http://youtu.be/dTCm8tdHkfI
I am pretty sure people have had a celebrity they idolized when they were kids. However, I am also pretty sure it was not to this extent. This little girl Cody was videotaped by her mother because she was hysterically crying over the famous singer Justin Beiber. Justin Beiber is famous for his young audience and the support and love his fans bring with them. Although Justin Beiber is now an adult, he has very young, in this case three-year old, fans who admire his very being and who are inspired by his music. It is insane to know that words like, "baby, baby, baby thought you'd always be mine" would touch and inspire those of three years of age. Honestly, I guarantee they do not even really understand his words and most do not understand that his words are general. When song writers write music, they make general statements personal so that each individual fan can connect with the person singing the song. This is how singers establish fans.
This video is actually super amusing and I laughed the whole way through it. Cody says things such as, "...she wishes Justin Beiber were a part of her family" and "...she is crying because she cannot see Justin Beiber all day." She says she, ..."loves Justin Beiber because she KNOWS he loves her back." For her to get that particular message from his songs says a lot about his ability to capture people with his words and his appearance. The funniest part of the entire video is when the phone rings when she is crying on her sister's shoulder. She immediately stops her sobbing and lifts her head to say, "I bet that's Justin Beiber."
I believe this video was made with the intent to get Justin Beiber's attention so that he may put this three-year old "out of her misery" per say. The reason I say this is because towards the end of the video the mother says, I am going to stop recording you and Cody replies no. The funny thing is, she certainly got his attention because she, along with her video, appeared on the Jimmy Kimell show with a surprise greeting from the infamous Justin Beiber.
The moral of this video, in my point of view, is that artists are never aware of the amount of influence they have on their audience. Because they are famous, fans follow what they follow. Fans will like with celebrity likes and act how the celebrity acts. I think they should monitor the message they portray because, nowadays, celebrities promote provocative actions. Obviously, it is not only words and it is not just a video, it is someone's life that is actually being affected.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
A Break from the Media
I just wanted to take a break from the overall theme of my blog, which is commenting on someones feedback on a controversial topic portrayed in the media. I have a good reason I promise.
I wanted to talk to about a friend who is going through a troubling time. I am adamant about her being my topic this week because she is the greatest person to come across. She has the brightest smile along with a personality to which anyone can connect. Her grades are exceptional for one double majoring in Biology and Psychology and minoring in Spanish. Holding several executive positions and putting many programs together for the various organizations she is a part of, you can say my friend is an expert at time management. She is also the most hardworking person I will ever know. I am pretty sure I have not finished meeting people yet, but I just wanted to express the extent of which she is respected.
The problem arises because she is from the Virgin Islands which means her tuition is about $10,000-$15,000 more than those in state. Her parents do not have the funds to pay off her education for this semester which means she is currently left with a balance of over $12,000. Because she is an international student, scholarships and loans are limited and even restricted in some cases. I spoke to her about her plans and she simply replied, "I booked my flight for ten days from now, and I am going home." Just like that. She is leaving. How do you throw everything away so easily? Establishing such a respectable career in her freshman year is more than commendable, it's unheard of. I want to give her advice but in this situation words don't matter, actions do. I figure writing a letter to the President of the Campus or maybe to the government would suffice. The problem is, I don't know where to start and quite frankly that's a problem. How is it that getting a college education is most prominent these days yet it is the hardest to pay for? Why is it that it is so easy to get to college but so difficult to stay and get that degree on a piece of paper? In other words, that piece of paper is super important but this college and the government are cutting funds and raising qualifications so that that piece of paper is almost impossible to obtain? Where do we go from here? How can we help my friend because I truly believe that her future is worth more than that plane ticket.
I wanted to talk to about a friend who is going through a troubling time. I am adamant about her being my topic this week because she is the greatest person to come across. She has the brightest smile along with a personality to which anyone can connect. Her grades are exceptional for one double majoring in Biology and Psychology and minoring in Spanish. Holding several executive positions and putting many programs together for the various organizations she is a part of, you can say my friend is an expert at time management. She is also the most hardworking person I will ever know. I am pretty sure I have not finished meeting people yet, but I just wanted to express the extent of which she is respected.
The problem arises because she is from the Virgin Islands which means her tuition is about $10,000-$15,000 more than those in state. Her parents do not have the funds to pay off her education for this semester which means she is currently left with a balance of over $12,000. Because she is an international student, scholarships and loans are limited and even restricted in some cases. I spoke to her about her plans and she simply replied, "I booked my flight for ten days from now, and I am going home." Just like that. She is leaving. How do you throw everything away so easily? Establishing such a respectable career in her freshman year is more than commendable, it's unheard of. I want to give her advice but in this situation words don't matter, actions do. I figure writing a letter to the President of the Campus or maybe to the government would suffice. The problem is, I don't know where to start and quite frankly that's a problem. How is it that getting a college education is most prominent these days yet it is the hardest to pay for? Why is it that it is so easy to get to college but so difficult to stay and get that degree on a piece of paper? In other words, that piece of paper is super important but this college and the government are cutting funds and raising qualifications so that that piece of paper is almost impossible to obtain? Where do we go from here? How can we help my friend because I truly believe that her future is worth more than that plane ticket.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Excuses Excuses
http://dailycaller.com/2012/03/29/second-trayvon-martin-twitter-feed-identified/
This is a link to an article that talks about Trayvon Martin and his Twitter Feed. If anyone knows anything about the case, it shows that Trayvon was a descent kid with no major record of violence or discipline. However, there are always those who plot on one's downfall or make excuses for an unjustifiable action.
This article states that Trayvon Martin's Twitter Feed was googled and demonstrated negative remarks and pictures. It showed Tray with tattoos on his arms and his middle finger up. It further criticizes Martin's character by saying how he uses the word "nigga" and other verbal profanities. I am guessing Twitter was used to judge his character which is sad. It is known that social websites like Facebook and Twitter are used for teens and young adults to express themselves. Yes I understand in terms of education and jobs that these circumstances should be utilized to judge a person; but I believe people are straying away from the bigger picture. A man commented on this article and said that African American leaders in society today should be ashamed of themselves for portraying a negative image in which teens want to mirror. However, people should realize that Tray is not trying to get in to school or land a respectable job. He is trying to receive justice. "We" are trying to give him justice for being shot for no reason. Although it may be true that present-day societies lack positive figures, that is not our focus. I feel that people are trying to justify Tray's innocence. It's almost like they are hoping to find negative acts on Tray's part so they can say, "hey, this kid was violent and he looked that way as well."
Overall, this article pisses me off. To me, the Justice system is screwed up. If anyone believes that the man in Florida had every reason to shoot the kid, then I think they need mental help. It is sad how society views things. Troy Davis, a black man, was executed for being accused of killing a white police officer; and there were testimonies saying they don't think he was the one who did it. Troy Davis was executed for a crime people weren't sure he even committed, and the white man who actually committed the crime against Tray is still walking. WHAT IS UP WITH THE EXCUSES?! Do I have a compelling argument or am I overreacting?
This is a link to an article that talks about Trayvon Martin and his Twitter Feed. If anyone knows anything about the case, it shows that Trayvon was a descent kid with no major record of violence or discipline. However, there are always those who plot on one's downfall or make excuses for an unjustifiable action.
This article states that Trayvon Martin's Twitter Feed was googled and demonstrated negative remarks and pictures. It showed Tray with tattoos on his arms and his middle finger up. It further criticizes Martin's character by saying how he uses the word "nigga" and other verbal profanities. I am guessing Twitter was used to judge his character which is sad. It is known that social websites like Facebook and Twitter are used for teens and young adults to express themselves. Yes I understand in terms of education and jobs that these circumstances should be utilized to judge a person; but I believe people are straying away from the bigger picture. A man commented on this article and said that African American leaders in society today should be ashamed of themselves for portraying a negative image in which teens want to mirror. However, people should realize that Tray is not trying to get in to school or land a respectable job. He is trying to receive justice. "We" are trying to give him justice for being shot for no reason. Although it may be true that present-day societies lack positive figures, that is not our focus. I feel that people are trying to justify Tray's innocence. It's almost like they are hoping to find negative acts on Tray's part so they can say, "hey, this kid was violent and he looked that way as well."
Overall, this article pisses me off. To me, the Justice system is screwed up. If anyone believes that the man in Florida had every reason to shoot the kid, then I think they need mental help. It is sad how society views things. Troy Davis, a black man, was executed for being accused of killing a white police officer; and there were testimonies saying they don't think he was the one who did it. Troy Davis was executed for a crime people weren't sure he even committed, and the white man who actually committed the crime against Tray is still walking. WHAT IS UP WITH THE EXCUSES?! Do I have a compelling argument or am I overreacting?
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Black Student Union Presents...
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2012/03/16/melaine_fiona_cover_.aspx
This link above briefly talks about our event that took place on Thursday, March 15th called "Black Girls that Rock." I say "our" because I am on the Exec of the Black Student Union which held the event. "Black Girls that Rock" symbolizes African American females who have made a distinctive impact in history or even currently. We paid tributes to present-day leaders such as Tyra Banks, Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama. And not forgetting key leaders of the past, we paid tributes to Zora Neal Hurston, Billie Holiday and many more. We even had a segment of the show in which we recognized African American women who have made an impact on this campus. Last but not least, Black Student Union brought in the up-and-coming star Jade Alston and Grammy Award winning Melanie Fiona.
As we all know, March is Women's History Month. I think that as a female, we are very powerful beings. We have undoubtedly made this country what it is today by fighting for our rights and rising above stereotypes. We have also worked high enough to set the bar for males in the professional world. We have gone from using the vacuum cleaner to working the sewing machine to answering the phones to running companies.
With the link to the article above, it is evident that the Daily Collegian appreciates us in the same light. In the article it says, "Women’s spirits were lifted yesterday evening at the first annual “Black Girls Rock” show, which honored the accomplishments and brilliance of African-American women in the Penn State community... the evening also focused on giving young black women the credit they deserve." This is exactly what the Black Student Union was aiming to accomplish. We feel women in general are mistreated but we feel even stronger that African American women are belittled and STILL not rightfully recognized. Events like these are the ones that remind us of our achievements and it did just that.
This link above briefly talks about our event that took place on Thursday, March 15th called "Black Girls that Rock." I say "our" because I am on the Exec of the Black Student Union which held the event. "Black Girls that Rock" symbolizes African American females who have made a distinctive impact in history or even currently. We paid tributes to present-day leaders such as Tyra Banks, Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama. And not forgetting key leaders of the past, we paid tributes to Zora Neal Hurston, Billie Holiday and many more. We even had a segment of the show in which we recognized African American women who have made an impact on this campus. Last but not least, Black Student Union brought in the up-and-coming star Jade Alston and Grammy Award winning Melanie Fiona.
As we all know, March is Women's History Month. I think that as a female, we are very powerful beings. We have undoubtedly made this country what it is today by fighting for our rights and rising above stereotypes. We have also worked high enough to set the bar for males in the professional world. We have gone from using the vacuum cleaner to working the sewing machine to answering the phones to running companies.
With the link to the article above, it is evident that the Daily Collegian appreciates us in the same light. In the article it says, "Women’s spirits were lifted yesterday evening at the first annual “Black Girls Rock” show, which honored the accomplishments and brilliance of African-American women in the Penn State community... the evening also focused on giving young black women the credit they deserve." This is exactly what the Black Student Union was aiming to accomplish. We feel women in general are mistreated but we feel even stronger that African American women are belittled and STILL not rightfully recognized. Events like these are the ones that remind us of our achievements and it did just that.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
FTK!
It is no surprise that Penn State's perseverance shines through THON. Annually, the Penn State community (including all branches) come together to raise money during both semesters up until about the second week of February. After that, it is time to dedicate fourty-eight hours to our idols: the kids. Penn State is well-known for its triumphs after a downfall. I think that this past weekend (February 17th 2012) was the example of the utmost incident in which we should pride ourselves on after the Penn State community was hit with the Sandusky scandal and the public opinion that followed.
That scandal definitely affected our spirits and organizations' canning experiences. In other words, PSU was not so popular in the public's opinion. The Overall THON Chairs had to keep their spirits high because organizations such as mine looked up to them. We also had to face another set-back: a freshman dying during the second canning trip. This forced all organizations to attend mandatory canning-workshops. If members in that organization did not go, they would be forbidden to go canning. This was to ensure safety canning measures but it had an effect on the overall attendance of people canning each weekend. I know it affected my THON committee. Another set-back was the cancelation of the third canning weekend. Many sponsors pulled out, and so did some applicants. I am THON Chair of the Black Student Union and I know all of these factors put a dent in our total.
As THON weekend approached, I was actually fearful that 2012's overall THON total would decrease. But the very moment I stepped my foot into the BJC I noticed PSU's dedication. I felt our spirit as a school and automatically felt connected. We motivated one another; to not sit, to not feel tired, to not fail one another. It was then that I realized that through PSU's downfall, we were able to triumph. The simple things give Penn State joy I.e a child's smile, their funny dances, a family's story, and so much more. We are a very humble University. There were over a 100,000 spectators, over a dozen performances, a couple dozen families, over a hundred dancers, yet one Bryce Jordan Center. We are in our Daily Collegian, all over the news, on facebook, on twitter and for the first time in months, the world saw "us" as the true Penn Staters we have always been; pioneers through our struggles. Then I think, over $10.6 million big ones, yet only one school that could produce such results. WE ARE...you know the rest.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
"Your Love is My Love, My Love is Your Love"
The song, "My Love is Your Love" by Whitney Houston is the song played every year for THON during THON weekend. This song among many others has contributed to Whitney Houston's impact in the music industry, on her fans, and within her family. Whitney Houston is a legend. People like Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, and so many more celebrities idolize her. Those in her community knew her for her ambition and dedication to her music. She was noted for her hospitality, and for those who were not her friend but had the pleasure of meeting her said they felt the friendly connection.
I cannot say that I met her, but I can say that the artists I look up to were influenced by Whitney. She is the only artist to ever hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 seven times in a row. Houston is not only remembered as a music artist but also an actress, model, and producer. Many did not know, but she produced the Disney Channel movie "Cheetah Girls". She is amazing, from having Best Album of the Year in 1986 to being listed number 254 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Again, Whitney Houston is incomparably exceptional. I could go on for hours listing statistics and all of her greatest hits and awards; but the one I want to end off with is that in 2009, the Guinness World Records named her the most-awarded female act of all time.
Aside from her materialistic accomplishments, Whitney has a beautiful daughter. And when she left this world just days ago, she left her daughter at eighteen. Raising a daughter was probably her greatest accomplishment because; although Houston had a reputation on drug and substance abuse, she raised her daughter to be better. It is a shame she was a victim of drugs and physical and emotional abuse from previous relationships; but it is even more a shame that she died so young at 48. As much as it saddens the world, Whitney has impacted individuals in ways she probably still does not know.
http://youtu.be/bgIwIITrHGc
This video is just an example of the hearts Whitney Houston touched; and when I perform this THON weekend, I am sure we will all feel her in spirit as we sing the everlasting theme song, "My Love is Your Love".
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Who taught you to HATE yourself?
I am guessing, but more or so hoping, everyone knows who this is; the lovely Christina Aguilera. She is known as one of the best singers vocally in the world: her records always hitting and topping the charts and selling tens of millions of records. She has won multiple Grammy Awards, and even a few Latin Grammy Awards. More importantly, she has been praised for her natural beauty and physique.
It is no surprise that she is one of the judges on a famous TV show, "The Voice". But take a look at this picture. Something jumps right out because it did the moment I saw the picture. SHE GAINED SO MUCH WEIGHT! This is certainly not the Christina from the "Genie in a Bottle" days(one of her big hits). It is sad because it was brought to my attention from my friend; and then I look on the Internet and there is controversy about it there as well.
I want to take a moment to say that she is still gorgeous. I have to ask why is there so much controversy about weight, and why is there so much pressure on those who are famous? If they are happy, why must "we" jump in and interfere to say they should not be? The thing is, we read books, provocative magazines, watch tv, and make sure we pay close attention to celebrities and models. But why isn't it okay to be average, to be normal? We think that we are forced to look like them or take on their practices so that maybe we can be loved and appreciated as much as they are. So, who REALLY taught us to hate ourselves: the celebrities and the media for portraying that image, or "us" for accepting them and adopting them? It pisses me off because Christina Aguilera is one of my idols. She is a beautiful being from her looks, to her personality, to her performances, to her family. For there to be so much attention paid on her weight gain, instead of her accomplishments, is utterly embarrassing to the human race I believe. So how do we fix it?
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