yay America!

As I was watching Spongebob this morning, I came across a song called "Make It In America" by Victoria Justice... Ironically, this song seems very similar to Miley Cyrus's "Party In The USA."
Before you look at the lyrics, think through what you think the similarities are. I underlined what I noticed and the paragraph below the videos tells what I think these videos are saying about society, mankind, and the person who wrote these songs.

Got a one way ticket down a 2 way street. Got the wind in my hair and there’s dust on my feet. I’m just trying to make it in America. Only thing to my name is an old t-shirt faded 1985 from a Stones’ concert.

And I’m dying to make it in America. And I’m singing the words to my favorite song with the rag top down and my glasses on, and I’m driving straight through America

[Chorus] I wanna taste the sun cause baby I’m born to run. I got a feeling that I’m not the only one. I wanna show some skin. Yeah baby I need the ocean, and you can’t stop me now. I’ve got my heart in motion; I want to make it in America.

I can see my star sunset and vine Gonna carve my name in the Hollywood sign. Yeah I gotta, gotta make it in America. See me wearin’ a smile, even if I’m broke. I’ll be singing the words from a song I wrote, and I called it Make It In America.

[Chorus]

I can feel the sweat dripping down my face. I can hear my heart as it starts to race. Yeah sometimes this world’s such a lonely place. If I just push on I know that.

[Chorus]

I hopped off the plane at L.A.X. With a dream and my cardigan. Welcome to the land of fame excess, am I gonna fit in? Jumped in the cab; here I am for the first time. Look to my right and I see the Hollywood sign. This is all so crazy. Everybody seems so famous. My tummy's turnin' and I'm feelin' kinda home sick. Too much pressure and I'm nervous, that's when the taxi man turned on the radio, and a Jay-Z song was on

[Chorus] So I put my hands up. They're playing my song, and the butterflies fly away. I'm noddin' my head like yeah. I'm movin' my hips like yeah. I got my hands up; they're playin' my song. I know I'm gonna be OK. Yeah, it's a party in the USA

Get to the club in my taxi cab. Everybody's looking at me now, like "Who's that chick, that's rockin' kicks? She gotta be from out of town" So hard with my girls not around me. It's definitely not a Nashville party 'cause all I see are stilettos. I guess I never got the memo. My tummy's turnin' and I'm feelin' kinda home sick. Too much pressure and I'm nervous. That's when the D.J. dropped my favorite tune, and a Britney song was on.

[Chorus]

Feel like hoppin' on a flight back to my hometown tonight. Something stops me every time: The DJ plays my song and I feel alright.

[Chorus]

America is the land of opportunity. Both of these songs address the excitement and nerves of starting life in America; however, the life they describe is the famous American life in Hollywood of a "struggling" artist. Everyone knows that Miley Cyrus and Victoria Justice have never been struggling artists though, but they show the ability to make something out of nothing in America. Both of these songs show the patriotism of America, in other words "America is the best!" One reason these songs sell so well is because Americans love America, and these songs reinforce how amazing America is, that everyone has the ability to be rich and famous no matter where you've come from. I wonder if it's any coincidence that these songs come out during on of the biggest economic crisises in America. Much frustration has been angled at the American government, but these songs bring back the idea of the "Land of Opportunity" restoring patriotism  in people. It's hard not to listen to these songs and not feel some patriotism for me as an American.

Another thing that these songs emphasize is the desire to be yourself. Victoria talks about her favorite t-shirt and her favorite song, and Miley talks about Nashville and being a southern girl with her boots. An interesting connection I found was the importance of music to both of these girls. Music makes them feel at home and like themselves. This really shows the importance of music to society, especially to the adolescent and young adult society. 

I noticed this similarity and found it something interesting to analyze. Just some more thoughts to provoke. You can learn so much from what is out there, on television or on the radio. You can see what's important to society and even to you.

"John Wayne Gacy, Jr." - Sufjan Stevens

His father was a drinker 
And his mother cried in bed 
Folding John Wayne's T-shirts 
When the swingset hit his head 
The neighbors they adored him 
For his humor and his conversation 
Look underneath the house there 

Find the few living things 
Rotting fast in their sleep of the dead 
Twenty-seven people, even more 
They were boys with their cars, summer jobs 
Oh my God 


Are you one of them? 


He dressed up like a clown for them 
With his face paint white and red 
And on his best behavior 
In a dark room on the bed he kissed them all 
He'd kill ten thousand people 
With a sleight of his hand 
Running far, running fast to the dead 
He took off all their clothes for them 
He put a cloth on their lips 
Quiet hands, quiet kiss 
On the mouth 


And in my best behavior 
I am really just like him 
Look beneath the floorboards 
For the secrets I have hid


This song is incredibly sad and powerful. Every time I listen to it, I feel myself blown away by the message Sufjan Stevens portrays. The story and philosophy of this song are amazing. I remember having many conversations about the last two lines of the song, which is ultimately what this song is about. It's not celebrating what John Gacy did, but reminding people that we are no better than he, when we so often would like to think that we are. This song also shows the potential of any person to become the worst. All humans are naturally in a horrible state, most people refrain from horrible actions like murder, but can't quite get away from the horrible thoughts that lead to the actions like anger, hatred, jealousy, and the like. The thoughts are just as bad as the actions.

1 John 3:15 (ESV)
"Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him."

Listening to this song nearly brought me to tears this specific time. Honestly, I would like to think I'm better than a serial killer, but how many times have I hated my brother? Probably more than 10,000 times. Every time I listen to this song, it's a slap in the face waking me up to the reality that I am not perfect, that I need to grow, that I need to learn, that I need to love, that I need some help for everything that I need to do. Honestly, there is no way I could do all this on my own.

England.

You know that feeling when you listen to a really good song? When it just blows you away and all you can do is smile, sit back, and listen to the music? That feeling in your gut that wants to scream out "I love this song!"? Maybe I'm just weird, but that happens to me a lot. If it happens to you too, then we could be friends. Good music is just amazing. I doubt anyone disagrees with that. That good feeling you get from a good song is one of my favorite feelings ever.

What is this power that music has over people? When I'm upset, some of my friends will say "England," the name of a The National song (if you haven't listened to it, you should). That song in itself has the ability to calm anyone's spirits. Whenever I listen to that song, I can't help but want to lie back and let the sounds overcome me. When music is done right (not just talking about the style of music, but more of morality), people could change the world. Many of the bands I listen to are looking to change the world through their music. You can hear it in their lyrics and how they use they're instruments, trying to make themselves stand out to the world. How many Justin Bieber songs do you think are written with the purpose to change the world? Maybe he wants to change the world of his girlfriend, but not the whole world, at least not yet. I know I talk about Arcade Fire a lot (they're probably my favorite band right now), but you can tell they are not satisfied with where society is and their music is screaming out for answer. Their music is full of anger and bitterness towards society. Society is corrupt, and those without hope of a better life will get discouraged and bitter. To them, it's a righteous anger. One popular artist that I've noticed who talks about changing society in her music is Lady Gaga. Her music is crying out for something better.

You may think I'm weird. I know I over analyze things, but I learn so much about where society really is by reading in between the lines. Sometimes I wish I could just listen to that Selena Gomez song, enjoy the catchiness of the song and not thing through the deeper meaning. Analytical thinking can be a burden, but it's part of who I am. I like to think that I can provoke some thought into at least one reader out there. Honestly, if I've done that, then this blog isn't a waste.

Quick little challenge: I challenge you to listen to your favorite song and analyze what you think it means. Think through the lyrics, the style or instrumentation, and if they have a music video, watch it. Think through what each character means. It might bring your favorite song into a new light. You may learn something about yourself. Why do you like that song so much? Why does it get to you personally? I already analyzed my favorite song in the blog "analyzing society."

Honestly, I have so much more I could say about music. Music can't be summed up in one paragraph. The philosophies of these artists have so much more depth, and I only mentioned three different artists. I hope this inspired you in some way. If not, I hope my next blog will be more entertaining for you (and that isn't being said with contempt. I'm genuinely sorry you didn't enjoy this blog.)

Philosophical People Watching

Setting: a coffee shop. The lights are dim; the sky is grey, and you can hear the sound of people talking, going in and out, ordering a cup of coffee, the coffee being made. So many sounds that end up being serene. You're sitting at a table at the far side of the shop, looking around at all the people and just wondering what makes life different for each of these people, what makes one different from the next. Is it their style? Their personality? Their looks? Their voice? Their likes? Their dislikes? Here are some things I that run through my mind in this setting...

At the other side of the coffee shop there are two girls in conversation. One is talking intensely, the other listening intensely. This isn't the normal coffee shop conversation. Tears may even be involved. My cynicism kicks in. I wonder as I look at the girl listening, does she want to listen? She's one of those girls who has conversations like this all the time. At what point is it too much? Does she genuinely care to hear this girl's story or is this just out of routine? What is she thinking about? Is she thinking about what she's hearing or about when she'll be able to go to lunch once this meeting is over? Only she knows. It can be so easy for someone to put on a fake listening face, insert a couple "yeahs" in the conversation to make it look like you're listening. I know because I do this all the time.
As for the girl talking, I can't imagine going that deep with someone I hardly know. I wouldn't know what to say. My distrust for people kicks in. How could I know she wouldn't talk to others about my deepest issues? How could I know she wouldn't judge my decisions or my past mistakes? Maybe that's just the introvert in me, but I don't understand why someone needs everyone to know their problems, or why someone is comfortable with telling everyone their problems. My spirit gets unsettled at the thought. Not many people really know me.

Sitting at the table next to them is a couple. They sit across from each other, talking in hushed tones, or so it seems from my distance. Not much to analyze about what they're thinking. They're probably just happy to have this time to be together.

In the middle of the shop is a group of college students trying to decide whether or not to go to lunch now or wait a little bit. I look at each of their styles and wonder why they chose to wear that today. One guy is wearing skinny jeans, a black t-shirt, and a black and grey plaid scarf. For some reason, someone thought he looked like a hippy. I don't think they know what hippies look like. The hippies I know do not wear plaid scarves or skinny jeans. I wonder if that person meant that as a compliment or an insult. To me, I like looking like a hippy, it fits my personality and how I want people to see me. In this environment, hippies are looked on with disdain. However, this trend of thinking may be changing. Who am I to judge?
The girls are all wearing a similar style of a skirt (or dress pants), a solid shirt, a scarf, and a sweater. Not much variety to analyze there. I know I don't fit their style. I don't wear bright colors and a lot of sparkly hats, scarves, jewelry, etc. I'm perfectly content with my glasses, grey shirt, and olive green cardigan. I may not cake makeup on my face, but at least I'm content with how my face looks naturally. I have nothing against makeup, I've just realized recently that I will never feel comfortable with makeup on. I'm tired of trying to fit in to the world. Yes, I have blemishes, I have freckles and scars all over my face, but I'm not trying to change my face. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, just the way I am.

As for the people in the corner using the computers, they're just being model students, maybe. Getting things done that I'm putting off by writing this blog. Part of me feels guilty for that, but the other part of me thinks that I just need to sit a think for a while. To you, I made be weird that I like to sit and analyze people in a coffee shop, that relaxes me.

As new people come in, new thoughts race through your mind. Different personalities. Different faces. Different ambitions. Different goals. Different thoughts. I honestly doubt that any two people in this room are thinking the exact same thing.

I hope I didn't ramble on too much. I hadn't blogged in a while, but here is how I slow my mind down. This process of cynicism, reasoning through the cynicism, seeing things in a new light rather than just the normal hustle of a coffee shop. And now, I am relaxed.

Blank Page

A blank page stares back at me. No words some to my mind. My mind is as empty as the page. Where did all the thoughts go that previously plagued my mind? Where did all the thoughts go that caused sleepless nights and an uneasy queasiness in my stomach? All my thoughts began to fade into nothing, just the blank page and me. The noise and distraction of the world fades to nothing. No one is around me anymore, no more white noise clouding my mind. What is this power of the blank page? This power to erase your thoughts and rob you of creativity. Nothing is quite as intimidating as a blank page. When you know you need to write, but there is nothing. Nothing. Such a powerful word. But what does that mean? The lack of something? Well, what is something? A page could be filled with words, but does that make it something? A life could be filled with actions, but does that make it something? I'd rather my life be a blank page than a page filled with deadwood. The most profound words come out when you don't even try. But if you force your life to come together, isn't that when stories are the worst? This is my blank page now full.

down with the Capitol

It is time. Before the fade ends, I would like to say my piece about The Hunger Games. There has been a lot said about this and I figured that since I read the books and since they are so popular, it would be a good topic to write about.

Honestly, I love these books. They are intense, thrilling, and even thought provoking. I found myself thinking to myself "What would I do in this situation?"It's hard to know. Honestly, I wish I could say "I would refuse to kill the other kids! That's barbaric!" But what if the government had you under their control? What if they would kill everyone you knew for refusing to obey?

This book inspires thought into the minds and I just want to point out of few take-aways I got from the book.

Obviously, this book is criticizing a big controlling government. It has similar qualities to a communist government in the control of power through fear. I wish I could sit down with the author and discuss what she had in mind when she created The Capitol. The contrast of how lowly the civilians live and how highly the government lives reminds me of the stories I've heard about government and even the government has similarities to the government system in the book Animal Farm. The people are starving and working as hard as they can, while the upper class have more than they need and do little to nothing.

To me, this book says so much about mankind. It shows how evil man can be, how people can train to kill or kill to survive. It shows the corruption of the world, and what makes the main characters so special is how they tried overcome the corruption, "fool the Capitol." Even though they had to participate, all of the main character's motives were against the Capitol.

I want to ask you this question, and I would love to hear your responses...

Why is The Hunger Games popular among the people?

Is it just the thrilling plot and dynamic characters? Or is there something deeper in the plot that gets to people?

analyzing society

Before you read this, I would strongly encourage you to listen to these songs without reading how I feel below and come up with your own answer. Analyze the lyrics of the song and the composition of the video (meaning why they filmed this or that or used this location or stood or danced like that). These are my own opinions and I am subject to be wrong. Coming up with your own idea would be better for you. I don't want to feed you my opinion, but challenge you to come up with your own. With that said, I hope I encourage you to think outside of your normal thinking. 

What does this video and song say about society?

And what does this video and song say about society?

These songs are by no means similar, in case you couldn't tell. One Direction is a boy band from the UK popular among teenage girls. Arcade Fire is a controversial indie band popular among "hipsters." I am a hipster, even though some things that hipsters do I do not agree with, so I favor Arcade Fire. 

Here are my thoughts on the videos:

The first video is based off a false reality. No wonder why teenage girls like this band so much. For teenagers, a false reality where you can image this undying worship of a boyfriend/girlfriend and it be okay. Honestly, if my relationship were like the One Direction song, I'd probably end it. That kind of relationship is just unhealthy and will destroy both people in the relationship. The first video shows how much our society runs off the idea of needing to be loved. Our society idolizes this worship. I don't want my husband to complete me. I want him to push me to be better and a more whole person. I don't want to be fully dependent on him because I know he will fail me. I do not like the way society views love and how highly it is prioritized.

The second video is a criticism of society. When I watched this video for the first time, my first reaction was "This is exactly how I feel about society!" Society is portrayed as dead clones who just follow the movement of society. Comparing these two videos is like comparing fire and water. The second video is actually criticizing the first video. Arcade Fire typically has very critical lyrics about society. If you like this song, I would highly suggest analyzing the song "The Suburbs". This song has provoked so much thought for me. There is so much I could say about this song, but I'll leave the rest to your imagination.