Graffiti, Art, Creativity

One could argue that Graffiti can in fact be a work of art, but others say, to what extent? Is it only considered vandalism if the images and words are offensive? I’ve seen some spectacular pieces of artwork that have been painted on the walls of buildings in the places I've visited. But are the images really harmful or destructive if it inspires others?

People need to open their eyes to the creativity and design out in the world, and see past the fact that someone has touched a piece of public property. While I do not think public property should be the place for it, I believe there should be designated graffiti areas. I do not feel it is immoral for someone to communicate their imagination and originality through graffiti for the rest of the world to see, and these designated areas would give them that. We should know that communication is important for people to get a better understanding of each other and by making it known in art, is just another form of expression.

Now, I believe that in order for graffiti to be inspirational, it must tell a story behind the art; not indulge itself in swear words and inappropriate pictures, or entail the mockery towards people and society. Just look at the amazing effect that some graffiti has on the mind and think to yourself, what does it mean to me?

Colour, expression, beauty; these are all attributes that create a great work of art. Graffiti that possesses these qualities should not be considered as vandalism, but as a gateway to look at life and meaning in a completely different way.

Procrastination

Hmm... I was going to talk all about procrastination and the effects of it, but I think I'll leave that for another day.

Imagination vs. Reality

Imagination; it is the ability of the mind to be creative or resourceful, to have the capability to create a world different from your own. Imagination is something that we possess as children and carry through our teenage years. We watch movies and TV, and relate them to what we see and experience in real life. With this, we take those certain types of characteristics from what we see, and in some cases, create a dramatized, false perception on everyday life and people.

Subconsciously, we are using what we see on TV or what we read in books, and applying it to our lives. By doing so, we can recreate situations or certain aspects of society, such as adding in the stereotypical views of people. For example, you see a group of teenage boys walking down the street, wearing baggy clothes, and assume that they are there to commit acts of violence or vandalism, based on a graphic movie you saw. When does the mind separate fiction from reality? Can we control it, or does it come naturally from when we were children?

Imagination can be used for creativity in design or art, expressing what you feel or what you have experienced. While this contributes to the growing mind of a child or teenager, imagination can also be used as a defense mechanism. You can create a world for yourself, where there is no violence or terror. Sometimes, by using your imagination, your mind creates a barrier to the things that upset you the most. To live freely, we need to separate that creation from reality, even if reality is sometimes negative or disappointing.

Your imagination is what you make it. You can apply it to further your creativity, or use it to make life seem more enjoyable. Others may use it for judgment, or unknowingly use it where it generates false views on society, based on what the mind takes in from stories or entertainment use everyday. Because it is something people are used to, it’s what they know best. So, what do you see?

Today's Music?

Some of today's music can be considered as a disgrace to the music world. Other people wonder how an "artist" who uses auto-tune, can be just as famous as one who does not use it, and instead, uses their own unique voice. It just goes to show that anyone can become a pop artist and have their fifteen minutes of fame. Anyone can come up with horrific lyrics and one day it will be a hit. Here’s a little something I came up with about becoming a new artist of this decade …

I’m a new artist

But I’m not original

Even though my lyrics suck

I still think I’m invincible

You can put my words into rap

‘Cuz I can’t do it myself

I repeat my words over again

It’s how I earn my wealth

My words have no meaning

But we can all agree

That I sing like Justin Bieber

Rap like Nicki and Jay-Z

Everyone will hear my music

The CD comes out in June

I’m not worried ‘bout concerts

‘Cuz there’s always auto-tune

I’ll be arrogant

It’ll be about me

But maybe I’ll feel generous

And give to charity

I’ll have my fifteen minutes

and be a shining star

But when next year comes 'round

I won’t make it very far

And when I’m through

and finished my career

Another artist will come

For the rest of you to hear

Titanic - A Love Story

Titanic (1997), directed by James Cameron


Titanic has to be one of the greatest love stories ever put on screen. It’s romantic, inspiring, frightening and beautiful. I first saw the movie when I was 13 years old and I’ve loved it ever since.

Experiencing such a terrifying event and incorporating a forbidden and passionate romance between the two characters Rose and Jack, made the story absolutely spectacular. Oh and we can't forget the famous song, My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion. It ties the whole theme of the film together.

When you hear this particular song, whether it is on the radio or on your iPod, you can reminisce in the moments of love, self sacrifice and tragedy that encompasses the movie. My favourite part in the film, is when Jack and Rose are at the front of the Titanic, spreading their arms out to the sky. It shows the characters' innocence and absolute freedom. Call me a romantic, but the love theme for this movie is truly brilliant.

The actors Leonardo DiCaprio (Jack) and Kate Winslet (Rose) both play the part well and have good chemistry for the film. Not to mention the fact that both actors are two of my favourite.

So I also hear that Titanic is coming back to the big screen, in 3D! Is this the best idea?

Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On is a classic ... just listen and see it for yourself.

A Teenager's Future

Many teenagers wonder what the future will hold for them, or which path will take them to greatness. Others believe that by going on to university or college, they can get a better job, have more opportunities, and bring them happiness. The truth is, that it's the people who make the decision to do something wonderful with their lives that really succeed.

Having said this, why, when it comes to deciding which path to take, do some people believe that students who want to go on to college or not, are less smart than those who choose university? Do college-bound students have a negative attitude towards school? Achieve lower grades? Want the easy way out? In all honesty, it is not the case. It sometimes seems that college-bound students are cast in a more, negative light when compared to university students. The reality of it, is what a person makes of their life after high school. It does not matter if they choose college, university, or an opposite path; every teenager should be treated as an equal.

We need to realize that teenagers right now, just like me, are at that moment where support is greatly needed and that making the right decisions are so important. Whatever path a person decides to take, they'll eventually find their own unique and individual way to happiness, so what's yours?

Canadian Stereotypes

Dear Tim Hortons,

I remember your 'Roll Up the Rim to Win' commercial featuring the "true" qualities of what Canada is really about, and I have to say that "Shovel the Driveway" is not particularly my favourite of sports, I'm more of a soccer person to say the least.

Canada has so many amazing qualities about it and "Knit-a-Toque" may possibly come next to last in that category. Just wanted to let you know that I'm grateful you only had about 30 seconds of air time. I can only begin to imagine what else would have been in your commercial if it were any longer; "Ride a Moose" or "Build an Igloo".

Sincerely,

A true Canadian

Canadian stereotypes are typically a nuisance to watch. Once in a while it's good to laugh at yourself, but when it is a constant thing coming from all sides, it can get annoying. Stereotyping is becoming a problem due to the fact that other people from other places, make assumptions based on what they see and hear.

An example is that people think that Canada's national sport is Hockey when actually, it is Lacrosse. The fact that people believe we actually live in Igloos is my favourite; are we that far behind in development? Think about all of the things you hear about other countries and owe it to yourself to really see and understand the true qualities of that place.