BLOG # 20: ALWAYS DO THE RIGHT THING!

Irene James

English 103

Professor Vasileou

29^th May 2011

                                           Do The Right Thing:

In American Cinema, directors created films that pose realistic situations

and scenery for their audience. Do The Right Thing is a film that portrayed

just that. The location of the film was set in the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of

Brooklyn, New York. Although this film was created in 1989, the issues of

racism, violence, and community are still prevalent all over New York City

 today. American film relates to the nature of the times. Engaging its

viewers to some of the most harsh realities heard of by many, but never

seen.

The film follows a young black man living in a neighborhood full of racial

tensions and violence. However, it was also filled with love and a sense of

 community. Although the film depicts this man’s life under uncomfortable

Circumstances. It brought the viewer to the reality that a person can live in

such conditions and still be satisfied. When I mentioned the living conditions

of the man through the film. I am implementing the economic times of New

York City in 1989.

During 1989, America was in a recession, very much how America is

 today. Wall Street alone saw 16,000 layoffs in the beginning of 1989.

Wall Street write-downs cross the $100 billion mark. Sure, the technical

definition of a recession is two or more consecutive quarters of negative growth.

Which was definitely happening during this time period.

 Unemployment rates were up and new home rates plummeted down to

 26%(nymag.com) New York City was suffering just as it was

in the film. The main character “Mookie” lived in a one bedroom apartment

with his sister. During this time, the average montly rent was

$205.80(www.tenant.net) The average black household income was

 $20,210(www.tenant.com) Although there was income being made,

 it wasn’t enough income to take care of a family. Gas for cars were priced at

$1.12 a gallon, as well as Milk in the grocery store was priced at

$2.34(www.1980sflashback.com) In Do The Right Thing, the director

 Spike Lee tastefully displays the struggles of life for a young man of a

 Minority, trying to achieve the American dream. This is how the movie

 depicts reality for the viewer and makes the characters come to life.

During 1989 there were a long list of violent crimes that occurred as well.

Most of the violence stemmed the 40^th President Ronald Reagan. Regan

implemented a program that cut the taxes of America’s hard workers.

His tactics caused such a wide aray of outburst. So much so, It was given

its own name by consumers called “Reganomics”. Which is Economics

 and President Regan’s last name combined together. This caused a lot

of tension with New Yorkers and the United States government. Which had

New Yorkers, especially consumers in low income areas rioting and commiting

violent acts. Such as vandalism, graffiti, robbery. These acts were portrayed

 in the film. Which was director Spike Lee’s point of view. He not only wanted

to give the rioters a face, but gave the reasons why these crimes were being

committed.

What was so poignant about the film was the expressionism and symbolism that

was used so eloquently throughout each scene. The clothing, the activities, even

 down to the graffiti on the walls played a major part. During 1989. Music of a

 popular culture was played throughout the streets of New York City. One song

 that was extremely exploided throughout the film was by a rap group named

Public Enemy called “Fight The Power”. Which was a message of truth and hope,

that so many Americans had lost during the 1980s and the progression of it

surpassing 1989. “Fight The Powers that Be” were the chants of the streets of

Brooklyn. That song gave a voice to many of the minorities that were afraid to

openly expressed how they’re living situations were.

Do The Right Thing not only followed a young black man through his daily life as

a pizza man in Brooklyn, NY. It followed the different types of relationships he

has with other people of different races. Especially the people he worked for who

 were of Italian decent. With all the racial tension between the different races.

There were still friendships that were made and bonds that were not being

 broken between them in the film. There was a certain type of respect that was

given through the different minorities portrayed in the film. Through all the racial

tensions caused do to the economic times. There was still respect for one

another. Even in the end of the film, the races banded together to form some

 type of unity with one another in the powerful scene of the riot against Sal’s

Pizza restaurant. Which was and still is lot like reality of New York City today.

 Writers and directors want to make films real. A dose of reality where we the

view believes for those couple of hours that life isn’t really that bad. Every scene

in this film was related to New York City and real and harsh the reality was and is

 til this day. Certain films, especially ones filmed in New York City, gives the

viewer a flashlight to what the government doesn’t want society to see. It was

very exciting and sad to know that movies have to bring reality in front of

society’s face when its sitting outside the front doors of America. This film Do The

Right Thing gave ignorance a face and tolerance a voice. In my opinion, this film

was a masterpiece then and a work of art today in American Cinema. Practically

life in general.

BLOG #17: MINORITY REPORT, OEDIPUS AND FREE WILL

                                 Based on watching the film Minority Report and reading the play, 
Oedipus The King. I've come the realization that the only free will a person has is in there minds. It seems when a human being expresses natural emotion and action behind that emotion. They are instantly criticized  and ridiculed for it. Its good to be safe in this dangerous world. Human Beings just have to give up there privacy to live a longer lasting life. Free will and determinism both go hand in hand. People are determined to have free will. A world with no boundaries and rules.

BLOG # 19: REFLECTIONS ON ARCHIEVES PAPER

           The archieves essay was very interesting. I enjoyed the first visit to the LaGuardia Archieves
with class. The tour guides expressed more detail into showing us what our project was going to to be about.
We gathered more information the first time and the tour guides lended more of a helping hand the first time. The documentation that was provided to us on the second visit was little helpful. However, nothing was in order. All the documents were scattered all over the place in one big folder. Imagine, five people going through this folder at the same time and mixing documents up.

I will admit, I did gather quite a bit of information about Roger Starr and New York City during the time
of when the whole government programs began. I received about I would say a few pages of newspaper articles they supplied to us. I used those as the primary source for my essay.

Overall, it was a helpful experience. It showed me how to research better and be  more proficient with my work.I learned a lot about writing in this class and I'm very appreciative for that.

BLOG #18: REPORT ON RESEARCH PAPER

                                Writing a research paper requires a lot of work and dedication.
When I first began the process of researching the film. I began by watching the film again to refresh my memory.
I ran through the film with a fine tooth comb. I noticed a lot more detail now, then I did four years ago when I last saw.  Spike Lee is truly a genius! Everything from the writings on the wall, to what the people were chanting in the movie all had meaning. I went to the Laguardia library and took out a book on Ronald Reagan who was the 40th president at the time. Honestly it didn't help much. So I did a lot of online research with the daily news and New York times and came up with some mind-blowing facts for paper. I didn't know that to describe the era in which Reagan was president. It was called "Reganomics", do to the tax cuts that Reagan made at the time for the city. Also, researching the household income for different minorities in the city was interesting as well. I came across a lot of facts that will be really helpful for my paper. I was thinking to go to the LaGuardia Achieves
like I did for the last research essay. I think there will be some great articles and information as well that can help with my paper. Overall, the process of doing this paper has been a bit tiring and trying on the brain, being that its the final 2 weeks of classes. It has been a fun journey doing the research. I've learned so many things that I should've known a long time ago. It has helped me tremendously!

BLOG # 16: DO THE RIGHT THING

Write a report on the movie on which your research project is based, giving the following information:
1) the movie's basic plot 2) how it relates or is situated in NYC 3) how do we see NYC (outside shots, characters living in it etc) visually in the movie4) what does NYC look like in the movie
                  

                        Do The Right Thing is a powerful film that follows a young black man's life in
 Brooklyn, NY. This film shows raw content exploiting and breaking down racial barriors that are very much
prevelant in New Yor City today. Negative slurs such as Gew, Nigger, Spick, and Chink are all used in this film to represent the harsh realities of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. Through out the film, it dipicted how certain races stand together and why many races can't unite at all. In the end, when all the races banded together against Sal's pizza shop. It was evident, that certain issues are not always transperant. That in life before we judge, we must take a deeper look into the situation and always do the right thing.
This relates to New York City, in many ways. It was filmed in Brooklyn, NY. New York City is one of the most controversial cities in the countries. There are so many different races flooded into one city; and every race has something negative to say about the other. Which is what Director and Writer Spike Lee elaborate on through out the film
In the film, we see children playing on the street on a hot summer day. A lot of different races with the
type of clothing they were known to wear in the late 1980s era. We see the young black man "Mookie" living with his puerto-rican girlfriend in an apartment with this there child always arguing. The scenery in the film was very colorful like the rainbow. In which, the film showed different colors of people.

BLOG # 15: MINORITY REPORT RESPONSE

I do believe that society should care about security. As we discussed in class,

America is the safest country. Americans citizens don’t walk around in fear of there lives ending every single day.  We have that advantage of enjoying life more then other countries in the world. A lot of times we indulge a little to much and take our safety for granted. Society doesn’t understand how safe we really are. When we discussed other methods different countries take to stay safe, it really blew me away.  Especially, Germany’s procedures of having to register with the police every time you spend the night at someone’s house. Those types of security procedure are pretty harsh in my opinion, but seem to work.

Although, America is a safer place to live then most countries. Safety does have its price. Whenever Americans log on to there computers, or use there cellphones; they are constantly under surveillance. Even with the television in there homes. We discussed in Mass Communication & Society class, that the cable companies are going to put censors in the cable boxes just to see how long you watch TV. Although, that is mainly for ratings of certain TV shows( so the government says). It is definitely another way to invade a person’s privacy.

The media wants so bad for society believe that we have free will. That we have privacy and we do have a choice.  We have more privacy and choices then other countries. But I believe, that we are always being watched. In any way that is obtainable about that person’s life.  The government will know. Its sad when people meet, and want to stay in contact, the first piece of information they ask for is “ do you have facebook?” The internet helps and initiates the reactions of humanity in itself.

Honestly, I would rather have my privacy invaded then worrying about where the bomb is going to hit. Sacrifice is a part of life. If giving up my privacy, which I never really had anyway to help keep America safe. I would do it.

BLOG # 14: FINAL DRAFT ARCHIEVES ESSAY

Irene James
English 103
Dr. Vasileiou
Archives Project Essay
May 8, 2011

                                                                   Planned Shrinkage:
                         During the 1970s, New York City was considered a complete wasteland.
Times Square didn't look like a circus, and the Lower East Side resembled a toxic dump. Crime rates were up and unemployment rates were sky high. Soldiers returning home from the Vietnam war were turning into complete drug addicts from the tragedy. Prostitution and Drug dealers, also known as pharmaceutical distributors owned the streets of New York City. As a result of the issues on the rise in the 1970s era; New York began to lose 1% of its population a year.

The city wasn't going to stand this for long. Especially housing administrator Roger Starr. Starr had a vision to increase the amount of cash flow in the city. With poverty being at its finest, Starr conjured up the idea of "planned shrinkage". In all actuality, the premise of his idea was to move people from one slum to the next. It took vacant land from one borough and created housing facilities for consumers with low income. Hence, bought about two kinds of federal government programs. One program for middle income housing called the FAJ 236 program and the rent certificate program called the Section 8 program which gave someone a voucher to rent out an apartment.

Developers believed the housing that was demolished in the South Bronx which became vacant land would have more redevelopment value. "Planned shrinkage" did not just affect the boroughs, but specific minorities of African-Americans and Hispanics in those boroughs. Residents were outraged at how often fires would erupt in there communities but nothing was done to stop them in time. Out of the five boroughs in New York City.  Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the South Bronx seemed to have been the most affected by Starr's vision. Over 40% of the housing in these areas were being destroyed ubiquitously. Residents were forced to move to the Rockaways in Queens where housing facilities were ready and waiting for them.

Although "planned shrinkage" was a very productive business. It was not very well received. The populations all over the city plummeted. Residents began to protest, claiming the conditions to move were extremely harsh. As a result, tenants began to abandon there homes and commit arson towards there housing facilities. This was the tenants way of voicing there living conditions as to what "planned shrinkage has done to there communities. Job loss and migration were a couple of the problems that persisted through this era. This left Brooklyn and the South Bronx (in particular) completely devastated. This caused quite a dislike for Roger Starr and came close to resigning.
Even though Roger Starr was not the most well-liked person in the city. He was very productive.

"Planned Shrinkage is being used today. It's not only in New York City but across the country. His idea set the tone for a lot of the government programs used to facilitate residents across the country. Since the 1970s, employment rates have been on the rise and crime have surprisingly gone down. "Planned Shrinkage" has been improved and even has helped a large portion of families live better. Starr's philosophy was to make more money and more property available to build on. In this day and time, his mission has been accomplished.

BLOG #13 "ARCHIEVES PROJECT ESSAY"

Irene James
English 103
Dr. Vasileiou
Archives Project Essay
May 1,2011

                                                                   Planned Shrinkage:
                         During the 1970s, New York City was considered a complete wasteland.
Times Square didn't look like a circus, and the Lower East Side resembled a toxic dump. Crime rates were
 up and unemployment rates were sky high. Soldiers returning home from the Vietnam war were turning into complete drug addicts from the tragedy. Prostitution and Drug dealers, also known as pharmaceutical distributors owned the streets of New York City. As a result of the issues on the rise in the 1970s era; New York began to lose 1% of its population a year.
The city wasn't going to stand this for long. Especially housing administrator Roger Starr. Starr had a vision to increase the amount of cash flow in the city. With poverty being at its finest, Starr conjured up the idea of "planned shrinkage". In all actuality, the premise of his idea was to move people from one slum to the next. It took vacant land from one borough and created housing facilities for consumers with low income. Hence, bought about two kinds of federal government programs. One program for middle income housing called the FAJ 236 program and the rent certificate program called the Section 8 program which gave someone a voucher to rent out an apartment.
Developers believed the housing that was demolished in the South Bronx which became vacant land would have more redevelopment value. "Planned shrinkage" did not just affect the boroughs, but specific minorities of African-Americans and Hispanics in those boroughs. Residents were outraged at how often fires would erupt in there communities but nothing was done to stop them in time. Out of the five boroughs in New York City.  Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the South Bronx seemed to have been the most affected by Starr's vision. Over 40% of the housing in these areas were being destroyed ubiquitously. Residents were forced to move to the Rockaways in Queens where housing facilities were ready and waiting for them.
Although "planned shrinkage" was a very productive business. It was not very well received. The populations all over the city plummeted. Residents began to protest, claiming the conditions to move were extremely harsh. As a result, tenants began to abandon there homes and commit arson towards there housing facilities.
This was the tenants way of voicing there living conditions as to what "planned shrinkage has done to there communities. Job loss and migration were a couple of the problems that persisted through this era. This left
Brooklyn and the South Bronx in particular completely devastated. This caused quite a dislike for Roger Starr and came close to resigning.
Even though Roger Starr was not the most well-liked person in the city. He was very productive. "Planned Shrinkage is being used today. It's not only in New York City but across the country. His idea set the tone for a lot of the government programs used to facilitate residents across the country. Since the 1970s, employment rates have been on the rise and crime have surprisingly gone down. "Planned Shrinkage" has been improved and even has helped a large portion of families live better. Starr's philosophy was to make more money and more property available to build on. In this day and time, his mission has been accomplished.

BLOG # 11: CONCEPT OF THE OTHER

                    The concept of "the other" boggles my mind.I always considered everyone
 pretty equal. People make such a big deal about homosexuality as if its the worst thing on the face of the earth.I mean, me personally dating or having an intimate relationship with another woman is not my cup of tea. I can definitely understand how a person of one sex can fall in love with a person of the same sex.

Part of my family is of west-indian decent. In the west-indian culture, homosexuality is very much frowned upon.I've heard stories about people who are considered "the other" that were just horrifying. Especially one story about this female soccer player that was openly homosexual. She was teased and taunted by men who watched her games on thew field. When night fell, they beat and raped this women who did nothing wrong to them. Even to the point where should could not conceive children. It is a sad story and I get teary eyed when I think about it.

I really don't consider people "other". I just see one race, the human race.

BLOG # 7 ANNOTATED BIBLOGRAPHY

                

    THESIS:  Television: A Reflection of Reality or an Instrument of Persuasion?:

             Approaching the notion, that children who have watched an excessive amount

             of television at an early age, will be more prone to engage in criminal activity during

             their adolescent and adult years is a hypothesis that will be explored and proven to be

             inaccurate from a media socialist point of view.

PART 1: Introduction

•  my stand I'm going to take 
• reason for taking the stand

PART 2: Body paragraphs

• When television first began
• What cities received television first
• What shows were played in certain areas
• What influenced certain television shows

PART 3: Show statistics

• graphs of cities that had violence
• charts of crime ratings, comparing and contrasting

PART 4: Conclusion

• why I stated what was written
• how my ideas came to pass
• my final word 

SPECIAL: MOMI

I really enjoyed the tour yesterday. Although, it was a little rushed through by the
tour guide. I actually did learn a few things and discover some interesting facts. In the beginning of the tour, we were taught how film started and how Nickeloneon shows started in the early 1900's. Also, we were showed quite a few things we learned in American Film Class. The tour guide showed us that during the filming of a movie, there are twenty-four frames shot per second. As well as the advancement of video cameras over the course of a hundred years. I found that to be very interesting and quite an advancement.

                   During the tour in another room, I noticed the museum was playing a
silent film we viewed in American Film class called The Great Train Robbery by D.W. Griffith.
When I was listening, the guide was explaining the how this was one of the first silent films with
color. I remembered in Professor Rheuben's class she explained the same thing. I really enjoyed
seeing and experiencing what directors and camera people go through as far finding the perfect music to fit a scene. I thought that was a lot of fun. 


Looking back in time to see the different cameras and television sets. How big the director's cameras
were to move around. How small the television sets were to fit the typical wives homemaker lifestyle. 
It was really mind blowing. I really enjoyed when our group made the mini movie. Posing for the camera, I'm such a plus size model at heart :-)


The old video game systems and video were really awesome to look that. I've heard of the video game 
system Atari from the 1970s, but to actually have seen it in person was a blast to the past. Technology
has definitely advanced from that era to now. I was really impressed and fascinated by it. What really caught my attention and kept my attention; was seeing all the prosthetic pieces and old movies that when along with it. Even a movie we saw in American Film called Citizen Kane starring Orsen Welles. 
I saw the old make-up and letters he wrote to the studio of the film.


Overall, I had a great time and will use the passes given to us and go back again, and again, and again. I had a blast.

BLOG # 9: Midterm Paper

Irene James                                                                                                                                   

Prof. Lucca

English 101

17th April 2011

             Television: A Reflection of Reality or an Instrument of Persuasion?

             Approaching the notion, that children who have watched an excessive amount

of television at an early age, will be more prone to engage in criminal activity during

their adolescent and adult years is a hypothesis that will be explored and proven to be

inaccurate from a media socialist point of view.

Economists, Levitt and Dubner used the coincidental reporting of the Kennedy

assassination and the cancellation of the popular baby boomer Beaver Cleaver show 

within the same year as examples of how television can impact the minds of America.

Was the country unable to accept and grieve the death of our president with the added

“shock value” of this new form of “mass media” television. Did the country’s aspirations

and hopes of attaining the American dream die? I don’t think so!

Television is a medium of communication uniquely capable of intensifying or reflecting

the reality of events past and present. It can be manipulated to alter the opinions of

various groups of people.  As an African American woman I can appreciate the role

television had in bringing the graphic images of the civil rights movement in the South to

the so-called liberal North.  Watching these events unfold in the comfort of one’s living

room verified that the rumors of inequality, injustice, racism, sexism and the concept of

the “haves and have nots” could no longer be tolerated.

Today we can see how powerful television has grown and become part of the fabric of

one’s life. It was used as a tool of persuasion in the election of President Obama.

Before seeing him receive an endorsement from Oprah Winfrey on her show many

people didn’t know who he was.  Another example of media manipulation is how the

“Tea Party” and the “extreme right” may use television to promote their issues against

abortion and gay marriage.  Although these examples demonstrate the ability of this

instrument of the media to reflect or persuade groups of Americans, it may not

supersede your personal encounters and experiences in forming your opinions and set

of values.  In order to have a clearer understanding of the potential influence television

can be on our youth and the probability that they may be persuaded to attain the

“American Dream” through a life of crime rather than becoming a positive productive

citizen.

     The TV was invented in the early part of the twentieth century and was only

^{available in black and white.  The first regularly scheduled programming was broadcast starting in 1928.  During this time the technology was very primitive and was only affordable by the ultra rich and those with special interest in the product.}

^{Television displayed certain aspects of the world that America experienced on an everyday basis,  events and important publically known figures were presented} Although, television had a black and white screen…Americans only witnessed anything but white faces.^.

^{After a few decades color television was created and most programs adjusted to broadcast to this new technology. For a few years the color televisions sold out on a regular basis as people were very excited to purchase the new units.}

^{In the late 1900's flat screen technology became widely available and many people began to purchase these television sets although the technology was so expensive early on that the majority of people could not afford it. The price has come down in recent years and is expected to continue falling. In the future televisions will become more and more compact as a dimension of width and will probably move on to have many 3D features that are becoming popular in many movies across the nation.}

      

From an African-American media sociologist viewpoint, exploring African-American’s

history of television is important when exploring this subject.

            It was rare to see African-American actors and actresses on television.

.In fact, it wasn’t until 33 years after television was created in 1927; that a black actor

and actress were seen on television. During the 1950’s, society was extremely

racist. Especially towards African Americans. During this time period, African

Americans, weren’t allowed the same rights as white people.

             In 1950, Beulah was the first television show that debuted

featuring African-American cast members. The show was based on a white

 family that hired an African Amercian, overweight, female, housekeeper. It

 wasn’t long before the National Association for the Advancement of Colored

People(NAACP), forced the network to cancel the series in 1953 because of

 the shows demeanor towards African Americans. The NAACP is an organization

who’s principal objective is to ensure the political, educational, social, and

economic equality of minority group citizens of the United States and eliminate

prejudice.

       Amos and Andy, which ran from 1951 to 1953; was also one of

the first television shows to air that had African-American cast members.

The show was a comedy that portrayed an all black world. Even though it

was cancelled in 1953, the show continued to be in syndication until 1966.

But like Beulah, the NAACP launched lawsuits and boycotts which were

instrumental to its cancellation and the future for African-Americans in

television.

^{The TV was invented in the early part of the twentieth century and was only available in black and white. The first regularly scheduled programming was broadcast starting in 1928. During this time the technology was very primitive and was only affordable by the ultra rich and those with a special interest in the product. After a few decades color television was created and most programs adjusted to broadcast to this new technology. For a few years the color televisions sold out on a regular basis as people were very excited to purchase the new units.}

^{In the late 1990's flat screen technology became widely available and many people began to purchase these television sets although the technology was so expensive early on that the majority of people could not afford it. The price has come down in recent years and is expected to continue falling. In the future televisions will become more and more compact as a dimension of width and will probably move on to have many 3D features that are becoming popular in many movies across the nation.}

             ^{In conclusion, the surge in crime in the United States, cannot be attributed to the excessive viewing of television. Other factors are more important}

^{in the development of a child’s intellectual and emotional mindset. These}

^{social environmental and community demographics play a part in the motivation}

^{in young adults to adapt positive or negative behaviors in an attempt to acquire the American Dream.}

BLOG # 2 "THE ALLEGORY OF THE CAVE"

                                    Allegory Of The Cave I thought was a cool story.
        It metaphorically showed people who were blind to there own surroundings. In my opinion,
It referred to the outside world which is reality. There are a lot people still living in a cave today. My grandmother always told me" you know better, you do better!" That always stuck with me. How can one know better if they were never taught? There are parents who keep there children sheltered from life. Mainly because they don't want to hurt there feelings. Or it could be, that reality is so harsh that they don't want there child to be tainted by life in this crazy world.
 It was very interesting to see how these story indirectly compare illusion and reality. some people live in there own illusion, maybe just to help them sleep at night, even if it is lie. I know this sounds insane. The topic kind of reminds me of the Maury Show. How these women live in the illusion that these men are the their child's father, or how some of them know there man is cheating but just need a lie detector test. That to me is an illusion and pretty sad. I guess if you don't know any better, how can you do better. Hence, why people live in an illusion.