What is this world coming to?!

                 I really appreciate Professor Harris’ take on violence in the media for she settled common misconceptions. The example she gave of CSI NY’s 2009-2010 season and the actual homicide rate in Manhattan at that time being 59 and the homicide rate as revealed by the series was 108. This is obviously a huge overemphasis of murders in this particular region. What I took out of this was the fact that the news constantly reveals the horrible nature of society, and it always made me wonder what the difference is, in terms of violence, between today’s society and society of the near and distant past. Every time I watch the news, namely CP24 (who really overemphasizes violence and crime), my mother and my grandmother cannot believe their eyes for, as discussed in lecture, believe that crime and violence is abnormal, which is interesting for these elements are prevalent in all societies, never mind the society in which it takes place, the time period, and so on.

                My grandmother is constantly appalled, scared and disgusted by the violence which is portrayed by the news daily. After being enlightened by my peers in high school of the exaggerated  reports of acts of violence by news networks, I was determined to make it clear to my family members that the news overstates crimes in order to gain viewership. A common statement which is said by my family members and I am sure others can relate to this is, “What is this world coming to?” Crime was and is present in all societies and civilizations since the beginning of mankind. It is their job for news channels to stress the occurrences of crime so that it can shock and therefore captivate audiences to tune-in to their channels regularly. When Professor Harris exposed the fact that the murder rate keeps getting closer to a rate as low as one in the 1960s is very important in understanding the basis of my argument. Violence is constantly studied and reported by scholars and the media which ultimately increases the curiosity and viewership of the audience.

Response to my blog, “Can we REALLY say that sports are religious?”

                 Reading both Josh and Kathleen’s responses to my assertions, I definitely agree with their counterarguments. I will begin with Josh’s arguments against my suppositions. I definitely believe you are right in your example of Buddhism not possessing a “Higher Being” and thus not everything needs a God, including sports. Sports to me are a material thing, matter, physical event which are partaken by athletes. Religions on the other hand are immaterial, something abstract, beyond this world and beyond humanity. Although you provide an interesting example of Buddhism, Buddhism is a belief system, a religion which is beyond this material world, although not possessing a “Higher Being,” a valid religious experience, something quite different than experiencing sport.

                In my opinion, it is important to note the fact that by utilizing the term “religious,” one directly finds parallels to religion; this term is most often coined through the experience of religion. Obviously, the term “religious” comes from the term “religion” and therefore, one cannot separate actual, institutionalized religion from the use of the term religious.

                An important counterargument that I found intriguing was your statement that sport does incorporate and reflect morals and values such as the rewards for hard work and the need to sacrifice in order to achieve greatness. To me, these values could not exist if religion had not influenced the importance of them and reveal how to perform these acts. As you have stated, values can very much be instilled in sports, but it could not only be present in sports but can be on television, literature, music and most definitely in religion. The sole purpose of sport is to entertain whereas religion is to purposely influence this moral behaviour.

                Moreover, in response to Kathleen’s post, I feel that you are definitely right in presenting the importance of personal experience in respect to the discussion of sports and religion. Your personal experience is awful and depressing, but it provides a valid example of the importance of personal experience and sports. You have helped me find it incredibly important to highlight personal experience when discussing such a topic. Everyone’s experience of religion is different and everyone’s experience of sport is different as well. Being completely consumed in a particular sport or various sports can certainly make one’s life as a reflection of the sport, however, in my personal experience of sports, I cannot relate to that relationship. Mind you, I have not had such a powerful relationship with sport as you claim to have, but I did have a relatively strong one. I danced, played soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, lacrosse, all recreationally and the majority of them in teams. They were a personal form of exercise, venting, and they created my own personal identity as being athletic. It is interesting to see how many experience different forms of sport uniquely, but I see your experience as a truth to your statement of sport being religious.

                To conclude, without any understanding or presence of religion, one can clearly not relate sports, television shows, music, literature, etc., as religious. One is simply applying the concept of religion and religious experience to sport and other activities, and it is important to note this. It is very intriguing to compare different types of religious experience, whether it is through an actual religion or through other activities.

Can we REALLY say sports are religious?

             As discussed in lecture on Tuesday, all sports are followed by many who experience them as a form of worship. Sports are a different type of experience, which can be unexplainable. The economics of sports reveal alone the incredible popularity of certain sports and sport teams and the foundations’ income as a result of immense patronage. As discussed in lecture, there can only be great revenue and popularity if there is commitment from the fans. It is most obvious that without the fans, the large revenue and even the existence of the teams would be impossible. The question is, how do fans experience sports? Well, to start, one must discuss the three main functions of religion which are:

·         Social

·         Hermeneutic

·         Transcendence

There are certain rites of the game which is not limited to just one sport, which reveals Its social qualities such as chanting, the wave, etc. Also, fans are all conjugated within the stadiums which also highlights the social aspect of the game. Do sports give meaning? Some envision sports as life. It is easy to see how one can incorporate sports into their lives. If fans place such an emphasis on sports in their lives and the possible religious experience it pertains, it would be interesting to see the religious effects of sports in the lives of the players. So, can we really say that sports are religious? What similar characteristics do sports and religion possess?

·         Emotions are identical

·         Religious experience is beyond reason

·         Legacy , rooted in tradition

·         Conversion

·         Symbolism

·         Piety

It is incredibly intriguing to see how some live sport as if it is religion. The parallels between sports and religion are fundamental in observing how Christianity plays an essential part in popular culture, but I do not personally believe that sports can really be religious. Comparing both of these entities is interesting to me, only for comparisons’ sake. To me, sport cannot be religious because there is no presence of God—no presence of a Higher Being and a Creator. Also, there is no promise of life after death, nor are there morals and values which are implemented by sports. After all, sports are just a game which are played between players who get paid millions to what some/most of us do in our spare time.

Response to Leah's "Athletes and the Fall From Grace"

            Leah, you bring about an excellent point about how fans should try to refrain from idealizing players for it can only lead to disappointment. I enjoyed the fact that you had revealed two baseball players and their, as you have stated, “fall from grace.” I was unfamiliar with the scandals of Alex Rodriguez and Josh Hamilton for I do not follow baseball, but I am glad you had shed some light on how athletes can prove to be great disappointments to their very fans. I personally dislike it when athletes, singers, actors, etc., have scandals for it is unfair to their fans for they provide a bad example to them. Athletes are to have the mindset of being good role models for the youth for they are, in certain cases, the most influential figures in the lives of the youth. I understand your supposition and agree with it fully that athletes are only human and that we should hold them to a standard of role models and that advancing them to a higher level will surely disappoint their fans. Worshipping athletes and positioning them at a higher level is not only bad for the fans but also bad for the players. The reason in which this may be bad for the players is because it can make them seem as someone they are not—gods.

Personally, worship is too strong a word to be used towards the passion one feels about an athlete and a sports team. To categorize athletes as “gods” to me sounds ridiculous—and this can be the problem with athletes and the way they see themselves; athletes can take performance-inducing drugs in order to obviously perform better, and to fulfill the image that their fans place upon them. Athletes have to live up to the reputation and expectations their fans give them and the maybe the only possible way to live up to this is by taking these drugs for it can be humanly impossible to perform by those standards. I think it was very interesting for you to discuss this issue for it is very open-ended and there is no definite answer. After all, athletes are only human, and they are to live their lives, but with obvious limitations.

What makes a band a Christian band?

What elements does a band have to possess which would characterize it as a Christian band? I would like to think that a band would have to explicitly express Christian elements in both their lyrics and dress. I do not think it is enough to have just one or two songs which represent Christianity. A band must possess countless amounts of songs (actually, all of them) which manifest Christian themes. What are suitable themes that a band can discuss? Sinfulness, forgiveness, redemption, absolutely anything which draws parallels to Christian stories and doctrine. What was really interesting on Tuesday’s lecture was the fact that Justin Bieber for example, was discussed having Christian elements in his song “Pray.” Christianity seems to be relevant in popular music which is quite intriguing. When I thought of Christian bands, I conceptualized bands which appear on the Simpsons—boring, unpopular, and out-of-date. I was pleased to be presented with Christian rock bands such as Petra (which to me best fits the category of my former assumption), Switchfoot and U2. I find it stimulating the fact that well-known bands such as Switchfoot and U2 started in the Christian rock scene.

There was a song that was analyzed in class by Switchfoot named, "I dare you to move." It was recognized as having Christian elements and the lyric that was most emphasized and which stuck out to me was, “I dare you to move” which signals one’s redemption; this quotation highlights that. It prompts one to start doing something about their salvation instead of living life mindlessly. What I find problematic about this however, is the fact that this quotation can be applied to anything. “I dare you to move” can be a source of encouragement to those who are not doing what they want in life or what they should. These lyrics can be interpreted in any way, whereas “Until the End of the World” by U2 proves to be explicitly Christian and cannot be interpreted other than reflecting Christianity. So, my question to you is, what makes a band “Christian”? What does this imply? And how does one determine how a band is Christian?

Here is an interesting site which has the Top Christian Music: http://topchristianmusicsongs.com/

Commenting on Kathleen's Post, "Finding Positive Pop Icon Role Models (Like Finding a Needle in a Haystack) "

                 Kathleen, you bring about a great point which, after hearing our class discussion in lecture on Tuesday, I feel strongly about. I do not understand the problem many have with Justin Bieber and why they possess hatred towards him. He is a seventeen year old singer from Stratford of all places, who is self-taught and very talented. As you have said, he is not a figure that is meant to woo us; he is a model for teenagers and even young children so for an adult to criticize his methods and himself is unfounded. Bieber’s audience is intended to consist of individuals of this age group and for adults to pass judgement on him in unfair.

                Furthermore, examining his music video for the song “Pray,” shows how as you have stated, he is trying to raise awareness amongst both the young and adults about world issues which is extremely important for artists and celebrities to do these days. For inspirational figures not to do what Bieber does in this sense, is a waste for they have the power, capability and audience to do something important such as he. Bieber not only manifests Christian values, but values that are dominant throughout all religions.

                A fellow peer had presented the statement that Justin Bieber clearly chose to show his visitations amongst hospital patients for he is wanting to raise the numbers of viewership and fans. This can be seen in many stars today such as Brett Michaels in his show, “Life as I know it” where in one episode he visited children at a hospital and spoke with them as a group and took pictures. Stars such as he do not only do this for publicity but to actually help children and put a smile on their face. Michaels, being in the music industry for decades does not really need much publicity anymore per se, but partakes in acts such as these to help his fans when they are in a time of need. For what is the point in being a rock star if you cannot help those who are your very fans.

                Moreover, this colleague gave suggestions on what Bieber could have done and showed in his video such as visit soldiers in Afghanistan. I was informed by my sister who had seen Bieber’s film, “Never Say Never” on how a scene in the film composed of Bieber telling others how his life is busy and how he has only seen his little brother like 3 times (do not quote me). Clearly, if he cannot see his infant brother as much as he’d like to, for him to partake in such acts as visiting soldiers in Afghanistan seems impossible due to his high demand throughout the world.

                To conclude, Justin Bieber is definitely a better figure than most singers/rappers out there as you have outlined. He has no previous scandals, and seems to be an innocent teenager in interviews and on-stage. In terms of the themes of the music video “Pray,” Bieber did not have to include his visitations to hospitals, but could have included scenes of him performing in concerts and having young girls cry out to him and talk about how amazing he is. After all, he is only a teenager and he is doing more than most singers and rap artists out there have done in their whole careers.

Please check out these songs which are clearly offensive and touch upon the sexuality of women (not good role model material). 

I Feel Like Dying - Lil' Wayne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuyEgvCVYd8

Ride With the Mack - Lil' Wayne Featuring Mack Maine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkGTiHDnWA4

Drop The World - Lil' Wayne Featuring Eminem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z79GSpv7_As

Get Crazy - LMFAO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSYViclto1w

I Am Not a Whore - LMFAO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmiKCBOvVPA&feature=fvst

(The fact that Lil’ Wayne has tear tattoos on his face is disturbing and can definitely influence his fans to participate in those actions which they represent).

Twilight Characters Manifesting the Saviour Mode

One of, if not my favourite novels is the Twilight Saga. I know many people have developed a hatred for Twilight but I definitely suggest reading it. I absolutely love the saga but had developed somewhat of a hatred (until New Moon) for the films for they are an injustice to the novels. Anyways, when I think of a Christ figure in film, or someone who is the closest to a Christ figure, I think of Edward Cullen and Bella Swan.

As discussed in lecture, there are two modes of Christic representation, and they are the Saviour mode and the Redeemer mode. I find both of these characters as manifesting the Saviour mode for reasons which will be further discussed.  Edward Cullen can most obviously represent a Christ figure and manifests the Saviour mode for he takes extreme caution to protect Bella Swan from everything possible. He constantly rescues her from dangers and liberates her from her tedious and uneventful life. He is a wonderful example of a Christ figure for he is a saviour for Bella.

Moreover, Bella Swan represents a Christ figure and displays the Saviour mode. She liberates Edward Cullen from himself and shows him a life that he never knew could ever exist; he likewise does the same for her. Edward Cullen and Bella Swan both exhibit the Saviour and Redeemer mode, but the Saviour mode is definitely more identifiable.

How does Jesus look like?

           Eric, I like that you discussed the notion that everyone has their own vision of Christ’s appearance. This is a very interesting discussion and there is a number of people that are obsessed with the appearance of Christ. As you have stated, society should focus more on the good Christ brought to the world than his bodily and facial characteristics. That is incredibly intriguing the fact that different cultures have their own personal Jesus. Wondering why this may be and why it is popular, Christians personalize Jesus’ appearance for it allows one to have a more intimate relationship with Him. Allowing the Son of God to possess certain characteristics that you have makes him much more relatable and real.

            I questioned myself asking why society depicts Christ’s features being that of blond hair, blue eyes, fair skin and facial hair. I saw a documentary a little while ago on the History Channel that was discussing the appearance of Christ. The skull of a person who lived approximately at the same time as Christ was analyzed and the DNA showed the appearance of the man. I remember what the narrator said; it was something along the lines of “Now this may shock you.” The skull that was tested showed a man with dark hair, dark eyes, tanned skin and dark facial hair—he looked like he was Arabic. This man was to reveal what Christ looked like and He was an Arab, which is what He indeed was. This came as a shock to some but why should it for Christ was born in the Palestine of His day. When I think about the reason why Christ is envisioned to have blond hair and light features, I automatically think of Renaissance art. Renaissance art depicts Christ as a blond haired, blue eyed, fair skinned man for the artists made their Christ be what people, for example Italians, looked like at that period. Medieval art tended to represent Christ having darker features, although some artists envisioned Him with light features. The reason being why Christ in today’s society is depicted as Renaissance artists depicted Him is because of the popularity and the huge influence of Renaissance art. This is an important notion to keep in mind that the light features of Christ are relatively recent.

Medieval Image of Christ

Renaissance Image of Christ

The Problem of Social Networking

Kathleen, you did a wonderful job with the presentation of your blog. I read the article about the Pope’s warning of alienation risks in social networking and it was very interesting to see what the Church has to say about social networking. Pope Benedict XVI’s views are like my own in that people should not think that their ‘friends’ on Facebook for example, are real friends. I have a number of friends (actual ones) that have over 500 friends, some nearing 1000 friends on Facebook. I guarantee they have not physically met a few hundred of them. I personally find it quite pointless to have ‘friends’ on Facebook if they do not live up to the name.

It is quite humorous the fact that my little brother, still in elementary school, is wanting a cellular phone because his friends at school have it. It is obviously pointless for him to have one for he is still a kid. My sister received a Blackberry for her birthday, and now she is complaining how she wants to switch phones. The fact that her phone goes off every minute from text messages, Facebook notifications, Twitter, Blackberry Messenger makes her annoyed (myself included) with the constant noise and the fact that people cannot leave her alone. She says now that she has a phone, she wants to completely get rid of it.

Social networking is expanding, how far it will go, no one knows. There are various problems with social networking; the fundamental ones in my eyes are the creation of artificial relationships as well as the advertising of one’s life.

The Power of Sensory Experience

           Emotional branding is an entirely new concept to me. Last week’s lecture was very informative for it opened my eyes and gave me the ability to criticize various advertisements and see what approaches advertising companies use in order to woo the consumer. Emotional branding, the belief that brands offer more than just items but emotionally attract its consumers and appeal to one’s senses, is an innovative element in the world of advertising today. The fact that the way a person feels about a particular object is more important than the appearance or even function of the object itself reveals the dependence society has investing in products. As discussed in lecture, brands are meaning systems now, and this truth is crucial in understanding the relevance of emotional branding in today’s advertisements.

            Emotional branding makes consumers irrational people by being easily persuaded by companies in their attempts to increase sales. Peoples’ love for designer clothes, technological devices, hair products and even beverages reveals the problems (or advantages) with capitalist societies. Reducing people to consumers is unlawful and an embarrassment to what it means to be human. Identifying oneself as an owner of a 6.1 L, Hemi V8 Chrysler SRT or a Samsung 60” LED HDTV gives the perception that our only purpose in life is to consume. So, as James B. Twitchell states, “You are either with the brand or against it” (53). The interesting fact of the matter is that either consciously or subconsciously, products give us our identities. Similarities between others in terms of the products we share can spark a conversation and even a friendship.

            The way in which brands make us feel is a rather odd and fascinating thing. As discussed in lecture, brands make us feel good. An example of the reasoning behind this are colours that products possess. As highlighted by Marc Gobe in the video attached below, the colour red, in the case of Coca-Cola, is the colour of power; thus those who consume Coca-Cola can feel powerful and confident. He also gives the example of the colour yellow which represents the sun, symbolizing energy and therefore making the consumer energized and happy. The modification of the colours of objects can completely change the perception of the brand, as discussed by Gobe. An intriguing statement Gobe claims near the end of the video is, “Corporations don’t own brands, people own brands.” This assertion by Marc Gobe highlights the overall theme of the importance of brands in one’s life and its contribution to their identity.

Please check the link below which is a video of Emotional Branding by Marc Gobe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfIj5-AotKU

Also, here is the link to his website:

http://emotionalbranding.com/

Obama the Saviour?!

The “Yes We Can” video by Will.i.am is quite moving and Barack Obama’s speech is very inspirational. Despite the fact that the chanting drowns Obama out, I like this video. The point of this blog is to take the missiological approach and envision the ways in which this video possesses Christian aspects.

For the missiological approach, I would like to examine if this piece from popular culture is either a fear or something to embrace. I personally embrace this video, but I am wondering how this “Yes We Can” video can cause fear. Taking the video at face value, one can find it intriguing due to the presence of celebrities, music, and the words spoken by Obama, but my question is how can this video be something to fear? This video can pose a threat if you’re a Republican or simply do not like Obama, but in terms of Christianity, Obama can be seen as a saviour, and this can be dangerous. Obama’s speech sounds like/is a sermon whereby he is joining the people of America in unity and leading them through crisis. The powerfulness of his voice and tone and the fact that the celebrities are mimicking his words, and not only advocating for him but revealing the notion that he will save America and be the saviour to Americans can be a dangerous belief for realistically, it is blasphemy. This is not necessarily my personal point of view, I am just trying to see how, through the missiological approach, the “Yes We Can” video can pose a threat. It is an interesting idea that Obama is a false saviour because this idea can threaten certain Christian groups, especially those who are extremely conservative. As Professor Harris stated in lecture, a number of conservative Christians from the south envision Obama as the anti-Christ, so can this type of blasphemy be provoking that thought?

Please check out this video which is John McCain’s version of the “Yes We Can” video. It is quite comical.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUKINg8DCUo&NR=1&feature=fvwp

A Response to Elona's blog, "The Representation of Religion in American Popular Culture."

            Elona, you expose many intriguing arguments in respect to the representation of religion in popular culture. Like yourself, I wish to address the issue of American fears of Islam as represented by the media. As Lynch states and as you have addressed, the media can make one aware of the cultural biases towards particular individuals, faiths, race, and so on.

            I applaud your effort in applying Lynch's suppositions into the State of Union discussion. The fact that Muslim Americans are seen as "terrorists" and the belief that the majority of Muslim Americans are directly associated with Eastern terrorist groups is unfounded and pathetic. This goes to show how, although some view modern society as a progression, it is lagging behind in its acceptance of human beings. As you have pointed out, Muslims are not the only group that is targeted in the media. In American action films, Russians as well as other eastern and southern Europeans are seen as the enemy. This fact is quite interesting for it makes one question these stereotypes and even the political relationships with these “bad guys.” Considering the fact that the media is very impressionable, it can definitely be dangerous in that it can cause hostility amongst those of different race, religion, nationality, etc.

            As a Croatian, I am pretty well versed by the tensions some felt with the political activism against the communist regime. Tensions were felt by Croatians throughout the reign of the communist regime led by Josip Broz Tito. As citizens protested against this oppressive regime, the media documented certain acts of violence for example, and reduced all Croatians to be a certain type of people. What I am saying is that although I am indeed European, there are indeed certain stereotypes that are associated with those who are of Croatian decent. Oppression in the media can be found everywhere, no matter what faith, race, gender and nationality one may be. Lynch masterfully addresses this issue of media being an oppressor and discriminator towards certain individuals or groups of individuals.

An article that explicitly discriminates Croatians is found in Time Magazine which was published on June 5, 1972, entitled, “YUGOSLAVIA: Conspiratorial Croats.” The beginning of this text states, “Continental Europe has no more volatile and troublesome minority than the troublesome Croats of Yugoslavia.” This article is an example of oppression towards certain ethnic groups which is surely not limited to Muslims and Asians.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,905959-1,00.html

Response to Kathleen's Blog, Sex & the City: A Popular Culture Phenomenon

            Kathleen, you have posed some great questions in your argument that Sex and the City glamorizes sex and encourages this behaviour. I personally have never watched an episode of Sex and the City for the fact that the commercials did not captivate me to watch it for the subject matter is unlike one I can relate to. I do believe the show does push the boundaries of women’s rights and may indeed promote healthy sexuality; however, the show does in fact encourage promiscuity and generally send a negative message to young viewers.

            An example I can give of a television show which I watch daily and which I am well versed in is Two and a Half Men. The characters in the series are brothers Charlie and Alan Harper and Alan’s son, Jake Harper who live together in Charlie’s residence in Malibu. Charlie is a middle-age wealthy bachelor who in his spare time engages in promiscuity and alcohol. His relationships with women cannot be truthfully classified as such, but partakes in casual sex with women as he pleases. His livelihood is summarized as such: jingle-writing, alcohol, and women— not particularly in that order. Alan tries his best to conceal Charlie’s livelihood from his son, and fails to do so at times. Alan’s ex-wife does not approve of Jake’s spending time at Charlie’s house and calls him a terrible example to Jake. This series is absolutely hilarious, witty and is my favourite show on television, but it is indeed inappropriate to watch in the presence of my little brother, which is why I watch it in his absence. This series is definitely inappropriate and can indeed give the wrong kind of advice to the youth, however, it is a great show and I love it. Considering the fact that the subject matter is mainly about sexuality, it does in fact provide morals and lessons to the audience. This form of popular culture is as Dustin Kidd suggests an, “...effective means for defining and distributing the norms of society” (75).

Crime and Popular Culture

            Dustin Kidd’s perception of popular culture is intriguing although impractical. He has interesting propositions but they are unfounded and quite abstract. Kidd attempts to find a direct link between crime and popular culture by stating that both events provide benefits and are fundamental in a modern society. However, this unorthodox approach to the subject of popular culture can induce problems.

            Dustin Kidd’s approach to the idea of the parallels between crime and popular culture is unconventional and is from a sociological perspective. The fact that he provides the example of Emile Durkheim’s assertion that crime is, “actually normal and necessary for a healthy society” emphasizes his need to put a positive spin on crime as well as popular culture (69). He furthers Durkheim’s line of reasoning by stating that, “the sociological approach to crime needs to look past the detrimental effects upon the victim in order to identify the benefits that crime offers to the society in which it occurs” (70). Kidd’s agreement that crime and popular culture are two events within society that possess positive impacts is not a convincing argument. The notion that crime stimulates social change is a plus, however, his as well as Durkheim’s lack of sympathy for victims and their affiliates is problematic and allows for the acceptance of crime.

            Moreover, in reference to popular culture, Kidd exposes the notion that popular culture is the most centralized and effective means for defining and distributing the norms of society (75). Popular culture and crime are beneficial to society for it stabilizes regulations throughout the community and promotes a stable society which is deemed a positive for Kidd. He seems to be too kind to popular culture by focusing on its contributions to society rather than its negative influences. Kidd does not reveal the fact that popular culture dehumanizes individuals and makes their sole existence to be that of consumers. Kidd does not effectively persuade readers of his arguments and creates a reality of acceptance of occurrences such as crime and popular culture.

Violence in Christianity and Hockey

                Tracy Trothen’s article presents intriguing arguments about the correlation between hockey and religion and more specifically, hockey and Christianity. Despite this fact, it is quite hard to swallow this concept for various reasons. For example, the symbolism of violence in Christianity and the violence in hockey are unequal elements of these two institutions and the demoralization of women by hockey players provide evidence of false parallels between Christian and violence in hockey.

            The theme of violence as discussed in Tracy Trothen’s article reveals the possible parallels between hockey and Christianity. It is stated by some that hockey cannot function as a religion for the fact that it is violent; however, as Trothen exposes, religious institutions do experience violence. Trothen gives an example of the crucifixion of Christ as an event in Christianity where it reflects the act of violence. However, this Christian reality, unlike hockey, represents the utmost love, sacrifice and salvation which is impossible for hockey to demonstrate. The crucifix is an example of violence, and possibly the greatest example of this, but it is a beautiful act in that it is the perfect symbol of self-sacrifice and unconditional love. The violence between these two events are not similar in any way, and this fact must be stressed. It is important to realize that although hockey does present various Christian aspects, it is after all a game whose sole purpose is to provide entertainment.

            Furthermore, violence in hockey is in the form of sexual harassment and abuse. In terms of the “rape culture” as discussed by Laura Robinson, it is revealed the fact that male hockey players dehumanize women in the locker room by discussing their sexuality. This is rather discriminative for all males, no matter what their profession, and even females dehumanize the other sex by focusing on their sexuality. This demoralization and dehumanization of females for example, is evident in various genres of music such as rap and even reggae through which women are explicitly viewed as sexual objects and means of obtaining sexual gratification. These two genres in music are the greatest example of this abuse of female sexuality.

The following links give evidence to the dehumanization of women by rap and reggae artists who undermine and abuse their sexuality. Please take caution for the content of these songs are rather offensive.

We Be Steady Mobbin' - Lil Wayne Featuring Gucci Mane

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbrfdQMOSDc

She's a Ho - Mr. Vegas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwv0z5XtUNE

Commenting on Kathleen's blog, Jesus Saves and Gretzky Gets the Rebound

This discussion is found in 
http://lifeisbetterinblackandwhite.blogspot.com/2011/01/jesus-saves-and-gretzky-gets-rebound.html

            
             Kathleen, I too was unsure of the suppositions Tracy Trothen presents in her article, Acceptable Violence? Violence in Hockey and Christian Atonement Theories for she definitely has an avant-garde approach to the subject matter. I personally have never before encountered the notion that sports can function as a religion and quite honestly, this seems somewhat absurd and definitely unconventional. However, in response to the specific flawed areas in Trothen’s article, I would concur with your objections to her arguments and contribute to your line of reasoning.

            In reference to your initial point being that Trothen seems to put a negative spin on women’s attempts to attract viewership, I agree that Trothen’s perspective on this topic has negative connotations; she seems to be saying that women athletes are only able to receive scholarships if they partake in acts which would heighten their sexual appeal as athletes. It can be viewed as problematic the fact that women are to show off their sex appeal in order to be taken seriously as athletes, however, Trothen does not refer to specific examples where this indeed exists.

            Furthermore, your idea that male hockey players contribute to the “rape culture” is rather discriminatory. As you have stated, it is not only male hockey players who discuss the sexuality of women, rather men of all professions, as well as women. Trothen points to the hockey environment but does not include examples like rap artists, etc., where this culture is clearly reflected in the lyrics as well as music videos.

            Moreover and finally, the Christian aspects of hockey seems somewhat absurd to me. One must realize that hockey is a sport, along with many others, whose sole existence is based on providing entertainment. Hockey players as well as other athletes do not focus on the possible Christian entities the game manifests, rather, they are solely participating in their careers—in which they get paid for. Also, the fact that non-Christian hockey professionals indeed play in the NHL reveals the fact that Christianity is not at all universal in the game of hockey.

Welcome to my blog! I am looking forward to reading your comments and ideas! Please feel free to comment on my blogs. Good luck to you all!

Marica  :)