I wanna be Britney.

Britney Spears bombarded the minds of many young girls with her big break in 1998. Maybe not all young girls, but definitely mine. There I was, and eight year old Britney Spears wannabe. The name Britney Spears is one of the first names that pops into my mind when i think back on my childhood. I admit it, i was obsessed. I wanted to be her. My girlfriends and I would dress like her, try to act like her, sing like her..EVERYTHING! I believe that Britney Spears strongly influenced the lives of many of young girls world wide. When I first saw the music video of "Baby One More Time" I was amazed. She was my idol. The girl in the sassy short skirt, tied up shirt, and pigtails was the girl that me and my friends wanted to be. This is just a small example of how influencing Britney was on many girls' lives. Then she made another boom with "Oops, I Did It Again." Britney ruled the world of pop. As time passed, she started to break out of her shell and go towards a more sexy image. Many organizations claimed her to be sending out the wrong messages to young girls. But others say it is simply innocent fun. Was Britney helping to shape the world view of young children by giving an opportunity to talk about emotional and relational issues? Or driving young girls to go out into the world and act scandalously? What do you think?

Importance of Protest Songs

Many may ask whats the importance of protest songs? Its not like these songs are hits or at the top of the charts. Many people don't even know about many protest songs. The truth is, protest songs aren't popular because they can't be. Many mainstream radio stations won't allow these songs to play on their station. This is sad because most protest songs have meaningful, powerful messages to get across to the public. Protest songs are important because they allow others to know that they are not alone. It helps the audience to realize that they are not the only ones upset with certain injustices in our world. They give a sense of community which allows groups to organize together and make change. The importance of protest music is seen throughout American history. Every major movement in American history has it's own set of protest songs. From slave emancipation to women's suffrage, the labor movement, civil rights, the anti-war movement, the feminist movement, the environmental movement, etc. Each has its own protest song speaking out against these injustices. Phil Ochs was one of the greatest protest song writer. His short career consisted of many songs ripping at just about every aspect of society, and all sides of the political spectrum. His song, "What are you fighting for" addresses many social issues.

BLACK AND GOLD SUPERBOWL

The NFL Super Bowl is a popular event that many Americans tune into. One of the main events of the Super Bowl is the half time show. Much thought goes into this performance when choosing who will perform and what will be done. Ever since Janet Jackson's infamous stripping, the Super Bowl halftime show is watched carefully by all and censored. The Super Bowl is one of the biggest events in America, so the performers chosen to perform must be big named bands or artists. Trademark American bands and artists are chosen to entertain all of the watchers. This year's band was The Who playing some famous hits such as "Pinball Wizard," "Baba O'Riley," "Who Are You," "See Me, Feel Me," "Won't Get Fooled Again." The performance kept the audience on the edge of their seat and rocking out. This English rock band from 1964 brought the roof down and fulfilled their expectations for the halftime perfomance of Super Bowl XLIV! Below is a clip from the halftime show. The energy in the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens was turned up to its fullest!

The Grammys: definition of Idealism.

Idealism: the philosophical theory that says that reality is based on mind or ideas. We are told what is good, bad, wrong, and right. From music, to clothing, to careers and so on we are told what is best and what is wrong. A great example of this is the Grammys which aired January 31st 2010. They give awards to "best male artist", "best female artist", "best music video", etc. Thousands of viewers watch this and are told who is the hottest artist and the best music. Many viewers do not even agree with some of the awards given. Solely receiving the Grammy, artist are suddenly bolstered up to greatest whatever. For example, Taylor Swift. Please. Greatest album of the year in comparison to Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas and Dave Matthews Bands?! I think my dog can sing better than her. She is said to have THE ALBUM OF THE YEAR, but in reality, many viewers STRONGLY disagree with that. Its apparent that her music does NOT top any of the other nominees by just witnessing her terrible performance that night. I just find it ridiculous how out of control this is. They're telling us that Taylor Swift is the album to have and rock out to. Just because she won this award, viewers are probably going to buy the album and see for themselves....just as my mom did. When speaking of Idealism, one can flip the channel to the Grammys and get a great sense of what idealism is about. A world that is based on thoughts of what is believed to be right and where Taylor Swift is the music goddess.