Girl Vs. Girl: Why Are We So Mean to Each Other?

I’m really not uncovering new ground by discussing the topic of female cattiness, but it is definitely an issue worthy of consistent scrutiny (especially if we ever want to see it abolished). Every girl, in some way, has experienced undeserving, hurtful criticism from another girl, often resulting in further warfare that will most likely never reach a mutual resolution. This dynamic is not only puzzling, it is thoroughly disturbing. Aside from the hurt feelings and emotional pain that consequently arise, deeper problems may emerge such as depression, an eating disorder, or even severe anxiety.  Often times, the unsettling reality of this type of situation is brushed under the rug, dissuading girls from seeking help or standing up for themselves when other girls (or boys for that matter) intentionally humiliate, discredit, or underestimate them. 

The only way we can overcome this unhealthy type of relationship is by acknowledging that it actually exists. I would be lying if I said I’ve never talked about a girl behind her back (every girl is guilty of this and nobody is perfect). However, I do make a conscious effort to absolutely never judge a book by its cover. No matter how rich, pretty, smart, or popular a girl may seem, for example, you never know the private, personal struggles she may have had to endure through childhood, adolescence, or even adulthood. Just because a girl may seem to “have it all” does not provide an excuse for blatantly or hurtfully insulting her, especially if she has never seriously, seriously offended you. To me, this type of criticism is absolutely disgusting because you never know how the victim may react, sometimes resulting in a damaged self esteem and a clearly depleted sense of self worth.

Anyway, even though I definitely have my fair share of insecurities (just like most girls), I certainly try not to let this be the cause for my resentment of another girl. Believe it or not, when you gossip or talk shit about a girl, it is more insulting to yourself than the female you are attempting to insult. It is a clear admission that you believe you’re “not good enough” and if another lady is seemingly “better off,” you acquire a self esteem boost by putting her down. It is embarrassing, immature, and ignorant behavior. Think of times someone else has hurt you, and ask yourself why you would go to such malicious lengths to see that girl unhappy. If you don’t want people to treat you that way, which I’m sure you don’t, then by no means are you authorized to treat other girls like that.

So, to answer my question regarding female hostility, I really can’t come to a specific conclusion about why we are so mean to each other. When a girl insults another girl for no apparent reason, it is just too ridiculous and petty of a behavior to excuse, or even defend. I know that I will never see the end to this cycle of defamation, and I’m lucky that I have developed an incredibly thick skin (even though I still have my moments of pure insecurity- like everyone), but some girls have yet to grow into their hardened up hides, so please be careful about the words you ascribe or attach to some girls because you never know how much it could really kill.

Photo Cred:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJpanvbJniaC8KCcrUgaC2wp6j70HJD3PQEZPF4V8YBfj6QfO5m5bev9Pg0A7z3jx6Jg2QYbXpgiYQ4ZFUrzJh6IXFt2hIiS5FAch0uR5sxtn695J444ubCS0AGf0XVAv98XeeNqa3jj6/s320/girls_whispering.jpg

Madonna, Jackie-O, J.Lo, Eloise Banting: What Do All These Ladies Have in Common?

"Portrait of a Lion" by Lucie Bilodeau

To start, all of our birthdays fall between July 23 and August 22. Meaning, we all share the Leo astrological sign, represented by the lion. I know my avid intrigue with astrology may seem a little silly, but I have reason to believe that it is, in fact, true. First of all, why am I exactly like the Leo character, with grossly-thick brown hair comparable to a lion’s mane? I really don’t believe that it is just a simple coincidence...

Leo people are characterized as warm-hearted, generous individuals who are able to make clear, unique names for themselves. Specifically, people know who a leo is from the moment he/she walks through the door. They are often able to acquire a ‘fan-base’ of sorts, yet, despite this, they value very close friends more than a large grouping of unfamiliar ones. A Leo lady, for example, is more likely to have extremely close friends with a countless number of acquaintances. They are very independent creatures with a creative streak. We love the arts and producing work that will gain a loving audience. (This might explain why I’m drawn to the theater or why I have done work for my school newspaper, or why I’ve even chosen to create a blog...Just some food for thought...) Anyway, a Leo definitely has a very distinct personality, with strong ambition and a need to make it big.

Along with these traits, they carry themselves with dignity and believe in understanding all sides of an argument. In addition, we are very loyal individuals and always there for a friend (or anyone) in need. Even though we have some awesome qualities, like every other astrological sign, we still have our pitfalls. Since we have such a desire to be appreciated, we may go to any lengths to gain such loving attention. There comes a point when every Leo needs to realize that such a need to be loved can become too much. In some ways, we are the “attention-whores” of the zodiac. We can also spoil ourselves a little too much because we love the best in life and we want the best in life. Even though we can work very, very hard toward a goal or objective we really care about, we’ll get lazy toward issues that we think are beneath us. Maybe  that explains why my room is so messy 24/7, am I just above cleaning it? Who knows...

A Leo character is also someone you don’t mess with. As loving and lighthearted as we can be, we have an enormous sense of pride about everything we do. We do not take criticism well, especially since we put so much effort into work we really care about. In some ways, we are perfectionists- not as bad as a Virgo, but a Leo definitely strives for excellence and does not appreciate anyone who belittles or degrades their work. So please don’t critique a Leo unless you wanna feel the pain of their big-kitty claws. We need to be the best at what we do--so we really don’t like it when someone questions our work-- because, after all, who questions the best?

We can become a little bit arrogant at times, but we really make up for it with our love of life, laughter, and a good time. We love making everyone around us happy and will do our very best to make anyone feel at home. A Leo is the quintessential friend, and you will never, ever feel alone within the King (or Queen!) of the Jungle’s domain.

Getting the Girl of Your Dreams: Do You Have What it Takes?

As a female specimen who has grown up in a house full of girls (from elementary to high school, at least), who has close girlfriends, and a keen eye for what girls look for, I definitely know what it takes for guys to get the girl of their dreams. It really isn’t rocket science, so I would like to extend my hand to all of the boys out there who really don’t have a clue when it comes to the opposite sex. Much of what we look for in a guy is very similar to what you look for in a girl--with a few minor differences, of course. 

"Adam and Eve" by Hendrik Goltzius

       Specifically, everyone wants to be with someone who is pretty well rounded with good looks and the wit to back it up. The difference is, especially at first, girls like a talker more than a looker, whereas a boy will notice a girl’s boobs or behind before her brain or character. I am not saying that all guys are shallow, this is just how it works. So, when courting a girl who sparks your interest, show her that you have a sense of humor. Honestly, if you can make a girl laugh (genuinely, genuinely laugh), even if you’re not the best looking guy at the bar, she will remember you. We really don’t value looks as much as you think. Of course, if you’re a hottie, it’s just icing on the cake, but personality is key with girls. You must be careful not to try too hard with this though. It’s such a turn off when guys try to be funny, and it can definitely become borderline obnoxious. Just be comfortable, don’t slouch, and if you make your girl laugh--good for you--if not, don’t beat yourself up over it either. 

Okay, so the next one is pretty much a given- a confident guy is always such a turn on. Guys love confident girls, and we love confident guys-it just goes hand in hand. Don’t ever be afraid to approach a girl you wanna get to know, she will take this as a huge compliment. If, however, she’s clearly not interested, just get over it and move on. Please, please, please do not annoy her. If she has made it clear to you that she wants to be with her friends, let her be with her friends. If she’s made it clear to you she would rather hit on the bartender, let her hit on the bartender. Don’t smother her with texts or your ‘loving’ affections if she’s obviously not interested. It is such a turn off when a guy keeps pestering a girl when she is clearly not about it. It will push her away. A guy who does this is not confident, he just needs the approval of a girl to validate himself. You are better than that, and you want a girl who will reciprocate the same feelings. 

Okay so this is where it gets a little confusing. Girls love to play games--sometimes, she’ll just act uninterested to determine now interested you really are, even if she has feelings for you. Do NOT feed into this. It is an unhealthy behavior and girls who act this way are always bad news. Back away slowly.

On the other side of this, boys love to play games too. Please do not be one of them. It is an incredible turn off when guys start acting as catty as the ladies. Don’t try and make her jealous, and please don’t try and show her how manly you are by all the other girls who “want you.” This will really anger her and she’ll bite back in a way that you never wanna be bitten. If you try and make her jealous by spending time with another girl--go for it. Just know that the girl you actually like will be making every effort to get over you and you will end up with a girl you didn’t even want in the first place. At that point, your main squeeze will be long gone. Every girl deserves better than that, so make sure you show her respect. Boys who are blatantly disrespectful to girls are so frustrating, it is a definite sign of immaturity. Grow out of it.

Despite this, everyone knows the old adage of “Girls wanting what they can’t have,” and, to a certain degree, this will always hold true. We love mystery and knowing there is a part of your persona that is virtually unattainable. However, you can still be mysterious without provoking anger from a girl- or by making her want to rip her hair out and shove it up your you-know-what. Seriously though, it is okay to harmlessly flirt or talk to other girls, and a secure girl would not be upset about this. Especially if she knows you will always go back to her. In other words, loyalty is one of the biggest attributes we really value in guys, and if you prove this to her then she knows you’re a keeper.

Another trait we really love is generosity. Be giving of yourself and she will absolutely go weak in the knees. This does not mean you need to have money to be generous. You just need to show her that you want to make her happy, and that you’ll walk across mountains and swim through pirana-infested waters for her. Nobody said it better than Patti Stanger on the Millionaire Matchmaker Reunion show: “Chivalry is not dead.” Be courteous, respectful, and honorable toward women, and you will find that “special someone” sooner than you think. Personally, I love it when a guy takes me out to dinner and treats me like a princess after I’ve spent the time and money to get ready for him. I’m not saying it always works out, but it definitely shows character on the guy’s part. Just show a girl how much you appreciate her, and she’ll show how much she appreciates you.

Okay, so the following is a very, very important characteristic all women look for: good-grooming. If a boy looks like a before picture on a slimfast ad, we’ll run. If a boy smells like a dumpster, we’ll gag, throw up in our mouths a little bit--and then, of course, run. It is an indescribable turn off when a guy doesn’t care about something he could easily fix. Always take showers, apply deodorant, brush your teeth, and wear clean, presentable clothes that actually fit.  I once sat next to a guy in a philosophy class and he smelled like rotting cabbage mixed with a dose of expired salsa. On top of it, he always had spaghetti sauce droplets and coffee stains scattered on his shirts. And, on top of that, he would always attempt to make conversation with me. Turned out to be a very bad idea, because anyone who knows me well knows that I wear my heart on my sleeve and I have absolutely have zero filter sometimes, especially when it comes to issues that really bother me. So, as the person I am, after more than a few class periods of this torture, I didn’t even realize I muttered the words “You smell so bad” to him one day in a nonchalant, thoughtlessly careless voice.  In addition, my voice tends to carry, so everyone in our 17-person class heard me and stared me down for a good 20 seconds after I made the statement. Possibly one of the top five most awkward moments of my life. Needless to say, we never sat next to each other again for the rest of the semester. Please don’t let this happen to you and, for your sake as well as mine, take care of yourself.

So, when it comes down to it, girls want a humorous-confident-respectful-mysterious-chivalrously-clean-dependable guy (for the most part at least). I may have left some specifics out, but, if you can cultivate these characteristics, you will find a girl that you are compatible with. It may take some soul searching, but you’ll get there someday. Believe in yourself and the rest will fall into place. :)

Photo Cred:

http://www.oceansbridge.com/paintings/artists/recently-added/july2008/big/Adam-and-Eve-1608-xx-Hendrik-Goltzius.JPG

How to Get the Valentine You Want, Ladies: Simply Just a Dating Game?

Out of all my 21 years on this planet, I still haven’t been able to get this dating thing down. I’ve never been in a real relationship (as I’ve mentioned in a previous blog post) and I’ve certainly never been seriously committed to anyone. Ironically, I am sometimes the ‘go-to-relationship-advice’ girl for friends, so I definitely know a thing or two about this playful courting sport. I’ve witnessed severe heartbreaks and pure moments of potential-marriage bliss. I’m just a great observer, that’s all. I see what my friends and sisters go through, and I learn from it. Some of you may be thinking: How can she give relationship advice when’s she’s never been in an authentic one herself? 

"Romeo and Juliet" by Frank Dicksee

Well, let me tell you in a way you might understand. If you’ve ever seen the Dog Whisperer, the host of the show, Cesar Milan, has such a powerful way with dogs because he studies, interacts, and comprehends their behavior. Similarly, I share a knack for knowing what guys like (and certainly what they don’t!) simply because I’ve witnessed, interacted, and studied the species fairly well. I am not saying, by any means, that I’m that perfect girl who gets whatever guy she wants. On the contrary, sometimes I need advice just as badly as the next girl, but I am confident in the advice that I give to my girlfriends, especially when it comes to getting the guy they want. Believe it or not, it’s true. So let me begin...

When it comes to getting your perfect Valentine confidence is key. At the end of the day if you doubt yourself, guys will doubt you too. They do not care about the new pair of Seven jeans you just bought or the cute top from Urban Outfitters you wanna rock the next day. Believe me, this is how their caveman brain works: I see Girl--Girl look good--I want Girl. Then they’ll go in for the bait. It’s as simple as that. What really turns them off is when you start talking too much about what you ate that day or how ‘fat’ you feel. They couldn’t give two shits and nothing screams “crazy-girl-alert” more. Be confident in your own skin and guys will really respect that, trust me. Be very careful not to tread into the boundary of over-confidence, boys will read that and it is an incredible turn off. Approach these situations with a “humble-confidence,” if that makes any sense, and be modest yet assertive. Let them know you have standards while allowing yourself room to be open to new people. 

Also, please respect yourself and know that you do not need the emotional or physical attention of a boy to cement your self worth. No boy wants a girl with a reputation, so be secure enough with yourself to let go of boys who are merely using you. The smart, funny, cute guy you want will see that self-confident quality and will really, really respect that.

Boys love a girl who is not afraid to be herself. If you’re a quiet and shy girl, don’t be embarrassed to be, well, quiet and shy. Same goes for smart girls, don’t be shy about showing off your intellect. Fakes are so easily spotted, and you do not want to be one of them. I think we’ve all seen intelligent girls act dumb, for example, to get the guy they want and there is nothing more aggravating than a smarty pants wearing a ditzy cap. If you are, however, genuinely idiotic, then you’re gonna need more help than I can offer because I don’t know any girl who can’t be somewhat smart without a little effort. If you’re willing to get dressed up, put makeup on, and walk out the door to meet people, you’ve already proven that you can make the effort to open up Time magazine for five minutes and read a little bit about the upcoming presidential election.

Another trait guys can’t resist is independence.  There are some guys, however, who still live in the 1930’s doubting all of the great qualities women have to offer. These men simply aren’t worth it. You do not need someone telling you that the only way you’ll survive in this world is by the holding the hand of a man. It’s 2012 now--and girls have come a very long way. Most boys, I’ve noticed, will really admire you for wanting to make a name for yourself on your own terms. On top of that, gold diggers are such turn offs and nobody wants, or respects, a stingy moocher. Why would a guy want you if you’re only after him for his money? This is what gives girls a bad name simultaneously turning boys into commitment-phobes. Don’t use anyone, male or female, for anything and you’ll go farther in life than you think, trust me. 

Guys also love an independent girl because they know she will never be one of those ‘Clingy-Cassie’s.’ Admittedly, I’ve had my drunken moments of desperation. As embarrassing as they are, you must learn from them before they become habitual. During these situations, guys don’t see a drunk girl, they don’t see a sober one, they see a desperate one. There are no excuses and please, please, please try to avoid drunk texting, drunk dialing, and drunk talking at all costs. You will regret it. Just be strong enough to walk away from the situation before it all goes down hill. 

Alright, last but certainly not least, always be sexy. (I know this may sound a little cheesy but please bear with me.) A girl can be sexy on so many different levels, not just on appearance alone. I would say sexiness is a mixture between a chosen outfit and a classy, unique personality. Please notice how I place emphasis on appearance, because it is important. I’ll be brutally honest, a guy won’t notice you if you don’t care about yourself enough to be noticed. Specifically, if you look like you just rolled out of bed, he’ll think “slob.” (I certainly don’t mean to sound hypocritical because I’m a fairly messy, disorganized person myself, but I do try and dress like I have the cleanest room in Harrisonburg.) Anyway, on the other hand, if you wear a skin tight dress with holes and rips in it, he’ll probably  wonder how much you charge. I am not saying that you need to spend thousands on a wardrobe, there are great bargains everywhere, you just need to be aware of the way you present yourself. The clothes you wear, whether you like it or not, are a representation of who you are, and most guys go for the girl who shows herself off in a classy, respectful way. If you need help with style or wardrobe, just look at some of your favorite celebrities for aid. For me, I absolutely love Lauren Conrad’s and Halle Berry’s (random, I know) choice of clothing. I feel like they never go wrong and I have rarely seen them wear an unappealing outfit. 

Okay, so I’ve told you all of my secrets. Remember, be a confidently-authentic-sexy-self-respecting-independent-sober girl and you will have boys kissing the ground you walk on. This is so much easier than it sounds. It isn’t as though you need to ‘purchase’ or ‘lease’ these traits, you already have them, even if they’ve become temporarily dormant. Now it’s up to you. There is always that X-factor that I do not have the power to reveal to you in a simple blog post. That is something you have to figure out on your own and you will discover it soon enough. This ‘factor’ is always what makes a girl stand out from the crowd and every girl I know has it, they’re just too afraid to look. 

So, on that final note, have a Happy, Happy Valentine’s Day and go find your perfect guy!!

Photo Cred:

http://www.paintinghere.com/uploadpic/Frank%20Dicksee/big/Romeo%20and%20Juliet.jpg

Barack Obama’s 2012 State of the Union Address: Hit or Miss?

After watching the speech, reading and re-reading transcripts of it, Obama’s State of the Union certainly offers a strong plan for a more balanced, more stable economy. Of course it’s only a speech and, as a liberal democrat, I would love to see many of his hopes come into fruition. However, despite his enumeration of inspiring anecdotes and encouraging words, I remain skeptical. (Surprising, I know--call it the David Hume fan in me.) Because, let’s face it, our economy’s in the shitter and we need more than just a couple of “we can’s” and “we will’s” to convince me that change will come. But, since I love him, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt because any president, or human being for that matter, willing to clean up Bush’s stale crap in the oval office will always be a hero in my eyes. (Oh, how I deviate, back to the State of the Union...)

After a longwinded introduction, characteristic of any address such as this, Obama begins to dig into the meat of his proposal explaining that his “blueprint begins with American manufacturing.” He discusses the imbalanced tax code and his hope to remove the tax deduction for overseas business ventures and provide such deductions for national ones, since they aren’t getting anything. This really stood out to me since the unemployment rate in the United States is so deplorably low; why wouldn’t we want to provide more jobs for our citizens? He explains that “It is time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America.” I completely and wholeheartedly agree. So far, so good?

If more job opportunities arise in the states, we’ll need citizens with the skills to successfully perform the tasks associated with these jobs. Obama tenaciously requests businesses to fund schooling for talented, prospective employees, which, as someone who is paying for further schooling herself, I really appreciated. I really don’t know where I’m headed after college, but I am grateful that we have a president who is truly concerned for the future of his citizens. He continues to  suggest that we make it a little easier for people to go to college by encouraging Congress “to stop the interest rates on student loans from doubling in July” and attempting to inspire states and national universities to be a little $$nicer$$$ to $tudent$. This is where I get a little bored. Where’s the plan, Stan? Of course, it’s nice to say this will happen, but I’m not convinced that it actually will. Give states more incentive to help students out instead of just threatening that “the funding you get from taxpayers will go down.” Everyone from New York to California is shaking in their boots, I’m sure...

Then he begins to confront what seems like the age old question of illegal immigration with a side of his signature inspirational mumbo-jumbo, which, I must guiltily admit, I absolutely adore. (Gets me every time.)  He assures that we are in dire need of “comprehensive immigration reform” but promises to sign any law “right away” that will allow “responsible young people” to acquire citizenship. How sweet.

He then begins to tackle the question of energy and our dwindling supply of oil. To me, on the surface, he is actually offering a fairly concrete plan, explaining that “we have a supply of natural gas that can last America nearly 100 years.” He continues to describe his hope that the transition of this gas into usable energy will result in more jobs and a healthier, safer environment, proving that “we don’t have to choose between our environment and our economy.” This is a plausible, realistic hope, but, like any dream or wish in a State of the Union Address, it’s easier said than done. 

(I’m not gonna lie, I actually got pretty bored when he kept talking about energy for 57 hours, but, since I have the attention span of a dinosaur, I won’t let that get in the way of the fact that I think he has decent ideas regarding the subject...)

Anyway, moving on to his titillating talk of taxes, he plans to charge million dollar Americans a 30% tax rate. Personally, I really don’t understand anyone who supports the notion that wealthier people should avoid providing for their fellow, debt-stricken citizens, most of whom are hardworking Americans struggling in this unfortunate economic climate. How do we plan to get through this tough, financial time if the weight of the crisis rests upon the shoulders of those who do not have the tools to repair the overwhelming damage? Of this I am certain, we will only get through this fiercely distressing predicament if we are willing to take care of one another, ultimately preventing the recurrence of such plaguing circumstances.

Obama concludes that, “This nation is great because we built it together. This nation is great because we worked as a team.” These expressions couldn’t be more accurate and it’s time for everyone, democrats and republicans alike, to embrace that. Verdict on 2012 State of the Union Address: A total and definite hit.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"Transcript: President Obama delivers State of the Union speech." CNN n.d., n. pag. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. 

<http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/24/politics/sotu-transcript/index.html>.

Theatrical Interest and its Relation to Intellectual Capacity: Should Musical and Cinematic Analysis Possess a Greater Role in the Academic World?

            Marshall McLuhan, a famed English professor most noted for his work in media theory, once said, “Anyone who tries to make a distinction between education and entertainment doesn’t know the first thing about either” (Johnson). His rash approach at identifying the direct relationship between entertainment and its educative potential introduces a curiously astonishing notion: the analytic review of movies, music, or other forms of theatrical pleasure may offer a similar intellectual experience as the study of prototypical academic subjects like literature, mathematics, or science. McLuhan simultaneously implies that an interest in theatrical material is suggestive of one’s cognitive capabilities, indicating mental capacity and aptitude. Stereotypically, entertainment is viewed as a mere past time or hobby, but, upon further reflection, this field of study offers a wealth of informative and enlightening knowledge, likely having the ability to boost one’s personal acumen and proficiency. In this brief investigation of the correlation between mental capacity and the study of entertainment, I intend to discuss the colossal influence of music and film on the intellect.

            It was approximately 1994, and I had just witnessed greatness, at least that’s what my three-year old mind told me. I had never seen a 112-minute piece of such “brilliant” acting or cleverly constructed scenes, especially since my mother forced me to watch such juvenile shows as Barney, Mr. Rogers, and, most horrifyingly, Lamb Chop. Despite my distaste for these infantile programs, I sucked it up and watched, and watched, and watched. It was only at the peak of my despair was I introduced to pure movie magic, also known as “Free Willy.” Through the movie, I was introduced to a place of tranquility and peace, a feeling, even as a child, I rarely attained, but found through the movie. Then, in addition to my sensations of cinematic bliss, I was introduced to an object even more powerful, the ultimate nursery rhyme, I should say. I am referring to the theme song of the film: Michael Jackson’s “Will You Be There.” I became obsessed. I would eat, sleep, and breathe the song. I would make my mother play it on repeat in the car and I would throw tantrums if she didn’t (I still know all of the words!). I really cannot say where my intrigue with the ballad stemmed from or why it resonated with me so much, but I am certain that it had a major effect on the way I view entertainment. Specifically, even at such a young age, I understood, in some way, that there is a beautiful, cognitive synthesis between a viewer and a film, or between a listener and a song. This type of unification, I have personally discovered, parallels the type of intellectual relationship a student might have with a piece of literature or mathematical proof. Watching a movie and listening to a song both require the mind to comprehend the artistic or directorial vision, very similar to the conditions of reading a book through an analytic lens, or completing an arithmetical problem.

            The apparent cognitive relationship between the arts and the individual’s mind has obviously been a subject of intense debate among scholars, politicians, and, of course, students. According to Richard Allen Baker Jr.’s dissertation, “The Relationship between Music and Visual Arts Formal Study and Academic Achievement on the Eighth-Grade Louisiana Assessment Program (LEAP) Test,” students may attain greater academic success through the study of the arts. Baker explains that students who have received insufficient grades on standardized tests in the Louisiana public schooling system are excused from musical and performance study, only given study time for English and math (Baker 1). Though he makes it clear that such artistic study may not necessarily boost or dramatically increase test scores, he concludes that, “Allocated arts instructional time, dance and theatre included, is essential to develop an educated citizenry and support a civilized society. Allocation of arts instruction does not detract from effective curriculum delivery in English and mathematics” (170). Meaning, by taking away musical or theatrical study, there is no particular advantage given to struggling students and, in some ways, taking this type of study away may be more of a detriment to a student’s success.

            Baker offers a brief history of various educators who endorsed the idea of arts in education, exposing its ability to improve, advance, and cultivate cognition. He explains, “Arts integration was viewed as the guiding principle to develop necessary decision making to guide all aspects of the learners’ lives” (26). He continues, “The laws of design, i.e., rhythm, balance, harmony, coherence, dominance, and subordination, guided all experiences of schooling. Creative activities developed an intelligent appreciation of the best in literature and art, and the habits of intelligent discrimination guided decision-making” (26).

            Now, I won’t go into thorough detail about Baker’s study at the risk of boring you to tears, but I will say he discovered that students who studied music scored noticeably higher on standardized tests than those who did not. In regard to students who study visual arts, he found no significant information differentiating them from students who do not study visual arts. Despite this, there was no information suggesting that the study of visual arts is detrimental to a student’s academic performance (Baker). If you would like to see specific numbers, I invite you to look at my works cited and retrieve the dissertation yourself through an academic or university database.

            Though Baker offers incredible support for the need of artistic study in an academic setting, some of the greatest and most influential minds have earnestly endorsed this notion. In the article, “Einstein on Creative Thinking: Music and the Intuitive Art of Scientific Imagination,” Michele and Robert Root-Bernstein propose the idea that musical and artistic study provide a foundation for creative and professional achievement, using Einstein as the prime example. (I discovered this article a couple of months ago and I fell completely in love with it, mainly for its diligent portrayal of Einsten’s passion for music and his admission of music’s influence on his professional work.) The Bernsteins explain, “Einstein shows us how it all connects. But what do our students typically get, especially in high school and college? They get math without music. They get science without images, feelings and intuition. They get knowledge without imagination” (Bernstein 3). Clearly, the study of music in an academic setting is only beneficial to a student, especially in other areas of his or her learning environment.

            Transitioning from the effect of musical study on the mind to that of film, Elizabeth van Hess suggests that a degree in film studies may generate a personal skill set that could possibly benefit an individual in a political or even business-like arena. In her article for the New York Times, “Is a Cinema Studies Degree the New M.B.A.?.,” Hess exposes the flexibility of this degree type, interviewing various collegiate film studies faculty members and film majors who have continued on to law school and even advertisement. Hess states, “At a time when street gangs warn informers with DVD productions about the fate of ‘snitches’ [while]…terrorists…communicate in…staged videos, it is not altogether surprising that film school - promoted as a shot at an entertainment industry job - is beginning to attract those who believe that cinema isn’t so much a profession as the professional language of the future” (Hess 1). Evidently, the study of film is worth more than a silly hope to strike it big in the world of entertainment, it could possibly increase the welfare and integrity of our culture and nation. The study of film should not be a choice; it should be a general requirement in schooling systems, much like math, science, or literature.

            I’ve discussed the overall benefits of music and film on the individual. I’ve even offered concrete proof of its advantages in the real and academic world. Now, I propose a challenge to you, the reader: by the end of the month, or week, for that matter, watch 3 or more new movies you’ve never seen before and listen to music that you’re not normally inclined to listen to. If you’re someone who likes country, listen to some Jay-Z or Kanye, if you’re someone who likes pop, listen to some alternative music like The Kooks or The Black Keys (two of my favorite bands!). Please, let me know if you’re up to the challenge! I would love to hear back from you and, most importantly, good luck!

WORKS CITED

Baker, Richard Allen, Jr. "The Relationship between Music and Visual Arts Formal

Study and Academic Achievement on the Eighth-Grade Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) Test." Online Submission (2011). ERIC. Web. 13 Jan. 2012.

Johnson , Leslie. "Marshall McLuhan: How a Pre-Internet Academic Changed the Way

We Think About the Web." Behavior Change & Technology. N.p., 09/06/2011. Web. 13 Jan 2012. <http://www.behaviourchangeandtechnology.org/2011/06/marshall-mcluhan-how-a-pre-internet-academic-changed-the-way-we-think-about-the-web/>.

Root-Bernstein, Michele, and Robert Root-Bernstein. "Einstein on Creative Thinking:

Music and the Intuitive Art of Scientific Imagination." Psychology Today. 31 3 2010: n. page. Web. 13 Jan. 2012. <http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/imagine/201003/einstein-creative-thinking-music-and-the-intuitive-art-scientific-imagination>.

Van Ness, Elizabeth. "Is a Cinema Studies Degree the New M.B.A.?." New York Times

6 /3/ 2005, n.pag. Web. 13 Jan. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/06/movies/06vann.html?pagewanted=print&position=>.