Hollywood Gets Lost in Translation

In class we talked about how it is difficult to translate words into another language because words can have more than one meaning, idioms don't make sense, and certain words have dimensions.  According to an article I read in USA Today, movie titles are getting lost in translation in other countries.  In Mexico, people are lining up in theaters to see The Knight of the Night, known in the US as The Dark Knight.  When translating movie titles, Hollywood caters to their audience.  For example, the movie Knocked Up has entirely different titles across the world.  In Roman Catholic Peru, the movie is titled Slightly Pregnant, but in China the movie is bluntly labeled One Night, Big Belly.  Below is the full article from USA Today..while reading it consider, are words really "lost in translation?" and does language carry culture?

Hollywood Gets Lost in Translation Article 

Power: Oni

The source of wind, power, and life all falls under the name Oni, whose name originates from the Taiga tribe.  Wind is significant throughout the entire novel.  The author displays the power of wind during the hurricane, the uncertainty of wind when Omishto is out on the boat in the fog, and life the wind is able to give, which is explained in the Taiga version of the creation story.  Wind is everywhere, but it is not visible.  This belief in wind and the knowledge we have of it brings a question to mind.  Why do we have such an easy time believing in wind, but such a difficult time believing in God?  Both God and wind are invisible, so neither fall under the "seeing is believing" category.  One might answer that we believe in wind because its effects are visible, such as the debris it carries after a hurricane.  But can't we see the effects of God as well?  Miracles happen everyday and they are visible signs of God's love for us.  Personally, I feel that God and wind are intertwined.  When I look for visible and tangible signs of God, I think of nature and all of the beauties within.  While God breathes life into each individual, the wind sustains the natural world by giving off oxygen and other chemicals living things need to survive.  After reflecting on the novel, I have discovered that the importance of Oni in the traditions and beliefs of the Taiga tribe parallels the significant role God plays in my life.  

Extra Credit: Rethinking Nonprofit Jobs

With the tight job market and struggling economy, college students face the fears of the workforce when they graduate.  Current experienced business workers are faced with the issues of merging positions, laying off workers, and pay freezes.  The competition to land a steady job is cutthroat to say the least.  The situation for young people applying for jobs for the first time will be quite difficult.  Many college students are considering attending grad school in order to wait out the bad economy.  The most important thing for both employees and managers to consider is that the best solutions will come if they can consider alternate ways to get the jobs done.  It is important for all college students to have impressive resumes in order to land a job.  In a nonprofit organization, it is beneficial to have volunteer work and community service listed on your resume.  The college seniors looking to find a job in a nonprofit organization should be volunteering around their community during their last semesters in order to increase their likelihood  of getting a job in the field they want.

Personally, I am thrilled that I am not a senior.  I hope that the economy has thrived by the time I graduate.  I am thankful that I have the opportunity to learn about ways in which I can go about landing a job; it never hurts to be prepared for the worst!

Below is a video I found on YouTube about a nonprofit workshop on interviewing and resume writing.  Check it out seniors!

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Power

While studying Power in class, the topic of creation stories came up.  I began to compare and contrast the Taiga's creation story with the creation story from the Bible.  The Taiga's creation story centers around panthers.  Both the Taigas and Catholics respect and admire a divine-like being.  The Taigas believe that the panther is a symbol of power and strength, and they look to the panther in times of need.  Omishto recalls that the scrape of the panther claw can cure sickness and disease.  The Catholics have a symbol of strength as well: God.  Catholics seek God for advice and lean on Him during times of despair.  Both the panther and God are sought after for their gifts of healing.  

The topic of creation stories also led me to philosophically ponder what belief truly is.  Both the Catholics and the Taigas center their religion around belief.  There is not factual evidence that God created the world, nor are there facts about the rebirth of panthers.  So what leads either group of followers to believe?  Faith.  In order to believe in something, one must have faith that it is true.  Although there are countless religions and belief systems, one uniting factor is that we all want to have faith in something or other.  We have a natural desire to place our trust in something, whether or not we have evidence to back it up.

Below is a song written by John Mayer called "Belief".  The song includes the lyrics..take a look!!   

Power

Thus far, I have enjoyed Linda Hogan's literary style in her novel Power.  I noticed that figurative language and description are two stylistic elements that the author uses in her text.  Omishto, the inquisitive narrator of the story, pays particularly close attention to details in nature.  She describes her surroundings vividly and brings the natural world to life by using metaphors, similes, and imagery.  It seems that Omishto feels more at home in the natural world than in her modernized home.

Lucy

While reading Lucy, I noticed that the main character has quite a few flashbacks.  The stories she tells of her past are significant to her individuality.  The character uses storytelling techniques as a way to show others her past, but also to claim her own history.  According to a website I found from the University of North Texas, storytelling is a common motif in identify formation across the diverse cultures of the Caribbean.  I think that the author of Lucy presents the flashbacks in a fluid way.  The author wrote in a way in which the reader can get a sense of what Lucy is going through and what triggers certain memories.  I think that storytelling helps form Lucy's identity.  It also helps her come to terms with her past by expressing her emotions out loud.

This Blessed House Part 2

Towards the end of class we began to discuss performances and whether or not we are always performing for others.  According to Wikipedia, a performance generally comprises an event in which one group of people (the performer or performers) behave in a particular way for another group of people (the audience).  I feel that I can state with confidence that every individual, at one time or another, has put on a show in order to cater to another's needs.  Some performances are carried out because of the person's free will, such as acting in a play.  Other performances are forced unwillingly upon people; students must write formal papers in order to make the grade in certain classes.  The more difficult question is whether or not people are always performing.  Although I have an opinion, I cannot give a factual correct answer to this question.  I believe that whether or not a person constantly performs depends on their personality.  

In "This Blessed House", Sanjeev is concerned with outer appearance.  People like Sanjeev, uptight and prim and proper, are more likely to think about what other people think of them.  People categorized under this "box-like" personality are probably performers, showing other people what they want to see.  Twinkle, however, with her carefree personality, would probably be less likely to put on a show for others because she is happy just the way she is.  Other "squiggle-like" personality types would also be less likely to be in a constant state of performing. 

This Blessed House

Sanjeev and Twinkle's love for one another seems to be up for debate throughout the story.  Sanjeev was single, making a hefty income, and was pressured by his parents to pursue a marriage.  When he met Twinkle he was financially prepared and he had finally reached a time in his life where he could settle down and share his life with someone.  Sanjeev found a convenient home for the two of them to live in "...together, forever" (145).  The excitement of finding a wife and a home distracted Sanjeev from the reality of the flaws and downfalls to his future. 

The home and Twinkle share similar characteristics.  Sanjeev is attracted to both the home and his wife, but once the outer beauty has worn off and the interior is revealed, neither seem desirable to Sanjeev.  Twinkle's initial luster fades when Sanjeev discovers her carefree demeanor.  Twinkle is not the "ideal" housewife; she cooks what she wants and cleans when she has the urge to do so.  This lackadaisical attitude sharply contrasts Sanjeev's rigid manor and attention to cleanliness.  The knickknacks left behind by the previous owners of the house anger Sanjeev and his view of a perfect home is crushed.  He is Hindu and does not want symbols of any other religion displayed in his home.

It seems that Sanjeev liked the idea of having a wife and a home so much that he failed to anticipate the negative aspects that followed his marriage.  It is clear that Sanjeev and Twinkle have contrasting attitudes, and certain things Twinkle does gets under Sanjeev's skin.  Whether she is wearing heels or placing knickknacks on the mantle, Twinkle's carefree actions bother Sanjeev to no end.  In addition to his annoyance with his wife, the house that Sanjeev perceived to be a perfect place to live turned out to be quite the opposite.  The objects left behind in the house excite Twinkle, which angers Sanjeev all the more.

Interested about the author of Interpreter of Maladies?  Check out this website containing a reporter's perspective on one of Jhumpa Lahiri's lectures.

READ ME!

DSLC Conference

We were reminded of the upcoming tornado season at the opening of the DSLC conference.  President Mooney was introduced to speak just as the tornado sirens began to scream outside.  In typical Mooney fashion, she handled the situation gracefully and took the opportunity to educate the audience about the importance of taking safe weather precautions during the spring season.  President Mooney discussed the importance of globalization here at Saint Mary's College.  She explained why the chief focus of the DSLC is to focus on globalization.  The DSLC spreads awareness about diversity and the impact it has in our lives.  Both President Mooney and the DSLC believe that globalization is beneficial because diversity within the classroom allows for more perspectives and therefore richer discussions, which leads to better preparation for the future.  Most women that attend Saint Mary's will go on to work or study outside of the US.  The DSLC prepares SMC Chicks for the future by focusing on the value of bringing together peoples of the world.

On a larger scale, Obama is doing his part to contribute to globalization.  The president comes from a Kenyan father and an American mother, which I assume heightens his interest in international affairs.  Not only has Obama traveled to Kenya and Jekarta and lived in Indonesia, but he also graduated from Columbia with a degree in international affairs.  The president stresses the importance of welcoming free trade and globalization because they will benefit our economy.

I have multiple views on the issue of globalization.  I feel that expanding trade should only be supported if the countries are abiding by proper labor laws.  It would be unfortunate for the US to take advantage of another country's cheap goods if the producers of the goods were not treated fairly.  I also feel that globalization has done wonders for the rising power of women.  Countries, such as Saudi Arabia, that prohibit women from participating are lagging behind.  Modernized countries have finally come around to valuing women.  Societies have allowed women to take part in education and join the work force.  Women's contributions to these modernized societies have led to a dramatic progression both socially and economically.  I am pleased with DSLC for recognizing the issue of globalization and the benefits that come from having a diverse society.

Attached is a short clip of Obama's views on globalization.  Take a look!!

Othello and "O"

The movie "O" has helped me understand the underlying theme of jealousy in Shakespeare's works.  Jealousy has a tendency to bring out the worst in people.  It is clear from the play Othello and the film "O" that jealousy is difficult to overcome.  The opening line of the film is Hugo saying, "All my life I always wanted to fly.  I always wanted to live like a hawk.  I know you're not supposed to be jealous of anything, but... to take flight, to soar above everything and everyone, now that's living."  This quote is a perfect representation of Hugo's overall character; he wants to be the best and will do whatever it takes to get to that point.  I disagree with Hugo's statement.  I don't think that soaring above everyone is always ideal.  Showing support for others and giving them time to shine is important to build character and learn respect.  A true leader recognizes that becoming successful is a team effort, and acknowledgment should be given to each member of the team. 

If Shakespeare Had Film

I find it interesting that modern-day producers transform Shakespearean works into films. Plays are open to interpretation, but I wonder what Shakespeare would think of the films that have been produced based on his plays. Had film been around during his time, what types of movies would he have produced? Would they be similar to The Lion King or O? I'd like to think that his films would have been unique and meaningful. It would be interesting to see what types of filming techniques he would use. We talked about the bed being the center focus in the last scene of Othello. I would like to discover how Shakespeare would place the characters in this final scene.

Othello, Out of Place

We have moved from the topic of "rooms and gender" to "out of place."  The discussion about displacement and what it means made me think of a club I am in the process of starting at Saint Mary's.  The organization is called Invisible Children, and its purpose is to raise awareness about the war in Northern Uganda.  One of the events Invisible Children sponsors is called Displace Me, which is an event where people volunteer to leave their homes and comforts behind and sleep outside in a designated area.  The purpose of this event is to represent the people in Africa that have no homes and or places to belong to.  

For me, displacement has a negative connotation.  It refers to leaving something behind, like a home or a comfort.  I have always been prone to becoming attached to things, and I struggle with good-byes.  I would like to think that displacement is temporary, and that everyone eventually finds a place of belonging.  By joining organizations like Invisible Children and helping others that can't save themselves, I feel that I am doing my part in putting an end to unnecessary displacement.

This YouTube video that I attached explains Displace Me more in depth and it also shows others who have been victims of displacement, including Holocaust survivors and Japanese-Americans.  Enjoy :)

 

Girl, Interrupted

While watching Girl, Interrupted I was reminded of a particular movie we studied in high school, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.  The films were both based off of controversial novels.  Not only do both films take place in mental institutions, but both main characters also form strong bonds with the other patients.  Ryder is put into the institution because she tries to commit suicide, while the ward welcomes Nicholson because of his deranged behavior in jail.  The main characters in the films both seem to be the most sane at the institutions they are staying at, but they poke at the idea of what 'sanity' really means.

Although the films were shot at different times and places, it is interesting to note that One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is set in a male ward and Girl, Interrupted focuses on a female ward.  After analyzing both films, I have come to the conclusion that while there were distinct differences between males and females and their roles in society, it didn't matter in either film what gender an insane person was.  No matter their race, age, or gender, crazy people were placed at the bottom of the totem pole in a class of their own.

Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper

While reading Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper, I noticed the woman's growing obsession with the wallpaper. Towards the beginning of this work of short fiction she notices the ugly pattern of the wallpaper in her bedroom. She complains about its irritating pattern and its repulsive color. As her mental illness progresses, she begins to personify the wallpaper. She gives details about how the wallpaper has eyes and a creeping woman stuck behind bars. She becomes overly obsessed with the wallpaper in her room; she loses sleep at night staring at the pattern.  Everything that she does revolves around the yellow wallpaper.

Once I was finished with the reading I set the papers down and reflected upon what I had just read.  I noticed that my eyes started drifting towards the yellow walls which encompass my room.  I tried to put myself in Gilman's shoes by staring long and hard at the patterns on my wall.  I was disturbed when I discovered how easily I could slip into a sickly state of mind.  I have found in the past that after watching scary movies I psych myself out.  Sometimes I will go as far as sleeping with the lights turned on so that I am not constantly worrying about the shadows caused by the darkness.  This made me think.  Am I mentally ill because I, along with  Gilman, see shadows moving in the darkness?  Who has the authority to classify a person as mentally ill?  Deep down I believe that we are all a little disturbed, but in my opinion it is just human nature.   

Comparing Woolf and Dillard

While reading A Room of One's Own, I discovered that Annie Dillard and Virginia Woolf are quite similar.  Woolf states, "a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction." (4)  Towards the beginning of Dillard's The Writing Life, the author explains how she moved to single small room cabin on a remote island to finish a book.  Both women initially believed that having a room of one's own would be beneficial for their writing.

Woolf and Dillard share similar thoughts about the end product of a work as well.  Dillard expresses her thoughts about an ideal vision for her work.  She then continues to explain that her final product never turns out to be what she had pictured in the first place.  "It is rather a simulacrum and a replacement." (18)  Woolf believes that pressures from society hinder writers' works.  In order to produce an income, writers must fabricate literature that is pleasing to their audience.  When it comes down to it, novels and histories are not a necessity.  Once the writer has struggled dealing with society, Woolf feels that, "if anything comes through in spite of all this, it is a miracle, and probably no book is born entire and uncrippled as it was conceived." (54)

My first post in the blogging world!

An interior designer maps out a pleasantly designed vision of a room.  The modest walls plead the designer to cover their n a k e d n e s s with wallpaper and framed art.  The floor prepares itself for the strenuous task of supporting the truckload of furniture that will soon arrive.  Magazines and color samples sprawled out on the floor deliver a glimpse of ideas for prospective rooms.  The ceiling holds her breath and hopes that the designer chooses wisely; for she will be destined to gaze down on the room for years to come.  The room needn't fear; the interior designer's knowledge and experience enables her to place everything where it belongs.  The room transforms into a living space and all are satisfied. 

 

A writer's outcome is much more uNpredIctaBle.  The blank page does not implore the writer to cover its body; it is perfectly content just the way it is.  The writer does not have any insight into how the paper wishes to be dressed.  The blank page is stubborn and will not settle for anything less than perfection.  An interior designer is capable of pleasing all aspects of a room.  It seems that a blank page is never satisfied, no matter how much attention the writer is willing to give.