January 27, 2010
too much.
We are all aware of the devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti. It is a tragedy that plunged an already impoverished nation to new depths. The U.S. media continues to provide a seemingly never-ending stream of photographs and films of the Haitian people and their expressions of burning pain. Anderson Cooper has a video showing a young Haitian boy in tears after being informed that he lost his parents in the earthquake. It broke my heart.
As a journalism student, I fully support the fundamentals of media coverage to inform the public. I support fundamentals, not exploitation. Anderson Cooper from CNN is everywhere in Haiti, drooling over any heartbreaking story he can get a hold of, and there are plenty of them. At this point, the people are clearly informed that a colossal earthquake wrecked the already devastated nation of Haiti. We’ve seen an abundance of photographs and we know very well the damage that was done.
When is it enough? Isn’t there a time to let those surrounded by tragedy to maintain their dignity? What if the big one finally hit California and your brother, sister, or parents were buried alive in the earthquake and amidst your grief, reporters and photographers buzz around you with the click of cameras and anxious questions. Think about that. There is a fine line between journalism and exploitation.
January 26, 2010
psychology of hollywood
23-year-old The Hills “actress” Heidi Montag recently underwent 10 plastic surgeries in a day. From her eyebrows, nose, neck, breasts, waist and rear, Montag is a superficial product of Hollywood society.
It’s abnormal for me to comment on, let alone write about, sensationalist news in tabloid culture. However, it is much more than that to me. I view Montag’s drastic cosmetic augmentation as the flagship example of all that is wrong in modern society.
I honestly do not know where to begin. I could start by talking about MTV’s decline to sink to all time lows by airing deceiving “reality” shows that encourage naivety, downright stupidity and a false sense of reality, or I could begin by examining the more serious issues such as of the fashion industry and its destructive effect on women.
Form over function is what all of this is really about. Aesthetics and beauty are completely overcoming substance and sincerity in mainstream culture. There are numerous examples of this, but I am using Montag as the main example. First of all, just look at her. She is far from her true self although she views her newly superficial figure as the “real” her. She is also only 23-years-old. Montag believes that her flawless appearance is what is going to help her make it in the music industry and to further improve her Hollywood career.
Hollywood is bullshit. It is a society comprised of superficiality, monetary priority and selfishness. I love movies, music and all the positive products of Hollywood, but the negative counterpart of the society is disturbing. Montag for one, a small town Colorado girl who was just another person chasing the Hollywood dream. Although she “made it”, the system of Hollywood has chewed her up and is waiting to spit her out. Depending on your own opinion she may have already been spit out. What I mean by the “Hollywood system” is the psyche and superficial values that it instills in certain individuals. Form over function. Money brings happiness. Being famous makes you important.
Someone who is 23-years-old and underwent major cosmetic surgery, where she nearly died from may I add, clearly has issues of insecurity and self-consciousness to an unreasonable degree. Hmm. I wonder what may have instilled those views in her?
My point is this: for everyone whose eyes twinkle and heart aches at the sight of Hollywood and its dreams, it’s time for a reality check.
January 14, 2010
video of the day
Dubstep, drum and bass, or whatever. Just listen to Mt. Eden on youtube. He produces his music through sampling and remixing and they are phenomenal. He is unsigned and can only be found on youtube.
January 8, 2010
let me hear it!
I have been writing on this blog not too long now, but I know that there are a few steady readers or viewers. I am able to look at the amount of views per day. The most I have gotten was 19, which was the other day. The point being is that I want more input from the readers! Anything at all. You should comment and let me know what you like, don’t like, or even better explain your own opinions.
Right now this blog serves as a learning process for me and a forum to figure out what direction I want to go. You probably might get the idea that THE MIND’S EYE revolves mostly around streetwear. It is a very broad topic, because it covers a culture, not necessarily an industry. As an aspiring magazine journalist, I am planning to create a new blog down the road that will be a digital magazine. So for now I am trying to develop my style, figure out my approach and my audience. So I want to hear what you have to say! Cheers.
-Justin
January 6, 2010
I know that I am a little late on delivering the news, but the super group Them Crooked Vultures released their debut album recently. Who are Them Crooked Vultures? Queens of the Stone Age frontman/guitarist Josh Homme, Foo Fighters frontman/ex-Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, and Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones.What more could you ask for?
As a Queens of the Stone Age fanatic and a Zeppelin worshiper, I was thrilled when the album dropped. I was not disappointed. You can expect Homme’s crunchy robotic riffs and drug-fueled anthems, Grohl’s sporadic and articulate drum fills, and of course Jones’s virtuosity in production and composition. Think Queens of the Stone Age blended with Cream and a sprinkle of Zeppelin.
If you’re expecting ballads or rhythms that are easy on the mellow ear, this isn’t for you. The album is a pounding and in-your-face experience. The lyrics are smothered with drugs and sex, reviving the glory days of rock. All three virtuosos mold together without one outdoing the other, defying the common egotistical outcome of other super-groups.
From the rough, dirty, bluesy track of “Scumbag Blues”, to the psychedelic musical epic “Spinning in Daffodils”, it is apparent the the creative muses of Them Crooked Vultures are ever-present. You’ll either hate them or love them, but either way I have a feeling they will be around for a while. Their musical chemistry is a breath of fresh air for rock, and this album is one of my favorites of 2009.
