Ways of Seeing by John Berger offers some views which I had never really considered. Berger discusses oil paintings and their role in society. He speaks of how oil paintings usually show a positive and a happy situation. He states that it is rare for a painting to show a gloomy situation. It is in this fact that these paintings would not be a good representation of society as they would fail to capture the problems being felt by members of society. He tells of how the upper class have these paintings painted for them and I had the thought that the rich may have had people paint for them in an attempt to help those who are struggling financially. Also it could have been a way for the wealthy to brag about what they had while mocking those who they felt were beneath them.

In our classroom discussion of Ways of Seeing I found some interesting points being made. Berger made the point that people felt as though they owned the items which were in oil paintings or they wanted to own these items. He also stated that oil paintings was about possessions and having oil paintings was a way to show items which you had. I made the point during class that I do not feel like people have to own or want to own what is in the paintings which they possess. In my house we have a picture of a boat hanging in our living room, however we do not own a boat. Also in speaking with members of my family, as well as in my own opinion, we do not want a boat. The reason why we own this picture is because my mother enjoyed the look of it  but it does not represent a possession of hers or a desired product which she wishes to own. I also found it interesting how other members of class discussed this topic further, they stated that they enjoyed viewing paintings without actually wanting what is in the painting. On the flip side I respect the idea that what is in the painting may be something which a person wants or someone who that person may want to be. I remember during class Mike made the point that he has a painting of The Beatles because he idolizes them and wishes to be like them. I definitely understand where he is coming from because I have pictures of Manchester United, my favorite soccer team, in my house and after Mike made his statement I realized that I have these pictures because I too idolize them and wish to be like them.

I definitely enjoyed our second seminar class and the premise of the class a whole. I feel like it is a place where we could share our opinions in a free manner and not feel judged. I also enjoy hearing other peoples opinions and in some cases changing my stance on an opinion because of something my classmates said. I hope that the future seminar classes continue to be as enjoyable as the passed two have been.