Propaganda 2011

  

   As the development of technology increases, propaganda is widely spread throughout the world. In fact it grew more rapidly as internet, T.V, and commercials appear. Adults, elders and even children are exposed to the media and are influenced unconsciously. We start to create biased and unbiased minds following the mainstream before you know it. In my current life, an example of propaganda (not related to government or politics), would be the reporters who write false images and articles of public figures.

   Celebrities, for example, are usually main targets among fans, media, and the paparazzi. Since millions of eyes watch over one’s life, they always have to be careful in what they do. The problem is, it does not matter if they stand morally and act like how they should act because the reporters will do anything to create an issue. These issues can be false rumors, stories and gossip that portray negative views on the celebrity. Unfortunately the public agrees, believing what said is true. They soon take opinions, having wrong images that lead to criticism of the person.  The media eventually controls the minds of people, viewers, and fans. A one negative article of a celebrity can manipulate the people to turn their backs. Some examples, although they might also be true, could be: 1.Lindsay Lohan has been accused of committing theft this month of February 2. Miley Cyrus’ articles of drug usage 3. Relationship with Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie.

It disgusted me when I noticed the front page of a magazine while standing in the line at Dominick’s. The article was titled “Brad Pitt Still Sees His Ex-wife Jennifer—“  I mean, who cares if they still saw each other? Do they expect us to believe that after all the break-up stories and reunions? Just because they’re divorced are they not supposed to see each other at all or something? Is this supposed to give some kind of blame to Brad Pitt or even Jennifer Aniston?

 It gave me the impression of how reporters were trying so hard to throw a hot topic that would grab the public’s attention. Because of this many fall for the countless, fraud articles of the poor celebrities that are only human.

Response to Black Boy

As a reader, I feel as if the story of Black Boy is repetitive, with situations happening in the same routine. Although the events differ from time to time, Richard always seems to be going through constant challenges through his life. But in the end, most of one’s life is a repeating cycle so why should he deserve blame?

            As much as it is a true story (an autobiography), you can’t really expect new occasions to occur daily. Unfortunately Richard’s life is misfortunate so far, with no encouragement or support but full of mischief and trouble. As a toddler he was involved with accidents, violence, alcohol, and starvation. Once he decides to act, it brings harm to himself and the family. He slowly fights against the constant obstacles of his life (such as the abandonment of his dad, saloons, beatings, racism,mother’s illness,etc) and is faced with new ones. The tragic situations with barely any hint of hope bring the thought of giving up. The book becomes more overbearing to take as it is constantly reminded that it has all happened in a person (especially as a child)’s life.

            Then I ask myself, after the rough childhood and intolerable events, how did Richard overcome such a life and succeed to where he stands now as a famous writer? Could I have been able to do that when experienced the same? The answer is I am not sure. Until I read the book, I’ve always thought a successful person comes from proper education, the right childhood, and a content family background with lots of love and care. Richard Wright proved it wrong. Therefore I give the book a chance to make me realize what more he went through to deserve all the admiration and honor later on.

Black Boy

In my opinion, I do not see Richard’s negative behavior as his intention for ‘attention’. Although his dad abandoned his family he was too young to understand the reason of his whereabouts. He has no dependence on his brother whatsoever, as he is only mentioned a few times through the first chapter of his childhood. Ultimately, I blame his mother for Richard’s inappropriate actions.

 I understand where his mother is going towards underneath her harsh care of Richard. However I do not think it fits for a toddler at the age of 4. Instead of beating up her child 24/7 she should at least once show a warm affection towards her son whenever he did something bad. At the beginning when he burned the house on fire, most children would be afraid of such sight or cause. Instead, Richard only thought about his beating of his mother after, which was different from an average child. Also the incident with the gang boys and the stick was not what she should’ve taught to a four to five year old boy. He learned to use violence, and later alcohol as his mom went out to work. If he was taught with warmth and care, I believe Richard wouldn’t respond so negatively to the world. This specifically showed when he developed a “deep hate” towards his father wanting to prove him wrong when he ordered Richard to kill the kitten. Although Richard knew better, he wanted to act in the opposite way to show his dad.

In conclusion, Richard wasn’t alone in his cravings for attention. He only responded to the vindictive nature of his environment.