Culture Machine--- Module 4
This Module was fun and more carefree. I enjoyed the idea of the culture machine and remixing. I have loved hip-hop and have heard remixes my entire life...but that goes for everyone. I really enjoyed the Everything is a Remix weekly watch, I feel like for those who doubted how much sampling goes on, got clarification or affirmation that it has been happening and happens to all sorts of artist. I spoke about this in the hypothes.is discussion:
I had not idea about the piecing and chopping up of literature by W. Burroughs. I'm sorry but metal and many other genres "knock off/sample" all the time, especially from the blues and black musicians. Many times musicians of color were not able to produce and get credit for their work or claim legal rights to it, so it was easily taken. Look at Elvis. "Zeppelin copied without making fundamental changes" This is key to the remix remastered and I think what artists can start to turn sour. I'm amazed how much entertainment is not original... I'm not completely shocked, but I didn't consider how much of a structure EVERY movie follows. A hero's journey is in everything. Copy, combine, transform Is there such a thing as original creativity anymore? anything new? The basic elements of creativity: copy, transform, combine the computer as a household appliance...what a way to actually think of it It's funny how copy and being copied, leads to the "inventor" being territorial and defensive. -Social Evolution- how will that work if there are laws/legal cases fighting everything. I see creativity becoming underground and almost like a revolution. Cool video
I liked what Smoker had to say on the topic as well: "When we copy, we justify it; when others copy, we vilify it."
I like this quote, and I think it sums up well our own country's attitude when it comes to economic globalization. I appreciated that the author mentions this too -- how most countries don't mind using or adapting other country's inventions when they are the up-start country, but do mind it greatly once they become the more powerful country. This was part of why I said (a couple weeks ago) that copyright laws and patent protections benefit Americans more than they harm us (when viewed from an international perspective). We are currently one of (if not the) top dog country.
The author of this video, of course, would probably argue that I should not view copyright and patent protections as a zero-sum game, as this would be to view such protections with the kind of individualistic lens that devalues the protection of the general welfare or common good at the the expense of elevating the individual's protections. I think he has a good point there. Perhaps it would be the case that American intellectual property rights (considered independently) would suffer a bit if the entire global order (including the U.S.) was less litigious when it came to protecting such things, while, at the same time, perhaps America's welfare (or the welfare of the greatest number of American citizens) would be better off by virtue of (us and everyone else) having a more robust international public domain from which to draw. The egalitarian in me likes this idea and thinks it is probably the most fair; the realist in me suspects that we'd likely give a little more than we'd get in return.
{He is always so insightful!}
Pele also had good points:
This video obviously gives lots of examples where people have intentionally copied and remixed the works of others and achieved financial success as a result. However, I feel like this is likely something that often occurs subconsciously. If our “foundation of knowledge and understanding” is built upon a plethora of ideas that have preceded us then no idea is purely original or our own. When we create works we are subconsciously drawing on this body of knowledge shaped by others.
The issue I encounter with the film industry is personal boredom because of the repetitive nature of stories and themes. I often complain about the number of remakes and sequels and the lack of originality in Hollywood. Original creativity seems to be more a matter of how to remix prior works and ideas in a novel and engaging manner rather than creating new work from scratch. Perhaps if I start seeing more of a creative stretch in how these prior ideas are remixed in film, I will be more intrigued. The remix concept is certainly relevant to my planning as a novice educator. The beauty of this class is that I am being exposed to a number of ideas that I can remix in a way that makes sense for my content area and my population of students. [perfectly said!]
I used to work for a software company, and unfortunately we had to deal with a patent troll, so I am familiar with that issue. This is certainly an example of how people exploit the currently murky remix culture. However, I still think there is value in protecting intellectual property rights. K.K. Martin brings up a good point with regard to musicians of color. Although, I think it is likely currently more difficult to get away with the extent of copying that was evident with Zeppelin.
I find that what Pele says is true, however when it comes to Hollywood, some remakes are great and with the technology of today, it can make the story EXTREMELY way more better than it was with inferior technology. But... that can't be said across the board. I know I am not into the Marvel comics and older adaptation of the movies, but I am loving the new movies and how they are intertwining stories and characters. I do not know if this happened in the comic series, but I am loving them!
Favorite Creation from a classmate: Cecily!
Cecily did an awesome job! This was a creative Remix/Spin on Kyle's Hasselhoff Beiber poster. The editing and sound and camera movement tied it all together and made it comical and realistic!
How did you challenge yourself? What was your biggest stretch?
My challenge this module was the vintage advertising remix challenge, which was also my biggest stretch. I wanted to do a remix that was not just playful (since I had done that with the week 10 weekly thing) but that was relevant to something in the media. Once I found the pad locks I started to play with the editing and filters and it started to form into what the end product was. It took some time to get it the way I wanted and then I added the text to hone in on the meaning.
Week 10: ReMiX cUlTuRe
Weekly Thing:
Remix a classmates piece
I chose to Remix Alana E. her Front Row Girl. I used PicsArt VHS Glitch edit. I had to watch the YouTube video tutorial on how to do it! I am not the saviest and I need step by step guides...I don't always like to "play and tinker" with things. First, time is an issue, Second, my kids/man get irritated if I'm on my phone like that. But....it was cool and fun and I have been playing with it a bit!
{Graduation Day May 12, 2018}
Weekly Challenge:
Vintage Advertisement Remix Challenge, I used PicsArt
I wanted to get the feel of our political climate and societies dilemma with immigrants. The border wall and the idea of "locking" people in or out of this country.
Week 11: Fake News
Weekly Thing: Do You Live In A Bubble Quiz
You got 40 points.
The higher your score, the thinner your bubble. The lower, the more insulated you might be from mainstream American culture. I found this score to be pretty factual. I have traveled and lived in a lot of different communities that are wide ranging. I thought the questions about watching Ellen, Wendy Williams, Dr. Phil, and some other how ALL the way through was a funny question. I have seen each of these shows, BUT not all the way through.. I just can't bring myself to waste that kind of time! I actually don't watch daytime television or talk shows at all. I can't even keep up with a series. I forget to watch every week and I lose interest. I also think the pickup truck question was interesting. I would love to have a pickup truck! Rating myself 1-10, I'm unsure if 1 means I am more detached from world views or 10, means I am more detached from world views. I feel like I'm not detached from different world views , I have diverse views because of the experiences I have had and the people I surround myself with.
Dialog:
Planet Money Makes a T-shirt w/ Sam W-M
This was a cool, very interactive site. I really like the set up and the content wasn't dense or hard to follow. It was an interesting concept to do a NPR piece on, although the heart of the issue {garment factories} was addressed in a "lighter" tone.
Week 12: The New Constructionism
Weekly Thing:
Favorite autodidacts.....PRINCE!
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