I was sitting in my ninth grade Spanish class. The television was to the left of the classroom pushed up in to the corner of the ceiling. Everything was going normal as it should be. We were learning our daily Spanish vocabulary, and memorizing verb tenses. Nothing too special. All of a sudden something happened. This something has changed the lives of everyone all over the country, and even the world. Except at the time I did not know it was such a big thing. So I was sitting in my desk minding my own business when my Spanish teacher turned on the television. I thought, Wow she is actually going to be nice today and let us watch television. Everyone just stared at the television in silence. No one spoke a word. What I saw, and what everyone else saw, was so real. I saw every detail. It made me curious at first, but then I was scared. In the next few minutes the announcements came on and the school was informed about what was going on. School was then dismissed. As I was walking out of school to wait for my ride I noticed a variety of different emotions on peoples faces. Some were laughing, some crying, and some with no emotion what so ever. People were calling the school’s office phone off the hook. Students received calls that a family member has died or been injured. It was a mess. I can not really remember my exact feelings on that day, September 11, 2001. All I know is that I did not really think anything of it at the time. It has been a little over four years since that day in my life. Little did I know that the situation on that day, September 11th, would lead our country to war. I still am not sure why we are at war, and with whom we are at war with. All I know is that the day I was sitting in Spanish class was the most confusing, and scary day of my entire life. That day has changed the lives of everyone around the country whether they know it or not. Every time people use planes as transportation, see a flag sticker on the bumper of a car, or just simply drive by the pentagon on the way to work, we remember. I remember all the time. 
Post #11: What People Paid To See In 1970
The connections between top movies and top songs are always apparent since both are forms of entertainment that the majority of the populations have access too. In 1970, this was no different. We will closely examine the traits of both the top ten songs and the top ten movies of 1970 in hopes of finding common ground among the two that might help us define their historical significance and how they reflected the times.
Wikipedia serves as our provider of the top ten grossing films of 1970, and has a pretty robust list of the top films of 1970. Granted some of the films were released towards the end of 1969, their gross income still counts into the year of 1970, because box office numbers aren’t exactly tallied up on midnight of December 31st. I’m sure we’ve seen similar happenings at awards shows that rate events that happen from last year. This just helps from people being barraged from all these annual award shoes suddenly springing up in early January.
1. Airport
2. M.A.S.H.
3. Patton
4. Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice
5. Woodstock
6. Hello, Dolly!
7. Cactus Flower
8. Catch-22
9. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
10. The Reivers
By the 1970 America was already landing troops in Vietnam. At the time the war was still in good taste and didn’t receive as much bad publicity until the mid 1970’s. In 1970, three war movies ascended to the charts of the top ten. M.A.S.H (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) was a black humor detailing the day-to-day activities of a mobile hospital during the Korean War. The movie attempts to quell the horrors of the war itself with its comedic dialogue. The movie itself was deemed “culturally significant” by Congress and given a place in the United States National Film Registry. Patton detailed the war career of General Patton during World War 2. While not directly linked to the war in Vietnam, it still detailed an overall view of America’s war attitude. His famous speech from the film details many ideas that directly contradict the notion of the Vietnam War itself. The opening line mentions “Americans play to win all the time. I wouldn't give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed. That's why Americans have never lost and will never lose a war, because the very thought of losing is hateful to Americans.” In perspective to today, his speech seemed rather vain, since we didn’t really win a war in Vietnam. But for people in 1970 the film probably bolstered people’s opinion of the Vietnam War, since by 1970 the majority of the American public wasn’t too well informed of the disaster that was happening across the Pacific. Catch-22 is another World War 2 themed film that questions the rationale of military mentality. This almost seems synonymous with the whole criteria of the tumultuous reasons for American becoming involved in the Vietnam War, and the inevitable opposition to the war itself. [1]
These films share little contrast to any of the songs listed as the top ten in the 1970’s. Giving the almost wholly distant happy go luck nature of the songs compared to the war in Vietnam. At the extreme, the Simon and Garfunkel song “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” plays into the concept
Number six and seven on the top 10 grossing films of the 1970s are Hello, Dolly! and Cactus Flower. Hello, Dolly! was first a musical that soon was turned into a film. It is about a young woman who fancies the attention of a rich man because she wants his money so she can spend it to help others. Also, in the film, she plays cupid and hooks up several other couples. The movie Cactus Flower is a comedy about a man who is afraid to move on further and marry his girlfriend so he lied to her about already having a wife. His girlfriend asks to meet his wife and so he then has his secretary pretend to be his wife. In the process, he gets to see a different side of his secretary and is torn between her and his girlfriend. These two movies compared to the top ten songs are very similar. Some of the songs and these two movies have the themes love, blissfully optimistic, feel good, and the lust of a woman in common. The movies have a big theme about love and women, which a lot of the songs from the 70s can relate to. The songs in the 70s had no direct links to the war and in these movies you see the life outside of war. There is a difference however between the movies and the songs. In the move Hello, Dolly! She shows interest in the man for his money only to help the better good and spread the money to others. This lack of greediness is in theme with the real life of the 1970s. The people of the 70s were very free spirited and wanted to help everyone including the animals and environment.[2]
Woodstock was a three day music and art festival that took place in Bethel, NY in 1969. It took place from August 15-17th. Around 500, 000 people showed up for the festival and traffic was backed up for as much as 20 miles. Many different people came to the festival: anti-war protesters to Vietnam veterans, pro government advocated to anti-government advocates, gays/lesbians to anti-gays, legalize drug advocates to ban drugs advocates, rednecks, black militants, and just those people there to watch the music and enjoy the art.
The media portrayed Woodstock as a time of “peace and love.” However, this may be true, but Woodstock was followed by a lot of positive and negative events. Since more than 500, 000 people showed up to the festival, after just one day food was running low and sanitation was horrible. The government had to send over food supply by airplane. According to police reports, there were two deaths(but there were also two births). Trespassing and burglary was a problem, as well as violence in general. There were positives that came about from Woodstock. “On the positive side, 500,000 young citizens were virtually left on their own and discovered the words Sharing, Helping, Consideration, and Respect to be very powerful. Thousands left the Woodstock event with a totally different outlook on life” . [3]
The various artists that performed at Woodstock paved the way for musicians in the early 1970’s. Sly and the Family Stone and Crosby Stills Nash and Young are two bands that played during Woodstock, and were included in the film, who made it in the top 10 songs of 1970.
The Reivers is a story of a man who looks back 60 years to a road trip that he took. Along the way he encounters many obstacles and the biggest one of all is he discovers the world of adults-from racism and vice to possibilities for honor and courage. On Her Majesty's Secret Service is a James Bond movie the plot for this movie is Bond is on a hunt to kill his biggest enemy but a man approaches him and asks him to marry his daughter so that he can protect her and in return this man will give Bond all the information that he needs to find his enemy. Bond then becomes trapped in his own actions he has found himself falling in love with this girl and then must decide between taking out his enemy, who is about to destroy to world, or keeping the girl that he loves. Bonds movie relates to the songs of the 70's because a lot of them had a romantic side to them. The Reivers relates to the 70's as opening up to different cultures and accepting people for who they are this was a big movement in the 70's this is also what many of the songs represent.[4]
Airport was the first real disaster movie. A Chicago airport manager tries to keep the airport manager tries to keep the airport open during a snowstorm. A terrorist bomber plots to blow up an airplane. This movie relates more to the song by Simon and Garfunkel Bridge over Troubled Waters.The movie was about a terrorist and the song is about there’s always a way when there’s trouble. [5]
After an emotional Esalen-style retreat. Bob and Carol Sanders return to Los Angeles to embrace love and complete openness. They happily reveal their love affairs to everyone, including Ted and Alice Hederson. When the two couples go to Las Vegas, Ted admits to a love affair of his own. Alice demands a mate-sharing foursome. Before they could begin, doubts arose. This movie shares similar themes to the song “Venus” by The Shocking Blue. It’s a sexual type of movie with all the love affairs and sexual innuendos.[6]
[1] Robert Altman, M.A.S.H, 20th Century Fox, 1970; Franklin J. Schaffner, Patton, 20th Century Fox, 1970; Mike Nichols, Catch-22, Paramount, 1970.
[2] Gene Kelly, Hello, Dolly!, 20th Century Fox, 1969; Gene Saks, Cactus Flower, Sony Pictures, 1969.
[3] Micheal Wadleigh, Woodstock, Warner Brothers, 1970.
[4] Mark Rydell, The Reivers, Paramount, 1969; Peter R. Hunt, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, United Artists, 1969.
[5] George Satton and Henry Hathaway, Airport, Universal Studios, 1970
[6] Paul Mazursky, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Sony Pictures, 1969
Post #8: You Can't Handle The Truth!!!!!
Perhaps the first documented court account of child abuse was State vs. Rehberg (1885). Edward Rehberg was convicted of severely beating, and in-turn murdering his eleven-year-old daughter, Clara Rehberg. Back in the nineteenth century, when this case occurred, the jury’s intents and decisions were based on different parameters then today. The reasons for the different verdicts in each century wholly depend on the constructed gender roles of the time and the period’s social hierarchy.
The 19th century itself mainly concerned itself with clear separations between masculinity and feminism. Men were considered aggressors, disciplinarians, and physically strong people. On the other hand, women were looked at as the typical “mother figure”; assuming the role of caregivers, protectors, and nurturers. They also were considered unable of physical violence or aggression, especially towards their own children.
The notion of child abuse being instigated by a female did not fit into the persona of a 19th century woman, and therefore was seen as impossible. As far as the masses were concerned, it was common knowledge in the 19th century that the man did the majority of the physical punishment and/or abuse. Men obviously are more muscular and prone to aggression then females. For the 19th century jury, it is most likely they attributed any possible notion of physical abuse right upon Edward Rehberg.
Another characteristic of the Rehberg family that influenced the court’s outcome would have been their social class. The Rehberg families were obviously of a lower class, since they always seemed too caught up in physical labor and wore overalls the majority of the time. We also have to take in account that the jury itself consisted of people from town, and that their condescending opinions of the Edward’s family could of swayed their decision of his innocence. To the people of higher class in the jury, they most likely viewed the Rehberg family as an unwanted addition to their community. Hearing all these accusations about child abuse and females working in men’s clothes further degraded their opinions of Edward’s family. The jury let the minds of the society’s stereotypes determine their verdict rather than the hard evidence. In the end, the combination of Rehberg’s social class and the attributes given to him for being a 19th century man probably would have resulted in him being found guilty. Even though the deathbed declaration of Clara was included in the trial, the jury would probably overlooked this and instead convicted him anyways. His conviction would allow the higher social classes to get rid of him from their community and not have to bother themselves with lower class matters.
If this case were presented to us as a 20th century jury, a much different outcome would have been generated. The 20th century generally relies on the use of evidence instead of cultural stereotypes when determining the verdict of a court case. Even though social roles are not entirely non-existent today, they are not as deeply embedded in society as they were in 1800’s. Even today though, “as women joined the workforce they became increasingly aware of their unequal economic and social status” (The Feminist Movement in the 20th Century: Introduction). Women are still faced with a male dominant world, even though it isn’t as strict as it was in the 19th century.
Another diminished institution from the 19th century is the notion of the social class hierarchy. Obviously we still have social classes today, but they are not as prominent and all powerful as they were in the 19th century. Everyone is equally guilty and innocent, regardless of your income. With these ideas in mind we came to the conclusion that Edward Rehberg would not be found guilty, and that Louisa would instead receive the accusation. The key factor in our decision was the use of the deathbed declaration. Clara would have no real reason to lie as she approached the end of her life, and she would want the truth to be known so that her stepmother wouldn’t escape from her actions. The accusation of Louisa fits into the social context of the 20th century that woman are as equal as men, and thus capable of committing the same kinds of crimes. The 20th knows that physical abuse isn’t strictly confined to the 19th century archetype of the strong, aggressive burly male who always beats his children when they are disobedient. For the 20th century, both genders have the ability to exemplify traits of the other. The black and white gender distinctions of the 1800’s have disappeared with the progression of 1900’s, and gradually moved into the gray area of “any gender can do anything.”
Works Cited:
“The Feminist Movement in the 20th Century: Introduction.” Available HTTP:http://www.bookrags.com/english/literarymovements/the-femini-introduction- flgc-04.html; [November 10, 2005].
Image 1- http://tell.fll.purdue.edu/JapanProj/FLClipart/Nouns/people&animal/children.gif
Image 2- http://www.mystudios.com/art/impress/pissarro/pissarro-haystack-1873.jpg
Post #5: Striving To Reach Perfection..
Many ideologies began to pop up in the 1800’s. One in particular was the formation of utopias, places where people sought to perfect society. “Such communities looked to replace the competitive individualism of American society with a purer spiritual unity and group cooperation” (Davidson 324). Our culture shares a similar belief of affinity and equality in its beliefs and people, layout of its buildings, and organization of its economy.
The founding settlers of Ascalon sought to escape the divisions of hierarchy in England.They were tired of living in a tiered system of upper and lower classes. They wanted to create a society of innate equality among all its citizens, strengthened by one singular belief. With the former colonies beginning to bloom into a new nation, these settlers say an opportunity and crossed the Atlantic to start a new society in the fledging country. In 1827, the first settlers (about 500) of Ascalon landed in New York harbor, and moved northwest towards the Great Lakes, settling somewhere between the two. The people of Ascalon all share the common belief that a higher power governs their fate. This power has a strong sense of right and wrong and governs people in accordance with their actions. Since this higher power judges people strictly on their performance, it does not matter if someone is rich, poor, intelligent, or of a different race since the power judges everyone equally. Ascalonians also believe that everything around them is a physical manifestation of this great power. With this notion in mind, the people try to maintain a balance of harmony with their surrounding environment, as evidenced by the integration of natural foliage in their community. The people of Ascalon believe in complete equality among the population of humanity. Slavery holds no place in their community and both men and women both receive equal amounts of respect. This is very similar to “Shaker communities [which] accorded women unusual authority and equality” (Davidson 325). Reproduction in the community is handled much the same way as in the rest of the world, except in Ascalon sex is only for procreation not pleasure. In order to maintain their beliefs of total equality and harmony, Ascalonians try to limit the sources of immorality in their life. Avoiding promiscuous behavior and a hierarchy is one such effective solution. 
They founders built the town in honor of the great force, known as Holly, and constructed a massive physical testament in the middle of their community. A giant eye atop a twelve foot column, known as the Eye of Holly rests in middle of the town prayer area. With their center firmly establish the people of Ascalon began to build around the monument. Everything in Ascalon radiates from the Eye of Holly. The monument itself is the pivot point for the whole community. Their residential zones are closest towards the monument, and all windows are positioned to face it. This serves to remind the people of their devotion to this higher force. Outside the residential zones are the farms and crafting facilities. Separating the space between the residential zones and the farms and factories is a small circular forest that borders the residents. This serves two purposes. The first reason is to obstruct the view of the factories and farms, so that the denizens will not be distracted from the view of the monument. The second reason is that it allows the people to feel calmer and closer to nature. Next to the farms are the servant’s quarters, where the hired servants keep their supplies for tending to the fields. Towards the outskirts of the city is the wharf, where incoming trade ships board to give and receive goods and supplies. By the mid 1830’s Ascalon itself was a firmly established community and sustained a population of nearly 1,000 people. 
Ascalon’s economy tries to stay independent of the outside world. Some even fear that the outside influences might possibly taint their perfect society. To compensate for the lack of a large physical labor force, the community hires paid artisans to come into town to fill in the profession gaps. The town, by majority is self-sufficient. It has enough forests in the outlying landscape to support their demand for lumber. The farms provide food for the community, tended by the hired servants that live near them. Their crafting district exports many items such as religious artifacts and handcrafted silverware among other things. The items are then loaded onto the trading ships when they come into the wharf about every month.
Ascalon itself tries to strive for a sense of perfection and harmony that is almost out of its reach. Stressing equality to all citizens never seems to turn out with what was intended, even today. People always find some reason to create separation between them. Yet, their unifying belief and quest to please the great Holly places the people under a common set of rules and regulations. With a unifying religious belief, careful construction of its community, and a somewhat limited economy system Ascalon tries to carve it own special niche in a world of utopias. 
Group Report
Our group met for the first time on Friday at the same time as class. First Sean came up with a great idea for our SimUtopia. Then, the rest of the group drew up a few sketches. We collaborated all of our ideas into one SimUtopia. After that we started to brainstorm ideas about what our city was going to be like, such as religious beliefs and agriculture or industrial based. Our group also met for a second time during class time on Tuesday. We came up with a name for our SimUtopia, and put the finishing touches on our drawing. In order to make sure everyone was doing their job we sent our findings via email.Davidson, James W. Nations of Nations: A Concise Narrative of the American Republic. McGraw Hill: New York, New York. 2006.
Post #4- "Pigeons Egg Head Goes to D.C."
In George Catlins “Pigeons Egg Head,” painted sometime between 1837-1839, Catlin reveals his attitude about Native Americans. He portrays them as easily influenced by the whites, which forever changed the Natives world view and cultural identity. 
The painting shows what influences the whites had on the Native Americans. The whites tried to push their European ways on the Natives. The painting specifically shows one Indian, “Pigeons Egg Head”, and how he changed after being influenced by the whites in Washington D.C. It is evident that he went to Washington D.C because a picture of the “Jeffersonian” dome shaped capital is located in the left side of the painting. “Pigeons Egg Head”, before going to D.C., was a fine representative of his Native American culture. The expression on his face shows he is dignified and serious. His intricate and ornate outfit symbolizes his richness and pride in his culture. He also is holding a peace pipe, which symbolizes conviviality, or friendliness. Most Natives in the American West in the early nineteenth century, before the white settlers came, were very dedicated to their culture and true to their own personal ethnic identities. When white settlers came to the Natives land not only did conflict arise, but the Natives even changed who they were. 
In 1838 many Native Americans were forced out of their land in Georgia by white settlers. They had to migrate westward into the frontier land in the cold snow and other harsh conditions. This terrible journey from Georgia to Oklahoma was called “The Trail of Tears.” It was called this because many Cherokees died along the way, lacking food supplies and having minimal facilities to use. “The Trail of Tears” was an event in history that shows one of the many conflicts, started by white settlers, with the Native Americans. Many Natives along with being forced to migrate into different lands, very unfamiliar to them, were even assimilated into the white European culture.
The left side of the painting shows “Pigeons Egg Head” after being influenced by the white culture. He is dressed in some kind of military outfit, consisting of boots with heels, a sash/belt around his waist, white gloves, and a top hat. He is carrying a fan and an umbrella also, which are usually carried by white women, not men. Also in his back pocket there are bottles of liquor. You can tell that the Indian is drunk because he is leaning on his umbrella in an attemp to maintain balance. This side of the painting shows “Pigeons Egg Head” trying to become a white person, but is somewhat unsuccessful in doing so. The portrayal of the fan and umbrella tells viewers of the painting that the Indian is out of place in a white society. It shows that he is trying too hard to fit in with the white culture, a place where he does not belong. Even though it may seem that all Indians completely turned away from their old ways, many still kept parts of their culture alive.
Catlin shows sympathy toward the Native Americans in his painting by portraying, on the right side of the painting, suggestions that the Natives sill have a sense of culture, even after the whites influenced them. A part of the Indians culture still remains and is shown by the feather sticking out of “Pigeons Egg Heads'” top hat and also his hair is still long, or even longer than before.
George Catlins painting portrays Native Americans after the whites started to settle and change the Indians ways. Although some natives changed fully, trying to be exactly like the whites, many kept their culture and ethnic identities alive.
Works Cited:
Image 1- The Trail of Tears : http://ngeorgia.com/history/nghisttt.html
Image 2- "Pigeons Egg Head" : http://www.lemaze-studio.com/masters_giclees/LSA-MSC0006.htm
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