The Medium is the Message: An Inventory of Effects

Social Media

Social Media has changed the way of all aspects of communication. sites such as Facebook, Twitter, snapchat,  Youtube, and Instagram have provided platforms for anybody and everybody to broadcast their voices over an international platform. Anybody and everybody can voice their opinion freely and frequently and has changed the way we view privacy. Since the social media age, people have been eager to document every moment of their  life to the public, some have even been able to make careers through making "v-logs" on platforms such as youtube. People are much more open about their lives and people are much more interested in the lives of others. Privacy has become a figment of the past. However the ability to produce and put out content to the public has freed creatives. People no longer need to get contracts with corporations in order to publish work. Media stars such as Ryan Higa been able and "Michell Phan" have been able to develop companies as a result of youtube.

Also social media has changed the way we process information. We have become developed to short format content and shorter attention spans because we are constantly bombarded with content. News has also drastically changed as well. The internet has led to the pop up of numerous news outlets that are free to warp information as they please leading the massive spread of false information. However media has also given power back to the public. Smartphones has made it easy for us to document information and social media has allowed us to put said info online. Flaws in law enforcement have been exposed and has generated conversations about our judicial system. Media has allowed to the quick and mass spread of content, content that is termed "viral."

A New Short Story: Look Out, The Saints Are Coming Through

1. what is your reaction to the text you justified?

This interesting narrative that jumps straight to the climax, then shifts to events leading put to the incident and events after. It feels like a snippet of a person's life and feels unresolved. My reaction to the story is a mixture of confusion and curiosity. What led the character to violence? His background is kind of vague and feel that here is no genuine emotional build up to explain his action. He does state that he was in a " unfocused" state of mind and going through the motions but that does not settle well for me.  It seems so random,  a choice done on a whim and that bothers me because he lacks character motivation.  We never get into the character' mind after the aftermath, we only see the resulting events after.

2. what connections did you make with the story? Discuss the elements of the work with which you were able to connect.

From my understanding this is a story about a high profile couple, the husband being a famous singer. It documents the good old days, when he first met, marriage, and the spiral downhill after killing a man and find the wife foolish, good natured but ignorant.  Although the text mentions his history of fighting in several wars, which probably affected his cognitive decision making abilities, he still deserves to be punished.  His past should be taken into consideration he ultimately deserves to be jailed, as the crime is too heinous to be overlooked. The wife is fool for believing that drugs were the answer to solve woos and for believing that you should embrace a person for all that they are, by overlooking their flaws. Yes,  people are not perfect but part of loving someone is looking out for their best interest. Indifference is approval, by feigning ignorance, she helped his continual spiral downward. However it is important to note that he as an individual has sole responsibility for his actions and should own up to them. I lacked empathy for the characters because it all seems so shallow; the character loos through the with an idealistic, romantic, and shallow sense. They feel immature an un-responsbile, they never face issues head on. The husband indulges in drugs and alcohol while the wife turns a blind eye to their deteriorating life. Unfortunately, I struggle to relate to these characters.

3. What changes would you work to adopt this story to another medium? What medium would you use? What changes would you make?

I would retell this story as a graphic novel as a lot the story includes vivid imagery. I would simplify the text to focus on the monologue and turn the landscape descriptions into pictures.

Curate Yourself: Documentary HUMANS + Blog: Humans of New York

An important media series that everybody should watch is the documentary "HUMAN." It is movie documenting of first person interview of over 2000 people in 60 counties. Individuals are asked the same set of 40 questions covering topics such as, " marriage, poverty, and sexuality." Unlike Humans of New York, names and locations are not disclosed, providing, minimizing cultural bias as the project seeks to highlight our similarities rather than our differences. It is a brutally honest glimpse of the living conditions and the  struggle of people around the world  The series is free on youtube and is translated in 11 different languages, allowing easy access to it's content.  I first saw this series at a special screening at Ringing's academic center auditorium last year.  It is tear jerker so prepare the tissues but it is crucial that we for people watch the series. In a world divided by "boarders" and governments and groups eager to divide and manipulate us for personal gain, empathy is easily forgotten and this series helps us bring us back together.

A nice work that others could read as well is Humans of NewYork. New York is international melting pot where cultures and people of all walks of life can be found.  It is an ongoing blog told by "us", people. Brandon Stanton, the owner of the blog combines street photogpraghy and interviews of random people he meets, giving us a glimpse of the diversity of people.

It is important to note that because it is curated by a single person, Humans of New York is inevitable bias towards the author's views. Also one may argue that "New York" culture may also homogenize the the views and statements of the people.  Stanton may also  gravitate towards a genre of people or people themselves may recognize him and curate their answers to be idealist then realistic but the concept is still genuine. His work has inspired many to start up their own "Humans" series allowing us to have a better understanding of people who are different from us. It is so easy to alienate and separate ourselves from others, and the human project reminds us to be emphatic to our fellow humans.

documentary HUMANS (part 1) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdb4XGVTHkE

Humans of NewYork Blog: https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork/

Tetris: Games as a Medium

History books should just be written in graphic novel formats. Well the downside is, you don't get as much facts but they are so fun to read. Tetris, the games people play by Box Brown was a great read. It took a a complex and intertwined history and simplified it to the core facts. Tetris had quite a wild distribution history. Originally a free underground past time in the Soviet Union while a explosive monetary game to the rest of the free market world, the contrast is funny. 

In term of my favorite game and games as a literature medium hmmmm... I am not a gamer but I do enjoy like many people the classics, Tetris, Pac Man, Mario, etc.... The simplicity of these games makes them easy and addictive. 

This is probably the first graphic novel I have owned and i really loved this story. I also really enjoyed Asterious Polyp as we'll and plan to buy a book of it as well.  I also happened go to a demo talk with an illustration senior with an interest in graphic novels. So this is definitely a medium I plan to explore over the summer. 

Media' Influence: Ready Player One

Ready Player One was more of critque of contemporary issues fused with growing technological advances. A country striken with mass wealth inequality and governments controlled by private business. It portrayed a distopic media addicted society, a future that America may be heading towards. As other first world countries are taking strides in reducing oil consumption and investing in renewable energy, we are going backwards...

In this books world, The OASIS is king, the world revolves around the OASIS, the ultimate form for escape. People are addicted to the OASIS and spend ever waking hour hooked up. We already see this technology addicted behavior in modern day society. People are constantly walking with their eyes glued to their phone and ears plugged in with headsets. When people go out and see something interesting, they take a picture, post it on Instagram, and forget about it.

The book tackles key contemporary issues that we should all be paying more attention to! Government (Big Brother, cyber security, and privacy are hot topics both in Wade Watts world and our world as well. Our current president has attempted to make it legal to buy our citizen's internet history and has recently demanded the private information of "alt-government twitter accounts." As our world is becoming more and more digitalized, privacy may become an old age concept. In the end Wade Watt wins, beating the evil IOI headquarters.

WIP

Reading the Multi Model Narrative: Asterios Polyp

Asterios Polyp by David Mazzucchelli

This was probably my favorite read so far! I am not familiar with comics so what I find unique or interesting may actually be common in the genre. The most striking part of the Asterious Polyp was the stories content, which tackled midlife crisis, social relations, and intimacy. At least within mainstream media, comics are associated with heroes and only heroes so this was a surprising and refreshing read for myself. 

 Mazuuchelli did a fabulous job balancing formal content with imagery. He was able take a typcially anti climactic subject matter and make it intrguing. He pushed how comic books should look and feel, by going with a abstract editorial style, straying from the common realistic pop art look favored by most graphic novels. His decision to use color and texture to reveal a character's state of mind instead of words was far more impactful. In my storyboarding and CA class we are always told " Don't say it, Show it." as visual cues are always stronger then verbal ones.

The ending was so cyanical it was humorous. It just came so randomly that it looked like an afterthought but overall and incredibly enjoyable read. Mazuuchelli 

Voice and Auteur Theory

Director Federico Fellini 

Las Strada (1954)

Juliet of the Spirits (1965)

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EDIT (3/27/17) :

After today's class discussion I realized I misinterpreted the prompt, " Do you believe in authorship." I understood authorship as whether I not do you believe one can distinguish a directors "voice or style" rather than do you think a director has "sole" authorship over the direction of a film. My answer is I do not believe in "authorship" as film is an extremely collaborative effort. Although the director does have massive influence over the look of a film, there are other roles that deserve just as much credit as the director.

We talked about the influence of screen writers, actors, and producers and their impact on the voice of the film. In America, both actors and directors are glorified and recognized for their efforts , while casting a shadow on other significant contributors such as the screen writer!  Speaking of the "look" or feel of the film, lots of this is achieved by the technical crew or VFX artist. Nowadays, live action and animated films are so heavily dependent on great special effects, that there is not a scene that has not been touched up, wether we realize it or not. A scene as simple as a character looking into their reflection requires VFX, to cover up the reflection of the camera.

So I believe that "sole authorship" is false and the celebration of directors as "authors" is disproportionate to the amount of influence they have on the film. Media and People have a tendency to forgot or ignore that film is a collaborative production  and there should greater recognition of screen writers, producers, and VFX artists as potential "co-authors."

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Within the two films I have watched by Fellini, I find similar archetype he uses for his  protagonist. They are female characters with ignorant personalities who learn the cruelties of life. Their immunity to the injustice of the world crumbles as they are forced to face reality.  Both films happen to use the same actress as the protagonist,  Guiletta Masina; who I found out is also Fellini's wife. Both film's protagonist lack independence as they are both oppressed by a dominating male figure.  In La Strada,  Gelsomina was forced to be Zampano's side show assent. In Juliet of the Spirits,  Giulietta lived for her husband. In some ways both women were able escape and gain some form of freedom in the end. This basic pattern  of ignorance, realization, and action may be a signature of Fellini.

Another note that characterizes the director's style is the sharp disorienting cuts he uses to jump from scene to scene. However this is more likely due to his lack of skill....

Director Jim Jarmusch

Deadman (1995)
Mystery Train (1989)
Down by Law (1986)

All of these films have several themes in common that speaks to Jarmusch's interests and signature. They all include travel and outlaws. Each film also includes either protagonists or major characters that with foreigners.
The settings of all the films are set in old western towns.  Characters also share similar dynamics. In all three of these works, they are stories about conflicting but inseparable duo. As the story progresses the audience and the pair  learns more about themselves as they progress through challenges in their journey. By including foreigners, it allows for and element of surprise as the foreigner goes against the audience and other character's expectations.
Characters also share similar goals, they are seeking escape. In Deadman, a guilty accountant wishes to escape death, Mystery Train is about a couple seeking new experiences , and Down by the Law would escape from imprisonment.
The films point of view is from an outsiders perspective.  Deadman including Native Americans, Mystery Train includes has tourists as protagonists, and Down by law centers around criminals. Jarmsuch's work also has as similar tone and story format. The audience also treated as an outsider as well, we are never allowed into he character's head but serve as silent observers.  There is a wondering feeling about his stories as they do not appear to be plot driven. All of his character come from low income backgrounds and the character explore those impoverished areas. Characters also are together not out of choice but of circumstance and are forced to stay together because of these circumstances. 

The Graduate

This was a pretty wild story. 

Costume Designer
As a costume designer I would attempt to dress the characters to subliminally reflect not       only their age and social status but their character as well. 

Benjamin Braddock: Geek. I would try to convey a feeling of awkwardness and introversion. I imagine he wears ill fitting suits to that need to be tailored. For a day to day look I imagine washed out graphic t-shirts with loose high wasted jeans secured with a belt.

The ultimate home wrecker. A legend, the one who gets both the mother and daughter. He dressed as expected, classic geek. 

Mr. Braddock: Slim man who wears fitted grey suits to formal events and polos and cacky's for casual wear. 

Classy ignorant dad who has no idea what is going on in hi son's life. 

Mrs. Braddock: I imagine she wears cardigans and flow t-shaped skirts with pumps. A gentle demeanor with natural make up. 

A mother with good intuition and a classy dresser as well. 

Mrs. Robinson: A classy lady who wears velvet dresses and pearl necklaces. I imagine a Breakfast at Tiffany's look with dramatic eyeliner and mascara. 

Ms. Robinson's wardrobe was sleek and sultry. Her evening outfits were usually knee length skirts and dresses with signature translucent stockings. Her appearance and demeanor were fare more depressed then I had expected. She appeared to be a worn out women filled with regret and desperately trying to rekindle her youth, a vain attempt to take back her college years.

Mr. Robinson: A burley gentlemen who wears  large camel colored suits with ties. I imagine he golfs not the weekend and wears loose polos with cacky colored shorts

Mr. Robinson dressed up as the classy gentlemen I imagined him to be. Even though Mr. Robinson was distraught about his wife's affair I felt that he too may have been guilty of cheating as well. In the first act, he abandoned his wife at Braddock party and seemed indifferent and oblivious to his wife's activities.

Elaine Robinson: Preppy smart look. She wears short button up shirts with plaid skirts. 

She dressed a little more casual and was a lot dumber than I expected. For an academic with a solid level of intellect she has a terrible taste in men.

Carl Smith: Smart Jock. Fitted Polo shirts and washed out jeans. Bomber jacket and sneakers

I got Carl all wrong. He dresses very smart with a full suit and tie. A classy young man.  A guy with brains, manners, and a bright future, I have no idea why Elaine would choose Benjamin over him. Why would she choose the creep who took her to a strip club on the first date and slept with her mom???? 

The Goose Father

Theoretical Screenplay Outline: Essential Moments

Personal Commentary

This was fresh read with a  protagonist that differs from the usual adventure and fantasy books I read. A story about a older man facing both a mid-life crisis and identity crises was quite interesting. It had a nice ending where as the boy helps our protagonist learn to accept himself and start living life on his terms. 

Contributors: Amanda Jow, Ga Young Choi , Natalie Palumbo

Gilho is sent his family in America so they could live a better life

He has stayed back in Korea to support his family as an accountant

He is lonely and searches for his roommate

Introduction to Wuseong and the goose

Gilho is baffled and insulted by the Goose b/c of the reference to “Goose Fathers”

Gilho is going out to the balcony to relax but is assaulted by the Goose

Gilho goes to the kitchen and is surprised by a lavish home cooked meal

Wuseong mentions he has read Gilho’s first poetry book

Wuseong says he is not fond of people but likes Gilho

Wuseong is gifted has many interests and talents but dropped out of college

Expansion of Wuseong character, cleans the floor with sponge

Gilho claims that the goose is his mother’s reincarnation

Conversation about Re-incarnation

Guilho’s disinterest in women and it hints at his sexuality

Gulho and Wuseong go to the Karaoke

*Wueseong leans in to kiss Guilho, but Guilho slaps him

Wueseong leaves the apartment without any notice

Gilho calls up his friends to go drinking

Gilho steps out and is approached by two prostitutes, and one of them reminds him of Wueseong

Gilho and friends go out to eat BBQ with his friends

The reminesnce about the past, criticize the young for having it easy but envy them as well

Gilhos looks over at the owner’s pet pig and wonders if the animal smells his own kind’s flesh

The old men are all facing similar family situations

Gilho goes back to his apartment carrying his drunken friend and sees Wuseong

There is a scuffle as his friend had tried to pluck one of the Goose’s feather

Gilho goes out apphrend the Goose and defend his friend

He grabs the Goose by the neck and contemplates killing the Goose

He goes back to sleep and wakes up to a full moon

Last Scene

Gilho goes out to the Balcony and sees Wueseong and the Goose.

However when he looks at the Goose he momentarily sees a spiritual form of women hinting that Wuesong is not crazy

Gilho finally accepts himself and embraces his sexuality and self

Shows Gilho gently putting his hand on Wuesong face and fades to black

Ready Player One

Ready Player One seemed like an accurate glimpse into the short future, a future that will problem arrive even sooner then the books predicts. We are encountering worsening states of poverty, global warming, and energy shortages. The obsession with escaping reality is already prevalent today. Before the internet, people did drugs, now people play games like SIMs, and in the future virtual reality will make escaping the real world all the more easier.   The book was a great read with lots o social commentary that I found both amusing and horrifyingly true.  Particularly Wades opinion on politics, I found having already come into fruition," Besides, now that everyone could vote from home, via the OASIS, the only people who could get elected were movie stars, reality TV personalities, or radical televangelists. (p.202) "

Set Designer

The Book did a superb job in providing plenty of visual commentary for Wades world. I can clearly imagine the overcrowded trailer park Wade grew up in. I an envision clear walls dividing the poor from he rich. I imagine somewhat of post apocalyptic-cyber world with near non-existant middle class, just the wealth, the poor, and the homeless. I imagine mounds of trash and junk metal surrounding low income communities, wastelands of trash.  


Wade's stacked trailer home apartment may look like this but there would be dozens of them, packed as close together as possible, similar to a metropolitan city ...




When Wade was describing the homeless communities he passed by while relocating to a apartment complex I immediately thought about America in the 1930's. This time period was the 21st century version of The Great Depression and the Dustbowl. I envision cyber Hoovervilles surrounding the outskirt of every city. 

For the evil IOI headquarters, I can see this obnoxious sky scraper standing piercing the sky. It be surrounded by a smaller but high rise buildings where the rest of wealthy percenters would work and live.

Stephen Zweig's Influence on West Anderson

I read the first three stories of the short story collection of Stephen Zweig and see a clear visual interpretation of his work in West Anderson's films. 

Zweig is not cheap when it comes to the details, his work is incredibly descriptive, waiting a clear picture of his characters and the world's they inhabit. Like Zweig, Anderson also ensures the audience has a clear visual understanding of the film's world, through numerous open wide shots showcasing the spaces the character inhabit.  Anderson composes his shots as if they were illustrations rather then moving film, each frame is shows a flat dynamic compositions more suitable for a painting rather than a movie.

Besides the Visual content of the film, The Grand Budapest Hotel also draws resemblance to Zweig's story format. All of his character appear to live in an ignorant and happy state of being only to have reality hit them and end their stories with a bittersweet note, which makes his work very appealing. I greatly enjoy Zweig's stories and their endings as they are not a hundred percent sad or happy. His stories have a nice dosage of reality to them, which makes them incredibly satisfying to read. 

Forgotten Dreams

In the Snow

The Miracles of Life

Dew Breaker

What does the work reveal about the ooperations (economically, politically, socially, or psychologically) of patriarchy?

I read the first four stories of the Dew Breaker and am beginning to connect the dots between the three stories. The first story ( The Book of the Dead) was about a family. In terms of social dynamics the father appeared to be in control although his power was not overbearing. He treats his daughter gently but asserts his dominance when need be. He appears to be withered man, with a violent past that he has tried to separate himself from both geographically and psychologically.

The second Story (Water Child)  was maybe about the husband from the previous story, before the couple had their daughter. The husband plays the leading role in their relationship.  A foreigner in America, and without a job, the wife is completely reliant on her husband.

With the  third Story (Seven), I had trouble relating to the character  but pity her as she lost a child that she cannot publicly grieve for. Considering the baby was conceived out of wedlock, she would only receive backlash from her co-workers and parents. Her cold personality makes me think she may suffer from depression as she appears to have no hobbies or interests and is just going through the motions in life.

The fourth story (Book of Miracles) was interesting to see the mother's perspective on family. The first story was through the daughter's viewpoint. The internal struggle the father and mother go through, fugitives whose identity they must keep hidden to both the outside world and too their own daughter is both intriguing and tragic



- WIP

Short Stories

1) How are relationships between men and woman ( or character assuming male/female roles)     portrayed in the story?
2) What are the power relationships between men and women in the text?
3) How are male and female roles defined?

1984 - "Lust" by Susan Minot 

I enjoyed the formatting of the story and the character's evolving perspective on sex as she looks at her history of past lovers. In her experience, the power of the relationship shifted from herself to her male counterpart. In the begging she relished in her femininity and took pride in her sexual exploits but towards the end of the piece her viewpoint drastically changes. She finds those flings empty and superficial and feels used.  At the end, " men" appear to have the upper hand as they achieve the "goal" and want nor more from her while she aspires for both a psychological and physical relationship

1894 " Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

Considering the time period and the context of the story, women had minimal control of their lives. Their husband was ruler of the house and wife would be submissive to his actions. The protaonist's feeling of joy upon hearing of her husbands "death" and her extreme reaction to his unexpected return suggests her dissatisfaction for marriage.

1966 - "Where are you Going' Where have you been" by Joyce Carol Oates

This was a pretty dark and creepy tale with what I found to be an irritating ending. Men in this world have full control of the women, as the main character of the piece is feels compelled to obey a male predator against her will. Without ever touch her, the antagonist successfully pressures the girl to  submissively follow his orders, portraying male dominance. I found the ending annoying as I felt that the girl was incredibly weak willed and cowardly in her mannerism. The author claims that the story was pro-feminism, as the protagonist bravely sacrifice  herself to save her family was not properly portrayed. I felt that instead of valiantly sacrificing herself, the protagonist had an unmotivated psychological episode with a sudden loss of dignity, portraying women as mentally fragile and very anti-feminist.

"Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid

This was a nice piece, revealing the never ending restrictions and rules imposed on women by listing them out one by one. It highlights the clear gender bias between males and females, and reveals the strict lives women are forced to lead in order to be "proper."Men have far more freedom in this world than women. 

My Ideal SuperHero

The Secret History of Wonder Women
            
My Ideal women super hero would be

Benevolent: People are too greedy and lack compassion for their fellow man. Instead they go through life with the mentality, " if the problem does not affect me, it is not a problem."

Strong: Breaking gender stereotypes that women are physically weak, reversing the popular negative slogan " you play like a girl."

Open Minded: As public figure, she has mass influence over the populace. Many of people will look upon her as a role model and her actions can help encourage proper behavior.

Ambitious: Being a super hero is a hard job, one needs to have a strong mindset in order to fulfill this duty.

Intelligent: Brains and brawn work as a team!

True Grit: Western Genre

True Grit was a pleasant read with with an appealing protagonist. I am not too familiar with Western genre films and books. However with what knowledge i know about westerns I found that True Grit was not too cliche and well written novel, with  well developed characters that readers could truly love or hate. I found Mattie to be a fun character and I admire her stubborn personality although that was also her Achilles heel. Her reckless behavior and blunt determination to continue her journey with Labeouf and Coburn even after experiencing several close calls ultimately led to the loss of her arm. Her  hot headed and ignorance to danger does make sense considering her sheltered upbringing. 

When it comes to Westerns and Cliches, I think of bank heists, gun fights, show downs, and cowboys. True Grit had all these aspects of classic western but in modest amounts as none of the actions listed above were pivotal events in the story. However like a classic a western themes of morality, dignity, and revenge fueled the  story. Although not a man of a clean background Rooster Coburn was a decent man as he kept his promise to Mattie and watched over her to the very end. Surprisingly LaBoeuf, a man with a more noble past then Rooster was more of a brute as he was eager to get rid of her and even whipped her at one point! Even among scoundrels and bandits, they too showed a hint of morality. Lucky Ned Pepper showed a reluctance to harm Mattie as he only resorted to violence when it was "necessary." The social dynamics of the book, the individual hero against the protagonist (the group) is reflective of American values. The United States prides itself on the individual, the rebel, the free one and True grit embodies those core attributes our country glorifies. 

The time period of the western is unusual to the typical Western. Instead of taking place in early times when the West was "wild" the time period is towards the end of the era. There is no glorification of the wildness and  lack of the law. Everything takes a more subdued and realistic pacing to the book. One aspect of the story that stray from the stereotypical western genre film or book was their portrayal of Native Americans. Instead of being antagonist in the film they were portrayed as people who had already assimilated to their society. The usage of a strong headed female protagonist also deviated from the typical Western, which typical show a male outlaw as the main character. The book also further deviates from the portrayal of women in general, as it transcends gender stereotypes.  When someone says you like guns better then dolls, she says she does not like guns but is using a gun in because it is necessary for her to achieve her goals. 

"True Grit" is truly a story about grit. Its portrayal of living in the west seemed believable. Living int he west is tough and the character truly had to have quite a bit of grit to have overcome the many obstacles and adversities they faced. 

Pride and Prejudice: Relevance to Contemporary Relationships?

Since the production of Pride and Prejudice in the 1800's our views and customs on marriage have changed considerably although its portrayal of people and social behavior still rings true. The name of the book " Pride and Prejudice" reflects how the characters sense of " pride" and prejudice" jade their ability to pass proper judgment on others. Characters are quick to pass judgment on others and are reluctant to acknowledge their mistakes, lingering in denial due to pride.  Jane had assumed Mr. Wickman was a good fellow because he was well mannered and thought Darcy a person of low character  because of his lack of manners. When Wikman spoke poorly of Darcy, she never doubted the man for a second assuming her first impression of Darcy was a definitive reflection of his character. It took her awhile before she took a moment to think that all her information of Darcy's misdeeds was second hand information from a single source who had no true credibility. Her eagerness to rely on first impressions and drawing far fetched conclusions from it can be seen today. People have a tendency to be quick to judge and eager to approve of or find evidence to support their ideas. Many people like Jane are eager formulate opinions, gullible to "information", and quick to pass judgment on others. I myself of misjudging others and being misjudged just as well. It is thing to do and I actively try to withhold my opinions of others, keep an open mind, and continually question the authenticity and reliability of information that I may hear.

The books portrayal of courtship and how courtship is performed today is very different. During those times coursthip was strictly reserved for the men. Even nowadays there is the expectation that men are to be the pursuers and not the pursued persists. However how we go about courtship and marriage has drastically changed. Courtship was heavily regulated social affair. Matrimony also appeared to be more of a business transaction rather than an act of love.  There was extensive references to connections and people's compatibility was more heavily influenced by social status rather than character. An example of this was Ms. Catherine's outright disapproval of the idea of her nephew, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth marrying.  Darcy came from a prestiogus family while Elizabeth did not.  Her "connections" and wealth were far inferior to her fiancee's. Individuals, in my opinion never had any extensive time or opportunity to get to know someone before committing to them. All three girls, Elizabeth, Laura, and Jane had only been acquainted with their husbands for about a year before marrying them.

Nowadays people are more inclined to take their time before committing to a partner. In contemporary western culture social status and connections are not nearly as important as social compadibility.  How we choose our partners and our views of marriage have drastically changed since the 1800s. Back in the day it was expected a women marry, it was their duty in life to do so. Nowadays marriage is not as heavily emphasized or rushed. People take their time before signing the papers.  Although people are still pressured to get married, it is not as heavily enforced as it once was.

Prologue

Hi!

My name is Amanda Jow and I am a native Californian. I was born in San Francisco but moved to nearby city called Millbrae when I was a toddler. Being so close to the city I would go there once if not twice a week to enjoy the cities numerous parks, restaurants, and art museums. Growing up in such a culturally diverse community has played a large influence of how I see and interact with the world.

As I a child quiet and socially awkward so I preferred activities that I could do by myself. So  reading became one of my favorite activities, only second to art. In middle school I read so much, my eyes would sometimes blur from staring at tiny text from hours on end.  My favorite genres at the time were mystery and adventure.  Starting high school I began to stop reading for fun. Having decided to pursue art professionally I neglected my previous passion for reading, only reading the handful of books that were assigned for school. The books listed for this class seem interesting and span a variety of genres, particularly the wonder women book!  I am excited to start reading again and hopefully this class will be the push I need to re-commit myself to reading for fun again.