Jews, Gypsies, North Africans and Mexicans. This is quite a broad topic that we have but I am going to try and look at what the different groups have in common and the relevance they have in my life.
Each one of these groups has negative stereotypes about them, Jews are cheap, Gypsies are thieves, North Africans and Mexicans are illegal immigrants. While it is true that every group of people have some negative stereotypes the problem with minorities being stereotyped is that people judge the whole group according to that stereotype. For example, if a black person got into a fight at a party then the assumption of most is that ‘blacks’ are violent and partake in buffoonish behavior, where as if a middle class white person got into a fight at a party then to onlookers it is not white people that are violent, it is “Bob” that is violent. Minorities are judged and assumptions are made about them due to the actions of individuals, where as the same does not serve true for non minorities.
I believe this is the reason there is so much hatred and discrimination in our world today, people over look facts a lot of the time and just use this judgment procedure. While it is true that these stereotypes do serve true for some members of these groups and other minorities, one needs to try and think outside of their little bubble and try see the world through someone else’s eyes.
In my sociology class there was a big debate about illegal immigrants in America and everyone had strong feelings on the situation saying that they were wasting American tax payer’s money and taking their jobs and if they wanted to come to America they should ‘simply’ get a visa. As the only foreign person in the class I sat quietly for fear that I would be lynched. However the professor decided to call on me for my opinion, nervously I decided to tell the mob of angry villagers how I felt. I stated upfront that I was LEGAL just to cover my bases, I then went on to ask if any of them had an idea how ‘simple’ it was to get a visa. No one knew, so I told them to simply apply for a working visa to America costs $5000, in my currency that is R 40,000 and a heck of a lot of money. This is just an assumption but I would say that any Mexicans or other group of people looking to jump the border and risk their lives do not have this type of money lying around. My next point was that everyone in that class had never had to wonder where their next meal was coming from, or where they would sleep for the night. They may not be ‘wealthy’ in relation to some of their friends but they are by no means living in any sort of poverty, so if they tried, as impossible as it is, to think through that persons mindset, does coming to America to take a manual labor job that no one else wants and work for way below minimum wage really seem that bad. I am sure that these people would much rather stay in their own countries with their families if it was possible. We need to realize that your heritage does not make you better then anyone else, you did not do anything to be born into a country where your opportunities are endless, and if people look at the facts they would see that many of their beliefs they have about minorities are not true. So, I do feel that people need to be more sympathetic to the plight of the illegal immigrant and other minorities.
Bottom line of this whole story is that we can not let individuals define our thoughts on a whole group of people. We need to try and spend time with different people in a positive environment instead of having our only interactions with minorities be negative.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Hum 325: Universal Roman Church
When I first came to Walsh it was the first time I came into contact with people that were Roman Catholic. I had met people who called themselves Catholic, but this almost ancient term had eluded me for much of my life. I wondered what it meant and how someone all the way across the ocean without a hint of Italian heritage was Roman Catholic. What made this church Roman?
I have put a lot of thought into my conclusions that I have come up with as to why the church is Roman, but I would by no means claim to be an authority on the situation. The first part about the church being Roman is obviously the roots. It is in Rome, under Constantine’s rule and St Peter’s guidance that Christianity really began to get its foundation and grow into what it is today. Before it was an illegal religion, and while it had followers and they were growing, it really grew when it became the religion of the state in Rome.
Whenever we walk into these beautiful cathedrals, my first thought is,” WOW this is an incredible monument”, my next thought is, “ all this fancy stuff seems a bit unnecessary for a church when there are so many people the church could help with this money.” As I have learnt more about Rome and seen the importance of statues and monuments and decorations in their lives, I finally begin to understand why these are/were necessary. Yes, there would be many more practical uses for the time and money spent on these cathedrals, but in a time where emperors built magnificent buildings to glorify themselves, it is certainly fitting to go above and beyond to build something for the most high God. To have huge buildings like that of St Peter’s Cathedral to show a reverence for God, it is almost a way of saying we put you above everything else. I believe this to be the Roman part of the church today.
Now we can go on to look at how the church is global. The most effective and basic way to do this is to look at what the church is. We all know that a church is a building of worship, but THE church is simply a group of believers. There are catholic people on every continent of this world, and so without a doubt geographically, the church is global. The church is also global in the sense that anyone can come to the church, it is not only open to one group of people. People of different races, gender and social classes are allowed ( I choose the word allowed instead of welcomed as unfortunately I feel there are still many people within the church who do not welcome people of all kinds).
There is definitely a universal feel with a Roman twist to the Roman Catholic church.
I have put a lot of thought into my conclusions that I have come up with as to why the church is Roman, but I would by no means claim to be an authority on the situation. The first part about the church being Roman is obviously the roots. It is in Rome, under Constantine’s rule and St Peter’s guidance that Christianity really began to get its foundation and grow into what it is today. Before it was an illegal religion, and while it had followers and they were growing, it really grew when it became the religion of the state in Rome.
Whenever we walk into these beautiful cathedrals, my first thought is,” WOW this is an incredible monument”, my next thought is, “ all this fancy stuff seems a bit unnecessary for a church when there are so many people the church could help with this money.” As I have learnt more about Rome and seen the importance of statues and monuments and decorations in their lives, I finally begin to understand why these are/were necessary. Yes, there would be many more practical uses for the time and money spent on these cathedrals, but in a time where emperors built magnificent buildings to glorify themselves, it is certainly fitting to go above and beyond to build something for the most high God. To have huge buildings like that of St Peter’s Cathedral to show a reverence for God, it is almost a way of saying we put you above everything else. I believe this to be the Roman part of the church today.
Now we can go on to look at how the church is global. The most effective and basic way to do this is to look at what the church is. We all know that a church is a building of worship, but THE church is simply a group of believers. There are catholic people on every continent of this world, and so without a doubt geographically, the church is global. The church is also global in the sense that anyone can come to the church, it is not only open to one group of people. People of different races, gender and social classes are allowed ( I choose the word allowed instead of welcomed as unfortunately I feel there are still many people within the church who do not welcome people of all kinds).
There is definitely a universal feel with a Roman twist to the Roman Catholic church.
Monday, September 20, 2010
hum 225: 20/09
The Pieta by Michael Angelo was my favorite piece of art that we saw; it is located in St Peters Basilica in the Vatican City. It is a life size statue of the Virgin Mary holding her son Jesus in her arms and is made from a slab of marble. It was commissioned in 1498 and was first unveiled in 1500.
I have now seen two incredible marble works by Michael Angelo, The statue of David and The Pieta, and it never ceases to amaze me at how incredible the definition and clarity of the work is. It blows my mind how this man was able to produce such emotion in a piece of stone when I can barely do this drawing on paper. The part that most impressed me was the clothing of the Virgin Mary. The way it is carved seems like her garments are really falling that way, and the light creates shadows on it as if it was real clothing, it is incredible. The veins in Jesus’ body really impressed me, if you look at his foot we see how they protrude, just like he would have originally.
Another aspect of this work is that he could not make any mistakes, if he chipped or carved to hard the work would be ruined; he had to have such meticulous concentration when doing any of these marble works. This man really was a genius and I feel like this work was something that was special to him. It says that he carved his name in the sash of Mary, and afterwards he said he let his emotions get the better of him and he would never carve his name again. Clearly this piece was close to his heart, and the more I stare at it the more I can see why.
The next piece I liked is also by the great Michael Angelo. It is the portrait of the devil in the Sistine chapel. The reason I like a lot of Michael Angelo’s work is because I see him as a revolutionary. When in Florence we saw the Doni Tondo, it was a piece showing Mary and the baby Jesus. Mary was seen with short hair, and was muscular, and instead of Jesus being a perfectly behaved child, he was seen climbing all over her. He did things differently and real, and put emotion into his work.
I enjoy how he depicted the demons and creatures of hell in comparison to the scenes of God with angels; I think it is quite funny how demons are shown as big scary things and angels are more feminine creatures, makes me chuckle to think that they triumph over the big bad beings of hell. I feel like Michael Angelo intends for some of his art to amuse people, some of the demons have the most ridiculous smiles and looks on their faces.
The story behind the painting of the devil most impressed me. When Biagio da Cesena, the papal master of ceremonies, made a comment that the paintings would be more fitting for a tavern wall than a chapel, he retaliated by giving the devil the face of Biagio da Cesena. Instead of making stuff nice to appease the people who were paying him and were in charge he decided to go against this. I feel like these days art suffers for lack of this spirit. It could be because of in the USA and first world countries there are not many life changing things that people feel they need to protest or stand up against. Michael Angelo stood up against the norms of his time and dared to be different.
I have now seen two incredible marble works by Michael Angelo, The statue of David and The Pieta, and it never ceases to amaze me at how incredible the definition and clarity of the work is. It blows my mind how this man was able to produce such emotion in a piece of stone when I can barely do this drawing on paper. The part that most impressed me was the clothing of the Virgin Mary. The way it is carved seems like her garments are really falling that way, and the light creates shadows on it as if it was real clothing, it is incredible. The veins in Jesus’ body really impressed me, if you look at his foot we see how they protrude, just like he would have originally.
Another aspect of this work is that he could not make any mistakes, if he chipped or carved to hard the work would be ruined; he had to have such meticulous concentration when doing any of these marble works. This man really was a genius and I feel like this work was something that was special to him. It says that he carved his name in the sash of Mary, and afterwards he said he let his emotions get the better of him and he would never carve his name again. Clearly this piece was close to his heart, and the more I stare at it the more I can see why.
The next piece I liked is also by the great Michael Angelo. It is the portrait of the devil in the Sistine chapel. The reason I like a lot of Michael Angelo’s work is because I see him as a revolutionary. When in Florence we saw the Doni Tondo, it was a piece showing Mary and the baby Jesus. Mary was seen with short hair, and was muscular, and instead of Jesus being a perfectly behaved child, he was seen climbing all over her. He did things differently and real, and put emotion into his work.
I enjoy how he depicted the demons and creatures of hell in comparison to the scenes of God with angels; I think it is quite funny how demons are shown as big scary things and angels are more feminine creatures, makes me chuckle to think that they triumph over the big bad beings of hell. I feel like Michael Angelo intends for some of his art to amuse people, some of the demons have the most ridiculous smiles and looks on their faces.
The story behind the painting of the devil most impressed me. When Biagio da Cesena, the papal master of ceremonies, made a comment that the paintings would be more fitting for a tavern wall than a chapel, he retaliated by giving the devil the face of Biagio da Cesena. Instead of making stuff nice to appease the people who were paying him and were in charge he decided to go against this. I feel like these days art suffers for lack of this spirit. It could be because of in the USA and first world countries there are not many life changing things that people feel they need to protest or stand up against. Michael Angelo stood up against the norms of his time and dared to be different.
Hum 225: 20/09
The Pieta by Michael Angelo was my favorite piece of art that we saw; it is located in St Peters Basilica in the Vatican City. It is a life size statue of the Virgin Mary holding her son Jesus in her arms and is made from a slab of marble. It was commissioned in 1498 and was first unveiled in 1500.
I have now seen two incredible marble works by Michael Angelo, The statue of David and The Pieta, and it never ceases to amaze me at how incredible the definition and clarity of the work is. It blows my mind how this man was able to produce such emotion in a piece of stone when I can barely do this drawing on paper. The part that most impressed me was the clothing of the Virgin Mary. The way it is carved seems like her garments are really falling that way, and the light creates shadows on it as if it was real clothing, it is incredible. The veins in Jesus’ body really impressed me, if you look at his foot we see how they protrude, just like he would have originally.
Another aspect of this work is that he could not make any mistakes, if he chipped or carved to hard the work would be ruined; he had to have such meticulous concentration when doing any of these marble works. This man really was a genius and I feel like this work was something that was special to him. It says that he carved his name in the sash of Mary, and afterwards he said he let his emotions get the better of him and he would never carve his name again. Clearly this piece was close to his heart, and the more I stare at it the more I can see why.
The next piece I liked is also by the great Michael Angelo. It is the portrait of the devil in the Sistine chapel. The reason I like a lot of Michael Angelo’s work is because I see him as a revolutionary. When in Florence we saw the Doni Tondo, it was a piece showing Mary and the baby Jesus. Mary was seen with short hair, and was muscular, and instead of Jesus being a perfectly behaved child, he was seen climbing all over her. He did things differently and real, and put emotion into his work.
I enjoy how he depicted the demons and creatures of hell in comparison to the scenes of God with angels; I think it is quite funny how demons are shown as big scary things and angels are more feminine creatures, makes me chuckle to think that they triumph over the big bad beings of hell. I feel like Michael Angelo intends for some of his art to amuse people, some of the demons have the most ridiculous smiles and looks on their faces.
The story behind the painting of the devil most impressed me. When Biagio da Cesena, the papal master of ceremonies, made a comment that the paintings would be more fitting for a tavern wall than a chapel, he retaliated by giving the devil the face of Biagio da Cesena. Instead of making stuff nice to appease the people who were paying him and were in charge he decided to go against this. I feel like these days art suffers for lack of this spirit. It could be because of in the USA and first world countries there are not many life changing things that people feel they need to protest or stand up against. Michael Angelo stood up against the norms of his time and dared to be different.
I have now seen two incredible marble works by Michael Angelo, The statue of David and The Pieta, and it never ceases to amaze me at how incredible the definition and clarity of the work is. It blows my mind how this man was able to produce such emotion in a piece of stone when I can barely do this drawing on paper. The part that most impressed me was the clothing of the Virgin Mary. The way it is carved seems like her garments are really falling that way, and the light creates shadows on it as if it was real clothing, it is incredible. The veins in Jesus’ body really impressed me, if you look at his foot we see how they protrude, just like he would have originally.
Another aspect of this work is that he could not make any mistakes, if he chipped or carved to hard the work would be ruined; he had to have such meticulous concentration when doing any of these marble works. This man really was a genius and I feel like this work was something that was special to him. It says that he carved his name in the sash of Mary, and afterwards he said he let his emotions get the better of him and he would never carve his name again. Clearly this piece was close to his heart, and the more I stare at it the more I can see why.
The next piece I liked is also by the great Michael Angelo. It is the portrait of the devil in the Sistine chapel. The reason I like a lot of Michael Angelo’s work is because I see him as a revolutionary. When in Florence we saw the Doni Tondo, it was a piece showing Mary and the baby Jesus. Mary was seen with short hair, and was muscular, and instead of Jesus being a perfectly behaved child, he was seen climbing all over her. He did things differently and real, and put emotion into his work.
I enjoy how he depicted the demons and creatures of hell in comparison to the scenes of God with angels; I think it is quite funny how demons are shown as big scary things and angels are more feminine creatures, makes me chuckle to think that they triumph over the big bad beings of hell. I feel like Michael Angelo intends for some of his art to amuse people, some of the demons have the most ridiculous smiles and looks on their faces.
The story behind the painting of the devil most impressed me. When Biagio da Cesena, the papal master of ceremonies, made a comment that the paintings would be more fitting for a tavern wall than a chapel, he retaliated by giving the devil the face of Biagio da Cesena. Instead of making stuff nice to appease the people who were paying him and were in charge he decided to go against this. I feel like these days art suffers for lack of this spirit. It could be because of in the USA and first world countries there are not many life changing things that people feel they need to protest or stand up against. Michael Angelo stood up against the norms of his time and dared to be different.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
314 Journal 15/09
The ghetto is a notorious term that many people these days associate with poverty stricken, crime infested areas, teaming with drug dealers and prostitutes. Even though these are characteristics that were and are present in ghettos, there is more to it. Especially in the Jewish Ghetto and other ghettos of it’s kind, where people were forced to live in this certain area.
When people are not free to go and leave as they please, and have restrictions on what kind of jobs they have, they are being set up for failure. We are all made differently, with a different set of skills, and if yours do not fit into the prescribed jobs available, what option do you have?
I am currently reading ‘Kaffir Boy’, which is set in one of South Africa’s infamous ghettos, Alexandra, and I am learning about how the men are hardened from all the trauma they have to suffer, the kids see no point in school and a future as they are fighting simply for survival, and how they perceive people outside of this ghetto and how people perceive them.
Ghettos are breeding pits for stereotypes. When people are forced to live in a certain area or come from the ghetto, others looking in can believe whatever they want about the people, that they are lazy, alcoholics, criminals because they don’t come into contact with these people in a positive environment. When everyone is telling you that you are these things your whole life, it is hard to believe that you aren’t. It works the same way in reverse, people in the ghettos assume crazy notions about ALL people outside the ghetto, and the result is hatred brews in people’s hearts.
Ghettos truly are terrible things, and it is extremely sad to see the cycle of hate and malice that has been going on for so many centuries. So often people see only the action instead of taking into account the circumstances. It is cheesy to say, but perhaps if both parties stepped out of their comfort zones and came together to try see things from another point of view, we would accept our differences, use our strengths and work together to break this cycle.
When people are not free to go and leave as they please, and have restrictions on what kind of jobs they have, they are being set up for failure. We are all made differently, with a different set of skills, and if yours do not fit into the prescribed jobs available, what option do you have?
I am currently reading ‘Kaffir Boy’, which is set in one of South Africa’s infamous ghettos, Alexandra, and I am learning about how the men are hardened from all the trauma they have to suffer, the kids see no point in school and a future as they are fighting simply for survival, and how they perceive people outside of this ghetto and how people perceive them.
Ghettos are breeding pits for stereotypes. When people are forced to live in a certain area or come from the ghetto, others looking in can believe whatever they want about the people, that they are lazy, alcoholics, criminals because they don’t come into contact with these people in a positive environment. When everyone is telling you that you are these things your whole life, it is hard to believe that you aren’t. It works the same way in reverse, people in the ghettos assume crazy notions about ALL people outside the ghetto, and the result is hatred brews in people’s hearts.
Ghettos truly are terrible things, and it is extremely sad to see the cycle of hate and malice that has been going on for so many centuries. So often people see only the action instead of taking into account the circumstances. It is cheesy to say, but perhaps if both parties stepped out of their comfort zones and came together to try see things from another point of view, we would accept our differences, use our strengths and work together to break this cycle.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Stories and Traditions 7/9
The piazza is essential to Italian culture. An Italian city without a piazza is like a zebra without stripes, still cool but not as fun. It is the magnetic force that brings people of all kinds together, young and old, artistic and athletic, all are drawn by the wonder that is the piazza.
There are many common features in most Italian piazzas. Very often there is a fountain, apart from being aesthetically pleasing, it is used very practically, as a place for people to relax and cool down. What I like about the fountain being in the middle is that most roads lead to it, so people from all different places and walks of life are meeting up in that one spot. Churches are also prominent in the piazzas. The general feel I get from piazzas is that they are a place for people of all kinds, and even though the prominence of churches may not prove this, I think people of all religions can find a way to appreciate the art and architecture.
Food is a big part of piazzas, and almost everywhere in Italy. This is definitely one of the most magnetic forces behind piazzas and Italy. It is what brings people of different generations to the same place. Old people come to share a meal and wine; young people come for a slice of pizza and gelato. Nonetheless old and new co-exist.
I think that this is the spirit that Italy of today is built on. With all the rich history and greatness that the country possesses, they still have to forge their own path in today’s modern world. Ancient and modern have to co-exist and compliment one another, in the same way we see the piazzas of Italy and the people that inhabit them do this.
There are many common features in most Italian piazzas. Very often there is a fountain, apart from being aesthetically pleasing, it is used very practically, as a place for people to relax and cool down. What I like about the fountain being in the middle is that most roads lead to it, so people from all different places and walks of life are meeting up in that one spot. Churches are also prominent in the piazzas. The general feel I get from piazzas is that they are a place for people of all kinds, and even though the prominence of churches may not prove this, I think people of all religions can find a way to appreciate the art and architecture.
Food is a big part of piazzas, and almost everywhere in Italy. This is definitely one of the most magnetic forces behind piazzas and Italy. It is what brings people of different generations to the same place. Old people come to share a meal and wine; young people come for a slice of pizza and gelato. Nonetheless old and new co-exist.
I think that this is the spirit that Italy of today is built on. With all the rich history and greatness that the country possesses, they still have to forge their own path in today’s modern world. Ancient and modern have to co-exist and compliment one another, in the same way we see the piazzas of Italy and the people that inhabit them do this.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Is it a bird, is it a plane, its Georgio Perlasca
What is an authentic hero to me? We all have our obvious definitions and examples of heroes. Someone who is brave and fearless and risks their lives for people every day, people like fireman and policeman. These people are phenomenal and deserve to be hailed as heroes but to me the character trait that really makes a hero is the tremendous self sacrifice they have to make.
One element that I think is present in all authentic heroes is the willingness to humble themselves and sacrifice for something bigger. Many people think you have to be born brave, and strong, or be bitten by a radioactive spider and get superpowers to be a hero, but that’s not true. We see heroes in single parents who sacrifice to provide for their children. We see heroes in martyrs who sacrificed their lives and endured great pain, not for glory or to be recognized, but to stand up for what they believe in. We see heroes in people who unselfishly put others first, even when they are receiving nothing from it or even may be seen in a negative way. In the latest Batman movie, 'The Dark Night', we see just this. Without giving to much away Batman accepts blame for things he did not do, all so that people would still have hope in Gotham and not give up on it. He would rather have been seen as a villain, even though he was doing so much for the city, then have people give up fighting for Gotham City. Out of all of his powerful gadgets and special abilities, i think this character trait was his most powerful.
Georgio Perlasca was not a Jew; he had no reason to defend these people being persecuted. He was not going to get any great reward for doing what he did, but still he decided this extermination was wrong and he stepped out and risked everything to help. Many times we see ‘heroes’ that have ulterior motives, politicians helping people for the publicity. Perlasca decided he had to do something, when he could have just gone to a neutral country and lived a safe life. He could have been ignorant to everything that was going on around him. A story that I read about Perlasca that really amazed me was one about him standing by the loading dock, watching German soldiers and Hungarian police push long lines of men, women, and children toward cars to be taken to death camps. As described by Commonweal, "Suddenly [Perlasca] rushes forward, grabs two young boys by the collar, drags them back down the platform, and throws them into the back seat of his car." At that point, a German soldier ran over, pulled out his revolver, and motioned to the man to return the boys. Perlasca refused, shouting. "'This car is foreign territory. The boys are under Spanish jurisdiction and you'll be violating international law if you so much as touch them (Myhero.com).'Had Perlasca merely ended with just this incredible fete in his life, he still would be a hero. I am positive that there were others like him who got caught and were killed. The fact that he carried on saving people even after such a close encounter challenges me, and what challenges me even more is the fact that there were definitely many more people like Perlasca, who helped only a few people, or died while trying to help. And while there names may have been forgotten, I like to believe their selfless acts and heroic spirit continues to inspire others.
One element that I think is present in all authentic heroes is the willingness to humble themselves and sacrifice for something bigger. Many people think you have to be born brave, and strong, or be bitten by a radioactive spider and get superpowers to be a hero, but that’s not true. We see heroes in single parents who sacrifice to provide for their children. We see heroes in martyrs who sacrificed their lives and endured great pain, not for glory or to be recognized, but to stand up for what they believe in. We see heroes in people who unselfishly put others first, even when they are receiving nothing from it or even may be seen in a negative way. In the latest Batman movie, 'The Dark Night', we see just this. Without giving to much away Batman accepts blame for things he did not do, all so that people would still have hope in Gotham and not give up on it. He would rather have been seen as a villain, even though he was doing so much for the city, then have people give up fighting for Gotham City. Out of all of his powerful gadgets and special abilities, i think this character trait was his most powerful.
Georgio Perlasca was not a Jew; he had no reason to defend these people being persecuted. He was not going to get any great reward for doing what he did, but still he decided this extermination was wrong and he stepped out and risked everything to help. Many times we see ‘heroes’ that have ulterior motives, politicians helping people for the publicity. Perlasca decided he had to do something, when he could have just gone to a neutral country and lived a safe life. He could have been ignorant to everything that was going on around him. A story that I read about Perlasca that really amazed me was one about him standing by the loading dock, watching German soldiers and Hungarian police push long lines of men, women, and children toward cars to be taken to death camps. As described by Commonweal, "Suddenly [Perlasca] rushes forward, grabs two young boys by the collar, drags them back down the platform, and throws them into the back seat of his car." At that point, a German soldier ran over, pulled out his revolver, and motioned to the man to return the boys. Perlasca refused, shouting. "'This car is foreign territory. The boys are under Spanish jurisdiction and you'll be violating international law if you so much as touch them (Myhero.com).'Had Perlasca merely ended with just this incredible fete in his life, he still would be a hero. I am positive that there were others like him who got caught and were killed. The fact that he carried on saving people even after such a close encounter challenges me, and what challenges me even more is the fact that there were definitely many more people like Perlasca, who helped only a few people, or died while trying to help. And while there names may have been forgotten, I like to believe their selfless acts and heroic spirit continues to inspire others.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Art 225- Journal 3
The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano has so much to see. The statues, carvings in the wall, it is all incredible. However, what impressed me the most was the roof of the nave. The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano was built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century; it was the first church to be built in Rome. The ceiling stretches across the nave and is covered with gold. Gold that was brought from America by the Italian native Christopher Columbus.
In 1646, the interior of the Basilica was renovated however they wanted to preserve the ceiling and the floor, so those were untouched. The ceiling was a work by Flaminio Boulanger and showed the coats of arms of Pope Pius IV and Pope Pius V(Wikipedia).
The gold of the ceiling really makes it stand out against the white of the marble. This use of different colors like this really provides an almost supernatural feeling as one enters for the first time. The bit of light that does shine through really lights the room up as it bounces of the gold roof and the intricate designs keep ones neck strained back as you can’t take your eyes off of it.
The Catacombs of Domitilla are spread over 15 km of caves. Apart from being the first underground basilica they have various art works within the caves. My personal favorite was the one of Jesus with his disciples. One had to bend down and look at this to see it properly.
The artist of this is unknown but historians date it back to the 2nd century (Wikipedia). The thing I liked most about this painting is the passion. It is not a commissioned piece of art, or a painting someone is doing in a lofty apartment. It is a raw expression of what that person was feeling, done underground so many years ago. It is similar to today’s graffiti.
Graffiti is an expression of mostly people that are growing up in those streets. It’s raw and controversial and often not respected as art. None the less it is an expression. This is why I loved the fresco in the catacombs. It is not the technique or style that makes it great, but the emotion.
In 1646, the interior of the Basilica was renovated however they wanted to preserve the ceiling and the floor, so those were untouched. The ceiling was a work by Flaminio Boulanger and showed the coats of arms of Pope Pius IV and Pope Pius V(Wikipedia).
The gold of the ceiling really makes it stand out against the white of the marble. This use of different colors like this really provides an almost supernatural feeling as one enters for the first time. The bit of light that does shine through really lights the room up as it bounces of the gold roof and the intricate designs keep ones neck strained back as you can’t take your eyes off of it.
The Catacombs of Domitilla are spread over 15 km of caves. Apart from being the first underground basilica they have various art works within the caves. My personal favorite was the one of Jesus with his disciples. One had to bend down and look at this to see it properly.
The artist of this is unknown but historians date it back to the 2nd century (Wikipedia). The thing I liked most about this painting is the passion. It is not a commissioned piece of art, or a painting someone is doing in a lofty apartment. It is a raw expression of what that person was feeling, done underground so many years ago. It is similar to today’s graffiti.
Graffiti is an expression of mostly people that are growing up in those streets. It’s raw and controversial and often not respected as art. None the less it is an expression. This is why I loved the fresco in the catacombs. It is not the technique or style that makes it great, but the emotion.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Rome and Jerusalem 1/09
Does history contribute/bolster faith, or does the past limit faith? This is a question that can only have a very personal answer, where none are right or wrong. When thinking about such difficult questions i always like to dissect the key words, these being contribute/bolster and limit.
Dictionary.com says bolster is to support, reinforce or strengthen. This implies a sense of a base of faith already being in place. So the question is not saying that history defines the faith, it is asking if it reinforces and strengthens it. I will have to look at it critically from both ends of the spectrum.
One can definitely see how the past bolsters ones faith. When we are going through a hard time and feeling discouraged, we open our Bibles to read of Moses and the Jews and their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This history in the way it is told for us helps reassure our faith in God and in the fact that he has our back and will deliver us from our 'Egypt'.
Limit is defined as a confining or restricting object, agent, or influence (Dictionary.com). Let us now look again at the story of Moses, as I am reading it i see how God spoke to him through the burning bush. In my mind I imagine a audible voice from heaven, which it very well could have been. But i then wonder why have i not heard a clearly audible voice from God, or seen such great signs such as the burning bush or parting of the sea. This makes me question the validity of the texts and sometimes question these acts that have previously bolstered my faith.
In all religions I think there are moments that bolster faith and moments that limit faith. It is very hard to find the truth in this faith, because your truth is different to mine. The way i grew up moulds my truths while your experiences do the same for yours. It seems to me that faith, like life is a bit of a roller coaster experience. When we first start out, our faith my be limited by the simplest of things, but as we create our own history and draw from the history of others over time we see how God has brought us through our 'Egypt's' or spoken to us in our own unique 'burning bushes' and history does indeed bolster our faith overall.
Dictionary.com says bolster is to support, reinforce or strengthen. This implies a sense of a base of faith already being in place. So the question is not saying that history defines the faith, it is asking if it reinforces and strengthens it. I will have to look at it critically from both ends of the spectrum.
One can definitely see how the past bolsters ones faith. When we are going through a hard time and feeling discouraged, we open our Bibles to read of Moses and the Jews and their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This history in the way it is told for us helps reassure our faith in God and in the fact that he has our back and will deliver us from our 'Egypt'.
Limit is defined as a confining or restricting object, agent, or influence (Dictionary.com). Let us now look again at the story of Moses, as I am reading it i see how God spoke to him through the burning bush. In my mind I imagine a audible voice from heaven, which it very well could have been. But i then wonder why have i not heard a clearly audible voice from God, or seen such great signs such as the burning bush or parting of the sea. This makes me question the validity of the texts and sometimes question these acts that have previously bolstered my faith.
In all religions I think there are moments that bolster faith and moments that limit faith. It is very hard to find the truth in this faith, because your truth is different to mine. The way i grew up moulds my truths while your experiences do the same for yours. It seems to me that faith, like life is a bit of a roller coaster experience. When we first start out, our faith my be limited by the simplest of things, but as we create our own history and draw from the history of others over time we see how God has brought us through our 'Egypt's' or spoken to us in our own unique 'burning bushes' and history does indeed bolster our faith overall.
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