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  :)