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Individual Post #13 "September 11, 2001"

On September 11, 2001 I was a freshmen in college at George Mason University. I was so excited because I had just started college and had just turned 18. Still, I was very nieve and never thought that the bombings that happened on the 11th could ever possibly happen so close to home. I will never forget that day. As usual, I woke up late for economics 101 class and my friend Leslie was pounding on the door. She, who was never late, was running late on that day, too. We ran over to class and got there at 8:05 a.m. Oddly enough, our econ professor was rambling on about how safe air plane travel is. Then, from the back of the class room a girl said, "Oh, if that's so true, then tell me why a plane just crashed into a tower in New York?" The professor laughed at her and told her she was wrong and then the teachers' assistant ran out of the room to go check the news. A few minutes later he came running back in the classroom telling us that the girl was right. Everyone got up out of their seats and left class. Swarms of students gathered in the "bistro" area to watch the news on a huge projector. Cell phones weren't working and all of the lines were jammed so calls weren't making it out. So many people were crying. I called my mom to find out if my aunt was alright because she works at the Pentagon. I went back to my room and my roommate and I sat in front of the television watching the news for hours. Our stupid arguments didn't matter anymore. That night I found out that my aunt was in Crystal City for business that day, rather than in her office at the Pentagon. I thank God for that. Years later, my friends and I still talk about that day. It was the begining of our college experience as we are now in our last year of school. We will never forget.

Group Entry #12: "Greed is Good..."

The economy of the United States during the 1980’s was that of an inflated, credit-card dependant one. No one really noticed the bottom line or applied common economics to their overly lavish lifestyles. The movie Wall Street accurately portrayed the economic culture of this time period as one of excess, corruption, and unrelenting greed. 

Charlie Sheen’s character, Bud Fox, is the epitome of an ambitious Wall Street broker who wants to score the big one. His opportunity arises when he meets a famous headhunter/corporate shark by the name of Gordon Gekko, played by Michael Douglas. From here Fox enters into a world of un-imaginable power, greed, corruption, and self-indulgence. This was basically the same mindset of the people during the 80’s whereas that decade could be labeled as the “me” decade. People were interested in furthering only themselves and spending endless amounts of money on themselves.

America as a whole was invited into the era of buy now, pay later, through way of the credit card. A lot of people did not look far into the future and the repercussions that would occur as a result of their careless spending or actions. This is evident in the film also. Bud Fox wanted everything to be bigger and better and he would stop at nothing to get it. After getting over his initial hesitation of breaking the law and entering into the grey area of financial brokering, Fox surrounds himself with the fruits of his lucrative yet illegal work.

The historical name given to the stockbrokers of this time was “yuppies”. This stood for “young, urban, professionals” and this was exactly what Bud Fox was. Gordon Gekko played the part of a more experienced wise man who took Fox under his wing and showed him everything he could have if he did what Gekko wanted. Greed unfortunately was the driving factor for Fox to work for Gekko, and it was this that led to Fox’s downfall and ultimate arrest. Gordon Gekko in his famous line told everyone that “Greed is good, greed is right, greed works”; this was essentially the overall feeling of the 80’s.

            

Corruption in many companies during the 80’s was evident when many of them were finally taken down for their less-than-honorable ways and practices. This was the world in which Gekko and Fox worked in and through corporate/hostile take overs, they were both able to build up their fortunes and empires. This was exactly what was going on during the 80’s in this country with many big corporations trying to take over ownership of smaller businesses in order to eliminate any competition in the market place. Many people lost their jobs due to greedy C.E.O.s and board members wanting to get a piece of the usually generous buy out options. In the movie, Gordon Gekko lives off of getting rid of other companies and controlling everything he views as either a money-making opportunity or a threat in the business world.

          

Bud Fox entered into a new society where all of his dreams could come true with the right amount of money. Through back-handed techniques and shady dealings, Bud Fox, along with the other characters of Wall Street portrayed the culture of the 80’s correctly as being a flamboyant one where the only important things were the almighty dollar and the ways of attaining it, regardless of ethics.   

Group Typepad post #11

The genres of the top ten movies and the top ten songs of 1970 appear to follow a pattern in that they go along with the times and the atmosphere in this country and this world during 1970. By seeing how much each movie grossed in 1970, we were able to come up with a list of the top ten movies. The top ten songs were given to us in class. The genres seem to be evenly split between sex, drugs and rock and roll as one genre, and love and war as the other. The songs and movies from 1970 can be viewed as being a reflection of the current events of that year.

The number one movie in 1970 was Love Story; a film about a lover who ends up dying from a terminal disease. The movie shares the theme with the Jackson Five’s I want You Back, Sly and the Family Stone’s Thank you for Being My Friend, and the Beatles’ Long Winding Road. These songs speak about love, friendship, heartbreak and the sadness brought on by it. These ideas can be viewed in the film and the songs go almost hand in hand in describing what the movie portrayed.

During the 1970’s and in particular 1970, the Vietnam Conflict was raging on in Southeast Asia. The United Stateswas bitterly divided between protestors of the war and supporters of the many troops whom were forced into service. The movie M.A.S.H. was about a medical unit during the Korean War that depicted to the viewers what it was like to be sent to war in faraway land where no one wanted to be. The Korean War, much like the Vietnam Conflict were actions in which men were forced into fighting for the U.S. M.A.S.H. gave an inside look at what the troops were going through overseas by describing the hardships and friendships created by the war. Similar themes evolved from the song Everything is Beautiful by Ray Stevens. In this song, Stevens sings about the world being a beautiful, peaceful place, but the irony was that both Korea and Vietnamwere beautiful, vibrant countries, that were interrupted and ravaged by war. The Beatles’ song Let It Be can also be heard as a plea in connection with the trouble in Vietnam. In it the song says: There will be an answer, let it be. This sounds as if the Beatles are asking the nations of world to leave one another alone and let things sort themselves out. This also played well to the hippy movement in America at the time because hippies were basically stating the same thing about only wanting peace and harmony.

The most obvious connection between songs and movies of 1970 was the movie Woodstockcompounded with the song American Woman by The Guess Who. Both the movie, which was a documentary, and song tell people about love, beauty, sexual freedom, and the changing image of America. Woodstockdepicted three days of complete freedom from the norm, and the song American Woman describes the aggressive love of that era. There were no worries about sex, drugs, and other dangerous practices and both the movie and song did away with the usual idea of what was acceptable.

One of the only films which didn’t relate to any songs was Airport. The movie was about the situation created by a bomber on a plane and the race to resolve the problem while saving everyone onboard. None of the songs really go with the movie, however it still made the top ten list. Although it may not have reflected any of the events of what was going on in this world, it was nonetheless popular.

Before, during, and after 1970, America was going through major changes and the music and film industry were quick to pick up on it. The movies, as well as the songs of this time period accurately portrayed life during this era by being able to involve emotion and truth.

Comment Post #9

Group Entry 8: The Verdict Is In: Not Guilty

Child abuse cases were uncommon and rarely given much attention during the 19th century, much less a trial. The case of State vs. Rehberg was unique in that it did away with the common mentality of not bothering to go after child abusers. This trial opened the eyes of many, yet provided too many unanswered questioned to a never before seen, interesting case. Based on the evidence suggested in the court transcripts, the accused, Edward Rehberg, was found to be not of guilt by our group for the 19th century and the 21st century trials.

In the 19th century trial, a part of our evidence which we used to come to our verdict was the dying declaration by Clara Rehberg. Another important key piece of evidence was the testimony made by Emma Rehberg, Clara's sister, stating that Edward Rehberg, the father, was working in the field with a helper, Joe Tiebow, the whole time. The defense provided witness testimony that Edward Rehberg never had the time to inflict the punishment upon his daughter which the prosecution tried to convict him of. Added to this is the fact that Louisa Rehberg, Emma and Clara’s step-mother, was kept from testifying on the stand. This may have been because Edward wanted to keep Louisa from incriminating herself and end up being put in jail. It seemed as though almost all of the evidence pointed to Louisa as being the one who killed Clara, but since Edward was the one on trial, he may have been trying to protect his wife from being prosecuted. Edward Rehberg may have already known he had a good chance of getting off because the dying declaration made by Clara clearly stated that he did not beat her. A dying declaration years ago was held in a higher regard and trusted as being the truth more so than today.

In a 21st century trial today, we still fell that Edward Rehberg would have been found not guilty because there still remained too many unanswered questions that would not have given the jury proof beyond a reasonable doubt which is needed to convict someone. The lack of evidence in the trial left our group wondering if Clara accused her step-mother of beating her, then why wasn’t the step-mother put on trial? Also, who was the strange man that Emma claimed she saw eating dinner with her dad and Joe Tiebow? Why wasn’t he questioned about the beating? These relevant questions added to the idea that this case was not tried to the full extent of the law and that the prosecution rushed in its investigation and may have wrongly pointed the finger at Edward Rehberg as being the guilty party.

Summarizing both the 19th and 21st century trials, there remained important questions that were left in the air. The jury back then had a different mindset than a jury today, but either one would have based its verdict based on the evidence. However, back then they would have taken more interest in the testimony of a child because in the 19th century people believed that lying was wrong and immoral and it was less common than today. More stock would have been placed in the hands of witnesses and a dying declaration. Nowadays, proof beyond a reasonable doubt is needed to convict someone of a crime and more people don’t feel as compelled to tell the truth on the stand. Based on all this, our analysis of this case led us to believe that the verdict should be not guilty for both the 19th and 21st century trials.

Comment Post #6

Amanda Dorfman, Individual Post #4; Group 4

Julian Franco, Individual Post #4; Group 4

Alex Caterinicchia, Individual Post #4; Group 4

Group Post #5 Angelic

Our town, Angelic, is a promising utopia where people can come to live a peaceful life in accordance with the teachings of the Bible. The town was founded and based on Christian values and ideals. The Christian religion is fostered and promoted here; therefore, all of the people in our town will devote and dedicate themselves toward being a good Christian member of our community.

Our town was designed around the Catholic Cathedral, which is based directly in the center of our community. Surrounding the church there are two cemeteries and two parks. We are a small and rural town. The shops and homes of the townspeople are sparsely distributed. Many of our residents depend greatly on their farms. Family’s pass down their agricultural land from generation to generation. There is no slavery in our town. Also, women and people of all races are treated alike. We do not promote segregation.

As for the development of capital and income, our town winery provides the main source revenue. However, the winery is hidden from plain view behind a forest, and across town away from the homes of our residents and the center of town. This is very important so that our town is kept clean and our values are still instilled. We try our very best to ensure that our town remains small and close-knit, unlike a big city. Visitors and tourists alike are welcome to our town; however, we do not provide or allow them a permanent residence. Although we screen all vendors, we welcome a free and open trade market.

Because of our strong values, strict screening process, and the close-knit relationship between the residents of our community we are able to maintain our town. Our utopian town, Angelic, is saturated with the morals of Christian teachings. Each member will dedicate their lives to the survival of our town and the church. The people work in harmony and a peaceful habitat is created for all of our members and visitors.

Individual Post #4. George Catlin's Indians

During the nineteenth century there were several major advancements in the realms of commercial agriculture and transportation. By the 1850s, railroads, steamboats and canals were built, all allowing migrants to further their travels west into North America from the Atlantic coast. A sense of pride was established amongst Americans through these accomplishments. With the conquest of the American land came the removal of many Indigenous tribes. By this time, many tribes of Native Americans had been forced to adopt the "white" lifestyle. In 1830, under President Jackson's term, the Indian Removal Act was passed. Under this act, Native Americans were demanded to relocate, and if necessary, by force. Thus, the assimilation of an Indigenous culture into the dominant "white" was full blown. Many measures were taken in order to ensure Native Americans were driven out of their lands. In 1838, about 16,000 Cherokees died during the "Trail of Tears" when a 7,000 man army escorted the final group of Cherokees west of Oklahoma (p.188).

As urban America was developing the Native American culture was depleting. The influx of immigrants reached its peak of 430,000 annually by 1850 leaving even less room for the tribes (p.237). Native American lifestyle unthreaded, and a once headstrong and pride-driven group of people fell to the influence of lower class American addictions. Some artists throughout history have represented the downfall of the Indigenous people in their paintings. One man in particular, George Catlin did a series of paintings of Native Americans from 1830-1850. Catlin's painting (1837-1839) of Pigeons Egg Head depicts an opinion of the effects "white" culture had on the evolving culture of the Native Americans.

The painting is divided in half. On the left there is a traditional Native American, who is in complete headdress and time-honored attire; while on the right, there is the same Native American, pompously dressed, and saturated in Americanized, high-class culture. The man on the left is facing Washington as though he is on his way there. In the background is the grand capital building. He is standing tall and full of glory. Starting from the top of the painting, Pigeons Egg Head is fully dressed with a headdress which extends from the top of his head to the ground. Moving down the painting, he is beautifully adorned in traditional jewlery and clothing. In his left hand there is a smoke pipe, which to some Native American’s was a spiritual and dignified object. On the right, a completely different man is painted. This time, it seems as though Pigeons Egg Head is returning home to his tribe from Washington. After his stay in the capital, he has acquired many of the American customs, from the way he dresses to his behavior. From head to toe he is dressed in a suit. The white gloves he is wearing signifies stature and accomplishment. He is no longer smoking from a pipe, yet he is smoking tobacco. Also, in his back pockets are two bottles of alcohol. He is seen stumbling home to his tribe, unable to walk steadily, he uses a cane to direct and balance his belligerent self. Pigeons Egg Head completely abandoned his culture and adopted the American way of life. He has degraded from a man of dignity to a drunk.

The painting, Pigeon’s Egg Head by George Catlin, implies that Native Americans were easily influenced by American culture. The example of Pigeons Egg Head evinces the idea that Native Americans went to Washington looking for opportunity, and came back completely absorbed in "white" culture, all the while forgetting their long-lived customs and deep-set pride. The obvious denigration the painting is trying to depict is that Native Americans, an originally bold and sophisticated nation of people devolved into an inglorious, ill-behaved and reckless population. The reasons for the downfall of Native American life are obvious. Cohabitation, with the settlers, as well as force, gave the Indigenous people no choice but to absorb “white” culture. The growing white population forced Native American tribes westward, while along the way, many died or abandoned their own culture to survive. The historical context from which Catlin paints is rooted in the idea that modern-American civilization during the nineteenth century was filled with pride because Americans acknowledged their major accomplishments, and as American pride grew, Native American pride deteriorated.

Comment Post #3

Jaime Steinhagen, Group Post #2; Group 4

Margaret Quigley, Individual Post #1; Group #4

Jaime Steinhagen, Individual Post #1; Group #4

Group Post #2. How the British Viewed the Patriots

Historically speaking, Britain’s opinion of the colonists was not one that was held in very high regard. By studying a British painting of a group of women from the 18th century, it is obvious that the British developed harsh opinions towards Americans. The picture observed is of women who seem as though they are not taking any issues critically. They are uncivilized and not serious, going against the conventional lifestyle of that time. This depiction, a group of rebellious women, is exactly what the British thought every American was like during the late 18th century, and it is reflected very well in this painting. American Patriotism, if seen only through this picture, would appear to have been nonexistent and unorganized.
In the back of the picture there is a group of four women who are merrily drinking gin. They do not seem to have a care in the world or to be taking anything seriously. They are laughing, having a good time, and oblivious to the world. Because they are drinking gin and misbehaving they demonstrate a lack of discipline which develops an image of Americans. They are portrayed as rowdy and unable to control their own behaviors. The British believed that Americans needed their mother country to discipline them because they could never take care of themselves.

In the middle of the picture, there is much to be said about the American colonists. Going from left to right you would first come across a woman leaning over a table with her rear up in the air. In colonial times this was not considered the prim and proper behavior a colonial lady should have. Next you would come across a man fondling a woman. The idea of a man touching a woman in such a way, with other women around, concludes that American women are easy. This sort of action is something you should not find in a normal 18th century get together. Also, looking at the table, it appears as though there is a document on it which everyone is signing. The lady to the right appears to be signing the paper. This could imply that these unruly Americans are signing a political document. The two women to the right look to be extremely belligerent, and the one to the left is awfully ugly. Nowadays, the people in this picture would be depicted as independent and carefree. However, during the 1700s, behavior such as this was seen as demeaning to the British, and women from that time period should never be acquainted with such notions.
At the bottom of the painting you would see three things that should catch your eye: a child, a dog and empty containers of gin. First of all, a child should not be subjected to this sort of behavior. Also, the child should not be on the floor to crawl around with the empty bottles of gin because that is unsanitary and is not where children should be kept. The dog appears to be peeing since his leg is lifted up and the empty containers of gin are just lying on the floor. All of this signifies that Americans are dirty and unsanitary people. This just adds injury to insult.
In conclusion the British painter who painted this picture is definitely trying to get a message across to his people. That message would be that the American patriots, who are trying to separate themselves from Great Britain, are nothing but a bunch of drunk, dirty, irresponsible whores and non-gentleman who cannot fend for themselves let alone run their own country. The answer to why we wanted to separate from England is now apparent. If you were disrespected this way even you would want to fight against a country of people who could imply such atrocious things as this.

Our group met on Friday, September 17 at 3:20 in the JC. We came up with ideas and a rough draft together. Then, Jackie took everything home and typed it up. After she was finished, everyone sent more ideas via email to one another. After another draft was composed, Jackie sent everything to April and she edited the paper.