Phase 2: Journal on Critical Theory

a. Critical Theory is using theories, approaches, or lenses that find meaning in art, culture, and literature. Critical theories are important because they can help you see things from different viewpoints and really find a true meaning of whatever you may be looking at.

b. Using these lenses may help me because I can then see things from a whole different view, taking in perspective, for example, when this object or thing was made, my personal opinion on it, its view on women, how it can relate to myths, etc. It can help you realize the pictures potential.

“” – PHASE 1 – Character (Theme: Censorship)

“” – PHASE 1 – Conflict (Theme: Censorship)

“What do I see?” – PHASE 1 – Symbol (Theme: Censorship)

I wish to see the truth.

But not really.

You see, I would like to live my fantasy

Where everything is wonderful and I can live happily

So I cover one of my eyes so I won’t see

The harsh tales life can tell

What do I see?

I see lies

Conflicts, outcries

But I don’t wish to see that

So I cover up one eye

So in a way, I lie to myself

And while I’m sure this is not good for my health

I don’t wish to see the truth.

What do you see?

“The Free Library” – PHASE 1 – Setting (Theme: Censorship)

There is a place where knowledge is free.

A place where you can explore just about anything.

A place where imagination is unlimited. Expression, is unlimited.

You can find anything you’re interested in.

You would think this place would be free of restrictions.

Free of rejections. Free of challenges.

Since in this place self expression is key, I made an interesting discovery

Classics, being altered, changed, modified, re arranged

Don’t you find it strange

That in the land of free speech

censorship still reigns?

Phase 1: Journal on Theme

a. What is my thematic topic?

My thematic topic is going to be censorship.

b. Why did you select this thematic topic? Why is it important to me?

I selected it because I feel strongly about it. I feel that the government is using it to cover up serious topics, or to simply push things under the rug. For example, with SOPA. It was supposed to stop piracy , but it had NOTHING to with that. It was more of an excuse for big companies to shut down smaller website without permission. Plus, just the little things, the censorship of art, freedom of speech, etc.

c. What images, feelings, memories, sounds, tastes, and smells come to mind when I think about this thematic topic?

I think of people getting their ears, mouths, and eyes covered by hands or blindfolds or even American flags. I hear protests. I also see pictures of people raising their fists in protest. I picture book burnings. I also picture people who side with the censorship, shutting other people out.