HUMN240-1-3-2 - Evolution or Big Bang

            World renowned historian James Gilberts create a theory of connection set between Scopes trial of 1925 to Seattle’s World’s Fair of 1962, linked together by Science and Religion in theory according to Gilbert. The narrative begins with Gilberts suspicious view on William Jennings Bryan centered around the Scopes trial and famous during the Progressive Era known then as ‘the Great Commoner’; whose defense of the literal account of the literal biblical account left Gilbert in doubt calling him a scientist who bases his understandings on what is commonly understood experiences;  Which plays into Gilberts standpoint on common sense science in compare to professional science and how the two have grown over time. However Bryan joined the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 1924 as an astronomer who did not believe in evolution and was against it. Nothing screams science and religion like the debate between evolution and creation, when debunked by Edward Rice, stating he knew nothing of Darwin’s theory or the scientific method it posed the question who should speak for science the elite or the interpreters of science.  The start of educating about ‘Evolution’ did not begin until 1957 and much later for other states this is vital to American Culture anytime something shapes ones beliefs.  The media was the target of conception it would appear with the attempts to popularize the atomic scientist views to the mass media at all cost to get their theory into the heads of the impressionable.

        The dialogue between science and religion is one of pure centers focused on proving each individual agenda. The focus here is to essentially proving that one side is right versus the other. Science as it pertains to Religion is man’s explanation of the unknown and explaining the impossible. Religion basically debunks man fret over what it tries to explain thru science. This is a divided topic and until the foreseen ‘end’ however you perceive it shall be the deciding factor for both sides debating evolution or a higher power. I always found it funny how some scientist are against the idea we were created by a higher power rather than the big bang theory; are they atheist how is it you believe bits and pieces of religion yet debunk the beginning of said religion? Another reason I take pause with both Religion & Science as it has been passed down over the generations because it seems its intent is to serve an agenda of the said purposes. From government dispute, military involvement, to even pushing the views thru mass media production, seems quite alarming. Very ‘Democracy’ ‘DE-MOCK-CRAZY’ in its nature this element of the debate I feel is important because it does give the informed a chance to formulate their own decision or is it two parts created to purposely misguide a hidden third truth?  Perhaps this written narrative is not important in its delivery but the content is briefly viable to the common researcher. It inspires thought and speaks to the content of our heritage and ‘Pop’ culture and the differences we have faced over time, a story anyone could narrate chronologically.  It’ relevance could be challenged not solidified

References:

Busse, R. (1998). Religion and Science in America: Populism versus Elitism. Zygon, 33(1), 131-145. doi:10.1111/0591-2385.1321998132

 

Gilbert, J. (1998). Retrieved from Religion and Science in America: Populism versus Elitism.

HUMN240-1-4-4-Je' - Celebrity Cult

The popularity of social media definitely owes some of its success to the ‘heroes’ & ‘celebrity’ for its popular influence on people. Bandwagon theories are ever prevalent because the individuals using this formality can gauge their popularity by how many ‘likes’ they have or ‘followers’ they have on sites like Facebook and Twitter. If a celebrity is not self promoting or casually talking about their day they receive several comments, replies, and retweets; and some post even get selected as a ‘favorite’ by their following. This type of influence is both a gift and a curse because when issues say for instance Trayvon Martin once the ‘elite’ picked up on the story and thru their two cents in the masses began to care and follow. Moving forward the recent movie massacre is another story that received popularity on sites even such as Google+. Analyze closely we can deviate the differences among the youth and how they interpret the social media and its endeavors.  When you do that you began to see what some feel is a problem and others not but the influence that some ‘heroes’ or ‘celebrities’ have on their ‘fans’ are scary. Too much ‘respect’ is given to people many do not even know personally and they trust them before they would someone they do know personally. In theory social media and its popularity are unifying the masses thru various outlets passing and sharing information some for the good and others for the bad. Take away the fear of the weak mined and consider the theories to be debunked when the actions are not sustained by their definition; just because you’re a celeb or someone’s idols should not make you popular automatically.

HUMN240-1-4-3

            There are many mis-conceptions and conceptions that come with social media. What started off as a thing for teens grew to be an eco structure for the college like and adults to now you can follow on twitter your favorite brand of cereal to your favorite musician.  Using these sites varies person to person depending on the purpose of the usage. With this option of personal or business it comes with certain unspoken guidelines. For instance if you have a business Facebook ‘Like’ page  you don’t want to post personal things that are not supportive of the page itself. People assess one another by their friend count, type of post they make, pictures they use, groups they belong to, to even who they follow on twitter. It’s all circular theory at best.

        As far as rituals is concerned I highly doubt or at least I am hoping there isn’t any Facebook or Twitter rituals like on your child’s 12^th birthday they activate the usage. However I will say there is routine, like email some people check Facebook first thing in morning or before they go to bed at night. We all develop our own routine on usage but I don’t think anyone has a ritual that would be pretty scary considering the source. Social networking is a big part of the world now almost everyone has some form or type of iteration to be connected with others virtually. Some may call it bandwagon theory or even evolution; but for the most part people want to use the tools.  I take away from this how rapid times and thing change and that nothing is guaranteed forever. I look forward to seeing what else we incorporate in life.

HUMN240 -1-4-2- Popularity of Social Media

The popularity of social media has evolved and spiraled since the popularity of MySpace. From the evolution we grew to have Facebook which originated as a way for college students to stay connected was later implemented and use by business professionals, celebrity fan pages, and people of all ages groups. From there we have the introduction of Twitter which became the ‘following trend’ both Facebook and Twitter is a means to meet people and connect with those you know. News is spread instantaneously from popular celebrity news, to the latest in the presidential election there is no topic either can’t handle; thusly feeding a range of diets.

        This does create rising issues in interpersonal communication because the uses can vary so vaguely you are often passing opinions back and forth between each other and due to netiquette (or the lack of) presents some challenging communication barriers. Relationships of all types are started from and even end on the social networking and some say are devaluing what true relationships are. One thing is for sure theories a part social networking is social media and this will only evolve versus diminish. We see this unification with services like Google+ becoming more popular as well; unifying the mobile market product share even more. There are many positives as well for instance balancing multiple friend and family contact, business can reach their customers directly, etc are all vital roles played by social media. Social media is a responsibility and those who use tread lightly.

Icon Analysis 2-1 HUMN240

Lauryn Hill, a member of the critically acclaimed Hip Hop/ Rap group ‘The Fugees’ apart of the classic album entitled ‘The Score’ also went solo to produce ‘The Mis-Education of Lauryn Hill’ both albums received raved reviews and are legendary albums and pieces of work. Both albums; currently charting at 469 and 314 respectively on Forbes Greatest Album of All time List. ‘Jack’ released in 1996 starred Robin Williams and told a story about a young man who was born with a disorder that caused rapped aging in physical appearance but not mentally and the film is centered around the elements of being a child in the body of an adult. ‘Soul Food’ released in 1997 told the story of a family separated by the death of the family matriarch and the forthcoming trials and tribulations a family goes thru in this transition starring actresses: Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox and Nia Long, etc.

       

I choose the musician and the two pieces of film work because they deliver a powerful truth and an inspiring message that is both genuine and unique.  The movie Soul Food is dear to me because in many ways it relates to my own personal family. I recall years ago we actually pointed out what character was who and was very insightful for my family and me personally. Miss Lauryn Hill is quite possible my personal favorite musician I remember like it was yesterday being out of the country in Panama listening to the rhythm and word play delivered by the Fugee’s on this album; getting older and falling in love again with her on her own solo album just the same. In Jack it is one of my favorite movies because it speaks to such an enduring audience that rarely has a voice. The message in the film was very influential to the development of my personal self validation because I have always been perceived ‘different’ than many but I grew to learn and be ok with it, in fact I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love me & some more me.

Contemporary icons will vary person to person and while I am attentive to ensure I do not idolize anyone it is safe to say I respect their craft. I don’t personally know Lauryn Hill to comment on her as a human too much but I can be an admirer of her craft. The message she leaves in her lyrics, the deliverance is all a big part of who I am today I listen to her all the time. Along with the movies as well music and movies are important icon’s to me because the messages live on forever and that is powerful in itself. Off course I have a love for other musicians and movies but we don’t possibly have the time to list them all nor could I even compile such a list.

"Popular Culture...HUMN240"

Pop Cult:
"For the present it is best to be at level or above when it comes to relevant Popular Culture, but this only keeps you ‘present’, it is the future where innovators and trend creators break free and thus are atop the social diaphragm of what is considered popular culture…these are leaders. "



Music:
"Music knows no color and encompasses no peer pressure (Good Music anyways) yet it attracts all symbols of the depicted emotion represented by the song hence joining together a mass of people"

Des'ree - Crazy Maze ft Bill Hicks


Je' - 7/1/12