Propaganda 2011

Propaganda is defined as information, ideas, rumors, deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc. Propaganda is mainly aimed towards the curious public. Propaganda usually misleads a person into thinking in a biased way. It makes one not think of the opposite side.

An example of propaganda can be found by the Americans in Haiti. We view Americans as generous and charitable types of people. Always donating large sums of money or doing good deeds from the kindness of their hearts. We see Americans wanting to help Haiti after all that’s happened to the people of that country.  We see schools and shelters being built for Haitian men, women, and children. But the American public really does not know the actual truth. For World Studies I researched a current event about an American man sexually abusing Haitian boys for ten years. When reading that article I was totally shocked and disgusted. To think that such a caring person could turn so evil and grotesque. As if the people of Haiti need any more problems such as this particular one.

These days, I think propaganda only results into bad things when the public eventually finds the truth. So is there really a need for propaganda? Whether you are trying to protect something or not?

Beat Street

            I have got to admit watching movies in class is pretty awesome. Beat Street is the second movie we have watched that doesn’t really apply to what we are currently learning. This movie centers on hip hop culture in the 1980’s. Young men and women who love doing what they do: DJ-ing, break dancing, and spraying graffiti on white trains and brick walls. This movie really showed me how passionate people are in achieving their dreams. No matter what others say, the characters in Beat Street pursue their talent any time and where. Having dance battles in train stations or making your own beats in the comfort of your room.

            Today, many young artists are trying to make it big. Beat Street sets a prime example of that. This movie spreads the message of talent in teenagers and young adults. Taking every chance they receive to be heard or seen. Hip hop culture is very much alive today. You can hear it through someone’s earphones on the train. You can see people dance immediately once they pick up a beat. Graffiti is considered art in the young eyes of the public. Clothes from the 80’s are coming back to style today…

Hungry for Attention

Without a doubt Richard is hungry for attention. With his parents’ separation and economic standpoint things aren’t going too smoothly for Richard. Being a black boy doesn’t help his situation either. At such a young age, all he does is strive for attention. Whether the attention is aimed at his family or strangers, he wants it. Richard sets his own house on fire, becomes a drunkard at the age of six, learns how to read and count, etc. His life is a very shaky one, full of ups and downs. But all of his attention-grabbing actions seem to result in punishment. Richard is the type of boy who acts on a whim. He never thinks before he acts. I think he wants to prove self-righteousness.

Richard is definitely not alone in his hunger for attention. Although his brother is not mentioned much, I bet he is just as hungry. Richard’s brother is also in the same boat. That goes for many other children during this time period. Children and families in situations like Richard’s are usually poverty-stricken. Or might have some sort of other problem. For example, family issues, financial status, abuse, and so on. All children, rich or poor, want to be loved. I think it is normal to want attention. No matter what kind of circumstances one is in.