Happyness

While evaluating the movie “Pursuit of Happyness”, I considered the overwhelming myth of the possibility of success. The movie is riddled with impossible life circumstances that, through determination, Will Smith can overcome.

The myth in this movie is true on several levels. First, America has created a society where education and dedication, when used together, can produce success. The American dream was born out of the hope that families can move to a country where they can support themselves and have a modest living. Despite the shift toward an unattainable American dream today, the original dream is possible. Will Smith did not have to get rich as he did in the movie to be successful, but his ability to provide for his son is the only success necessary to prove the thesis of the movie. Secondly, after setting personal goals, for example the Rubik’s Cube, Smith was able to attain his goals. The scanners he is selling to pay his rent also acted as a goal to attain. Smith proved this myth true for both of these reasons.

However, this myth gives false hope. Smith’s story is only entertaining because of its rarity. The false hope this myth brings is what drives many less fortunate individuals to attempt risky business in hopes of success. The danger these individuals put themselves in for this possibility of success is often not worth the negative consequences, but because this myth continues to be perpetuated in American society, they persevere.

Obviously, this myth, however entertaining it might be, can and does harm individuals who try to work themselves out of poverty. Not saying that working out of poverty is a poor choice, only a difficult one.

Males Organizing Outrageous Kids Society

MTV has them, so does VH1. No, I’m not talking about music videos, I’m talking about Mooks. These are fictional characters that only exist in the character world of television. As described in the film “Merchants of Cool” these outlandish males perform outrageous stunts to capture the attention of adolescents. Once these young ones are enticed, their attraction to Mooks continues to grow. The concept of popularity shifts then from prep to whoever can get the most laughs.

The nature of the Mook manifests itself in stages in many men’s lives. Although it may not find its place in every man’s life, as it does appear, it often begins with a simple realization. That realization can be summed up in the below formula…

(M+R)/C=F

Essentially, this formula means, “Me acting ridiculous in a particular circumstance yields funny.” I experienced this during my middle school years. After discovering that ‘random’ was funny, I became a mild Mook of my own. I based my character off of those who I saw on television who were only fictional realities. For me, the formula looked like, “Phill wearing blaze orange on St. Patrick’s Day is funny.” Unconventional dress and behavior affirmed the Mook method of attention in my life.

The Mook continues to develop and find will eventually find itself as a common part of the American male. As it grows and shapes today’s youth, the ideal of the Mook will set the stage for humor in tomorrow’s media. It will also affect the nature of social interactions in all male settings. The role of the Mook will take precedent to the humor of yesterday. Limits will continue to be pushed until the edge of humor and ridiculousness is more defined.

If you want to view Paradise...

The story of Charlie Bucket is one of honesty and success. It employs several myths, but to understand these I will first examine the story itself.

In the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, five unsuspecting children receive golden tickets that are their gateway to a world of imagination. The story explores each child’s character flaws incorporates their respective failures into their demise.

Charlie’s life is reflective of that of the possibility of success. As seen in his life, he is the most unlikely of the children to be successful. However, through his honesty and commitment to integrity, in the end Willy Wonka gives him the factory because of these positive characteristics.

This movie does not negate any myths; it only alters them to fit its plot. By developing these myths, it enhances the storyline.

This story appeals to me because of what I bring to it. It gives me a sense of hope for tomorrow. That the unimaginable is attainable through remaining dedicated to yourself and your dreams. Even the unknown is better than holding onto that gobstopper. My story is meshed with this one because I hope that by being loyal to my beliefs, my life will be better off in the end.

It's that time of year again...

The microwave gave a distinct *ping* as my popcorn finished and I settled in for my annual Star Wars dual trilogy weekend. After all the necessary preparations, I pressed play.

Episode II exposed a prevalent storytelling theme that could be referred to as the Threat of a Conspiracy. Once Obi Wan Kenobi confirms that a Sith Lord is controlling the Senate, he has to warn the other Jedi’s and stop the ongoing deception. While broadcasting a distorted message back to Corresant, Kenobi is captured and must find his way to freedom so he can relay the message back to his allies. This journey of exposing a hidden conspiracy is what creates the thrill necessary to keep the attention of the viewer. Indeed, Kenobi’s warning brings the clone army and the day is saved, at least until the next episode.

Skipping ahead several hours, in Episode IV, another myth appeared. This is the myth of the Possibility of Success. Young Luke Skywalker, the most unlikely character to escape poverty and powerlessness overcomes the odds. As the nephew of a moisture farmer, young Skywalker meets the previously mentioned Kenobi. After learning his fate, Skywalker must leave Tatooine and train to become a Jedi to battle the forces of the Dark Side. Through his hard work and dedication, and the occasional nudge of Kenobi, is what helped Skywalker become a powerful force in the galaxy.

After the battle on Hoth in Episode V, Skywalker splits from the group to meet the famed Yoda. Skywalker must receive training from Yoda to become a Jedi. Upon arrival in the Degobah System, Skywalker is shocked to find that Yoda is short, green, and eats snakes. This rustic personality embodied by Yoda is exactly the storyline most of this episode revolves around. The Wisdom of the Rustic storytelling device is employed here as the young and prideful Skywalker has to battle Yoda’s seemingly backwards ways of discipline. However, in the end, the apparently simple life of Yoda is what makes him so great. Skywalker then learns the true meaning of unlearning what he has learned.

Throughout Episode V, the underlying theme is that of the Eternal Return. This storytelling myth expresses that life used to be great, but something has happened that has taken away the bliss of the old days. So, Skywalker and the rest of the Rebel Alliance must combat the Emperor and the forces of the Dark Side to bring balance to the force. It is through the battles and victories that in the end, the Rebel Alliance defeats the Empire.

Of course, the overall story of the trilogy is that Skywalker must rise and overcome the dark side. However, a smaller yet immense problem arises when Skywalker finds out that Darth Vader is his father. The story changes when the villain is related to the protagonist. So, instead of defeating Darth Vader through killing him, Luke attempts to find the good in Anakin Skywalker, which in the end results in Vader’s turn against the Dark side as he kills the Emperor. The lesser lesson he learns in Episode V helps him overcome the entire Empire in Episode VI and bring balance to the force.

Lastly, as I observed Episode IV, V, and VI it was apparent that Luke Skywalker was the messianic figure that the Rebel Alliance was looking for. Taking on the story of the Coming of the Messiah, Skywalker rose to the role of the last hope. It was through his personal journey and final willingness of self sacrifice for the Rebel cause that he was able to overcome the Dark side and save the galaxy from tyranny.

These six myths are not only prevalent in Star Wars, but throughout American storytelling culture. As these concrete examples bring clarity to the myths, it is clear that they all are interdependent and work best when they are employed together.

Hi, my name is Phill and I've been alcohol free for 20 years...

I am a facebook addict. From dawn to dusk, the refresh button is my muse. Wall posts, pictures, and messages draw me into this social network giant. Graciously, some computer programmer created the “Remember this password” option, allowing me to log in faster. I am instantly plugged into this online community. Contained in your profile is all the personal information you choose to include. Once your online identity is established, the search bar can help you peruse the network to find old high school buddies and meet new people. However, the most important element to facebook is that it legitimizes relationships. It appears that in today’s culture you are never truly dating anyone until you’ve updated your status on facebook. This “social alarm” is put in place to inform all potential interests that the user is now off limits. As facebook continues to grow, so does its diversity. Groups can be created and joined by any user and this enables like-minded people to connect in serious or humorous ways. These groups are often formed because of inside jokes or campus events. The colorful personality expressed by each individual through the simplicity of words, and not lavish layout, separates facebook from other social networking sites. Facebook allows each user to portray his or herself in a concise and equal manner. After searching for new friends or joining another group, I find myself scrounging for wall posts to boost my post count. Other users are able to leave messages on a communal board located on each user’s page. I often find myself competing for posts in a not so ethical manner, all for the sake of who can get to 3000 posts first. I won. Joining this network is simple, fun, and educational. Facebook has shaped my interactions with my peers and reconnected me with old friends. I do not take lightly the communication gift that is facebook.