#assignment 18

[michaeldp123-blog]

Camera Lucida Part 2

Although I don't really understand the meanings of stadium and punctum, it is interesting to me that a photograph can capture the past and the incoming future that we could basically predict. For example, the photo with the quote "he is dead and he is going to die" shows us that a simple photo can be easily determined that it has some sort of depressing element. He said even stated that "each photograph always contains this imperious sign of my future death", but also in each photograph there is always an "excited world of the living, and challenges in each of us."

[waitingforthechirp]

Catching Fire, The Condemned, and Our Current Society

The reaction of Capitol citizens (notably Effie and the prep team) of Katniss returning to the games is telling, shows that this is the first time they have thought of the tributes as human beings. This dehumanization is central to the games and, if it breaks down, they are much less likely to provide the distraction for the Capital citizens, which is part of their intent (186, 204-205, 246-247).

              Tributes holding hands during interview is a brief strike against the enforced isolation, which keeps the capitol strong. Unity (partly) breaks down in arena, when tributes lives are at stake. (258, 275-277)

            This is true for Katniss too, when she tries to put down rebellions, or run away, in order to save herself and her family.

              Story about destroyed District 13 designed to inspire fear, reminiscent of government cover-ups? (139-150)

              Theme in Catching Fire of “simple life,” working to provide for self/living off the land. Katniss bored with being rich, not having to hunt for food. Preps complain about things Katniss thinks are stupid and don’t really matter

            Certainly there is the potential in American society for those with wealth to lose touch with what is important and lose that connection that says working = providing for my family.

              Unlike Hunger Games, The Condemned divorces government from commentary (mostly) and focuses on media.

  “Twenty-eight million people watching something I created. And not a single network gets a piece of it.” (1:10:19)

Benchmark for success is exposure and money, very little emphasis put on whether finished product is good (morally, entertainment-wise, etc.).

Similar to society today, where people want their fifteen minutes of fame with a youtube video, but don’t worry about whether it is something they will be proud to be known for.

  “CNN, ABC, MTV – all manufactured and manipulated just like this. To entertain.” (1:11:12)

Makes corollary between scripted violence and drama by actors and real violence shown in The Condemned. Asks where we draw the line.

Also makes argument that news is manipulated to tell the best story? (probably true).

               “Those of us who reward him, those of us who watch, are we the condemned?” (1:31:20)

            Big unanswered question (to me) is chicken and egg of society and people. But, obviously, people can halt a societal construct they do not agree with by refusing to participate. Participation, even just by watching, is implied consent.

  Idea of hunger games themselves as quest for American Dream (when defined as wealth/fame).  Some few (Capitol citizens) are born into it, and those from lower “classes” who would like to reach it must fight their way to the top, often doing things that are less than ethical to get ahead.

[inkedgovernment-blog]

The Fed

1. The Fed is short for "The Federal Reserve." 

2. It was created on December 23, 1913.

3. You can find one federal bank reserve in San Francisco.

4. the job of the federal reserve is to make a sound banking system and support a growing and healthy economy.

5. Some criticisms of the fed include how it's too mysterious and unregulated and how it has the power to call upon more money if it runs out. It's privately owned, also.

6. The federal reserve is like a dragon's den filled with gold.

[phoebesb-blog]

Assignment #18

1. The Federal Reserve System (the Fed) is the central banking system of the United States.

2. The Fed was created by the United States Congress on December 23, 1913. It was created because the United States lacked any formal organization for studying and implementing monetary policy. Because of this markets were often unstable and the public had very little faith in the banking system. 

3. There are 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks located in major cities around the country that operate under the supervision of the Board of Governors.

4. Reserve Banks act as the operating arm of the central bank and do most of the work of the Fed.

5. The earliest debates on central banking in the United States centered on its constitutionality, private ownership, and the degree to which an economy should be centrally planned.