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The Power of Perception

The human experience is a multifaceted phenomenon significantly influenced by the constructs of perception and perspective. These thought processes, often shaped by societal, cultural, and personal factors, significantly impact our understanding of the world and ourselves. Three distinct works of art—Alexei Vasilev’s painting “They Are Writing about Us in Pravda. 1951,” Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman,” and Francis Ford Coppola’s film “The Godfather”—offer intense insights into the power of perception and its ability to shape reality.

Vasilev’s painting captures a moment of collective anxiety as a group of Soviet citizens, their faces etched with concern, pore over the pages of Pravda. The painting serves as a chilling reminder of the pervasive influence of state-controlled media during the Soviet era. By manipulating information and spreading false information, the Soviet government sought to shape public opinion and maintain its grip on power. The painting reveals the fragility of the individual mind, easily molded by the weight of collective narratives, especially when they descend from on high.

Conversely, Angelou’s poem celebrates the inherent beauty and strength of Black women. Through lyrical language and powerful imagery, Angelou challenges the negative stereotypes and limiting expectations imposed upon Black women by a racist society. By verifying their worth and resilience, Angelou empowers Black women to defy societal norms and embrace their unique identities. Her poem highlights the transformative power of positive self-perception and the importance of challenging oppressive narratives.

Francis Ford Coppola’s piece, “The Godfather,” delves into the complex world of organized crime, power, and family. The film explores the blurred lines between right and wrong, the consequences of choices, and the corrupting influence of power. The Corleone family, a powerful Mafia clan, manipulates and intimidates their way to the top, demonstrating the destructive potential of unchecked power. The film also highlights the importance of perspective, as different characters perceive the same events in vastly different ways. The tragic downfall of the Corleone family serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing power and wealth over family and morality.

While these three works may seem disparate at first glance, they share a common theme: the power of perception to shape reality. Vasilev’s painting illustrates how collective perception, manipulated by external forces, can lead to a distorted view of the world. Angelou’s poem demonstrates the transformative power of individual self-perception, while “The Godfather” explores the corrupting influence of power and the importance of perspective.

In conclusion, perception and perspective are fundamental to the human experience. They shape our understanding of the world, our sense of self, and our actions. By examining these three works of art, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the power of perception and the importance of critical thinking. As we navigate the difficulties of the modern world, it is essential to be mindful of the biases that may shape our perceptions and to seek out diverse perspectives. By doing so, we can cultivate a more sensitive and empathetic understanding of ourselves and others.

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Alexei Vasilev, They Are Writing about Us in Pravda. 1951.

The painting "They Are Writing about Us in Pravda" is a powerful and suggestive work that captures the fear and paranoia of the Soviet era. A group of people, their expressions a mix of curiosity and fear, lean over a newspaper spread out on a table. The eyes of the others, filled with doubt and dread, gather on the artist. The artist uses tricks to make you feel uncomfortable and scared. He makes the people look concerned and stretched out. The colors are dark and gloomy, which makes the whole painting feel strange and depressing. The painting is a strong protest against the Soviet government and its cruel ways. It reminds us how important it is to be able to say what we think and how dangerous it is when people are stopped from speaking out.

I chose this piece of artwork because it is a reminder of how scared people were in the Soviet Union. It shows a group of people looking worried, and it's a sneaky way to criticize the government. The painting is really powerful and makes you think about how bad it was to live under that kind of rule. Even though it's about the past, it's still important today because it reminds us how bad things can get when people can't speak freely. By studying this painting, I learned more about the Soviet Union and how art can be used to fight against bad governments.

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Ascension Bill Viola

I chose Bill Viola's "Ascension" because of its powerful and inspiring message. The video showcases a man slowly descending into a pool of water. As he submerges, a blue light illuminates his body, casting a glow against the dark backdrop. The additional meditative music creates a deeply immersive and contemplative experience.

As he descends, his body forms a cross-like shape, inspiring Christian imagery. Yet, the narrative takes a turn as he ascends, bathed in a light, suggesting rebirth or spiritual awakening.

The use of slow-motion emphasizes the nature of the man's descent and ascent, encouraging us to consider the passage of time and the quickness of life. The underwater setting, combined with the lighting and the man's graceful movements, creates a sense of beauty and rise.

"Ascension" shows that death isn't the end, but a start of something new. It makes us think about life, death, and spiritual growth. The video is open to different meanings, so each person can see something different in it.

I think Bill Viola's "Ascension" is a slow-paced video that challenges traditional TV. It uses silence and spiritual themes to make viewers think deeply about life and death. The big screen and sounds make it a powerful and thought-provoking experience.

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The Queen's Closet

I selected "The Queen's Closet," Act 3 Scene 4, as it's a dramatic and pivotal moment in the play. Here, Hamlet confronts his mother about her involvement in his father's murder.

My interpretation aligns with the scene's staging. While reading, I envisioned a private and serious setting, which was confirmed by the tall columns and intimate, one-on-one conversation in the production. Shakespeare's words, the actor's performance, and the director's vision work together to bring the characters in "The Queen's Closet" scene to life. The powerful language, the fine acting, and the creative staging combine to create a memorable and impactful scene. The stage in "The Queen's Closet" scene creates a private, tense atmosphere. Tall columns or curtains enclose the space, emphasizing the personal nature of Hamlet and Gertrude's confrontation. Dramatic lighting, close proximity of actors, and props enhance the emotional intensity of the scene, building towards the climactic confrontation with Polonius.

Overall, the Queen's Closet scene is a blend of intense emotion, dramatic action, and deep exploration, making it one of the most exciting and memorable moments in the play.

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The Godfather and La Jetée

The Godfather is a cinematic masterpiece that expertly blends stunning visuals, iconic music, and powerful performances. Marlon Brando's portrayal of Vito Corleone is particularly memorable, and the film's exploration of family, control, and right and wrong resonates deeply. It has captivated me with its rich storytelling and unforgettable characters, making it a timeless classic.

La Jetée is a haunting and thought-provoking film that uses still images to tell a powerful story of time travel, love, and loss. The film's unique visual style creates a dreamlike atmosphere that pulls the viewer into the protagonist's memories and experiences.The film's exploration of the power of memory and the human desire for connection is both touching and timeless. It has left a lasting impression on me, highlighting the beauty and fragility of human existence.

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Scenery 💕

The image captures a beautiful sunset over a HomeGoods store in Marco Island, Florida. The sky is ablaze with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple, while palm trees sway gently in the breeze. The store's illuminated sign and the cars parked in the lot create a sense of tranquility and everyday life against the backdrop of a stunning natural spectacle.

The image showcases a bustling urban scene in Atlanta, Georgia. Skyscrapers pierce the cloudy sky, their sleek glass facades reflecting the city's energy. Below, cars stream along a busy highway, their headlights cutting through the gray haze. The overall atmosphere is one of dynamism and constant motion, capturing the essence of a thriving metropolis.

The image depicts a serene twilight scene over a tranquil body of water. The sky is awash with hues of orange and pink, reflecting on the calm surface below. Silhouetted trees line the shore, creating a peaceful ambiance. The overall impression is one of tranquility and natural beauty, capturing the essence of a quiet evening.

The image captures a scenic drive through a wooded area. The road is lined with towering trees, their branches forming a natural canopy overhead. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a dappled effect on the pavement. Cars can be seen ahead, moving along the winding road. The overall atmosphere is one of tranquility and natural beauty.

The image depicts a foggy morning drive on a highway. The visibility is low, with a hazy mist obscuring the surrounding landscape. The road stretches out into the distance, disappearing into the fog. The only visible landmarks are a few trees and utility poles. The overall atmosphere is one of quiet and solitude, capturing the eerie beauty of a foggy morning.

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Elizabeth's Awakening

Elizabeth had always been a quiet, introspective girl. Her imagination soared through fantastical realms. But one day, her ordinary life took an extraordinary turn.

While playing in the woods near her home, Elizabeth stumbled upon a peculiar, glowing stone. Intrigued, she picked it up, and as she did, a surge of energy coursed through her body. When the sensation subsided, she felt different, somehow... stronger.

Elizabeth couldn't sleep, feeling something was wrong. Focusing, she discovered she could control the elements. With a thought, she made the wind howl, rainfall, or the earth tremble.

Elizabeth was terrified and confused. She didn't know how or why she had gained these powers. She kept her newfound abilities a secret, afraid of what others might think. But as time went on, she began to realize the potential of her gift. She could use her powers to help people, to protect the environment, and even to explore the mysteries of the universe.

As Elizabeth's abilities grew stronger, so did the challenges she faced. She encountered individuals who aimed to manipulate her powers for their own gain. She had to learn to control her emotions and her abilities, to balance her desire to help others with her fear of being discovered.

Elizabeth's journey was one of self-discovery and growth. She learned that with great power comes great responsibility and that her abilities were a gift, not a curse. Elizabeth realized her newfound life was destined for something extraordinary. Her life transformed, leading to a future of challenges and opportunities.

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Phenomenal Woman

Phenomenal Woman | The Poetry Foundation

Maya Angelou's "Phenomenal Woman" is a powerful anthem of female empowerment. The poem celebrates a woman's inner strength, individuality, and self-worth. The speaker defies societal beauty standards, emphasizing the beauty within. Phrases like "my inner mystery" and "pretty women wonder where my secret lies" convey a message of inner strength and confidence.

The poem also embraces self-acceptance. Phrases like "It's the fire in my eyes" and "the span of my hips" highlight the speaker's unique qualities and rejection of traditional standards. Furthermore, the poem asserts feminine power. Lines like "the fellows stand or fall down on their knees" and "they try so much but they can't touch" emphasize the speaker's allure and defiance of traditional gender expectations.

The central image of "Phenomenal Woman" is the speaker herself, embodying empowerment and self-love. The poem employs vivid metaphors and symbols, such as "the fire in my eyes," "the span of my hips," and "I'm a woman phenomenally." These literary devices create a powerful image of the speaker as a strong, confident, and beautiful woman. Additionally, the poem effectively uses consonance, particularly the repetition of the "p" sound in "pretty," emphasizing the word and contributing to the overall rhythm and musicality of the piece.

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Architectural Interiors

I decided to describe my workplace for my first piece of domestic architecture. As you enter my workplace, a wall bathed in soft sunlight from a nearby window greets you, immediately setting a welcoming tone. The interior features three small, cozy rooms with soft, dim lighting that creates a calming and relaxed atmosphere. The warm yellow lighting adds a touch of classic charm, softening the modern edges of the space. Despite its minimalist aesthetic, the design choice reflects its purpose as a therapeutic space, focusing on the client and the therapeutic process. The office feels more like a cozy living room than a clinical workspace, offering a therapeutic atmosphere that is both inviting and intimate.

The second space I chose to describe is my living room. The open-plan interior allows for easy navigation, and large windows flood the space with natural light, creating a cheerful and welcoming ambiance perfect for relaxation and productivity.

While both the workplace and living room are designed for comfort and welcome, they differ significantly in their purpose and atmosphere. The workplace, with its smaller, separate rooms and subdued lighting, is intentionally designed to create a quiet and intimate setting conducive to therapeutic sessions. In contrast, the living room, with its open-plan layout and abundant natural light, is designed to be a bright, cheerful space that is perfect for relaxation and socializing. As a preference I prefer my personal space, my living room feels more like home, making the walls and structure inherently comforting.

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Spalding Scorpion

Kathy Spalding's artistic legacy lives on in Baker's Park, Naples, Florida. Her captivating sculpture of a scorpion, donated by her husband in 2020, stands as a testament to her talent and love for the state's natural beauty.

This approximately 3-foot-long, 200-pound piece is a sight to behold. The scorpion's curled tail, poised high with a menacing stinger, immediately captures attention. Its open claws suggest a predatory stance, ready to strike. The textured shell, adorned with intricate bumps, adds to the sculpture's realism.

Placed amidst the park's walking trails, lakes, and acres of woods, the sculpture serves as a fitting tribute to Florida's diverse wildlife. Visitors to the park often encounter snakes, birds, turtles, alligators, and other fascinating creatures. Kathy Spalding's sculpture is a reminder of the beauty and power of nature, and a lasting tribute to the wildlife that calls Florida home.

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Grey Line with Lavender and Yellow

The painting is a big, gray canvas like a calm sky. A grey line goes straight down the middle. This line is straight and stiff, while the colors around it are flowing and smooth. On both sides of the line, there are soft purple and yellow colors that mix together and look like a soft, glowing light. These colors seem to move and change, even though the painting doesn't really move. The straight line and the flowing colors make a nice contrast. The painting feels soft and smooth, like velvet. The gray line looks like it's raised a little, like it's sticking out from the canvas. The painting makes you feel calm and peaceful. The soft colors and the gentle contrast between light and dark create a relaxing atmosphere. The small details, like the blue lines that match the yellow on the left side, add interest to the painting. When you look at this picture, you can feel relaxed and happy. The painting can help you feel less stressed and worried. The way the shapes, colors, and textures work together makes the painting look beautiful and inviting.

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Story Behind Us

When you look at this picture, you see a strong African American woman showing off her muscles. She has a serious look on her face, like she's saying, 'Don't mess with me.' I chose this picture because it tells a lot about who we are as Black women. It's about being tough, proud, and overcoming all the bad things we've been through.

The woman's skin color is really important. It reminds us of all the hard times Black women have faced, like slavery and being treated unfairly. Even though they went through a lot, they're still strong and can handle anything.

Another cool thing in the picture is the red scarf on her head. Back in the day, people forced Black women to wear scarves to show they didn't matter. But these women turned that around. They made the scarf a symbol of their strength and pride. It's like they said, 'We might have to wear this scarf, but it doesn't mean we're weak.'

This picture is a reminder that even though we've faced a lot of challenges, we're still here. We're strong, we're proud, and we're not going to let anyone hold us back.

Think about it. Our ancestors went through so much. They were enslaved, treated badly, and couldn't even vote. But they never gave up. They fought for their rights and made things better for us.

This picture is a tribute to them. It's a way to say, 'We're here, we're strong, and we're not going anywhere.' We've come a long way, but we still have a lot to fight for. We need to keep working hard and making sure everyone is treated fairly. Every skin tone matters.

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A Little Bit About Me!

Hello, my name is Daisha! I am 23 years old, and I reside in the city of Naples. I eventually want to move upward in the state of Florida, as I do have a lot of family upstate! I am the first to go to college out of my intermediate family, which not only is nerve wracking but is also exciting. I started college in 2019 however, I decided to stop my education until I got an idea on where I want to be in the future. I plan on getting my master's degree in psychology, I am currently working at a mental health facility which gives me a great opportunity to see the insight of the career. I have always been into true crime and law which has helped me decide exactly what I want to do with my degree. I plan on getting into forensic psychology, not only is it an interesting field it is also helps me understand why defendants committed the crime they did. Humanities is a great start for my degree as it will give me an insight on society and human culture. I am extremely grateful I figured out my plan and am excited to start my journey. I hope everyone has a smooth and lucky semester! Nice to meet you all, wish you the best of luck!

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First Post!

First post, lets gooo #humanities