From a previous class discussion I realized that I needed to further my research on reality; and what it means to escape the reality. I would like to explore this topic first prior to talking about symbolism. I believe it is important to discuss these elements of entertainment because being aware of any nuances may make it easier to figure out underlying meanings in movies, commercials, and media in general.
What is reality? Reality means facts of existence; other synonyms of reality include: being, actuality, absoluteness, truth http://thesaurus.com/browse/reality. At first glance, the definition of reality does not sound very fun; it seems to convey feelings of heaviness and burden. For example, the reality most students have to face is the lack of money and rest. People tend to use the term "reality" when talking about something unpleasant; for example, the reality of sex discrimination or the reality of racism. Nevertheless, I believe that "reality" is actually a positive word and many people tend to use it negatively. Now, for the sake of better understanding it is important to evaluate antonyms of the word "reality." Antonyms include: belief, fantasy, hypothesis, imagination, theory http://thesaurus.com/browse/reality. All antonyms of the word "reality" seem to suggest creativity and fun. People love to fantasize about their dreams and goals; also people love to use imagination and create theories about various topics that are of interest to them.
After defining the term "reality," I would like to examine the meaning of the word "escape." What does it mean to escape? Escape means to break away from; other synonyms of the word include: avoid, bail out, depart, disappear. Antonyms of "escape" include: capture, remain, stay http://thesaurus.com/browse/escape. So, after defining the important terms it is possible to put them together. To escape the reality means to break away from facts of existence; or (if using synonyms) to avoid the truth. I believe it is very tempting for human beings to use this method to deal with stress. Many people turn to entertainment (such as Internet, movies, and other media) to relax and feel better. What about video games, is this the ultimate way of escaping the reality?
The concept of reality brings about a different question. What about symbolism? What does symbolism mean and is it a part of reality? A symbol is something that represents something else; by association or by resemblance. For example, language is a system of spoken and written symbols by which we communicate. In a context of writing, symbolism represents a deeper meaning than the words themselves. (Willis, 1996-2011, p.1). Furthermore, according to Willis, "This kind of extension of meaning can transform the written word into a very powerful instrument" (Willis, 1996-2011, p.1, para. 1).
If symbolism has the power to transform a certain meaning of a word into a powerful instrument of suggestion; how does it affect the media and entertainment? According to Bakony, Edward, symbolism used by film makers can serve as a bridge between feeling and thought. Also what people read and learn through a symbol varies with what they bring to it's meaning. The filmmakers try to use universal symbolism; but in a film it can be very subtle that the audience my be unaware of its existence. Furthermore, a symbol arises when an image is surrounded by a complex of conscious and unconscious associations; it's impact depends on its cultural context (Bakony, 1974, p.1).
I think that the meaning of symbolism does depend on a cultural context. For example, interracial marriages play a big role in suggestive symbolism. This issue can be questioned in couple of ways. How popular is interracial marriage in films? Do people embrace or reject an idea of interracial marriage? When we see an Arabic man with a Caucasian woman who has to wear the traditional clothing to suit his culture, how do we react ( for example the movie, "Not Without My Daughter)? When we see an African-American man with a Caucasian woman, how do we react? I think this is an example of subtle symbolism that filmmakers use in some of their productions.
A good link for further research:
http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED096715&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED096715
References
Bakony, Edward. (1974). "Symbolism in the Feature Film." Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov
Willis, Bill. (1996-2011). Symbolism. Retrieved from http://www.worsleyschool.net/socialarts/symbolism/page.html
The use of symbolism in entertainment is really powerful. A movie or commercial has the potential to be filled with many messages, unbeknownst to the the viewer. Although universal symbols may be easy to understand by a vast audience, the use of vague symbolism often leads to controversy. An example of this would be the influx of youtube posts and magazine headlines making the assumption that certain entertainment personalities were involved with the illuminati,free masons and devil worshipping. It is assumed that the hip hop elite including Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rihanna and Beyonce, among others, have sold their souls to gain mainstream success. The assertions were made based on a few music videos that lasted no more than 5 minutes. Perhaps the most amusing part of it is the history of secret societies can be traced back as far as 1776. Considering that no one from that era is alive to confirm or deny the meanings of the symbols, it's left open for interpration. The problem with this assumption is unless one is a member of or has had exposure to the inside dealings of a "secret society", a sensible conclusion cannot be made.
ReplyDeleteI like that you brought up a subject of a secret society. What do you think about Tom Cruise and his scientology ordeal? I think it will be very interesting to research how symbolism originated. Thank you for a great comment.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't know anything about the scientology practice, I found it interesting that several A-list entertainers spoke out their membership around the same time. It became a source of fascination by the media and the fans as well.It's really hard to scrutinize the symbols without researching the principles of scientology.As entertainers, I think their personal beliefs and methods of worship should be kept separate from the body of work. It can serve as a distraction from material they are looking to promote to the audience. For instance, if people are subjected to hearing a performer push a certain belief system during a promotional tour for a major feature film, it may cause them to reconsider supporting that project.
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ReplyDeleteI am convinced that part of the reason we look for outside stimuli, is because Americans need to escape from who and what they are; on the inside. We must also take into consideration that some, don't know who that person is anymore. We are so uncomfortable in our own skin, that we desire to be with people and things; "friends, video games, or in the club,etc",. Anything and everything, in order to occupy our time. Even people that are possibly harmful to our well-being. The prospect of being alone is too overwhelming. Do we as a society, know the difference between being alone and being lonely? Are we so afraid of being alone that we allow harmful entities to enter our lives; instead of facing the reality of who and what we are, on the inside.
ReplyDeleteThe true measure of a person's character is: who you are when you think, nobody's looking.
I think that this was an interesting blog, and to go with the comment from Medical Fanatics, I did some research this past summer on masons and the connection to the illuminati. About how many celebrities sold their souls and became involved with the illuminati. Symbolism plays a big part in this. The symbol for this is the triangle on the back of the dollar bill. You see various artists throwing up a sign that symbolizes this triangle. For example 2Pac, Steve Harvey and Nelly. Look in some of their photographs and see if they are throwing up some type of triangle.
ReplyDeletewhat do you know about interesting topic. how is it define. My interesting topic is when someone has a good ideal about something and we all just sit back and discuss it as a group. so my interesting topic would be about why would they hav e17 years in juvenile court or tried them as adult i think that that is an interesting topic to talk about because they dont need to be there they need to be in school some where staying out of trouble, help them to learn they way life should be without all this negative stuff. interesting topic can be anything you want to talk about an dis a great topic to make someone want to join in with th e discussion.
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