Generation like? A generation
where our societal image is based on the amount of likes we receive and give.
Advertisers have learnt how to use our media addictions against us by using us
to help them to do our jobs. "Generation like" stressed how our social
image encompasses all its entails such as sponsorship. The minute we reach 1
millions we become the new toy every company wants to sponsor. The used Hunger
games as a reference and there as a certain line which I picked up from it:
"To survive you have to get people to like you so you get sponsors".
This got me thinking that isn't this what our lives have become, we all hide
behind screens hoping to achieve those likes by doing something as pointless as
changing a profile photo on Facebook. It is also startling to think that this
has become the norm in our generation. This documentary was really eye opening
and the whole idea of likes determining our identities is unfortunately the new
"cool"
Saturday, January 31, 2015
I-g-g-why?
What can I say? I must be a
sucker of Azalea if I am writing about her again. Lets just say its easy to see
her transparency and depth of her emotion and even clothing in the first 10
seconds of her videos. "Work", oh yet another "empowering"
song, the old if I can do it why can't you? Well, looking at the layers
its clear on what the video projects and coming from the music industry it
automatically becomes overrated main-stream media or does it?
When analyzing the lyrics it seems genuine enough. The line "no money no family 16 in the middle of Miami" reoccurs multiple times as do the words "I've been working". The song intends to show the struggles Azalea has faced with a touch of emotional connect so that her audience can say,"if she made it why can't I"? Azalea uses her innocence to sell the story so one would think the video would reach that expectation and add a whole new level of empathetic struggles, well it doesn't.
Its actually quite funny, its like swallowing a little irony down the wrong way. The video opens with Azalea walking on an empty desolate road. This could potentially have some metaphorical significance like "my life looked empty" but it easy to completely forget the scene because of the clothing that Azalea is wearing. Outfit: Shoes Christian Louboutin approx 6,000 USD Skirt and Top Combo Givenchy approx 1,500,000 USD and lets see makeup and other garments: 8,000 USD all totaling at a good I cost more than a child's education which is really ironic considering at times she didn't have the money for education. Also the clothing is almost no clothing since 75% of her skin is showing.
The video continues as the scene shifts as Azalea's clothing, figure, and physic are compared with "ordinary everyday humans" as they turn and look at her. Yet again pulling from the lyrical message of "I did struggle, I did have the bare minimum". Another element which highlights the video in another sense are the constant appearance of burning articles. Azalea begins dancing in front of them with half-naked backup dancers doing the much dreaded mainstream media "twerk". It seems that the entire idea of empowerment has really gone to the dumps as she constantly sexualizes herself and her surroundings in a way saying this is the way to success.
This true success through sexualization finally is revealed when Azalea is faced with a man who is highlighted as her only way out (due to his car). She seduces him and successfully steals his keys saying again to her audience that the key to my success was through robbery and seduction. Here in a way it tells women the task can't be done without a man and illegal acts are required for success.
"I'm not hating I'm just telling you" Azalea's music maybe genuine but her videos stray far from the message. The comparison to the ordinary civilians, the expensive clothing, and the self-sexualization is literally the complete opposite of Azalea's song about working, scrubbing floors, and sacrifices. Well being a fan I can't completely blame Iggy, but then again the music industry attempts to popularize certain notions through its celebrities and then they label it as as "artistic view. Personally I think that is exactly how trends are made, they are forced down our throats through things we actually enjoy. Even though this video aimed to be empowering it sends a completely different message.
When analyzing the lyrics it seems genuine enough. The line "no money no family 16 in the middle of Miami" reoccurs multiple times as do the words "I've been working". The song intends to show the struggles Azalea has faced with a touch of emotional connect so that her audience can say,"if she made it why can't I"? Azalea uses her innocence to sell the story so one would think the video would reach that expectation and add a whole new level of empathetic struggles, well it doesn't.
Its actually quite funny, its like swallowing a little irony down the wrong way. The video opens with Azalea walking on an empty desolate road. This could potentially have some metaphorical significance like "my life looked empty" but it easy to completely forget the scene because of the clothing that Azalea is wearing. Outfit: Shoes Christian Louboutin approx 6,000 USD Skirt and Top Combo Givenchy approx 1,500,000 USD and lets see makeup and other garments: 8,000 USD all totaling at a good I cost more than a child's education which is really ironic considering at times she didn't have the money for education. Also the clothing is almost no clothing since 75% of her skin is showing.
The video continues as the scene shifts as Azalea's clothing, figure, and physic are compared with "ordinary everyday humans" as they turn and look at her. Yet again pulling from the lyrical message of "I did struggle, I did have the bare minimum". Another element which highlights the video in another sense are the constant appearance of burning articles. Azalea begins dancing in front of them with half-naked backup dancers doing the much dreaded mainstream media "twerk". It seems that the entire idea of empowerment has really gone to the dumps as she constantly sexualizes herself and her surroundings in a way saying this is the way to success.
This true success through sexualization finally is revealed when Azalea is faced with a man who is highlighted as her only way out (due to his car). She seduces him and successfully steals his keys saying again to her audience that the key to my success was through robbery and seduction. Here in a way it tells women the task can't be done without a man and illegal acts are required for success.
"I'm not hating I'm just telling you" Azalea's music maybe genuine but her videos stray far from the message. The comparison to the ordinary civilians, the expensive clothing, and the self-sexualization is literally the complete opposite of Azalea's song about working, scrubbing floors, and sacrifices. Well being a fan I can't completely blame Iggy, but then again the music industry attempts to popularize certain notions through its celebrities and then they label it as as "artistic view. Personally I think that is exactly how trends are made, they are forced down our throats through things we actually enjoy. Even though this video aimed to be empowering it sends a completely different message.
FOA Reflection
My FOA
presentation was given today and personally I see it as an opportunity for
betterment. The chosen topic for my presentation was to analyze Tide
commercial’s views of women overtime while mainly looking at their use of
gender stereotypes. Tide being a detergent company has existed since the late
1900’s so there is a range of advertisements which focus on women. My aim was
to illustrate that this set of advertisements reveal that the image of women
has in fact evolved, but the central themes have not (women are homemakers,
wives, etc.).
The
presentation was marked based on four criteria; Knowledge and Understanding of
the text’s conceptual ideas and understanding how it’s used it both its
pictorial and literary format. Personally I think the advertisements which were
chosen were completely relevant to the presentation because they clearly
outlined the topic. They were not very difficult to find but during the
research phase I decided I would need to find ones that were direct and in the
case of the video not long.
The
information and analysis I provided was good but personally I think that I was
not able to pick up on all the language relation as I could have. I choose to
focus on pictorial elements and ideas based around the stereotype instead of
using language as a main guide. In the future to fix this I need to focus
on the presentation’s main purposes to reach the goal. Another problem I saw
was that I had not used the Pathos Logos and Ethos elements in my presentation
even though they were clearly used in the advertisement. I feel I did not touch
on this as much because it was not as relevant to my topic as other techniques
but I should have still touched on them. On a positive note I feel I did well
recognizing the different elements throughout the entire advertisement which
lead to the answering of the unit question. My presentation was also very
thorough and detailed hence timed at 9mins 30 seconds.
During the
actual presentation I feel I did not do as well as I could have. Public
speaking has been somewhat of a strong suit which is why it startled me when I
found myself constantly looking down at my paper. I had understood all my main
ideas and really did not need the paper there but then out of nervousness I
looked down at the paper rather than keeping eye contact with the classroom. In
the future to completely avoid this I can prepare myself better and highlight
only main points on my page and keep eye contact when speaking. This will help
me majorly. I also felt there were certain situations where I was talking
to fast. This again was due to nervousness and I think this will automatically
fix the next time presentations come around.
Overall I
think my performance and presentation had the right information and thoroughly
answered the unit question directly through the use of the advertisements.. In
the future I will have to fix my presentation skills but I fell most of things
will be fixed automatically when the second presentation comes.
Written Task 2 Starter Multi-Vocality
Texts in general
normally have a singular meaning and purpose. The term keep it “short and
sweet” was derived from the directness of advertisements, but there are
situations where a certain advertisement can have more than one message and can
be interpreted differently based on an individual. The advertisement linked
below is of a respected detergent company Tide. This company has existed since
the late 1900’s therefore it is easy to find a range of advertisements which
can now at this time and age be analyzed and shown to have to meanings.
Multi-vocality refers to the different meanings a text can have.
This advertisement was
played during the 2014 Superbowl. “Dad
Mom” was a major campaign in which Tide used different pictorial and literary
elements to sell the product as a lifestyle rather than a materialistic object.
The message which “sticks” to the audience after watching is that fathers
can in fact do laundry and that there is nothing wrong with it.
As stated before this
text is multivocal so it can be seen as both an offensive and positive
promotion of a product.
In this clip one
can see that the video zooms in on the father but also the fact that he is
doing laundry. The father is introduced folding laundry saying “while my
wife works, I’m at home folding laundry”. This first comment is not considered
stereotypical but empowering therefore Tide uses it effectively to mask the
hidden message. The father also addresses his name saying that he is masculine
but still has the soft side of women.
The ad uses the girls
dress (frilly) to further enforce the stereotype by saying “I can fold even the
frilliest girl dress like a man but with the most precision”. Role
reversal is not as apparent but again the stereotypical role of women is to
keep the house clean therefore using this keyword precision directly refers to
women.
The main message that
this advert is projecting to the audience is that in order to complete
house-held duties you need to have feminine qualities. Stereotypes are
regularly seen as offensive therefore this advert can be seen as a negative.
Another meaning which
can be inferred based on the direct message is the idea of empowerment. As the
social infrastructure changed, women had become a major part of a family’s
economic income. This ad uses that logical thinking to target the majority of
the working population into communicating that this product is perfect that
lifestyle therefore projecting the product in a positive manner. Woman will see
this ad as a way to promote or even encourage their husbands into buying this
product. Also the product also promotes and accentuates the positive aspects of
doing laundry and in a sense helping out at home through the use of this
product. The text title “Dad mom” on its own intends to promote and help
fathers understand that it is an achievable goal to be a man masculine enough
even to do the laundry.
In conclusion texts can
generally be seen as more than one thing and these views often branch out into
a positive or negative impact.
Activity: Olay Advert
November 10th:
Olay is a skin care
product which targets the audience of women. In the early 21st century. Olay
released a advertisement highlighting the product's features in relation to
aspects which were usually related to women figures.
This advertisement uses the words "shoe aficionado", "wife", "mother" alongside a portrait shot of a women.
The women looks generally happy with with herself as well as the product. The image portrays a married women (ring on her hand) and therefore aims to sell the idea of a perfect happy lifestyle through the product. The close up shot allows the emphasis of her face, showing that the product aims to make one happy.
During this time period women were stereotypical linked with the certain traits "writer", "mother", etc. The stereotypical essence of the ad either draws one in as it is something which women can relate to, or it does not serve the purpose as a hook. Personally I feel this advert does effectively use the stereotype as the audience is middle aged women, and at the time 75% of women in the american society were mothers, wives, etc.
The target audience is obviously middle aged women. Specifically a housewife who has time to spend for her well-being. Again the product is trying to sell a lifestyle so it is for the common woman who wishes to achieve that happiness and stable life.
In conclusion Olay aims to sell its product as a lifestyle through the use of different literary and pictorial elements. Personally I think the ad successfully achieves the goal even with he use of these stereotypes as a way to show empowerment.
This advertisement uses the words "shoe aficionado", "wife", "mother" alongside a portrait shot of a women.
The women looks generally happy with with herself as well as the product. The image portrays a married women (ring on her hand) and therefore aims to sell the idea of a perfect happy lifestyle through the product. The close up shot allows the emphasis of her face, showing that the product aims to make one happy.
During this time period women were stereotypical linked with the certain traits "writer", "mother", etc. The stereotypical essence of the ad either draws one in as it is something which women can relate to, or it does not serve the purpose as a hook. Personally I feel this advert does effectively use the stereotype as the audience is middle aged women, and at the time 75% of women in the american society were mothers, wives, etc.
The target audience is obviously middle aged women. Specifically a housewife who has time to spend for her well-being. Again the product is trying to sell a lifestyle so it is for the common woman who wishes to achieve that happiness and stable life.
In conclusion Olay aims to sell its product as a lifestyle through the use of different literary and pictorial elements. Personally I think the ad successfully achieves the goal even with he use of these stereotypes as a way to show empowerment.
Does money buy the best?
November 3rd
Money
has become the one language everyone has learnt to speak. Money is a currency
used to pay for almost everything. Nowadays money have not only been the
way to pay for products but also situations. Celebrities, politicians, and
businessmen, etc. all have one thing in common affluence. In problematic
situations it is obviously easier for the affluent to pay the fine but also go
the extra mile and even "get out" of the situation with the simple trick
of bribery? So the question on everyone's mind is do popular and/or affluent
people have it easier in the court of law than the average man?
Money has proven to be a
way for the rich to improve or rather tailor the consequences of a certain
crime to their suiting. Jordan Belfort is an extremely rich stock broker who
pleaded guilty to fraud in connection to the stock market. Fraud in any form normally
results in over 9 years of county prison time whereas Belfort got away with 22
months after the negotiation of terms with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The value of who is and his "power" in the economic market did in
fact pardon him in the investigation. Also Belfort was imprisoned in a luxury
prison with numerous amount of activity.His memoir Wolf on Wall Street
ends with him enjoying prison and saying "for a short moment I
forgot I was rich" (he said this after being imprisoned in a luxury
jail)
Not only with
businessmen Celebrities have received "special" treatment and pardon
in the justice system sue to their stature and affluence. Judge Manelbaum (New
York) convicted Genierv (41 years old) of stalking and harassing model Alec and
his wife. She was detained for 7 months due to this crime, but was
"easier" when it came to the Naomi Cambell. Cambell pleaded guilty
for misdemeanor assault on her domestic help. The situation got to the point
where Cambell hit her help with a jeweled Blackberry phone.In instances like
this she would face 2-7 years in jail, but was able to negotiate to misdemeanor
saying it was an accident.She was sentenced to 5 days of community service, a
fee to pay for the maid's healthcare. and anger management classes.
There have been many
cases where the affluent have had it easier. Cases ranging from domestic
violence, fraud, and even robbery; celebrities have been able to negotiate
terms involving fees instead of jail time. The political system is bogged down
by ideological hardliners unwilling to comprise when it comes to the average
man but one the name has importance, more specifically money then the case
becomes more of an emotional battle than a logical one. Therefore yes
celebrities do have it easier.
Activity “The Wonderful Adventures of Mary Seacole".
This article is an
excerpt from the autobiography of “The Wonderful Adventures of Mary
Seacole". It highlights and follows the common characteristics of a
memoir. The text is a reflection, of her life. Due to the speech used in first
person the dialogue provides her interpretation of struggles and her reflection
of past events. There are specific instances she offers her hindsight wisdom in
context with the several personal encounters she has had.
It does not intend to
persuade an audience or have any specific influences, but rather to be more of
personal narrative.
The memoir initially
talks about how Seacole was surrounded by people infected with yellow fever
which was an epidemic in the 1850’s.
The setting is the island of Jamaica. Seacole retells of her encounters as a
caretaker of the sick. The death surrounding her; she explains as “dreadful”.
Among the other stories she stays on the topic of one young man Seacole
was fond of and rather attached to. She retells of his passing and how it
brought out and made her connect it with a mother- son relation. She then makes
a statement saying that no one should be ashamed of the fear of death. The
article is solely based the idea of; on one’s perception of death and how life
revolves around how scared one is.
Relatively the tone of
this article is sad due to the deaths Seacole talks of. The content and
language are used to emphasize the sorrowful tone and serious mood. The
audience is left with the heavy and intense feeling of death as Seacole begins
the article with “still remembering an island for its suffering and gloom”.
From the beginning the tone is set driving the rest of the article to follow
the same tone and mood.
The story is not
objective but rather bias since it is a memoir. It follows a constrict
structure of self-evaluation and her perspective therefore making it hard for
any interpretation by the reader. The story uses personal pronouns such as “I”
in order to ensure the story stays very personal. The use of imagery helps set
the mood and tone.
October: 22nd : Written Task 1 Final
Rationale Written Task 1
Iggy
Azalea is an Australian female rapper who has constantly been questioned about
her authenticity because” of her identity link with her genre of music, rap.
She traveled to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a career in the
music industry. Her background consists of different economic and social
difficulties.
For
written task 1 the chosen medium is an interview in which the interviewer will
attempt to help Azalea prove her authenticity. This interview will relate with
their lifestyle and upbringing.
An
interview helps the audience experience first-hand Iggy Azalea’s view on the
topic, therefore making it a primary source. Also interviews have strict
structures and will help me stay on topic and follow the guidelines for the
task. Also the questions I must ask will be straightforward therefore making
the answers on target to the requirements.
This
interview will be featured as a celebrity column for the magazine Rolling
Stones. This interview will be written in a cultural context therefore the
author will be writing the article from a respected objective and cultural
point of view. I choose this magazine because Iggy Azalea’s style of
music and lifestyle attract the younger audience that this magazine
attracts. Specifically I am writing on behalf of an interviewer who looks
to interview celebrities who are authentic and upcoming. This is so the piece
can hold relevance as a first-hand account without being completely subjective.
The
intended audience is broad since it is to anyone who is interested in her style
of music but is hesitant and questions her authenticity. From her role in
community the article will receive most views from youths and teenagers.
Specifically this written task connects with the literacy unit of authenticity
in reference to language and social relations.
“I’m the Realest”: The
Authenticity of Iggy Azalea
The music
Industry is evolving, changing the boundaries for men and women. Rap Music, by
society has been linked with the African American lifestyle because the
language and contexts used in this genre are considered to be part of the
African American Vernacular English.Amethyst Kelly, better known by her stage name Iggy Azalea is
a white female Australian rap artist who aims and is currently succeeding in
breaking these constraints in her career. Azalea has constantly been
criticized on her style of music and questioned on her authenticity due to the
language she uses in her songs and lifestyle.
Devyani:
Hi, Iggy “first things first” we would like to talk about
your upbringing, you say it’s your muse to your music?
Iggy Azalea:
Hi Devyani, to be authentic to yourself and music one must
recount only the truth of events that he or she has experienced. I grew up in a
small town with my mum and dad; we were never really independent due to all the
economic troubles we faced. I had to start working at the age of 12 just to
help out with everyday amenities. That was just part of my social struggle. The
real struggle began when I moved to America. I wanted to pursue my musical
interests there so I flew out in search of a music brand that would sign me
off. I was delusional 16 years old, without planning, no money or relatives
I had to work multiple jobs just to support myself. The struggle shaped me and
currently shapes my style of music today.
Devyani:
How would you describe your style of language use in your
lifestyle and different interactional stages of the day?
Iggy Azalea:
Language is the sole form of communicating ones thoughts,
ideas, etc. My style of language is generally informal, since I
don’t do much communicating in a professional environment. There are certain
times where my language slightly alters but it is only when I’m required to
give somewhat structured answers such as interviews. I see myself using slangs
in my speech with everyone I interact with, whether it is my employers or
friends. I’m pretty straightforward so whatever nonsensical thought in my head
will be said exactly how it was thought.
Devyani:
Is this informal language a skill you have developed due to
the industry you’re working in or has it been something you had prior?
Iggy Azalea:
Language is a part of who I am, having an Australian heritage
my dialect is slightly different and can sometimes be a challenge for people to
understand. Specifically the words I use have evolved but not due to the
industry but rather for communication sake. Simple phrases such as
“Barbie” have changed to barbeque and g’day to hey. In cases of
informality for the longest I can remember my speech has always been somewhat
of a laidback style. The music industry of today has a large demand for informality,
with all these social media forums. I think that this is why I am successful,
because I understand and excel in language in the environment I’m in. If
anything I think I shape the language use in the industry with my language
uses. I have actually contributed to it; the use of mate was originally used in
couple articles as way to mock my decent but actually became used
recreationally after I started using it commonly throughout my tweets.
Devyani:
Rap music is a normally identified with the African American community.
Being a white artist how do you see yourself identifying with this in terms of
the language you use in your music?
Iggy Azalea:
Delivery is the same as the topic. These are things I
have experienced and the language is just a part of who I am. “Work” was
a single I released which was solely as a tribute to me on how I grew up with
so little “no money, no family, 16 in the middle of Miami”. In other
words I publicize my “whiteness, I have experienced things. Back to the
lyrical language I know for a fact that I don’t try to act black. Proof, my
language, never have I used stereotypical lack language as a part of my music
or rather everyday speech. Specifically I haven’t used the words “nigga”
or “hood” in my music because I know that this isn’t who I am or how I speak.
Yes I grew up in a tough environment but I wouldn’t use such a word to describe
the lifestyle. People don’t tend to catch these little things which is
part of the reason they question my authenticity. “ Fancy” another single I
released with Charli xcx is pretty much about how “I’m the realest
“ and how “ I got the whole world askin how I does that” partially because I’m
on the top cause I’m real.
Devyani:
Have you experienced discrimination due to your identity
(language use included) and genre and has it “tarnished” your image as an
authentic rapper?
Iggy Azalea:
Well of course, in the most apparent form: celebrity disputes. I have had so many celebs throw shade at me because of my race, sex, decent, and especially language use. Azalea Banks actually tweeted me saying quote: "I'm not anti-white girl, but I'm not here for anyone outside my culture trying to trivialize very serious aspects of it". Classification brings in another aspect of this business and it just shows that it is now at a level where it’s not all about the music. Sad part is, people look at your bad side more than your good. They try to bring out the worst in you and that is publicized, which is why it does impact my image.
Well of course, in the most apparent form: celebrity disputes. I have had so many celebs throw shade at me because of my race, sex, decent, and especially language use. Azalea Banks actually tweeted me saying quote: "I'm not anti-white girl, but I'm not here for anyone outside my culture trying to trivialize very serious aspects of it". Classification brings in another aspect of this business and it just shows that it is now at a level where it’s not all about the music. Sad part is, people look at your bad side more than your good. They try to bring out the worst in you and that is publicized, which is why it does impact my image.
Devyani:
Thank you so much Iggy, this interview has helped us
understand the different spectrums of your identity and language. The
authenticity of your lifestyle clearly has been underrated, and we will capture
the essence that is Iggy Azalea.
Word count: 1000
Sources: MLA Format
Written Task 1 Rough Draft
October 18th:
Rationale
Iggy Azalea is an
Australian female rapper who has constantly been questioned about her authenticity
because” of her identity link with her genre of music, rap. She traveled to the
United States at the age of 16 to pursue a career in the music industry. Her
background consists of different economic and social difficulties.
For written task 1 the
chosen medium is an interview in which the interviewer will attempt to help
Azalea prove her authenticity. This interview will relate with their lifestyle
and upbringing.
An interview helps the
audience experience first-hand Iggy Azalea’s view on the topic, therefore
making it a primary source. Also interviews have strict structures and will
help me stay on topic and follow the guidelines for the task. Also the
questions I must ask will be straightforward therefore making the answers on
target to the requirements.
This interview will be
featured as a celebrity column for the magazine Rolling Stones. This interview
will be written in a cultural context therefore the author will be writing the
article from a respected objective and cultural point of view. I choose
this magazine because Iggy Azalea’s style of music and lifestyle attract the
younger audience that this magazine attracts. Specifically I am writing
on behalf of an interviewer who looks to interview celebrities who are
authentic and upcoming. This is so the piece can hold relevance as a first-hand
account without being completely subjective.
The intended audience is
broad since it is to anyone who is interested in her style of music but is
hesitant and questions her authenticity. From her role in community the article
will receive most views from youths and teenagers.
Specifically this
written task connects with the literacy unit of authenticity in reference to
language and social relations.
--------------------
The music industry is constantly growing and changing the boundaries for the roles of men and women in a positive manner. Rap music, closely linked with the African American community is slowly but surely breaking out of the norm and branching out into different lifestyles and cultures. Iggy Azalea, an icon and contributor for this new boundary break has come out fresh faced and ready to meet if not excel in the demands of the music industry. Azalea is an Australian female rap artist who aims to break the constraints of the rap culture with her identity. Her authenticity has always been a question to a variety of different people specifically the African American community but Azalea claims and proves that this is nothing but another challenge which can be overcome.
The first thing we would like to talk about is your upbringing, how do you describe it and did it build a part of your international and personal identity?
Iggy Azalea:
Most people, when they
see a white girl they just automatically assume that life is not difficult in
any way or form which just another stupid stereotype that is built by society.
I was born in a small town called Mullumbimby . I was born
there therefore I have certain ties there but life was tough, my dad actually
built our house with mud. We were never in the best economic state
growing up we never were. Well when I was around 9 my parents split up like a
lot of kids parents do and my mom took me to town. I feel like this aspect of
my lifestyle helped build up my sort of relational identity. I have always had
little to no hope in relationships after what my parents went through. So
not as much of interactional but more relational at this stage. Although I
personally feel that that my upbringing didn’t build my character as much as my
move to the United States.
What triggered your move to America?
Iggy Azalea:
As I said before my mom and I moved and I would
kind of just go around the town, cause problems and mischief for everyone. I
think at this point I got really bored of that and I just wanted to escape to
America. I've always had this passion for music and I had this crazy notion
that I wanted to make a profession out of it, I was around 14 at the time. I
thought that it would take a year or so to get a recording deal but only in the
States. When I was 16 I knew for a fact that I wanted to go the States and
hopped on a plane to Miami. At first I was really nervous and roughing it for
the first 8-10 months but I sent out a sample track and luckily I was signed.
America just seemed so magical at the time to me, and I never felt connected
with my lifestyle or the community in Australia even though it is my home.
You moved at very young age, how did these difficulties
shape you?
Yeah so age 16, most girls get cars on those
birthdays. If I could say it as a time period it would be like the great
depression. Life had always been tough for me but this time I was on my
own. At first I in a way so it as an adventure but I think here is where
I lost my delusions. Being on my own, it forced me to grow up which was
premature. I remember having 3 jobs at once just to make ends meet.
The struggle was so incredibly unreal to me, I would come home exhausted pay
the bills, cook and sleep. I fell into a sort of cycle which scared me. At one
time I remember calling home just wanting to go back. I felt like there was
more to life than just this, that life like this wasn’t living it was
surviving. I love my family but I did not want to end up in that rat hole
because it is a 1 way ticket to hell, but I think this “shape” was for the best
because I became serious on what I wanted to do and how I was going to do it.
You have picked a very interesting and popular genre of music to branch out into. Rap music is normally
identified with the African American culture, and maintaining an authentic lifestyle. Being a "white" female rapper how do you see yourself identifying with this?
Iggy Azalea:
Rap and Hip hop music have always been
categorized by society as "Black" and I feel that having these
stereotypes is just another form of segregation
Personally I do live an authentic
lifestyle and stay "true" to my music because my songs are about my
struggles and out of these struggles came fame. One of my more popular songs
"Work" basically deals with the struggles I have faced in my past and
present. It's actually funny because my first tattoo I got is this one:
"Trust your struggles". When I was visiting Hollywood I saw it
on a statue when I was at the walk of fame. The story behind it is both
anecdotal and meaningful. I got it on a whim but it symbolizes that no one can
trust and believe in a person as much as you. I just thought I just so identify
with this and I got it done that day. Referring back to your question I think I
do identify with the rap culture but not the African American culture because
clearly I am not Black. Music should not be associated with a society but
rather an individual
Rough Information need to find out where to add this: (reword too)
Your music has reached everywhere and now you
have such a large audience, what impact do you think you have on them?
Iggy Azalea:
Referring back to your last question I think that being who I am a white female rapper is in itself breaking all those barriers and restrictions that have been created by society. I think that I am impacting and somewhat inspiring my fans and showing everyone that there are no rules for art, because art is art. My music is just another form of expression so therefore I think that my music just helps people break free out of their norm and categories.
Devyani:
You said that you have noticed these categorizations, where specifically have you had experience with this?
Iggy Azalea:
Well in the most apparent form celebrity disputes. I have had so many celebs throw shade at me because of my race. Not to emphasize on the negativity but Azealia Banks actually tweeted me saying quote: "I'm not anti-white girl, but I'm also not here for anyone outside my culture trying to trivialize very serious aspects of it". Hate comments like this normally and automatically just go to the junk section of my head, but this stuck because it deals with my personal identity and how people are not willing to accept it. Classification and things like judgment bring in another aspect of this business and it just shows that it is now at a level where it’s not all about the music. That’s why my personal mantra is that music should not be linked with a society.
Iggy Azalea:
Referring back to your last question I think that being who I am a white female rapper is in itself breaking all those barriers and restrictions that have been created by society. I think that I am impacting and somewhat inspiring my fans and showing everyone that there are no rules for art, because art is art. My music is just another form of expression so therefore I think that my music just helps people break free out of their norm and categories.
Devyani:
You said that you have noticed these categorizations, where specifically have you had experience with this?
Iggy Azalea:
Well in the most apparent form celebrity disputes. I have had so many celebs throw shade at me because of my race. Not to emphasize on the negativity but Azealia Banks actually tweeted me saying quote: "I'm not anti-white girl, but I'm also not here for anyone outside my culture trying to trivialize very serious aspects of it". Hate comments like this normally and automatically just go to the junk section of my head, but this stuck because it deals with my personal identity and how people are not willing to accept it. Classification and things like judgment bring in another aspect of this business and it just shows that it is now at a level where it’s not all about the music. That’s why my personal mantra is that music should not be linked with a society.
Need to add more questions related with
identity.
Technological Text Talk
October 8th:
Technological Text Talk
Technology has
always had a close link with language. It has influenced the way speech is
presented to different social groups. Texting, one of the most popular examples
of technology's involvement with language. Words have been truncated in order
to convey messages, new slangs have been born to create a new technological
language. Using "luv" instead of love, LOL for laugh out loud, or
better yet asking your parents plz can I go out because its shorter than
please. My parent's answer in this situation would be no because its shorter
than yes. All these new slangs and ways of speech, people of the golden age, or
shall I say olden age see this as a headline; "A Generation of
Idiots". David Crystal a British Linguist and John McWhorter an American
linguist suggests otherwise, who like to argue otherwise. Both linguists see
positive meaning behind the language of "text talk" and convey their
thoughts in two different messages.
In his interview, David Crystal speaks on the positive impacts texting has on a young individual from the concept of practice is the key to perfection. Crystal argues that texting improves literacy rates. He refers to the language "textspeech" as a constantly evolving language. He states that youths do not use "text-speak" for laziness, boredom, or lack of language (vocabulary) but rather to communicate in a language tailored for the specific social group in an effective yet productive manner. He corroborates this by using specific examples. To begin with the youth of today are not responsible for the creation of the abbreviations in words. Therefore they cannot be accursed for them. He says these slangs state back to at least during the Latin speaking age (400 ad) where there were several accounts of abbreviations. Secondly the amount of abbreviations are not very significant. Words only evolve and are tailored to fit certain purposes. Finally as stated before he voiced that texting is just another form of practice and that it does in fact improve literacy rates.
John McWhorter presents his thoughts in a formal matter stating initially that speech is the main use of language. He portrays speech as less refined and more and organic. He then states that writing came after speech and is more academic, descriptive, complex and ceremonial. He passes texting off as "we write what we think". Therefore texting is not a misconduct towards language but rather the exact speech which is taking place in our subconscious mind. A point that McWhorter has is similar to Crystal's. This is that the informal use of language has existed for ages and dates as back to the 63 B.C therefore texting has not caused this form of language.
Both linguists refer to the ancestry of "text-talk" stating that texting has not caused this and that it should not be criticized as it is a language of its own. Both have also gone to the extent stating that the youth of today are not, shall I say "literate village idiots" but rather innovative to where they are tailoring a language. Crystal's interview was informal whereas McWhorter's speech was formal. Also Crystal speaks on how literacy rates are proven to improve with texting whereas McWhorter states that "text-talk" is writing exactly what we think. Although both linguists use different approaches both convey the same statement that texting and the involvement of technology in language has as an overall been a positive.
In his interview, David Crystal speaks on the positive impacts texting has on a young individual from the concept of practice is the key to perfection. Crystal argues that texting improves literacy rates. He refers to the language "textspeech" as a constantly evolving language. He states that youths do not use "text-speak" for laziness, boredom, or lack of language (vocabulary) but rather to communicate in a language tailored for the specific social group in an effective yet productive manner. He corroborates this by using specific examples. To begin with the youth of today are not responsible for the creation of the abbreviations in words. Therefore they cannot be accursed for them. He says these slangs state back to at least during the Latin speaking age (400 ad) where there were several accounts of abbreviations. Secondly the amount of abbreviations are not very significant. Words only evolve and are tailored to fit certain purposes. Finally as stated before he voiced that texting is just another form of practice and that it does in fact improve literacy rates.
John McWhorter presents his thoughts in a formal matter stating initially that speech is the main use of language. He portrays speech as less refined and more and organic. He then states that writing came after speech and is more academic, descriptive, complex and ceremonial. He passes texting off as "we write what we think". Therefore texting is not a misconduct towards language but rather the exact speech which is taking place in our subconscious mind. A point that McWhorter has is similar to Crystal's. This is that the informal use of language has existed for ages and dates as back to the 63 B.C therefore texting has not caused this form of language.
Both linguists refer to the ancestry of "text-talk" stating that texting has not caused this and that it should not be criticized as it is a language of its own. Both have also gone to the extent stating that the youth of today are not, shall I say "literate village idiots" but rather innovative to where they are tailoring a language. Crystal's interview was informal whereas McWhorter's speech was formal. Also Crystal speaks on how literacy rates are proven to improve with texting whereas McWhorter states that "text-talk" is writing exactly what we think. Although both linguists use different approaches both convey the same statement that texting and the involvement of technology in language has as an overall been a positive.
Bindis yet Another Form of Cultural Appropriation
Cultural Appropriation is the adoption and sometimes even adaptation of a particular cultural item into another cultural community. In today's generation cultural appropriation exists mainly due to trend and fashion. Today's post is going to be exploring the concept of cultural appropriation but in a more creative manner. The following is a letter to the editor of Huffington post Anjali Joshi, on her article "Why a Bindi is NOT an Example of Cultural Appropriation".
"Popularization of Bindi is a form of Cultural Appropriation"
Anjali Joshi
October 4 2014
I am absolutely confounded and quite frankly offended on your idea
of cultural appropriation and its non-affiliation with the cultural item of the
Bindi. The traditional Indian `Bindi marks a certain significance for the
"truly" traditional Indian men and women living in India, and to this
day have a deep religious connection with this cultural item..
Your "informal" survey which you took, does not state the context or location it was performed. The Indian population of the modern world consist of around 17% of the entire world's population in which 7.5% are second generation Indians. Also your survey is specific to the gender of women. Surprisingly the men also have certain religious connections and beliefs with the Bindi which you have conveniently excluded from you study or was this intentional?
The bindi, thanks to the media's major contribution has become a fashion statement. You yourself have agreed to this in your article stating that it has quote “become an accessory with little religious belief”. This in its very statement is a form of cultural appropriation, which you have stated as a fact but later regarded in your article as merely a form of cultural evolution.
As a counter argument and recommendation I suggest that you understand the different aspects which categorize the Bindi as a form of cultural appropriation. This includes the western lifestyle of “hipsters” using a traditional item in a provocative manner rather than understanding the cultural importance of this figure.
Your article has had an impact on the western society and the majority who see the Bindi as a fashion accessory in a way I must state as negative. This said because in a way you clearly reaffirms their thoughts that the Bindi is not a form of cultural appropriation because it is just a growing trend of the world. Also you are misinforming them that wearing it in a non-traditional sense is in no way disrespectful.
Your "informal" survey which you took, does not state the context or location it was performed. The Indian population of the modern world consist of around 17% of the entire world's population in which 7.5% are second generation Indians. Also your survey is specific to the gender of women. Surprisingly the men also have certain religious connections and beliefs with the Bindi which you have conveniently excluded from you study or was this intentional?
The bindi, thanks to the media's major contribution has become a fashion statement. You yourself have agreed to this in your article stating that it has quote “become an accessory with little religious belief”. This in its very statement is a form of cultural appropriation, which you have stated as a fact but later regarded in your article as merely a form of cultural evolution.
As a counter argument and recommendation I suggest that you understand the different aspects which categorize the Bindi as a form of cultural appropriation. This includes the western lifestyle of “hipsters” using a traditional item in a provocative manner rather than understanding the cultural importance of this figure.
Your article has had an impact on the western society and the majority who see the Bindi as a fashion accessory in a way I must state as negative. This said because in a way you clearly reaffirms their thoughts that the Bindi is not a form of cultural appropriation because it is just a growing trend of the world. Also you are misinforming them that wearing it in a non-traditional sense is in no way disrespectful.
I understand that
this may be difficult to comprehend but personally I do not agree with your
statement that the Bindi is not a form of cultural appropriation because it
clearly is. Although I agree with you that nothing can stop this rapid trend
because in the new world where fashions are now overcoming values bindis will
be worn by “white girls at Coachella” as a fashion statement. The only
miscommunication is that I believe one should clearly state that it is a form
of cultural appropriation and then one can decide based on the truth of the
matter.
Thank you for your time and I hope that my letter has been able to shed light on this matter for you.
Thank you for your time and I hope that my letter has been able to shed light on this matter for you.
Acquainting Myself with the cyber world
Hi there,
This blog is solely for my Language and Literature course. My name is Devyani Pejathaya,(auto corrects to deviant). If I had a dime every time someone messed up my name I would be a millionaire. I am currently 16 years old and I attend Raha International School. I like to think that I am an eloquent writer but the truth of the matter is that my English composition "sucks" according to everyone else. In this course I hope to improve my composition and my speech consistency.
I moved to this country approximately 4 years ago, from my home in America. I came from snowy winters and rainy summers, to a dry and desolate desert. I have never moved out of the States so coming to a country like this was kind of a culture shock. Coming from the States I did not realize how closed of I was from international affairs. Personally I still miss the States but I do enjoy this country.
I am a dancer which is why I thought this image was the best describes me. I am generally very open to new things and experiences and I sometimes in a sense throw myself into new adventures just for the thrill. Depending on the subject I enjoy challenges.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Guess who?
Well what can I say, I'm back. Yes it was long overdue but Google just didn't seem to like me. My last blog was taken down for violation of good product services but I still don't know what I wrote to have my entire account disabled to the extent of no return. The thing I learnt from this experience: BACK UP YOUR WORK!. After the initial shock settled in I must have freaked out for a good 4 hours before actually doing anything. Luckily I was able to access the cached copies of everything except my September posts, so I decided to rewrite them. But before I continue: a moment of silence for Life in Progress 1.0.
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