Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Lose Some Magic Pants?! No Problem. Just Fly to Greece and Find Them!

Send in the clowns! Thanksgiving break has arrived and I have nothing due for six whole days! Consequently, I didn’t do any homework last night, and tonight I decided to mindlessly enjoy watching Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Part Two.

I know, I know, many people would celebrate this six-day jubilee with, oh I don’t know, drinks, other people, dancing, etc… I however, know how to really celebrate; watching cheesy teen movies, by myself, in bed, with wine.

Oh what, you think I’m a loser? Ah, well before you judge - hear me out, because it gets worse.

About....maybe halfway through the movie, my roommate (who had already seen it) decided to text me. She had to text me, since she was so far away – and by so far away I mean six feet away in the room next to mine. What can I say, new technology breeds laziness. So this is the text I received: “Isn’t that art guy hot?” (she was referring to the guy in the movie that falls for Alexis Bledel)

I text back: “Omigosh yes, ah. His eyes." Her text: “yeah, everything about him.”

Hahaha, we are losers. Think the text convo ended there though? Oh you of little faith. Towards the end, I decided to text her – again - instead of yelling. This time, I needed to discuss the characters’ decision to go to Greece to find their “Traveling Pants.” At first, one girl went. The rest of the girls went a few days later to surprise her. Just you know, dropped everything and took off.

The convo:

My text: “Oh, no problem I’ll just go to Greece and find some pants.”
Her: Can I go too? Wait I’ll surprise u there.
Me: “Ummm….with a hot man.

(Slight break in text conversation)

My text (again): Oh! Actually, you totally came to Greece to help me get back together with my hot Greek ex?? That is so uh, manipulative of you! I am so pissed, I am going to go make out with him in a boat on the Mediterranean under a full moon.

Her: “I knew I could force you into his arms.”

Now, the end of the movie arrives. I celebrate:

My text: “What we shared is all the magic we’ll ever need.”

Her: “So true, hug me.”

Ha! We are a special duo. Really, this text sequence doesn’t make sense unless you see the move. So I’m going to say that we are cool through irony. I can’t believe I’m actually sharing this story, I think I’ll lose many friends. Or not, since my friends already know of my “quirks." And they love me anyway, because what we share, is all the magic we'll ever need. Thank you, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I am inspired.

Monday, November 24, 2008

What is Currently Taking Over My Life: (RED)

In case anyone is for some reason interested in what has been the bane of my existence lately. I've decided to post one of my "project" proposals for grad school. I am working on studying the empathetic impact of Bono's (RED) Campaign. Thoughts welcomed. Although, they may be ignored for the sake of efficiency. Jk.

Ah. My head hurts from lack of caffeine this morning. Time to consume mass amounts of coffee. See below for My (RED) Idea.

The (RED) Campaign: What Image of Africa is it Constructing? How is this Image Contributing to Western Consumers’ Emotional Proximity to Africans?

Launched in 2006, Product (RED) is the brainchild of U2 front man Bono and its current president Bobby Shriver. Shriver and Bono created the brand as a way to raise money to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in Africa.

According to its website, “(RED) is an ingenious idea that unites our incredible collective power as consumers with our innate urge to help others. (RED) is where virtue meets desire” (www.joinred.com). (RED) partners with a variety of established brands to produce (RED)-branded products, such as Gap (RED) clothing, Apple’s (RED) iPod Nano and the (RED) American Express card. When consumers purchase a (RED)- branded product, the company behind the product donates a portion of the proceeds to The Global Fund. The Global Fund funnels all (RED) funds into programs working to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and malaria in Africa.

Like all successful brands, Product (RED) has created a distinct image for itself. Sensitive to the theory of “compassion fatigue,” Bono and his team developed a branding strategy for the (RED) campaign that rejected the use emotional images of suffering, starving Africans in exchange for images that portrayed a “sexy” Africa. “Africa is sexy and people need to know that," The New York Times quotes Bono as saying. "We've got to get better at telling the success stories of Africa in addition to the horror stories” (Brenjo, 2007). Product (RED) is therefore marketed with sleek, sophisticated designs, popular brands and beautiful, Western celebrities. Product (RED) focuses on “cool, sexy branding rather than on poverty, inequality and disease” (Richey, Ponte, 2007).

Despite its seemingly well intentions, Product (RED) has received a several criticisms, including criticisms surrounding the message and image of its campaign. Product (RED) has been accused of promoting status under the guise of compassion. Fears about the brand’s transparency have also been expressed. Critics point to the low transparency surrounding the actual creators and benefactors of the product, and that this “compassionate consumption” will redirect “attention from the causes of poverty, such as the inequities of systems of production and trade, by focusing on one of the outcomes, HIV/AIDS” (Richey, Ponte, 2007). Since Africans – and African celebrities – are virtually absent from all (RED) campaign images, some say (RED) is further “otherizing” Africans in the eyes of Western consumers. (RED) and similar campaigns are overrunning Western society with discourse and images of Africa. However, the African “people themselves are not allowed any meaningful space or voice” (Magubane, 2007). Consequently, (RED)’s “hard commerce sex appeal approach may engage individuals from previously untapped constituencies to finance The Global Fund’s work against HIV/AIDS, but, in doing so, it will perpetuate the disengagement of ‘needy’ recipients for us to become benefactors with bling” (Richey, Ponte, 2007).

In light of both criticisms and praise, I would like to study the influence of the (RED) campaign on the construction of empathy and emotional proximity in the minds of Western consumers. I believe that the (RED) campaign has succeeded in making generous contributions with innovative ideas. However, I believe it is important for campaigns to connect people as well as promote monetary flow, and would like to explore (RED)'s impact on empathy in efforts to discover ways in which money and lives can best be connected across the globe.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

blahhhhh

I'm finding every possible way to not do work. I am not motivated. Waaaaaah. I've realized, that after three whole years of learning how to waste as much time as humanely possible, it's hard to actually stop wasting time when needed.

Boo.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Some See Big Problem in Wisconsin Drinking

Apparently word of Wisconsin's alcohol problem has reached the East Coast. In fact, it's in the New York Times. This is fairly humorous, fairly sad/scary. Here is a little preview:

“If they’re 15, 16, 17, it’s fine if they want to sit down and have a few beers,” said Mr. Whaley, who owns the tavern in this small town in southern Wisconsin.

Oh, our dear eastern neighbor. I am solemnly sorry for taking advantage of your alcohol problem by driving to Hudson to buy beer on a Sunday. It will not happen again. I am cutting you off!

The Etymology of Ecstasy

Lately, I have been diving into this Paul Coehlo novel at night. I have found that novels help me forget about all the homework I didn't do and consequently actually sleep. The other night, Paul Coehlo presented the most interesting insight, and I had to share. So enjoy.

In the book, which is called "The Witch of Portobello" (I definitely wouldn't say it's one of hist best, but it does the trick), he mentions that the word "ecstasy" derived from a Greek word "ekstasis," which means "to stand outside oneself."

Now, the reason I found this interesting is because - and I think this is safe to say - that our culture has associated the word almost strictly with pleasure - and mainly sexual pleasure.

For ecstasy to derive from ekstasis, it makes sense that ekstasis, or "standing outside oneself" was at some point, associated with being pleasurable, right? So the Greeks understood that it was by transcending yourself, your worries, your needs, etc... that a person ultimately found ecstasy. While at times, I supposed this could be obtained through sex, it seems that we are seriously limiting the experience of ecstasy by strictly associating it with sex. If the Greeks knew what they were talking about, this means ecstasy can also be obtained (yeah, yeah, in a different way of course) by serving others, sacrificing, worshiping or anything else that focuses our minds on something greater than ourselves.

Hmmm...this reminds me of something my good friend C.S. Lewis said back in 1950 or 60-something. Let me quote:

"Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." - Clive Staples L.

Good quote C.S., like always. I wish I had some insightful line to end with, but it is 1:00 a.m. and I've spent the whole night researching. My "insightfulness" tank is near empty. Surprising, I know. Less surprising, those last three sentences made no sense. Keep thinking about ecstasy and Lewis, and ignore the rest.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Women's Purpose: To Look Good for Men

I have to relay this comment an anonymous student in an anonymous university class made the other day. It was not a student in my class, I promise. Rather, this comment was relayed to me by an anonymous graduate student. Keep reading if you haven't had your fill of the word "anonymous" yet. Kidding.

In an undergraduate class last Thursday, the professor was discussing the objectification of females in the media, or just how women are portrayed in the media, etc... Anyway so I'm a little vague on the details, but eventually the class dove into a discussion on feminism. You know your typical university discourse - college students with a lot of ideas and no experience. Even still, I was surprised by a comment one student made. Apparently, in the midst of the discussion, a girl raised her hand, and the professor called on her. This is what she said. With a straight face.

"Personally, I think that women's purpose is just to look good for men and help them."

What? Who thinks that in 2008? No, let me clarify; what woman thinks that EVER?

The graduate student who told me this story was obviously appalled. I am really curious as to what has gone on in this student's life that has made her believe she is simply on earth to "look good for men." I kind of feel bad for her. Maybe she just said this to get attention. Why would you go to college if that is your only purpose? I mean, if you're going to college to get a husband, let me tell you from experience, college does not always spit you out with a ring on your finger.

So weird. Who knows. Time for me to pursue more productive activities than blogging.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Things I Do Not Understand: A Brief List

Welcome to the first or second version of “Things I Do Not Understand,” a commentary on the mysteries of our world. Like most of my thoughts sans a point, this list was inspired by a really boring class. Let us begin.

Things I Do Not Understand

-
Why my predictive text-messaging tool does not like the word “sucks.” Is it censoring my language? Is the word “suck,” or “sucks” offensive to this mechanical being? Every flipping time I try to punch in that word, “pucks,” comes up as default. Dear cell phone, have I ever, in my life, texted the word “pucks?” The answer is no! I have, however, texted the word sucks multiple times! You have stopped bringing up “ankled” instead of “Colleen,” so why insist on “pucks?” And P.S., “sucks” stopped being a swear word in 1950 – long before you were born – so get over it!!!

-
Why Minnesota does not medicate itself. Don’t get me wrong; I love Minnesota. It’s pretty much the best state ever - it is one of the most educated states and have one of the highest standards of living in the nation - not to mention we can “drink the tap water and breath the air” (thanks Atmosphere). However, I feel like Minn. could benefit a lot from a few anti-depressants, because it is pretty bi-polar. What else could explain a climate that goes from 75 and sunny on Monday to 35 and snowy on Friday? That is not normal. Out of love, I urge you, Minnesota, to get some help!!!

- Why I had to explain to people, seriously, why Obama is not the antichrist during his campaign. What is our world coming to? I need not say more. (Disclaimer: this is not the fault of those who asked, but rather, those who went around claiming this. To those I say this: Read the Bible, Get a Grip.)

- Arabic. I go to class every day, but I still only know like five words. And don’t even ask me how to put sentences together. I try and it comes out looking like a kindergarten project. I will persevere through.

I can’t think of anything else right now. Apparently everything else in this world makes perfect sense. Sweet!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Tonight

To so many people, tonight is not about economic policies, abortion laws, gun control, war, or any of the typical policies that create so much tension among the American people. Tonight is not so much about the dramatic changes President Obama will immediately make as he assumes his position.

Rather, the beauty of tonight lies in its symbolism. It symbolizes how far the ideologies of Americans have come. It symbolizes that Americans can look past the color of one's skin, or the sound of one's name. It symbolizes that, while they have not been broken, the chains of racial and economic oppression cannot hold one down, and fighting for justice is not in vain.

The kind of hope Barack Obama really provides is not the hope that he will save our country, or heal the world. For many, the type of hope Obama represents is that of the reality and possibility of hope itself. For individuals who have been pushed down by the weight of injustice, the will to keep trying to rise above is often lost. Working with African American children in the inner city, a friend of mine mentioned the limitations they put on their dreams; she has rarely heard a child there dream of being president. In years of white domination, that concept is beyond imagination. Injustice breeds hopelessness, and hopelessness breeds apathy.

Now, however, the world has seen that fighting, and hoping is not in vain. For today, a black man with "dangerously" foreign sounding name will take his place in a powerful position that has only belonged to white men. By his side, his wife will soon be First Lady, a notion most likely unimaginable to her descendents who served as slaves. Today, children around the world have an tangible example that, the color of your skin or the oppression of your past, do not determine their futures. Hope - which comes from God - is real. Things can be different tomorrow than they are today.

I hope everyone can realize the significance of this day, and its redemption of injustice. The beauty of Obama's win lies in its ability to even happen at all. And its inspiration lies in the possibility of what can happen next. The chains of injustice are not binding. We can overcome.


Election Day - Change Yourself. A Guest Column!

With Election day upon us it think it’s important to remember that real ‘change’, the kind of change that can truly impact lives for better (or for worse) does not come solely in the form of the act we call “voting”. I wish it did because things would be much more simple but in order for real transformation to occur, American’s will have to embrace the thing they hate most…an acknowledgement that the status quo isn’t working.

An author by the name of Margaret Feinberg put it this way: "The question many Americans are asking is 'Who is going to be elected on November 4th?' But I'm not convinced that's the best question to ask. I believe the greater question that we should be asking is 'How are we going to live on November 5th?' - How are we going to be apart of the healing and rebuilding that our nation and world so desperately need?"

Voting is an important civil duty of all citizens and I don’t want to discourage you from exercising that right. But whether Barack Obama wins or John McCain, I think the realization must be made that they are only politicians. Yes, one will most likely get hyped up as the new Commander-in-Chief of the leader of the Free World, but we must become conscious to the fact that the same institution, which makes them so powerful, is also the one that limits their ability to become a catalyst for true transformation. “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

‘There has never been anything false about Hope’, but it’s time we open our eyes and see that we’re not helping anyone if we start looking at others, no matter how powerful they are or can be, to provide the Hope in our own world. You want change? Start with changing yourself.

Thanks for reading.
Grant Hultgren

*The views in this written piece are those of Grant Hultgren and not necessarily of Colleen Callahan…though I still encourage you to sling abuse her way for letting me post it on her blog J Thanks Colleen for letting me contribute.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Changin' Times

While telling a story of her youth, my 90 year-old grandmother made a comment that made me realize the how small the world has become in such a short time. “You know,” she said, “growing up, we didn’t think much of anyone other the Swedish Lutherans.” I was somewhat shocked, thus exclaimed, “But Grandma, did you all believe in God, as Lutherans? And that God created all people?” Shrugging her shoulders she said, “Yes we believed in God, but I guess we just didn’t think that far. After all, I only grew up with people like me, and when I went to college, I went to a Lutheran, Swedish college, and everyone was the same there too.”

My grandmother went to Gustavus. She said it was her only choice, because it was the only Lutheran school sufficient back then. I asked her about St. Olaf University, after all that school has been around awhile and, is Lutheran. She answered like she had never thought of it before. "Oh no, yes it's Lutheran, but it is Norwegian Lutheran, not Swedish." Then she laughed.

Uh, I don't even know what the difference is between Sweden and Norway.

Crazy! Even crazier is how much the world has changed in a relatively short time. When my grandmother was born, women couldn’t vote and while black men were able, society made sure to limit their opportunities by strategically placing numerous obstacles in their paths. Now, either a woman, or a black man will be in the white house. I think that’s awesome.

This thought was brought to you by my scholarship application, when I realized that although the first paragraph had no relation to what the essay on the application was asking, but wanted to keep writing about it anyway. I know, I am pretty deep.

Oh yeah, and I almost forgot to add; today, my 90 year-old grandmother is voting for Barack Obama. Changin' times indeed.