Response to R Post: A Passion for Religious Fashion

This is true, religious symbols have made it’s way into the world of fashion. Fashion is a way of presenting a statement to the world. I think the role of religious symbols making an appearance in a designer outfit is a way of expressing one’s beliefs and shows the stance of where that individual is categorized under. As I have stated in my past blogs, religion is a way of recruiting individuals into divided groups who share similar interests. Fashion does this in a similar way as well. You can see in today’s society, that people who dress the same way tend to hang out with others who dress similar to them. Therefore, I think that religious symbols presented in fashion are a way of putting their statements out there to seek others who share similar beliefs and interests. 

The evolution of tattoos have transformed through years. Some people get it to represent a certain event that happened in their life while others, mainly artists, get tattoos because it fits into the certain persona they are trying to show as their physical image. These tattoos that celebrities get turn into a fashion statement in the mind of the mass media and quickly spread like a disease to society. Clashing religion and fashion together helps society form groupings of people with shared interest because fashion is a visual statement and has no hidden lies. This being said, fashion and religion are two separate things. But who knows, with the uncertainty of what the future holds, the two aspects could further clash together weakening the real meaning of such statements when brought together rather than held apart. 

Link to Raein's Post: 

http://smc305h.blogspot.ca/2012/04/passion-for-religious-fashion.html

Response to Jessica Racanelli's Post: Sex sells but not for me.

Unfortunately, everything you have been saying about advertisement is true. We do live in a world where advertising holds a big chunk of it. I like the parallel you used between God and products stating: “Similar to the religious desire for God’s love, the desire for products advertised are assumed to help individuals live better and fuller lives.” However, this issue of having a desire for products advertised contain both pros and cons. The pros are beneficial for marketing companies as they create profit from us. While the con part, is that society has been transformed in a way of thinking that we will never reach fulfillment without these “It” products. Therefore, advertising is bad for us and good for marketing companies. 

I was most intrigued by this image you posted up. To me, this poster is directed towards men. What do men love most in life? Beautiful women and food, and this poster portrays both. This picture of a beautiful Western race woman in a sexual stance discriminates against female gender and sexuality. This is a stereotype in advertising in modern society. 

The next product sold to us mentioned in your blog is the ideal female image. This was advertised to females at an early age and I have to admit, I was a big consumer in the fad of the Barbie world. I grew up collecting barbies it influenced me to change my image to look more like the Barbie. I was, and possibly still am sucked into this vortex of consumerism. 

In response to your question: How far will individuals go to achieve beauty? It is shown on television that individuals will actually go through a lot. In my opinion, the TV series Tiara’s and Toddlers portray a stereotypical image of the ideal female body and gender. What is worse is that these mothers go through the extent of adding artificial beauty artifacts onto their children to make them beautiful. This makes me wonder; do these mother’s not think there daughters are beautiful enough to begin with? Clearly, mass media is the fault at redefining what beauty really is. Mothers' of the girls' in the show Toddlers and Tiara's will go to any extent to make their children reach the label of what is accepted beautiful in today's society. 

This video I posted is a clip from the Toddlers and Tiara's episode that show an example of what one mother did to make their daughter appear more beautiful. The mother risks the effect of having her daughter go blind from a cosmetic application of eyelash bleaching.

This other video shows a mother forcing her daughter to wax her eyebrows even after her daughter begs her mom not too. This proves that advertisements of beauty not only influences young people, but also has a heavy impact on older females too. These mothers will go through any extent of having their daughters experience physical pain and suffering to achieve beauty. 

Link to Jessica's Post:

http://let-your-lightshine.blogspot.ca/2012/02/sex-sells-but-not-for-me.html

Response to Sandra's Post: Making Good Deeds Public

Christian faith states that doing a good deed privately is most rewarding. So why is it that celebrity icons like Ellen, Justin Bieber, and George Clooney ensure to have their good deeds displayed through popular culture? If you ask my opinion, I think it is a marketing power not only to win over the respect of fans, but to also encourage good deeds to be done by other citizens. If the television acts as a mirror to society, won’t this cause society to reflect from these deeds and spread good deeds to others too? Society looks up to celebrities as idols, and I think the mass media realized that if normal people saw these celebrities doing such things, then they themselves would want to talk part in positive action like this too. 

Music videos like Justin Bieber’s “Pray” can bring awareness to society. This is the reason why I think celebrities try to publicize their deeds. Mass media discovered that the growth of popular culture is affecting social media. The presence of awareness videos in popular culture have been creating positive reactions towards human morality. I think these videos influence people to preform good deeds just like celebrities do because society looks up to higher elite celebrated icons. 

The fact that Justin Bieber is a believer of Christianity reinforces a strong impact of Christian beliefs towards society and is once again, connecting popular culture with Christianity in a positive way. In his song “Pray” Bieber, brings hope and faith back into the less fortunate. This, as suggested in your post, is a mission for all of Christianity; to pass on their faith. 

To answer your last question; yes, I do think we could be convinced by a celebrities generosity (since people tend to believe everything they see and hear in the media, but this isn’t the case here). A contribution by celebrities to the less fortunate done publicly or privately, does not change the fact that it has been a positive contribution. Either way, this is a positive image seen through the eyes of society and is reestablishing human morality in mass media. Therefore, I do agree with you in a sense that there are several benefits to publicize deeds made by celebrities as being influential to others. 

Link to Sandra's post:

http://christandpopularculture.blogspot.ca/2012/03/making-good-deeds-public.html

Response to Gianni's Post: Get Out of Hell Free Card

In a metamorphic sense, I believe that we are/were all fallen angels because we all wish to regain redemption. There have had to be a given point in time where one has turned their back on their religious views and God. 

Just like you Gianni, I was Catholic raised. I was baptized when I was a baby and brought to church every Sunday, until the age of about 12. This was when I stopped going on a routinely basis. I stopped going because I felt the boredom of sitting in a Church and my attention span could just not handle this anymore. I also stopped going because I felt that I have learnt all that I needed too, to start developing my own perspective of self identity and love. This did not mean however, that I turned by back on God and that I felt like I have to redeem my self for his acceptance once again. I was brought up through Catholic morals and values. This makes me always reflect back to my theological beliefs when engaging with other forms of perspective. The fact that I know my own morals and still respect the Catholic religion, does not make me feel as if I need to redeem the acceptance of God. 

One point I came across in your blog was about The Simpson’s episode. Quoting;

Lisa: Why are you dedicating your life to blasphemy?

Homer: Don't worry, sweetheart. If I'm wrong, I'll recant on my deathbed. 

I feel as if some people still go about blasphemously living their life. The fact that it is reinforced in this show can feed inadequate youth distorted messages. “If all goes wrong on your deathbed, all you have to do is repent and God will accept you,” is definitely not a way of living life. Saying a couple words of recant on your deathbed that could possibly detour your path to hell is quite offense to Christian/Catholic morals. 

I believe that one should never forget about their own morals and theological beliefs (if they have any) even when being feed by distorted messages from popular culture. 

Link to Gianni's Post:

http://livintechnico.blogspot.ca/2012/01/get-out-of-hell-free-card.html

Response to Jessica's Post: Let your light shine: Gossip, vanity, sex and reality TV.

It is understood that MTV has shifted depictions of teenage reality into portraying negative effects of younger viewers. This being said, I do agree with modern society influencing the corruption of morals and sexuality through social communication and mass media. Before, the media use to perpetuate narratives based on presumed human morality. Today, MTV, like other mass media mediums, mirror the image of what we see happening in the lives of teenagers today. Sad to say, these have resulted in TV shows like 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom. 

I think the reason for such high numbered viewings on shows like these is because people want to see the corruption in other peoples lives and learn how to handle such situations if it were to ever occur to themselves. The fact that some viewers receive distorted feedback from these shows, such as; “In order to become famous at a young age you should try to get yourself pregnant to become stars of teen mom,” really show how Christian morals can become disregarded once consumption of the mass media has taken over one’s mind. 

However, highly devoted Christians see these shows as beneficial, to their Christian learnings because they view these shows as promoting by a negative example of teenage society.

Some can argue that teenage pregnancy shows are decreasing the pregnancy rate, while others believe it is encouraging teens to have more sex and make more babies! This can be true in different perspectives. One can say that watching these television shows drove them away from ever having thought about raising a baby at a young age because all the complexities caught on camera made them realize that is not a moral way of life. While on the other hand, other people could have thought that becoming impregnated could lead them to becoming stars on such hit TV shows. This is not the right reason for having a baby and totally goes against Christian morals. An example of this is Leah Messer, a casted member in 16 and pregnant, who decided to give birth for the second around after having fraternal twins. 

So as you can see, messages interpreted from these show have been distorted in different views of perspectives. The media has interfered with Christian moral teachings, but it is for us to decide how we wish to interpret and learn from them. 

Link to Jessica's Post:

http://let-your-lightshine.blogspot.ca/2012/02/gossip-vanity-sex-reality-tv.html

The Role Religion Plays in Politics

American Politics are severely important, not only because they define the trajectory of one of the biggest nations in the world, but more so because the trajectory of that nation has an influence on the entire world.

So with the 2012 elections looming just around the corner, I wanted to examine the political spectrum with a different perspective. To what extent can religion define the success of a candidate? 

When its time for presidential elections, there are certain things we have come to expect from the nominees. Firstly they will stress the fact that they are Christian Men- this corresponds to the human values endorsed by the bible, which form the backbone of any moral society. It allows us to connect to the nominees on a more personal level as well. It helps us understand that they come from a good background and that their motives are aligned with the goodwill of the people. The ethical and social codes authorized by God will be reflected in the policies and laws that these politicians promise to make. But do we really want that?

Today's polls show that Obamas popularity hasn’t suffered despite the fact that his administration supports abortion and contraception, both issues condemned in Christianity. While at the same time, Rick Santorum has lost much of his credibility over his stance on homosexuality. He stands by the Bible, which stands against anything homosexual. So what is it that makes the difference? 

I believe the answer is the Mass Media. Mass Media creates culture, and culture defines the aspirations of a society. The views of popular culture change over the years and currently they are not suited for the styles of conservatives such as Santorum, but more so for liberals such as Obama. What remains certain though, is that religion will always have a place in politics. Its importance however? That is decided by the Media, and God-Willing.

Revolutionary Art: Christianity vs. Popular Culture

 "At this time of year it's easy to forget the true meaning of Christianity - the lies, the corruption, the abuse."

                                                                                                                                                      - Bansky

One of my favourite revolutionary artist is a popular iconic street figure, known as Banksy. Banksy is an anonymous street artist who leaves traces of his revolutionary work along public streets. His untraceable identity allows him to freely express his controversial themes without the criticism of social accusations. We do know, however, that he is a devoted Christian. His artworks shown here, portray a clash between religion and consumerism. This proposes the idea that modern society has lost sense in the concept of religion and that we are starting to drown in the consumption of popular culture. In other words, consumption of the growing mass media is taking over religion. 

Referring to the pictures posted of Banksy’s works, it is clear that one can feel offended by such negative reflections about religion. However, the works that Banksy chooses to show, portray the transitions of such religious figures during the evolution of popular culture. 

The image of Jesus Christ in the form of a Cross holding gift bags, is a strong portrayal of the clash between religion and consumerism. In one of the gift bags, the Mickey Mouse icon from Disney, is seen popping out. This intertwines the role of popular culture consumption, in with religion. The image of Jesus in the form of crucifixion, symbolizes the sacrifice he made for his people. This strong symbolism of Christianity then becomes intertwined with the presence of shopping bags representing the consumption of popular culture, and all together, depicting a whole new meaning. The new theme depicted in this piece intertwines Christianity with the twisted appearances of modern society. It shows the transitions that religion has encountered after the influences of the mass media on society. Banksy’s work creates controversy between consumerism and religion. These revolutionary pieces make me question the stance that religion has upon society today. Have we really forgotten the true meaning of Christianity?

A World Without Religion

Reading through blogs about Christianity and popular culture made me realize that we have all thought about the presence of religion in the media further influencing society, but has a world without religion ever crossed your mind? 

Without religion fulfilling us with personal beliefs and hope, can one still obtain the fulfillment of happiness and morality?

If religion never ceased to exist, how would we know the definition of what we assume to be “evil”? Our understanding of what is known to be “evil” exists from theological knowledge and beliefs constructed by religious foundations. If there was no religion, there would be no harassment of Jews held responsible for the blood of Christ on their hands, or any other persecutions such as this [1]. There would be no war between culture and hypothetically, we would all be one. 

Take time to review the lyrics to John Lennon’s song, Imagine:

“Imagine there's no heaven

It's easy if you try

No hell below us

Above us only sky

Imagine all the people living for today

Imagine there's no countries

It isn't hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion too

Imagine all the people living life in peace

You, you may say 

I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one

I hope some day you'll join us

And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions

I wonder if you can

No need for greed or hunger

A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people sharing all the world

You, you may say 

I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one

I hope some day you'll join us

And the world will live as one”

The lyrics to his song imply that religion is the cause of corruption in humanity. If religion is meant to set rational behaviour and propose humane morality, how is it so, that the clash between different religions and cultures are the cause of destruction in humanity? Ironic, isn’t it? 

In my opinion, religion has become a way of recruiting people into divided groups who share similar beliefs and hopes. This gives the satisfaction of being “included”; a yearning that everyone wants. The one’s who are left out are the non-religious. Without any realization, this has caused war between religious cults striving to prove what is right and wrong. I think religion was also made to set certain principles for the inadequate who entail a rationalized structure for construction of the base of humanity. If there were no heaven and hell for people to believe in, then that would affect the way in which people behave. The question is, would people act more humane, or less? 




Reference: 


1. http://richarddawkins.net/articles/1-imagine-no-religion

Have you heard the saying “Sport is My Religion”?

They say that everyone is looking for transcendence. Self-transcendence is a spiritual uplifting of self into a euphoric state of complete happiness. Some find it in religion, some find it when they become one with their conscious, while others (like me) find it through uplifting music. All these different ways of finding transcendence is shared between people of similar interests, further leading to a grouping of individuals. These groups take on shared interests and turn them into a way of life. 

As an example, lets talk about sports as a way of finding self-transcendence. Like religion, sports bring people together under a sharing of common interest. In sports, there are divided sectors of this- there are those groups of screaming fans who cheer for their team, and then there are the players on the team working to win. This is an idea referring to Trothen's article Holy Acceptable Violence.There are always talks of players feeling euphoria once they step onto the game field while getting a rush of adrenaline that is felt from feedback by the energy of the audience. This is an effect of human experience and creates the quality of transcendence. In my opinion, I support the fact that religion was brought to group individuals who share common interests together. What does this lead to you may ask? This leads to a grouping of society. But lets not get carried away in this philosophical concept. Like Religion, sports, also create a grouping of individuals who share a similar taste in categories of sports. Therefore, one can think of their favourite sport as their religion. One’s interest and everything in their surroundings could be solely decorated in honour of their team. 

Having a passion for something that makes one happy gives an uplifting human experience. A person’s experience felt from a particular sport can be solely connected through their recollection of past events and interests, whether being a religious experience or not. A parallel between sports and the religious figure- Jesus Christ, can be seen through violence projected in teams when they are seen sacrificing their body through physical violence for the sake of making their team win.  This is much similar to the symbolism of the crucification of Jesus Christ sacrificing his life for the people. This parallel can be seen as a theological perspective, further implying that sports can be seen as a way of religion.

So start finding your own personal interests, allow yourself to engage deeply and find a passion. Whether it be the choice of sports, or the love for music, maybe you too, can experience transcendence. 



References:


Trothen, Tracy. "Holy Acceptable Violence?" Journal of Religion and Popular Culture 21 (2009). 

Can Television Play the Same Role as the Church?

Television has been taking over. Society is depending on television more than ever and this fact just continues to grow. Interpretations depicted from television affect our theological perspectives. One who does not attend Church every Sunday can endulge in religious viewings simply through watching television. Tv shows like Touched by An Angel, and 7th Heaven, portray Christian values that one can learn from. There are positive and negative aspects one can receive through messages from television, but these are what mould our culture and allow us to relate to the divine.

Television acts as a mirror of humanity[1]. Television adds to the aid of creating connection between individuals by allowing one to share common interests depicted from television shows and such. The choice of one’s favourite television show makes them return to the television every week and engage contact with others who share similar interests as a kind of commitment and routine. This is very similar to the concept of what Church services imply- the reinforcement of connecting people. Therefore, a metaphoric concept of Church services can be seen in television. So as you can see, popular culture intertwines with Christian theology through different sources of medium. In church we learn about love and other morals, while at the same time television also portrays these learnings. 

One who is not religious and who does not engage in Church services every week can manipulate the same teachings through television in a different sense. The expression “God is everywhere” can freakishly be true, it just depends on how one interprets messages given to them and how they reflect it back the their own theological views. 

References:
1. Detweiler, Craig and Barry Taylor. "Television." In A Matrix of Means, 185-219. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003


Further links of television shows that incorporate Christian theology context: 


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108968/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115083/

Does the Mass Media Affect Us, or Do We Affect The Mass Media?

There is no doubt that society especially, the younger generation are influence and affected by mass media. However, there has become a turning point in which the evolution of societal networks have caused a change. Mass media is mainly directed towards the younger generation because they feel as if their minds are easier to manipulate and brainwash stereotypical messages about gender and sexuality into their mind. Young people follow these misinterpretations presented by the media because they feel obligated to fit in with the rest of society. The mass media tries to form the future generation by presenting them with distorted values supplying them with false facts about how one should view the opposite gender as what is portrayed in today’s society. Therefore, the media displays a distorted image of our lives about sexuality and gender.  All forms of popular culture use restrictive labels to define us. These labels hold titles of racial appearance, status quo, etc. This makes society categorize themselves under certain labels and creates grouping. This is exactly what the mass media wants! Categorizing yourself under a certain group of shared interests gives the opportunity for the mass media to base assumptions about the needs and wants of society. Younger females have been heavily influenced by the media because they have been outnumbered by representations of male figures in popular culture and have been constantly portrayed as sex objects where the value of their beauty is most important. These are ways by the media to create a preferred identity for all genders. However, social networks; a growing mechanism of social media- are allowing us to be free of these instructed representations of formed identity. Social networks such as facebook, twitter and myspace, allow us to create our own identity. These networks give us the option to mould our own identities while at the same time they allow us to connect with people based on our own interest, no longer relying on media companies to do this [1].

The mass media knows that we are the products of their future and therefore monitor the things we do and the interests we are following. It’s freaky to know that they have access to viewing our monitor! This being said, there has seemed to be a turn in the leading role of the mass media. It seems to be, that the mass media is becoming more and more influenced by our changing identities and interests depicted by our own selves. This is because the mass media wants to know more about us so that they can create new ways of influential marketing products.  So suddenly, our interests have become respected by the media in a way none other than before. This being said, the growth of social networking is enabling the change of portrayals in gender and sexuality in popular culture. We are becoming the change! 


Here is an interesting video for reference:
1. http://www.ted.com/talks/johanna_blakley_social_media_and_the_end_of_gender.html