Does Afghan Star Matter?

Afghan Star by Marking (2009) is an inspiring documentary of how a war-torn country is given a glimpse of hope through a democracy-styled singing competition. As much as it may have been a spin-off of the ubiquitous American Idol, I feel that the show is dampened because the conservative Islamic country is not “open” enough to accept elements like dancing, and women contestants. That said, it is a laudable attempt by the Afghans to revive their once state-controlled media and music industry. On another note, I was pleasantly surprised that apart from war-torn images that come to my mind when I think of “Afghanistan”, the documentary presented the scenic views of the mountainous and landlocked country, giving me a sense of hope and optimism for the Afghans.

Hairspray: Lensing Questions!

Hairspray has evoked senses of idealism, in which racial segregation is a thing of the past. It has also illuminated to us what large influences sponsors have over prizes.

Hence, my lensing questions are:

1. With reference to Macdonald, how might integrating both "Blacks" and "Whites" in The Corny Collins Show influence the homogenising of mass culture in Baltimore?

2. With reference to Street, how would the prediction of future sales and reputations influence the thoughts and decisions of the sponsor, Ultra Clutch Hairspray, on Miss Teenage Hairspray?

P.S. I love musicals!!! (:

Not My Swan Song

All credit goes to Zul for asking (begging actually) me to join this delightful class. Before class started, feelings of excitement and apprehension overwhelmed me because I did not know what to expect. After a meaningful conversation with Ms Coleen, my fears were unfounded. Thus, I look forward to a journey of academic writing this Semester!