Hollywood Coddles Abusers

I think Todd Van Der Werff has a very good point in his article about Hollywood abuse of actors. I feel like he was very clear in claiming that abuse in Hollywood does not go as far as sexual abuse. There is physical and emotional abuse that takes place too. He talks about many famous directors that have made famous and great films, but did not have the best attitude or treatment of the actors.

I though it was interesting and daring for Van Der Werff to make these connections to other directors that were not the kindest because he goes on to say that they have made great and fabulous films, even ones that he loves, but it does not excuse their behavior. Additionally, I thought it was very important and crucial that he mention that there is little to no excuse for abuse in any form in Hollywood and that sometimes stars hide their true feelings from the press.

Overall, I thought this article was well written. It was open minded and looked at Hollywood from many different points of view to analyze abuse behind the silver screen. It was important for him to note the many types of abuse and that it isn't always so easy to spot, even to the press and those on the set.

Jesus Camp Thoughts

Jesus Camp Thoughts

Watching Jesus Camp was both an unintentionally comical and infuriating experience. This documentary sheds light on the ignorance of an overwhelming 25% of the American population that practices Evangelical Christianity.

Signs of deception and scare tactics are extremely clear, brainwashing children to the point where they are sobbing, speaking gibberish with their eyes rolling back. They think they are speaking in tongues. While the children and their families believe this is an enlightening moment for them, the reality is that they are being manipulated through embarrassment and shame.

Telling children that they are all sinners and they need to be reborn or else they will go to hell is not a type of faith practice. The only consistent idea I thought when watching this documentary was that Evangelical Christians were unknowingly a part of a cult. The rituals, beliefs, homeschooling, everything consistently sparked red flags in my mind.

The first half of the film I could not contain my laughter, with the ridiculous statements
and normalcies of the people being documented. When the sequence of the film revolving around
abortion was screened, however, I quickly became filled with disgust and anger. These children,
no older than 12-years-old, were being told what to think about a very controversial, sensitive,
and most importantly adult issue. The maturity needed to understand this topic is far beyond that
of a 12-year-old. Scaring the children away from the truth to push the Evangelical Christian
agenda is so disturbing.

We then realize that this Evangelical Christian movement truly has the intentions of pushing conservative votes, and keeping church and state united. This is validated when we see the leader of Jesus Camp dance around the subject during her radio interview. She is accused of raising a children army to push her own political agenda, and she gets caught in her lies.

I think that more people need to see documentaries like this; no one believes that groups like this have enough power to make serious change. But, then we look at our past election, and that 25% made all the difference. It is important to stay on top of topics like this and be an advocate for what you believe is right. Staying out of the conversation makes it so much easier for things like this to unravel.

Lee Atwater Response

Lee Atwater was a brilliant spin doctor. It was seen throughout the entire documentary that his entire life revolved around the way that he responded to the media and I think that is what made him such a big figure during his time. Although I did not agree with his beliefs I can respect his ability when it came to campaigns. He had techniques that always resulted in victory. 

I think that the documentary gave great insight into his personality and what his life was life. During the film, when they said that once he got sick it had to be very difficult for him that no one seemed to care or talk about him anymore. I think that shows the true color of politics. When he was in the medias face obviously everyone was talking about him, but once he became weaker and more quiet he was not the main topic of discussion. I don't think I would have thought of that if the documentary didn't bring that aspect up. 

The entire film came full circle, when at the end they state that they found Lee's bible after he had passed away still in the wrap when he had first bought it. This was so powerful because toward the end of his life he was telling people that he had turned to the Bible and was looking into different faiths and passages in order to help him create an understanding for an after life. When in reality he was just being a spin doctor up until his last breath. This documentary gave great insight into the story of Lee Atwater and was really well done. 

Hollywood Coddles Abusers Response

This article was definitely an interesting read between learning more about propaganda and taking a film class specifically based around Hitchcock's films and style of film production. It is no secret that Hitchcock was known for his twisted and mysterious films which is said to have made his films the most iconic films of all time.

This brings forth the question of whether or not his twisted mind played a part into his brilliant work. Hitchcock was known for hiring physically pleasing women as his leads in his film. A majority of his films focus on gender roles, and the male gaze toward women. Much of his films were extremely objectifying which is why his work reflected so greatly on his own personality.

Throughout history the film industry has had multiply incidents regarding men physically sexually or mentally abusing women within the industry. The latest has been concern Harvey Weinstein and unfortunately I don't think it will be the last.

What I liked about this article is how it spoke about how this industry is also full of journalist who have the power to positively address the issue. This industry is full of opinion leaders so if any industry can address this issue and make a positive impact its this one. It is completely possible to create amazing work without being an asshole.

Lee Atwater - The Disney Villain Story that you never heard

Wow.

This story has the potential to be a blockbuster drama.

After watching this documentary, it really opened my eyes to the extremist world of politics that runs our world.  Not by the extremist political policies, no, but the extremist attitudes, strategies, and individuals that will stop at nothing to get what he/she/they want and achieve his/her/their goals.

Perhaps, the poster child of this characteristic, is none other than infamous political consultant and strategist, Lee Atwater.

Atwater is one of the most conniving figures in political history, first gaining notoriety off of his work with the Reagan presidential campaign.  He became popular with both parties as his bluegrass and slander tactics ended off beneficial for Reagan.  Many republicans saw Atwater as a rising figure with star-like potential, but a few joined the Democrats in viewing his tactics as vile, even drawing some claims of racism and prejudice.

Atwater became infamous for his interactions with the media and his ability to skew the truth and essentially lie in order to paint himself, his party, and his presidential candidate in a more positively light.  In the moment this proved successful, but in due time, people began to see the type of person Atwater truly was.

Unfortunately, Atwater found out that karma may be more true than not after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Even on his deathbed, Atwater lived his life in a facade as he pretended to change his ways and become a man of faith.

Although Atwater's story seems to be unfortunately fit for a man of such actions, a larger problem lies at hand.

While many believe Atwater's tactics paved the path for the politics and lies of today, the fact is that this type of propaganda is nothing new to society, and that this type of manipulation has been occurring for centuries.  Atwater's story is merely another instance of what can happen to an individual, party, and following when expose to such lies and actions.

The knowledge of Atwater's past and tactics shouldn't directly influence your opinion on the politics of today.  However, it should garner a change in how you view and evaluate such tactics and news.  Keep your eyes open wide, and make your own decisions, because there will always be someone like Atwater waiting to make the decision for you.