It is sunny and clear and cold outside - and I am inside writing. Today is a poetry and philosophy kind of day. A clear and sunny and crisp thought kind of day. A day for seeing far away. Thinking about the coming season of Lent in the Christian calendar. Lent is an extended time of refection, of thinking, of quiet. Like early spring, a time when a lot is happening, but underground where it can't be seen. Thinking about what is real and good and necessary. For a lovely discussion about the value of Reality check this interview on Bill Moyers Journal (a program I highly recommend - interesting guests - thoughtful and thought provoking discussions). Parker Palmer interview But then I began to ponder Parker Palmer's words about how his life work can never be done, that we are mortal. What is a life's work worth? Percy Shelly had a pretty stark thought about that in his poem, Ozymandias,
A thought that echoed the words of another poet thousands of years earlier whose wisdom became part of the collected religious teachings of Judaism and Christianity. All is vanity... Then I went back to Bill Moyers' guest, who said, "we need to live in the tragic gap between what we know to be true and what is possible." Turns out the London Underground voice is not just a safety message. It may also be a voice of wisdom, "mind the gap".
K
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Our tinted windows
A couple of weeks ago at a church meeting we discussed what our public response should be to Canadian involvement in the continuing war in Afghanistan. This is not an easy subject. It is especially difficult because we are far away and unable to get good information about the war. The conversation is also dependent on how the information about the war is given to us. This blog is meant to be my spin on media and messages and faith but today I want to empower each of you, my readers. As an exercise in awareness I encourage you to look at each of the resources below. As you read or watch each article keep the following key concepts of media literacy in mind. Fair warning, some of the clips contain poor language and violence. But then, "war is hell."
All media is constructed.
The media do not present simple reflections of external reality. Rather, they present carefully crafted constructions that reflect many decisions and result from many determining factors.
What is the image of reality that is constructed in each report?
What gets shown? What is not depicted?
Media contain ideological and value messages
All media products are advertising, in some sense, in that they proclaim values and ways of life..
What are the values that are held up as important or right in each one?
Audiences negotiate meaning in the media
Each of us will "negotiate" meaning according to individual factors: personal needs and anxieties, the pleasures or troubles of the day, racial and sexual attitudes, family and cultural background, and so forth.
What do you bring to the conversation? How do you feel about each report?
First a report from the CBC aired on the National Feb. 2. The video is long but the report is worth a look. View video here.
Below is a trailer for the movie that is discussed on the CBC. How is it similar or different from what you were expecting based on watching the CBC story?
At War Trailer
This next one is a non Western view of the war. Is there a difference in how the story is constructed? In the underlying world view? In how you respond?
Al Jazeera Interview
This is a fascinating look at the world view of the Taliban.
What assumptions are made about what the Taliban should know? What argument is the reporter trying to make?
Talking to the Taliban – Check out Part 5 View of the World
Last but not least a reminder that reality can change over time. The war in Afghanistan 1985.
What do you feel reading this article? How have the associations connected with the word "jihad" changed since this article was written? Why?
As people of faith, or people interested in faith, or people struggling with our faith, we also need to be people who think critically.
May you serve God with all you strength, all your heart, and all your mind.
Peace
K
All media is constructed.
The media do not present simple reflections of external reality. Rather, they present carefully crafted constructions that reflect many decisions and result from many determining factors.
What is the image of reality that is constructed in each report?
What gets shown? What is not depicted?
Media contain ideological and value messages
All media products are advertising, in some sense, in that they proclaim values and ways of life..
What are the values that are held up as important or right in each one?
Audiences negotiate meaning in the media
Each of us will "negotiate" meaning according to individual factors: personal needs and anxieties, the pleasures or troubles of the day, racial and sexual attitudes, family and cultural background, and so forth.
What do you bring to the conversation? How do you feel about each report?
First a report from the CBC aired on the National Feb. 2. The video is long but the report is worth a look. View video here.
Below is a trailer for the movie that is discussed on the CBC. How is it similar or different from what you were expecting based on watching the CBC story?
At War Trailer
This next one is a non Western view of the war. Is there a difference in how the story is constructed? In the underlying world view? In how you respond?
Al Jazeera Interview
This is a fascinating look at the world view of the Taliban.
What assumptions are made about what the Taliban should know? What argument is the reporter trying to make?
Talking to the Taliban – Check out Part 5 View of the World
Last but not least a reminder that reality can change over time. The war in Afghanistan 1985.
What do you feel reading this article? How have the associations connected with the word "jihad" changed since this article was written? Why?
As people of faith, or people interested in faith, or people struggling with our faith, we also need to be people who think critically.
May you serve God with all you strength, all your heart, and all your mind.
Peace
K
Monday, January 19, 2009
hope's not just for some
There is a new spirit of activism and hope in the youth of America. They have been inspired and engaged by President Elect Barack Obama. The whole world is listening and watching as he is installed as the next president of the USA. But, a movement needs a soundtrack. So Norman Lear commissioned the song below. I love the line, "the time has come to reaffirm that hope's not just for some."
The religious (Christian) themes in this are not just a little bit obvious. The title alone, Born Again American, recalls a religious conversion. For me, the most stunning lyric of this song is that line mentioned above, hope's not just for some. Right On! That is the heart of the Christian message.
Woodie Guthrie penned, This Land is Your Land, and people all over took it up and made it their own in their space. I remember singing a Canadian version in school. It was one of my favourites. On the Born Again American website ( http://www.bornagainamerican.org/ ) is the invitation to write your own lyrics. I wonder what the lyrics of Born Again Canadian would be? Where are our dark corners? Who needs hope in Canada?
Which brings me to the important difference of this moment versus others I have seen in recent years. People are taking back their lives and their ability to act. Obama's message has been, get involved personally, make a difference yourself, be a part of the project. America has inspired (positive) worldwide action before and (hopefully) we are in such a moment again.
But, I wonder where the church is (not just the UCC) on this. I have a feeling it is stuck in a committee meeting somewhere. We need to get out of our self pity party and be Born Again. We need to bring that key message, hope is for all, into the public square. We need to clean up our church buildings as examples of sustainable and accessible spaces so people can see it can be done. We need to be conduits of political change so that politicians feel encouraged and enabled to embrace agendas that are born again through the need to address poverty, education, health care, peace and equality. I wonder what the Born Again Church would look like? What are the lyrics for that song?
in hope
K
The religious (Christian) themes in this are not just a little bit obvious. The title alone, Born Again American, recalls a religious conversion. For me, the most stunning lyric of this song is that line mentioned above, hope's not just for some. Right On! That is the heart of the Christian message.
Woodie Guthrie penned, This Land is Your Land, and people all over took it up and made it their own in their space. I remember singing a Canadian version in school. It was one of my favourites. On the Born Again American website ( http://www.bornagainamerican.org/ ) is the invitation to write your own lyrics. I wonder what the lyrics of Born Again Canadian would be? Where are our dark corners? Who needs hope in Canada?
Which brings me to the important difference of this moment versus others I have seen in recent years. People are taking back their lives and their ability to act. Obama's message has been, get involved personally, make a difference yourself, be a part of the project. America has inspired (positive) worldwide action before and (hopefully) we are in such a moment again.
But, I wonder where the church is (not just the UCC) on this. I have a feeling it is stuck in a committee meeting somewhere. We need to get out of our self pity party and be Born Again. We need to bring that key message, hope is for all, into the public square. We need to clean up our church buildings as examples of sustainable and accessible spaces so people can see it can be done. We need to be conduits of political change so that politicians feel encouraged and enabled to embrace agendas that are born again through the need to address poverty, education, health care, peace and equality. I wonder what the Born Again Church would look like? What are the lyrics for that song?
in hope
K
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Today's musing is about obedience, context, compassion, and understanding.
Below is a video someone has posted showing a famous psychological experiment designed to see how people would react when asked to perform tasks by an authority figure. They were conducted by Stanley Milgrim. If you haven't seen or heard these videos (even if you have heard or read about the experiment) they are interesting but very difficult to watch. The volunteers are clearly very disturbed by what they are being asked to do and yet the vast majority of them continue to follow instructions. Keep in mind that these were not bad people. They were (like most of us) ordinary, obedient people who felt very bad about what they were asked to do. Recently, this experiment was repeated, with a couple of modifications, but very similar results. Last Friday, during the second section of The Current, on CBC radio had a very good discussion about both of these experiments and what they can teach us. (continued below)
The main conclusion of both of these studies, according to Jerry Burger (the author of the repeat experiment), "The real lesson is that the behaviour is not a function so much of the kind of person you are as the kind of situation you are in. I think we often fall into this trap of thinking well these must be bad people who do these things."
As a parent, I can't help but think of discussions we have with our kids about peer pressure. Peer pressure is not just about stealing cars, or smoking in the boys room (cuz it's cool). It is also (or mostly) about the little decisions, and having an independent mind. Do you play a game that you aren't entirely comfortable with? What do you do when one of your friends gets mad at another one?
At the end of the day, thinking about how our behaviour is affected by our situation, and recognizing that other people also have their behaviour affected by their situation, beyond their individual predilections, might be an important part of how we try to understand and have compassion for ourselves and others.
The most important part of this study is the reflection on the findings afterwards. What can we learn? Constant reflection and contemplation about our own experience is also the most important part of being honest and growing in our own lives. It is especially important when growing in our spiritual lives.
An end of day review can be very helpful for this. Before you slip into dreamland ask these three questions,
WHERE DID I SEE GOD TODAY?
WHERE DID I MISS GOD TODAY?
WHERE DO I WANT TO SEE GOD TOMORROW?
Peace
K
Below is a video someone has posted showing a famous psychological experiment designed to see how people would react when asked to perform tasks by an authority figure. They were conducted by Stanley Milgrim. If you haven't seen or heard these videos (even if you have heard or read about the experiment) they are interesting but very difficult to watch. The volunteers are clearly very disturbed by what they are being asked to do and yet the vast majority of them continue to follow instructions. Keep in mind that these were not bad people. They were (like most of us) ordinary, obedient people who felt very bad about what they were asked to do. Recently, this experiment was repeated, with a couple of modifications, but very similar results. Last Friday, during the second section of The Current, on CBC radio had a very good discussion about both of these experiments and what they can teach us. (continued below)
The main conclusion of both of these studies, according to Jerry Burger (the author of the repeat experiment), "The real lesson is that the behaviour is not a function so much of the kind of person you are as the kind of situation you are in. I think we often fall into this trap of thinking well these must be bad people who do these things."
As a parent, I can't help but think of discussions we have with our kids about peer pressure. Peer pressure is not just about stealing cars, or smoking in the boys room (cuz it's cool). It is also (or mostly) about the little decisions, and having an independent mind. Do you play a game that you aren't entirely comfortable with? What do you do when one of your friends gets mad at another one?
At the end of the day, thinking about how our behaviour is affected by our situation, and recognizing that other people also have their behaviour affected by their situation, beyond their individual predilections, might be an important part of how we try to understand and have compassion for ourselves and others.
The most important part of this study is the reflection on the findings afterwards. What can we learn? Constant reflection and contemplation about our own experience is also the most important part of being honest and growing in our own lives. It is especially important when growing in our spiritual lives.
An end of day review can be very helpful for this. Before you slip into dreamland ask these three questions,
WHERE DID I SEE GOD TODAY?
WHERE DID I MISS GOD TODAY?
WHERE DO I WANT TO SEE GOD TOMORROW?
Peace
K
Thursday, October 23, 2008
weird wired world
Well, people who know me know that I am a fan of the www but I do also like keeping it real. And then I saw this story on CNN.
The article begins..."TOKYO, Japan (AP) -- A 43-year-old Japanese woman whose sudden divorce in a virtual game world made her so angry that she killed her online husband's digital persona has been arrested on suspicion of hacking, police said Thursday."
And it only goes on from there.
Wow
I am constantly interested in this thin line between reality and virtuality and thought and action. And nor am I alone in this.
The line between thought and action is a long contemplated topic. Early in the founding of Israel this was an issue, "you will remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and not follow the lust of your own heart and your own eyes." Numbers 15:39. Jesus taught that thoughts mattered to the crowd gathered to hear his "sermon on the mount," " But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart" Matthew 5:28.
Lately the French philosopher Jean Baudrillard has written brilliantly on the concept of simulacra: the way that reality and simulation are interlinked, interrelated and feed into each other. Like many philosophers, his writing and ideas can be a little dense, but if you are interested in learning more you may click here for a pretty good summary/introduction.
I think sometimes it is important to remember that reality can have an effect on thought too. "Practice makes perfect" is another old phrase.
The more we do something the more we think about it. That is in part why for followers of Christ, the practice of Christianity is as important as the belief of Christianity. We absolutely have to have both. The same could be said of other faiths. Practice and belief are tightly linked.
As for this woman in Tokyo, all I can say is, there must be more to this story and I hope that they figure it out in a just way.
Keepin' it real,
K
The article begins..."TOKYO, Japan (AP) -- A 43-year-old Japanese woman whose sudden divorce in a virtual game world made her so angry that she killed her online husband's digital persona has been arrested on suspicion of hacking, police said Thursday."
And it only goes on from there.
Wow
I am constantly interested in this thin line between reality and virtuality and thought and action. And nor am I alone in this.
The line between thought and action is a long contemplated topic. Early in the founding of Israel this was an issue, "you will remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and not follow the lust of your own heart and your own eyes." Numbers 15:39. Jesus taught that thoughts mattered to the crowd gathered to hear his "sermon on the mount," " But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart" Matthew 5:28.
Lately the French philosopher Jean Baudrillard has written brilliantly on the concept of simulacra: the way that reality and simulation are interlinked, interrelated and feed into each other. Like many philosophers, his writing and ideas can be a little dense, but if you are interested in learning more you may click here for a pretty good summary/introduction.
I think sometimes it is important to remember that reality can have an effect on thought too. "Practice makes perfect" is another old phrase.
The more we do something the more we think about it. That is in part why for followers of Christ, the practice of Christianity is as important as the belief of Christianity. We absolutely have to have both. The same could be said of other faiths. Practice and belief are tightly linked.
As for this woman in Tokyo, all I can say is, there must be more to this story and I hope that they figure it out in a just way.
Keepin' it real,
K
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Debatable....
Not since the writers strike last year has TV had such a problem with their scripted schedules. Turns out that people have overwhelmingly chosen to follow reality TV. But not the unreal, semi scripted, semi clad reality TV that they have created. No, Survivor, Dancing With the Stars, Desperate Housewives and Dexter, have all made way for something even more compelling.
Election 2008 has sexism, crisis, craziness, good manners, poor manners and compelling narratives. In Canada we get to watch two versions of this spectacle. We can watch the (over the top) American Version starring: a war hero, a son of a Kenyan Goat farmer, a folksy Dad, and a super gorgeous Hockey Mom. Or we can watch the slightly more sedate, but definitely quirkier Canadian version.
But the item that stands out in both versions is that both campaigns need to be followed around by a legion of media "truth squads." In other words, it seems that the average TV reality show is as honest as the average political campaign. Weirdly the product advertising that supports both these shows is generally more true, or at least less misleading (because it is required to be). Reality shows have long been known to be "fixed" and "staged" and even "total fabrications" but who knew that this method applied to "Election 2008."
If you are an advertiser wanting to sell me a toaster (or a car, or mouthwash etc.) in Canada, you have to be honest about it. There is a law. But politicians are not covered by law. They are covered by the constitution and the right to free speech. So if you are trying to sell me a Prime Minister, or a candidate, you are free to say anything you can get away with. (Clearly there are some things you can't do, witness the ignominious exit of some candidates.)
Sounds incredible, but it is true!
"Since the 1960s, advertising in Canada has been governed by the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards, which is administered by Advertising Standards Canada (ASC), an industry association "committed to creating and maintaining community confidence in advertising."
The code declares that "advertisements must not contain inaccurate or deceptive claims, statements, illustrations or representations, either direct or implied, with regard to a product or service."
So what's the problem? Why are we still seeing political ads that seem to steer a wide berth around the truth? The answer is that The Code of Advertising Standards specifically excludes political and election ads from its mandate.
While acknowledging that Canadians are "entitled to expect" election advertising to conform to the code, the ASC argues that "it is not intended that the code govern or restrict the free expression of public opinion or ideas," and therefore, politicians are basically free to say whatever they want." CBC - There Outta Be A Law
To see the campaign of Democracy Watch check here.
It seems a similar rule must operate in the US.
But people are tuning in to Election 2008 in record numbers. Especially in the US.
It truly is an amazing race. Though apparently less believable than "The Amazing Race" or more accurately their respective sponsors.
So I leave you with perhaps one of my favourite commercials. Maybe the debates this Thursday will be this fun, or even this truthful.
K
Election 2008 has sexism, crisis, craziness, good manners, poor manners and compelling narratives. In Canada we get to watch two versions of this spectacle. We can watch the (over the top) American Version starring: a war hero, a son of a Kenyan Goat farmer, a folksy Dad, and a super gorgeous Hockey Mom. Or we can watch the slightly more sedate, but definitely quirkier Canadian version.
But the item that stands out in both versions is that both campaigns need to be followed around by a legion of media "truth squads." In other words, it seems that the average TV reality show is as honest as the average political campaign. Weirdly the product advertising that supports both these shows is generally more true, or at least less misleading (because it is required to be). Reality shows have long been known to be "fixed" and "staged" and even "total fabrications" but who knew that this method applied to "Election 2008."
If you are an advertiser wanting to sell me a toaster (or a car, or mouthwash etc.) in Canada, you have to be honest about it. There is a law. But politicians are not covered by law. They are covered by the constitution and the right to free speech. So if you are trying to sell me a Prime Minister, or a candidate, you are free to say anything you can get away with. (Clearly there are some things you can't do, witness the ignominious exit of some candidates.)
Sounds incredible, but it is true!
"Since the 1960s, advertising in Canada has been governed by the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards, which is administered by Advertising Standards Canada (ASC), an industry association "committed to creating and maintaining community confidence in advertising."
The code declares that "advertisements must not contain inaccurate or deceptive claims, statements, illustrations or representations, either direct or implied, with regard to a product or service."
So what's the problem? Why are we still seeing political ads that seem to steer a wide berth around the truth? The answer is that The Code of Advertising Standards specifically excludes political and election ads from its mandate.
While acknowledging that Canadians are "entitled to expect" election advertising to conform to the code, the ASC argues that "it is not intended that the code govern or restrict the free expression of public opinion or ideas," and therefore, politicians are basically free to say whatever they want." CBC - There Outta Be A Law
To see the campaign of Democracy Watch check here.
It seems a similar rule must operate in the US.
But people are tuning in to Election 2008 in record numbers. Especially in the US.
It truly is an amazing race. Though apparently less believable than "The Amazing Race" or more accurately their respective sponsors.
So I leave you with perhaps one of my favourite commercials. Maybe the debates this Thursday will be this fun, or even this truthful.
K
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Too thin to be role models?
Today's blog started when I read an article on Entertainment Weekly online about the new cast of 90210. It seems they are too thin. Read Here or watch below (or both).
90210 then and now
Then I thought, hey didn't they just have a whole bunch of stuff about models being too thin and new regulations about it. Yup.
Model Controversy
The argument in the EW article is framed as one where these thin models/actresses are role models and they are not providing a healthy body image for people to aspire to. But the video about the models hints that this is not the real problem at all. Buried in the long video below (it is about 10 minutes) are a couple of disturbing statements about the way that the girls are not important at all and the designers are artists who should not be impeded in any way. See especially the comment at around the 3:25 mark. This woman is outraged that DESIGNERS are being curtailed.
What I began to find really shocking was the lack of concern for the very young, very vulnerable employees who are exposed to unsafe working conditions.
This kind of exploitation of children or vulnerable people for entertainment is not new, but it is getting more pervasive. And it is NOT about worrying if the models are setting a bad example for others. It is about worrying about the models and actors themselves. Because these things are being done for our amusement and consumption. And we are responsible for our fellow human travellers.
In the biblical story, there are individuals who have again and again tried to remind everyone of the need for justice and the horrors of exploitation. I offer the words of one such man in the Bible, Micah,
"And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment?
Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;
Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the cauldron." (Micah 3:1-3)
Are we picking the flesh off of the bones of children and teenagers just to satisfy our need for entertainment or clothes-hangers?
Still in the entertainment industry, a movie theatre was fined for misusing its young workforce. Read Here
Child labour and exploitation is common through out the world. Read Here It occasionally surfaces as an issue. When it does we think of it as an over there problem, one that only affects "developing countries." But the reality is that it happens everywhere.
There are some signs of an acknowledgement of the problem in the fashion industry. But, it also gives me one more very good reason not to watch and support 90210.
K
90210 then and now
Then I thought, hey didn't they just have a whole bunch of stuff about models being too thin and new regulations about it. Yup.
Model Controversy
The argument in the EW article is framed as one where these thin models/actresses are role models and they are not providing a healthy body image for people to aspire to. But the video about the models hints that this is not the real problem at all. Buried in the long video below (it is about 10 minutes) are a couple of disturbing statements about the way that the girls are not important at all and the designers are artists who should not be impeded in any way. See especially the comment at around the 3:25 mark. This woman is outraged that DESIGNERS are being curtailed.
What I began to find really shocking was the lack of concern for the very young, very vulnerable employees who are exposed to unsafe working conditions.
This kind of exploitation of children or vulnerable people for entertainment is not new, but it is getting more pervasive. And it is NOT about worrying if the models are setting a bad example for others. It is about worrying about the models and actors themselves. Because these things are being done for our amusement and consumption. And we are responsible for our fellow human travellers.
In the biblical story, there are individuals who have again and again tried to remind everyone of the need for justice and the horrors of exploitation. I offer the words of one such man in the Bible, Micah,
"And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment?
Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;
Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the cauldron." (Micah 3:1-3)
Are we picking the flesh off of the bones of children and teenagers just to satisfy our need for entertainment or clothes-hangers?
Still in the entertainment industry, a movie theatre was fined for misusing its young workforce. Read Here
Child labour and exploitation is common through out the world. Read Here It occasionally surfaces as an issue. When it does we think of it as an over there problem, one that only affects "developing countries." But the reality is that it happens everywhere.
There are some signs of an acknowledgement of the problem in the fashion industry. But, it also gives me one more very good reason not to watch and support 90210.
K
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