“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?”- Henry David Thoreau

1. Media

Society today is fueled by technology and media, communication is happening across the world at instantly. This is creating a culture of communication, collaboration and empathy. Roman Krznaric, a philosopher, argues that by stepping into others shoes makes the world a better place. A person who is isolated and alone is much worse off than those connected by empathy. On his blog,Outrospection, Krznaric explains what exactly it means to have empathy and the effect it can have on society.Krznaric states that “We need empathy to forge the human bonds that make life worth living”(Outrospection). A life without human connection is hardly a life at all. At the basis of human connection is empathy which allows for the understanding of others view of the world. In turn, one’s own views and beliefs might shift.In an RSA animate, The Power of Outrospection, Krznaric expands on empathy by arguing that empathy can not only benefit individuals but society as a whole. If society is able to empathize on a larger scale a greater understanding of the world would result. To make this possible, there must be a shift in the definition of empathy. Krznaric says,"We normally think of empathy as empathizing with the down and out, the poor and marginalized those on the edges of society. I think we need to be more adventurous we those we empathize with those in power...only then will we be able to develop effective strategies for social, political and economic transformation" (The Power of Outrospection). The ability to understand why others do things, including those in power, gives an insight to the world that is invaluable. Hypothetically if everyone understood and respected the values and motives of others the world would become interconnected.Krznaric goes further with the idea of expanding empathic capacity, encompassing the future and space to drive social change. Krznaric says,"We need to learn to expand our emphatic imaginations forward through time as well as across space"(The Power of Outrospection). Stepping into the shoes of someone who has not even been born yet is a far stretch, however if society were able to achieve this a global community uninterrupted by time would exist. The ability to empathize on this large of a scale would lead to a global transformation. Empathy is the basis of human connection, by stepping outside of the self to connect with others a societal transformation will occur.

2.Press Pause Play

In an age of globalization and democratization every person is an artist, an orator of ideas and creativity. This allows for people to share ideas and connect to people with similar ideas to create social change. Press Pause Play is a documentary that explores the symbiotic relationship between technology and the democratization of art. the democratization of art is important because that way ideas can be spread and shared by anyone improving the flow of information. Seth Godin, an author in Press Pause Play, argues for the spreading of ideas. He says, “People don’t become artists because they want to become rich. They become artists because they have an idea to share. Or an emotion to share.” (Seth Godin). The shift in the purpose of artists is a testament to the growing outrospection in society. People observe and share their opinions freely. Godin is also featured in The Tribes We Lead, a TED Talk that deals with the growth of technology and how that affects human interaction. With massive technological advancement communication and the way that relationships are fostered is rapidly changing. Godin says, “we are living through and are right at the key moment of a change in the way ideas are created and spread and implemented”(Seth Godin). Godin is recognizing fact that as society is exposed to others ideas through the democratization of art empathy is also on the rise. People are now able to find people who have the same values and goals  and form connections. Often times these connections of common interest help to foster change. Godin explores this further by saying, “That what we do for a living now, all of us, I think, is find something worth changing, and then assemble tribes that assemble tribes that spread the idea and spread the idea. And it becomes something far bigger than ourselves, it becomes a movement”(Seth Godin). This is an example of how by stepping into others views and sharing ideas a social movement is created. The understanding and spread of ideas is the sole reason for social revolution. The

3. Craigslist Joe

While some argue that technology is destroying human connection it is actually doing the complete opposite. In Craigslist Joe, Joseph Garner documents his experience of being out in the world with no money or contacts and just relying on human connection via technological interface to survive.His goal is to prove that America is not overly invested in itself and that a sense of community still exists.Garner says,“Some say technology and social media fuel this isolation, have we become so caught up in our own lives that we don’t notice life outside our bubble, are we less willing to see each other as neighbors?”(Craigslist Joe). Although technology has the power to be the bane of empathy and human connection, if used to foster communication and understanding it becomes a tool to spread empathy. A world of isolation is dark and lonely. In an interview with ABC Garner talks about how he is going to use technology to  prove that technology is not the cause of isolation and narcissism. He says, “I am going to talk to regular people around the country and see how technology is going to enable me to better communicate with those people to make meaningful face-face-connections” (Joseph Garner). The use of technology can be used to help foster a society based on empathy through communication and human connection. Garner’s entire goal is to prove that the average person is capable of creating connections through technology. After a month of living off of the good-will of others Joe returns home completely changed. He expands his empathetic capacity because he was able to put himself out there and attempt to understand how other people live. As he reflects on his journey in the interview Garner says, “What I did was no big thing. The biggest thing was making the decision to let go of the things I hold most important and step out of my comfort zone.It was the most amazing experience of my life. I’ve never felt so connected with people around me.” (Joseph Garner). Garner’s experience proves that if society holds empathy as a core value it will transform the relationships and human connections that are made with others whether it is through technology or face-to-face. Instead of casting a negative light on technology and blaming it for problems in society, transform the way that technology is used. Technology is fostering a global sense of empathy and this use of technology should be celebrated.

4. Seven Pounds

The experiences and connections made with other people throughout a life are what bring meaning to it. Seven Pounds, is the story of a mans journey to redemption. Ben Thomas is the cause of a fatal car crash that kills seven others, in turn Ben tries to redeem himself by giving away seven pieces of his life. The story is a call to society to recognize the lives of others and try to empathize with them. In an interview the director of the film Gabriele Muccino says the film “is an incredible love story...it is a big declaration of love itself”( Gabriele Muccino). Ben is able to change the course of seven peoples lives simply by paying attention to their stories and giving them what they desperately need.In a final act of redemption Ben kills himself in order to give his organs to those he cares about. Emily Posa is Bens love interest and receives Ben's heart. Emily is always depicted as full of life with pictures of  family in her house, soft colors and a beautiful garden (Seven Views of Seven Pounds). Even though Emily is the one who is dying she is also the one that is full of life. Ben empathizes with Emily and makes a connection with her. after Bens death his corneas go to Ezra who is blind. Ezra is also always depicted in  the light with darkness around him (Seven Pounds). This is ironic because it symbolizes that although Ezra is the one that is blind he has the ability to see people and life for what it is while Ben can not see people in life clearly but can physically see. Seven Pounds is the ultimate story of empathy, through empathetic acts Ben finds meaning in life.

5. Reel Injun

Throughout the course of history various groups of ethnic,racial and cultural groups have been discriminated against and prejudiced on the sole basis of misunderstanding. Human nature is to reject the things that challenge our own belief systems and values.The documentary Reel Injun explores how the native identity is created through their portrayal in the media, good and bad. The entire Native people are grouped together and portrayed as a homogeneous group whose identity is based on false stereotypes. Some of the stereotypes are f the “Noble Injun”, “The Warrior” and “A Good Injun is a Dead Injun”. Through years of this false portrayal the identity of Native nations has changed.Native actor Adam Beach says“ We’ll never be able to change the fantasy of who and what Indians are. That fantasy will always be there”(Beach). This shows the impact of the lack of empathy on a group of people. If empathy is not given then whole pasts and identities are lost. Now, the native identity is a confusing mix of the remains after being suppressed for generations.The idea of empathy however is to look at someone through clean eyes without biases or prejudices. Everyone is simply just a person. In the film John Trudell argues that “We're too busy trying to protect the idea of a Native American or an Indian - but we're not Indians and we're not Native Americans. We're older than both concepts. We're the people. We're the human beings” (John Trudell). Trudell is urging society to see Natives as humans and that when it comes down to it that is what connects the world. Recent media surrounding Native culture has told the true story of natives and has given the world an insight into their culture.In an interview with PBS director Neil Diamond says,“Their work has revolutionized the image of Native people; it has opened the window on their cultures and let the world know that Native people have something to say, that they are not necessarily noble, treacherous, or stoic, but just human.” (Neil Diamond).The recent view on Natives allows society to feel empathy for them changing the way society views them as a group of people.This is an example of how through communication and technology a social transformation has occurred. Natives nations were first a victim of suppression and prejudice however now as society gets a glimpse of true native cultures the views about them are changed.

Final Links and Image

Reel Injun-http://www-tc.pbs.org/independentlens/reel-injun/resources/reel-injun-discussion.pdf
PTS(D)-http://www.history.com/news/the-real-life-story-behind-lone-survivor
Ceremony-http://www.altx.com/interviews/silko.html
Smoke Signals-http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2002/borders/talk/dialogue010_sa.html
Press Pause Play-http://www.ted.com/talks/seth_godin_on_the_tribes_we_lead?language=en
Culture/Communication-http://www.ted.com/talks/mark_pagel_how_language_transformed_humanity
Media- http://www.romankrznaric.com/outrospection
Craigslist Joe-http://www.craigslistjoe.com/
Visual Literacy-http://www.ted.com/playlists/66/the_power_of_film
Seven Pounds-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGyctSOc5RI

Beauty and Cruelty

Life is an array of opposites; life and death, loneliness and love, coexisting together to form a life that is undeniably going to be interrupted by death. The relationship between these things is symbiotic, meaning one cannot exist without the other. No one thing in life is purely good or evil. In Seven Pounds, directed by Gabriele Muccino, the intricacy of balancing a complex world of duality is revealed. Ben Thomas, an aerospace engineer, has his life turned upside down when he becomes the cause of a fatal car crash. He kills seven people, including his fiance. Ben spends his time feeling the guilt and looking for ways to redeem himself. This is an example of a cruel duality of life. He decides to give away seven parts of his life to make up for the seven deaths he caused.Ben is coming closer to death and giving life to others which represents the relationship between life and death. In the film water becomes a constant symbol for duality. Water is the origin of life, however it is also very powerful and destructive making it a symbol for life and death.The duality of life through water is represented throughout the film as ice, rain and the ocean.

In the form of ice, water is cold, hard and unmoving. It is symbolic of strength and power. In Seven Pounds Ben decides to give his kidney to a hockey coach who coaches underprivileged youth in the center of Los Angeles. There is a camera shot of Ben in the shadows looking on the ice rink.  It is illuminated by three point lighting with the players in focus (Seven Pounds). This represents the power of the rink. The fact that the rink is illuminated shows that it is a source of life, while Ben is in the dark showing that he is an object of darkness or irrelevance. Even though ice is usually associated with cold and pain, in this case ice is used as a tool in which the hockey coach makes the world a better place. Since Ben has given his kidney to the hockey coach and the coach brings a better life to kids in need Ben, in a way, becomes a catalyst for hope and life. The fact that he is not in focus in the shot and the rink is shows that he has given that part of his life to the rink. On the flip side of that, ice also symbolizes the stopping of progress and depression. While Ben prepares for his suicide he decides to add ice into the bathtub. He does this to prepare his body to donate organs. In the shot the camera is angled up as a reverse God’s eye. A handheld camera is used as the ice is being poured into the tub, the shot shows an out of focus shadow of Ben as he is seen above the ice (Seven Pounds). The ice in this shot is the dominant thing showing its power and showing that it will ultimately aid in Bens death. The use of a handheld camera is significant because it shows the chaos surrounding the ice even though ice is solid and immovable. The scene later goes to show a parallel edit between Bens dark, coffin like bathtub with ice in it and Emily's illuminated halo bathtub with candles around it, both bathtubs are shown from a birds eye view (Seven Pounds). The ice and fire used in the bathtub represents the two lives. The use of ice in Ben's bathtub is similar to the glass shown in the crash scene which shows the importance of the crash in his life. Ice is also a symbol of the stopping of progress, which symbolizes Ben’s life coming to an end. Emily's bathtub is shown surrounded by fire, symbolizing her ultimate renewal of life. Both a death and a renewal of life is occurring at the same time. Water, in the form of ice can be used as a device for life and death and the symbiotic relationship between the two.

Often times rain is associated with sadness and despair but it is also an important symbol for rebirth and purification. In the film Ben finally begins to find a purpose in life  when he and Emily Posa,a woman with a faulty heart, start to fall in love. Ben holds firm to his guilt and anger as he starts to fall for Emily. However, when they start to show affection it is the only time when Ben seems to have an interest in living life. During their date it begins to rain, the scene starts with an extreme close up and in focus is a candle which is kept central as the camera pans out to the dinner setting and shows the candle is still illuminated (Seven Pounds). The candle is the main focus of the scene and is shown in frontality. The fact that the candle is still illuminated among the rain which should have put it out symbolizes that death and life can coexist in the same moment in time and that it does not always make sense. It is also a testament to that of at the same time Ben and Emily are coexisting. Ben is “a dead man walking” while Emily is a source of life even though she is literally dying. The fact that the two can coexist just as the candle in the rain demonstrates the duality of life. Eventually Ben leaves Emily and takes off running through the rain. The scene depicts him sprinting through a deserted, dark street, the entire shot is out of focus and a handheld is used (Seven Pounds). The scene is dark representing the weight that Ben carries with him. The use of rain is significant because rain is often seen as shedding of guilt or forgiveness, as Ben is running to decide to give Emily his heart he is losing some of the guilt he carries with him from the car crash. The scene is also shot using a handheld camera to show confusion within Ben and him questioning whether he can exist with Emily or not. In the final moments of Ben's life he contacts Ezra, a blind man, in which he plans to give his corneas to. Even though Ezra is a man that cannot literally see, he is able to see people and life in a way that Ben cannot. Parallel editing is used when Ben calls Ezra. Ezra is depicted in golds, yellows and pinks while Ben is depicted as dark and dingy with blues and greens (Seven Pounds). The rain surrounding Ezra is colored gold, the rain becomes a symbol for rebirth and life. Even though Ezra cannot see, everything around him is light, even the rain. The juxtaposing scenes of rain show the duality that exists in life. Rain can be a symbol of escape and sadness or of new beginnings.

The ocean in its immensity is seen as a mystery because it is unpredictable and uncontrollable, however, the ocean is also full of endless possibilities making it a symbol for hope and the future. This makes it a symbol of duality in life.Connie, a woman who is being abused, receives the gift of Ben’s house. For Connie the beach house becomes a place of escape and a renewal.In the film a shot of Connie is shown facing the ocean away from the camera contemplating, there is few shadows and the ocean is illuminated by the sun. Connie is also not in focus.(Seven Pounds) In this case, the ocean is a symbol for a new beginning for Connie and the vast possibilities for her life.  The fact that she is not in focus shows the uncertainty of her future and her life. Ben has given Connie the gift of a new life in a place where when he looks in the ocean he now sees darkness. Before the accident the ocean represents Ben's future and the endless possibilities available to him. After the accident Ben sees the ocean very differently. In a shot of Ben sitting on rocks contemplating the ocean the lighting is dark and his face is in focus  in a close-up shot (Seven Pounds). It is clear that in contrast to Connie's future Ben's is short, bleak and defined.This conveys the idea that in the ocean lies both endless opportunities as well as impending doom.Both Connie and Ben are alone which conveys the idea that even though the ocean has the ability to make someone feel small it is also very comforting and connects the world together.The duality of the ocean is further explained in the very beginning of the film where there is a sense of confusion because Ben calls 911 to report a suicide and then is seen swimming across the ocean. The shot of Ben swimming is a reverse God’s eye with subject entering in the frame and rising up, the color gradient of blue with the darkest at the bottom and the lightest at the top shows that the lighting is coming from the top.( Seven Pounds). Water in this shot is a metaphor for Ben's life, after watching the film it is clear that Ben is rising from the abyss and rising toward the light. This is happening through his acts of redemption. The change in lighting displays the duality of water, in its clearest form it is beautiful and pure however in its depths it is dark and mysterious showing that the two can exist in a single element. The ocean encompasses both the best and worst of life into a single element which reflects that good and bad are present in everything.

Water is the building block to life as well as the thing that can be a catalyst of death. In Seven Pounds water shows the dual nature of Ben’s journey to redemption, while he looks for death he gives life to others. Ice,rain and the ocean are all symbolic of living,renewal and forgiveness as well as death and destruction. A certainty in life is that there is a dual nature to every being, thing and element in the world.There is no life without death, no hope without sorrow and no redemption without guilt.Ben is consistently trying to repay his debt to humanity by giving away parts of his life to others which ultimately causes his death. Seven Pounds is an adaptation of The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. In both stories the theme is that one must give what they take. However in the process of giving life something else is coming closer to death.Death and life are intertwined together in every way which creates the dual cruelty of life.

More to the Music Part 2

As we continue to analyze music videos of varying music genres it is becoming more interesting. There are videos that give new meaning and depth to songs.The music video Because of You by Kelly Clarkson added surprising depth to the already powerful song. Kelly Clarkson along with Vadim Perelman were the auteur of the video. Kelly Clarkson helped to write and direct the music video because she wanted it to reflect her own life experience in a broken home as closely as possible. The auteur of a video and the back story helps to shape videos to be successful artistically. Because of You also displayed many shots of mirrors. Mirrors and reflections are symbolic to reflection and looking within the self. It is interesting to see how in one shot she looks in the mirror and sees a younger version of herself. This shows how her past is always with her and when she looks at herself she sees her past. The diegesis is that she does not want to repeat her parents mistakes and that she family is important to her.

Mirror image in Because of You by Kelly Clarkson

Stan by Eminem was another video that stood out to me. It is a narrative that tells the story of a fan of Eminem's that idolized him and took it to the extreme. The mise-en-scene in this video was important because there was often clutter, darkness and posters all around. This is important in contributing to the meaning of idolization and being in a bad place in life with no innocence. An impactful shot was of when Eminem looks up and he is reflected into a window of a now deceased Stan. Going back to the mirrors thing, it is a reflection within showing who he could be or was and who he is now.

Mise-En-Scene in Stan by Eminem

Pop songs like I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift are not expected to be artful and deep. However, this one was surprising.It was a narrative about a girl who fell for a guy knowing it was a bad choice and regretting it. The video periodically flashes back to moments in her relationship that demonstrate both how toxic and fun it was for her. The scene was mainly based out of a finished concert in what seems like the middle of nowhere. This contributes to the sense of being alone and worn down.It also contributes to the mise-en-scene that something can be great for awhile but the aftermath may not be so great. The contrast between the flashback scenes of her in the relationship and the scenes of her in the desert show the contrast between what her past felt like and her present.

I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift  Setting

American Soldier by Toby Kieth was also a narrative about a man leaving his life behind to go to war. The shots played with lighting to depict the meaning behind going to war. Often times the soldiers, while on duty were in the shadows while everything else was bright. Toby Keith is also portrayed in a crucifixion pose which has a religious connotation as lifting someone or something up. There is also an important diegesis in this video where a soldier is riding with his family and they pass a cemetery. The man becomes distressed and he goes to the shadows. This can be interpreted as the fear of death in military families.

Shot in American Solder by Toby Keith

The music video Hey Brother by Avicii is a narrative about a father going to war in Vietnam and the impact it has on his family. The entire video is a flashback for the son on memories of his dad, who is originally portrayed as an older brother. The fact that he is portrayed as the older brother contributes to the diegesis of the video. The father was not around a lot and when he was he acted as more of a father figure. In the entirety of the video there is red, white and blue and patriotic symbols everywhere to contribute to the sense of nationalism. The video also plays with the idea of editing. There is a sequence where the video flashes between war scenes and a Fourth of July party. This shows the parallel between patriotism and freedom in the U.S.A and war. Photographs are also an important symbol in the video. The photos at the beginning start out blurry and unrecognizable then they become more clear as the story is told.

More to the Music

Music videos have never been a very big thing for me. Occasionally I will watch one if it is interesting or popular but other than that not much. As we analyze different genres of music videos they have become more interesting and the artistic value behind music videos has become more clear. A term that we learned that was interesting to me was digesis. The definition of digesis is that things not explicitly presented in the film can be inferred by the audience. Essentially, a video can have a deeper meaning under the one that is explicitly presented. Another new term was mise-en-scene, which is everything that is put into a scene. This means that if a video is paused at any given time everything in the scene will contribute to the story. Every single shot in a video can be interpreted to contribute to the meaning behind the story.

Highway 20 Ride by Zac Brown Band

In the first week of presenting a video that stood out to me was Hero of War by Rise Against. Everything including the mise-en-scene, focus, and digesis contributed to the deeper meaning of humanity and war. Hero of War also demonstrated meaningful symbols such as a dark playground as a loss of innocence or not showing the face of a character showing objectification. LaLaLa by Naughty Boy was also very interesting because of the parallel to The Wizard of Oz, at first the story had a very simple meaning but as the story went on it turned into something deeper. Highyway 20 Ride by Zac Brown Band was also a very good video. Even the auteur, had a story behind it. The story was of an absentee father and his relationship with his son. The director had an absent father so was able to relate. The father was often seen alone, in the shadows of a car as the bright background goes by. Scientist by Coldplay demonstrated a flashback and did a good job of explaining the meaning and value of time. The video was interesting to me because at first you would think that the boy survived the conflict however different shots of him portray him as being in a dreamlike state implying that he is either dead or unconscious.