When I first began watching this film, my initial thought was that it was an old movie and that I might need an extra coffee to keep me awake through it. However, as the film progressed I came to realize that not only did I not need that extra coffee, but also Bang the Drum Slowly is a movie that looks deeper into what I thought would be a superficial baseball story; it made me laugh, cry, and even sad to see it end. Through aspects of death, teamwork, friendship, commitment, and perseverance, the film portrays themes that are universal and timeless.
Over the course of E. Pauline Johnson’s life, which lasted from 1861 to 1913, the treatment and status of First Nations Canadians began to shift. While Pauline Johnson wasn’t as affected by the treatment and status of First Nations Canadians, due to her move off of the Six Nations Reservation because of her father’s death in 1884, she made gains for her people as she ascended to fame. Pauline Johnson made accomplishments for First Nations Canadians in her life and work, those included her poetry, acting, and lifestyle. Even after Johnson’s demise, her name and work lives on because of her talent and charisma.
Prejudice not only harms those who have it, but serves as an effective hindrance to society’s advancement as a whole. In the short stories Baby in the Airmail Box by Thomas King, and The Man Doll by Susan Swan, the reader is shown great similarities on the impact of prejudice, and great contrast upon the treatment of said prejudices. These two authors help educate the reader on not only the harms of prejudice, but the consequence of inaction as well. The two stories explore prejudice in different manners, King creates a sense of satire through the comedic and exaggerated objectification of the “White baby”, whereas Swan creates a futuristic setting and uses science fiction to establish the “Dolls” as part of society. Both authors use an improbable setting for mankind to exaggerate the prejudices which
Dirty Dancing was released in 1987. The film clip I chose was from the end of the season talent show. Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) approaches Baby’s (Jennifer Grey) table and tells her father “Nobody puts baby in a corner.” In this scene, Johnny grabs Baby hand and escorts her towards the stage while everyone looks shocked even to see him. The individuals on the stage are singing their farewell song, but they immediately stop to let Johnny capture the spotlight. The cinematography used throughout this scene focuses mainly on Johnny and Baby. The lightings utilized in this clip were low-key and three-point lighting. These different lighting techniques are applied in the movie to help set the tone and mood for the film scene. The
Racism will always exist. It exists everywhere. Continents. Countries. Cities. Communities. Even school playgrounds. Everywhere. Of course, many societies have evolved and are much more accepting of difference than they were sixty years ago, but there is always work to be done. The documentary Prom Night In Mississippi explores a community in Mississippi called Charleston, which segregates its prom for black and white students, until 2008, when the first integrated one was held. Morgan Freeman, who lives in Charleston, offered to pay for their prom as long as it was integrated. His first offer in 1997 was turned down, but in 2008, it was finally accepted. It is shocking to think that such blatant racism still exists in the twenty-first century, but, unfortunately, it does.
Richard Wagamese brings to light the troubles of aboriginals living in Northern Canada in his book Indian Horse. Wagamese demonstrates the maltreatment aboriginals have faced at the hands of the Zhaunagush and their residential schools. The disgusting truth of the treatment of aboriginals in Canada is shown through recovering alcoholic, Saul Indian Horse, who recounts his life from the time he lived in the bush with his native family, the Anishinabeg, to the the time he checked into The New Dawn Treatment Centre.
The film 13th directed by Ava DuVernay targets an intended audience of the Media and the three branches of the United States government with an emphasis that mass incarceration is an extension of slavery. It is intended to inform viewers about the criminalization of African Americans and the United States prison boom.
Eden Robinson’s Monkey beach is set in the small, coastal village of Kitamaat in western B.C., home to the province’s Haisla community. Robinson’s characterization of a Haisla family living in present day Kitamaat exposes the challenges that are faced by the Aboriginal people conserving their traditions, values and social mores under the dominating influence of Canada’s West Cost society. She frames these concerns by following the struggles of Lisamarie (Lisa) Hill as she reconciles the ideologies of her modern Canadian upbringing with the often-discordant beliefs of her First Nation heritage, which becomes more complicated by the experience of the supernatural appearances that only Lisa can see. Lisa’s relationship with the spirit world allows her to transgress the history of abuse and reconnect with her heritage, however, she must struggle with North American ideologies which consider the supernatural as flawed. With the help of Ma-ma-oo (Lisa’s grandmother) she begins to gain control within the spirt world, thus re-connecting with her heritage. However, with the modern society that they live with Lisa must either
It is officially credited with bridging the gap between musical theatre and pop culture. Rent is a contemporary musical revolving around a group of poor, struggling, young artists, or “Bohemians.” It is set in East Side New York City in the height of the 1990s HIV/AIDS epidemic. Despite obstacles of sickness, financial difficulties, and death, the characters locate the ability to remain optimistic and positive. Rent has proceeded to become extremely successful and iconic in modern day musical theatre.
Life is short. This statement is made by many but taken seriously by so few. The song “I Hope you Dance” by Lee Ann Womack , and more specifically the lyric “When you get the chance to sit it out or dance/I hope you dance” (8-9) describes the decision of living life to the fullest. Life will not stop for anyone or anything so why not live life with such caution. No one can make the rain stop so why does one choose to sit inside waiting for the storm to pass.
The power of stories manifests itself in literature, film, and more generally life. Stories inspire, provide hope, and bring understanding. Leslie Marmon Silko’s novel Ceremony permeates the strength of stories. Ceremony follows the story of Tayo, a half white Native American plagued by the invasion of European culture, as well as his own past of war and loss. However, through the folk stories of his Laguna culture, as well as the advice he has been given to embrace his past, Tayo is able to see the world more clearly. He is also able to reconnect to the traditions of his ancestors through these stories, which in turn allows him to synthesize the events of his own life. The constantly evolving folk tales and recollections of Tayo’s experiences
In 1971, Alvin Ailey choreographed Cry, a three part work solo dance set to gospel music that describes an emotional journey filled with struggle, hardships, defeat, survival and joy. It was intended as a birthday present to Alvin’s mother and a dedication to all black women everywhere. The first part of the dance is the struggle of trying to maintain pride irrespective of the opposition faced from outside. The second part reveals the sorrow within after the woman’s pride has been shattered into pieces and finally the third part is a spirited celebration of finding strength and joy in God. Even though cry was dedicated to only black women, i argue the notion that all women both black and white of the nineteenth century could relate
When an individual experiences prejudice or a lack of connection to place it can diminish ones sense of identity, leading to social isolation and a loss of cultural practices and traditions.
Native Americans in Canadian society are constantly fighting an uphill battle.After having their identity taken away in Residential Schools.The backlash of the Residential Schools haunts them today with Native American people struggling in today 's society.Native Americans make up five percent of the Canadian population, yet nearly a quarter of the murder victims.The haunting memories of Residential Schools haunt many Native Americans to this day.With them commonly been known to attempt to drink away the horrors they have faced.Thomas King brings up these problems in his written work having written books like Medicine River and short stories such as Not The Indian I Had In Mind and Borders.Throughout these stories, Thomas King uses stereotypes such as will and Louise 's romance that seems like it 's going to become this generic love story yet becomes nothing more than just a friend with benefits to bring up the themes of Belonging, Performing Identity and Family issues.
Jumping the Broom is a light-hearted comedy about two African American families joining together for a wedding weekend to celebrate the marriage of Jason Taylor and Sabrina Watson at her wealthy family’s estate in Massachusetts. After Jason and Sabrina meet in Manhattan, the two start dating, and a short five months later they become engaged. Jason comes from a blue-collar family in Brooklyn, but became a successful businessman working on Wall Street. Jason’s mother, Mrs. Taylor, is a postal worker and is deemed as lower class, whereas Sabrina’s parents both come from wealthy families and lead an upper class lifestyle. When the two families’ get together for the first time at Sabrina’s family’s estate on Martha’s Vineyard, their class division becomes quite apparent and conflict quickly ensues.