For over hundreds of years the United States has fought a long, vicious war on attempting to control alcohol consumption among citizens. The United States had lost the first battle when the Prohibition that restricted the manufacturing and sale of alcoholic beverages had failed and caused a backlash from the American people. From there on the United States has struggled with alcohol consumption and a fluctuating minimum legal drinking age. After a few struggles with finding an appropriate drinking age; the country settled with the minimum legal drinking age at 21. However, it appears that another storm is on the horizon; within the past three years authority figures have resurfaced a controversial debate on lowering the legal minimum drinking age. The minimum legal drinking age should not be lowered because it decreases alcohol related health problems, driving accidents, and fatalities in young adults.
In 1917, Congress approved the 18th Amendment that prohibited the manufacture, sale, transportation, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the United States (McGrew). Before the 18th Amendment was ratified over half of the states were banning alcohol and by January 16, 1920 the entire country was dry (Prohibition). The leaders of prohibition, including the Anti-Saloon League and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, pressured the ban of alcoholic beverages because they were outraged by the drinking behavior of American and frustrated with Saloon owners who were bringing in gambling and prostitution into their establishments to create more business (Why Prohibition?). Enforcing the law on Prohibition was the most difficult task that the country faced. Crimes such as smuggling, bootlegging, and homemade alcohol concoctions increased. The enforcement of the prohibition soon proved to be impossible. On December 5, 1933 the prohibition ended (Prohibition).
After prohibition, the Federal Alcohol Control Administrations was established. The FACA was given power to grant and revoke alcoholic beverage industry permits, plant capacity and production, and prohibit false advertising of alcoholic beverages (McGrew). A minimum legal drinking age of 21 was also established at this time the legal drinking age remained at 21 until the 1970’s when 29 states lowered their drinking age to18, 19, and 20. Young adults were now being able to participate in voting, thus giving a reason why they should also be able to drink alcohol. After studies from the 1970’s showed significant evidence that after lowering the drinking age that there was a huge increase in alcohol related accident and fatalities, citizens urged that the legal drinking age be moved back up to 21. From 1976 and 1983, 16 states changed the drinking age to 21 (Minimum Legal). Finally in 1984, the Federal Union Drinking Age was signed into law. This law withholds 10 percent of Federal highway funds from any state that allows the purchase and possession of any alcohol beverage to an individual under the age of 21. All the states complied (Research Findings). Since 1984 the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) has stayed the same. In 2007 college presidents began speaking out and opening the debate on reducing the MLDA. College presidents, politicians, and supporters began organizations to support their claims.
In 2007 John M. McCardell Jr., former President of Middlebury College, founded a nonprofit organization called Choose Responsibility. This group was formed after McCardell was approached by the Robertson Foundation (A foundation that investigates consequence of the 21 year-old drinking age) to research and write a report on the 21 year-old drinking age. After the report received positive reviews McCardell received funds to start Choose Responsibility (About Choose Responsibility). Choose Responsibility believes that once the MLDA is lowered, individuals should be required to have alcohol education classes and a permit for drinking (Our Proposal Choose Responsibility).
In June 2008, McCardell was invited to speak at a meeting for the Annapolis Group, a group of 120 liberal colleges. While preparing for the presentation, McCardell contacted several long-time friends that were Annapolis Presidents and asked them about their thought on the 21 year-old drinking age. McCardell and his friends discovered they all had a common interest in reopening the debate to the public on lowering the drinking age. The group discussed the possibility of other college presidents supporting their opinions. They concluded that any college president agreeing with lowering the drinking can join their cause. Thus they created the Amethyst Initiative. To this day, 135 individuals have signed the Amethyst Initiative supporting lowering the drinking age (About Amethyst Initiative).
The Amethyst Initiative states that the twenty one is not working because “Adults under 21 are deemed capable of voting, signing contracts, serving on juries and enlisting in the military, but are told they are not mature enough to have a beer.” And that “A culture of dangerous, clandestine “binge-drinking”-often conducted off- campus –has developed.”
Amongst college presidents, several state politicians are urging the lowering of the drinking age. Seven states including Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Vermont are considering taking their own measures on the drinking age. Kentucky, Wisconsin, and South Carolina legislation introduced the idea of lowering the drinking age for military members only. While Vermont’s legislature is taking a task force to study the issue under consideration. Minnesota is considering a bill that would allow any individual 18 and older to purchase alcohol in bars and restaurants but not at liquor stores until they are 21 (Keen).
While several states and many college presidents are encouraging the lowering of the MLDA more than half of American citizens think otherwise. According to a 2007 Gallup Poll, “77 percent of Americans oppose of lowering the drinking age to 18.” (Keen). Amongst those opposed to the idea are large organizations such as Mother Against Drunk Driving (MADD), The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the American Medical Association (Parker). All three groups believe that the current MLDA has done exactly what it was established to do and should not be lowered.
“The 21 limit has been shown time and time again that it saves lives. I hope it doesn’t go anywhere,” says Jean Mulvey, the executive director of MADD (Henry). According to a 2008 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the MLDA laws have saved more than 26,000 lives since 1975. They also stated that the current drinking age law saves around 900 lives in traffic fatalities per year (Henry). If the drinking age was reduced, the number of motor vehicle injuries and fatalities would increase. “Twenty-eight percent of 15-20 year old drivers who were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2005 had been drinking” (Impaired Driving SADD). Young drivers have very little experience as it while driving and cause a high number of accidents every year, adding the alcohol would be a highly dangerous mix.
Along with traffic safety, alcohol at a young age can cause severe health problems. During adolescence the body goes through many changes such as hormonal alterations and brain development. Exposing the brain to alcohol during this transition can interrupt the brains developmental process. The U.S. Government publication, Prevention Alert, confronted teen alcohol abuse and the negative side effects attached to it. The study stated that small doses of alcohol in teens can lead to learning impairments that could affect academic and occupational achievement. In one experiment between alcohol-dependent and nondependent teens from ages 15-16 showed that alcohol-dependent teens had a greater difficulty remembering works and simple geometric designs. Other studies showed that alcohol interacted with conditions such as depression and stress that contributed to suicide. Alcohol poisoning is a major health concern for drinkers. In 1995, 318 people from the ages of 15-24 died from alcohol poisoning (The Health Effects Teen Drug Abuse). Drinking alcohol at an early age can lead to alcohol dependence later in life. Over forty percent of youth who start drinking before age 13 develop alcohol abuse later in life (Wechsler Wuethrich 72).
With the current drinking age many minors still have the capability of getting alcohol. Fifty eight percent of 12th grade students have reported being drunk at least once in their life. While twenty percent of 8th graders reported being drunk at least once in their life (Underage Drinking SADD). Underage drinking is a huge problem in the United States and no one seems to have answers to solve it. With lowering the drinking age to 18 we are allowing individuals who have broken and disrespected our current laws the right to drink. Lowering the drinking age will give youth ages under the age of 18 easier access to alcohol.
An argument for supports of lowering the drinking is that in European countries many legal drinking ages are at 16 years and they have no problem with drinking; they are wrong. Binge drinking is an increasing and deadly fad in Europe. In 1999, 55,000 youths aged 15-21 died from alcohol. In a study of thirty European countries, binge drinking in 15-17 year olds increased in all 30 countries (Wechsler Wuethrich 81).In 1999, New Zealand lowered the drinking age from 20 to 18. Since the decrease traffic crashes and injuries have increased twelve percent for 18-19 year old males and fourteen percent for 18-19 year old females (Lowering the Drinking Age Join Together).
The minimum legal drinking age has set out and fulfilled its purpose from that start. It saves hundreds of lives every year. It decreases health problems, injuries and driving accidents in young adults. If the drinking age was lowered in all areas would we see a decrease in negative effects from alcohol consumption. In no way would lowering the drinking age have any positive effects on young adults and their futures.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Demons in Different Religions and Cultures
Demon mythology has been around for centuries; dating to before there was any human records and is known throughout many religions and cultures across the world. Throughout the years demon mythology has been passed down and depicted differently through every culture. The word demon derives from the Greek word daimon, meaning a supernatural spirit or power of an inferior sort. Demons have not always been associated with evil and menacing spirits as how they are viewed by today.
In pre-Islamic times there was no difference between gods or demons. Jinns (Genies) are supernatural beings made from smokeless fire by Allah (God), that live among humans and angels. The Jinns were the only beings that had freewill other than humans. Jinns could take on human and animal shapes to lore men into doing good or evil. The leader of this group is Iblis (the devil according to the Qur’an). According to tradition Iblis refused to bow down to Allah’s newly created man, Adam, because Iblis felt superior to any other being because he was made of fire. He still continues to tempt humans through whispers and false suggestions. It is believed that one day Iblis will be cast to Jahannon (hell).
In Judaism, Lilith is the princess of all demons. It is said that she was the first wife of Adam before God gave him Eve. Lilith refused Adam when he tried to make her lie beneath him during sexual intercourse. Not wanting to be dominated by a man, Lilith ran to the red sea where she cursed out three angels that God sent to bring her back to Adam. While at the red sea Lilith became a lover to demons and produced more than one hundred children a day. God told her that her demon children would go away if she did not go back to Adam. She again refused and was punished while Adam was given Eve to fill Lilith’s place. After being punished by God, Lilith became the wife of Samael, the angel of death. Lilith went on to seduce men and kill off newborn children. Even though the legend of Lilith died out, her daughters, Lilim, went thousands of years torturing men. It is said that men who experience nocturnal emissions are being seduced by Lilith and her daughters.
In Hindu and Buddhist religions there are many demons. Vritra (the enemy of the gods), Yama (the king of death) and Ravana (the Demon King) are just a few of the several dozen in Hindu culture. Rakshasa is one of the more well known demons. Rakshasa uses its powers to distract men from their true path and spiritual progression.
Christian beliefs in demons were adopted by Judaism traditions. Christians say that demons are fallen angels that conspired against God and his kingdom under their leader Satan. They were cast out of heaven by the archangel Michael and the other holy angels to realm the Earth. Not much is known about the battle to get the rebels out of the heavens because the war happened long before human records or possibly human existence. Satan and his worshipers have been allowed to tempt and induce humans into doing wrong. Like many other religions there are several different demons that all have different purposes. In present day, Liberal day Christians consider demon reference in the bible to have no value and have no longer believe in the existence of demons. On the other hand conservative Christians still believe that they are demons.
For centuries every culture or religion has had their own tales and ideas about demons. No matter what religion you look at all, of them seem to have a lot of similarities on their beliefs.
In pre-Islamic times there was no difference between gods or demons. Jinns (Genies) are supernatural beings made from smokeless fire by Allah (God), that live among humans and angels. The Jinns were the only beings that had freewill other than humans. Jinns could take on human and animal shapes to lore men into doing good or evil. The leader of this group is Iblis (the devil according to the Qur’an). According to tradition Iblis refused to bow down to Allah’s newly created man, Adam, because Iblis felt superior to any other being because he was made of fire. He still continues to tempt humans through whispers and false suggestions. It is believed that one day Iblis will be cast to Jahannon (hell).
In Judaism, Lilith is the princess of all demons. It is said that she was the first wife of Adam before God gave him Eve. Lilith refused Adam when he tried to make her lie beneath him during sexual intercourse. Not wanting to be dominated by a man, Lilith ran to the red sea where she cursed out three angels that God sent to bring her back to Adam. While at the red sea Lilith became a lover to demons and produced more than one hundred children a day. God told her that her demon children would go away if she did not go back to Adam. She again refused and was punished while Adam was given Eve to fill Lilith’s place. After being punished by God, Lilith became the wife of Samael, the angel of death. Lilith went on to seduce men and kill off newborn children. Even though the legend of Lilith died out, her daughters, Lilim, went thousands of years torturing men. It is said that men who experience nocturnal emissions are being seduced by Lilith and her daughters.
In Hindu and Buddhist religions there are many demons. Vritra (the enemy of the gods), Yama (the king of death) and Ravana (the Demon King) are just a few of the several dozen in Hindu culture. Rakshasa is one of the more well known demons. Rakshasa uses its powers to distract men from their true path and spiritual progression.
Christian beliefs in demons were adopted by Judaism traditions. Christians say that demons are fallen angels that conspired against God and his kingdom under their leader Satan. They were cast out of heaven by the archangel Michael and the other holy angels to realm the Earth. Not much is known about the battle to get the rebels out of the heavens because the war happened long before human records or possibly human existence. Satan and his worshipers have been allowed to tempt and induce humans into doing wrong. Like many other religions there are several different demons that all have different purposes. In present day, Liberal day Christians consider demon reference in the bible to have no value and have no longer believe in the existence of demons. On the other hand conservative Christians still believe that they are demons.
For centuries every culture or religion has had their own tales and ideas about demons. No matter what religion you look at all, of them seem to have a lot of similarities on their beliefs.
Why the College Dropout Rates are so High
For decades America has attempted to get more young adults into college and yet even with the high enrollment rates the college dropout rates are skyrocketing high. According to a study from 2007 by the Department of Education over 30 percent of college students drop out after the first year and almost 50 percent never graduate. The increasingly high college dropout rate is a growing problem that America faces. Many educators and other officials are trying to find answers and solutions to this problem.
No one can say for sure what the reasons are behind so many students are dropping out of college. Among the many reasons students have for leaving college are financial struggles and simply because they were not prepared for college.
Government officials and educators believe that a majority of students who graduate from high school aren’t academically ready to handle college level classes. While students are in high school many students decided to take it easy their senior year. Since most high schools only require students to take three years of science and social studies courses some students feel they no longer need courses in those fields. College administrators say this is one of the reasons why students aren’t prepared for college. They claim that the student is wasting a year of his or her education to take easier classes that won’t necessarily prepare them for college level courses. Also, students are finding that they have to take remedial classes in math, reading and English to catch up with their peers. Even when taking remedial classes students are still struggling to get by. Homework and studying come in heavy loads in college, while college freshmen barely spent two hours a night on homework in high school. College freshmen do not have the proper studying and note-taking techniques that are needed to succeed in college courses.
Along with students not being academically prepared for college, others may find themselves not being able to handle the freedoms and responsibilities that come along with leaving home for higher education. A high number of students drop out of college because they cannot find a proper balance between social and academic life. According to recent studies 1,400 college students die every year because of alcohol poisoning, drunk driving, dangerous pranks and other risky behaviors (all alcohol related). The majority of those students being college freshmen. Sara Stanton, a student at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire recalls her freshmen year; "I remember going to parties every night for the first couple of weeks. There aren't any major exams or papers for the first couple of weeks, so you're almost lulled into a false sense of security. But you snap out of it pretty quick. I remember feeling like the grasshopper that played all summer; now it was my turn to pay, (Whitborne, 2).” Excessive partying and dating takes time away from students from their studies and though at first they may seem to be able to keep up with their work, in the end the results are poor and failing grades.
A fairly new reason for students leaving college is an increase in mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. In a 2005 survey, 90 percent of college counseling centers reported seeing students with more serious mental illnesses. The increase is leaving many colleges struggling with ways to address this problem. A majority of colleges have programs that help students with emotional needs. Some schools give students with mental illnesses the choice between a six month voluntary leave or a twelve month involuntary leave to get back on track. While other schools such as The University of Illinois have created a suicide prevention program. The program includes four sessions of therapy after a suicide attempt or threat from a student. The university claims that the suicide rate has been cut in half since the program was initiated in the 1980’s.
Lastly, financial reasons seem to be at the top of the charts for why many students do not finish their degrees. According to 2007 statistics, 38 percent of college dropouts leave school due to financial problems. An average student attending college for a four year degree totals in more than $15,000 to $20,000 of debt by the time they graduate. The increase in tuition and decline in student grants makes it very difficult for students to be able to pay off loans and debt. On top of tuition costs, students have to pay for books, food, and other necessities. With all these costs in mind, many students can’t afford to finish school or even afford to pay for what little college they have completed.
Whatever the reasons may be behind students leaving college, one thing for certain is that the college dropout rate is an increasing problem throughout the nation. College preparation in high school is just one of the few things educators and officials could improve. Creating student success programs, freshman studies classes, suicide awareness, and funding to start these programs and continue research on how colleges can produce more graduating students could be a few solutions to our nations problem.
No one can say for sure what the reasons are behind so many students are dropping out of college. Among the many reasons students have for leaving college are financial struggles and simply because they were not prepared for college.
Government officials and educators believe that a majority of students who graduate from high school aren’t academically ready to handle college level classes. While students are in high school many students decided to take it easy their senior year. Since most high schools only require students to take three years of science and social studies courses some students feel they no longer need courses in those fields. College administrators say this is one of the reasons why students aren’t prepared for college. They claim that the student is wasting a year of his or her education to take easier classes that won’t necessarily prepare them for college level courses. Also, students are finding that they have to take remedial classes in math, reading and English to catch up with their peers. Even when taking remedial classes students are still struggling to get by. Homework and studying come in heavy loads in college, while college freshmen barely spent two hours a night on homework in high school. College freshmen do not have the proper studying and note-taking techniques that are needed to succeed in college courses.
Along with students not being academically prepared for college, others may find themselves not being able to handle the freedoms and responsibilities that come along with leaving home for higher education. A high number of students drop out of college because they cannot find a proper balance between social and academic life. According to recent studies 1,400 college students die every year because of alcohol poisoning, drunk driving, dangerous pranks and other risky behaviors (all alcohol related). The majority of those students being college freshmen. Sara Stanton, a student at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire recalls her freshmen year; "I remember going to parties every night for the first couple of weeks. There aren't any major exams or papers for the first couple of weeks, so you're almost lulled into a false sense of security. But you snap out of it pretty quick. I remember feeling like the grasshopper that played all summer; now it was my turn to pay, (Whitborne, 2).” Excessive partying and dating takes time away from students from their studies and though at first they may seem to be able to keep up with their work, in the end the results are poor and failing grades.
A fairly new reason for students leaving college is an increase in mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. In a 2005 survey, 90 percent of college counseling centers reported seeing students with more serious mental illnesses. The increase is leaving many colleges struggling with ways to address this problem. A majority of colleges have programs that help students with emotional needs. Some schools give students with mental illnesses the choice between a six month voluntary leave or a twelve month involuntary leave to get back on track. While other schools such as The University of Illinois have created a suicide prevention program. The program includes four sessions of therapy after a suicide attempt or threat from a student. The university claims that the suicide rate has been cut in half since the program was initiated in the 1980’s.
Lastly, financial reasons seem to be at the top of the charts for why many students do not finish their degrees. According to 2007 statistics, 38 percent of college dropouts leave school due to financial problems. An average student attending college for a four year degree totals in more than $15,000 to $20,000 of debt by the time they graduate. The increase in tuition and decline in student grants makes it very difficult for students to be able to pay off loans and debt. On top of tuition costs, students have to pay for books, food, and other necessities. With all these costs in mind, many students can’t afford to finish school or even afford to pay for what little college they have completed.
Whatever the reasons may be behind students leaving college, one thing for certain is that the college dropout rate is an increasing problem throughout the nation. College preparation in high school is just one of the few things educators and officials could improve. Creating student success programs, freshman studies classes, suicide awareness, and funding to start these programs and continue research on how colleges can produce more graduating students could be a few solutions to our nations problem.
Fight Club Lighting Analysis
David Fincher’s Fight Club is probably best known for its unique lighting. Cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth combined cinematographic styles from Fincher’s past films such as Seven and The Game for Fight Club. The cinematography throughout the film is what attracted audiences and really made the film stand out.
Low key lighting was used for most of the film, while the only high key lighting was used during scenes with just the narrator. The high key lighting during these scenes gave it a realistic feel. On the other hand when Tyler Durden was in the scenes with the narrator the lighting was low key to give off and unrealistic vibe. More than half of the film was shot at night, but even the daylight scenes are somewhat shadowed and dark. All of the scenes throughout the film seem to be not heavily lit.
A color theme of desaturated colors was used throughout the film. This technique made the characters look shiny, dark and unrealistic. Most of the film has green yellow tint, very dark, under exposed and unnatural colors. The lighting was used as a visual metaphor for the unrealistic, negative life of the narrator.
Adding all the elements of the lighting together, the dark, desaturated and unnatural colors visually give emphasis to the plot of the film. The cinematographic techniques throughout the film gave the audience a unique experience.
Low key lighting was used for most of the film, while the only high key lighting was used during scenes with just the narrator. The high key lighting during these scenes gave it a realistic feel. On the other hand when Tyler Durden was in the scenes with the narrator the lighting was low key to give off and unrealistic vibe. More than half of the film was shot at night, but even the daylight scenes are somewhat shadowed and dark. All of the scenes throughout the film seem to be not heavily lit.
A color theme of desaturated colors was used throughout the film. This technique made the characters look shiny, dark and unrealistic. Most of the film has green yellow tint, very dark, under exposed and unnatural colors. The lighting was used as a visual metaphor for the unrealistic, negative life of the narrator.
Adding all the elements of the lighting together, the dark, desaturated and unnatural colors visually give emphasis to the plot of the film. The cinematographic techniques throughout the film gave the audience a unique experience.
Fight Club Editing Analysis
David Finchers Fight Club is a dark satire that is narrated by a nameless businessman who follows every order given to him and is nothing out of the ordinary until he meets his soon to be friend Tyler Durden. The two start a fight club and at first get along quite well until the narrator starts resenting Durdens ideas and begins to realize that he is Tyler Durden. Fight Clubs editing style helps the audience understand the narrators thought process, the intense fighting sequences, and the narrator’s realization of his alter ego Tyler Durden.
In the beginning of the movie subliminal messages are added in a few scenes before the narrator meets Durden. The editor inserted one frame of Durden so that in just a glimpse of the eye, the audience would be able to see him. This allows the audience to piece together that the narrator is slowly starting to create Durden in his mind and that both characters have significant meaning to each other.
The film lacks a formal structure, which is replaced by random jump shots, inner thoughts of the narrator, and flashbacks. This informal structure adds to the chaos and confusion of the narrator’s journey throughout the movie. Also, throughout the movie are cuts to the narrators inner thought process. The film cuts to a frozen cave where the narrator seems to walking about aimlessly trying to figure out his problems. One of the scenes with in the frozen cave the narrator sees Marla, a women who he notices is also addicted to attending self help groups. Adding this scene within movie allows the audience to see how the narrator is captivated by her.
During the action sequences of the film, short shots and fast edits are used. These techniques are used in these scenes of movie to make the audience feel like they are actually in the fight. It engages the audience to feel the quick punches and the rushing adrenaline of the fighters.
The editing of Fight Club allows the audience to understand what is going on within the world of the narrator and to understand that Tyler Durden is just an alter ego. It also allows the audience to feel emotionally involved within the movie.
In the beginning of the movie subliminal messages are added in a few scenes before the narrator meets Durden. The editor inserted one frame of Durden so that in just a glimpse of the eye, the audience would be able to see him. This allows the audience to piece together that the narrator is slowly starting to create Durden in his mind and that both characters have significant meaning to each other.
The film lacks a formal structure, which is replaced by random jump shots, inner thoughts of the narrator, and flashbacks. This informal structure adds to the chaos and confusion of the narrator’s journey throughout the movie. Also, throughout the movie are cuts to the narrators inner thought process. The film cuts to a frozen cave where the narrator seems to walking about aimlessly trying to figure out his problems. One of the scenes with in the frozen cave the narrator sees Marla, a women who he notices is also addicted to attending self help groups. Adding this scene within movie allows the audience to see how the narrator is captivated by her.
During the action sequences of the film, short shots and fast edits are used. These techniques are used in these scenes of movie to make the audience feel like they are actually in the fight. It engages the audience to feel the quick punches and the rushing adrenaline of the fighters.
The editing of Fight Club allows the audience to understand what is going on within the world of the narrator and to understand that Tyler Durden is just an alter ego. It also allows the audience to feel emotionally involved within the movie.
Art As A Political Statement
Throughout the ages art has been a way for people to express many things, including documenting a place or certain era, allowing individuals to express their feelings, beliefs, theories and dreams. One huge factor that influenced the way that artists expressed themselves was the society they live in. Politics, race, economics, and war are all major influences in the famous artwork we see in museums today. Two artists in particular that drew deep inspiration from politics are Max Beckmann and Ben Shaun. Though both artists are from completely different art movements, they share several close similarities in their passion for art.
Max Beckmann, a German artist, was a part of an art group within the Expressionist movement called Die Neue Sachlichkeit (The New Objectivity). Beckmann began studying art in 1900 at Grossherzogliche Kunstschule, an art academy in Weimar. After completing his studies he made several trips to Paris to paint and endeavor in the art scene. After moving to Berlin he became a very accomplished painter in Impressionism styles by painting landscapes, self portraits, scenes of mythology and religious subjects. When World War 1 broke out in 1914 Beckmann was a supporter of the war and joined German forces in medical corps. After a year of duty, Beckmann suffered a mental break down and was medically discharged. (Max). After the war there was a huge change in Beckmann’s painting. The colors in his painting became more vivid, the subjects that he was painting were malicious, depicting scenes of death and torture. After seeing combat, Beckmann realized the tragedies and inhumanity of war. He often used allegorical figures in his paintings and kept this signature for the rest of his life (Beginning). One of the most famous of Beckmann’s painting was Night.
This painting depicts three intruders in a small room that are injuring what is said to be a husband and wife. The husband is being hanged and appears to be screaming in, while the wife who has eligibly been raped and is bound by her hands. There is also another woman that is cowering in the corner on the painting (Gardner’s). The crowded composition of the painting gives off the idea of utter confusion and chaos that is taking place within the scene. Red is the dominant color within the painting and I wonder to myself if it’s just a coincidence or irony that red is the color of blood and that within this scene much blood was shed. You could also relate the color red to the war in which Beckmann served in. The dominant color of red that is also seen in many of his other painting could be a symbolism of the high amount of bloodshed he saw during action. This painting in particular has a lot to say about Beckmann’s new view on the world. The war really did change his mind into believing that humans are cold and heartless creatures.
Unlike Max Beckmann, Ben Shaun was a Jewish immigrant that came with his mother to Brooklyn in 1906 to meet up his father who a socialist. While living in America Shaun became an apprentice to a lithographer which paved the way for his art career (Common). In later years Shaun studied at New York University and the National Academy of Design. At college he met Walker Evans a photographer who he shared a studio space with and whom influenced him on starting his own photography. From there Shaun worked on morals and other commissioned work. However, his first major paintings that got him into the art scene and the most famous pieces were created in his earlier years when he began painting in the Social Realism movement.
The Passion of Sacco and Vanzetti was a serious of twenty three painting that were inspired from the murder of two anarchists (Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti) who were blackmailed and executed (Ben). Shaun also created ink drawings, three serigraphs, and a mosaic mural on the trial. Ben Shaun identified with these two men because he believed they fell victim to the Red Scare, a period of intense anti-foreigner sentiment suffered by Jews, Italians and other immigrants (The Passion). Shaun profoundly stood up for these men when justice could not be found and they were wrongfully trialed and hanged. The most famous of this collection being the painting of Sacco and Vanzetti outside of the courthouse in their coffins with two attorneys holding lilies and the judge standing over them. In my opinion one of the most interesting things about this painting is the solemn look about the three men’s faces. There they stand before two dead men who were wrongfully convicted without any representation of feelings on their face. It makes the mood of the painting feel very eerie and you get that idea that something isn’t right. Which is most likely what Shaun wanted viewers to experience when they looked at the painting. Going back to Shaun’s background I believe that his dad was possibly quite a big influence on his politically beliefs. Whatever the reason may be Ben Shaun used art to express his feeling on politics and the injustices in American Society.
Both artists, Max Beckmann and Ben Shaun are extremely influential artists in history. Though both artists were from different backgrounds and art movement there is two things they both greatly have in common. One being the passion to put worth their own ideas on society and politics in a visual way to share with others. These two artists weren’t afraid to express their thoughts and theories on a subject that most people tend to keep quiet. By breaking boundaries they made world history and are globally known for making a difference. Another great similarity is the effect that politics have on their art, beliefs, and lifestyles.
Max Beckmann, a German artist, was a part of an art group within the Expressionist movement called Die Neue Sachlichkeit (The New Objectivity). Beckmann began studying art in 1900 at Grossherzogliche Kunstschule, an art academy in Weimar. After completing his studies he made several trips to Paris to paint and endeavor in the art scene. After moving to Berlin he became a very accomplished painter in Impressionism styles by painting landscapes, self portraits, scenes of mythology and religious subjects. When World War 1 broke out in 1914 Beckmann was a supporter of the war and joined German forces in medical corps. After a year of duty, Beckmann suffered a mental break down and was medically discharged. (Max). After the war there was a huge change in Beckmann’s painting. The colors in his painting became more vivid, the subjects that he was painting were malicious, depicting scenes of death and torture. After seeing combat, Beckmann realized the tragedies and inhumanity of war. He often used allegorical figures in his paintings and kept this signature for the rest of his life (Beginning). One of the most famous of Beckmann’s painting was Night.
This painting depicts three intruders in a small room that are injuring what is said to be a husband and wife. The husband is being hanged and appears to be screaming in, while the wife who has eligibly been raped and is bound by her hands. There is also another woman that is cowering in the corner on the painting (Gardner’s). The crowded composition of the painting gives off the idea of utter confusion and chaos that is taking place within the scene. Red is the dominant color within the painting and I wonder to myself if it’s just a coincidence or irony that red is the color of blood and that within this scene much blood was shed. You could also relate the color red to the war in which Beckmann served in. The dominant color of red that is also seen in many of his other painting could be a symbolism of the high amount of bloodshed he saw during action. This painting in particular has a lot to say about Beckmann’s new view on the world. The war really did change his mind into believing that humans are cold and heartless creatures.
Unlike Max Beckmann, Ben Shaun was a Jewish immigrant that came with his mother to Brooklyn in 1906 to meet up his father who a socialist. While living in America Shaun became an apprentice to a lithographer which paved the way for his art career (Common). In later years Shaun studied at New York University and the National Academy of Design. At college he met Walker Evans a photographer who he shared a studio space with and whom influenced him on starting his own photography. From there Shaun worked on morals and other commissioned work. However, his first major paintings that got him into the art scene and the most famous pieces were created in his earlier years when he began painting in the Social Realism movement.
The Passion of Sacco and Vanzetti was a serious of twenty three painting that were inspired from the murder of two anarchists (Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti) who were blackmailed and executed (Ben). Shaun also created ink drawings, three serigraphs, and a mosaic mural on the trial. Ben Shaun identified with these two men because he believed they fell victim to the Red Scare, a period of intense anti-foreigner sentiment suffered by Jews, Italians and other immigrants (The Passion). Shaun profoundly stood up for these men when justice could not be found and they were wrongfully trialed and hanged. The most famous of this collection being the painting of Sacco and Vanzetti outside of the courthouse in their coffins with two attorneys holding lilies and the judge standing over them. In my opinion one of the most interesting things about this painting is the solemn look about the three men’s faces. There they stand before two dead men who were wrongfully convicted without any representation of feelings on their face. It makes the mood of the painting feel very eerie and you get that idea that something isn’t right. Which is most likely what Shaun wanted viewers to experience when they looked at the painting. Going back to Shaun’s background I believe that his dad was possibly quite a big influence on his politically beliefs. Whatever the reason may be Ben Shaun used art to express his feeling on politics and the injustices in American Society.
Both artists, Max Beckmann and Ben Shaun are extremely influential artists in history. Though both artists were from different backgrounds and art movement there is two things they both greatly have in common. One being the passion to put worth their own ideas on society and politics in a visual way to share with others. These two artists weren’t afraid to express their thoughts and theories on a subject that most people tend to keep quiet. By breaking boundaries they made world history and are globally known for making a difference. Another great similarity is the effect that politics have on their art, beliefs, and lifestyles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)