Depression

Many Americans believe that as a nation we are unstoppable, and things that have happened in our past will not happen again. We are supposed to learn from our past, but in reality the past will repeat itself. In Robert Samuelson’s article entitled The Shadow of Depression, he brings forward the anxiety that we Americans have about falling into another economic down turn. Even through our unemployment rate is nowhere near what it was during the Great Depression in the 1930’s we have been growing closer. I agree with Samuelson because people need to be aware that anything can happen at any time. I am not saying do not spend your money, but there will come a time when things might not look so bright but as American’s we have to push through it. The more we worry the worse thing are going to get. The reason I say this is because my grandparents were in their young twenties when the Great Depression hit. As I would talk to them about this dreadful time they would stress the fact about staying positive. They would say things like do not let the world drag you down, and it made us stronger. The last sentence of Samuelson’s article says, “When people stop worrying about depression, when the shadow lifts, the crisis will be over.”  This makes me reminds me of the wise words of my grandparents. So next time you are out with family or friends, or on a vacation to somewhere remember that you cannot take your money to the grave with you! Support the local community where ever you are, and keep the money circulating.  

The Graduate

The 1967 film The Graduate was a huge step in the America film industry. This film shows Benjamin Braddock a young man that has recently graduated from college. When he comes home to his parent’s house he finds himself feeling lost in the new adult world. Then to add onto this uncertainty Mrs. Robinson, who is a friend of his parent’s attempts to seduce him after his graduation party. Benjamin originally wants nothing to do with it, but soon thereafter we find him getting a room at a hotel later in the week. From then on they are tied into an intimate relationship until Mrs. Robinson’s daughter is to return home from college. Benjamin’s parents force him to take Mrs. Robinson’s daughter Elaine out. When Mrs. Robinson catches wind that Benjamin is going on a date with her daughter she threatens to tell everyone about their true relationship. From then on Ben’s life begins to unfold as you see him trying to get Elaine back.The director Mr. Mike Nichols and casting consultant Lynn Stalmaster casted a wonderful cast of Anne Bancroft who is Mrs. Robinson, Dustin Hoffman who is Ben Braddock, Katharine Ross who is Elaine Robinson and Murray Hamilton as Mr. Robinson along with many others. Bancroff, Hoffman, and Ross all were nominated for Oscars for their performances. The chemistry between the actors throughout the picture jumps off the screen. Hoffman and Bancroft make you believe and feel their connection, and Hoffman makes you feel the conflict that he is having within himself. This romance comedy takes place in Pasadena California, and a lot of the events that happen throughout happen by or in Benjamin’s parent’s pool. This movie is fun and interesting to watch. Benjamin’s relationship with Mrs. Robinson will keep you on your feet the whole time. 

Education Please?

Left Behind, Way Behind is the title of Bob Herbert article about how America sizes up on schooling and grades. The title was enough to pull me in and once I started reading the fact I realized how shockingly true it all is. The first fact that Herbert gives to us is, “Only about two-thirds of American teenagers graduate with a regular diploma four years after entering high school”. The next fact is that, “only half of them read well enough to succeed in college”. Being a college student myself this is shocking to me. I think that this is strikes me as odd because I come from a school where everyone had the opportunity to attend at least a community college. I agree with Herbert that more than just the no child left behind law. He goes on to discuss how the minorities and low income students differ in this country. This topic has been running through my head for a few days now because we are also talking about it in my sociology class. There is a distinct difference in how minorities and low income kids are treated. My sociology professor talked about a child coming from a higher income family has more chances to succeed. If they would get a C on a paper they would be told that they can do better, but if a lower income child would get a C on a paper the teacher is more likely to say good job. This is also tied into the self-fulfilling prophecy which says that someone will do only as good as they believe that they can do. This is seen if a child gets a C on a paper and gets praised for it then that will be their objective for the next one. This is going to be a long process to get to a point where minority and income will no matter and frankly we may never get there, but they best thing that we as a population can do is   make it more know. 

The Maltese Falcon

In the 1941 film the Maltese Falcon you see Humphrey Bogart as Samuel Spade a detective with his friend Miles Archer played by Jerome Cowan. These two men are attempting to help Mary Astor who is playing Brigid O’Shaughnessy. Ms. O’Shaughnessy is a woman who supposable is looking for her sister who has run off, but as the movie progresses you come to figure out that she is just a very good liar and manipulator. Later you come to meet Joel Cairo who is working for a man Called Gutman who is played by Sydney Greenstreet. When you meet these two men the real story begins to unfold. Viewers begin to realize what Ms. O’Shaughnessy purpose is, and you come to realize what the Maltese Falcon is. If you really want to know what happens with the Maltese Falcon then you will just have to watch the movie. No spoiler alerts here! All of this happens in San Francisco and it defiantly old school Hollywood! This is a beautiful Drama for the ages along with some great acting. Director John Huston and Warner Brothers Studios has created a timeless movie about lies and greed. Who ever knew a statuette would cause so much commotion. IF you do not believe me this film was nominated for three Oscars in 1942. The three categories were best picture, best actor in a supporting role, and best writing. Maltese Falcon won the National Film Registry by the National Film Preservation Board in 1989. This movie is a good watch with a very surprising end. Full of action and drama with a lot of crime, and who do you think kill who or did what. This will keep you guessing to the very end.