Part A:
Dress Up
A strategy used commonly by many people is the way they dress to be known as cool. One person that seems to do this on a regular basis is Charles. So I asked him some questions based on the discussion we had on Friday.
Do you feel like u adorn or customize yourself?
I do customize myself but I don’t do it to be cool. I do it because I like the clothing, which is the reason why I buy the clothing in the first place.
So why do u do it?
Because I want to look good, and I do it just because I like it
Ok, so why do u always wear that sticker on your hat all the time as Andy points out all the time?
Because I’m too lazy to take it off and it’s going to leave a mark if I take it off
Would you ever get a tattoo or a piercing? Why or why not?
Yeah I would...I like diamonds in my ears and I’m going to get a basketball tattoo
Why do you think many basketball players have tattoos and piercings?
It’s just the way it is, since everybody else has them then you are supposed to have it too. If you don’t then you wouldn’t really fit in.
Wouldn’t you want to be different by standing out and not getting tattoos and piercings?
That’s true, but I want to get it because that’s my decision.
Part B:
Piercings
Piercings are very common in every culture, but it all depends where the piercing is. Girls getting their ears pierced is nothing out of the ordinary, but in some ways this is considered “cool” as well. It all depends on where this piercing is.
How many piercings do you have?
Six, don’t worry, they are all on my ears.
When did you get your first piercing?
I was seven, in Pakistan; my mom and I were doing some shopping and she took me to this place to get my ears pierced. I don’t really remember asking for it, but I didn’t mind either.
What about those other piercings?
The other four, I also got done in Pakistan, but this was when I was thirteen. I was going to get the ones above my first piercings because that’s common in our culture. But the 3rd pair I got done because I wanted it after I saw that it was the new thing going on. I got both of my cartilages pierced because I wanted to get something different.
How did people react to seeing your piercings?
Well it sort of builds up, my first pair was on my earlobes so that wasn’t anything different. The ones that I got on top of my earlobes is also something pretty common. The 3rd piercings on my cartilages took my friends by surprise, because I only started 8th grade and everybody was like “ohhhh, your parents let you do that?” There weren’t many young girls out there that had their cartilages pierced so it was referred as being “cool” if you got it pierced, especially at a young age.
Your Parents were okay with this?
My mom was much more chill about it compared to my dad. He said “No”, but it wasn’t the kind of “No” that meant that I would be in serious trouble. Knowing that my mom was okay with it I got my cartilages pierced. The other 2 pairs of piercings I was going to get sooner or later so that wasn’t much of a problem. When I came home with my cartilages pierced, my dad had a “Whatever” kind of reaction.
Will you be getting any more piercings in the future?
I know I will be getting my nose pierced for sure; other piercings I am not too sure about at the moment.
How do all these piercings connect to being “cool”?
My first two pairs of piercings wouldn’t really be considered “cool” because that is something that is common in many cultures. My third set of piercings I would say is considered “cool”, especially at a young age because everybody doesn’t have it. It’s something that makes you stand out and be different. I guess a part of me getting all these piercings does have to be with being “cool”, but I got it done because I wanted to get it done, not because I was forced to.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Hw 30
What are the sources of this sense of meaninglessness but also of the need for a sense of meaning?
What is meaningless to this world? Are humans meaningful to this planet? How so? I agree “that humans seem to overwhelmingly share a sense of emptiness, or a hole that needs to be filled.” Just like being able to have the same emotions for certain events, all humans have some emptiness that lingers within them selves. Even though they do not like the feeling of having this emptiness within themselves, they still seem to carry it. The big question here is what actually causes this feeling, the feeling to be lonely and hollow from the inside. This later on leads to “fitting in” and trying to distract this feeling of hollowness that we all have inside us. Most of it has to do with the lack of care and respect for an individual. “We feel meaningless because of the lack of care and nurture received from our parents.” (Henry, 12/18/09) If a child is raised with parents by the side, not only in certain times like while tucking them into bed or providing the child with money, they may not have such a great sense of meaninglessness. Instead they should receive care with some one providing them love all the time; they shouldn’t be left with a baby sitter to take care of them. If they receive this type of care then the child may not have such a big sense of emptiness. There is emptiness contained within everyone, but it varies on how big the space of emptiness has taken over one.
“When people feel like they have no meaning or purpose to their life, they often play the victim or take self pity… People make up excuses to help answer questions that have no answers.” (Mcgraw, Phil) To make this sense of meaninglessness to go away we all try to ignore it by trying to fill up the space with something else. Now it varies on what someone wants to fill this space up with. Some people take the not so great route of using drugs to make them feel as if they mean something to this world. But this feeling of being superior only lasts for a limited time period. Another way to fill up this space is by creating friends and having a social life so that one cannot remember the feeling all the time. Other people do other things such as leisure activities: sports, reading, painting, etc… Back to the quote, the feeling of meaninglessness makes the individual feel trapped. No matter what, this feeling is always with us and never seems to go away. Even when people try to ignore it and try to fill up the space with other things, the feeling is still there, it is a permanent felling that will stay with us forever.
The big question that pops up in ones life at some time is: what is the meaning of life? Nobody has the clear answer to this question yet, but philosophers are eager to find out. One of the earliest philosophers was Plato. “In Platonism, the meaning of life is in attaining the highest form of knowledge, which is the Idea (Form) of the Good…Human beings are duty-bound to pursue the good, but no one can succeed in that pursuit without philosophical reasoning, which allows for true knowledge.” (Wikipedia) There are always different goals for everyone in life. In Plato’s mind the way to live a meaningful life is to attain the highest form of knowledge. But what if these goals are not met? Is this the reason for why so many of us have a sense of meaninglessness?
What is meaningless to this world? Are humans meaningful to this planet? How so? I agree “that humans seem to overwhelmingly share a sense of emptiness, or a hole that needs to be filled.” Just like being able to have the same emotions for certain events, all humans have some emptiness that lingers within them selves. Even though they do not like the feeling of having this emptiness within themselves, they still seem to carry it. The big question here is what actually causes this feeling, the feeling to be lonely and hollow from the inside. This later on leads to “fitting in” and trying to distract this feeling of hollowness that we all have inside us. Most of it has to do with the lack of care and respect for an individual. “We feel meaningless because of the lack of care and nurture received from our parents.” (Henry, 12/18/09) If a child is raised with parents by the side, not only in certain times like while tucking them into bed or providing the child with money, they may not have such a great sense of meaninglessness. Instead they should receive care with some one providing them love all the time; they shouldn’t be left with a baby sitter to take care of them. If they receive this type of care then the child may not have such a big sense of emptiness. There is emptiness contained within everyone, but it varies on how big the space of emptiness has taken over one.
“When people feel like they have no meaning or purpose to their life, they often play the victim or take self pity… People make up excuses to help answer questions that have no answers.” (Mcgraw, Phil) To make this sense of meaninglessness to go away we all try to ignore it by trying to fill up the space with something else. Now it varies on what someone wants to fill this space up with. Some people take the not so great route of using drugs to make them feel as if they mean something to this world. But this feeling of being superior only lasts for a limited time period. Another way to fill up this space is by creating friends and having a social life so that one cannot remember the feeling all the time. Other people do other things such as leisure activities: sports, reading, painting, etc… Back to the quote, the feeling of meaninglessness makes the individual feel trapped. No matter what, this feeling is always with us and never seems to go away. Even when people try to ignore it and try to fill up the space with other things, the feeling is still there, it is a permanent felling that will stay with us forever.
The big question that pops up in ones life at some time is: what is the meaning of life? Nobody has the clear answer to this question yet, but philosophers are eager to find out. One of the earliest philosophers was Plato. “In Platonism, the meaning of life is in attaining the highest form of knowledge, which is the Idea (Form) of the Good…Human beings are duty-bound to pursue the good, but no one can succeed in that pursuit without philosophical reasoning, which allows for true knowledge.” (Wikipedia) There are always different goals for everyone in life. In Plato’s mind the way to live a meaningful life is to attain the highest form of knowledge. But what if these goals are not met? Is this the reason for why so many of us have a sense of meaninglessness?
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Hw 29
I guess that’s all a part of being cool. It’s this whole chain; to be cool corporations create products by studying teens and asking them questions about what is cool. After doing their so called experiment they rummage through their collected data and use it to come up with a new product that is aimed at teenagers because as said in the documentary 150 billion dollars are controlled by teens; “Teens are like Africa.” When the product hits the stores, teens go out and buy it. They use the product for a while, and then it gets old because some other corporation created a better and new material. If we stopped spending money on these products realizing that they are fooling us; we will cause harm to many companies out there. They depend on us, and in our minds we think that we depend on them. It’s a back and forth kind of thing. You get to do what you want, if you want to be made into a fool and spend a lot of money on these products then go ahead. There are different types of teens out there; there are the ones that have a lot of money in their pockets and want to spend it one way or the other just so they can flaunt their “coolness”. It’s like the money in their pockets is biting them and they have to spend it or it will cause them harm. Then there are those who don’t waste their money on name brand products; instead they buy something cheap and turn it into something better to show off. If everyone was to be like them, then many corporations out there would be in a lot of loss.
Everyone wants to be known in society so that they can be given attention to, and be considered “cool” amongst others. They all want to be known just so they can be on top of their hierarchy. In Merchants of Cool companies did studies on average teens to see what they think is “cool” at the certain time period. They talked about what they like and what they would they go out for and buy. They gave out print outs with different celebrities and products and asked them to circle the ones that they liked or the ones they thought were “cool”. Later on they showed how big people from certain companies would go into teen’s living spaces just so they can see what type of environment they live in and learn about their life. They will do what ever it takes to be the first one to come up with something that will give them a lot of profit. This causes both teams to be happy; these companies gain insight on teenagers and their personal lives. They are treating the teens as if they are lab rats and are experimenting with them in their natural habitats. At the same time the teens are thinking “whoa, I must be so cool, why else would these guys be here to interview me?”
I think it would be impossible to ban teenagers from advertisements; unless if they were to be put in a jungle until they turned 20. I think that if advertisements were to be banned to everyone, or just to teenagers, it will cause a negative impact to many companies out there. This will cause problems to everyone, not just the people that are involved with these companies. I don’t think that advertisements should be banned; they should be limited. A lot of advertisements can cause many positive affects along with many negative affects. If it were to be banned, then I would say that it should be banned to everyone until they reach the age of 20. After that they are old enough to handle themselves and make the right decisions for themselves as well. If it were to be banned for everyone, then that would be a problem for all the companies out there, and everyone would be lost in their own sense.
Yes, I do think it is evil to help the corporations to manipulate the minds of young people for the sake of profit. If you are involved in doing so, then you will be held responsible for corrupting a youths mind. I don’t think that companies out there should fool their customers by making them feel as if they are the “coolest” people out there. That’s just wrong, sometime in their life they are going to feel guilty that they did such a thing. Corporations out there should make customers in a nice and friendly way; if someone chooses to be a customer then it’s their own choice. They shouldn’t be a part of a sneaky scheme so that they can be brainwashed into buying a product, just so a company can receive a profit.
Hmmm, that’s a hard question. I wouldn’t know what to do if I were to be one of them. I mean there are always pros and cons out there for everything. I would say the better thing they should have done was to refuse the offer of playing this corporate game. Even if that means that you are not getting many listeners or customers you still shouldn’t be a part of such a profit. It’s all about brainwashing people; this is how these people make their living. They get people to join their companies and create customers by brainwashing all of them to think that what they are doing is something very good. If they really sit down and think about it for a while, they aren’t doing such a great thing after all.
I think that what was done to Britney Spears was wrong, but it was in some ways her decision to do all of what she did. I wouldn’t say it was a crime, it all depends on if she thinks it was a crime done upon herself. If she is to think that it was a crime, then I would say the criminals would be all of those people who were in charge of brainwashing her to become something she didn’t want to be before. She went along with it because she was forced to do so by society. The society made it seem as if flaunting her sexuality was a “cool” thing for a girl to do. Now it all depends on what an individual thinks is “cool” in their own mind. Even though she might not have liked it at first, she was forced to do so, so that she could appear “cooler” amongst her competitors at the time. This caused many other young girls to do the same thing their role models were doing. All of the sudden they wanted to change their wardrobe and get a mental and physical makeover to be seen as very “attractive” and very “cool” girls. I guess this all does lead to the image of loveless performance of alienated hyper-sexuality in the name of “cool”. These teens are using their sexuality just so they can stand out amongst others. But the question is, if all of these people are doing the same thing to stand out when compared to others, what will be the difference between them causing them to “stand out”?
This connects in some ways to what Matt Fried said about his past patients. He told us about this guy who got all he ever wanted from his parents but never learned to earn anything on his own, because it was already provided to him. His parents refuse to stop paying for all his needs because they cannot let their son work hard to get something in life. This is sort of like Britney and how the society treated her back then. The society wanted her to stand out using her sexuality so she can seem "older" and "sexier" and be known for all this. Now she is so used to it she can't have a career without using her sexuality in one way or another. The guy that Matt talked about in class is also forced to have everything provided to him because his parents do not want him to suffer like they did. I think that’s pathetic.
Everyone wants to be known in society so that they can be given attention to, and be considered “cool” amongst others. They all want to be known just so they can be on top of their hierarchy. In Merchants of Cool companies did studies on average teens to see what they think is “cool” at the certain time period. They talked about what they like and what they would they go out for and buy. They gave out print outs with different celebrities and products and asked them to circle the ones that they liked or the ones they thought were “cool”. Later on they showed how big people from certain companies would go into teen’s living spaces just so they can see what type of environment they live in and learn about their life. They will do what ever it takes to be the first one to come up with something that will give them a lot of profit. This causes both teams to be happy; these companies gain insight on teenagers and their personal lives. They are treating the teens as if they are lab rats and are experimenting with them in their natural habitats. At the same time the teens are thinking “whoa, I must be so cool, why else would these guys be here to interview me?”
I think it would be impossible to ban teenagers from advertisements; unless if they were to be put in a jungle until they turned 20. I think that if advertisements were to be banned to everyone, or just to teenagers, it will cause a negative impact to many companies out there. This will cause problems to everyone, not just the people that are involved with these companies. I don’t think that advertisements should be banned; they should be limited. A lot of advertisements can cause many positive affects along with many negative affects. If it were to be banned, then I would say that it should be banned to everyone until they reach the age of 20. After that they are old enough to handle themselves and make the right decisions for themselves as well. If it were to be banned for everyone, then that would be a problem for all the companies out there, and everyone would be lost in their own sense.
Yes, I do think it is evil to help the corporations to manipulate the minds of young people for the sake of profit. If you are involved in doing so, then you will be held responsible for corrupting a youths mind. I don’t think that companies out there should fool their customers by making them feel as if they are the “coolest” people out there. That’s just wrong, sometime in their life they are going to feel guilty that they did such a thing. Corporations out there should make customers in a nice and friendly way; if someone chooses to be a customer then it’s their own choice. They shouldn’t be a part of a sneaky scheme so that they can be brainwashed into buying a product, just so a company can receive a profit.
Hmmm, that’s a hard question. I wouldn’t know what to do if I were to be one of them. I mean there are always pros and cons out there for everything. I would say the better thing they should have done was to refuse the offer of playing this corporate game. Even if that means that you are not getting many listeners or customers you still shouldn’t be a part of such a profit. It’s all about brainwashing people; this is how these people make their living. They get people to join their companies and create customers by brainwashing all of them to think that what they are doing is something very good. If they really sit down and think about it for a while, they aren’t doing such a great thing after all.
I think that what was done to Britney Spears was wrong, but it was in some ways her decision to do all of what she did. I wouldn’t say it was a crime, it all depends on if she thinks it was a crime done upon herself. If she is to think that it was a crime, then I would say the criminals would be all of those people who were in charge of brainwashing her to become something she didn’t want to be before. She went along with it because she was forced to do so by society. The society made it seem as if flaunting her sexuality was a “cool” thing for a girl to do. Now it all depends on what an individual thinks is “cool” in their own mind. Even though she might not have liked it at first, she was forced to do so, so that she could appear “cooler” amongst her competitors at the time. This caused many other young girls to do the same thing their role models were doing. All of the sudden they wanted to change their wardrobe and get a mental and physical makeover to be seen as very “attractive” and very “cool” girls. I guess this all does lead to the image of loveless performance of alienated hyper-sexuality in the name of “cool”. These teens are using their sexuality just so they can stand out amongst others. But the question is, if all of these people are doing the same thing to stand out when compared to others, what will be the difference between them causing them to “stand out”?
This connects in some ways to what Matt Fried said about his past patients. He told us about this guy who got all he ever wanted from his parents but never learned to earn anything on his own, because it was already provided to him. His parents refuse to stop paying for all his needs because they cannot let their son work hard to get something in life. This is sort of like Britney and how the society treated her back then. The society wanted her to stand out using her sexuality so she can seem "older" and "sexier" and be known for all this. Now she is so used to it she can't have a career without using her sexuality in one way or another. The guy that Matt talked about in class is also forced to have everything provided to him because his parents do not want him to suffer like they did. I think that’s pathetic.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Hw 28
Hannah Montana
I guess a “cool” television show for young girls would be Hannah Montana. Just because the show revolves around a teenager who has her life split into two. In the beginning of the day she is a normal girl going to her school; by the evening with a wig and a change of clothes she becomes a star. Nobody really knows her secret other than her close friends and family of course. This television series is very popular amongst young girls because to them Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana is a role model.
I guess this TV show is very well known and enjoyed by many because it involves a normal TV show incorporating a star’s life. I wouldn’t really say this show is considered “cool” for me. My younger sister loves it because her age is what this show targets. I think it’s absurd that young girls are looking at her as a role model because there is not much that is good about her in my opinion. They think that she is cool because she is keeping her style up to date and stands out with her fashion choice. She is cool because many people think she can sing and act. They all want to be like her because many of us are not able to do these two things. This is why she is always considered cool amongst the younger girls…maybe boys too?
"How to be Cool at School." wikiHow. Web. 7 Dec 2009..
This article compiles rules you should follow to be considered “cool” in school. Standing out by being independent and treating others the way you would want to be treated is what these people think will help you be “cool” in school. You want to be smooth with everything to be “cool” you don’t want to hurt other people’s feelings in the process.
These twelve steps will help you become “cooler” in school because they want you to at least fit in with the other students but stand out amongst others in some way. You don’t want to be obvious, you want to be normal but squeeze in some “coolness”. If you make it obvious then you are being what they call desperate; that is definitely not considered “cool”. “Be who you really are DO NOT TRY SO HARD people notice.”
"How to be Retro Cool for Females." wikiHow. Web. 7 Dec 2009..
Some people do not only want to be “cool”, they want to be a certain type of “cool”. They provide some steps on how to be “retro cool” for females. There are not many steps because it’s not that vague of a topic anymore. Now get those, tees, skinny jeans, and converses out if you want to be retro chick.
For some people out there “cool” is too old for them. Now it’s all of the sudden a certain type of cool. If females want to be known as retro cool, then they should change their styles and their music selection. Now these females do not have to worry about what is “cool” in the whole society; instead they need to worry about what is being considered “cool” in the retro society. Much of the retro coolness has to do with you looking retro cool from the outside, so appearance wise.
"100 Cool Things About Being A Guy." funlol. Web. 7 Dec 2009..
There are many things that are considered cool amongst females, but we usually get to see much of what girls consider cool. The guys just sit there and listen as Andy said once. In this article, we get the guy’s view on what they think is cool about themselves. Much of this compared to what females think is “cool” and their reactions.
This atricle has 100 reasons for guys to be considered “cool”. Much of it compares to females because it all depends on the society and what they think. Guys can go around and get every girl in town. If the girls do the same then that would not be considered such a good thing. Most of these points try to say that guys do not get to worry about the smallest things while girls do. This is what makes them “cool” because they are laid back and chill about everything.
Seventeen Magazine
Many teenage girls get their fashion ideas from all the magazines offered to them. One of these is the well known seventeen magazine. It provides the latest fashion and styles out there. They show what celebrities have been seen wearing and tell readers where these products are available cheaper. They also provide beauty techniques to get a certain celebrities look.
Many readers follow all the steps and tips given in these magazines. They want to look like someone else. For them this is considered “cool”. Its funny how many people out there say that to be “cool” you need to be yourself. You want to add your own twist to these styles and make them work for you; if you copy it out of a book it won’t work that well. You have to see what works for you because something that looks nice on someone else may not look so good on you.
I guess a “cool” television show for young girls would be Hannah Montana. Just because the show revolves around a teenager who has her life split into two. In the beginning of the day she is a normal girl going to her school; by the evening with a wig and a change of clothes she becomes a star. Nobody really knows her secret other than her close friends and family of course. This television series is very popular amongst young girls because to them Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana is a role model.
I guess this TV show is very well known and enjoyed by many because it involves a normal TV show incorporating a star’s life. I wouldn’t really say this show is considered “cool” for me. My younger sister loves it because her age is what this show targets. I think it’s absurd that young girls are looking at her as a role model because there is not much that is good about her in my opinion. They think that she is cool because she is keeping her style up to date and stands out with her fashion choice. She is cool because many people think she can sing and act. They all want to be like her because many of us are not able to do these two things. This is why she is always considered cool amongst the younger girls…maybe boys too?
"How to be Cool at School." wikiHow. Web. 7 Dec 2009.
This article compiles rules you should follow to be considered “cool” in school. Standing out by being independent and treating others the way you would want to be treated is what these people think will help you be “cool” in school. You want to be smooth with everything to be “cool” you don’t want to hurt other people’s feelings in the process.
These twelve steps will help you become “cooler” in school because they want you to at least fit in with the other students but stand out amongst others in some way. You don’t want to be obvious, you want to be normal but squeeze in some “coolness”. If you make it obvious then you are being what they call desperate; that is definitely not considered “cool”. “Be who you really are DO NOT TRY SO HARD people notice.”
"How to be Retro Cool for Females." wikiHow. Web. 7 Dec 2009.
Some people do not only want to be “cool”, they want to be a certain type of “cool”. They provide some steps on how to be “retro cool” for females. There are not many steps because it’s not that vague of a topic anymore. Now get those, tees, skinny jeans, and converses out if you want to be retro chick.
For some people out there “cool” is too old for them. Now it’s all of the sudden a certain type of cool. If females want to be known as retro cool, then they should change their styles and their music selection. Now these females do not have to worry about what is “cool” in the whole society; instead they need to worry about what is being considered “cool” in the retro society. Much of the retro coolness has to do with you looking retro cool from the outside, so appearance wise.
"100 Cool Things About Being A Guy." funlol. Web. 7 Dec 2009.
There are many things that are considered cool amongst females, but we usually get to see much of what girls consider cool. The guys just sit there and listen as Andy said once. In this article, we get the guy’s view on what they think is cool about themselves. Much of this compared to what females think is “cool” and their reactions.
This atricle has 100 reasons for guys to be considered “cool”. Much of it compares to females because it all depends on the society and what they think. Guys can go around and get every girl in town. If the girls do the same then that would not be considered such a good thing. Most of these points try to say that guys do not get to worry about the smallest things while girls do. This is what makes them “cool” because they are laid back and chill about everything.
Seventeen Magazine
Many teenage girls get their fashion ideas from all the magazines offered to them. One of these is the well known seventeen magazine. It provides the latest fashion and styles out there. They show what celebrities have been seen wearing and tell readers where these products are available cheaper. They also provide beauty techniques to get a certain celebrities look.
Many readers follow all the steps and tips given in these magazines. They want to look like someone else. For them this is considered “cool”. Its funny how many people out there say that to be “cool” you need to be yourself. You want to add your own twist to these styles and make them work for you; if you copy it out of a book it won’t work that well. You have to see what works for you because something that looks nice on someone else may not look so good on you.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Hw 27
Street Interviews:
Anthony: Works at Tasti D-Lite
Waiting for him to take the customer’s order we started to ask Anthony questions about the word cool and our society: “Who would you say is the coolest person in our society and why?” After thinking for a while he states: “I would have to say the coolest person in our society is Cameron Diaz; she gives a lot to the society by doing charity work.” “What would you say is the true meaning of cool?” “Cool is something to be, you do everything to be cool in your own way.” “Why do you think the word cool is always taken as a compliment?” “Everybody does their own thing and they get compliments, if you think it’s cool to rob then you’re going to rob, you may not get compliments for that one though.” I ask him: “Do you think anyone can be born cool?” He answers: “No, I guess actions cause you to be cool.” “What do you think of when you hear the word cool?” “I think about cool as in the weather or temperature, it feels good. Like a cool breeze or something like that.” Who would you say was the coolest person in high school?” “Hmmm, I would say myself because I was known but I was humble as well. I was cool with everybody meaning that I got along with everyone. High school was the only school where I didn’t get into a fight with anyone.” Later on he states: “To me my father is the coolest person in the world; he gave up his whole career for me.” (after a while replaces father with parents).
Michelle (42): Works at Jewelry Store
While taking a break for a smoke outside we asked Michelle some questions about cool in our society: “Hi, we are interviewing people about the word cool and what it means in our society; would you like to contribute some thoughts?” “Cool! Yeah, sure. Why not? My parents were hippies from the 60’s. I always use the word cool, my coworkers always make fun of me because I use it so often.” While giggling, I ask: “Who would you say is the coolest person in our society and why?” She states: “Well Obama made an important speech last night about sending more troops over to Afghanistan that was pretty disappointing. I would say Obama is cool, he is honest and truthful. That guy has the hardest job on the block.” “Would you say you are cool yourself?” I wouldn’t be called cool by my kids but yeah I would say I’m cool.” “How do you think cool differs in different societies?” “Well, I have been to places like Germany, France and Tahiti. I was in a beach in Tahiti and I had these toys for the beach; all of the sudden these people started to come up to me and began to play with the toys. This is cool they said. The word is used a lot in different parts of the world.” “Who was the coolest person you knew in school?” “Eddie Fisher; he was the guy who had combat boots before anyone else, this made him trendy.”
Brian/Mr. Cool: Works with Michelle
After finishing our talk with Michelle, Brian joins us and gives us some thoughts about the word cool: “What is the definition of cool in your dictionary?” “He states: “Something that people admire.” “Who is the coolest person in our society?” “I would say Jeremy Piven from Entourage, his attitude, very cool and aggressive; he is sharp and quick with words. He doesn’t care how it comes out in real life or on television.” I ask him: “Why do you think the word cool is always taken as a compliment?” He answers: “Because it’s something people admire.” “Can you be born cool?” “You cannot be born cool, you have to earn it and gain it on your own. It’s like a degree; you need a couple of years to get it. Some people fail the course miserably.” “Would you say nerds are cool?” “Nerds are cool in their own way.”
Family:
I went around and asked each family member in my house: “What does cool mean to you?” and gave the one minute to answer; this is what they blurted out:
Nabil: “Being popular, for boys its trying to get the most girls, having your head held high and thinking you are better than others and showing it as well. In our society basketball is the coolest sport, the players are automatically considered cool. Kobe made that miracle shot so he is considered cool these days. To be cool you gotta be from coming from “the hood”.”
Mujeeb: “A nice breeze, good weather, an easy going person is cool.”
Bushra: “Talking like a “cool” person using the words: “peace out” or “yo”. Popular kids, being mean to people just to be different and stand out. Jumping over the turnstile in a subway station.”
Shahana: “Casual and relaxed, no formality. Having a different style and setting trends. Having the latest gadgets, if you like something then it automatically becomes “cool” to you, doesn’t have to be considered “cool” by others though.
Friend:
Kavita:
Over an aim conversation I asked my frien Kavita some questions about "cool" in our sciety; this is how she responded:
What is your definition of cool?
My definition of the word "cool" is a word describing a content feeling; it can be replaced with the words "alright," "awesome," or "that's fine."
Can one ever be born cool?
Based on my definition of the word cool, I think that if a person is born with no complications, they would be born cool. Based on my definition of cool, someone being born cool is like saying the process of being born is cool like "I was born cool" would mean "the birth process was cool"
Who would you say is the coolest person in our society?
Okay, I would say the coolest person in our society is Obama, because it makes me feel content
How so?
Him being president makes me feel content because I am glad he won the presidency; he will make the country better for us as well as for the future generations, and he is for the common people.
How do u think cool differs in different societies?
I think my definition of cool seems to be the consensus in most societies, but people's opinion of content change because for Americans, our range of "coolness" varies because of the diverse cultures in this country. However, for other societies, "cool" would be defined as something that supports or enhances their culture.
Anthony: Works at Tasti D-Lite
Waiting for him to take the customer’s order we started to ask Anthony questions about the word cool and our society: “Who would you say is the coolest person in our society and why?” After thinking for a while he states: “I would have to say the coolest person in our society is Cameron Diaz; she gives a lot to the society by doing charity work.” “What would you say is the true meaning of cool?” “Cool is something to be, you do everything to be cool in your own way.” “Why do you think the word cool is always taken as a compliment?” “Everybody does their own thing and they get compliments, if you think it’s cool to rob then you’re going to rob, you may not get compliments for that one though.” I ask him: “Do you think anyone can be born cool?” He answers: “No, I guess actions cause you to be cool.” “What do you think of when you hear the word cool?” “I think about cool as in the weather or temperature, it feels good. Like a cool breeze or something like that.” Who would you say was the coolest person in high school?” “Hmmm, I would say myself because I was known but I was humble as well. I was cool with everybody meaning that I got along with everyone. High school was the only school where I didn’t get into a fight with anyone.” Later on he states: “To me my father is the coolest person in the world; he gave up his whole career for me.” (after a while replaces father with parents).
Michelle (42): Works at Jewelry Store
While taking a break for a smoke outside we asked Michelle some questions about cool in our society: “Hi, we are interviewing people about the word cool and what it means in our society; would you like to contribute some thoughts?” “Cool! Yeah, sure. Why not? My parents were hippies from the 60’s. I always use the word cool, my coworkers always make fun of me because I use it so often.” While giggling, I ask: “Who would you say is the coolest person in our society and why?” She states: “Well Obama made an important speech last night about sending more troops over to Afghanistan that was pretty disappointing. I would say Obama is cool, he is honest and truthful. That guy has the hardest job on the block.” “Would you say you are cool yourself?” I wouldn’t be called cool by my kids but yeah I would say I’m cool.” “How do you think cool differs in different societies?” “Well, I have been to places like Germany, France and Tahiti. I was in a beach in Tahiti and I had these toys for the beach; all of the sudden these people started to come up to me and began to play with the toys. This is cool they said. The word is used a lot in different parts of the world.” “Who was the coolest person you knew in school?” “Eddie Fisher; he was the guy who had combat boots before anyone else, this made him trendy.”
Brian/Mr. Cool: Works with Michelle
After finishing our talk with Michelle, Brian joins us and gives us some thoughts about the word cool: “What is the definition of cool in your dictionary?” “He states: “Something that people admire.” “Who is the coolest person in our society?” “I would say Jeremy Piven from Entourage, his attitude, very cool and aggressive; he is sharp and quick with words. He doesn’t care how it comes out in real life or on television.” I ask him: “Why do you think the word cool is always taken as a compliment?” He answers: “Because it’s something people admire.” “Can you be born cool?” “You cannot be born cool, you have to earn it and gain it on your own. It’s like a degree; you need a couple of years to get it. Some people fail the course miserably.” “Would you say nerds are cool?” “Nerds are cool in their own way.”
Family:
I went around and asked each family member in my house: “What does cool mean to you?” and gave the one minute to answer; this is what they blurted out:
Nabil: “Being popular, for boys its trying to get the most girls, having your head held high and thinking you are better than others and showing it as well. In our society basketball is the coolest sport, the players are automatically considered cool. Kobe made that miracle shot so he is considered cool these days. To be cool you gotta be from coming from “the hood”.”
Mujeeb: “A nice breeze, good weather, an easy going person is cool.”
Bushra: “Talking like a “cool” person using the words: “peace out” or “yo”. Popular kids, being mean to people just to be different and stand out. Jumping over the turnstile in a subway station.”
Shahana: “Casual and relaxed, no formality. Having a different style and setting trends. Having the latest gadgets, if you like something then it automatically becomes “cool” to you, doesn’t have to be considered “cool” by others though.
Friend:
Kavita:
Over an aim conversation I asked my frien Kavita some questions about "cool" in our sciety; this is how she responded:
What is your definition of cool?
My definition of the word "cool" is a word describing a content feeling; it can be replaced with the words "alright," "awesome," or "that's fine."
Can one ever be born cool?
Based on my definition of the word cool, I think that if a person is born with no complications, they would be born cool. Based on my definition of cool, someone being born cool is like saying the process of being born is cool like "I was born cool" would mean "the birth process was cool"
Who would you say is the coolest person in our society?
Okay, I would say the coolest person in our society is Obama, because it makes me feel content
How so?
Him being president makes me feel content because I am glad he won the presidency; he will make the country better for us as well as for the future generations, and he is for the common people.
How do u think cool differs in different societies?
I think my definition of cool seems to be the consensus in most societies, but people's opinion of content change because for Americans, our range of "coolness" varies because of the diverse cultures in this country. However, for other societies, "cool" would be defined as something that supports or enhances their culture.
Hw 26
Jamila W:
Who do you think was the coolest person to live?
“Steve Biko; I think he was cool because he was a political activist, who during the Apartheid in South Africa, he stood up to the Bantu system. Being cool is admirable, he is someone I admire.
How does “cool” differ in different societies?
“Having traveled to many countries other than the U.S. I would say imitating Americans. For example I was in Guatemala and I attended school there; the cool thing to do there was to dress up in a hip hop kind of way. It was not unique to Guatemalan culture; they were imitating what they saw on television.
What is cool?
“Cool is to be an individual and true to yourself, it’s the cool thing to do.”
Is it possible for one to be born cool?
“Yes, celebrities have kids that are born cool. There are people out there offering millions of dollars to take pictures of them. They are always being watched and this is what makes them cool. Angelina Jolie’s daughter is already cool and she can’t even talk yet.”
Can Cool be perceived differently between males and females?
Yes, for example if a boy and a girl are observing how another female acts, the girl may say that is not cute/cool, but the guy may think the total and complete antithesis.”
Cierra M:
What is your definition of cool?
"Someone that is kind, sweet and they have to have a good head on their shoulder."
Can anyone ever be born cool?
"Yea it all depends on how they are raised."
Okay, so how should a kid be raised to be considered cool?
"With respect and they have to have manners and know how to try their best."
Do you think it's cool for people to use the word cool in different countries other than in the U.S.A.?
"Yes."
Okay…why?
"Because it does not matter where you are from you are allowed to use the word."
Why do people want to be considered cool?
"Because they want to fit in with other people and want to change the way they are. They want to change their looks and personality with other people and try to convince then that they are worth hanging out with."
Sienna G:
Who is the “coolest” person in our society and why?
“I think Jay-Z is the “coolest” person in our society because he always seems to be layed back and never stresses out much. He just has the cool swag, also because his music is the greatest.”
Do you think it's possible for one to be born cool? How so?
“I think in some cases people are born cool, but that also depends on your definition of cool. Cool is something that can’t be forced, it just happens.”
So, what is your definition of cool?
“Cool to me is somebody who is real layed back, chill, social, book smart, street smart, can hang with anyone and is not judgmental towards anybody.”
Do you think cool be perceived differently between males and females?
“Yeah, but not just between males and females...it can be perceived differently by everybody because there is no real definition of cool.”
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