The Kite Runner...Propaganda?!

For many the word Propaganda strikes visions of Hitler, communism, or corrupt campaigns. It is a word that owns a distinctively negative connotation. It is a powerful word, because it influences and controls the mind set and decision making for an individual and or for large populations. According to the Merriam- Webster Online Dictionary propaganda is defined as “ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s cause or to damage an opposing cause. A public action having such an effect.” While this definition does not necessarily emphasize it, propaganda’s power can also positively influence an individual or population. In this way, I view San Jose State’s deliberate implementation of Kite Runner as “good” propaganda, allowing many oppressed groups to be seen and heard, and to shape the readers’ perspectives of Afghanistan.

When referring to the Merriam- Webster definition of propaganda the word, deliberate is used to describe how the ideas, facts, or allegations are spread. In this sense, San Jose State has used the campus reading program and the novel to deliberately spread an idea or even more, a perspective. For the 2006-2007 academic year, San Jose State’s living and learning theme is Diversity. Because SJSU has such a large population of different people, people of color, gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, etc. use of the campus reading program is a promising way of grasping students, faculty, and staff.

As in many settings, institutions, and minds when referring to diversity many resort to a black and white image, and if not black and white it is typical to be only associated with race and color. Through implementing a novel such as Kite Runner a different culture and lifestyle is introduced to the SJSU community. Not only a different culture, but a culture that has many levels of negative views associated with it. Within Kite Runner there are many aspects of diversity that are introduced including the treatment of children, women, elderly, and ethnic groups. Because SJSU is determined to spread diversity, the novel Kite Runner deliberately aided in conveying this message.

On a larger scale, this novel holds strong impact in changing how many view Afghanistan and the citizens of Afghanistan. Since 9-11 and the War on Terrorism different perspectives and ideas float among our population of who is oppressed, how that impacts the U.S., and how the U.S. should or should not be aiding. After 9-11 many viewed all citizens of Afghanistan to be part of the Taliban, terrorists. As the war began, and as time began to heal wounds, large portions of the U.S. population grew more educated of the situation over seas, but were and still are blind to the situation. This novel gives insight as to the transformation of the country over decades. More importantly it gives insight on how “invisible” groups are oppressed, as well as more obvious groups such as women.

It is typical to associate oppression in Afghanistan with the oppression of women, and only of women. Prior to reading the novel typically the only form of oppression emphasized in association with Afghanistan was that women must cover their faces, that women should not speak, and that women must marry he whom her father chooses. After reading the novel one sees the oppression of children. The author in detail explains the lifestyle of children forced to live in orphanages because their parents have been killed or were separated from them. Not only are children not taken care of in orphanages, but they are used by leaders as either servants or sex objects. Another oppressed group mentioned in the novel are the Hazaras. We see the oppression of this group even through loved ones. While Amir’s father, referred to as Baba, has his half Hazara son, and loves him, he hides this identity and allows Hassan to act as a servant in his home. Even in the schools Amir’s teachers would preach to frown upon those of which are Hazara. These are just a few examples of discrimination facing Afghans. These are the points that the author must emphasize and refer to, in order to educate and gain sympathy for the narrator and for this nation.

One way of which propaganda is successfully implemented is through the use or abuse of human emotion. One emotion that controls the thoughts of and the actions of people is sympathy, and compassion. The novel Kite Runner reaches out to the audience through the use of children. In the first half of the novel the narrator describes his life and the life of his friend Hassan, as children. The narrator grasps the readers’ sympathy by explaining the life of Hassan and Hassan’s father as Hazaras in Afghanistan. The treatment that Hassan receives primarily among other children is horrific. The ideas that Amir, the narrator, explains that were taught in the schools is dumbfounding. The treatment of the Taliban toward Sohrab, Hassan’s son is frightening. All of these are examples of how the author strikes the emotions of the reader through children.

Another way of which the author grasps the readers’ emotions is through building a bridge between the author and the reader through proximity. While the narrator does grow up in Afghanistan, the narrator later moves to Fremont, attends SJSU, and begins a life in San Francisco. At this point the reader views the narrator no longer as an Afghan, but as a peer. At this point Amir is no longer half way around the world, but a student in our class, or the man in the Volkswagon stationed next to us at a stop light. Then, through placing Amir back in his homeland, the narrator once again strikes the reader through sympathizing with the peer’s new emotions and struggles. The reader trusts the narrator, and the author, because Amir is now an American.

Kite Runner serves as propaganda because it deliberately conveys a message to the SJSU population. Because it is opening the eyes of many to look further into diversity, and further into the war of which we are a part of it is “good” propaganda. Propaganda tactics that the author used included the use of children and proximity to gain compassion for the narrator, and for a nation. This fictional novel is eye opening, and opens the door for discussion and growth among our SJSU campus community.

Past the Cover...

When looking through the September issue of Cosmo, many things boggled through my mind that had been discussed throughout class. I noticed myself not finding the magazine as interesting as I once had. In this sense I recognized the truth behind the idea of, as we change our taste in magazines changes as well. Also, the concept of reading magazines that seem to be directed toward an older audience, but don’t actually attract that population. Within Cosmo one of the articles was titled Everything you Need to Know About Your Thirties. While women in their thirties may still read cosmo, by no means is that their largest population. I found it interesting that the advertisement just one page over from this article was for Noxema face wash, and one page after that, Pro Active face wash. Correct me if I’m wrong, but many people in their thirties are not dealing with what kind of face wash to use.

Another aspect of this magazine that I noticed, and was almost ashamed of, was its message to women concerning men. It seemed as though every other article was how to please your man, how to get a man, or how to keep a man. The entire magazine was focused on women needing men and women needing to succumb to men to keep them happy or satisfied. Even advertising inferred some of these concepts. There was an advertisement for green apple trident of which two apples were in a bed together. It was slightly humorous, and almost just as disturbing. Although I am nowhere near my thirties, I can sense a change of reading material coming soon.

Newspapers...

As we continue our journey and analysis of print versions vs. online or electronic versions I notice myself struggling to argue that print versions will never fade away. For example, one of the reasons it took me so long to complete this assignment, was because I found it to be out of my way to pick up the print version of the newspaper. On that same note, I noticed that I was only willing to do this assignment on a weekday, because those days the paper is sent directly to the residence halls, heaven forbid I should have to walk across the street to Seven Eleven and spend my time or money on a newspaper!

Enough talk of my laziness. As for content I found many pros and cons to both styles. I enjoyed having my print version with me to leisurely read throughout the day. I was able to let pictures sway me toward reading certain articles, and also skim through articles that I may not normally read. These are two aspects that are not as strong online. Online is formatted much more strictly. It is set up so it is typically easy to find specific topics you may be searching for. Online I was able to think of articles I had read earlier, and easily navigate to them. Another example, within different sections, lets say the sports section, there are drop menus on the left of the screen that allow you to navigate by areas of interest. On the sports section there was a list of local sports and teams, and by simply clicking on your team of choice, lets say SJSU, you can get info on that team. (http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/colleges/san_jose_state/) While this was convenient, if you do not know exactly what you want to read, the drop menus, and endless lists of topics may seem like a jumble of articles and words.

There is no doubt that to millions of Americans reading the morning newspaper with breakfast is a habit and a leisure they will not want to give up in the near future. However to many, the free and mostly organized online version may be more convenient.

Keep it Simple!

When thinking of media, many people’s minds direct them straight to commercial campaigns, celebrities, and paparazzi. With this week being fashion week in NYC I got to thinking about past, recent, and future fashion trends. In the fashion world of media much controversy and excitement has recently occurred due to GAP’s “Keep it Simple” campaign. As many have begun to notice, the skinny pant has been reintroduced, and Audrey Hepburn has become part of it. In this new GAP commercial campaign, ACDC’s hit “Back in Black” plays while clips of Hepburn dancing from the film Funny Face are shown.

While GAP representatives have been extremely zealous over this campaign, many Hepburn fans have mixed reviews. According to Kyle Andrew, vice president of Gap Marketing, this is in fact the first time in 12 years that a film clip of Hepburn has been given the authority to be used in a commercial campaign in North America. While many of Hepburn fan’s love these up beat commercials, there has been just as much if not more criticism concerning it. Hepburn has been a beauty and fashion icon for decades, and she is represented wonderfully in the commercials. While I love it, and think everyone should check it out, is it wrong to use these icons for the benefit of a company? Who is to tell when it is appropriate or when it is not? You can view the commercial on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk1MnEzvnLk. Enjoy…I hope!

I can do anything you can do better, I can do anything better than you...

When looking into propaganda and its presence in our society, it is everywhere. Because we have a society based so strongly on advertising and capitalism many marketing campaigns can be construed as propaganda. With the beginning of the school year just passing, and pledging being such a topic in Greek life, I looked into the Greek system, specifically fraternities, as a form of propaganda. Each fraternity house will set up a tent, and explain to anyone who will give them eye contact, how they are the best house on campus. They will have a list of stereotypes to run through when referring to other houses, and this is considered a reliable and unbiased opinion?

On a more specific level, the secrecy among houses feeds into this propaganda. Most houses have a manual and or pledge manual. Pledges are typically required to carry it with them at all times, and if lost or stolen sever punishment is to follow. Within the manual lies the secrets, rituals, history and more about the specific fraternity. Through this manual, and through meetings, glorification of the fraternity occurs. It explains how the specific fraternity has morals and objectives that supersede the other organizations, and how ritual and secrecy is what will make them unified and unique. In my mind the entire thing screams propaganda. The system allows many, not all, individuals to feel a sense of belonging to an organization, while frowning upon other organizations for beliefs that have similar or same bases but cannot be vocally shared.

I hope I was able to word this in a way that conveys my thoughts appropriately. It is all sorted out quite clearly in my mind, but I hope my words were able to live up to my thoughts.

"I'll Love you Forever, I'll Like you for Always..."

“I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for always. As long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.” I can still feel my mom lying in my bed reading her favorite bed-time story to me. Sitting on my shelf at home still lies the same paper back book my mom has reread to me countless amounts of times. As I grow older I anticipate reading from the same book, and one day my child will read it to his or her child.

Because our society has taken such a turn toward technology it is understandable that there would be concern of print becoming obsolete. In my own opinion, I cannot even begin to fathom the idea of this becoming a reality. I find it crucial to have books, study guides, etc in print in order to jot notes, mark pages, leisurely read wherever I please, and much more. Currently, I find myself printing out even journal articles from online sources, simply because I cannot stand reading off of the bright computer background. Similarly, are people going to resort to the computer to read night-time stories to their children or grand children? There are many reasons as such, that lead me to believe that printed sources will not become extinct. However, what if the dollar wins, and people do choose to buy media on CD’s or retrieve them free online?

This has begun to happen, primarily with online journals. I find myself constantly searching through journals online, rather than trekking throughout the Basement of the King Library. When resources become so convenient, one gets “sucked in.” Another great example of this is the SJSU class schedule. While students were so blessed in the past to have an in print copy for only a dollar or so, incoming students only know the world of online class schedules. This, however, was not viewed a convenience. Many students had a fit when this happened, and that was because there was no choice…it was ONLY offered online.

Buy Music

While it seems as though we live in a world filled with downloads, uploads, burning, and pirated media, there are still many consumers that buy products. If I were part of a record company, or an artist, I would look into the core reason of why these people buy instead of download. There is no doubt that the leading reason why people purchase music is out of loyalty for their favorite artists. In this case I would capitalize on these feelings, and attempt to make more consumers feel appreciated.

One way to gain loyalty is to have a few days in which the artists sit and hand sign sleeves of their debuting album. There is no doubt that their hands would be hurting, but this would easily persuade loyal fans to go out to the record store, and buy the album quickly, maybe fans would even travel to specific locations to pick it up! Other offers like an exclusive band T-shirt with purchase. Maybe include an exclusive band DVD, computer media, or secret tracks. Some companies have begun giving music samplers with CD purchases. This both gets music fans interested in purchasing the CD, but also introduces them to other bands on their label.

Lowering prices would indeed increase sales numbers, but if this is not feasible it is most important to make the consumer feel appreciated.

The New Buzzzz...

I was in the office today getting some work done before class, and I noticed my eyes trying ever so hard to shut. I looked away from the computer for a minute, and thought "Man...I could really go for a Rockstar." Suddenly it had me day dreaming. Maybe I feel like having a Red Bull today, I could sure use some wings. Nope, Nope…I definitely want a sugar-free No Fear instead!

There is an endless amount of energy drinks offered for any taste bud. It is unbelievable, and quite entertaining to see how far advertising, and companies, can go to promote fads. I was recently driving past a local liquor store, and noticed a billboard for the new energy drink “Hyphy.” There is another drink, decorated in a pink and catchy can called “Go Girl!” Even the name brand Von Dutch has released an energy drink! No longer are they a tasty beverage, but an accessory as well! For many, energy drinks have become the new coffee. For more, energy drinks have become the new addiction, and the companies know!

This summer I attended the Van’s Warped Tour, an all day concert, and Monster Energy Drink was a primary sponsor of the event. All around there were full and empty Monster cans. They actually had a bus set up in which you could lounge around and, for free, drink a Monster. I don’t care if you are an energy drink consumer or not, when a soda is four dollars and it is sweltering hot, you will take the free energy drink! Just like that, as Queen would say, Another One Bites the Dust!

Stealing or Sharing?

Networking has been a growing industry and a growing debate since 1999 when nineteen year old Shawn Fanning began Napster. There is no doubt that it has changed the industry of music dramatically, allowing hundreds of bands to become one-hit-wonders, rather opening the door for individual bands such as the The Rolling Stones to become epic musical influences of an era. However, from a monetary stand point, is it ethically wrong to share media files among friends or through networking?

Many will debate that sharing networks such as Napster or Kazaa are a new way of distributing and receiving music. In actuality, people have been finding ways to get music without buying albums for years. I still remember waiting near the radio, patiently awaiting the moment when my new favorite song would play. The D.J. would announce it, and I would make my quick dash to the stereo and press record only seconds into the song. Not only did I get my favorite song, but I would also have a compilation of all of my favorite new releases. As far as I see, this is not too far off from my recent downloading of files, and compiling of them into my new choice mix CD titled Jess's Favorites.

It is obvious that the downloading, and selling of today's top artists is an issue of which needed to be addressed. However, is it wrong to download music to get a feel for a band prior to investing in their CD? On another note, is it wrong to get music or movies from friends for personal use? There is no right or wrong answer to this topic. All one can do is use his or her best judgment. With or without growing technology it is something that has been going on for a few decades now. Luckily, sites such as myspace music and pure volume have allowed bands to display music at no cost. It is important to expose each other to new music, and to different types of music. Music is a universal language, and all should have the opportunity to explore it in its entirety.

What's With Hard-Core Dancing?

As a music-media consumer, I have begun to look into the types of things that attract people to the genre I most commonly associate with. While I have always preferred rock music to most other types, I have more specifically been listening to metal, screamo, and what is referred to as "hard-core" music. While I enjoy the talent and the charisma that these musicians have to offer, I cannot look past some of the interesting styles and personalities that come with the territory.

Last Monday night I attended a local show at The Cave in San Jose. The headliner was Haste the Day, but I was attending to see the band Scary Kids Scaring Kids. The energy was awesome, and the groups sounded great, but what is with the hard-core dancing?! Hard-core dancing, in case you do not know what I am referring to, is a style of "dancing" to metal and other types of hard rock. In many ways it is the new way to mosh. However, as a girl just wanting to hear a killer band, it is a bunch of skinny teenagers with tight pants flailing there arms and legs in a seizure-like motion. I am not going to lie, when this era of dancing began I enjoyed it, and it was entertaining to watch. However, as the pants of these dancers got tighter, the more violent they became. Now, many that once enjoyed hard-core dancing, are nervous to dance in fear that another will knock them out. If we all have a common passion for the music, why are so many people getting removed from shows because of fights that arise from this form of dancing?

When it comes down to it, I guess I would rather the focus revert back to the music, and away from the crazy trends.