Week 14: In-Class Assignment

1. Are there any prominent symbols in the story? If so, what are they and how are they used?

There aren't major symbols that pop out throughout the story but certain themes and references towards science fiction and the admiration for AI. There's also the idea of the classic internal struggle of the self ("Who am I, what am I..") feel throughout the story. Incognito is struggling to figure out who he really is and we find ourselves rolling this journey of a man versus himself.

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

I am geeky for anything sci-fi or superhero related and this story definitely reminded me of that. I feel like the story in general is just easy to relate to--  referencing the relationship aspect which, to an extent, is something everyone has experienced at some point of their life. The silly disagreements, the idea of hiding something, or even the fact that we sometimes need space is enough to connect. Being completely open and honest is hard, but it doesn't mean we don't love the other any less.

The writing was fun to read-- the comical aspect kept the story fresh and easy to appreciate.

3. What changes would you make to adapt this story into another medium? What medium would you use? What changes would you make?


I think it would be really interesting to see this as a tv show. Perhaps a mini-series would be fun showcasing the situations that they get themselves into. Having a mini-series at one hour long episodes each would be interesting and fun to watch-- especially with characters like these! Maybe even a comic book could work out well. Of course, the writing would have to be worded though to something a little simpler to digest but regardless, it would definitely be a fun read.

Week 13: Media and Fan Culture

I'll have to admit that I am an avid fangirl. I fan girl about a lot of different TV series, books, games and even comics. Of course, I grew up with Harry Potter so naturally I would fall into the "Potterhead" community. I remember begging my mom to take me to the midnight screenings of the movies and even the midnight events to purchase the upcoming book at the time. I would gather around with my friends and we would quiz each other about pointless trivia and sort ourselves into our Hogwarts houses. I never actually knew which one I belonged in because it was usually a tie between Ravenclaw and Gryffendor...

"Harry Potter fandom" refers to the community of fans of the Harry Potter books and movies who participate in entertainment activities that revolve around the series, such as reading and writing fan fiction, creating and soliciting fan art, engaging in role-playing games, socializing on Harry Potter-based forums, and more. The fandom interacts online as well as offline through activities such as fan conventions, tours of iconic landmarks relevant to the books and production of the films, and parties held for the midnight release of each book and film. Harry Potter fans usually call themselves "Potterheads", though some may refer to themselves as "witches/wizards" or "Pottermaniacs".

The Potterhead fan community has grown so large that it's often rare to meet someone who doesn't enjoy at least some once of Harry Potter. Like the Bronies, studies on the Harry Potter fandom have shown that both children and adults are fans, despite Rowling's original marketing of the books towards children aged nine to twelve. Hogwarts is our home.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raRJhypEgzE)

Week 11: Gaming and Narrative

I have started playing League of Legends and I’m not sure yet whether I’m proud of that. League of Legends is an online multiplayer real-time strategy action game (the acronym OMRTSAG isn’t likely to catch on) which is, more importantly, free to play, though there are plenty of opportunities to splash your cash on unlocking characters and costumes if you feel the need to. The basic premise is that of a defensegame wherein you control your own avatar, a Champion, and with your team of fellow Champions try to stop your opponents from destroying your base as you simultaneously advance on their own. Every Champion has a selection of powers that you unlock as the game progresses with the ultimate aim being ‘balance’ as some characters are best suited to killing enemy Champions while others are better at chasing down fleeing enemies or halting advances. And, in the main, it works very well and when everything goes according to plan it feels, just like Golf, very satisfying. But when things aren’t working out it can feel, just like Golf, like the most infuriating experience in the world. I have nothing more to add about Golf.

The game looks and feels very much like a Warcraft clone. You’ll find everything here from dark wizards and buxom assassins to walking rocks and flying shadows, and it all fits in rather nicely. There is a substantial amount of lore for anyone who’s interested but the problem with this sort of game is that anything beyond ‘background information’ will only get in the way so it is very much down to the preference of the individual whether they indulge in it or not. The most important aspect is the ability to include the wide array of quirky and interesting characters as it does while making each one unique, which I have so far found to be the case. However, while some characters are quite obviously suited to certain roles you’ll find that others are more resilient to the casual player and take a little time and concentration to be played effectively. This can be frustrating when you buy a new character with your hard-earned points only to discover their play style is totally unsuited to your own, but it is only to be expected from a game like this and isn’t really a negative

League of Legends is also very addictive and you can easily find yourself playing too many games in a row when you should be doing something more productive. When a match goes well you will find yourself craving the next one, and yet when it goes badly you will want another go to banish the negative feelings and grant yourself admonishment. It can become part of a vicious circle if you’re not careful and a watch or nearby clock is advised if you hate wondering where your day has gone. You might also benefit from having a high tolerance threshold and sometimes thick skin as other players, as in all aspects of the multiplayer-verse, can sometimes be very stupid, very annoying or very abusive. I don’t dislike new players, but seriously: four quick deaths in a row in the same circumstances must tell you something about what you’re doing wrong! But use the chat command wisely as everyone is liable to player reports post match for the slightest transgression. You should also be prepared to put real life on hold while you play as exiting a match for any reason is not easily justifiable, as I found out when I left a match that was all but won so that I could attend dinner.

A very fun game overall and equal parts satisfying, frustrating and fulfilling. And who can ever argue with a free game? Nobody, that’s who!

Week 10: Anime & Manga

Comics and Cartoons have always been popular here in the United States. Throughout the years it has become a part of popular culture; racking in millions at the box office and exposing people to new ideas. Similarly in Japan we take notice that Manga and Anime is the leading form of entertainment. Manga has been around Japan since the late 19th Century and has become one of the most influential forms of art around the globe. After World War II manga had become immensely popular in Japan, especially with the creation of Astro Boy. Manga and Anime blossomed in the states and have become inspiration for young artists everywhere. I believe it is important for artists to understand and appreciate the Japanese style and take inspiration from the thousands of stories that can range in genres such as Slice of Life or Fantasy. Although I don’t believe a young artist should dedicate themselves to learning solely how to draw Manga and Anime. Manga is known for its singular style, which can hinder the growth of an artist exploring their talents. A quick look at the popular Manga and Anime currently will show that the Japanese style has a foundation of what it should look like; very few Japanese artists break the mold. We can compare this to Disney’s animated features and how they must fill this mold in order to stay true to what Disney is. The downside of Manga is just that, throughout the thousands of stories and animated features, it becomes a blur of some sort, as if the nation wide style has become a little too cookie cutter in terms of it’s visuals that it almost feels as if every Manga is connected. Even though I believe Manga and Anime is a little too visually similar along its works I can still appreciate the stories they can tell. That’s what I believe artists should take inspiration from and that is the originality a lot of these stories hold. Since Manga and Anime cater to the needs of all age groups, artists and writers can explore darker tones in storytelling and generate ideas that are absolutely stunning and original. The world of Manga and Anime is vast and any artist should take their time to learn and appreciate what it holds and offers. Artists should take inspiration from the countless stories and apply it to their own works in order to grow as artists and storytellers.

Week 09: New Comics

I've been a huge Batman fan ever since I was a child. I was particularly fond of Harley Quinn, a vileness from the cartoon Batman: The Animated Series. I loved how quirky, funny and crazy she was and how her lover for the Joker was endless. Of course, Harley's appearance on the show was solely for cartoon purposes but the fans really loved her-- enough where she began to make appearances in the comics.

In 2014, Harley Quinn got her own spinoff comic. I was completely excited to finally follow my favorite character and see what sort of mayhem she will get into this time. Unfortunately, the more I read, the less Harley she becomes. If this series has accomplished anything (besides selling like gangbusters), it's reminding DC fans that Harley has plenty of potential as a solo character and outside of her connections to Joker and Batman.

That being said, it is interesting to see the writers explore different facets of Harley's character throughout the series. She isn't just her typical goofball self. We see a sentimental side as she defends an innocent woman from thieves. We even see her revert to a completely normal and lucid state as she rises to the challenge in her new job. You have to wonder if moments like that are building to something bigger for Harley. Using Marvel's current Deadpool comic as a gauge, there could be real potential in exploring Harley's serious side and the resulting tension that arises in her fractured mind.

(Original Harley Quinn)

(Harley Quinn Reboot)

Regardless, this new Harley character has become and interesting one, but she doesn't resemble anything similar to the original Harley Quinn of Gotham we, especially I, grew up to know and love.

Week 08: Travels in the Disneyverse

This week, I decided to rewatch my favorite Disney movie: Lilo & Stitch. The reason why this movie is my favorite is because not only do I have a huge admiration for aliens, but to me, this was the most dynamic Disney movie made. Lilo and Stitch wasn't afraid to push the boundaries of how a broken/struggling family can still be happy. Lilo wasn't like your typical Disney princess, she was unorthodox and dealt with the struggles of being an outsider which represented a lot of kids in the audience who felt left out.

The movie revolves around change, acceptance, character development and redemption. This breaks my heart because you can see the exact moment that Lilo realizes how important she is to her sister: Nani. She has seen herself as the burden and responsibility (“You’d trade me for a rabbit”). She worries that she takes away the good things from Nani (“Did Stitch and I make you lose your job?”). But right here at the end. She realizes. She is the good thing. She is the ONE. GOOD. THING. that Nani wants to keep. And she’s realizing that Nani won’t get to keep her.

It wasn’t until later in the movie that Stitch learned the importance of kindness, showcasing the power of redemption. Stitch's character evolves from a selfish killing machine, to a gentle alien who has found a reason to exist.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx0LA2tPXvU)

Week 06: The Roots of Hipster

Hipsters, nowadays, are referred to as a group of people ranging from teenagers to mid-30s who try there best to stay away from anything that could be considered too mainstream. The hipster concept of "authenticity" is complex but largely based on age, where objects or ideas older than a few decades are perceived  to be more authentic as they sprang from a culture less corrupted by  commercialization. Borrowing a definition from Urban Dictionary:

"Hipster's can't be defined because then they'd fit in a category, and thus be too mainstream."

 Hipsters also seem to be very creative people which helps support the concept of authenticity. Nothing is more authentic than creating it yourself. Some examples can be music, visual art, lyrics, poems, etc. The trickiness of this subculture is finding a way to become successful and well-known throughout the secret underground community but not famous enough where you become too mainstream. If you hit the radio's top 100, you have sold-out and succumbed to the man -- and everyone know's that not cool.

MUSIC:
I don't find myself listening to a lot of folk-inspired music or anything that involves a ukelele, but it's what is widely heard throughout the hipster community. Of course, there are different sub-genres of hipster music but one band that I found happened to be called YACHT. The visuals in the music video showcase a lot of triangles (which seem to be a trend throughout hipsters) and unconventional clothes with clashing patterns subtitling hinting towards 60's fashion and 80's editorials.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHNtMWKqMeg

ART: 
Art is a very broad term when it comes to the hipster culture. Specifically, I would like to touchup on Graphic Design. It seems as though almost every hipster is in love with good design and has an aesthetic for typefaces and kerning almost to a point where one can point out a certain design style that hipster graphic designers often go to.

SOCIAL MEDIA & TV:

Social Media has taken the hipster culture by storm introducing new websites to showcase more personality than ever. Some major sites that has almost become a home to hipsters is Tumblr.com and even Pinterest. Blogging, venting, crafting and anything to show how unique you are and what you have to say is important in the hipster community. Sharing polaroid pictures of a Starbucks coffee next to a sunset or a lonely balloon in a forrest can really evoke feelings for your followers as well as give you an excuse to call yourself a photographer.

http://the-hipsters-blog.tumblr.com

TV has jumped on the hipster band wagon as well with shows like Portlandia and networks like IFC (their slogan is "Always on, slightly off"). All in all, hipsters of the 21st century seem to follow some important themes: authenticity, unconventional lifestyles, and staying away from anything that could be considered too mainstream.

Week 04: Haruki Murakami

Tsukuru Tazaki is an ordinary man living an ordinary life day after day. Tsukuru, after experiencing a painful event from his teenage years, slowly learns how to move on and live his adult life—but as much as he tries to get past this event, something keeps bringing him back. Much of the narration revolves around that single event in his teenage years, when he is part of a five person group. His four friends are described vibrantly and named “the colors”, and although Tsukuru feels colorless, little does he know that he is a vital member of the group. The rejection damages what little sense of self he has and validates his thoughts about being colorless, and he “becomes already dead without knowing it”, entertaining suicidal ideation for much of his twenties.

Though much of this world that Murakami has created is real, a lot of aspects of the story also become surreal. Tsukuru’s life is pretty mundane in how he decides to live it, while his dreams become more vivid and fantastical. These dreams symbolize the protagonist’s main desires and give the story more of a spiritual tap and how we can relate towards these experiences. Because Tsukuru is so colorless, this makes it easier for the reader to relate to him and see ourselves within this character whether he is 35 or a teenager. Murakami blurs the lines between adulthood and adolescence, to show how carrying around the scars of our youth can hinder us.

Week 02: The Road to Oz

Located in the Munchkin Country and just off of the Yellow Brick Road is a place Button Bright loves to visit: The Marshmeadow. This sugary land can be found by following the sweet smell of cinnamon and chocolate. River streams surround the Marshmeadow as wells as tall climbing trees where the native S’moreans live.

S’moreans are a tiny people (possibly distant relatives of the Munchkins) who live in cute brightly colored tree houses painted in pastel colors ranging from cotton candy blue to a bubblegum pink. The S’moreans are as sweet as they smell which make them an easy target for the Three-Toed Buschwaks who often like to eat S’moreans for their soft and gooey centers.

Three-Toed Buschwaks are large toad-like creatures that hops on two feet and don’t have any arms. They rely heavily on their extra long tongue, which can snap about twelve feet away. This isn’t the only reason why the S’moreans decided to live in the trees, they also love climbing everything they can (when they aren’t eating of course).

S’moreans aren’t much of the adventure type, they rather stay in the Marshmeadow where they feels safe from the Buschwaks, have enough sweets to fill up their fat little bellies and have enough trees to climb. They only leave their homes once a year to celebrate Princess Ozma’s birthday brining only the sweetest marshmallows to the occasion seeing as they are her favorite. 


In Class Writing:

S'MOREANS' MEALS:
These fellows enjoy anything and everything that has to do with sugar. I was given the S'morean's most famous meal: a classic s'more served on a plate of twisted pastel twigs and a drink of sugar-water poured into an overgrown flower petal. It seemed as if salt was frowned upon in the Marshmeadows and anything sweet was triumphant. The people themselves seemed to be extremely sweet as well -- a very open people who were family oriented and held many gatherings. Every night, for supper, the whole viliage would gather around a large pit that lived in the middle of the land and the elder would light the campfire. Once the pit was lit, dinner was served! Manners and etiquette wasn't a top priority for the S'moreans because they ate with their hands, talked while food was still in their mouths and shared many stories.

DESCRIBE THE WORLD: 
Just off the Yellow Brick Road, a scent of both cinnamon and chocolate lingers in the air. The stronger the smell, the closer you are to arriving at the Marshmeadows. Once you arrive, you will notice a large fire pit that extends 20 feet around as well as pastel colored trees with cute little tree houses located at the top. Ropes and bridges connect homes together which made this little village both a ground beauty as well as a village in the clouds. Each home was decorated differently which gave each family it's own little charm. The S'moreans who occupy this land are usually seen together because they never like to be alone. The last S'morean who was alone became sour and cold which is the opposite of the town's sweet and gooey character.

POLITICS:

• The most powerful: The eldest which in turn, is the most wise. The Eldest acts as almost a king/queen/emperor but instead of being born into royalty, anyone can become the eldest if they can outlive it. The eldest isn't constantly changing either, the S'moreans have had their eldest for almost 50 years (Aparently she's 267!) This isn't limited to gender, male/female are equal to the S'moreans. 
• The weakest: The opposite; the youngest and the most unintelligent and naive. The youngest is the gooiest of all which make them a primary target for the Three-toed Buchwaks.
• Wants to be powerful: The fellows who try to outlive the current eldest

MAGIC:
There is always one who is reincarnated as the "Spitfire". The Spitfire has the ability to literally spit fire which can help protect the other S'moreans from predators or emergency weather conditions. Of course, when the magic is used too frequently or at great lengths, the Spitfire's body begins to char/harden which eliminates their gooeyness and they become cold and unfriendly. Every generation, the Spitfire is given a special home (which is usually second-best from the Eldest). The other S'moreans never object to this gift because they understand the hardship the Spitfire must over-go to control their power to stay as friendly as possible.

RITUAL:
My roommates/friends: "The Sock Gathering/Garage Sale" -- Once a semester, we gather around in the living room with socks who have lost their mate and other random goods we don't need. We put all of our widowed socks into a pile and try and find pairs for them. We exchange widows with each other to make a new pair of socks to keep. As for the other items, we trade with each other so we don't have to throw away something that someone else might want to keep.

The S'moreans aren't the type of people to throw anything away. So every year, on the 1st of May, they bring the items they no longer need/want to the middle of the campfire to trade with other S'moreans families. Stories have been told of certain items that have been in every family at least once!

Week 01: Divergent

I finished this book about 24 hours after buying it. I just couldn’t put it down. Roth’s writing style is simple and flows so easily that before I knew it I was half way done.

I have to say that I actually like Tris, which is unusual for female protagonists (especially in YA novels). I don’t know why, I’m just overly critical of them. I suppose Tris could have been called whinny at times, but given what she was going through and the fact that she was a 16 year old girl who until that point had been living a soft life, it’s not something that bothered me.  It made sense.

And then there’s Four. I liked Four. I liked how complex he could be. Unfortunately in the film, it didn’t seem that way. His character went from complex to predictable. After seeing the connection between Tris and Four in the book, I was quite disappointed in the film’s adaptation of their relationship – not only as lovers, but as friends, her mentor and peers. (She never even called him Tobias, which was a total a shame.)

The only thing I can say I disliked about this book  (though it did little to impact my enjoyment) was how predictable it turned out to be. Not the whole story, but most of the little twists I could see coming from a mile away.

Oh in regards to people claiming that it’s a rip off of the Hunger Games, not even close. While I can see some similarities between the two, that can mostly be attributed to that fact that they are both dystopian young adult novels. Divergent is 100% it’s own story, and it’s a damn good one.