Final Blog... A Reflection

Looking back on the past semester and the first blog composed, I can see my perspective changing on protests. Originally, I thought that protests were for extremists and or those highly motivated to make change. Now I have come across many more examples of people who simply want to raise awareness for a cause.

I am looking at my very first line of my first post, "it must begin with a disagreement," and find my views now to be slightly different. Maybe some join a protest because they agree that they need change or in some cases, that they don't. Previously I believed that the size of a protest determined, in large part, the success of a protest. Now, I believe differently. Ann Coulter, Al Frankin, and who could forget Cindy Sheehan - all individuals and all known for protest. I have learned that groups may get easy media attention, but individual people can find the same, too.

However, there are several things that were reinforced over this semester. Another line reads, "Protests themselves are more often than not a reflection of the protestor's beliefs or the change they desire." I gave the example of the monk who burned himself in protest against the war. I am finding more and more that style is important to recognize in a particular protest because it often reflects the intentions of the individual or the group.

Before this course, I could only think of major (and usually historical) events as examples of protests... now they stick out to me in everyday events. Whether it is the man holding a cardboard sign on the corner of 24th and Guadelupe or the masked students in costume screaming out against Scientology, protests are truly everywhere.

Persuasive Songs

When I was searching through examples on Google for examples of protest songs, I noticed a predominant theme among those I sorted through... most were songs protesting war and related violence.  I realize this is a hot political topic and has been for many years now, but why does it seem that the  vast majority protests war?  There are limitless subjects to protest, but acts of violence are highlighted in so many.  Another interesting note: most of the protest songs against war and violence are played by rock-and-roll and punk rock artists.  To me, these tend to be examples of more "aggressive" music.  I would expect the anti-war/ anti-violence songs to generate from less intense (in sound and rhythm) musical artists.  I just found it interesting...

My examples of protests songs for this week include Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1960) and Imagine by John Lennon.  The song, Fortuante Son, largely protests the government and war that were in operation at the time.  Additionally, the song's lyrics suggest concern for lower class citizens or working class families as opposed to the highly publicized upper class.  I also feel that the song's lyrics portray the idea of confidence despite some "misfortune."

The second example I looked at is Imagine.  The role of religion is discussed in John Lennon's song as unnecessary and as an obstacle.  Lennon implies what most would consider to be "hippie" ideas and moral holdings.  He expresses his visions of a perfect world in the song with comments opposing religion, war and government.

Coulter and Moore...

Ann Coulter and Michael Moore do not come across to me as persuasive protesters. I feel that both are unfairly biased in their voiced opinions and allow personal convictions to narrow their viewpoints. I can appreciate Coulter's conservative perspective - but she has taken it too far and seems like nothing more than a public figure with strong ideas, which she is more than happy to rant about. The same goes for Michael Moore who has gained popular attention by his numerous documentary films. It is apparent in watching the film Farneheit 911 that he is primarily concerned with picking apart the flaws of President Bush since (and even prior to) his election to office. Since the War on Terror is a big topic in political discussion, Moore capitalizes on the opportunity to insert his political ideals into a "documentary" to gain public awareness and attention. While Michael Moore is busy voicing his opinions in film, Ann Coulter is hard at work writing books about the short-comings and flaws of liberal Americans. When confronted about her strong opposition to the political values, she avoids direct questions and refocuses on her own subjects, not allowing others to interject commentary or keep the debates focused.

I am not conviced of the standings of either individual do to their biased presentations and seclusions of important information.

Jesus Camp Video

Wow. I have a lot to say about the Jesus Camp Video... I don't really know where to start other than I should begin by saying how uncomfortable I was watching the video - even though I am a Christian myself. I was mostly shocked by Becky Fisher (the pastor) and some of the extremist views and radical actions she led at the camp. Just to note ahead of time as I comment on the video: I believe Jesus is my personal Lord and Savior.

Fisher starts out making a comparison between those who follow the Christian faith and those of the Muslim religion. She states that we (as Christians) need to in some way show up the religious practices and public dedication of Muslims. I don't believe that my faith is about out-doing another... it is not based on a point scale with other religions. As I will continue to note, I found several fallacies highlighted in this film.

I also found it interesting that the girl at the bowling alley read the track aloud as she sat at the table and then got up to share with another woman. It seemed orchestrated and planned... if that had been me in the same situation, I would not randomly be reading it in front of a camera even if a film was being produced. Also, the short interview of the same girl was ended with her drawn out sigh. Humorous, but reflecting the intention of the producer. I feel that there is a response the director is looking for out of his audience - one of questioning and shock.

I was completely disturbed by the scene where Fisher led the other counselors to go out and physically touch the seats and pray over them. I believe prayer is powerful - however this seemed to me as nothing more than show. She followed every request with "in Jesus name" as if she expected every minute detail to be granted by her request. I have to justify this by saying that it is often too easy to just ask for whatever we want: typically I think we as Christians are guilty of demanding happiness, health and wealth. However, no where in her laundry list did she ever credit God for being God and that things would be taken care of regardless of circumstances. Fisher should have closed her prayer by appropriately saying, "and my will be done..."

Where did Harry Potter come into play??? I have never read the books and I only think I have seen two of the movies, but not because they are "of Satan." I believe that the age range of children should be approached as they are: children. Pounding over-emphasized beliefs on something so irrelevant just makes Christians look bad. In fact, I think most of this video does. She exploded on these children about Harry Potter... why then?

I could go on forever about how much I disliked the over symbolic demonstrations and the whole ranting/chanting thing... no further explanation other than that was just uncomfortable to watch. There were also several assumptions as to the nature of God and projections were made that I also don't agree with. For now I will wrap up the novel I made this...

Composition Process

When I first receive a prompt, I ususally start my paper with an outline. I included major topics that I want to cover and tend to branch out supporting ideas, quotes, evidence, etc. I frequently spend a lot of time on the introduction because I feel that it is important to give the reader a good sense of where you are taking the paper and offer a reason of importance to encourage a fair assessment and spark some interest in my subject. My outline usually consists of a fully written introduction, a break-down of important topics, and a fully written conclusion.

As I begin to compose the body of an essay, I refer to any notes or comments that I made in my outline. Many times, this is where I get stuck because I know the information that I want to convey to the reader - I just don't know how to start. Sometimes I will write the main portion of the paragraph and then go back and try to make a transition between connecting paragraphs after I see what I was able to come up with. I have always found it easier to write on a topic that you are very familiar with - as I am sure most would say. However, sometimes that can be difficult, too. I have a tendency of overwhelming the reader with information that I feel is relevant to my subject, but not necessarily to the paper as a whole. When I revise my drafts I often have to look out for elaboration in the wrong areas of my essay. The most important topics need emphasis that reflects their value to my subject. Insignificant or minor support and evidence should not receive more attention in my essay than major or central thoughts and ideas. My main points should be found in larger, more detailed paragraphs. This is where I tend to stray in some of my writing...

Just as I spend a lot of time writing a satisfying introduction - I also find that an effective conclusion is very helpful to the reader and when done well, adds to the reader's understanding of the subject rather than simply summarizing and restating previous thoughts. When I read other essays I like and tend to remember the ones that have a strongly stated conclusion versus one that sums up the past few paragraphs of text. These are a few things I try to remember when I have an essay assignment.

The Appearance of Protest

This past week we looked at the Yes Men as well as the influence of punk rock culture. Appearance and perspective are key to both as the views and ideas held by the audience are shaped by their affect.

The Yes Men offer a humorous mockery of several political issues and individuals. In order to prove how abstract and manipulative some aspects of our politics can be, Andy and Mike impersonate and mock representatives from President Bush to members of the World Trade Organization. To them, appearance to their audience is important not to boost their own status, but to lower that of others. The Yes Men's intention is to make flaws and fallacies of authority figures and organizations known to the public through overemphasis and exaggeration of certain elements in the various presentations that they make worldwide. I believe that the Yes Men are unconcerned with the way they personally appear to their audiences since their cause is the focus of each event. This also allows them to be more effective and establish greater ethos in that the success of their objectives is more important than the personal recognition to gain.

Secondly, we read the article, "Punk Isn't Dead," and learned about the beginnings of the rebellious movement and how it was started. We determined that punk culture is a rebellion against authority and other social norms including, but not limited to, attitude and appearance. The punk movement encourages anti-establishment causes and prefers separation from society in dress and character. Many who fall into this category wear anything from plain dark attire to elaborate and grundgy costume-like clothing. This ususally creates a contrast against the normal attire of modern society, therefore creating the desired effect. Often those considered "punk" exhibit a carefree attitude and don't worry about the judgements of others. In addition, we also discussed how some people have jumped on the punk bandwagon and see the style simply as fashionable - not as a protest. Typically, these people do not hold the same beliefs about society and its authority, however may initially appear to be part of the rebellious statement. In many cases, the punk movement is defined by appearance, whether it is genuine or not.

PETA and the Guerrilla Girls

I do not support the ideas and beliefs of PETA, however I must add that I was rather impressed with the website in that it exceeded my expectations. When I typically think of a PETA protest I think of the naked marches and the splattered paint on others wearing fur. I think of abstact posters/billboards and other media, and I also think of very opinionated and forceful members. However, the image portrayed on the website offers a much more professional view of the organization. There are several comparisons made, and though some are taken as silly, anyone looking at the website will notice the effort that PETA makes to respectfully sway or convert the beliefs of the opposed. I was also surprised to see the organizations acceptance of an individual's transition away from meat and animal products. I believe that the official website provides a better welcome than the protestors demonstrations typically seen in news headlines.

Another example of protest that we looked at this week is the Guerrilla Girls. I was initially confused about their intentions, although it did become clear after looking at some of their billboards and flyers. I noticed that the Guerrilla Girls want to raise awareness for professional women in Hollywood. I particularly like the billboard with Trent Lott on the Oscar award. It list a couple of statistics and also includes humor with the mis-matched head on the Oscar, being that of Trent Lott who is a major political figure. The poster drew attention to the fact that more women are involved in politics than in film production. I thought it was a creative way to inform people and not be to abstract or offensive. They have found a creative way to express their feminist views in a funny way that very effective.

Thoughts on Critical Mass

First of all, I am glad I watched "We Are Traffic" before witnessing Critical Mass in action on the roadways. I think I would have a much different response had I not been informed as to what exactly is going on. Now that I have seen the short film, I feel that I have a greater appreciation not only for Critical Mass, but for bicyclists too. I think their mass organization is a protest, but I believe it can only be taken as far as the individual level. It is possible that each one involved in a ride could represent a variety of different issues that they wish to be addressed. We mentioned in previous blogs that a protest could be a group or as small as one person who grabs attention for an issue. But could it be said that Critical Mass is a combination thereof? It is hard to classify Critical Mass as something specific when it is such a "non-specific" organization. Anyone who wants to be a part of it, can, and anyone is free to ride for a reason of their own choosing. I have slightly mixed feelings about Critical Mass - I think it is a comical way to raise awareness for bicyclists, but I feel that it can also get a little out-of-hand if members randomly stray from the control of the group. Overall, I am impressed with the success of the organization, seeing that it has spread to nations overseas as a means of "celebration" for all bicyclists.

Appeal to Credibility

Ethos is very important in the argument of a protest in that support is usually gained as a result of agreement. Cindy Sheehan is one example of an individual seeking support for a cause. In order to do so she must demonstrate credibility and prove herself as a trustworthy source. I believe that she does provide credibility to her intended audience simply because she is directly involved in the issue as a result of her son's death in Iraq. The loss of her son is her primary motivation in her attack against the war efforts and other issues supported by President Bush. As a mother, she is able to relate to other parents who are concerned for the well being of there sons and daughters involved in the war. She appeals to their sense of pride, parenthood, and mourning for those who have already lost loved ones. However, she comes across to me as a rather harsh and hasty protestor. Her involvement with this issue began immediately after the loss of her son and now she claims to be running against Nancy Pelosi. Her efforts seem to be a little unorganized and I feel that many people lost interest in the story for that reason. None the less, she is still making her way into the U.S. media, so she has experienced some success even in that.

In the Malachi Ritscher case, the ultimate method to get attention for a cause was demonstrated in his self immolation. He was able to gain national attention due to the severe manner in which he protested. He took his own life to draw public attention. This may be a successful way to get attention, but I believe it is a terrible way to protest. I believe that more can be accomplished when living. In his case, he could have alternately used music to protest his beliefs as many muscians take advantage of today. Ritscher lost credibility with many reporters and analysts, as seen in their critical commentary. They claim that his death was not necessary and inappropriate. Malachi Ritscher did gain attention, but protesting itself needs more than attention to accomplish the end result.

Appeals in Film and Speech

As I think back to the two film clips we watched I easily noticed the logostical appeals present. Testimonials, the first-hand accounts of certain events of the civil rights movement appealed to the viewer's logic in that it serves as evidence, to some degree, of the given actions. The films display scences of marches, picketts, and even sit-ins to demonstrate the non-violent manner in which many African Americans protested their limited rights within American society. Also present were examples of pathetic appeal, as images ran across the screen showing peaceful protestors physically harmed and imprisoned for their demonstrations. As a result, the viewer feels pitty for those peacefully protesting and likely has sympathy for the victims. I believe that the clips encourage the viewers to re-think previously held judgements and consider the positive progress in civil rights made by the individuals of the protests.

The speech made by Stokely Carmichael is another example of how appeals can influence the perspective of an audience. He establishes the fact that he is a proven leader and effective organizer as he states his involvement with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), thereby gaining not only the trust, but also the respect from his audience. His appeal to his own credibility strengthen his argument and allow the audience to maintain confidence in his agruments and claims.

Fannie Lou Hamer's speech also establishes ethical appeals as she offers a first hand account of her beatings and physical abuse. Her audience is very likely to believe her story and therefore they will be more receptive to her claims. Hamer also demonstrates her ability to apply pathetic appeals in her speech as she describes the harshness and brutality she faced while imprisioned. I think that sympathy and a desire for change is stirred in those that she speaks to and is a consequence of her articulation and basic diction.

Belief...

I believe in a favorite pair of jeans and don't believe in lending them out. I believe in laughing on days that end in "y" and hot chocolate on the rainy ones. I believe in walking the extra mile and turning the other cheek, even if you don't have to. I don't believe you will get everything you want, but I do believe that if you look hard enough you will find. I believe actions speak louder than words and don't believe that words are always exact. The game of golf is either the most rewarding or frustrating sport you will ever play. To this, I believe the short game is greater than the long game. I believe that votes can make a difference and pointless online surveys are a waste of time. If you can fill one hand with a group of close friends you are fortunate and if you make friends wherever life takes you, you have nothing to lose. I believe in road trips and calling "shot-gun." I believe in the color orange. I believe in frequent buyer punch cards and don't believe in waiting to redeem them. I believe serving in our communities builds character and respect. I believe in the Houston Rodeo and don't believe in playing games with Ticketmaster to get in. Clint Eastwood is western movies and Brittney Spears has seen way too much of the spotlight. I believe in a great hand of cards and knowing gold when you see it.

What is a protest?

A protest must begin with a disagreement. There must be a conflict in beliefs or ideas that cause enough outrage to encourage supporters to voice their opinions. A protest is in many ways a response that warrents a reaction from a specific audience. They can be initiated by individuals opposing other individuals or groups against groups and could involve a combination thereof.

Protests themselves are more often than not a reflection of the protestor's beliefs or the change they desire. One popular example of this is the monk that lit himself on fire to protest the unnessary loss of life during the Vietnam War. His own protest mirrored his message. Another could include Rosa Parks, who started the civil right movement as she sat in a designated "white" seat on a city bus to portray her belief that black is equal to white and skin color should not determine our judgements of others. These are both instances where individuals protested to gain attention for a cause. In addition to these, groups of united protestors can draw just as much if not more attention to a particular cause. Large groups are often successful in getting the attention of the mass media and thus a society, due to the quantity and location of the people. The March on Washington is widely known as well as the more recent gatherings of anti-war and PETA supporters. Not only is the amount of people important to gain attention, but location is key, too. For instance, if a group wants to protest a piece of legislation, a city hall or other prominent city building would offer the protestors the most leverage in their pursuit of change.

To be successful, I believe that protestors must find a way to be intimidating to their audience. This does not have to include violent actions. If protestors intimidate their audience either by raising sufficient support or physically pose a threat, the intended audience is forced to respond in some way. Substantial boycotts can encourage a change in price or manufacturing process of a product. Large marches show widening support of an opinion and demand a higher level of respect if nothing more, from the audience. Overall, protests can be very effective if the appropriate attention is gained from the action.