Emotional Exercise

Bruce Springsteen’s version of “The Ghost of Tom Joad” appeals to the emotions of sensitivity through the use of the acoustic guitar and harmonica. The acoustic sound adds vulnerability to the piece because of its subtlety. The harmonica introduces a blues feel to the piece, which highlights the longing for a change to be seen in society’s respect for community. A tone of reflection is developed from the meter because it slows down the thoughts of the listener, enabling them to meditate on the lyrics. The audience associates Springsteen’s connection to Joad with sincerity, however he is very passive at the same time because this version doesn’t cause a “call to action”. Springsteen portrays an admiration and yearning for promoting Tom Joad’s ideas of community and morality.  

Rage Against the Machine, unlike Springsteen, depicts an active version of “The Ghost of Tom Joad.” The use of the electric guitar, drums, and aggressive vocals forcefully presents the conditions that should change in society. The meter generates a sense of anxiety, which stresses the need for society to be held accountable and exercise Tom Joad’s ideology. A tone of bitterness is established from the vocals, causing the audience to feel an appeal to the emotions of frustration. The artists seem determined and confident, making the listener focus on what they are passionately conveying.

The order I heard these versions in, made a difference as to how I measured the impact they gave the song’s message. Hearing Rage Against the Machine first, made me realize the desperation for people to recognize our place to take action the way Joad would. Springsteen’s version appealed more to my personal taste, however his timid depiction of the song’s message seemed like a weak portrayal of the urgency for change.

The contrasting styles depicted effective ways to convey the same message and allow the audience to feel more emotions than they anticipated. For example, the frustration in Rage Against the Machine gives off feelings of rage, yet appropriately highlights society’s need for sensitivity. Springsteen’s timid version portrayed a sense of sincerity, revealing society’s selfish ways. Both versions were affective ways to generate various emotions.

Consumerism

The discussion between Berger’s essay and Nehama’s article concerns capitalism and how we as individuals interact with this institution. Berger’s mystification is a way one can be manipulated to see what those in power, the upper class, want you to see. Plato’s censorship is an attempt to control the actions of an individual. Both the vision and participation of consumers are catered to play the game of capitalism.

The difference between these pieces is the time period, however the perpetuation of entertainment and art allows for the concepts to relate. The article “updates” Berger’s essay by using media examples, common language, and historical parallels to make the concepts of manipulated consumerism more relatable. For example, the idea of censuring video games, which is modern art, in order to eliminate aggression or increased violence in life, parallels Berger’s mystification seen in art. Mystification of art forced an idea on the viewer, while censorship forces the idea that one will always react to representations and have a determined behavior in life.  

The pattern of one era’s entertainment becoming the next era’s fine art was not a result of genuine popularity that kept the art alive, for it was the result of what was circulated in capitalism. The concept that “Twilight” may be the future literary work discussed in school as quality writing, should prove that an equal representation of an era’s art can not be defined by it’s commercial success. Being an active participant rather than a passive consumer should encourage diversity and increase the chances of quality being recognized versus quantity.

Being a victim to consumerism is a constant battle because we can only control our individual decisions. Berger and Nehamas are asking us to question the stereotypes and fads of our time to become a real society that isn’t subject to the privileged minority.  

Need for an Attainable Norm

Mystification and cultural construction of images are correlating projects from Berger and Bordo. Money and power are tools that can control the perspective of society, regarding image. Berger discussed the manipulation of an individual’s thoughts through mystification. This allowed the wealthy, upper class to manipulate an illustrator’s imperfect truth depicted in an image. Bordo’s ideas of cultural construction determine one’s personal views of body image, as well as societies acceptable idea of attraction.

The commonality between Berger and Bordo’s ideas lies in their realization that images powerfully influence perception. Through historic paintings and modern advertising the standards of society have been established and everyone must assimilate accordingly. This study is necessary because of the ongoing battle between an individual’s views and society’s views. The lower class, middle class, and minorities must combat those with money and power, in order to establish the truthful, cultural norm; rather than, an unattainable, superficial norm. Therefore, inequity is the main factor that is generated from mystification and cultural construction.

An example of Berger’s work regarding beauty is his formula that “men act and women appear.” Bordo discusses this formula and disagrees. Women look in mirrors and focus on beauty to ensure that they are pleasing the standards of societal beauty. Men are responsible for providing and taking action, however they must also be seen and judged based on superficial standards. Though it is portrayed that men have no concern for their image, they do. These projects correlate, but they don’t completely agree on what is considered truth. Therefore, the need for this research to continue is necessary in order to maintain a thorough search for the truth.

Berger and Bordo share a common technique of evaluating images, but they posses different views. Our commonality is that we are human, meaning if we are to agree on an acceptable standard of anything, we must agree to disagree. The way a mosaic of images can create a bigger picture, a plethora of ideas is needed to achieve a societal standard, which is based on equity rather than inequity.

Optimal Seeing

William A. V. Cecil Family by Stone Roberts, 1990-91

[a complete view of the photo is on the bottom right of this link] http://www.biltmore.com/our_story/our_history/vanderbilt.asp 

In the 1800s the Vanderbilt family was known for their wealth. George Vanderbilt loved traveling, which led him to the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, to discover the location of his future home, and America’s largest home today. Stone Roberts created the William A.V. Cecil Family Portrait in 1990-91. The Cecils now run the business of allowing tours in their ancestor’s mansion. Robert’s use of light and his sitter placement, generate a curious façade of family focus.

When entering the Biltmore Estates and seeing this family portrait hung high, the question of lighting would arise. When the family is positioned in front of two, rather large, windows during the daylight, and an additional bright light is hung over the Vanderbilt family portrait from the 1800s, why is this necessary? Is this an attempt to reveal the parallel in family communion? Possibly emphasizing on the family success? Accentuating the importance of the “privileged minority” that can “justify the role of the ruling classes” by inviting all people into their home?  

Social issues are the focal dialogue of this painting in relation to the past and present. Mystification tries in a bold fashion to cloud the intent of Robert’s work. Though the room is not endowed with more than a rug, painting, table, and chairs, the Cecil’s personas portray sophistication. For example, the sitters are exemplifying the enjoyment of riding, reading, an elite pet, drinking wine during the day, and wearing fashionable clothing in a casual environment. The Vanderbilt and Cecil family portrait, both being displayed in one painting, centered on family bonding, was a well-planned attempt to convey irony. However, the picture doesn’t have me convinced that love is the common ground with this family, I feel the commonality is in a name: Vanderbilt, also known as wealth.

Taking a second glance to find more than the obvious things in a painting can powerfully impact your perspective. I learned that it is disrespectful to the artist and myself, to simply overlook their details and be deprived of the message that yearns to be shared with me.

My dialogue with Robert’s work has confirmed Berger’s expectations of optimal seeing. Everyone can achieve the task of exercising artistry.  As a result of history’s perpetuation, understanding and appreciating art has been perceived as a privileged practice. However, “seeing” is the only aid needed for appreciating and developing an opinion regarding a painter’s work. An individual’s divine right is the entitlement to perspective.