Author Archives: alleyawharton

Final Project Blog: Oh! How Times Have Changed

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Doing group projects in college sure is different than doing group projects in high school. Back then, I would do pretty much all of the work. For this project, everyone actually participated and had a say. Maybe it’s because this is college, or maybe it’s because this was a project full of other Macaulay students…probably the latter. It’s true what they say about teamwork, no matter how cliché is might be: Teamwork makes the dream work!

Working on this project exposed me to a lot of the different aspects of collaboration. Here we are, five people, with five different ideas that we somehow have to smash together to create one solid idea that can actually come to fruition. Obviously, everyone is vying for their own ideas to stay prominent, but eventually we all reach an agreement and it feels good to know that your voice is heard and that even an inkling of your presence has remained. On the other hand, ideas keep evolving and sooner or later, the original is forgotten. My group had particular special effects that we wanted to use, which we late discovered were not possible for the skill and software level we had. But the project became something that I am very proud of.

My favorite moment of the process was definitely mastering a set of lines that we kept messing up. It’s the scene where Spider has just entered and is going on and on about all of the issues with the apartment and hallway: the rats, bedbugs, infestation. We must have tried to film that scene at least fifty times, messing up in some way or another in each take. The most memorable moment was when we finally got about 95% through the scene, only for me to forget my one line! I was so upset with myself, but it was also SO funny! But finally, we did it, we finished it! As stressful as filming and memorizing lines could be, it was so much fun!

inhabited was a difficult play to memorize, mostly because there was so much interruption between lines and so many repetitive phrases. I tried to read into my character, Galvez, to see her motivations. There wasn’t much I could tell about her from her lines, only that she panics easily like I do. The best way I could think to portray her was as a worry-wart, lots of pacing and stressed-out expressions. I can’t really say that the play or any of the characters meant much to me because I didn’t form any strong connections or attachments. It’s just humorous that I get to see myself freaking out so much; at least now I know what I look like when panicking.

Unapologetic

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As I take my mental walk down memory lane, it’s actually kind of hard to pick which movie was my favorite. When I think of all of the movies, I think about how much I disliked most of them. In fact, it might be easier to pick which was my least favorite. My criteria for which movies were my favorite was simple: which were the ones that I actually dedicated 80% or more of my attention to, meaning which one was I not multitasking while watching. That narrows it down to three movies: Taxi Driver, Do The Right Thing, and The 25th Hour. Out of the three, I’m not sure that I can pick out an absolute favorite. They all sparked a lot of debate and controversy in class, and honestly, I would watch those three movies again. What’s so funny about all of these movies is that I would not have watched these if it weren’t for this class, not because they are all older movies, but because they just aren’t my kind of movie. I must admit that a little part of me had always wanted to watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s. After seeing endless pictures and gifs from the movie on Tumblr, I was slightly excited to finally have an excuse to watch the movie. But honestly, it did not live up to all of the hype. It was actually offensive and boring, but to each his own right?

It’s hard to say which movie was most truthful about New York. I think, however, that each of these movies represented something different about the city: the dirty streets, the classically beautiful architecture, the overzealous men and catcalls, the crime, the list really does go on and on. But luckily I was scrolling through my Instagram feed this morning to see a post by the most melodramatic people I follow, and the connection between all of these films clicked. It was something along the lines of “I’m from NYC. That defines be. I’m not going to apologize for being me.” In each of the movies we saw, the main characters were completely unapologetic about who they were. They all knew who they were and what their direct want or need was. And I think that totally depicts New York in one shot. That’s the Big Apple.

As far as the works we’ve read this semester, I actually really enjoyed all of them. Perhaps that fact that I enjoyed reading the plays more than I enjoyed watching the movies says something about me, and it probably explains why I work in a bookstore. With that being said, the theme of being unapologetic is still present throughout the readings. In God of Carnage, both sets of parents were a little too proud to admit that they were both in the wrong at some points. The characters of In Arabia We’d All Be Kings were completely indifferent to what other people thought about them, and they didn’t care whether or not they were in the wrong.

That’s New York for you!

“When Everyone Else Is More Comfortable Remaining Voiceless…”

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At some point in our lives, I think we’ve all probably been called a tattle tail, probably way back in kindergarten. And for a while after that we were probably not to be trusted by anyone in the class for a good few days. Am I right, or am I right? And we probably snitched because it was for our own benefit. It’s the same concept with selling out. Someone comprises their reputation because they’ll reap some type of reward from it, mostly for fame or money. Probably money. And there’s a huge stigma against the idea of selling out, why else would Jennifer Lopez have released “Jenny From the Block”?

Now, say what you want about him, but Michael Jackson is hands down one off the best musicians of all time, if not the absolute best. Put him under fire for child molestation accusations or for his drastic surgeries, but no one can ever accuse him of being a sell out. From the very beginning, Michael Jackson has always been someone who inspires and likely lights a fire in the hearts of his listeners. From songs like “Will You Be There”, “Keep the Faith”, and “The Lost Children” to “Earth Song”, “Heal the World”, and “Man in the Mirror” (really the list goes on and on) , Michael had a way of gently conveying his positive messages and getting his point across. One song MJ did not mince words in, however, is “They Don’t Care About Us”. Eighteen years later, and this song still holds so much relevance. Timeless songs such as these are the epitome of songs with social and political value because let’s be real: there is always something unjust going on somewhere in the world. MJ always stood with his cause.

“Tell me what has become of my life…I am the victim of police brutality, now I’m tired of being the victim of hate…Tell me what has become of my rights. Am I invisible? Because you ignore me. Your proclamation promised me free liberty…” (Jackson, Michael. “They Don’t Care About Us.” HIStory-Past, Present and Future, Book 1. Jackson, 1996. CD.) Relevant in 1996, relevant in 2014. If the King of Pop can release commercially successful music of substance, then why can’t everyone else?

But what happens when an artist generally doesn’t produce music of social or political value, and then one day, out of the clear blue sky, they release a song that has incredible social value and possibly the ability to change some people’s points of view. I mean, how does an artist go from releasing a song that’s first verse starts with “Walk up in the club like, ‘What up, I got a big c*ck!’” to releasing a song like “Same Love”? Macklemore’s “Same Love” was one of the biggest songs of 2013, sparking a national awareness for gay rights in America. “It’s human rights for everybody. There is no difference. … When everyone else is more comfortable remaining voiceless rather than fighting for humans that have had their rights stolen. I might not be the same, but that’s not important. No freedom till we’re equal, damn right I support it,” (Lambert, Mary, and Macklemore. “Same Love.” Same Love. Lewis, 2012. MP3). If that’s not one of the most socially riveting lyrics I’ve ever heard in my life, then I don’t know what is! I think Macklemore did what all artists should do: He established himself, his fan-base, and his popularity, and then he used his platform to take a stand.

It’s artists like that who can make a HUGE difference in the world. I know it’s hard to believe, but not all popular songs have to be about sex or absolute nonsense! Songs like Black Eyed-Peas’ “Where Is The Love?”, Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful”, and Green Day’s “American Idiot” are just a few of the songs from my lifetime that have made a huge impact; maybe not on the whole world, or even the nation, but certainly on me. And that’s a song of value.

Now please excuse me as I go make a “Social and Political Justice” playlist…

Black Lives Matter

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“Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today. I want to be a part of it.. New York, New York.” (Frank Sinatra. “Theme from New York, New York.” New York, New York. Capital, 1997. Audiocassette.)

“And since I made it here, I can make it anywhere; yeah they love me everywhere… In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of there’s nothing you can’t do. Now you’re in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you.” (Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys. “Empire State of Mind.” The Blueprint 3. Roc Nation, Atlantic, 2009. MP3.)

“South side Jamaica, Queens where its crazy.” (Nicki Minaj featuring Drake. “Moment 4 Life.” Pink Friday. Young Money, Cash Money, Universal Motown, 2010. MP3.)

There are so many songs about New York. So many movies. So many stories about going to New York to make a name for yourself, to become famous, to have a fresh start. In class we’ve watched quite a few films, each of which relates in some way to a lyric listed above. Some have been moving, some have bored me out of my mind, and I thought some were so stupid that I’d rather be dumped into a bin of toxic waste.

Each movie presented a different perspective on the New York lifestyle. Some depicted the greed, class differences, and power struggle while others presented a view of the crime, racism, stereotypes. On the other hand, some even painted an ethereal and dreamlike picture.

By far, my favorite movie we’ve watched is Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing. Before class, I’d heard of the movie and seen some short clips (mostly those played whenever I’d watch the Black To The Future specials on VH1), but all I knew was that it was about what goes down on the hottest day of the summer in Brooklyn. But boy did I have some feelings about this movie.

As many of you may have noticed, if not from my video blog or my brown skin, I’m black. And this movie struck a chord with me for that very reason. At this point, too many black lives have been taken cruelly and meaninglessly. And honestly, some of the commentary made in class was really bothersome and opened my eyes to the reality of how some people think. The fact that some people were more sympathetic and upset about Sal’s business being burned down than Radio Raheem dying appalled me. That’s a human life! A living, breathing, feeling person lost their life and all some people were concerned about was Sal’s pizzeria?!?!? Calm down guys, he’ll probably get an insurance check; don’t even lament the fact that someone lost their life, because it’s no big deal, right? And this isn’t still happening today, right? No way!

YES WAY! Here are just a few of the unarmed black men killed this past summer:
Eric Garner, age 43, Staten Island New York, July 17, 2014
John Crawford, age 22, Beavercreek, Ohio, August 5, 2014
Michael Brown, age 18, Ferguson, Missouri, August 9, 2014
Ezell Ford, age 25, Los Angeles, California, August 11, 2014
Dante Parker, age 36, Victorville, California, August 12, 2014

Do The Right Thing showed the harsh reality of the situation for young black people not only in New York, but pretty much everywhere in America. Being black means that I can’t leave the house without my ID (less so than if I were male, but still important). It means that I always have to be extra careful, and always be on the lookout. I have to receive a speech from my parents damn near every time I leave the house. I really hope I don’t have to give my children that speech one day.

IMG_5552 (Sargent, Ben. Still Two Americas.  Comic. GoComics. 26 August 2014. Web. 23 Nov 2014.

The reality of the situation is that (a) police use an extensive and excessive amount of brutality and (b) there is a complete and utter disregard for black lives in America.

On a brief side note, another thing that people just don’t seem to understand is Buggin’ Out’s passion about getting black people on the wall of fame. I cannot tell you how much representation for young black people matters. All I’ll say is that it’s not so great growing up and seeing a bunch of white people on the wall or having a Eurocentric idea of beauty. Personally, I can understand Buggin’ Out’s strong feelings about the situation, I probably wouldn’t have gone about it the same way, but I definitely understand. I’m proud to live in a time where we can see a black Cinderella, or a black Annie, and black ballerinas in the American Ballet Theater; I don’t need to hear or read opinionated comments about how those characters aren’t black.

Call me an oversensitive black girl, but this movie really hit home. And more people need to pay attention. And I think actor Jesse Williams said it best, “…every time a black person does something, they automatically become a thug worthy of their own death…” So what Radio Raheem caused a scene? So what he was a nuisance? For God’s sake, even after he was killed, he the police continued to kick and assault him! He was a person and his life should be valued. BLACK LIVES MATTER.

All Dressed Up With Some Place To Go

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Call me a girly girl, but I love any excuse to get dressed up. Dresses, heels, a little make-up never hurt anyone, right? For this very reason, I’d been looking forward to the Opera since I read it on our syllabus. I couldn’t wait to see how everyone would dress, not just in our class, but all of the Opera-goers. The lavish and elaborate garments were only the beginning of the experience however. As we walked into the venue, I started to get excited, not necessarily because of the decorum (I’ve seen a ballet or two at the MET before, so it wasn’t really anything new to me), but because I was about to see my very first opera!

As the curtain rose, I had my binoculars at the ready. Good thing too, considering that the performance began with a brief dance duet. I’m a total sucker for beautiful choreography and grace, so my eyes were glued to the lenses as I watched the pair take command of the stage. In my opinion, the dance sequence was too short; but then again, it was the Opera, not the Ballet. Unfortunately, I think the dance performance set my hopes a little too high for the rest of the show. Don’t get me wrong, the performance was fabulous: the set was marvelous, the costumes were phenomenal, and the singing was absolutely impeccable. I’m just tired of love stories to be quite honest.

I guess to be fair, this wasn’t the typical love story: boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after. I suppose I can give credit to the fact that it complicated the regular love story: boy who already has a girlfriend/soon to be wife, boy meets girl as he is detaining her, boy goes to prison for girl, boy and girl are madly “in love”, boy and girl have love/hate kind of relationship, eventually boy and girl must end relationship, boy wants girl back but girl has moved on, girl no longer loves boy, boy kills girl. Reading that back, it sounds kind of like a really good Ed Sheeran song actually (crazy plot twists and all that jazz). Regardless of its twist on the regular love story, I would have preferred to see an opera with another story line. Give me something about revenge or a war. Love stories are just so common, I guess I expected more from the opera plot-wise. You could ask my neighbors Freda and Victoria, they’ll probably attest to the fact that I groaned every time someone said they were in love, or loved someone. The performance was remarkable, truly sensational; what I had a problem with was the story.

With that being said, the show was bearable strictly based on the talent of the musicians and singers. I can definitely see why people enjoy going to the Opera. It is quite the experience, I’d surely go back again (as long as it isn’t a love story that is) and it is most certainly not just for the old or the rich. Not even just for the educated. The Opera would be enjoyable for anyone really, anyone could easily be blown away by the beautiful Opera House and décor, it is absolutely glamorous. The older, rich generation certainly cherish the idea that the Opera was made for them, that they breathe life into the performance themselves. Not to be cryptic, but what happens when they die? Does the Opera die then too? If they begin to welcome a younger, more diverse demographic into the audience, they will ensure that Opera maintains its prestige. I understand that we younger folk are often obnoxious, (particularly the two youths whose phones went off during the performance; a screaming ringtone, really?!?) but we as young adults have the opportunity to keep the Opera alive. Just give us the chance!