Journal 1 Revised: Winning Isn't Everything

Packers vs. Seahawks Game, courtesy of John Lok/Seattle Times

             David Maraniss was critically stern in his argument that winning is not everything in his article, Winning Actually Isn't the Only Thing.  Sports are an important part of American culture and despite the drive to win and please your fans is winning really everything? People curve their emotions and actions in response to a win even if those actions aren’t always appropriate.  Maraniss wrote in response to the Seahawks Packer game in which a call was game winning in the Seahawks favor.  The call should not have stood, yet Seahawks fans and players alike treated the situation as if it was correct.  Maraniss aims to prove that it is just a game and regardless of the outcome there are more important things to gain from sports. 

             Having been an avid athlete all my life I tend to agree with David Maraniss.  In the situation of the Seahawks Packer game it was hard to choke down the last play, however; at the same time there was an NFL referee lockout and they had no choice but to supply replacement refs.  They were not up to par to referee a professional game, but there was no one else to do it.  I also believe that you gain so much more from sports than any stats will ever tell you.  What you learn through team work, dedication, commitment, and time management is far more life changing than a season of statistics.  While they are fun to look back on and remember, the memories you make far outweigh a season record.  Yet, regardless of any situation, there are always people that do believe winning is everything and it does change the sport.  Such as, those in favor of the Seahawks haphazard attitudes after the undeserving win.  Making the best of the situation and others reactions to an irreversible event is all you can do, and in the words of Vince Lombardi, “If you can’t accept losing, you can’t win.” Therefore, I do agree with Maraniss and think that it should always be remembered that winning is never everything.  
 

https://uwsp.courses.wisconsin.edu/content/enforced/1871907-engl202lschmeli11121210/Maraniss_Winning%20Actually%20Isn%27t%20the%20Only%20Thing.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=XmaQ1Kt6QMGhXSDaY0V4GwPyi

Journal 4 Revision: Impact of Hurricane Sandy on New York

Start of NYC Marathon, Courtesy of A.T. Willett Photography

                In the article, “Up and Running” by Louisa Thomas, the impact of Hurricane Sandy on New York’s world renowned marathon was discussed.  The question raised, was what is more important, the marathon, or the millions of people out of power and water? She talked about how a week previous to the cancellation of the marathon, Mayor Bloomberg, was adamant about hosting it regardless of the recent hurricane and the many people affected. 

                While reading the article, I could understand the Mayor’s position about the race.  People from all over the world come to race in the New York Marathon.  Some people earn much of their income off of racing in this race.  What’s more, people participate in many other marathons all year just to qualify for this 26.2 mile trek.  This race brings in so much revenue to the state and community.  I can completely see and understand his standpoint on hosting the race.  However, it raises a lot of controversy over what is more important. 

                It amazes me how people will come together in events of tragedy.  There are simply no words for people helping others they do not even know.  I think that act of kindness is irreplaceable and cannot be matched by anything else.  All of the people who signed up for the race laced up their shoes to help repair damage and generate a city under massive complication instead of racing.  That is hard to even fathom.  In spite of this tragic event cancelling, they did not hesitate to lend a helping hand.  To me, that says it all.  Kind gestures speak louder than words.  

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8594475/examining-outrage-cancelation-new-york-city-marathon

Journal 6: Is Country Music to Blame for Racial Criticism?

Rising country star, Jason Aldean, Courtesy of Carrie Allen Tipton

                In Carrie Allen Tipton’s article, “Country Music Hollers Back at Hip-Hop,” she boldly states that throughout the past few years country music has developed dissociation with the rest of the musical world.  Through the use of three different examples she claims that country music is looking down on urban life and any life different from their own.  Widely popular, “Homeboy” by Eric Church, “Dirt Road Anthem” by Jason Aldean, and “Holler Back” by the Lost Trailers, are said to have deeper messages that should be addressed.  Lines such as, “We do it different around here, but we sure do it right,” and “Here you are runnin’ these dirty old streets, tattoo on your neck, fake gold on your teeth,” are alleged to be destructing urban values.  

However, I tend to disagree.  Regardless of the fact that I am a country music fan, I do not believe that there is anything wrong with being proud of where you came from.  I do not think that country music is out to demoralize anyone who lives a different lifestyle; in fact, I think it is the exact opposite.  While reading this article, I found myself getting fairly defensive.  Just like any other genre of music, they sing about the lifestyle they prefer.  Rap and hip-hop produce music around the life that they have come to know and what it has taught them.  Country music is no different.  I can relate to country music in a lot of ways, but for it to be considered looking down upon urban values is unrealistic. 

Carrie Allen Tipton definitely made her point, but she did it a bit too strongly.  I can see where she is coming from and where one might take it the wrong way, but the majority of her arguments were one sided. For example, Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem,” in which he took it upon himself to actually record with rap singer Ludacris.  Teaming up with a member of a completely different genre shows class and respect for a different type of music from your own.  To me, that is quite the opposite of dissociation.

http://www.popmatters.com/pm/feature/165500-country-music-hollers-back-at-hip-hop/

Journal 5: Women in the Spotlight

The New Adventures of Old Christine sitcom, courtesy of justjohnnywebster.com

In the article, “In Defense of…Julia Louis Dreyfus and Other Women Who Make Us Laugh,” by Colin McGuire he expands on the sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine.  Julia Louis Dreyfus is the lead role in this sitcom and makes the show absolutely hilarious.  However, the show was cancelled, in his opinion, for no reason. He goes on to explain that all we see are men reaching for more power in the television world and not enough acceptance of female lead roles. 

He also expanded that it is not just in television but in the real world as well.  Women are constantly on a lower pedestal, despite professed intelligence and humor.  McGuire goes on to explain that it will not be long before women start to outgrow the age of men. In fact, he claims that it gives TV viewers a well-rounded benefit, because women are truly just as funny.  

Along with McGuire’s point of view, I can see the importance of allowing women to breakthrough previous stereotypes.  I think it is important in today’s age to allow women to express themselves, when they were not allowed to before.  Whether, they show true charisma or not is one thing, but the ability for it to be accepted is what is important. He also claimed that it will not be long before a woman holds the title to presidency. 

One statistic I found incredibly amazing was that 90% of male leaders who make jokes receive a round of applause and laughter.  While, 80% of female CEO’s and head position leaders who make jokes, receive nearly no response.  I find it quite fascinating how that works and how people respond to different sexes.  I’m not entirely sure if I believe that in my lifetime I will ever see a female president, but it is my hope that one day that bears true.  

http://www.popmatters.com/pm/column/164010-in-defense-of-funny-women/

 

Journal 4: Impact of Hurricane Sandy on New York

Start of NYC Marathon, Courtesy of A.T. Willett Photography

In the article, “Up and Running” by Louisa Thomas, the impact of Hurricane Sandy on New York’s world renowned marathon was discussed.  The question raised, was what is more important, the marathon, or the millions of people out of power and water? She talked about how a week previous to the cancellation of the marathon Mayor Bloomberg was adamant about hosting it regardless of the recent hurricane and the many people affected. 

                While reading the article, I could understand the Mayor’s position about the race.  People from all over the world come to race in the New York Marathon.  Some people earn much of their income off of racing in this race.  What’s more, people participate in many other marathons all year just to qualify for this 26.2 mile trek.  This race brings in so much revenue to the state and community.  I can completely see and understand his standpoint on hosting the race.  However, it raises a lot of controversy over what is more important. 

                It amazes me how people will come together in events of tragedy.  There are simply no words for people helping others they do not even know.  I think that act of kindness is irreplaceable and cannot be matched by anything else.  The fact that all of those signed up to race laced up their shoes to help repair damage and generate a city under massive complication, is hard to even fathom.  In spite of this tragic event cancelling something so important to many people, they did not hesitate to lend a helping hand.  To me, that says it all.  Kind gestures speak louder than words.  

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8594475/examining-outrage-cancelation-new-york-city-marathon

Journal 3: Taylor Swift's Variation

Taylor Swift, Courtesy of Nathan Wisnicki

After the recent release of Taylor Swift's new album, Red, there has been much controversy over whether or not she is heading in the right direction from country music to pop.   Swift has many devoted fans who will listen to her music regardless of the direction she pursues, but there are many that question her abilities as far as true talent.  In his article, In Defense of Taylor Swift and Gen-Y Pop Music, Nathan Wisnicki dedicates himself to positively advertising Taylor’s music. 

Personally, I have always been on the edge with Taylor Swift, simply because I feel that her vocal talents are not as good as her songwriting.  However, Nathan raised some great points. Taylor has outdone herself and has become truly popular in a classy way.  Over and over, she continues to produce number one singles.  She does everything herself and commits herself to producing heart felt lyrics that the vast majority can relate to.  I believe that has been the key to her success.  She has honest communication with her audience, and that is more than luck.  

I think that Nathan raises a lot of great points and puts her in the light that her hard work and dedication deserves.  She has unbelievable talent.  Yet, as far as country music goes her last album was far from it.  If she is moving away from country music that may be the best thing for her, but country music fans are going to criticize her for it. 

http://www.popmatters.com/pm/feature/164733-taylor-swift-red/