Black.
I’m not claiming that watching a television show will solve all of our problems, but this show, like all great art, will help build much needed empathy for members of the LGBTQ community, minorities and woman.
This show is one the best televisions shows ever made. It is shocking, powerful, heartbreaking, full of suspense, and hilarious. This is a show that addresses the most controversial issues in our society with humanity. This show challenges stereotypes and instead of preaching, asks viewers to reexamine assumptions and viewpoints.
Men, please break the cultural double standard and watch this piece of art about women. In almost all corners of art, television, books, film and music, woman regularly consume art created by men from male perspectives while men rarely experience art created by women from female perspectives (when I ask my students who their favorites singers are this fact becomes depressingly clear). This show to too good, and it is too important for our habits of cultural consumptions and stereotypes about female created art to prevent us from experiencing Orange Is The New Black.
Many people don’t understand the struggle of people who are transgendered. The character of Sophia will help. No, it’s not a story that represents all transgendered experiences, but it’s an important window. Diversity in lesbian culture is deftly portrayed as well as issues of privilege, our justice system, drug addiction, race and parenthood.
What makes this show work is not that it’s about issues, but that it is truly wonderful entertainment.
If you want to make the tragedy in Orlando mean something in your own life, in your heart, in your soul, one way is to reach out to others in person and/or through art to better empathize with the LGBTQ experience. Orange Is The New Black is a fun place to start. The new season is coming out this weekend; if you haven’t seen this show, give the first three episodes of season one a try. If you have seen this show, you are probably currently binge watching this show.
It truly is that good.
Showing posts with label television. Show all posts
Showing posts with label television. Show all posts
Friday, June 17, 2016
Friday, July 10, 2015
Bill Cosby: Rape, The Court of Public Opinion and How Dr. Huxtable Let My Father Down
My dad just put his head down in silence.
He had nothing to say about Bill Cosby.
My dad has an opinion about most current events and I really like this about him. He has the ability to synthesize things that are happening in the world and make connections to personal experiences. So when I brought up Bill Cosby last winter, I expected for him to have something to say about him. Instead, he seemed really sad, almost hurt and it was clear that didn’t really want to talk about the accusations.
When my parents came to America in the late 1970s it wasn’t history books that helped my parents what it meant to be American, it was comedians. For my mom, it was Lucile Ball in reruns of I Love Lucy, that helped her understand feminism, the possibility of power dynamics in a marriage and what it meant to face the challenges of being an immigrant in America. For my father, it was Bill Cosby. Through his stand-up routines and television shows showed my dad what it meant to be an American dad.
Great comedians aren’t just people who make jokes. They are sociologist, historians, psychologist and journalists. They reflect thoughts we are afraid to acknowledge and provide important insights. Only through laughter can comedians help us acknowledge the failings of our society with optimism and hope.
Growing up, I remember my dad talking about the superiority of Bill Cosby. To my dad he was better than Richard Pryor because he didn’t use swear words. My dad used Bill Cosby sayings around the house like jokingly calling my brother and I “brain-damaged.” I have fond memories of watching Cosby’s films, stand-up specials and televisions shows with my dad. We even watched the horrendous Leonard Part 6 together and I’ll never forget how much my dad laughing at this classic scene:
It’s because of my dad that every week, I’ve search for updates on Bill Cosby. I feel that I need something, some kind of explanation to help me understand what was really going on. This last week we got sworn testimony that Cosby got drugs with the intention of giving them to woman to rape them.
Cosby defenders hang on to the “innocent until proven guilty” line in the face of this testimony. While I agree that this idea is the cornerstone of our justice system, it needs to be acknowledged that we regularly fail at this idea. Thousands of people in America are serving prison terms, many of them minorities because they were judged guilty without given a chance to prove their innocence. To hold onto this idea for Cosby, without the acknowledgement of how this idea fails so many is naïve.
There is also this idea that the court of public opinion is invalid. Public opinion has continued to shape the way that we interpret law and our constitution. Once upon a time, the courts upheld segregation as constitutional. When it was overturned the court of a public opinion had a significant role in the reinterpretation of this precedent.
Is it wrong that we have a legal system that so often puts innocent people in jail? Yes. Is it wrong that a person can have their reputation ruined simply by court of public opinion? Yes.
However it is even more disturbing that many people’s reactions to rape accusations are blind skepticism “Why didn’t you report this earlier?”
It is counterproductive that we spend more time educating girl how not to get sexually assaulted rather than teach boys not to rape by teaching the nature and dynamics of consent.
It is shameful that if you can run fast enough, and throw a football accurately enough you can rape someone with no consequences.
If you believe that Bill Cosby is guilty then his downfall should be an important reminder to you that must be respectful and always get consent when having sexual relations with another person. Marital rape does exist and a person who consents before a sexual activity can take away this consent during sexual activity.
If you believe that Bill Cosby is innocent let this be a reminder to never put yourself in a situation that could be misconstrued as sexual assault. If you aren’t careful and accusations come up, the court of public opinion will not be kind.
The reason the court of public opinion has such a vicious reaction to rape accusations is because of how much we are failing to address this issue in America. If we knew that rape accusations were taken seriously and just punishments were handed out, then we wouldn’t see this reaction. If it disturbs you that Cosby is being judge so harshly, then do something about it and donate money to one of the many organizations that are bringing awareness to issues surrounding sexual assault.
Rape isn’t like property damage. For many, this damage can never be fixed. This action has the potential to steal from a person one of the most meaningful, spiritual and for some people religious ways that they connect with themselves and other people for the rest of their lives.
We believe, maybe wrongfully so, in public figures. This belief helps us believe in ourselves, and to have that shattered, takes away little part of that belief in humanity that we struggle to hang onto through the years.
I’ll never forgive Cosby for taking a piece of that away from my dad.
I don’t have any faith in Bill Cosby. He’s not going to come out with the truth, and he’s not going to atone for any of his sins. But I do have faith that one day he will move on from this life and face judgment far more righteous than any of us can comprehend.
I’m doing my best to not let Cosby’s actions affect the memories of enjoying his humor with my dad. But it’s hard and part of me wishes like Dr. Huxtable taking the final dollars out of Theo’s hands, that these tarnished memories could simply disappear.
He had nothing to say about Bill Cosby.
My dad has an opinion about most current events and I really like this about him. He has the ability to synthesize things that are happening in the world and make connections to personal experiences. So when I brought up Bill Cosby last winter, I expected for him to have something to say about him. Instead, he seemed really sad, almost hurt and it was clear that didn’t really want to talk about the accusations.
When my parents came to America in the late 1970s it wasn’t history books that helped my parents what it meant to be American, it was comedians. For my mom, it was Lucile Ball in reruns of I Love Lucy, that helped her understand feminism, the possibility of power dynamics in a marriage and what it meant to face the challenges of being an immigrant in America. For my father, it was Bill Cosby. Through his stand-up routines and television shows showed my dad what it meant to be an American dad.
Great comedians aren’t just people who make jokes. They are sociologist, historians, psychologist and journalists. They reflect thoughts we are afraid to acknowledge and provide important insights. Only through laughter can comedians help us acknowledge the failings of our society with optimism and hope.
Growing up, I remember my dad talking about the superiority of Bill Cosby. To my dad he was better than Richard Pryor because he didn’t use swear words. My dad used Bill Cosby sayings around the house like jokingly calling my brother and I “brain-damaged.” I have fond memories of watching Cosby’s films, stand-up specials and televisions shows with my dad. We even watched the horrendous Leonard Part 6 together and I’ll never forget how much my dad laughing at this classic scene:
It’s because of my dad that every week, I’ve search for updates on Bill Cosby. I feel that I need something, some kind of explanation to help me understand what was really going on. This last week we got sworn testimony that Cosby got drugs with the intention of giving them to woman to rape them.
Cosby defenders hang on to the “innocent until proven guilty” line in the face of this testimony. While I agree that this idea is the cornerstone of our justice system, it needs to be acknowledged that we regularly fail at this idea. Thousands of people in America are serving prison terms, many of them minorities because they were judged guilty without given a chance to prove their innocence. To hold onto this idea for Cosby, without the acknowledgement of how this idea fails so many is naïve.
There is also this idea that the court of public opinion is invalid. Public opinion has continued to shape the way that we interpret law and our constitution. Once upon a time, the courts upheld segregation as constitutional. When it was overturned the court of a public opinion had a significant role in the reinterpretation of this precedent.
Is it wrong that we have a legal system that so often puts innocent people in jail? Yes. Is it wrong that a person can have their reputation ruined simply by court of public opinion? Yes.
However it is even more disturbing that many people’s reactions to rape accusations are blind skepticism “Why didn’t you report this earlier?”
It is counterproductive that we spend more time educating girl how not to get sexually assaulted rather than teach boys not to rape by teaching the nature and dynamics of consent.
It is shameful that if you can run fast enough, and throw a football accurately enough you can rape someone with no consequences.
If you believe that Bill Cosby is guilty then his downfall should be an important reminder to you that must be respectful and always get consent when having sexual relations with another person. Marital rape does exist and a person who consents before a sexual activity can take away this consent during sexual activity.
If you believe that Bill Cosby is innocent let this be a reminder to never put yourself in a situation that could be misconstrued as sexual assault. If you aren’t careful and accusations come up, the court of public opinion will not be kind.
The reason the court of public opinion has such a vicious reaction to rape accusations is because of how much we are failing to address this issue in America. If we knew that rape accusations were taken seriously and just punishments were handed out, then we wouldn’t see this reaction. If it disturbs you that Cosby is being judge so harshly, then do something about it and donate money to one of the many organizations that are bringing awareness to issues surrounding sexual assault.
Rape isn’t like property damage. For many, this damage can never be fixed. This action has the potential to steal from a person one of the most meaningful, spiritual and for some people religious ways that they connect with themselves and other people for the rest of their lives.
We believe, maybe wrongfully so, in public figures. This belief helps us believe in ourselves, and to have that shattered, takes away little part of that belief in humanity that we struggle to hang onto through the years.
I’ll never forgive Cosby for taking a piece of that away from my dad.
I don’t have any faith in Bill Cosby. He’s not going to come out with the truth, and he’s not going to atone for any of his sins. But I do have faith that one day he will move on from this life and face judgment far more righteous than any of us can comprehend.
I’m doing my best to not let Cosby’s actions affect the memories of enjoying his humor with my dad. But it’s hard and part of me wishes like Dr. Huxtable taking the final dollars out of Theo’s hands, that these tarnished memories could simply disappear.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Art Of TV Theme Songs
I realized that all of my favorite television shows have great theme songs (this earlier post discussed the theme from Buffy The Vampire Slayer). What I love about a good thing theme song is that it immediately reminds you why you are watching the show and gets you prepared for a great viewing experience. Here's some of my current favorites:
Up All Night
New Girl
How I Me Your Mother (This is the original, it's worth the wait).
The Sopranos
And my current favorite:
Yeah, I don't even find that show very funny. It usually takes me three of four attempts to finish an episode. But that theme is so catchy!
Up All Night
New Girl
How I Me Your Mother (This is the original, it's worth the wait).
The Sopranos
And my current favorite:
Yeah, I don't even find that show very funny. It usually takes me three of four attempts to finish an episode. But that theme is so catchy!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wrigley Gum Commercials
When I was growing up, Wrigley gum commercials had these fantastic jingles.
There was Double Mint:
and Big Red
Even thought this one didn't really make that much sense it was awesome. I mean, cinnamon isn't exactly any appealing taste when you're kissing someone. And of course, there was Juicy Fruit!
All of these commercials associated gum with enjoying life, while being active and outside. Now Wrigley's commercials for their new gum are well . . .
I'm not even sure what the flavor of this gum is and who really wants to skydive into a bunch of blow-dryers. Wouldn't that be hot and really uncomfortable? These new flavors don't make any sense to me, but hey it's not like they've abandoned their old gum.
REALLY?!? Chris Brown!?!? I don't get it. Is our collective memory that bad? Have we already forgotten the pictures and descriptions of Brown physically abusing Rhianna? Bad call Wrigley. Let's get back to gum commercials that make sense that features twins riding bikes.
Is that too much to ask?
There was Double Mint:
and Big Red
Even thought this one didn't really make that much sense it was awesome. I mean, cinnamon isn't exactly any appealing taste when you're kissing someone. And of course, there was Juicy Fruit!
All of these commercials associated gum with enjoying life, while being active and outside. Now Wrigley's commercials for their new gum are well . . .
I'm not even sure what the flavor of this gum is and who really wants to skydive into a bunch of blow-dryers. Wouldn't that be hot and really uncomfortable? These new flavors don't make any sense to me, but hey it's not like they've abandoned their old gum.
REALLY?!? Chris Brown!?!? I don't get it. Is our collective memory that bad? Have we already forgotten the pictures and descriptions of Brown physically abusing Rhianna? Bad call Wrigley. Let's get back to gum commercials that make sense that features twins riding bikes.
Is that too much to ask?
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Gilmore Girls
I'm working my finishing my grades and comments. It's amazing what you pay attention when you are procrastinating. There's the show my wife is currently watching:
I'm actually starting the get into this show. The only problem is that she is watching season 1 episode reuns co-currently with the DVD of season 6 at the same time! I mean, one second Lorelei is kind of talking to Chris, then they are engaged, Rory is in and out of college, then Luke is engaged to Lorelei and then he has a random kid and the whole thing with Rory being in and out of college. What's up with the community service thing? Seriously I look up one second and Rory is having a coming out party and next thing I know she's the college newsppaer editor. . . so confused.
And why can't Lorelei or Rory find a guy who really understands them? Lorelei totally better end up with Luke. Chris was SO much better when he wasn't on the show as much. Oh, and Jesse is SO much better for Rory than any of those Yale guys.
I totally just spoiled a lot of this show didn't I?
My bad.
I'm actually starting the get into this show. The only problem is that she is watching season 1 episode reuns co-currently with the DVD of season 6 at the same time! I mean, one second Lorelei is kind of talking to Chris, then they are engaged, Rory is in and out of college, then Luke is engaged to Lorelei and then he has a random kid and the whole thing with Rory being in and out of college. What's up with the community service thing? Seriously I look up one second and Rory is having a coming out party and next thing I know she's the college newsppaer editor. . . so confused.
And why can't Lorelei or Rory find a guy who really understands them? Lorelei totally better end up with Luke. Chris was SO much better when he wasn't on the show as much. Oh, and Jesse is SO much better for Rory than any of those Yale guys.
I totally just spoiled a lot of this show didn't I?
My bad.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Round 8: Buffy Vs. Angel
Five years after the his disappointing experience with the film version of his beloved creation, Joss Whedon premiered Buffy The Vampire Slayer as a television show in 1997. This show went on to become one of the most important and influential television shows of all time.
To lead his show off, Whedon chose a theme by the Nerf Herders.
This punk and surf rock influenced guitar anthem perfectly introduced the show and the main character of Buffy Summers. Youthful and full of attitude, this theme barrels forward building to an intense explosion of drum hits and screaming guitars exciting new viewers of the show and reminding old viewers of the sheer awesomeness that is Buffy.
Versus:
Before he was Booth an FBI agent on Bones, David Boreanaz was Angel. After appearing in numerous episodes of Buffy, Whedon spun Angel off into his own series in 1999, placing Angel in Los Angeles. This series developed a solid fan base and expanded the “Buffy-verse” with new characters and adventures.
Darling Violetta who provided music for earlier Buffy episodes created the opening theme for Angel.
This slower more brooding theme uniquely combines a solo cello playing the melody with a rock band background. It sets the tone for inner conflict in the main character, Angel. Instead of with a bang, the theme ends with a question mark leading the viewer into the mystery and suspense of the show.
The Winner:
Buffy all the way.
Compared to the Buffy theme, the Angel theme in lacks energy, purpose and direction. Angel is not as dark and brooding as the theme suggest (though there were a lot "Angel brooding" moments especially in the first season). What is powerful about Angel as a show is how the characters triumphs over their own inner demons and the theme fails to remind us of this.
Buffy's theme is a celebration and it brings forth the sense of optimism and strength that permeates the show. It represents the meaning of the characters in a more genuine way than the Angel theme and Nerf Herder is simply a cooler band name.
Nerf Herders:
Darling Violetta
To lead his show off, Whedon chose a theme by the Nerf Herders.
This punk and surf rock influenced guitar anthem perfectly introduced the show and the main character of Buffy Summers. Youthful and full of attitude, this theme barrels forward building to an intense explosion of drum hits and screaming guitars exciting new viewers of the show and reminding old viewers of the sheer awesomeness that is Buffy.
Versus:
Before he was Booth an FBI agent on Bones, David Boreanaz was Angel. After appearing in numerous episodes of Buffy, Whedon spun Angel off into his own series in 1999, placing Angel in Los Angeles. This series developed a solid fan base and expanded the “Buffy-verse” with new characters and adventures.
Darling Violetta who provided music for earlier Buffy episodes created the opening theme for Angel.
This slower more brooding theme uniquely combines a solo cello playing the melody with a rock band background. It sets the tone for inner conflict in the main character, Angel. Instead of with a bang, the theme ends with a question mark leading the viewer into the mystery and suspense of the show.
The Winner:
Buffy all the way.
Compared to the Buffy theme, the Angel theme in lacks energy, purpose and direction. Angel is not as dark and brooding as the theme suggest (though there were a lot "Angel brooding" moments especially in the first season). What is powerful about Angel as a show is how the characters triumphs over their own inner demons and the theme fails to remind us of this.
Buffy's theme is a celebration and it brings forth the sense of optimism and strength that permeates the show. It represents the meaning of the characters in a more genuine way than the Angel theme and Nerf Herder is simply a cooler band name.
Nerf Herders:
Darling Violetta
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Return Of Conan
I can't wait.
When all the stuff happened with Conan and Leno I wrote this open letter to Conan. The way he left NBS was inspiring saying on his last show:
"All I ask is one thing, this is, I'm asking this particularly of young people that watch. Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism, for the record it's my least favorite quality, it doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what the thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind amazing things will happen . . . it's just true."
Conan thanks for coming back to us. We need your humor, silliness, and optimism now more than ever.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Nobody But Me by The Human Beinz
I love The Office.
What a way to open the season. "Nobody But Me" was originally written and recorded by The Isley Brothers.
The Human Beinz simplified the song down and changed it from a soul classic to a 1960s garage band anthem. The actually name of the band was suppose to be The Human Beingz, but Capitol Records left the "g" out when they released "Nobody But Me" and they didn't want to correct it.
Here they are The Human Beinz performing their 1967 hit, a couple months ago!
What a way to open the season. "Nobody But Me" was originally written and recorded by The Isley Brothers.
The Human Beinz simplified the song down and changed it from a soul classic to a 1960s garage band anthem. The actually name of the band was suppose to be The Human Beingz, but Capitol Records left the "g" out when they released "Nobody But Me" and they didn't want to correct it.
Here they are The Human Beinz performing their 1967 hit, a couple months ago!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Experiecing The Joy Of Painting WIth Bob Ross
To know Bob Ross is to know peace, happiness and serenity.
I’m talking about the guy with the ‘fro who hosted a painting instruction show on PBS called “The Joy Of Painting.” Yes, you heard me right, I’m dedicating a post to a THAT guy.
When my brother, Ed was in high school he started watching. I was in middle school at the time and got annoyed when I found that Ed was watching a painting show. After arguing with him and eventually giving up, I begrudgingly sat down to watch this guy paint. In retrospect, simply not watching television was of course an option but at the time I felt like I had to make a stand.
After about 10 minutes I was converted.
The late Bob Ross spoke with soft and warm affect of Mr. Rogers and painted with the same spirit and abandon Julia Child cooked with. As he magically created his world on canvas he softly encouraged the audience making us believe that we could create the painting as well. Like Child, he embraced mistakes as part of the creative process inspiring the audience to explore art without trepidation.
Everything he did was done with such peaceful joy, even when he did the fan-favorite, “beat the devil” washing his brush.
I love how he chuckles EVERY time he beats his brush. I seriously laugh every time he laughs in this clip.
Everything in Bob Ross' world was happy. He paints happy tree, happy houses and even happy little glaciers.
Ross explained when asked about optimistic demeanor: “That's why I paint. It's because I can create the kind of world that I want, and I can make this world as happy as I want it. Shoot, if you want bad stuff, watch the news."
Through his show Ross created a world where happy little things including all of us coexisted. His show creating happiness and peace and inspires us all to paint the kind of world we want in my life.
Using Ross’ words that he closed each show wish: "I'd like to wish you happy painting, and God bless, my friend."
I’m talking about the guy with the ‘fro who hosted a painting instruction show on PBS called “The Joy Of Painting.” Yes, you heard me right, I’m dedicating a post to a THAT guy.
When my brother, Ed was in high school he started watching. I was in middle school at the time and got annoyed when I found that Ed was watching a painting show. After arguing with him and eventually giving up, I begrudgingly sat down to watch this guy paint. In retrospect, simply not watching television was of course an option but at the time I felt like I had to make a stand.
After about 10 minutes I was converted.
The late Bob Ross spoke with soft and warm affect of Mr. Rogers and painted with the same spirit and abandon Julia Child cooked with. As he magically created his world on canvas he softly encouraged the audience making us believe that we could create the painting as well. Like Child, he embraced mistakes as part of the creative process inspiring the audience to explore art without trepidation.
Everything he did was done with such peaceful joy, even when he did the fan-favorite, “beat the devil” washing his brush.
I love how he chuckles EVERY time he beats his brush. I seriously laugh every time he laughs in this clip.
Everything in Bob Ross' world was happy. He paints happy tree, happy houses and even happy little glaciers.
Ross explained when asked about optimistic demeanor: “That's why I paint. It's because I can create the kind of world that I want, and I can make this world as happy as I want it. Shoot, if you want bad stuff, watch the news."
Through his show Ross created a world where happy little things including all of us coexisted. His show creating happiness and peace and inspires us all to paint the kind of world we want in my life.
Using Ross’ words that he closed each show wish: "I'd like to wish you happy painting, and God bless, my friend."
Monday, July 26, 2010
Stupid iphone Commercials!!!
I thought I was done with crying in front of the television.
It took time to accept the fact that a television commercial could make me tear up but I put a box of kleenix by the television and worked through it. Then I saw this commercial:
Really Apple?!? I can't take it any more. It’s just a simple phone conversation. When she says “you know that things we’ve been working on a while,” we know something special is coming and we experience their emotion through the woman’s look as she speaks and she responds to the man’s reaction. As the commercial goes to the Apple logo we find out that they are going to be parents.
Making us feel the emotions before knowing the situations that is behind it draws us in to the world, and when we find out the news we rejoice as well and Kingsley starts to cry.
I love a good commercial and most of the time commercials that are really awesome more are humorous like the now classic Betty White Snickers commercial.
The focus on humor in commercials is so prevalent that I was caught off guard by Apple’s Facetime ad campaign.
Now most of the time I watch television shows played back on my DVR and I fast forward through the commercials. So it was only by chance that I heard the unmistakable voice of Louis Armstrong and watched one of the beautiful studies on the power of human interaction.
This commercials shows a variety on contexts which Facetime would be nice. The first uses the commercial shows aren’t extraordinary situations, a dad saying goodnight or two girls trying to chose what to wear.
Then we see a woman having a sonogram sharing that experience with the father who is in the military and we instantly feel the sacrifice this family making and how hard this must be for this couple to be apart. Their expressions as they are able to connect with each other are amazing.
If that doesn’t get to you, the next scene when they speak to each other in sign language will. Near tears, they sign to each other, “I love you” and oh my god . . . I’m tearing up right now just thinking about the commercial.
If Apple keeps making these ads I'm going to be a mess every time I watch television. These commercials are beautiful, touching and poignant contemplation on what it means to share life with the people you love. This is the most noble goal of technology and I'm thankful to apple for reminding all of us how powerful a smile can be.
NO!! I just saw this new one:
. . . Diana, I'm out of kleenix. . .
It took time to accept the fact that a television commercial could make me tear up but I put a box of kleenix by the television and worked through it. Then I saw this commercial:
Really Apple?!? I can't take it any more. It’s just a simple phone conversation. When she says “you know that things we’ve been working on a while,” we know something special is coming and we experience their emotion through the woman’s look as she speaks and she responds to the man’s reaction. As the commercial goes to the Apple logo we find out that they are going to be parents.
Making us feel the emotions before knowing the situations that is behind it draws us in to the world, and when we find out the news we rejoice as well and Kingsley starts to cry.
I love a good commercial and most of the time commercials that are really awesome more are humorous like the now classic Betty White Snickers commercial.
The focus on humor in commercials is so prevalent that I was caught off guard by Apple’s Facetime ad campaign.
Now most of the time I watch television shows played back on my DVR and I fast forward through the commercials. So it was only by chance that I heard the unmistakable voice of Louis Armstrong and watched one of the beautiful studies on the power of human interaction.
This commercials shows a variety on contexts which Facetime would be nice. The first uses the commercial shows aren’t extraordinary situations, a dad saying goodnight or two girls trying to chose what to wear.
Then we see a woman having a sonogram sharing that experience with the father who is in the military and we instantly feel the sacrifice this family making and how hard this must be for this couple to be apart. Their expressions as they are able to connect with each other are amazing.
If that doesn’t get to you, the next scene when they speak to each other in sign language will. Near tears, they sign to each other, “I love you” and oh my god . . . I’m tearing up right now just thinking about the commercial.
If Apple keeps making these ads I'm going to be a mess every time I watch television. These commercials are beautiful, touching and poignant contemplation on what it means to share life with the people you love. This is the most noble goal of technology and I'm thankful to apple for reminding all of us how powerful a smile can be.
NO!! I just saw this new one:
. . . Diana, I'm out of kleenix. . .
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Choir (television show BBC America)
Once upon a time summer was a time when television channels simply put on reruns. Getting wise to the actual viewing habits of viewers many channels, especially cable networks have started having new seasons of shows start during the summer as well as premiere new show altogether. One of the greatest from this summer television season is The Choir.
The Choir is a labeled by some as a “reality show” but it is much more a true documentary. BBC packaged this award-winning series for American audiences this summer and this week premiered the first episode of this 13 episode season on BBC America (Wednesdays at 10pm).
BBC America is one of the best television channels on cable. It’s not just Dr. Who episodes people. The Graham Norton Show is hilarious, I love Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmare and BBC World News America is regularly puts America’s news programs to shame with their unbiased converge of world wide events and their high level of journalist integrity.
Here’s the set up. Gareth Malone a 30 year old choir director is convinced that he can start a high school choir and get them ready for the “choir Olympics in China.” He chooses Northolt High School to continue his mission to bring music to everyone and provide a choral experience that he believes should be universal.
The first episode showed Gareth auditioning students and teaching them “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” to record an audition recording to see if they could make it to this choir competition in China.
Gareth Malone actually knows what he’s talking about. While Diana and I don’t agree with everything he is doing as a choir director it is clear that he knows what he is the real deal. At the first rehearsal, the choir sounds awful and the recording that make at the end of the episode does not sound like something from Glee. It’s still rough but it shows remarkable progress and this shows commitment to showing us the true reality of what it means to make music is eye-opening and inspiring.
So many times, this show could have went for cheap laughs and cheap drama. There was a portion of the episode where Gareth listens to students audition and the show could have gone the humorous American Idol auditions route but the refused to. Gareth’s response made us see the courage in what they were doing even if they weren't very good.
Singing in a choir is one of the amazing things you can do in your life and I wish that all of you can understand what it means. The Choir captures a small part of this. This show is about the love not only of music but also of being human and sharing the beauty of life together.
If you've been in a choir, you'll love this show and if you haven't it will open your eyes to one of the greatest experience you can have in life and make you wish you could be in a choir.
The Choir is a labeled by some as a “reality show” but it is much more a true documentary. BBC packaged this award-winning series for American audiences this summer and this week premiered the first episode of this 13 episode season on BBC America (Wednesdays at 10pm).
BBC America is one of the best television channels on cable. It’s not just Dr. Who episodes people. The Graham Norton Show is hilarious, I love Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmare and BBC World News America is regularly puts America’s news programs to shame with their unbiased converge of world wide events and their high level of journalist integrity.
Here’s the set up. Gareth Malone a 30 year old choir director is convinced that he can start a high school choir and get them ready for the “choir Olympics in China.” He chooses Northolt High School to continue his mission to bring music to everyone and provide a choral experience that he believes should be universal.
The first episode showed Gareth auditioning students and teaching them “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” to record an audition recording to see if they could make it to this choir competition in China.
Gareth Malone actually knows what he’s talking about. While Diana and I don’t agree with everything he is doing as a choir director it is clear that he knows what he is the real deal. At the first rehearsal, the choir sounds awful and the recording that make at the end of the episode does not sound like something from Glee. It’s still rough but it shows remarkable progress and this shows commitment to showing us the true reality of what it means to make music is eye-opening and inspiring.
So many times, this show could have went for cheap laughs and cheap drama. There was a portion of the episode where Gareth listens to students audition and the show could have gone the humorous American Idol auditions route but the refused to. Gareth’s response made us see the courage in what they were doing even if they weren't very good.
Singing in a choir is one of the amazing things you can do in your life and I wish that all of you can understand what it means. The Choir captures a small part of this. This show is about the love not only of music but also of being human and sharing the beauty of life together.
If you've been in a choir, you'll love this show and if you haven't it will open your eyes to one of the greatest experience you can have in life and make you wish you could be in a choir.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
10 Reasons To Get Excited About Music: #10-8
On a recent issue of Rolling Stone, the magazine responded to the common complaint “rock is dead” with their “40 Reasons To Get Excited About Music.” This list had some stuff I disagreed with like featuring The Black Eyed Peas as the #1 reason but it also had a lot of great stuff including introducing me to my new favorite band The Gaslight Anthem.
There were a couple things I thought they missed so I’ve created my own list. So here we go, The Purple Reaction's “10 Reasons To Get Excited About Music” (or “The Top 10 Arguments That Rock Isn’t Dead.”)
10. Music Gods Still Walk The Face Of The Earth
U2, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, The Eagles, The Rolling Stones, and The Police. Many of the greatest musicians in popular music history are not only still touring but playing shows better than artists half their age. Paul McCartney’s recent sets have been almost two and half hours with little breaks and Bruce Springsteen in his last tour regularly played almost three hours.
Then there are the albums. Recent works from all of the above artists are some of the strongest work they have ever done and the only reason there is negativity around them is because previous work they previously recorded was so legendary. This combined with the live concerts shows us how much we still have to learn from these legends.
9. American Idol and Glee are teaching the youth of America (and some of us who need refreshers) the history of pop music.
American Idol regularly features themes for shows like when they did a show of Lennon/McCartney material. This episode not only featured famous Beatles' songs but also lesser known works like John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy.”
Glee covers current pop songs introduces older audiences to current music and the covers of older songs have exposed youth to pop music of the past like the works of Madonna.
You may not like American Idol of Glee but you can’t deny how cool it is that new generations are being exposed to some of the greatest music in our culture.
8. Rock Is Broadway
Tommy may have been the first rock opera but Rock Of Ages was the first Broadway show about Rock music.
Along with Jersey Boys, Million Dollar Quartet and Elton John’s Billy Elliot!, Rock’s influence of Broadway is more significant and pervasive than ever before. As much as I love my Sondheim, I got to admit the Green Day’s American Idiot on Broadway looks really awesome.
Rock music isn’t just being performed on a Broadway stage, it’s taking over. Jersey Boys, which told the story of Frankie Vallie and The Four Season has been a huge commercial success and Billy Elliot! is simply one of the greatest Broadway musicals ever.
Next: #7-5 The greatest magazine ever, Miley Cyrus and the glories of the internet.
There were a couple things I thought they missed so I’ve created my own list. So here we go, The Purple Reaction's “10 Reasons To Get Excited About Music” (or “The Top 10 Arguments That Rock Isn’t Dead.”)10. Music Gods Still Walk The Face Of The Earth
U2, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, The Eagles, The Rolling Stones, and The Police. Many of the greatest musicians in popular music history are not only still touring but playing shows better than artists half their age. Paul McCartney’s recent sets have been almost two and half hours with little breaks and Bruce Springsteen in his last tour regularly played almost three hours.
Then there are the albums. Recent works from all of the above artists are some of the strongest work they have ever done and the only reason there is negativity around them is because previous work they previously recorded was so legendary. This combined with the live concerts shows us how much we still have to learn from these legends.
9. American Idol and Glee are teaching the youth of America (and some of us who need refreshers) the history of pop music.
American Idol regularly features themes for shows like when they did a show of Lennon/McCartney material. This episode not only featured famous Beatles' songs but also lesser known works like John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy.”
Glee covers current pop songs introduces older audiences to current music and the covers of older songs have exposed youth to pop music of the past like the works of Madonna.
You may not like American Idol of Glee but you can’t deny how cool it is that new generations are being exposed to some of the greatest music in our culture.
8. Rock Is Broadway
Tommy may have been the first rock opera but Rock Of Ages was the first Broadway show about Rock music.
Along with Jersey Boys, Million Dollar Quartet and Elton John’s Billy Elliot!, Rock’s influence of Broadway is more significant and pervasive than ever before. As much as I love my Sondheim, I got to admit the Green Day’s American Idiot on Broadway looks really awesome.
Rock music isn’t just being performed on a Broadway stage, it’s taking over. Jersey Boys, which told the story of Frankie Vallie and The Four Season has been a huge commercial success and Billy Elliot! is simply one of the greatest Broadway musicals ever.
Next: #7-5 The greatest magazine ever, Miley Cyrus and the glories of the internet.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
We’ve Got Tonight by Bob Seeger
“There are things in a life that matter. Things in a past that can’t be denied.”
The Wonder Years is a beautiful television show. Following the childhood of Kevin Arnold growing up in the 1960s, we see life through the eyes of a boy trying to understand the world around him. At the center of Kevin’s world was a girl, Winnie Cooper and between them is one of the memorable and endearing relationships in television.
It was clear from the pilot episode that there was something special about this show. This first episode was about the death of Winnie’s brother in the Vietnam. At the end of the episode, Kevin finds Winnie and tries to comfort her. With few words and an awkward gesture of care, we witness the magic of a first kiss.
This is not a cliché first kiss. They do not say “I love you,” right after and lovingly gaze into each other eyes. In some ways, this kiss isn’t even about romance. It’s about being there for someone and feeling close to someone in a time a need. Watching this moment, you can feel the warmth of the presence that Kevin provides for Winnie and in their eyes we reflect on these moments of wonder in our own lives.
True to life, Kevin and Winnie’s relationships developed slowly on the show. There were difficulties, awkward situations and small victories. There’s a level of levity and humor in most of these situations and which is why “The Accident” is such a jarring episode.
In “The Accident,” Winnie starts hanging out with a new group of friends and Kevin feels left out.Kevin doesn’t approve of these older people, and he tries to let her know to no avail. The episode itself has a different rhythm than previous ones and because of this it’s unclear where this episode is going.
Then Winnie gets in a car accident. Kevin finds out and rides his bike over to her house and waits for her to come home.
Why doesn't Winnie want to see Kevin? Maybe Winnie is ashamed of how she put Kevin aside, or maybe she wants to keep Kevin as part of her past as she did throughout the episode. In the darkness of the car, all Kevin can see is a shadow of the girl that he first kissed.
As Kevin bikes away, the piano introduction of “We’ve Got Tonight” by Bob Seeger begins. There’s a moment when we think that Kevin is just going to let go but he doesn’t, he refuses too. Only when he looks through the window into Winnie’s apprehensive eyes does Kevin realize why. In three small words, “I Love you,” Kevin forgives her, embraces hers and commits himself to her. Like a sigh of relief, Winnie says, “I love you” in response as a tear falls down her face.
One of the most amazing things about this moment is how two people can feel an emotional intimacy while being at a physical distance. People have said “I love you” countless times on television but framed in this way, it’s truly unforgettable.
Even though Bob Seeger recorded “We’ve Got Tonight” years after that scene takes place, it is an ingenuous use of that song. It’s one of those perfect moments when two pieces of art mean the exact same thing making the other that much more powerful. It’s about one moment meaning the world, feeling the love for another and the wonder of love.
The Wonder Years is a beautiful television show. Following the childhood of Kevin Arnold growing up in the 1960s, we see life through the eyes of a boy trying to understand the world around him. At the center of Kevin’s world was a girl, Winnie Cooper and between them is one of the memorable and endearing relationships in television.
It was clear from the pilot episode that there was something special about this show. This first episode was about the death of Winnie’s brother in the Vietnam. At the end of the episode, Kevin finds Winnie and tries to comfort her. With few words and an awkward gesture of care, we witness the magic of a first kiss.
This is not a cliché first kiss. They do not say “I love you,” right after and lovingly gaze into each other eyes. In some ways, this kiss isn’t even about romance. It’s about being there for someone and feeling close to someone in a time a need. Watching this moment, you can feel the warmth of the presence that Kevin provides for Winnie and in their eyes we reflect on these moments of wonder in our own lives.
True to life, Kevin and Winnie’s relationships developed slowly on the show. There were difficulties, awkward situations and small victories. There’s a level of levity and humor in most of these situations and which is why “The Accident” is such a jarring episode.
In “The Accident,” Winnie starts hanging out with a new group of friends and Kevin feels left out.Kevin doesn’t approve of these older people, and he tries to let her know to no avail. The episode itself has a different rhythm than previous ones and because of this it’s unclear where this episode is going.
Then Winnie gets in a car accident. Kevin finds out and rides his bike over to her house and waits for her to come home.
Why doesn't Winnie want to see Kevin? Maybe Winnie is ashamed of how she put Kevin aside, or maybe she wants to keep Kevin as part of her past as she did throughout the episode. In the darkness of the car, all Kevin can see is a shadow of the girl that he first kissed.
As Kevin bikes away, the piano introduction of “We’ve Got Tonight” by Bob Seeger begins. There’s a moment when we think that Kevin is just going to let go but he doesn’t, he refuses too. Only when he looks through the window into Winnie’s apprehensive eyes does Kevin realize why. In three small words, “I Love you,” Kevin forgives her, embraces hers and commits himself to her. Like a sigh of relief, Winnie says, “I love you” in response as a tear falls down her face.
One of the most amazing things about this moment is how two people can feel an emotional intimacy while being at a physical distance. People have said “I love you” countless times on television but framed in this way, it’s truly unforgettable.
Even though Bob Seeger recorded “We’ve Got Tonight” years after that scene takes place, it is an ingenuous use of that song. It’s one of those perfect moments when two pieces of art mean the exact same thing making the other that much more powerful. It’s about one moment meaning the world, feeling the love for another and the wonder of love.
Friday, March 5, 2010
The Heart of Oscar Night
Dear Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,
A couple weeks ago the news hit that the producers of the Oscar telecast decided to cut the tradition of having the nominations for Best Song perform during the Oscar telecast. While the reasons cited for cutting these performance were practical (ratings, cost of performances), frankly I'm disappointed. Though, I'm not surprised that you would put these reasons above celebration one of the most important parts of film and featuring one of the most important roles of music in our popular culture.
Songs from films have become some of the most influential songs in popular culture from classics like "Moon River" to Disney standards like "Can You Feel The Love Tonight?" Featuring these performances not only provided variety in the show but acted as a tribute to not only the songs that were nominated but essential role that music plays in films.
Some years, the best song category doesn't lend itself to great performances but between the possibility of seeing Jeff Bridges perform a song from Crazy Heart, a performance form Nine and featuring Randy Newman a national treasure for his work on The Frog Princess, it truly is a shame to let these performance go unseen.
Think about some of the performances that we would have missed if you made this decision years ago.
Bruce Springsteen standing alone on stage singing "Streets Of Philadelphia" was breathtaking. This intimate, subtle and brilliant performance made you feel like that Bruce was singing right through the television and straight into your soul. I actually bought this soundtrack album to Philadelphia before seeing the film. It was after listening to and falling in love with the this song that I watched this film which has since become one of my favorites.
People simply didn't take South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut seriously as a film (which I've argued in this earlier post). Not only was this cartoon a brilliant piece of social commentary but it is one of the greatest film musicals. So when Robin Williams strutted on stage and performed "Blame Canada," he legitimized the film, brought this song into the forefront of popular culture in a performance that could only occur on an Oscar stage.
The film industry has always prided itself in being on the forefront of cultural diversity. Film music like "Theme From Shaft" by Isaac Hayes proved that the Oscar community was embracing not only the development of music in popular culture but a wider breadth of what it meant to be in popular music.
When Three 6 Mafia (who were the only African American artists since Hayes to win an Oscar in this category) performed "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp" from Hustle & Flow, it went against the sensibilities of red carpet and the broadcast but it was a moment when the Oscar community was reminded that film's greatest achievement is reflecting the diversity of the human spirit and this performance did that in a way that some may have not liked but no one could ignore.
People watch the Oscar's for different reasons and you've taken away one of the biggest reason I watch the broadcast. I applaud you're willingness to change and take chances with the broadcast, but I question your priorities if you are willing to cut one of the memorable and meaningful parts of the broadcast.
At least we have the great performances of the past and for that I am grateful. Maybe by reflecting on some of the these past performances you will realize how important these moments truly are.
A couple weeks ago the news hit that the producers of the Oscar telecast decided to cut the tradition of having the nominations for Best Song perform during the Oscar telecast. While the reasons cited for cutting these performance were practical (ratings, cost of performances), frankly I'm disappointed. Though, I'm not surprised that you would put these reasons above celebration one of the most important parts of film and featuring one of the most important roles of music in our popular culture.
Songs from films have become some of the most influential songs in popular culture from classics like "Moon River" to Disney standards like "Can You Feel The Love Tonight?" Featuring these performances not only provided variety in the show but acted as a tribute to not only the songs that were nominated but essential role that music plays in films.
Some years, the best song category doesn't lend itself to great performances but between the possibility of seeing Jeff Bridges perform a song from Crazy Heart, a performance form Nine and featuring Randy Newman a national treasure for his work on The Frog Princess, it truly is a shame to let these performance go unseen.
Think about some of the performances that we would have missed if you made this decision years ago.
Bruce Springsteen standing alone on stage singing "Streets Of Philadelphia" was breathtaking. This intimate, subtle and brilliant performance made you feel like that Bruce was singing right through the television and straight into your soul. I actually bought this soundtrack album to Philadelphia before seeing the film. It was after listening to and falling in love with the this song that I watched this film which has since become one of my favorites.
People simply didn't take South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut seriously as a film (which I've argued in this earlier post). Not only was this cartoon a brilliant piece of social commentary but it is one of the greatest film musicals. So when Robin Williams strutted on stage and performed "Blame Canada," he legitimized the film, brought this song into the forefront of popular culture in a performance that could only occur on an Oscar stage.
The film industry has always prided itself in being on the forefront of cultural diversity. Film music like "Theme From Shaft" by Isaac Hayes proved that the Oscar community was embracing not only the development of music in popular culture but a wider breadth of what it meant to be in popular music.
When Three 6 Mafia (who were the only African American artists since Hayes to win an Oscar in this category) performed "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp" from Hustle & Flow, it went against the sensibilities of red carpet and the broadcast but it was a moment when the Oscar community was reminded that film's greatest achievement is reflecting the diversity of the human spirit and this performance did that in a way that some may have not liked but no one could ignore.
People watch the Oscar's for different reasons and you've taken away one of the biggest reason I watch the broadcast. I applaud you're willingness to change and take chances with the broadcast, but I question your priorities if you are willing to cut one of the memorable and meaningful parts of the broadcast.
At least we have the great performances of the past and for that I am grateful. Maybe by reflecting on some of the these past performances you will realize how important these moments truly are.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Heart of Teen Mom
I finally finished watching the finale Teen Mom, the MTV spin-off show from I’m 16 And Pregnant. I’m one week late because of getting food poising at a Chinese restaurant (yeah just dwell of that irony). After reflecting on the experience of watching the whole series, I’ve concluded that Teen Mom is one of the best television shows that MTV has put on in a long time.
Teen Mom feels like a mix of The Hills, the plotted and scripted “reality” show and MTV True Life a legit documentary series (which has included some of the best television journalism I’ve ever seen like “I’m Coming Home From Iraq”). Now in Teen Mom I realize that there is manipulation in scenes and situations and that the editors have a strong part in shaping the way we view the reality of this show. But it really isn’t relevant to a piece of art how “true” it is.
Maci and Ryan
Just because a movie is based on a true story doesn’t make it a better movie and if a film leans on that to draw viewers in then there probably isn’t a lot there worth watching. No one goes to Hamlet and complains that it’s all made up. I don't watch Teen Mom expecting an accurate, unbiased and objective view of these people. This show is entertainment first. And as entertainment it's fantastic.
Why did I initially watch this show? Because of the commercials that showed Amber hitting Gary after he disrespected her father.
My initial reaction was “wow, this girl is crazy and whacked out, I’ve got to watch this train wreck.” But when I sat down at watched show the “schadenfreude” feeling of enjoying watching these teenage mom struggle through life quickly disappeared and what was left was a sympathetic feeling as the show followed these moms through everyday struggles.
There’s Farrah who simply doesn’t understand that having a kid means that she can’t go out and party. Gary and Amber, who try to keep things together but they simply don’t know how to anymore. Maci struggles with Ryan who simply doesn’t seem to care and then there’s Caitlyn and Tyler a couple dealing with giving up their child up for adoption.
One of the my friends commented what was most shocking about Teen Mom is what people don’t do. It’s like the way that negative space defines form in painting. Farrah doesn’t insist on spending every night with her child. Ryan wakes up to hear his son crying and instead of comforting his son walks out of the house and drives away. Gary doesn't helping Amber get to her GED. But it’s not all negative, Tyler doesn't leave Caitlin through all her depression, struggles and tears and he never gave on her.
Farrah and Sophie
What we saw in the finale of this series was these moms trying to make the best first birthday party they could for their child. It wasn’t about the fathers or even themselves, they wanted to do something for their kid who may not understand or appreciate everything that is going on but these mothers do these things anyways.
Every single mom found meaning in caring for their child at the end of the finale. It was a life-affirming and powerful way to end a show that could had easily simply been exploitive. Instead the show chose to have heart, to believe in these mother.
The mothers are regular people trying to make things work and within these lives true heroics are seen in everyday struggles: Farrah enjoying baby class with her mom, Amber getting a job, Maci putting aside her anger with Ryan to plan a party and of course Ryan proposing to Caitlin were moments that warmed my heart and reminded us that life really is about the little moments that we share with each other.
This show is not so much about how horrible it is to be a teenage mom but rather a celebration of what is truly meaningful in life.
It’s easy to watch this show and be high and mighty. Yeah, seeing some of these situations makes me feel proud that my relationship with Diana, but that’s not really fair. These moms really are teenagers.
I’ve gotten a jokes thrown at me for watching and enjoying Teen Mom. And if you’re someone who has a knee jerk reactions against this show, I don’t blame you. MTV doesn’t exactly have the greatest track record of creating meaningful and relevant television shows. However, Teen Mom is different and I encourage you to give this show a try.
Leah and Amber
I hope that some teenagers watch this show and think twice about the choices they make in their lives and realize what it truly means to be a parents. Maybe that's wishful thinking, but after watching these teenagers amazing journeys, I'm feeling hopeful.
Teen Mom feels like a mix of The Hills, the plotted and scripted “reality” show and MTV True Life a legit documentary series (which has included some of the best television journalism I’ve ever seen like “I’m Coming Home From Iraq”). Now in Teen Mom I realize that there is manipulation in scenes and situations and that the editors have a strong part in shaping the way we view the reality of this show. But it really isn’t relevant to a piece of art how “true” it is.
Maci and RyanWhy did I initially watch this show? Because of the commercials that showed Amber hitting Gary after he disrespected her father.
My initial reaction was “wow, this girl is crazy and whacked out, I’ve got to watch this train wreck.” But when I sat down at watched show the “schadenfreude” feeling of enjoying watching these teenage mom struggle through life quickly disappeared and what was left was a sympathetic feeling as the show followed these moms through everyday struggles.
There’s Farrah who simply doesn’t understand that having a kid means that she can’t go out and party. Gary and Amber, who try to keep things together but they simply don’t know how to anymore. Maci struggles with Ryan who simply doesn’t seem to care and then there’s Caitlyn and Tyler a couple dealing with giving up their child up for adoption.
One of the my friends commented what was most shocking about Teen Mom is what people don’t do. It’s like the way that negative space defines form in painting. Farrah doesn’t insist on spending every night with her child. Ryan wakes up to hear his son crying and instead of comforting his son walks out of the house and drives away. Gary doesn't helping Amber get to her GED. But it’s not all negative, Tyler doesn't leave Caitlin through all her depression, struggles and tears and he never gave on her.
Farrah and SophieWhat we saw in the finale of this series was these moms trying to make the best first birthday party they could for their child. It wasn’t about the fathers or even themselves, they wanted to do something for their kid who may not understand or appreciate everything that is going on but these mothers do these things anyways.
Every single mom found meaning in caring for their child at the end of the finale. It was a life-affirming and powerful way to end a show that could had easily simply been exploitive. Instead the show chose to have heart, to believe in these mother.
The mothers are regular people trying to make things work and within these lives true heroics are seen in everyday struggles: Farrah enjoying baby class with her mom, Amber getting a job, Maci putting aside her anger with Ryan to plan a party and of course Ryan proposing to Caitlin were moments that warmed my heart and reminded us that life really is about the little moments that we share with each other.
This show is not so much about how horrible it is to be a teenage mom but rather a celebration of what is truly meaningful in life.
It’s easy to watch this show and be high and mighty. Yeah, seeing some of these situations makes me feel proud that my relationship with Diana, but that’s not really fair. These moms really are teenagers.
I’ve gotten a jokes thrown at me for watching and enjoying Teen Mom. And if you’re someone who has a knee jerk reactions against this show, I don’t blame you. MTV doesn’t exactly have the greatest track record of creating meaningful and relevant television shows. However, Teen Mom is different and I encourage you to give this show a try.
Leah and Amber I hope that some teenagers watch this show and think twice about the choices they make in their lives and realize what it truly means to be a parents. Maybe that's wishful thinking, but after watching these teenagers amazing journeys, I'm feeling hopeful.
Monday, February 8, 2010
In Defense of The Who
Dear Mr. DeRogatis
What do you think you accomplished with your review of The Who’s performance at the Super Bowl?
After reading, “Out there in the field, fossils barely resemble the Who,” I wasn’t so much disappointed that you didn’t like the Who’s performance but rather the way you justified your opinion.
You started out calling the recent trend of classical rock stars at the Super Bowl half-time show “an increasingly hoary roster.” You called the band at yesterday’s performance “the band that pretends to be the Who.” You criticized Townshend’s hat and sunglasses and then went on criticize the fact that they newest song on the set list was 32 years old, calling the songs over-familiarity a problem. You only gave one musical criticism towards the end of your review when you stated that they were flat and out of sync.
Now, I don’t believe that critic’s jobs are just to bash things and I constantly defend the role of critics in our culture to my friends. I read critics' writings on a daily basis. Your colleague Roger Ebert is one of my favorite writers of all time. But when you write a review like this I understand my friends’ frustrations.
Who would you suggest perform at the Super Bowl instead? You question that there has to be something between “pop pandering of Justin Timberlake and the recent procession of sad old Hall of Famers phoning it in.” You are a music critic and I assume you have an encyclopedic knowledge of pop music, so be an expert, pull out something that you liked about past half-time shows, celebrate that and suggest some ideas. Your role as a critic cannot just be to criticize, it needs to also be constructive help artist create better art.
Some of the things you said were not well-thought out strong arguments. You said that the NFL commercial featuring Arcade Fire (who I've raved about in this previous post) proved that the big game’s “commercials are often a lot more entertaining than what happens on the field.”
I agree, that’s true, often the Super Bowl itself is lame, but that wasn’t the case last night. It was one of the most entertaining Super Bowl games I’ve ever seen. I mean c'mon the onside kick to open the second half was crazy good times. So you bring up how the Super Bowl game were boring in the past because if reflected about this year’s you wouldn't be able to make your point.
Yes, The Who is a shadow of the band that they used to be but keep in mind that they are one of the greatest bands of all time. And them being a shadow of their past selves is still a better rock band than most younger bands performing right now.
What is so bad about The Who doing this show for a paycheck? It's not like the people playing in the Super Bowl are doing it simply for the love of the game. Let's be honest, you're a music critic, so you should know that if it wasn't for the all mighty paycheck most of the pop music greatest artists would not be such a central part of our culture. The only reason Bach wrote all that great church music was because he was paid. Let's do our homework.
These rock Gods are old and they do not perform as well as they do in the past. So you can either mourn they have grown older or celebrate and be inspired by the fact they can still rock better than most people half their age. I don't know about you but seeing guys in their sixties rock like this gives me hope that when I'm their age I'll still be doing my thing.
My biggest disagreement with you you is your complaint that the music is old. Yes, I also love Arcade Fire and the NFL commercial with them was awesome but if they performed at half time it would mystified the audience. I hope that newer band will eventually have enough mass appeal to perform at the Super Bowl but at this point, older music that has crossed generations is the most fitting choice for the Super Bowl half time show stage.
This is the Super Bowl, an unofficial national holiday. You don't introduce a strange new food in a Super Bowl party. You serve chili and hot dogs. You don't introduce a new uniform or rule in the football game on this day either and the music should celebrate these traditions by embracing music that may be old but is relevant and important parts of our culture.
You are a music critic, an expert in the field. We need your expertise to better understand and reflect on our cultural experiences. Not acknowledging any of the positive things about the performance except for the stage doesn’t help understand the context of what we saw last night.
What did you accomplish in your review? Well, absolutely nothing. Without solid musical arguments and a educated perspective you came off more as random person anonymously trying to start an argument on a youtube.com discussion thread than a journalist. You have a job an honorable and important please treat your station with respect and be a professionalism.
If you didn’t like last night performance, that’s fine. But please think about your arguments a little better and please be more constructive. We have enough unreasonable political arguments coming from both major parties. We don’t need this negativity and ridiculousness in music.
-Kingsley Tang
Monday, January 25, 2010
A Letter To Conan O'Brien
Dear Conan,
Jacob, one of my best friends is at a crossroads. After working for a company for four years he feels it's time to move on. It's wasn't the forced furlough, the lack of a bonus or the cut in benefits that led him to this decision. It was the fact his companies is now making decision that he philosophically disagree with.
He asked if it was worth making a stand. He wondered if he should take a chance to find something else and he didn't how to handle the situation especially if it left him without a job.
And after watching you say farewell on your last night on the Tonight Show, I finally have an answer for my friend.
When you made your stand and told NBC that you disagreed to with their change in the Tonight Show schedule, I expected them to change their mind but they didn’t. Because of this you lost your dream job but in doing so you showed not only your fans but also America what it means to stand up for what you believe in.
People say that my generation at doesn’t stick with jobs, expects too much, too quickly and has no sense of loyalty. I disagree. It's not that we aren't loyal, it's that companies often lack a sense of loyalty to their employees. Loyalty is not a one-way street and many companies fail to realize that they cannot expect workers to be loyal when they are cutting benefits.
In the past week you made jokes about Leno and NBC (which you’ve always done) and some people criticized you for this but hey, you’re a comedian, that’s just what you do. However, when the jokes subsided and you finally decided to speak from the heart, you spoke deeper truths in a way that is rarely seen on televisions.
"All I ask is one thing, this is, I'm asking this particularly of young people that watch. Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism, for the record it's my least favorite quality, it doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what the thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind amazing things will happen . . . it's just true."
Through this difficult situation, you’ve maintained a sense of perspectives and dignity. It would have been easy to end with a message of anger at NBC and “corporate America” and plenty of people would have rallied behind you but you chose the high ground ending your show with a message of optimism, hope and reassurance.
Neil Gaiman is his epic comic series Sandman wrote this dialogue as the king of dreaming was discussing a dream with troubled artist:
"It is sometimes a mistake to climb; it is always a mistake never even to make the attempt. If you do not climb you will not fall. This is true. But is it that bad to fail, that hard to fail? Sometime you wake, and sometimes, yes, you die. But there is a third alternative. Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you and sometimes, when you fall, you fly."
Thanks Conan for teaching us how to fly.
Jacob, one of my best friends is at a crossroads. After working for a company for four years he feels it's time to move on. It's wasn't the forced furlough, the lack of a bonus or the cut in benefits that led him to this decision. It was the fact his companies is now making decision that he philosophically disagree with.
He asked if it was worth making a stand. He wondered if he should take a chance to find something else and he didn't how to handle the situation especially if it left him without a job.
And after watching you say farewell on your last night on the Tonight Show, I finally have an answer for my friend.
When you made your stand and told NBC that you disagreed to with their change in the Tonight Show schedule, I expected them to change their mind but they didn’t. Because of this you lost your dream job but in doing so you showed not only your fans but also America what it means to stand up for what you believe in.People say that my generation at doesn’t stick with jobs, expects too much, too quickly and has no sense of loyalty. I disagree. It's not that we aren't loyal, it's that companies often lack a sense of loyalty to their employees. Loyalty is not a one-way street and many companies fail to realize that they cannot expect workers to be loyal when they are cutting benefits.
In the past week you made jokes about Leno and NBC (which you’ve always done) and some people criticized you for this but hey, you’re a comedian, that’s just what you do. However, when the jokes subsided and you finally decided to speak from the heart, you spoke deeper truths in a way that is rarely seen on televisions."All I ask is one thing, this is, I'm asking this particularly of young people that watch. Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism, for the record it's my least favorite quality, it doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what the thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind amazing things will happen . . . it's just true."
Through this difficult situation, you’ve maintained a sense of perspectives and dignity. It would have been easy to end with a message of anger at NBC and “corporate America” and plenty of people would have rallied behind you but you chose the high ground ending your show with a message of optimism, hope and reassurance.
Neil Gaiman is his epic comic series Sandman wrote this dialogue as the king of dreaming was discussing a dream with troubled artist:
"It is sometimes a mistake to climb; it is always a mistake never even to make the attempt. If you do not climb you will not fall. This is true. But is it that bad to fail, that hard to fail? Sometime you wake, and sometimes, yes, you die. But there is a third alternative. Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you and sometimes, when you fall, you fly."
Thanks Conan for teaching us how to fly.
Monday, August 10, 2009
“Buffy? Why would you name your dog that?!?”
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BTVS) is one of the greatest television shows ever. Time included BTVS in their "100 Best TV Shows of All Time feature. Entertainment Weekly ranked this show number 10 on its list of top 100 television shows from 1983 to 2008 and TV Guide two BTVS episodes on its list of top 100 episodes of all time at #14 and #78. To people who have never watched BTVS, it's is a campy show for teenage girls that features painful 1990s fashion, laughable bad special effects, and ridiculous plot lines. In reality, BTVS features an amazing ensemble cast, incredible writing and some of the most powerful stories about the human condition you will ever see on television. BTVS is a seamless amalgamation of almost every television genre including: drama, horror, soap-operas, comedies, suspense, mystery, science-fiction and even musicals.
Honestly though, the critical merits of the BTVS had nothing to do with why we named our dog after this show. If that was our plan our dog would be name Casablanca.
While we were planning on getting Buffy one of the questions I asked people was how they came up with their dog’s name. Some people name their dogs after someone they know. Others have a nonsensical name that they enjoy like Weebles or Bitsy. However, most people I talked to named their dog after something in their lives they were a fan of.Before you conclude that it’s “geeky” to name our dog after a television show like BTVS or conclude that we are “dorky” for even enjoying the show, think about this. There are Cubs fans who can name every player on the team, who watch every single game, read about the team in the newspaper and spend time debating with their friends results and future predictions. Is that really all that different then being able to name the titles to all of the episodes of a show, know the names of the actors and writers, watch episodes, read analysis of episodes and debate the merits of different plot points?
Being fascinated and passionately engrossed in something like sports, music, television, books, is an beautiful thing. It connects us to people around us who share our passion and enriches our lives through meaningful experiences that define who we are. The only difference between being passionate about the Cubs and Star Trek is that for some irrational reason our society considers one “cool” and the other one “geely.” There is nothing innately “cooler” about sports, so let’s get our heads out of middle school.
Embrace what you love and embrace what your friends love. It’s a beautiful thing to hear about people talking about what they love and it’s a horrible feeling to have something that is very meaningful be degraded as not being “cool.”
BTVS is my wife and I’s favorite television show of all time, but there’s more to naming our dog Buffy than advertising to the world that we enjoy this show.When I hear the name Buffy, I think of the my friend Jen, who harassed me for years to give BTVS a chance. I think of my favorite podcast Comic Geek Speak, that did an episode about BTVS that finally convinced me to give the show a chance, but most of all I think what it means to share my life with my wife, Diana.
I remember having to convince Diana to watch the first episode and watching her skepticism melt away into excitement. There were moments in the seven seasons like that made us cry, laugh and rejoice. I remember finishing the final episode and seeing the smile on Diana’s face and reveling in the fact that she loved the show so much that the next day she began re-watching the show. In some ways, Diana loves this show even more than I do and it warms my heart knowing that I was able to introduce her to something that has brought her so much joy.
We knew that getting a puppy would not be my thing or Diana’s thing, it would be something that we would share in our lives. So it only made sense that the name Buffy, a name that instantly reminds us of the meaning that comes from sharing my life with Diana would be the perfect name for our new puppy.
Anyways, someone has to stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. It might as well be the dog.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Jon & Kate Plus 8 Season 5 Premiere
I first suggested to my wife that she watch “Jon & Kate Plus 8” because I told it was funny watch Kate scream at Jon.Now there’s absolutely nothing funny about this show.
I don’t remember the first time I heard about “Jon & Kate Plus 8” or the first episode that I watched but for some reasons, maybe cultural osmosis, I always knew about the show. This show first started out as television specials and evolved into a television show which this last Monday had the start of its fifth season.
Towards the end of the fourth season, photographs of Jon with another lady and rumors about an affair showed up on television tabloid shows and in magazines. Between the finale of the fourth season and this recent premiere the media interest in Jon and Kate’s relationship has continued to build.
Besides Jon’s alleged affair, rumors have come up that Kate also had an affair. People on both sides have come up saying that things have happened and it’s hard to say what has factually happened. Even though we don’t know for sure what exactly is going on in their relationship, we know something is off. Where there’s smoke there’s a fire, and the premiere of the fifth season of “Jon & Kate Plus 8” made it clear that something was wrong.
My wife likes watching “Jon & Kate Plus 8.” It’s not her favorite show but she’s probably seen almost all of the episodes. I’ll casually watch the show with her sometimes and it can an interesting and entertaining. I enjoy watching the dynamics of the kids and how they have grown up. Jon and Kate are not “television parents” but real people. They fight, make mistakes but at the end of every episode, they reaffirm their love for each other and their children.
For me, that’s the crux of the show: no matter how hard life is, no matter how bad things get, people can make things work and still love each other through it all. If Jon and Kate can get their eight kids on an airplane and on a ski trip, then maybe I can handle my classroom full of third graders. I may feel overwhelmed like Jon and Kate often do but it’s ok, we all have our moments. Sometimes life is hard but it’s ok if we keep love in our hearts.
I’m not an idiot, I know that “Jon & Kate Plus 8” is a reality show. If you take a couple days of any of our lives and film it, we can be made to be the most intelligent person or the biggest idiot. There are conscious choices on any kind reality show to portray people a certain way depending on what they leave in as well as what they leave out. We don’t get the whole story of what happens in “Jon & Kate Plus 8.” What we get is an “interpretation” of the events.
“Jon & Kate Plus 8” as a piece of art, not necessarily a representation of reality, in the past four seasons has expressed the hopes and dreams of that we all have for future generations while struggling to define what it means to be a family. However, the premiere of the fifth season expressed something very different.
Watching this last episode of “Jon & Kate Plus 8” was horrifying. I knew that this episode was going to address the rumors surrounding Jon and Kate from the commercials, but I didn’t expect to be so disturbed by what was revealed.
You know what, it wasn’t what the episode showed us, but what we didn’t see that was truly disturbing. We didn’t see Jon and Kate fight. Jon and Kate did not reveal whether they were separated or not and we still have no clue about the truth behind the conflict in their lives. All of this stuff is left to our imagination, which only makes it more powerful.
As a piece of art, the premiere was shockingly effective in evoking feelings of despair, sadness and loss. The director and editors are to be commended for creating one of the effective pieces of television I’ve watched in a long time. Was it effective in expressing emotions that I want feel again any time soon? No, but art isn’t always about expressing, rainbows and puppy dogs, sometimes it shows us darkness.
Part of what is disturbing about this episode is that behind the “reality show” we know that there is some truth: a family is falling apart. Watching Jon and Kate fight in the toy store makes us feel better about our own flaws, watching their relationship slowly fall apart reminds us of what we fear the most.
I will continue to watch “Jon & Kate Plus 8” this season, hoping that they can pull it together. This would not only be a great dramatic arc but it will also mean something very real for the Jon, Kate and their eight children. This resolution like the ending of a great television drama may not come exactly the way that I expect but I hope it does come.
I want this not only for Jon and for Kate, but for my own belief that through love there is nothing that two people cannot overcome.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Thank You for Being a Friend by Andrew Gold
I love watching television.
It’s not so much about sitting in front of the T.V. mindlessly zoned out flipping through channels for hours on end (which I have probably spent too much of my life doing). It's about the many moments watching shows with people in my life. Watching the first episode of American Idol from season 1 with a group my fraternity brothers was hilarious fun. Loving the subtle in-jokes and self-referential humor of The Simpsons with my brother is something I always enjoy. Elating in pure joy when Jim and Pam finally got together in The Office was a great moment I shared with my wife.
Then there’s watching television with my mom.
If you ask my mom how she learned to speak English and what American culture was truly about she will credit television shows. When she first came to America in the late 1970s the show that captured her imagination was I Love Lucy. Even though a Cuban with broken English and a red head from Oklahoma weren’t exactly the best examples of how to speak proper English, my mom learned the dynamics of the English language and the themes that define American culture.
I remember many afternoons, especially during the summer when my mom would stop whatever she was doing to watch I Love Lucy . The other show that I have clear memories of watching with my mom is The Golden Girls and oh my God, what a show that was: four old ladies sharing a house in Florida talking about sex (well, there were some other subtleties in the plot, but that was pretty much the main “thrust” of the show).
While we live in a time of reality shows and 24 hour cable channels, the 1980s were the glory days of the situation-comedy. Half-hour shows with a live studio audience which were defined by shows like I Love Lucy had widespread appeal in the 1980s with shows like Cheers and Family Ties.
The Golden Girls, which aired from 1985 to 1992, featured Beatrice Arthur as Dorothy Zbornak; Betty White as Rose Nylund; Rue McClanahan as Blanche Devereaux; and Estelle Getty as Sophia Petrillo, Dorothy's mother. Each woman had fully developed and intriguing back stories. Dorothy was recently divorced and sarcastic acting as the most reasonable voice in the house. Rose, a widow and my personal favorite character, was often seemed naive but every once in a while displayed a superior intelligence and insight into human heart. Blanche was basically, well, really horny, crass and constantly talked about sex. Then there is Sophia who was old and cranky but sometimes offered motherly guidance to the other woman in the house.
What is genius about this show is that the setting and actresses put across an image of innocents that we sometimes seem to have about the elderly. It is within this illusion that the show talked about topics like homosexuality, gun control, impotence, domestic violence, euthanasia, sexual abuse, senility, AIDs and many other relevant issues. Because of the age of these characters, they often lived these issues and talked about them in a frank and honest way, often resulting in hilarity (check out this scene when they are buying condoms or this great scene when they watch porn). Though, shocking to hear these topics talked about in such an open way, the fact that it was our grandmothers who were talking about this stuff, though disturbing, reflecting a maturity and perspective that comes from living a long life that reveals truths about issues that so often give us pause.
The theme song to The Golden Girls, “Thank You for Being a Friend” like so many great television theme songs became synonymous with the show. In the 1980s the theme song accompanied the opening credits which introduced the main characters and gave glimpses of the content of the episodes. The theme songs acted as emotional capsules, distilling the stories and themes into the show into one clear emotional statement. “Thank You For Being A Friend” really is everything that The Golden Girls is about.
Andrew Gold recorded “Thank You for Being a Friend” for this third album All This and Heaven Too in 1978. The song was a moderate success reaching #25 on the charts but it was when it by Cynthia Fee for The Golden Girls that the theme song got a second life.
The song starts with the hook, “Thank You for Being a Friend.” It works through the chorus until “and if you threw a party” in which the harmony changes to a darker minor feel. This section goes beyond merely thanking the friend but talks about a specific situation. It builds back up to the hook “Thank You for Being a Friend” and then the strings take over to a wrap up the theme song with a beautiful bow.
So that’s the version from the television show and Andrew Gold’s version goes on for another four minutes. The other four minutes are more of the same. The next verse talks about buying a car if needed (rhyming “lack” with Cadillac). The song ends talking about being friends through old age and also seeing each other after death.
All of meaningful relationships in our lives boil down to being friends including our relationships with our spouses, partners, siblings, parent and well of course, friends. “Thank You for Being a Friend” reminds us of how good it feels to have friends in our lives and how much the simple act of friendship really means.
"It's been an experiences I'll always keep close to my heart and that these are memories that I'll wrap myself in when the world gets cold, and I forget that there are people who are warm and loving."
-Dorothy saying goodbye on the final episode
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