#IAH207groupproject

[oppressionandidentitystudie-blog]

     During this discussion, our group will delve into the film “Contact” based on the novel by Carl Sagan. Sagan is renowned in the world of astrophysics and ventured into literature, thusly creating this depthy work that pursues a possible future in which we are reached out to by other beings within our universe. The novel, and movie, is told from the perspective of Dr. Eleanor Arroway, and how her monumental discovery and research lead to mankind’s first contact with extraterrestrial life. The greatest thing holding back Dr. Arroway within the film is her gender and her open denial that God exists. While the credit of the discovery is something Dr. Arroway herself possesses, others try to discredit her work on the basis of discrimination. 

     I believe that this reveals a hidden discrimination in our society. The fact that people, and the government, do not want Dr. Arroway to meet the aliens simply because she doesn't believe in God is a ridiculous notion. Cultures around the world worship many different gods, and are based in entirely different beliefs. To deny Dr. Arroway the fruits of her labor due to her not supporting the monotheistic views of most Americans is a major act of discrimination. I believe that this film shows a flaw in our political system. In a world where there is meant to be a separation of church and state,  individuals should not have to swear on a bible in court, nor should someone’s lack of religious beliefs be detrimental to them. 

     There are cases (http://millercenter.org/debates/religion/supreme-court) in which religion plays a major role. In some cases individuals have been denied rights simply due to different religious beliefs. With a “jury of your peers” one will find that a large percentage of jurors are of christian faith simply due to the percentage of Christianity in the United States. 

Is this truly a judgement free jury of your peers if religious differences could be used against you in court? 

These are the issues I would like to discuss in conjunction with “Contact”.

-Trenton

[oppressionandidentitystudie-blog]

Wonder Woman, a feminist icon?

Read this article on the debate about whether Wonder Woman is a feminist icon:

http://www.geekexchange.com/editorial/wonder-woman-feminist-icon-sex-symbol-or-both/

And the origin story of wonder woman and its convoluted ties with feminism: http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/09/22/last-amazon Watch: the two trailers of DC’s new Wonder Woman film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mrT2mqj0t4 Questions: 1. Which side of the debate are you on? Is Wonder Woman a feminist icon or not? 2. Does reading about the creation of Wonder Woman change your opinion on the debate? 3. How do you think Warner Bros. and DC Comics should present Wonder Woman to the audience? Based on her portrayal in Batman v. Superman and the trailers, do you think they are doing a good job?

[oppressionandidentitystudie-blog]

Amy Response to Cloud Atlas

I agree that it was nice to see a woman of color play such a strong role when now roles that were meant to be played by people of color are now played by white actors. The connection to “yellow face” is something that can be frustrating to watch by someone like myself who enjoys watching movies and thinking of the realistic abilities and a person of color. I think with Hollywood’s decision to whitewash roles, it gives the message that people of color are not even qualified enough for roles meant for them. Now with people more aware than ever before, Hollywood still casts white actors for cultural roles. Asian characters is one of the most roles that I’ve seen portrayed by white actors followed by Black characters.  Emma Stone was written as an Asian woman for her film Aloha, and in Matt Damon’s new movie  he plays a warrior in China before the west settled. The film Exodus: Gods and Kings was set in early Egypt yet all the characters were European. Newer and more forms of entertainment are representing people of color. Televison shows like Fresh Off The Boat and Black-ish are just two shows that portray characters of color in a well-lit role played by the appropriate actors. The characters are not written in negatively (dumb, lazy, fat, poor) and are relatable to people of all races and still tackle the issue of “why roles written for people of color played by white actors”.

[oppressionandidentitystudie-blog]

Chuyun Response to Cloud Atlas

I totally agree with your thoughts on gender and homosexuality in the film. These aspects reflect the reality in contemporary society, in which women and LGBT people are still confronted with prejudice and unequal opportunities in work.

The storyline of Sonmi is also interesting. In New Seoul, Sonmi, as well as other fabricants, are objectified. They are used as slave workers, and are often sexually harassed by male customers. After they are terminated, they are “recycled” to make “soap” which feeds later fabricants. The film does not indicate whether there are male fabricants in that world, but the choice of cloning women to serve tables at restaurants is somewhat reminiscent of reality. Waiting tables seems to be a gendered field of work, and there are places such as Hooters, where women are hired because of their sexual appeal to male customers.

One thing I really like about this film is how it foregrounds people from marginalized groups and makes them the heroes. Homosexuals, women of color, ex-slaves and old people accomplish noteworthy deeds. The homosexual lovers, Frobisher and Sixsmith, are pivotal figures in the stories. Kupaka, the slave, seeks help from Ewing and finds his way to freedom, and ultimately saves Ewing’s life. The cowardly Cavendish escapes the confines of the nursing home with other old people deserted by their family, and accidentally inspires Sonmi. Sonmi, after being rescued by Chang, volunteers to broadcast the ideals of freedom to the world, and faces death with calmness. Luisa Rey is the brave and intelligent journalist who saves herself from a drowned car and stops the scheme of Lloyd Hooks, with the help of another African American man. Meronym, the prescient woman, ventures into the world of Native people and saves her people from extinction. Both women, played by Halle Berry, an African American actor, are representative of strong and smart women who are not dominated by male characters. We rarely see such portrayals of women, let alone women of color, in mainstream Hollywood science fiction films, which tend to cast white men as protagonists who save the day with their bravery and/or wisdom.