Afghan Star reflections

Afghan Star reflections

Pre-film thoughts: There was simply no way Afghanistan and Entertainment Stars would go well together because the culture so conservative and traditional!

Thoughts during the film: Either Setara or one of the crew members would be harassed or harmed as tension escalates and the “brazen” dance of Setara reached conservative political leaders and activist of the Islamic religion. When I saw 3 females amongst the 2000 odd males contesting for the title, I was appalled but somehow unsurprised---for it was a traditionally Islamic culture that pre-dominated the region.

What stuck the back of my mind was that there was not the slightest chance that a female would win the show. Period.

Post-film thoughts: I enjoyed the honesty portrayed in this film, in that it really pried open the truth from the contestants and people involved in the talent show. Including the fans and families of the contestants (at least they did try).

It was a controversial film that touched on many pertinent topics like religion, conservatism and politics in Afghanistan, which was particularly made more interesting with such a bold and head-strong director/host. He was a strong and creative talent that was prepared to speak his mind and did not conform to the oppressive rule of the Taliban.



What struck me in particular was the stark and somewhat uncomfortable lack of sponsors! Whereas American idol had several large Coke cups in front of every judges, and commercials plagued the broadcasting stations, banners and advertisements, Afghan Idol was completely stark naked, devoid of any form of sponsorship! This was exceptionally surprising for me, especially when I have so indoctrinated by commercials and its effects over the years. Could it be that no companies were brave enough to be seen overtly supporting such a daring and novel concept that deviated so strongly from Islamic culture and the conservative teachings of the religion?

Well, clearly we can see from Afghan Star, that passion exudes in many different form, regardless of culture, backgrounds and people. Take 9-months old Imron for example. He may be young, of a different culture and grew up in such a different environment from us, but like many, his passion for music can be felt by any other Idol-wannabes alike.

And the Oscars is finally over...

Wow. The King's Speech. Not surprising, but surely delighting.
The breakdown of the winners in the Oscars 2011.
For those without time, check out the fast report on who's who in the Oscars 2011.

With regards to the Oscars hosts:

Anne, Nice Dress!




















James, smiles won't hide your disinterest!

Natalie Portman, who won the Oscars Best Actress Award 2011, looking bright and beautiful at the Oscars.

=)

Oscar "Bad Boy"

Will Banksy is invited to the Oscars, but his appearance on such a mega social event commanding nearly 500 million views is highly questionable as he very secretive and private.
Full details are available right here.

Response to Hairspray

Lensing Question 1:

How does Street’s claim that sponsors / stakeholders have a major influence on the prizes, allow us to understand the actions of Mr Harriman F. Spritzer, owner of Ultra clutch Hairspray in Hairspray.

Lensing Question 2:

How does McDonald’s claim that the growth of mass culture is the result of democracy, technology and profiteering, able to explain the success of the Corny Collins Show in Hairspray.

=)

My Reflections on Hairspray

My oh my, Hairspray actually made me (a typical, fervent anti-musical dissenter) appreciate a good Musical film when I see one. It had a certain flavor to it, which sparked my initial interest (after thinking to myself: Wow, that exuberant, obese, fashionable babe can actually dance and sing like a jewel!) and kept the fire going with all its whimsical humor and delectable melodies that fit the scenes perfectly like a glove.


Frankly, between me and you, the sheer number of Musicals in the film borders on the obscene, and the characters are quite unbelievably cherub (everyone smiles and perks up with an uncomfortable, unnatural Mickey Mouse Can-do attitude!).


However, I must say, it was the outbursts of torrential musicals and the flamboyance of the characters that were poignant, striking and added dimensions to an otherwise, trite film. Many deep cultural dynamics were interplaying throughout the film, like the most obvious Black Racism, the American Dream, Teenage Idolatry, the omnipotence of the Mass Media in the early 1960s, which was brilliantly depicted and well-orchestrated by the cast.


What really interest me, however, was what/who the real “prize/winner” really was in this film. Was it the prize of being a “regular” on the Corny Collins’ show? Or the celebration of America (or Baltimore) embracing the black community at last, when Seaweed’s (Elijah Kelley) sister Little Inez (Taylor Parks) won Miss Teenage Hairspray Pageant Queen with a surprising twist at the end? Or the blossoming of true, unadulterated, unrestricted love broadcasted with Penny’s (Amanda Bynes) beautiful lip-locking session with Seaweed live on National Television?





My favorite quotes from the film:


“More people are breathing Aerosol than oxygen!”


“This adventure is a little too BIG for me…”




Enjoy


=)

Scripted or not, it worked for me...

For the better part of the discussion we had in class over American Idol and how scripted it was, how the "prize" was just for money and fame, that the contestants were all pre-planned and acted, I felt I had to share this video I stumbled upon.
It was touching, Duh!
It was heart-melting, Absolutely.
It was scripted, Possibly.
BUT who cares? It worked for me, at least for this guy, it showcased, be it true or not, that mankind still has a Bijou like this fella.
Amazing story of strength, conviction and love.
Who cares if it's scripted? It worked in the getting millions to understand that American Idol not only being the best in what it does, can also bring out the best in people, and it need not be singing/or looking good.

For better or worse, Chris Medina in American Idol made me understand that such a person do exist in this world. I won't be a prick by denying that there maybe the slightest chance that this is totally phony, but for what it's worth, it proved to me that we still have the capacity to do good.

I lost faith in American Idol after Chris Daughtry lost in season 5, but this guy right here, might be that little spark for me to start stalking American Idol once more (that is if my overwhelming schoolwork don't get to me first!).

=)

Elections coming!

Elections coming!

Hard Truths by mrbrown, the lovable blogger whose notoriety outlasts his charm.
On the lines of Prizes and popular culture, I do believe that the gov will be rethinking its strategies and how it plays its cards this time round, with so much controversy brewing before the elections. There will be the good and the bad, but we all know who is breaking into cold sweat now, with carrots and new "goodies" thrown out as knee-jerk reactions.



Bottom-line: Who the "Prize" really is? The elections or the Singapore people?

Sharing mrbrown's Hard truths:


Hard Truths (mrbrown edition)[Image]

Hard Truths 1. You may never get to vote in this lifetime.

Hard Truths 2. Those who CAN vote will complain & complain about the Govt but when elections come, will end up voting them back in.

Hard Truths 3. People want an opposition in parliament but not in THEIR estate please.

Hard Truths 4. Singaporeans will forget all their grievances if you dangle a carrot just before elections.

Hard Truths 5. Some things are not forgivable. Like the S-League.

Hard Truths 6. The year of the rabbit may be a good year for carrots to work.

Hard Truths 7. Foreigners are the solution to economic growth, low fertility rates and just about everything.

Hard Truths 8. No matter how right your argument is, They are more right.

Hard Truths 9. When elections are around the corner, every minister, president and their mother will publish a book.

Hard Truths 10. When elections are around the corner, the newspaper will print pages and pages of excerpts of these books, saving you the convenience of buying the books.

Hard Truths 11. When the Minister Mentor says, "We can integrate all religions and races except Islam" and that Muslims can integrate better if they were "less strict on Islamic observances", it is a hard truth. When anyone else says it publicily, it is probably going to be an invitation to drink kopi and get to know the Religious Harmony Act better.

Hard Truths 12. Before election: Gahmen will give us chicken leg. After election: Gahmen will collect one chicken from us. (via @aromacookery)

Hard Truths 13. F1 can make noise at Marina Bay/Civic District for 3 days; Thaipusam cannot make noise between Serangoon Road & Clemenceau Ave for 1 day. (via @bubblevicious)

Hard Truths 14.You may lose your home so that the govt can build an expressway. (via @bubblevicious)

Hard Truths 15. No choice… No other better player… Wat to do? (via@packetron)

hahaha