9/28/2019 2:50:43 PM
Ellen: Wide Eyed and Ready
What's Your Why?
Do you know who you are? What do you think of yourself and how would you describe that self to others? I recently heard a NPR broadcast suggesting listeners state who they believe themselves to be in a concise sentence that starts with, “I am from . . . and I can . . . “
It was a formidable challenge, but decided to give it a try.
“ I am from compassion, moxie, independence, and love, and I
can dream, can do and can be.”
Once I put my thoughts to paper I became intrigued with the process of describing myself succinctly. Business coaches advise that it’s important to be able to identify your skills in brief during in a job interview, at networking events, or when developing a Linkedin profile. A way to beging is to identify who are you, state for whom you do what you do, and finally mention how the party you are speaking to will benefit.
“I am an executive and lay minister who helps museums, small businesses, and families become empowered through education, resources and information in order to improve careers and personal situations?”
I was on a roll. Deciding not to describe myself in the Hausa Language, I took the plunge and tried a one-sentence definition to get me elected to political office.
“ I’m a mother of five, a fighter who loves our city and cares about leaving a healthier, vibrant, more compassionate community for the next generation.” Was that wishy-washy enough? Who can be against that sentiment? Perhaps I need to add “plus I’ll find a job for everyone.”
James Blanchard Cisneros, author of "A Journey of self Awareness," says, “Enlightenment isn’t a change into something better or more but simply an expression of knowing who you are.
How in the world can that be accomplished? A way to begin is by exploring your priorities, values, and interests. What makes you happy? What type of people do you like to be around? Describe your character, your style, and your overall emotional state? What are your boundaries? Does the exercise sound difficult to execute in one sentence? No problem. . . break the rule and try two.
“I am a happy, engaged woman who is curious, studious, and adventurous within limits set by my physical abilities and (most) societal norms. I like those who inspire me to reach outside my comfort zone, enjoy friends who make me laugh at life’s foibles and have such a bad memory that I forgive all who aggrieve me.”
Well now, that’s a that’s enough about me. What about you? Who are you? Take the challenge and share a sentence (or two) on my blog at [email protected]/blog.
A few images to get you started.
Art is always for sale. Contact me at [email protected]
Ellen: Wide Eyed and Ready / 20” by 16” / acrylic on canvas / $399
References:
LaCivita, A. (2019) How to describe Yourself in One Sentence: Elavorty PitchYouTube
Cisneros,J, (2015) A Journey of Self Awareness,. You Have Chosen to Remember Series ( A Journey of Self-Awareness, Peace of Mind and Joy) Chosen to Remember Books, Coconut Grove, Florida. Available in paperback and on Kindle on Amazon.
James,M Ph.D. ( 2012) Who are You? Psychology today. retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/focus-forgiveness/201212/who-are-you
9/6/2019 1:27:08 PM
Pictures taken at Crunchyroll Expo, 2019 in San Jose, California.
Through a Child’s Eyes
“A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires.” quote by Paulo Coelho.
Last weekend, my fifteen year old grandson and I went to Churchyroll Expo and dropped into a foreign country. The doors to the San Jose Convention Center opened to their annual anime conference attended by participants from around the globe. Anime began in 1914 with Japanese artists who designed print comics (manga) and animated cartoons (anime). Over the years anime spread worldwide attracting people of every age. Unlike American cartoons watched primarily by youth, anime is followed by millions of adults as well as children.
What I saw was a plethora of attendees walking around dressed in costumes taken from various animated films. There were the “cutsie” types representing cuddly animals, the warriors brandishing swords and lances, girls prancing in short schoolgirl outfits, women in Kimonos, monsters, dragons and you-name-it. It was a designers paradise, filled with color, laughter, and music. It was a merchandiser’s paradise filled with purchasers of videos, posters, t-shirts, and figurines.
It was a strange site to behold. I was surprised to learn that so many adults were hooked on films aimed primarily at a high school market. I questioned why and wondered what was really going on and came away with several impressions.
It is easy to understand why artists, cartoonists, musicians and film makers were attracted to the anime. It is a rich and varied art form that invites creativity. But why do viewers remain interested through their adult years? And, what role did the government play in promoting the genre?
The first thing I noticed in the films I saw was that they had moral lessons imbedded within. Themes include friendship and family, the natural world, the value of team effort, working for the good of the whole, respect for elders, and how girls and boys should treat each other. They admonish audiences not to to follow bad people. They demonstrate that fighting is not necessary and that arrogance is often a sign of anxiety. Characters portray selflessness, suffering, old age and death. They ask what happens if you betray your own morals. They counsel that no one person should have too much power and that actions have consequences. Viewers are told to relax and enjoy life, that protecting loved ones will make you stronger, and that life has no limits, even in death. Animations teach that losers have value, forgiveness is everything, and that sometimes you need to figure things out for yourself. You learn that everyone has talent, that it’s important to follow your dreams and not give up, and it’s OK to let people help you. There is much more. Of special note: “You are never too old to cry.”
Wow! I was surprised and impressed by what I had been missing. What a way to teach citizenship to your countrymen and women. And, I discovered that the Japanese government thought so too. During the second world war anime was used as a vehicle for propaganda Artists and writers against the government were punished and banned from working while those who complied, were employed as cartoonists and animators spreading propaganda through clever animations. Being able to reach a wide audience elevated the genre and brought it to the attention of millions.
Moral messages continue to be intertwined in the themes of far-reaching scripts. They are hidden in the plots of action, adventure, comedy, drama, slice of life, fantasy, magic, supernatural, horror, mystery, psychological, romance, and sci-fi films. Many films are designed for adult audiences, which answered my question as to why forty and fifty year old costumed convention goers were having such a good time.
Uncomfortably, I found some of the portrayals of women an affront to feminism. It was disturbing to see short skirts worn by high school girls who kept their legs closed modestly before accidentally displaying their panties while big (huge) breasted women welcomed men’s faces into their bosom. Female characters with big innocent eyes are portrayed flirting and pursuing reluctant men who blush and apologize when approached. So it’s not surprising that when women are raped, they are usually the ones blamed. Porno films are a sub-set of the mix that I didn’t see.
A short history of two parallel industries
In the 1920’s, Walt Disney began experimenting with animated cartoons in the United States. Mickey Mouse’s unveiling in 1928 propelled Disney to instant acclaim. Though he struggled financially, he continued to release films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, and Pinocchio. His early films were full of action, color and movement designed to make you laugh. During the war Disney’s finances went from bad to worse though he managed to release Bambi and Dumbo. He was employed to produce propaganda shorts for our government. It wasn’t until the 1950s, that he regained his standing with Treasure Island and Cinderella. Filmmaking, however, wasn’t enough for the master. He felt something lacking. In 1955 he went on to build Disneyland an amusement park focused primarily on children and families.
The Japanese were experimenting with animated films as early as 1914, though they took a slightly different trajectory that their American counterparts. An artist named Osamu Tesuka, a fan of Walt Disney, was influenced by French and German cinema that place emphasis on emotions and life. Eventually he formed Mushi Productions and filmed Tetsuwan atomu - commonly known as Astro Boy. It premiered on NBC stations in 1963 and became his first major US success. Tesuka went on to release Jungle Taitei (Kimba the White Lion) which some claim influenced the Lion King. He inspired many other Japanese artists such as Akira Toriyama, Rumiko Takashi, Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and spawned an industry not just a studio.
By looking at the fine points you can see how anime differs from Disney. Anime is more detailed in almost every aspect of the art. Body and face shapes, clothing, hair, eyes, superpowers, magic and the environment are more complex. It has more shadows, lightings and gradients than Disney films which use straight forward shapes with fewer color gradients and shadows. Disney eyes are drawn simply while anime eyes have intricate details showing varying shades of color. Disney storylines are less complex. In series, each episode is a small story of its own with little relation to the next episode. Anime plots are based on complex stories in novels or mangas that are unveiled over time in a sequence of episodes.
What really brought anime to the forefront of American attention was the shift to TV in the sixties. Television caused animators to experiment more aggressively, diversifying into several genres. Popular were the mecha, the anime dealing with giant robots or vehicles. They went into space with Battle of the Planets and Star Blazers. They made dramas, musicals, comedies and porno videos. Adult themes increased, though much of it remains focused on school age youth. As anime moved from film to home video, to LaserDisk, to DVD, to internet it continued to gain in popularity. Improved color and sound technologies brought high quality productions into the home.
In the 1990s, Japan “bubble economy “ imploded causing the industry to contract. Adding to their problems, was the expansion of bandwidth and storage, bringing with it the rise of digitally-powered privacy. Yet, despite their difficulties, anime continues and convention attendance climbs causing novices like me to be awed at the creativity and childlike laughter of the audience.
“Somehow, you need to cling to your optimism. Always look for the silver lining. Always look for the best in people. Try to see things through the eyes of a child. See the wonder in the simplest things. Never stop dreaming. Believe anything is possible. “ quote By Richie Sambora
References:
1) zagzoug,M. (2001) The History of Anime & Manga. Novaonline. retrieved from https://novaonline.nvcc.edu/eli/evans/HIS135/Events/Anime62/Anime62.html
2) Schodt,F. Manga Manga: the WOrld of Japanese Comics. Kodansha International, 1983
3) Yegulalp,S. (2019)Brief History of Anime. Liveaboutdotcom. retrieved from https://www.liveabout.com/brief-history-of-anime-144979
4) Sade,K. (2016)the Portrayal of Women and Men in Anime and Manga. retrieved from https://grimmgirl.com/2016/09/06/the-portrayal-of-women-and-men-in-anime-and-manga/
5) Lindwasser,A.(2019) 16 Actual Life Lessons I learned from watching Anime. Anime Underground. retrieved from https://www.ranker.com/list/life-lessons-learned-from-anime/anna-lindwasser
6) Desilier, I.(2016) 17 Life Lessons taught Me: Anime is not just for kids. Suffolk Community College. Odyssey. retrieved from https://www.theodysseyonline.com/life-lessons-anime-taught
7) Millen, A. (2018)What makes anime look so different compared to Disney? Quora. retrieved from https://www.quora.com/What-makes-anime-look-so-different-compared-to-Disney
