Assignment 1-3-3

Written Analyses—Analysis 2

Bob Marley’s Rituals and Stereotypes

Bob Marley was a musician, songwriter, spiritual leader, and political representative. As known worldwide, his life was followed by media which characterized him through his rituals and stereotypes.

Rituals

Some people believed that Bob Marley was Socialist, or that he was Marxist, but he considered himself as freedom fighter. His support of freedom for those around the world had a real purity of purpose. He said, "I don't stand for the black man's side, I don't stand for the white man's side, I stand for God's side. Viewing himself as a holy person and a member of Rastafari religion, Marley strongly believed that marijuana is a holy “sacrament” and religious ritual which spiritually helped him to become the artist. Other rituals that were known in this religion were non-usage of alcohol, and vegetarianism. The way Marley’s hair was made into dreadlocks was showing symbolism of the spirit of the Lion of Judah, which Rastafari used from the Bible verse from Leviticus 21:5, saying that they shouldn’t shave their head and beard, or to have any cuttings in the flesh. According to this verse Rastafari members based their personal appearance. Therefore Marley didn’t want his foot thumb to be amputated when doctor told him about cancer on his thumb, because it would’ve been against his religion believes and rituals.

Stereotypes

         Bob Marley was very responsible, honest, optimistic, enthusiastic, dedicated in his work and interested in helping society and others through his artistic creativity. Marley stated that his two biggest influences were Marcus Garvey and Haile Selassie. Bob Marley's message was the return to the country of birth of black people to Zion, which was Ethiopia. So through his songs he was manifesting his opinion about politics and his believes. Some people stereotyped him as nonstop smoking pot and addicted to marijuana. But according to his religion he was smoking pot in order to understand scripture and beliefs of his religion. The other stereotype that people were saying was that he was sleeping with lots of women. Superstar Bob was always surrounded with many women with who he had extra-marital affairs and later many children, but many years later even he didn’t believe in marriage, he married Rita Anderson. He was shy, and when he was under stress, he would be quiet and he would respect other people opinions and needs. Most of the people around the world like him, but there were also others who thought he was bad for society. He was fearless even some people tried to kill him. After Bob was shot and he survived, he came back on the stage to perform at the concert, which was December 5, 1976, in Jamaica. Beside music, his big passion was soccer. Marley was playing soccer almost every day with his friends. Pele was Marley’s favorite soccer player. Soccer was part of his life which he described as freedom.

Combination of Marley’s rituals and stereotypes shows him as a not perfect man, but with big heart who wants everybody to live in love. His works and songs still inspire people all over the world.

 References

Karon, T. (2010, June 19). Cote d’ivoire vs. Brazil: Africa can’t lose. Retrieved from http://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2010/06/19/cote-divoire-vs-brazil-africa-cant-lose/

Rasta-Man-Vibration. (2005). Bob Marley and Rita Marley: The role of Rita Marley in helping to direct the career of Bob Marley on the path of success. Retrieved from http://www.rasta-man-vibration.com/rita-marley.html

Assignnment 2-1

August 21-2012

 Icon Analysis

Icons

The 3 icons that I’m going to talk about are very different in their personality and job description from each other.  First icon that I’ll mention is Elvis Presley, one of the most popular music figures of the 20th century. The second icon is Al Pacino, one of the greatest actors in the film history. Finally the third icon is Lionel Messi, the best soccer player in the world for three consecutive years. All three of them made a huge impact on society as icons of popular culture.

Elvis Presley is known as an icon that lives through his songs. His look, charm and talent made him as a legend called King of Rock and Roll. After 3 and a half decades people are listening his songs. There are so many Elvis Presley’s fun clubs where people organize competitions for the best impersonator of the “King”. Usually they are dressed in Elvis’s costumes which make them more similar to him. Elvis died before I was even born, but through his music and movies I realized how big icon he was. Elvis was a natural born talent who contributed to a different direction of music which keeps his name unforgettable.

Al Pacino as second icon that I’m writing about is one the greatest actors ever. His incredible role in the movies such as: “The Godfather”, “Scarface”, “Serpico”, “Donnie Brasco” and many other movies, made him as a godfather between the other actors.  Pacino made his major impact when he was given the role of Michael Corleone in The Godfather in 1972, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. His acting is characterized as method acting used as a technique to create the thoughts and emotions of a character and to develop lifelike performances. My father is big fan of Pacino’s movies, and I remember him calling me whenever it was Pacino’s movie showing on TV. Pacino’s acting was inspiration to many other actors who were in the beginning of their careers. I like his roles as Michael Corleone and Tony Montana where he was shown as very powerful man, who succeeded from the bottom to the top. Pacino is my favorite actor and that’s why I chose him as an icon.

Lionel Messi is my third icon that I’m going to talk about. He is an amazing soccer player for the last three years in a row. He plays for FC Barcelona where he became at the age of 24 the all-time top scorer, and he is a current captain of the Argentina national team. His skills made him as an icon for every child who plays soccer. He is quick, balanced, and very fast runner with the ball. Even Maradona himself said, “Messi is my Maradona” (ESPN FC). I like his style and everything what he does with the ball. I used to play soccer for my town’s team and I still have that passion for this sport. That’s why I gladly follow Messi’s games because he is reminding me of myself. He is only 24 and the best player in the world, how is he going to continue? We’ll see.

In conclusion I can say that those 3 icons made a huge impact on people that classify them in my opinion as individuals who change the flow of history and future. 

References

ESPN FC. (2012, August 19). Lionel Messi. Retrieved from http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/45843/lionel-messi?cc=5901

Assignnment 1-3-2

August 21-2012

Written analyses- Analysis 1

        Bob Marley: Popular Beliefs, Myths, and Icon       

With no question about, Bob Marley is recognized as the most important artist and creator of the second half of the 20th century. He is a spiritual leader and political representative of a generation, whose power and inspiration came from music. Bob Marley was a songwriter, musician, and singer who exceeded categories and classes through combination of wisdom and modesty. His legendary music is stimulating which allows listeners to forget about problems and just to enjoy life. Lots of his albums and songs are listened and played around the world even 30 years since he died.

It is believed that his songs were inspired by his political view and in another way his spiritual commitment to Rastafarian beliefs. His hair style was showing his support to Rastafari- the religious group which he supported. His songs are super popular worldwide, and people gladly like to hear , such as: ”I Shot The Sheriff“, his politician view, “One Love”, the song that calls people to stop fighting and to be one and live in love, “Redemption Song”, his last single before he died, where he talks about his believes, “Buffalo Soldier”, protest song about soldiers who were fighting, “No Woman No Cry”,  he is singing to a woman he loves by telling her that everything will be all right. Everything he felt in his heart, he included in his songs.

Bob Marley helped to popularize Rastafarianism through his songs after he became the prime exponent of Rastafari movement. The Rastafarians' belief is that smoking of cannabis means enjoying biblical sanction. Rastafarian beliefs are based in Christianity and Judaism, with some parts of Old Testament and the Book of Revelation from the New Testament. Marley’s lifestyle as Rastafarian included marijuana, dreadlocks, no use of alcohol, and vegetarianism. (Religion Facts)

Bob Marley was a musician and spiritual global icon who will be remembered forever. He is recognized as developer and king of reggae music throughout he became popular outside of Jamaica to whole world. He was a man of the people who really liked him in the way he wanted all people to live in love without racial difference.

I can say that Bob Marley was a great example who dedicated his life to people by guiding them in direction through his songs. Today Jamaica is known country by Bob Marley who is also a brand whom we can see as advertised icon on many products such as t-shirts with his image, souvenirs with his name, songs and in many other ways which represents Marley as Jamaican’s national hero.

                      

References

Religion Facts. (2006, August 11). Rastafari. Retrieved from http://www.religionfacts.com/a-z-religion-index/rastafarianism.htm

Popular Culture

Assignment 1-1

Popular culture came from different forms of cultures, which are based on how they please our taste and how they show our lifestyle through various ideas, behaviors, customs, and believes. In simple words, pop culture is everything that surrounds us in what we are exposed on daily basis. Pop culture means to me because it shows updated style of various types as technology, internet, music, art, brands and many other trends in our society.

Pop culture is relevant in business environment because it defines today's world, which updates ideas and perspectives. For me it's really important to stay updated because nowadays technology is progressing very fast, and for my job at information services I need to stay updated and informed. Therefore I tend to follow progress of technology and information through various types of internet sites in order to respond on customer’s expectations.  In my future career popular culture can help me to build my knowledge to understand new digitalized era which I can use for my future job in human resources field.

Good example of pop culture artifact is super popular TV show “Friends” which was very popular in period from year 1994 till 2004. This TV show has 10 seasons of 24 episodes of each season. It is a remarkable comedy which shows young people living together and where friendship means everything. Each actor from the show has different character which represents them as individuals with interesting profiles. This TV show I watched 4 times, and each time I felt excited to watch like it was the first time watching it. So in my opinion TV show “Friends” is one of the most popular sitcoms of all time which is also great example of popular culture artifact. 

Image retrieved from Google Images

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/115/6/2/friends_tv_show_by_pliok14-d4xip0s.jpg