In this paper I will be discussing how David Kurkowski and Murray Schafer both believed sound played an important role in our environment. Everyday we encounter millions of sounds, but do we listen to them all? When listening to sounds it requires your full undivided attention to be able to connect with the sounds around you. Kurkowski claims you’ll be able to identify an importance a place holds by the sounds shared in that space. For example spaces that hold concerts and parties are usually remembered by the songs sung or played. A person using their headphones, reading a book, or constantly having our phones shoved in our faces are ways people choose to disconnect with sound everyday. For the most part we all maneuver the rest of our day in a secluded bubble because of this. Structural features also have a big impact on what we choose to listen to. For example If you’re accustomed to listening to a certain language in your household, subconsciously it’ll grab your attention just because it’s something you’re already familiar with. Kurkowski & Murray Schafer both believed sound is a reflection of events  occurring around us. For instance an individual is listening to music if they’re happy or sad their music will reflect on that emotion he/she is feeling. Which proves how much sound plays different roles in society. 

Krukowski explains there are always things evolving such as music and ways of discovering new music. He explains how music nowadays is all based on what’s popular and what’s not which prevents us from exploring new sounds because of new technology. Big corporations such as Spotify decipher what’s popular which not only affects people from discovering new underground sounds but also restricts us to new sound,ideas,views.etc.

Krukowski believed discovering music is to expand your knowledge of music, unlike being “surprised” prevents people from doing so by only showing us information we’re already familiar with. For example Spotify’s discovery feature gives people a chance to not always listen to what they’re used to but something with a new similar sound.

Forced exposure plays music not only related to what you listen to but all types of different music unlike Spotify Paul creates a “discover” feature which also helps people explore new music but only based on their playlist which doesn’t help people expand their knowledge of music as much as Forced Exposure does.

In”Living with the Music” Ellison describes the different sounds you hear in a NYC apartment and how these sounds impacted him.Ellison also believed sound makes us, almost a part of us. He also believed“Art thou troubled, Music will Calm Thee..” implying sound evokes emotion whether people recognize it or not. Ellison goes on describing his German Jazz player neighbor & how it would  distract him from doing things such as writing but besides the fact he was annoyed it eventually inspired Ellison to start playing again.

I feel Ellison was implying that there is always constant sound. In that case either enjoy it, perceive it, appreciate it or “die” just taking it as an annoyance.

Damon and Ellison both believed there were infinite alternatives to block sound.They both believed people were in their own “bubble” and technology was a form of distraction. For example, listening to music blocks yourself from reality and prevents you from listening to your surroundings.

1.The distinction between hearing and listening is that we can hear but sometimes perceive nothing more like background noise without much thinking, whereas listening you’re being attentive to each word and evaluating what is being said. We make the decision about what we listen to. For example if someone was to give a speech in a” silly shirt” or “funny hair” any form of a distraction can lead to misinterpretation  and  just obstruct the whole listening process instead of focusing on the substance of the topic/person rather than the appearance.

2.Shafer and Krujowski believed there was a connection between space and sound, They believed most of the time when you hear background noise you don’t pay close attention as in what’s being said which can have a negative impact as Scafer explains. Scafer believes sound comes from culture and environment, and by not paying close attention to noise can impact on our everyday activities and even beliefs. Krukowski’s Opposition was that  technology was affecting people’s social interaction because of how much technology time people were consuming, and people miss out on information, new conversations,new relationships, etc.

Berger felt that white publications consistently depicted blacks in a bad light, and that whites’ journalistic exploitation of photos reinforced white domination. I’m somewhere in the middle. I feel that white publications exclusively cover the bad sides of the Civil Rights Movement, never showing photos of people peacefully protesting or simply standing up for their rights. On the other hand, I believe that nowadays, instances like this are treated much more seriously when it comes to exhibiting discrimination towards black people, such as the case of George Floyd and Trevon Martin.

1.Advertising, according to Berger, fuels customers’ fantasies. When consumers watch an advertisement, they perceive a level of living, and they believe it is what they should strive for. This is crucial because it has the potential to influence many people’s aspirations, since others may see publicity and believe they should accomplish the same thing.

2.The distinction between the themes of oil paintings and publicity is significant because it demonstrates the difference in the purposes of the two. It demonstrates that promotional pictures are created to particularly target dreams and elicit various emotions in people.

3.“The dream of a faraway place” was one of Berger’s dreams. The imagery used in this public relations campaign is used to influence customers in a variety of ways. By displaying the emotions of the individuals in the photos, and so on. Advertisements may depict individuals relaxing quite comfortably while appearing highly delighted, smiling, and so on. This creates a dream in the consumer’s mind by making them want to be in that situation.

Women were objectified in similar ways such as the sexualizing aspect of it but the way one of the woman he interviews depicts nakedness in art as “too distracting” or “too exaggerated” which in one hand I can agree with to a certain extent, it could be too distracting from the actual concept of the art piece to certain viewers but on the other hand I still insist everything is all about perspective you can look at a nude painting and easily assume sexuality but with a mature & open mind you can look at a painting and not necessarily always think sexual. In European tradition nude implies an awareness of being seen by the spectator; “they’re not named as they are but how you choose to view the painting.” perfectly describes how perspective/Interpretation plays a big role. I do believe Nowadays women have more control in how they wanna be perceived,  Although they definitely do not have control in how not only men but also other women want to interpret them.

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According to Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein, writers should use the model of “entering the conversation” in their writing. What are the advantages of this model?

“Entering the Conversation” is not only a terrific conversation starter but guides us to broaden our horizons with fresh new ideas. I also believe that having a comprehensive grasp of both perspectives is not only beneficial in reading/writing but in everyday life. What makes this method so special is that we can discuss and exchange ideas without suppressing the other’s perspective . This technique also kinda reminds me of shock value in a way that keeps readers intrigued; For example Gerald Graff said, “I like to think I have a certain advantage as a teacher of literature because I disliked and feared books when I was growing up.” You’d think since he wanted to be a literature teacher, he would’ve loved to read books which make you wonder & trigger numerous questions. 

The smarthistory videos on the schedule this week discuss how learning to look at artwork help us analyze other situations. Do you agree or disagree? Why

I feel that art has a significant influence in a variety of ways. Not only does it keep the mind stimulated, but it also allows us to practice looking deeper into almost everything. Looking at art pieces helps us to practice examining, evaluating key aspects  & expressing them accurately and gaining greater knowledge by doing so.