On Monday we reviewed the winter break multimedia projects. The class split into two groups and shared their written pieces. My group included Kate , Emma G, Ethan, Jukie and Jack. Kate discussed the novel “Lolita”. She said that Humburg’s constant need to justify his actions was indicative of a taboo. In addition, she stated that Lolita’s school was an example of sexism at that time because of limited educational subjects. Emma analyzed the movies “Doctor Strangelove” and “The Searchers”. “Doctor Strangelove” showed America’s fear of Russian nuclear attack and the annoyance at pardons for German scientists. Emma stated that “The Stranger” had a questionable portrayal of Native Americans and Americans after the civil war. It idealized Americans and illustrated Native Americans as complete savages. However, the ending and John Wayne’s recovery of his niece could be symbolic a brighter future. This being that racist ideas did not belong in this society and they would disappear from the western genre. Ethan also watched “Doctor Strangelove” and “Vertigo”. He believed that “Doctor Strangelove” demonstrated the disposition of the elite and governments to make foolish errors. Similarly, he said Veritigo showed that the rich could make questionable decesions including the coverup of crimes. Jukie watched “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” and “Citizen Kane”. “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” depicted 16th century Spain as a society heavily laden with religion, sexism, a Eurocentric mindset, and racism. In addition, the movie made references to Nazi Germany. It was in German and the main character wishes to create a master race by marrying his daughter. “Citizen Kane” demonstrates the power of the media. This is evident when the main character uses his newspaper to make his wife into a Opera star. This is surprising considering that she posses no remarkable singing ability. Jack viewed “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” and “Nights of Cabiria”. Jack believed that the first film showed the Corruption of the Spanish Christian Church. The church in the movie sides with the strong and has questionable ethics. I read “Siddhartha”. I analyzed how it showed the Indian caste system and the search for enlightenment.
