Writing is quintessential to communicate our ideas, thoughts or opinions in life; therefore, it is important to develop good writing abilities since an early age. Having taken this course has helped me to improve my writing skills in English as well as to learn how to use appropriately this language. Due to the fact that English is not my first language, sometimes I find it difficult to express my ideas in a coherent, cohesive and effective way. Before taking ENGL 082 I was not used to write essays in a language different to Spanish; consequently, this class meant a challenge to me. As I look back to see my initial papers, I can notice a big difference. Reading and writing in this course helped me to think and organize my compositions, enrich my vocabulary and improve in general my fluency in English. Furthermore, writing made me aware of using synonyms and forced me to stop translating into Spanish. Sometimes when trying to say something in English I wrote it as if I was saying it in Spanish, such in the case of my prepositions.
I found it useful when we had peer workshops and they gave me suggestions to correct my essays. Likewise, while reading my classmates’ papers I learned different writing tones and styles. In addition, the individual conferences were so effective when I had questions or doubts. I received a great feedback that encouraged me to correct and improve my final essays. I liked the fact we had the whole semester to keep checking and revising each of the assignments.
ENGL O82 not only gave me the tools to improve my writing, but also opened my eyes to different cultures when reading the essays in Signs of Life. I found interesting the concepts of counterculture, consumer culture, mass media and advertising. Similarly, I liked the readings regarding the outlaw hero and the hero archetype.
Finally, this course taught me diverse strategies to start a research paper. I learned how to differentiate between an academic source an a popular one. Now each time that I want to look for a credible source I consult first Temple’s library database. It is a great place to find books, magazines, journals, films, and so on. A last aspect to mention is how useful I found our book “A Pocket Style Manual.” It is a handful source to consult MLA formatting and in text citations.
Overall, having taken ENGL 082 was an enriching experience that I know will help me in future courses.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Blog 5
Blog 5
Looking back at this semester, I see that I was very optimistic about what we we're learning and how we were approaching it (through open dialogue and constant feedback). However, as the semester progressed I became increasingly more frustrated with the assignments and the class. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy it, it's quite the contrary. It was the idea that even though class was informative, it was taking time away from work time. I feel as though I put too much thought into the papers, expecting too much to be accomplished by them. I dug myself in too deep. That's pretty much the whole shebang. I plan too much for the time allotted to me. I feel as the semester went on my writing got worse due to my push for more complex ideas and papers. If I were to take this class over (hopefully I don't have to), I would pick simpler topics, spend more time on quality than quantity, and stop forgetting these blogs and the digital dropboxes. In one respect, I wish I could have done much better, but in another respect, I don't see how I could have done better than I did. I gave this class everything I could and in some sense I'll be proud of anything I eventually get out of constantly forgetting the small procedures that have hindered my success in this class. I think this class may have temporarily diminished any desire I've had for writing but I has helped me articulate my observations more clearly, which is incredibly useful as a Fine Arts student. I think this class will inspire me to keep a journal in collaboration with my sketchbooks in a way that links the two subjects and ideas of expression together. Thinking about my in class writing assignment on the first day, that's all I really wanted out of this class.Blog 5
Throughout this semester I have learned how to properly analyze sources and integrate evidence into my paper. I was never asked in an English class before to analyze my sources. I was always taught to just add evidence/facts and throw a citation at the end. After taking this class I have improved my writing a lot, my writing has become stronger because of knowing how to properly integrate evidence. I still find it extremely hard to start off my papers, but once I get the ball rolling it doesn’t stop. The library days helped me out the most, finding credible secondary sources was always a problem for me but the databases available here at Temple help out a lot. I learned that having scholarly sources greatly improves your papers and gives you more to work with. When writing my first two papers I realized that I have to take the revision process more seriously. At the time I had a lot to learn about writing and those papers were evident of it. I learned a lot from the workshops and conferences. My group helped me figure out what I needed to elaborate on more and where my paper didn’t make sense. From meeting with you in conferences I realized that my writing skills were not as terrible as I thought. There were areas where I needed improvement but I was heading in the right direction. My third paper showed my progress with synthesizing my sources into my paper and connecting them with my thesis. This process helped me out a lot when it came to writing my final paper. We were required to use many outside sources to back up our thesis. Without learning how to properly synthesize and integrate citations with my thesis, my paper would have been a sloppy mess of ideas thrown together with no real connection. I believe I have learned a lot from this course and will use what I have learned to better my writing for future courses.
Blog 5 Reflection
Looking back on all that I did this semester I can say confidently that I have greatly improved my writing. All those workshops I did with other students really helped me out a lot. The conferences were also a really big help for me. Looking back on some essays that I previously did in high-school and in my first semester in college I really can see an improvement. The feedback from other students and from my teacher really helped me improve. I also greatly improved my skills on gathering information. I used to have a difficult time trying to find the right quotes and info to incorporate into my essays, but because of this class I have gotten better at that since every essay demanded you to find and incorporate quotes and outside info. I have definitely gained more confidence in myself as a writer because of this course. Every assignment really helped me to improve my writing skills. The journals were also a big help for me, they were very interesting and fun to do since the questions they asked were interesting to me and made me want to learn more. I believe the Final essay is what helped me the most; it pushed my writing skills to its limit due to all the information needed to complete the assignment. That was probably one of the toughest essays I wrote since it involved so much gathering of information through outside sources. All in all this class was very fun to me. It really helped me out a lot as a writer and I still am hoping to keep improving my skills as a writer as I move on to other classes. Looking back on all those essays I did for this class I am thankful to have had people help me out and critique my work so that I could push myself harder when I wrote revised essays.
Blog 5
This year was an interesting year in developing my writing skills. Starting with English 701 was a great way illuminate that I had no idea what I was doing when I was writing. 701 helped to create a structure for my writing, but I needed more guidance to actually be able to write. I came into this course thinking that I could write like the rest of them, but from simply having my peers read my work in a workshop convinced me otherwise. I had never experienced a workshop that was aimed at improving papers. Honestly I never had edited a single paper in my past classes, so editing was a whole new topic for me. After writing my first paper and going to my first workshop, I was convinced that I didn't have to edit. I took my horrible first draft paper into my conference draft and that was the point when I realized that I needed guidance in writing. I actually took my paper back and edited it for the first time ever. When writing my second and third papers, I thought that I had mastered the concept of writing, but that is exactly what I was missing and it took me until my fourth paper to realize it. I put the most time and effort that I had ever put in any paper i've ever written. I actually researched, I actually took notes and read, and I actually had positive results. Regardless of what grade I receive on my portfolio, my fourth paper was the paper alone that opened up my eyes to writing. I realized that I am not perfect and that neither is anybody else, so revising is essential in writing a paper. I'm just very surprised that it took me until my freshman year of college to realize this. From what i've learned this year, and in this course specifically, I will use my knowledge to continue improving my writing skills. I may never be a master of writing, but I will know exactly how to be one.
Blog 5
After reflecting back on what I have written this semester I feel like I have greatly improved since last semester. I am better at analyzing ideas and examining arguments. My word choice and flow of sentences has gotten better thanks to the significant amount of critiquing I did in every sentence I wrote. I felt as though at times my work was not as organized as it should be. I also did not feel comfortable with certain quotes I chose to place in some of my essays. I worked hard on synthesizing and sophisticating every essay for a high-educated read. The tone I chose while writing an essay pleased me and did not seem too over the top. I avoided trying to use humor in my essay because, in my personal opinion, it makes essays sound cheesy and awkward. I realized that the tough part for me when it comes to writing an essay is starting out. The introduction of any essay I write stresses me out during the process. Once I get the ball rolling, ideas come easier to me, which allows me to elaborate off other ideas that come to mind. I always intended to write as professionally as possible whenever I was given an assignment. I believe I achieved this, to an extent, but there is so much more I can work on. Awkward sentence structuring, for example, will sometimes weaken my essay. This usually happened when the wording made sense in my head, but in fact sounded weird to others. Another aspect of writing I want to work on is being able to explain and elaborate on points as much as I possibly can. Sometimes I felt like my papers were not strong enough when I had nothing more to say about a certain point I was making. Hopefully, as my years through college continue, I will master my flaws of writing to become completely satisfied with any paper I turn in.
Blog 5
I learned a great deal in this English course. I remembered the first time we wrote a paper about writing. Just a few months ago, I was writing at a very low level. Now, I've learned how to enhance my writing with varies techniques. I was also never able to cite or have a work cited page. This English course helped me a lot, not only writing but also the way I read and look at things. English 802 requires me to look at things outside the box. I was never able to do that before. I wouldn't even be able to put it into words. My reading improved significantly throughout the semester. Every week we were required to read atleast three articles and i think that helped me improve my readings. I am now more able to read with the right mind set.
Before essay 1, I had much troubles with structures and transitions. After essay 1, there were still major structures and transitions problems in my essays. Up until essay 3, my problems were getting better. Essay 4 was the real challenge. No more conferences so I had to use what I learned. In the end, I was able to revised all my drafts and finish the essay 4 with ease.
English 802 showed me how writings can be written in a more complex sophisticated way. I believe i can move on to my next courses without the worries that I will have troubles with writing. It was well worth it to be in this writing course. I believe that if someone can pass this course, then they will have no trouble writing papers later on.
Before essay 1, I had much troubles with structures and transitions. After essay 1, there were still major structures and transitions problems in my essays. Up until essay 3, my problems were getting better. Essay 4 was the real challenge. No more conferences so I had to use what I learned. In the end, I was able to revised all my drafts and finish the essay 4 with ease.
English 802 showed me how writings can be written in a more complex sophisticated way. I believe i can move on to my next courses without the worries that I will have troubles with writing. It was well worth it to be in this writing course. I believe that if someone can pass this course, then they will have no trouble writing papers later on.
Blog 5
When the semester first began, my assignment one paper lacked any real thought or structure. I came down with the flu and missed a few classes, leaving me at a disadvantage to the other students. However, prompted to redesign an area on
Throughout the course we have learned how to perform semiotic analysis, for instance, in films or in essays. From our readings in “Signs of Life” and “Everything Bad is Good for You,” we took a look at today’s popular culture, which surrounds us all. With the help of our “Pocket Style Manuel,” we were able to properly cite our sources, format our papers in MLA, and touch up on some grammar techniques.
All in all, I think that this course taught me how to better analyze not just writings, but the world around me. For example, I am constantly witnessing people taking the “invariant right” mentioned in one of the Signs of Life essays. I also believe that it will be beneficial to me next semester when I take Mosaics I.Blog 5
This semester I have critiqued my writing more than I have in any previous class that required research and analysis for essay writing. My first essay for the class was initially subpar as it lacked focus and organization of ideas, which has always been my weak point. I struggled with using the sources to strengthen my paper as well as having the quotations flow with the essay and not just be shoved in some place. I quickly found out that my ennitial effort level in the course would not be satisfactory and I made an effort to prioritize with time management of my work. This what easier said than done, as I have yet to completely master the concept. However, I began to get into the habit of planning out my essays before I actually sat down and wrote them. This proved to be a useful decision as I ended up spending less and less time actually writing the essay because I had prepared a through outline in advance. I found that by spending small amounts of time in preparation for my essay, a while in advance, that I could actually spend less time on the entire essay. However, though my struggles with organization have lessened, I find that I continue to present my ideas as though I were speaking and not writing. In this aspect though, I have in a way found a style of writing that I am most comfortable with. Seeing as how the majority of the literature that I study is philosophy, I am accustomed to presenting ideas in writing in a more discursive and argumentative fashion. I found this to be most noticeable in the third essay I wrote about Man On Wire, where I took a direct stance against Petit and presented arguments and explanations for my reasoning. I would say that the third essay is the best example of how I have progressed as a writer this semester, as it demonstrates an organization of ideas as well as a clarity that lacks in the other arguments I have taken.
Blog 5
After completing the course of English 802, I think that my writing skills have significantly improved. By taking this course, I have an opportunity to due with different types of essay. Throughout the semester, the topics of essay that I am dealing with seem to interest me a lot. Unlike the class of English 701, which requires the students to read about gender norm, I find that the reading for English 802 is much more interesting since it dues with popular culture, and other matters that familiar to us. I actually enjoy the third and the last essays when I have to write a paper that talk about hero in society and video games before and now, which are my favorite topics. Overall, I think that this class has improved my skill in reading and writing paper. I am now more capable in writing my thesis statement since I know exactly what I do need to focus on and organize my idea in order to write a good essay. The fact that my first paper turned out to be not as good as I have expected, which I realized it was a good thing. Because being able to realize my mistake when writing a paper at such an early time of the semester allows me to have more time to go through a paper again, find mistakes and improve it. The lesson of the first paper has dramatically affect on the next three papers, which I spent lots more time for researching, looking for ideas, and organizing the ideas before beginning to write an essay. Overall, I think that I have enjoyed this semester, and it is a good experience for me as well as a good opportunity to prepare myself for a higher and more difficult class.
Blog 5
Throughout this semester I’ve learned and grew a lot as a writer. Before this class I wasn’t very good at writing or comprising a paper. I usually just wrote papers the night before they were due saying whatever popped into my head at the time. Throughout this course I learned to structure and plan out my papers. I never really had a problem doing research. I didn’t enjoy it but I knew how to do it. The library days helped me to use the resources that Temple’s library offers. I’ve used the databases and research tips I learned in a couple other classes this semester as well and will probably continue to use them until I graduate. Editing and grammar have always come easily to me and I kind of enjoy it but the actual writing was never a joy to me and probably never will be. But, I learned my strengths and weaknesses of my writing style and what I need to work to keep improving. I found that I needed to integrate my quotes and illustrate them much more. My first two papers were evidence of this. I took this into consideration while writing my final paper and focused on integrating and illustrating my quotes properly and I believe that it came out much better. Finally, I learned that I needed to connect the points I made throughout my paper. My first papers did not flow and were points that were randomly made. I also worked and thought about this while writing my final paper. Hopefully, I did a better job connecting all of my points and supporting arguments. Overall I improved my writing skills and the process in which I normally went about writing papers. I learned that revision helps immensely and is probably the best way you could possibly improve your paper.
Blog 5
Overall,I think that my ability to read articles and sources and gather the information properly has greatly improved through this semester. I’ve learned that there is a strong relationship between reading and writing. I have learned a lot about how to analyze texts, summarize them, and use them in my arguments. I still however, have trouble finding amusement in the readings or essay assignments. I did enjoy some parts of Essay 4 because I was able to discuss a television show that I had an interest in. But with many of my essays I found that I was easily made bored but them. Also, when developing ideas for my essays, I found that I either would have too much to say or not enough. This would typically result in me getting off task with my writing. Once I finally enjoyed reading the secondary sources, I found it much easier to analyze them. One of my weaknesses of writing is still conclusions.This class however, has really helped me to improve my writing and my papers overall.I felt much more comfortable editing and revising my own papers than I would have in the past.I believe that my writing has improved noticeably, since the start of my freshman year and even since the start of the spring semester. I’m looking forward to Mosaics next semester because I believe it will really challenge my writing skills and I will see how I have truly developed as a reader and writer.
BLOG 5
When going into English 802 I had hoped to really enhance my writing skills to a higher level. English 701 assisted me a little bit with writing, but really was not anything that had a big impact on my writing abilities. I knew going into English 802 that my writing skills were definitely going to be put to the ultimate test, and they were. With the introduction to our first essay, and all the talk of semiotic and rhetorical analysis, I knew I was going to be in trouble since I had never really gone in depth with analyzing something, especially an advertisement. I did the essay wrong the first time around and this gave me a chance to really take a closer look at the essay to seriously improve it. The fact that I messed up the essay the first time was actually a good thing for me, because it gave me a chance to grow from my mistakes as a writer. The second essay also involved using semiotic analysis, but instead with studying a space then proposing a new idea to make it better. I also did this essay incorrectly, which was frustrating, but I just pulled it together like I did with the first essay and did it all over again. Since I had already had practice with failing at an essay and redoing it again, I had no problem going back and doing the second essay all over. Screwing up on these two essays, I think, was for the best because it allowed me to learn from my large mistakes as a writer. When the third essay came around I was expecting the worst, since I had no luck with the first two. Surprisingly I found the third essay a lot more interesting since it involved studying a movie and I love movies. I attacked this essay slowly, but surely to avoid making the simplest mistakes and it came out really good. Since I knew what it was like to rush writing an essay and have to redo it, I took my time as a writer and put my love for movies and patience on paper and it came out satisfactorily. Towards the end of English 802 I had endured all I could possibly endure with writing, so I was very ready to take on the fourth and final essay. This essay was by far the hardest since it had to be lengthy and involved difficult topics. I again took my time as a writer with this essay and carefully compiled good, scholarly sources instead of going to Google.com like I did in the beginning of the class. By having better sources and understanding of the essay, I believe I nailed it. It took a lot of time and concentration, but the result was successful. Overall I endured a lot through English 802 and it really helped to mold me as a good writer. I feel like English 701 was an introduction to English 802 and what it had to offer. Since I am done with English 802 I feel like I am ready to tackle any other essays thrown at me in the future. I just have to make sure I take my time, compile good sources, and analyze, analyze, analyze.
Blog 5
I think I have developed into a more organized writer since taking English 701 last semester. When I finished 701 I felt that I had become a decent writer after that class but was hoping 802 would help me step it up a little bit and take my writing to another level. This class definitely helped. The texts were interesting and I especially enjoyed watching the film Man On Wire. I enjoyed writing essay 2 and essay 3- I'm not really sure why- I think the material just struck me in a way that tapped into my best writing. Essay 4 was difficult because I was completely on my own to do research. I do find myself thinking about cultural symbols a little bit more semiotically than I used to- this class has helped me transform a simple observation into a powerfully written semiotic analysis that will probably help me in the future beyond college.
Blog 5
Since the start of this semester I believe my writing has improved drastically. When I look back at my first essay, I realize how much my writing has improve in such a short period of time. At the start of the spring semester I was not as confident as a writer as I'm today. Even though I did well in English 701, I still did not have the confidence of a great writer, but my confidence has gown through the roof since the start of the spring semester. During this semester I have learned so much about writing and english. During this semester I have become a better editor of my work and I have become a better reader. The two of the most important things I improved on this semester was learning how to cite sources and anaylizing reading material in my writing. Before this semester I thought I new how to cite sources properly, but in this class I was taught the correct way on how to cite sources properly. The way I have been able to relate assigned readings from the Signs Of Life book and the secondary sources from the academic search to my writing has greatly improved since the start of the semester. Overall I know that the English 802 class has helped my writing and reading greatly.
Blog 5
Over the course of the semester, our class has looked at various different writing styles and different topics to write about. During this time, I feel that I have really developed into a pretty decent writer. In high school and even into last semester's English 701 class, I hated writing. Now, I realize that I just wasn't writing about the right topics. I really enjoyed writing essay numbers two and four. I think the topic on popular culture was probably my favorite. I really enjoyed writing on topics such as popular film that i liked. My third essay is probably my worst. I had a hard time relating the movie Man on Wire to the events of 9/11 and then putting them all together with heroes. All in all, I feel this was a good course and was taught extremely well. If i could change one thing it would be remembering to do the blogs on time.
Blog 5
When i consider a reflection of my writing for this semester i compare it to previous semesters of writing essays. It has become apart of an annual regimen for me and thousands of other students. Overall, this year in whole has been the biggest improvements for me in my essay composition. I made an obligation this semester to create legitimate literature instead of four pages of miscellaneous citations and thoughts. The readings where creative and rich. When it came to citing the Signs of Life selections there were minimal issues. Overall, the assignments where challenging but i realized a new way to write. I figured out i change my composition techniques as often as i switch prompts. I feel like i was able to accomplish a more dignified form of writing composition which creates a conversation that involves my readers. Some assignments for the semester where more interesting then others regardless of the order assigned. I felt assignment three gave me an oppurtunity to get intouch with a tangible writing source. A space to endugle myself in and write about evey inch. I have alot of faith for my final assignment this semester similar to how i felt about the paper i handed in at the end of last semester. Overall this was the most productive year for writer development for me and i will continue to gain on my experiences.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Blog 5
Beginning English 802, even as an English major was quite daunting this semester because all of English 802 was closed my first semester I had to wait. I was nervous jumping into a college level English course because of the lapse of time since my high school English class. Also I have never been really confident in my writing. The first assigned essay was difficult for me because I had so many thoughts and ideas about my advertisement, but I couldn’t completely bridge them to counterculture. It took me a while to really develop my paper according to counterculture; this included a lot of editing. Before this class I never put as much effort into the editing process and it made me realize the amount of time put into a paper really improves it. For the second essay I had an easier time developing that paper but more difficulties with research. My use of Signs of Life was limited because of the specific space I was using. This gave me perspective into doing research in general. That no source is perfect, and it takes lots of sifting through unnecessary material to find what you really need. The third essay was probably the most challenging for me. While watching the film I had developed concrete ideas in my head, but putting them to paper was extremely challenging. Here research helped me develop my thesis more than anything. Unlike the earlier two essays, my research guided my paper instead of the other way around. Finally the fourth essay was a bit overwhelming with all the requirements of sources. I gradually learned how to take information from a variety of places and mold them into my own argument. I have learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses as a writer, such as the importance of the editing process is something I should take into account more often and outside sources can guide me in developing my essay. I feel I have developed as a writer even though I had struggles within the course. Also I plan to continue developing as a writer while here at Temple .
Essay 4 Proposal
Thesis:
In the past society has looked at video games as black holes of the mind; that they can make you less smart, but one can argue that today's video games, with the advancement in technology, have become increasingly intellectually demanding.
Primary Sources:
Portal - Valve Corporation
Tetris - Nintendo
In the past society has looked at video games as black holes of the mind; that they can make you less smart, but one can argue that today's video games, with the advancement in technology, have become increasingly intellectually demanding.
Primary Sources:
Portal - Valve Corporation
Tetris - Nintendo
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Blog 5
When I first started English 802 I was very unsure of myself as a writer. I had done well in 701, but was nervous about the sophistication of the essays and demands placed on students. The first essay was difficult because I was so used to the writing style of the 701 course; state thesis, state argument, summarize sources, tie thesis and sources together. I found it very formulaic. With 802 however, I was asked to take that writing a step further, and really bring in my own thoughts and the thoughts of others with many sources needed to support my claim. By the second essay I finally understood how to properly integrate a source with just enough summery to give background- but not push it to the point of over whelming the reader. At first the third essay was a bit over my head, but after research I finally found a suitable thesis and sources. That is another thing I learned in this course, before I had no idea how to use the library or the online sources. The library days helped me immensely and I’ve been able to use that information for my other courses. I’ve also become very familiar with MLA format thanks to the “A Pocket Style Manual” which is a useful skill I’ll be able to carry with me for the next six years. I found the readings throughout the course interesting because I could relate to them and was familiar with the sources they were pulling from, this made weekly readings a lot easier. I was able to site quotes from the readings that supported my theses without much trouble. All in all I enjoyed English 802 and my first essay through the fourth is evidence of how this course has helped me grow as a writer.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Thesis Proposal
Primary Sources: a comparison of Gilligan's Island and the current TV show Lost.
Secondary Sources: I have not yet picked any specific secondary sources, but I plan to do research on not only the television shows but also the themes they portray. Lost specifically has many complicated themes and underlying issues that I can research. Here are some I am working with--"Supernatural, Truth, and Fiction" by Mark Matlock, and "The Decline of Middlebrow Culture" from the New York times which may be a counter argument.
Thesis Statement: Because of it's highly developed themes and intellectual nature, Lost is an example of Johnson's Sleeper Curve, when compared to sitcoms of earlier days, specifically Gilligan's Island.
Secondary Sources: I have not yet picked any specific secondary sources, but I plan to do research on not only the television shows but also the themes they portray. Lost specifically has many complicated themes and underlying issues that I can research. Here are some I am working with--"Supernatural, Truth, and Fiction" by Mark Matlock, and "The Decline of Middlebrow Culture" from the New York times which may be a counter argument.
Thesis Statement: Because of it's highly developed themes and intellectual nature, Lost is an example of Johnson's Sleeper Curve, when compared to sitcoms of earlier days, specifically Gilligan's Island.
Scholarly vs. Popular
As a follow-up to our library discussions of scholarly vs. popular secondary sources, see the following link:
Scholarly vs. Popular
See also "Temple Library 0802 Guide" in the links section of this blog.
Scholarly vs. Popular
See also "Temple Library 0802 Guide" in the links section of this blog.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Essay 4 Thesis
For my paper, I'm going to discuss the similarities between two similar genred movies. The two movies I have chosen are Animal House (1978) and College (2008). These two movies go against what Steven Johnson has said in his book that plot lines of movies have become more complex over time.
Primary Sources
Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
The Holiday (2006)
Secondary Sources
'It's really about the search for love'
https://libproxy.temple.edu:2343/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=14801433&site=ehost-live&scope=site
'Will you marry me?'
https://libproxy.temple.edu:2343/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=13662053&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Thesis
Steven Johnson's book Everything Bad is Good For You argues that contrary to popular belief, today's popular culture is actually becoming more complex and demanding. This point is made clear through a close examination of the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany's compared and the 2006 movie The Holiday.
Thesis Proposal
Primary Texts:
Star Search
American Idol
My essay will compare these two shows to discuss the cyclical nature of television--that overall, television has not changed since the 'good ol days' of the 50s and 60s, and that the most popular shows on television are just nostalgic 'remixes' of the original shows.
Secondary sources:
Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television by Jerry Mander
"The Cultural Politics of Wifeswap: Taste, Lifestyle Media, and the American Family" by Sarah Matheson
"Food and Beverage Advertising on Television: A Comparison of Child-Targeted Versus General Audience Commercials" by Ron Warren
"Theorizing The Bachelorette: Waves of Feminist Media Studies"
"Haes/The Biggest Loser" by Beth Bernstein and Matilda St. John
"Domesticating Politics: The Representation of Wives and Mothers in American Reality Television" by Jim Brancato
Ultimately, my essay will classify Johnson's work as a socially irresponsible text which ignores the danger of proposing such an argument.
Primary
World of Warcraft - Blizzard Entertainment
Dungeons and Dragons Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson
Secondary
Social Interactions in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Gamers - Helena Cole/Mark Griffiths
Mind Games: Dungeons & Dragons Immersed Players in Another World - Carney Brian
Thesis
Roleplaying games in the past were seen as being abnormal, antisocial, and a waste of time but now we see millions of people across the world play role playing games over the internet for entertainment. RPG's like Dungeons and Dragons were once seen as overly complex and "nerdy" are now replaced with MMORPGs like World of Warcraft. These games allow us to interact with others socially and hone real world skills through a form of entertainment which is unlike any other.
World of Warcraft - Blizzard Entertainment
Dungeons and Dragons Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson
Secondary
Social Interactions in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Gamers - Helena Cole/Mark Griffiths
Mind Games: Dungeons & Dragons Immersed Players in Another World - Carney Brian
Thesis
Roleplaying games in the past were seen as being abnormal, antisocial, and a waste of time but now we see millions of people across the world play role playing games over the internet for entertainment. RPG's like Dungeons and Dragons were once seen as overly complex and "nerdy" are now replaced with MMORPGs like World of Warcraft. These games allow us to interact with others socially and hone real world skills through a form of entertainment which is unlike any other.
Thesis proposal
Primary texts:
Metal Gear (NES video game, released in 1988, designed by Hideo Kojima)
Metal Gear Solid 4, Guns of the Patriots (Playstation 3 video game, released 2008, designed by Hideo Kojima)
Scholarly sources:
1) Game Theory, by Karen Moltenbrey
http://libproxy.temple.edu:2280/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=113&sid=99554afc-a0e9-4d6f-925d-df43fe03492a%40sessionmgr107&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=aph&AN=37207726
2) Welcome to our virtual worlds, by James Paul Gee and Michael H. Levine
http://libproxy.temple.edu:2280/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=113&sid=99554afc-a0e9-4d6f-925d-df43fe03492a%40sessionmgr107&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=aph&AN=36666625
Thesis:
I believe that our cultural truly has advanced over time. Looking at Steven Johnson's book, Everything Bad is Good for you, I believe that our culture really is developing. Looking at video games back then and looking at them now we can see how they are becoming more complex and harder to master. Games today push your mind to its limits, making you plan out strategies in your mind in order to overcome obstacles within the game. Games today and even back then make you think and they make you learn as you play since you are constantly experiencing new situations as you play through them.
Metal Gear (NES video game, released in 1988, designed by Hideo Kojima)
Metal Gear Solid 4, Guns of the Patriots (Playstation 3 video game, released 2008, designed by Hideo Kojima)
Scholarly sources:
1) Game Theory, by Karen Moltenbrey
http://libproxy.temple.edu:2280/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=113&sid=99554afc-a0e9-4d6f-925d-df43fe03492a%40sessionmgr107&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=aph&AN=37207726
2) Welcome to our virtual worlds, by James Paul Gee and Michael H. Levine
http://libproxy.temple.edu:2280/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=113&sid=99554afc-a0e9-4d6f-925d-df43fe03492a%40sessionmgr107&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=aph&AN=36666625
Thesis:
I believe that our cultural truly has advanced over time. Looking at Steven Johnson's book, Everything Bad is Good for you, I believe that our culture really is developing. Looking at video games back then and looking at them now we can see how they are becoming more complex and harder to master. Games today push your mind to its limits, making you plan out strategies in your mind in order to overcome obstacles within the game. Games today and even back then make you think and they make you learn as you play since you are constantly experiencing new situations as you play through them.
Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement:
While the modern American is commonly said to be dumber due to watching too much television, one may argue that today’s programming has in fact instilled constructive characteristics into the modern viewer.
Primary Sources:
DuckTales (1987)
SpongeBob SquarePants (1999)
Secondary Sources:
The History of American TV by Gary Edgerton
That`s Anarchy -- The Story of a Revolution in the World of TV Comedy by Chrissie MacDonald
While the modern American is commonly said to be dumber due to watching too much television, one may argue that today’s programming has in fact instilled constructive characteristics into the modern viewer.
Primary Sources:
DuckTales (1987)
SpongeBob SquarePants (1999)
Secondary Sources:
The History of American TV by Gary Edgerton
That`s Anarchy -- The Story of a Revolution in the World of TV Comedy by Chrissie MacDonald
Thesis Statement
Primary Texts: two videogames, Prince of Persia (1989) and Prince of Persia, The Two Thrones (2005)
Proposal: Using the Prince of Persia series, seen in its original form from 1989 and in the conclusion of its breakthrough hit reboot trilogy from 2005, I will show that today any given videogame is actually multiple games being played simultaneously. In the original DOS classic, the player plays a game of dungeon exploration and time management. In the newer series, the player plays an exploration game, as well as a fast-paced fantasy combat simulator, a platformer, a chariot racing game and an actual time manager, as in managing the flow of time itself, all in the same game.
Nintendo and Telos: Will You Ever Reach the End?
Mastery: Computer Games, Intuitive Interfaces, and Interactive Multimedia
Thesis Proposal
Primary Texts:
Super Mario Bro. (1985) by Nintendo Entertainment System.
Call of Duty 1 (2003) by Activision.
Secondary Source: (from EBSCO Host database)
Video Games World by Michael Jindra
Violence and Video Games by Royal Van Horn
Editorial: Life is a Game by Gary Hoppenstand
When Spectators Become Performers: Contemporary Performance-Entertainments Meet the Needs of an "Unsettled" Audience by Kurt Lancaster
Thesis Statement:
Today video games have gone significantly far beyond the point of entertainment and become more complex and intellectual since after the 1990s. The video games Super Mario Bros (1985) and Call of Duty (2003) are the two examples clearly showing how video games have become more sophisticated in many ways that the society can either benefits or hurts from it.
Super Mario Bro. (1985) by Nintendo Entertainment System.
Call of Duty 1 (2003) by Activision.
Secondary Source: (from EBSCO Host database)
Video Games World by Michael Jindra
Violence and Video Games by Royal Van Horn
Editorial: Life is a Game by Gary Hoppenstand
When Spectators Become Performers: Contemporary Performance-Entertainments Meet the Needs of an "Unsettled" Audience by Kurt Lancaster
Thesis Statement:
Today video games have gone significantly far beyond the point of entertainment and become more complex and intellectual since after the 1990s. The video games Super Mario Bros (1985) and Call of Duty (2003) are the two examples clearly showing how video games have become more sophisticated in many ways that the society can either benefits or hurts from it.
Thesis Proposal
Primary Text:
Toy Story by. John Lasseter
Incredibles by. Brad Bird
Scholarly Sources:
Pop Culture in America
White, David Manning
Chichago: Quadrangle Books c1970
Thesis:
Animated movies such as Toy Story to the Incredibles have bacame more complex over time. Now its not just a simple story line over a day but it shows the life of the characters and compares to life today.
Thesis Proposal
Television shows have become an intellectually, stimulating and challenging force for children since the past 20 years. Recently, the use of television as an educational tool for healthy entertainment has developed kids’ cognitive abilities in remarkable new ways.
Primary Sources:
Sesame Street TV show by Jim Henson (1969-today)
Felix the Cat (1922)
Secondary Sources:
-Mass media in a mass society: myth and reality/Author: Richard Hoggart
-Television as an instrument of Terror/Author: Arthur Asa Berges
-Sesame Street and the reform of children's television / Robert W. Morrow. Publisher Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, c2006.
-Taking sides: clashing views on controversial issues in mass media and society /Author: Allison Alexander
Thesis Proposal
Primary Sources:
-Boiler Room
-Wall Street
Secondary Sources:
Fraser, Steve. Every Man a Speculator A History of Wall Street in American Life (P.S.). New York: Harper Perennial, 2006.
Pedersen, Jason A. Wall Street primer the players, deals, and mechanics of the U.S. securities market. Westport, Conn: Praeger, 2008.
Stevenson, Robert Joseph. Boiler room and other telephone sales scams. Urbana: University of Illinois P, 1998.
Thesis Statement:
In comparing these two films, there is a more profound narrative complexity in Boiler Room requiring a more active, cognitive attention span to follow the narrative threads of each character. Wall Street contains less of these threads throughout it's story line, thus agreeing with The Sleeper Curve argument in Johnson's Everything Bad is Good for You in that today's blockbusters are causing audiences to be more cognitively active while watching a film.
"thesis proposal"
My first primary text is Scarface (1983) as the pre-1990 text; directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone. My second primary text is Departed (2006) as the post-1990 text; directed by Martine Scorsese and written by William Monahan. Both are crime drama genres.
My first outside scholarly source is The Popular Culture Economy by Don Cusic, Journal of Popular Culture; Winter2001, Vol. 35 Issue 3, p1, 10p, 7 charts. My second outside scholarly source is Popular culture, cultural resistance, and anticonsumption activism: An exploration of culture jamming as critical adult education by Jennifer A. Sandlin, New Directions for Adult & Continuing Education; Fall2007 Issue 115, p73-82, 10p.
My thesis is that movies becoming smarter and more visually appealing from pre-1990 to post-1990 proves that popular culture has progressed technologically over the past 20 years.
My first outside scholarly source is The Popular Culture Economy by Don Cusic, Journal of Popular Culture; Winter2001, Vol. 35 Issue 3, p1, 10p, 7 charts. My second outside scholarly source is Popular culture, cultural resistance, and anticonsumption activism: An exploration of culture jamming as critical adult education by Jennifer A. Sandlin, New Directions for Adult & Continuing Education; Fall2007 Issue 115, p73-82, 10p.
My thesis is that movies becoming smarter and more visually appealing from pre-1990 to post-1990 proves that popular culture has progressed technologically over the past 20 years.
Thesis Proposal
Primary Texts
H.G. Wells' 1938 broadcast of "War of the Worlds"
Steven Spielberg's 2005 "War of the Worlds" with Tom Cruise
Secondary Texts (as of now)
The Hyped Panic Over 'War of the Worlds by Michael Socolow Chronicle of Higher Education; 10/24/2008, Vol. 55 Issue 9, p35-35, 1
Future's End: Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds (2005). by Jason Vest Film & History (03603695); May2006, Vol. 36 Issue 1, p67-71, 5p
Thesis
Since the 1938 broadcast of H.G. Wells' "war of the worlds" the face of entertainment has evolved to the point that we need more than a spellbinding story to meet our sensory needs, thus in 2005 Steven Spielberg turned the 1938 radio broadcast has turned into a special effects wielding, action packed thriller designed to keep people on the edge of their seat.
-John DeGirolamo
Thesis Proposal
The idea of the hero in the late 20th and early 21st century has shifted from a noble and idealistic, to rational and realistic.
Primary Sources:
Batman: The Movie (1966)
The Dark Knight (2008)
Secondary Sources:
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=GNRreYO91ogC&oi=fnd&pg=PP9&dq=batman+hero&ots=a0P_ctrnvQ&sig=_ZKIuhNtaFbKjRbhEWMGLkSXrGY#PPP1,M1
Primary Sources:
Batman: The Movie (1966)
The Dark Knight (2008)
Secondary Sources:
Batman Unmasked
By Will Brookerhttp://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=GNRreYO91ogC&oi=fnd&pg=PP9&dq=batman+hero&ots=a0P_ctrnvQ&sig=_ZKIuhNtaFbKjRbhEWMGLkSXrGY#PPP1,M1
Beowulf to Batman: The Epic Hero and Pop Culture
Roger B. Rollin
http://www.jstor.org/stable/374059?cookieSet=1Thesis Proposal
Primary Texts:
- The A Team
- 24
Secondary Texts:
- EUREKA! Real science breaks into TV shows. Christian Science Monitor, 08827729, 1/29/2009, Vol. 101, Issue 44
- So much media, so little attention span USA Today, MAR 31, 2005
- Best Drama Series. By: Carter, Alan, Television Week, 15440516, 1/10/2005, Vol. 24, Issue 2
- Ticks and Chicks USA Today, 07347456, FEB 13, 2007
Thesis Statement:
The increasingly complex environment of popular culture demands the complicated narrative content of modern television shows. Despite the passive nature of watching television, the material of television dramas requires a higher level of cognitive awareness than in previous decades.
- The A Team
- 24
Secondary Texts:
- EUREKA! Real science breaks into TV shows. Christian Science Monitor, 08827729, 1/29/2009, Vol. 101, Issue 44
- So much media, so little attention span USA Today, MAR 31, 2005
- Best Drama Series. By: Carter, Alan, Television Week, 15440516, 1/10/2005, Vol. 24, Issue 2
- Ticks and Chicks USA Today, 07347456, FEB 13, 2007
Thesis Statement:
The increasingly complex environment of popular culture demands the complicated narrative content of modern television shows. Despite the passive nature of watching television, the material of television dramas requires a higher level of cognitive awareness than in previous decades.
Thesis Proposal
Primary Texts
- "South Park" Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone (1997-present)
-"The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show" Created by Charles Shulz (1983-1985)
Scholarly Sources
-"Goin' Down to South Park" by Barry Fagin
-"Still Going Potty in College" by Michael Brody
Thesis
-Although today's entertainment features crude and violent humor, it can still educate and help develop the minds of its adolescent viewers, in a good way. Animated shows have become more complex and dynamic. These shows help educate and will continue to show their importance in our culture in the future.
- "South Park" Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone (1997-present)
-"The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show" Created by Charles Shulz (1983-1985)
Scholarly Sources
-"Goin' Down to South Park" by Barry Fagin
-"Still Going Potty in College" by Michael Brody
Thesis
-Although today's entertainment features crude and violent humor, it can still educate and help develop the minds of its adolescent viewers, in a good way. Animated shows have become more complex and dynamic. These shows help educate and will continue to show their importance in our culture in the future.
Thesis Proposal
My thesis is that I agree with Johnson's points about our culture has become more intellectual over time. Video games have helped our society move foward positively and help our society grow intellectually. The two examples I compare are the Grand Theft Auto series of this decade and the Pac-Man game from the 1980's.
The Grand Theft Auto Series (2000's)
Pac-Man (1980's)
Secondary Sources
"The Effects of Video Games on Adolescents and Adults" by Gordon M. Heart
"Video Games Make People Violent-Well, Maybe Not That Game : Effects of Content and Person Abstraction On Perceptions of Violent Video Games Effects and Support Censorship" By James D. Ivory and Sriram Kalyanaraman
Thesis Proposal
Primary text:
Video games
-Super Mario Bros. 1 (Developed by: Nintendo Entertainment System-1985)
-Grand Theft Auto 4 (Developed by: Rockstar North-2008)
Outside Sources (Obtained from Academic Search Premier)
-"The Games We Play" by Kevin A. Hassett (States that games are disconnecting the older generations and younger generations due to lack of shared experience)
-"Video Games: the Latest Scapegoat for Violence" by Christopher J. Ferguson (Basically states that human beings are naturally imitative and therefore mimic what they see one television and in video games)
Thesis:
Contemporary popular culture is far from educational in the classical sense and with the advancement of technology such as gaming, individuals will increasingly become more disconnected from each other in society.
Video games
-Super Mario Bros. 1 (Developed by: Nintendo Entertainment System-1985)
-Grand Theft Auto 4 (Developed by: Rockstar North-2008)
Outside Sources (Obtained from Academic Search Premier)
-"The Games We Play" by Kevin A. Hassett (States that games are disconnecting the older generations and younger generations due to lack of shared experience)
-"Video Games: the Latest Scapegoat for Violence" by Christopher J. Ferguson (Basically states that human beings are naturally imitative and therefore mimic what they see one television and in video games)
Thesis:
Contemporary popular culture is far from educational in the classical sense and with the advancement of technology such as gaming, individuals will increasingly become more disconnected from each other in society.
Thesis Proposal
Primary text : TV shows
-Two and a Half Men
-Full House
Scholarly sources :
"Technology and Informal Education: What Is Taught, What Is Learned" by Greenfield, Patricia M.
"American Popular Culture: Should We Integrate it into American Education?"
by Fain Jr., Thomas A.
Thesis statement :
While society claimed that television shows are intellectually declining, television shows are clearly becoming more sophisticated in many ways that viewers can benefits. Instead of a decrease in popular culture, there is progression.
-Two and a Half Men
-Full House
Scholarly sources :
"Technology and Informal Education: What Is Taught, What Is Learned" by Greenfield, Patricia M.
"American Popular Culture: Should We Integrate it into American Education?"
by Fain Jr., Thomas A.
Thesis statement :
While society claimed that television shows are intellectually declining, television shows are clearly becoming more sophisticated in many ways that viewers can benefits. Instead of a decrease in popular culture, there is progression.
Thesis Proposal
Primary Text: -The Amityville Horror movie (1979)
-The Amityville Horror movie remake(2005)
Outside sources: "Movie remakes are tiresome and insult the intelligence." by Carter, Richard
"The positives and negatives of horror movie remakes" by John Gugie
Thesis: Movie production has taken a significant step forward since the pre 90's period, but the same can not be said for content and quality, and no other movies show more signs of this than the horror genre, especially horror movie remakes. The mass consumer culture are more into special effects and cheap thrills in which these watered- down movies offer them.
-The Amityville Horror movie remake(2005)
Outside sources: "Movie remakes are tiresome and insult the intelligence." by Carter, Richard
"The positives and negatives of horror movie remakes" by John Gugie
Thesis: Movie production has taken a significant step forward since the pre 90's period, but the same can not be said for content and quality, and no other movies show more signs of this than the horror genre, especially horror movie remakes. The mass consumer culture are more into special effects and cheap thrills in which these watered- down movies offer them.
Primary Texts:
-Saving Private Ryan
-Full Metal Jacket
Outside Sources:
-Criss-Crossings of Robert Siodmak: The Time and Space of Cinematic Exile by Laura Heins
-Apacalypse hen and Now by Jennie Yabroff
Thesis:
-The film and media aspects of todays culture can be said to be "dumbed-down" compared to the films of past decades. The Film Saving Private Ryan, compared to film Full Metal Jacket shows how film has actually improved in sophistication rather than decreased.
THESIS PROPOSAL
Popular culture is presently more complex and intellectually demanding of its audiences to supply the demand for more intuitive and technologically advanced forms of entertainment. Compared to past popular culture, the popular culture today requires a more intellectually sophisticated understanding.
Scholarly Sources
- Author: Fisher, Roy
Title: Education in Popular Culture: Telling Tales on Teachers and Learners
2. Title: Continuities in Popular Culture: The Present in the Past & the Past in the Present and Future
Edited By: Ray B. Browne and Ronald J. Ambrosetti
Primary Text
-James Bond: Goldfinger (1964)
Directed By: Guy Hamilton
U.S. December 22, 1964
-James Bond: Quantum of Solace (2008)
Thesis Proposal
Primary Texts:
-The Price is Right
-MTV's The Duel
Outside Sources:
-"Critical Thinking: The Key to Emotional Intelligence" -Linda Elder
-"Why People watch Reality TV" -Steven Reiss & James Wiltz
Thesis:
Although Reality TV is often seen as the dregs of programming today, it has become a staple in our culture. Contrary to popular belief, reality TV- particularly game shows, have increased in cognitive complexity, as well as the benefits seen by the viewer when watching these programs in the past two decades.
-The Price is Right
-MTV's The Duel
Outside Sources:
-"Critical Thinking: The Key to Emotional Intelligence" -Linda Elder
-"Why People watch Reality TV" -Steven Reiss & James Wiltz
Thesis:
Although Reality TV is often seen as the dregs of programming today, it has become a staple in our culture. Contrary to popular belief, reality TV- particularly game shows, have increased in cognitive complexity, as well as the benefits seen by the viewer when watching these programs in the past two decades.
Thesis Proposal
My essay will center around the media form of video games, arguing that they have become increasingly more complex. My argument will juxtapose the games Pole Position (Namco: 1982) and Duck Hunt (Nintendo: 1984) against the games Forza 2 Motorsport (Microsoft Game Studios: 2007) and Call of Duty: World at War (Activision: 2008). One secondary source is The Effects of Video Games on Adolescents and Adults by Gordon M. Hart, Ph.D. Another is Technology and Informal Education: What is Taught, What is Learned by Patricia Greenfield.
Thesis: Video games have become increasingly more complex and, in turn, challenge gamers more than ever.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Man On Wire
6 August 1974
showed Philippe on a unicycle dressed in black -- clownish--unique--against the grain.
Alan--nervous guy--not trusted by Philippe--American
Philippe's girlfriend said he had to "follow his destiny"--he wanted to be a tight rope walker
the film seems like a heist film ... something bad is going to happen to the twin towers
--don't have sky scrapers in France
Everyone was frightened except for Philippe.
--Guards almost catch them
--Almost drop the rope/arrow
--after some of these things happen he finally gets to walk and the cops show up
--crosses the line back and forth 8 times --as if to mock the officers-- then finally is arrested
--loses all friendships and relationship with his girlfriend afterward
Everyone is still touched by it though
showed Philippe on a unicycle dressed in black -- clownish--unique--against the grain.
Alan--nervous guy--not trusted by Philippe--American
Philippe's girlfriend said he had to "follow his destiny"--he wanted to be a tight rope walker
the film seems like a heist film ... something bad is going to happen to the twin towers
--don't have sky scrapers in France
Everyone was frightened except for Philippe.
--Guards almost catch them
--Almost drop the rope/arrow
--after some of these things happen he finally gets to walk and the cops show up
--crosses the line back and forth 8 times --as if to mock the officers-- then finally is arrested
--loses all friendships and relationship with his girlfriend afterward
Everyone is still touched by it though
Man on Wire
Man on Wire tells the story of Phillipe Petite and his dream to tightrope walk between the two World Trade Center twin towers. Petite was very passionate about his career as a tightrope walker. Throughout the story we see how the plans to tightrope walk the towers played out. Petite needed his friends to help him pull off his dangerous stunt. Petite also had his girlfriend to support and encourage him along the way. In order to gain access to the roof of the towers to bring up the equipment Petite and his friends created fake ID's and fake invoices. Also, before the plan was set into action Petite also surveyed the building, its surroundings, and the people who would walk in the building and work in the building so he could find out exactly what went on in the building to see how he would get the equipment he needed inside to pull off his stunt. Petite also made diagrams, maps, sketches, and models of the twin tower buildings to see how he could pull off his act and get inside the building when the time came to bring the equipment inside. Looking at this brings 9-11 to my mind since what Petite was doing could have been considered terrorism since legally he would not have been allowed to do what he was doing. After Petite pulled off his tightrope walking act on the twin towers he was of course arrested, but was set free rather quickly on certain conditions. Afterward Petite slept with another woman, not his girlfriend though, it was a spur of the moment type of thing. If I remember correctly he split up with his girlfriend after pulling off his tightrope act on the twin towers. Petite would not have been able to accomplish this act if not for the help of his friends, although when the plans were taking effect one of his friends did bail out, but the rest stayed by to see his plan through. In my mind I believe Petite is a hero because he accomplished his dream, and he was very passionate about his career and dreams. So in the end Petite did what he wanted and was very happy and proud of his accomplishment.
Man On Wire
Man on Wire was an extremely provocative film that in my mind reinvented the role of the Hero.
1. The Hero not only makes mistakes, but is selfish, passionate, and gets caught.
2. The Hero is unable to function without helpful sidekicks, unlike superman.
3. The Hero does indeed stop being the Hero.
I thought it was interesting that this course focuses on this movie and it's Hero aspects. If I had watched the movie in my own living room, I would not have considered the aspect of Hero.
Man on wire is simply a rebel, consumed by his own passions and desires.
1. What can we learn as humans simply following the rules?
2. Is it selfish to simply rebel or more appropriate to rebel collectively and when needed, say, in a revolution?
I want to start a revolution.
Man on Wire reaches my passions against authority and social structure.
Maybe this is the true definition of a Hero after all the romanticism is stripped away.
1. The Hero not only makes mistakes, but is selfish, passionate, and gets caught.
2. The Hero is unable to function without helpful sidekicks, unlike superman.
3. The Hero does indeed stop being the Hero.
I thought it was interesting that this course focuses on this movie and it's Hero aspects. If I had watched the movie in my own living room, I would not have considered the aspect of Hero.
Man on wire is simply a rebel, consumed by his own passions and desires.
1. What can we learn as humans simply following the rules?
2. Is it selfish to simply rebel or more appropriate to rebel collectively and when needed, say, in a revolution?
I want to start a revolution.
Man on Wire reaches my passions against authority and social structure.
Maybe this is the true definition of a Hero after all the romanticism is stripped away.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Man on Wire Notes
Comparisons to 9/11
-the men in disguises
-construction scene looks like post 9/11 images
-the crew had to sneak into the towers
-the plane flying over cities looked newer than other images
-hiding from police
-extensive planning and photographing the buildings
-extensive note taking
-the subtitles that say "North/South Tower" and a time
-fake I.D.'s and passports
-Security failures
-the picture with the clouds makes the buildings appear as if they are smoking
Man on Wire
-Man on Wire’s title is evocative of a newspaper headline, simply stating the bare-bones story elements. To this end, it could be inferring that the documentary can be viewed as akin to a newspaper story, and the film’s dabbles into the realm of re-enactment and Petit’s fanciful narration are a form of journalistic license
-Almost immediate parallels between the actions presented of the film’s protagonists and basic guerilla warfare/terrorism. Many traits are shared between both, since the team’s plot to put a tightrope between the Twin Towers and then put a person on that tightrope is illegal. The opening sequence is shot almost like a robbery from a modern heist flick. The protagonists in such movies are often anti-heroes as well. This leads to some unfortunate new parallels between a popular Hollywood sub-genre and a national tragedy, parallels that had previously gone unnoticed due to lingering suspension of disbelief. Seems like perfectly reasonable Fridge Logic, come to think of it
-The whimsical portrayal of Philippe’s travels across the globe with an airplane zig-zagging over America is potentially unsettling. A large airplane in a movie about the World Trade Center is like the Texas judicial system in a movie about the mentally challenged.
-Philippe Petit in particular heightens the differences between American culture and European culture. The first instinctive reaction to his numerous eccentricities seems to as often than not be centered on his nationality rather than mental stability. This may be simple xenophobia rather than outright racism, sine the pervasive stereotypes of the French do not often depict them as particularly ambitious. Regardless of how much Petit works as a ‘come-an-get-it’ for those who would prefer their French in France, his ambition seems uncharacteristic for logical human beings in general
-Don’t go to Australia.
Man on Wire
-Philippe Petit first acquired a dream to walk across the two towers while siting in a french dentist office
-"against the law but not wicked or mean- accomplice
-"something so beautiful, yet illegal, not hurting anyone.
-"so much responsibility when walking on a wire. One millimeter slip up and you lose your life. a lot for a wire.
-Scary how easy it was for him to inspect the towers and get close enough to draw out plans.
-Brings in the idea of 9/11. Philippe describes his actions of breaking in as if he were a high jacker trying to commit his act.
-"live everyday looking at life as a challenge, then you are living on a tight rope.- Phillipe
"Man on Wire"
The documentary "Man on Wire" was a very tense, eye-opening experience. I think that Phillipe Petit is a hero because he followed his dream. He found something that he was exceptionally talented at and worked on it throughout his entire life. The amount of detail and planning that he put into his dream was inspirational. During the movie I was actually scared that he was going to die even though I knew that he wasn't because he was narrating the documentary. The way that he went about achieving his goal wasn't conventional and was unlawful but in the end he didn't get charged with anything at all and was only in jail for a little bit of time. To the people of New York he was a hero and was celebrated, but, overall I believe that he is a hero strictly because he achieved his life-long goal.
Man on Wire notes
-Philippe got the idea for walking the wire between the WTC from a magazine in the dentist's office before the WTC were even built.
-He had also conquered the cathedral of Notre Dame
-He also went to Australia and tight rope walked across a bridge
-They got in contact with a man named Greenhouse he was their "inside man" to the WTC
-He once used crutches from when he stepped on a nail to sneak into the WTC without having an ID card or other proper information.
-They added Mark "The Australian" to their team from the bridge job
-Jean Louis came up with the idea to shoot an arrow with fishing line tied to the end of it across to the other tower. They would then pull the fishing line which would turn into a rope and then eventually the cable used for the tight rope
-Philippe described this like a bank robbery and watched a lot of bank heist films to get prepared for the WTC
-When it came time to set up the wire they ended up dropping it a few meters down and had to pull it up for a while
-a quote someone said but i forget who, "... something no one would ever see again ..."
-Even after he was taken away by the police they decided to drop the charges
-He had also conquered the cathedral of Notre Dame
-He also went to Australia and tight rope walked across a bridge
-They got in contact with a man named Greenhouse he was their "inside man" to the WTC
-He once used crutches from when he stepped on a nail to sneak into the WTC without having an ID card or other proper information.
-They added Mark "The Australian" to their team from the bridge job
-Jean Louis came up with the idea to shoot an arrow with fishing line tied to the end of it across to the other tower. They would then pull the fishing line which would turn into a rope and then eventually the cable used for the tight rope
-Philippe described this like a bank robbery and watched a lot of bank heist films to get prepared for the WTC
-When it came time to set up the wire they ended up dropping it a few meters down and had to pull it up for a while
-a quote someone said but i forget who, "... something no one would ever see again ..."
-Even after he was taken away by the police they decided to drop the charges
Man on Wire
-Phillipe's dream was walking between the two World trade centers since he was young.
-Phillipe wire walked between the buildings in paris and sidney harbor before doing the WTC.
-Phillipe built his own wire walking structure behind his back yard, where he also meets his girlfriend who supports everything he did.
-Phillipe's girlfriend is sad she never did her own thing, and she says it was always about Phillipe and what he was going to do next.
-As Phillipe was sitting at a dentist's office he notices in a news paper that they were going to build to the WTC and he immediately gets excited and runs home, with would have a tooth ache for weeks.
-Later Phillipe is able to gather a crew. They start to work on their plan on for the WTC.
-Phillipe disguised as a construction worker and puts all his equipment in the WTC before it was finished being built.
-When the building was finished being built, he stalks it out and accidently stepped on a nail.
-He ends up in a cast, but instead he uses his injury as a ploy to further more scope out the whole building. And he found it so helpful he continues to use his crutches after his injury was all healed.
-Once they had everything planned out, they used a fake id to get into the buildings.
-Phillipe and his friend runs into a security guard on the top floor and hides for hours under a cover. They eventually get past him.
-They had a hard time getting the wire across and phillipe accidently drops the wire. He has to pull it up it time, but the team doesn't believe it can happen at this point, as the sun was coming up.
-He somehow managed to do it and he finally wire walk the WTC.
-The police take him away but decided to drop all charge if he agreed to do them a favor.
-His friend was banned from the U.S. and Phillipe cheats on his girlfriend with groupies.
-Phillipe wire walked between the buildings in paris and sidney harbor before doing the WTC.
-Phillipe built his own wire walking structure behind his back yard, where he also meets his girlfriend who supports everything he did.
-Phillipe's girlfriend is sad she never did her own thing, and she says it was always about Phillipe and what he was going to do next.
-As Phillipe was sitting at a dentist's office he notices in a news paper that they were going to build to the WTC and he immediately gets excited and runs home, with would have a tooth ache for weeks.
-Later Phillipe is able to gather a crew. They start to work on their plan on for the WTC.
-Phillipe disguised as a construction worker and puts all his equipment in the WTC before it was finished being built.
-When the building was finished being built, he stalks it out and accidently stepped on a nail.
-He ends up in a cast, but instead he uses his injury as a ploy to further more scope out the whole building. And he found it so helpful he continues to use his crutches after his injury was all healed.
-Once they had everything planned out, they used a fake id to get into the buildings.
-Phillipe and his friend runs into a security guard on the top floor and hides for hours under a cover. They eventually get past him.
-They had a hard time getting the wire across and phillipe accidently drops the wire. He has to pull it up it time, but the team doesn't believe it can happen at this point, as the sun was coming up.
-He somehow managed to do it and he finally wire walk the WTC.
-The police take him away but decided to drop all charge if he agreed to do them a favor.
-His friend was banned from the U.S. and Phillipe cheats on his girlfriend with groupies.
"Man on Wire"
-The idea of life and death situation almost like a drug for Petit...gives him fear but also gives him drive
-"...to die in the exercise of your passion": great quote almost an explanation for Petit, but not quite...shows he isn't necessary delusional he understands the risk but his love for wire walking outweighs this risk
-He walks between the two towers of the Notre Dame de Paris...Annie explains the amazement of the priests
-Learns of the WTC while sitting in the dentists office
-He has a team of men and his girlfriend Annie constantly surrounding him, at times trying to help but at other times trying to show him the ridiculousness of his ideas.
-Image of him upon the wire...the rope becomes invisible for a certain distance...as if he is walking upon air
-He picks the policeman's watch after he is arrested in Sydney: he never stops pushing the limits
-Hurts his foot while researching in NYC, but uses this injury as an advantage because a man on crutches is not asked many questions, he never stops tricking people
-The image of Petit practically playing hide and seek with the police officer, and how he presents the expirience in a childish way with giddiness. He views the world almost like a child.
-"...to die in the exercise of your passion": great quote almost an explanation for Petit, but not quite...shows he isn't necessary delusional he understands the risk but his love for wire walking outweighs this risk
-He walks between the two towers of the Notre Dame de Paris...Annie explains the amazement of the priests
-Learns of the WTC while sitting in the dentists office
-He has a team of men and his girlfriend Annie constantly surrounding him, at times trying to help but at other times trying to show him the ridiculousness of his ideas.
-Image of him upon the wire...the rope becomes invisible for a certain distance...as if he is walking upon air
-He picks the policeman's watch after he is arrested in Sydney: he never stops pushing the limits
-Hurts his foot while researching in NYC, but uses this injury as an advantage because a man on crutches is not asked many questions, he never stops tricking people
-The image of Petit practically playing hide and seek with the police officer, and how he presents the expirience in a childish way with giddiness. He views the world almost like a child.
Man On Wire
- During the time of Nixon crisis, a young French man, Philippe Petit, or a “Man on Wire” walked from tower to tower of World Trade Center on August 7th, 1974.
- His dream started back in the day when he went for doctor appointment. While he was waiting for his turn, he saw the project of building WTO in one of the magazine.
- Wanted to have a picture of the project, Philippe torn the page and ran back home.
- Philippe said, he has a dream of walking between the two towers, and he could do everything to achieve his dream.
- In the past, Philippe worked in one of the circus in France, and that rise his ambition of achieving impossible things such as walk on the thin wire.
- With the helps of his friends, he succeeded his dream to walk between towers in the Notre Dame Cathedral Church in Paris, and walked across Harbor Bridge in Sydney.
- To make his dream become successful, he asked for helps from his friends, and tried to make contact with other people such as Barry Green ( The Inside Man), who walked in the WTC.
- He and his girlfriend went back and forth to look at the building, take pictures, etc…
- His girlfriend said that if they die, it is beautiful to die in such a place like WTC.
- Philippe and his friends set up a WTC organization to plan and practice in Philippe’s place outside of Paris.
- In the day of the action, Philippe walked on the wire between the two towers for 40 minutes. He challenged the police who went to catch him by walked back and forth near the police.
- He was arrest, and sent for medical check to make sure that he was mentally fine.
- Philippe was released soon after that, and deported back to France.
- His dream started back in the day when he went for doctor appointment. While he was waiting for his turn, he saw the project of building WTO in one of the magazine.
- Wanted to have a picture of the project, Philippe torn the page and ran back home.
- Philippe said, he has a dream of walking between the two towers, and he could do everything to achieve his dream.
- In the past, Philippe worked in one of the circus in France, and that rise his ambition of achieving impossible things such as walk on the thin wire.
- With the helps of his friends, he succeeded his dream to walk between towers in the Notre Dame Cathedral Church in Paris, and walked across Harbor Bridge in Sydney.
- To make his dream become successful, he asked for helps from his friends, and tried to make contact with other people such as Barry Green ( The Inside Man), who walked in the WTC.
- He and his girlfriend went back and forth to look at the building, take pictures, etc…
- His girlfriend said that if they die, it is beautiful to die in such a place like WTC.
- Philippe and his friends set up a WTC organization to plan and practice in Philippe’s place outside of Paris.
- In the day of the action, Philippe walked on the wire between the two towers for 40 minutes. He challenged the police who went to catch him by walked back and forth near the police.
- He was arrest, and sent for medical check to make sure that he was mentally fine.
- Philippe was released soon after that, and deported back to France.
Man on Wire movie notes
Philippe: "What a beautiful death, to die in the exercise of your passion"
Philippe After seeing the towers in a newspaper “Usually when you have a dream the object of your dream is tangible, it’s there, it’s quixotic but it’s there nagging you know confronting you but the object of my dream does not exist yet”
"The tower was his" not sure exactly who said this but probably Annie
He watched videos of bank robberies for many days.
Annie helped him psychologically prepare for his event.
“nut conman or something” – random quote from random person
He had no answer when people asked him WHY did he do this act?
Police accused him of “disorderly conduct”
More quotes http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1155592/quotes
Movie clip
http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3306618905/
Philippe After seeing the towers in a newspaper “Usually when you have a dream the object of your dream is tangible, it’s there, it’s quixotic but it’s there nagging you know confronting you but the object of my dream does not exist yet”
"The tower was his" not sure exactly who said this but probably Annie
He watched videos of bank robberies for many days.
Annie helped him psychologically prepare for his event.
“nut conman or something” – random quote from random person
He had no answer when people asked him WHY did he do this act?
Police accused him of “disorderly conduct”
More quotes http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1155592/quotes
Movie clip
http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3306618905/
Man on Wire
Movie intro- Multiple people in a van cruising through Manhattan, NYC. They obviously have a common goal that could get them all arrested. Terrorism? They are all tense.
Not terrorism, tightrope walking in Manhattan, more specifically, the World Trade Center.
Phillipe Petit- French tightrope walker. Not all there mentally. Annie- Petit's girlfriend. Also crazy
Jean Louis- Petit's bestfriend.
Petit's upbringing- Raised by strict and proper parents. Despite the way he was raised he still acted out in his own way. IE- walking on tightropes.
He knew his girlfriend for most of his professional tightrope walking career. along with his buddy Jean Louis.
Learned about the WTC through a magazine in some doctor's office and instantly realized his dream, to tightrope walk the WTC.
They started planning the mission before the WTC was even finished being built. He made contact with useful people. People who helped him walk other ropes, people who worked at the WTC and people who had ins and outs in that area.
Petit made many trips to and from the WTC while under construction to survey and learn more about his ultimate goal. He went in undercover posing as the press or a construction worker.
They brought two American burn outs who loved adventure onto the squad. They just wanted to help.
They worked out all the logistics and technicalities as far as the wire and infiltrating the WTC with all their gear. It would take them all night to string up the wire they planned to be done by dawn.
Phillipe spent about 30 mintues crossing between the two buildings with a smile on his face the whole time. He was arrested right afterwards and charged with disorderly conduct.
He met a promiscuous young woman on his way down and ditched his long-term girlfriend Annie.
When asked why he tightrope walked the WTC he said "i have no why"
John DeGirolamo
Man on Wire
Notes from "Man on Wire"
*Phillipe Petit has a dream about Twin Towers.
*Annie and Phillipe become close through Phillipe's hobby of wire-walking.
*Phillipe wants to wire-walk across Twin Towers and has friends disguise themselves as workers to get into Twin Towers and on the roof.
*Phillipe and two friends bring equipment to the top of the one tower and two friends go to the top of the other tower, guard comes, one friend runs away, Phillipe and his friend with him hide under tarp.
*Phillipe seems obsessed with wire-walking, kind of looney/crazy. Rides unicycle around.
*Phillipe studies Twin Towers, draws diagrams, notes, spies. Steps on nail and gets injure=likes it because he gets more attention from people.
*pretended to be reporter with friends to get on Twin Towers to take pictures/study roof.
*shoot bow and arrow with string connected to wire to other tower.
*did it, got arrested, recognized and respected by alot of people afterward.
*Phillipe Petit has a dream about Twin Towers.
*Annie and Phillipe become close through Phillipe's hobby of wire-walking.
*Phillipe wants to wire-walk across Twin Towers and has friends disguise themselves as workers to get into Twin Towers and on the roof.
*Phillipe and two friends bring equipment to the top of the one tower and two friends go to the top of the other tower, guard comes, one friend runs away, Phillipe and his friend with him hide under tarp.
*Phillipe seems obsessed with wire-walking, kind of looney/crazy. Rides unicycle around.
*Phillipe studies Twin Towers, draws diagrams, notes, spies. Steps on nail and gets injure=likes it because he gets more attention from people.
*pretended to be reporter with friends to get on Twin Towers to take pictures/study roof.
*shoot bow and arrow with string connected to wire to other tower.
*did it, got arrested, recognized and respected by alot of people afterward.
Man On Wire
Notes from Man On Wire
-Driving Around Downtown Manhattan
-Best Possible Situation they were all going to be arested
-Shows the construction of WTC in 70's
-Philippe Petit steals picture of WTC from dentist office
-Petit is a tight ropewalker
-Philippe walked on tight rope from the Notre Dame In Paris in 1971
-1973 Syndeny, Petit walks on a tight rope over a bridge
-Petit thinks about WTC all the time
-Get into WTC hall the equipment in a freight elevator to top floor
-People dropping out of his project at WTC
-Hid from a guard at the top of the WTC
-Practice on a tight rope in a field in france
-May 13,1974 Petit travels to NY
-Tell WTC people French journalist to go to the top of the buildings
-1st attempt failed
-Philippe arested after stunt
"Man on Wire" Notes
-Petit= very heroic. Fits heroic type. He has many followers inspired by his dream.
-Petit: " What is better than to die in the exercise of your passion"
-Petit never went too far into illegality. He had a moral upbringing.
-Petit felt that something was calling him to do it.
-Annie felt compelled to be his support
-Jean Louis wanted to help him
-The "Australian" wanted to help him
-Even people who worked at the World Trade Center wanted to help him
Luke Hagendorf
Man On Wire (notes)
Phillippe:
"my story is a fairy tale"
"object of my dream doesn't exist yet"
"if I died, what a beautiful death"
"I need complete freedom"
"live your life on a tight rope"
"live on the edge, exercise rebellion"
all-yellow 'superhero' type one-piece outfit while in practice
all-black 'jedi knight' type one-piece outfit while on wire
always depicted in cheap, mundane living quarters
Jean-Louis:
childhood friend (mentor?)
enemies:
the law
girlfriend (archetypal "good mother", fearful but "responsible for encouragement and support")
weather/nature
cops (while they hid under a tarp for 3 hours)
music:
beethoven's 5th (disco version- represents remix of rebellious rebel: Beethoven)
in the hall of the mountain king
erik satie: gymnopedie (avant garde rebellious artist of his time)
*one accomplice was expelled from the US, ordered never to return
THEMES:
overcoming the impossible
freedom of expression at all costs
elasticity of the law (literal elasticity of the WTC building)
team cohesion/dissension
"the coup"
outlaw hero vs official hero
"my story is a fairy tale"
"object of my dream doesn't exist yet"
"if I died, what a beautiful death"
"I need complete freedom"
"live your life on a tight rope"
"live on the edge, exercise rebellion"
all-yellow 'superhero' type one-piece outfit while in practice
all-black 'jedi knight' type one-piece outfit while on wire
always depicted in cheap, mundane living quarters
Jean-Louis:
childhood friend (mentor?)
enemies:
the law
girlfriend (archetypal "good mother", fearful but "responsible for encouragement and support")
weather/nature
cops (while they hid under a tarp for 3 hours)
music:
beethoven's 5th (disco version- represents remix of rebellious rebel: Beethoven)
in the hall of the mountain king
erik satie: gymnopedie (avant garde rebellious artist of his time)
*one accomplice was expelled from the US, ordered never to return
THEMES:
overcoming the impossible
freedom of expression at all costs
elasticity of the law (literal elasticity of the WTC building)
team cohesion/dissension
"the coup"
outlaw hero vs official hero
Man on Wire
Explore the social, political and/or cultural semiotics of a hero figure.
1- Character from Man on Wire is/is not a hero.
3- Scenes Described/Analyzed as illustrations of points.
Hero- Philippe Petite
~ Wire Walker from France.
~ 1971, Philippe wire walked between the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
~ Chased dream to walk between the worlds tallest towers. Nothing could stop him.
~ No fear of death, felt it was admirable to die while performing your passion.
~ Flew to America countless times and back to France to study the towers and to practice his stunt and prepare.
~ Specifically practiced every detail of his mission. Practiced on Wire 200 ft long.(Distance from the top of one tower to the next.)
~ Waited three hours in hiding to preform his stunt. (Dedication and Drive)
~ Philippe and company secured the wire even after they fell behind schedule and Philippe did his famous wire walk between the twin towers entertaining thousands.
1- Character from Man on Wire is/is not a hero.
3- Scenes Described/Analyzed as illustrations of points.
Hero- Philippe Petite
~ Wire Walker from France.
~ 1971, Philippe wire walked between the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
~ Chased dream to walk between the worlds tallest towers. Nothing could stop him.
~ No fear of death, felt it was admirable to die while performing your passion.
~ Flew to America countless times and back to France to study the towers and to practice his stunt and prepare.
~ Specifically practiced every detail of his mission. Practiced on Wire 200 ft long.(Distance from the top of one tower to the next.)
~ Waited three hours in hiding to preform his stunt. (Dedication and Drive)
~ Philippe and company secured the wire even after they fell behind schedule and Philippe did his famous wire walk between the twin towers entertaining thousands.
Man On Wire
-At 17 Philippe Petit became obsessed with Twin Towers
-Obsessed with wire-walking, the thrill, the danger
-Saw Twin Towers as something to conquer, they were "built for him"
-Months of planning to accomplish task, many helpers from different countries to put plan in motion
-All signs pointed to stop, but Petit forged through, damaging relationships along the way
-Stepped on a nail during one visit to Twin Towers, on crutches, discovered he could use crutches to his advantage even when they werent needed (archetype-trickster)
-Set up wire with many complications (it almost fell, people dropped out)
-Sucessfully walked back and forth about 8 times, "beautiful" to see Petit up in the sky between the two massive buildings
-Arrested, psych eval, no reason "why"
-Petit accomplished his goal, but lost his relationship with friends and with Anne, but didn't seem to mind. Everyone involved felt the wire walk was so "beautiful" the outcomes/reactions were understandable/expected
-Obsessed with wire-walking, the thrill, the danger
-Saw Twin Towers as something to conquer, they were "built for him"
-Months of planning to accomplish task, many helpers from different countries to put plan in motion
-All signs pointed to stop, but Petit forged through, damaging relationships along the way
-Stepped on a nail during one visit to Twin Towers, on crutches, discovered he could use crutches to his advantage even when they werent needed (archetype-trickster)
-Set up wire with many complications (it almost fell, people dropped out)
-Sucessfully walked back and forth about 8 times, "beautiful" to see Petit up in the sky between the two massive buildings
-Arrested, psych eval, no reason "why"
-Petit accomplished his goal, but lost his relationship with friends and with Anne, but didn't seem to mind. Everyone involved felt the wire walk was so "beautiful" the outcomes/reactions were understandable/expected
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Man on Wire
- Philippe Petit, a 20-year-old Frenchman, dared to walk across a high wire from tower to tower of the World Trade Center on August 7, 1974.
- As a child, Philippe loved to climb, nobody could stop him.
- At the age of 17, helped by his unconditional friend, Jean-Louis Brondeau, and his lover Annie Allix, he put his wire on the top of the Notre Dam Cathedral where he walked for almost an hour. Likewise, he walked over the Harbor Bridge in Sidney.
- One day while waiting at the doctor’s office he saw a wonderful project: they were going to build 2 of the highest towers in the world. Amazed by the magnitude of the construction, he promised himself he was going to walk across the World Trade Center.
- Climbing was something that pleased him enormously. Petit knew his dream was probably the end of his life, but as he said, “It’s a wonderful thing to die in the exercise of your passion.”
- Philippe was a strict, ambitious and creative man. He loved freedom and autonomy.
- When people asked Petit for a reason for his actions he said, “There is no why. When I see a beautiful place to put my wire, I can’t resist it.”
- Policemen tried to arrest Philippe at the top of the towers; however, he walked forward and backwards while watching the city. He even laid down on the wire to enjoy the blue sky.
- Philippe’s friends first rejected to help him with his plan. They didn’t want to be liable for the death of his friend.
- Philippe was arrested after he got down of his wire. He was then checked by a doctor to prove he was mentally fine.
- Petit’s story was a fairy tale. He recognized it was clearly out of human scale walking across a wire from tower to tower, but something inside him pushed him to do it.
Paola Beltran
- As a child, Philippe loved to climb, nobody could stop him.
- At the age of 17, helped by his unconditional friend, Jean-Louis Brondeau, and his lover Annie Allix, he put his wire on the top of the Notre Dam Cathedral where he walked for almost an hour. Likewise, he walked over the Harbor Bridge in Sidney.
- One day while waiting at the doctor’s office he saw a wonderful project: they were going to build 2 of the highest towers in the world. Amazed by the magnitude of the construction, he promised himself he was going to walk across the World Trade Center.
- Climbing was something that pleased him enormously. Petit knew his dream was probably the end of his life, but as he said, “It’s a wonderful thing to die in the exercise of your passion.”
- Philippe was a strict, ambitious and creative man. He loved freedom and autonomy.
- When people asked Petit for a reason for his actions he said, “There is no why. When I see a beautiful place to put my wire, I can’t resist it.”
- Policemen tried to arrest Philippe at the top of the towers; however, he walked forward and backwards while watching the city. He even laid down on the wire to enjoy the blue sky.
- Philippe’s friends first rejected to help him with his plan. They didn’t want to be liable for the death of his friend.
- Philippe was arrested after he got down of his wire. He was then checked by a doctor to prove he was mentally fine.
- Petit’s story was a fairy tale. He recognized it was clearly out of human scale walking across a wire from tower to tower, but something inside him pushed him to do it.
Paola Beltran
Man on Wire
-French man, Philippe Petit
-"If I die, what a beautiful death. To die in the exercise of your passion" Petit
-Barry Greenhouse "inside man" worked in the twin towers
-why the world trade center? considered impossible.. when asked why. petit said.. "there is no why" no reason why
-everyone in amazement when Petit walked on wire
-"cannot take away what happened"
-consider--all the planning and mapping out done by Petit and friends
-"If I die, what a beautiful death. To die in the exercise of your passion" Petit
-Barry Greenhouse "inside man" worked in the twin towers
-why the world trade center? considered impossible.. when asked why. petit said.. "there is no why" no reason why
-everyone in amazement when Petit walked on wire
-"cannot take away what happened"
-consider--all the planning and mapping out done by Petit and friends
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