My blog posts

1.)Melanie

I told you it was great, the first and last parts were truly adorable.
I thought that your video most certainly portrayed you as an active person, there was one picture of you relaxing on the couch and then lots of friends and basketball photos.

I also thought the song was quite fitting, from what I can see you are a fairly jovial person.

I am glad that you pointed out your sisters importance in your life, she was in quite a few photos. Would you say that she is part of the very foundation of your character?

I have one last question, "are you falling, yes are you falling, does she keep calling, you back again?" Jk. Good Job.

Dylan

2.)Tyler
Another great video. You really got your point across. I don't know you at all but from this I can concretely say that you are driven to succeed. The part where you were kicking the football was a powerful image, you tried and tried and finally got it through that gigantic prong thing (i don't play sports).Good job.

Dylan

3.)Ben
Awesome video! I agree it was pretty existentialist, almost mocking of the typical way of life in our city. People aren't as unique as they try to make themselves seem in their videos. I also like the fact that you used a blank stick figure to represent yourself. That was a statement right there, intentional or unintentional.jk

Dylan

4.)Ali Jo
I don't know you nor have I ever talked to you, but that video gave me great insight into your opinions and way of life.

It is interesting to see a person point out their own follies or imperfections because none of us are perfect no how hard we try.

I agree with you, our school system is hardly idealistic, what system do you feel would better suit you?

You hardly come off as a redneck, your insight on American Politics and society is saintly. You seem steadfast in your opinions and I find it admirable that you have spent as much time and thought on this as you have. Good Job

Dylan

5.)Russel
I find it interesting that you pointed out how basic your way of life is. It shows a quality of realism that many people do not seem to possess. Good Job.

Dylan

Insights/Analysis:
1.)I found it interesting that some people didn't have much if any analysis on their own lives. One would assume that after 16-17 years of life, a person would be able to make a reflective statement about their way of life. In some instances, people just listed activities or hobbies that they felt defined them. How does excessive advertisement in our society effect how we see ourselves?
2.) The American way of life seems rather material oriented. Those who actually analyzed their lives didn't even mention their hobbies or activities, whereas those who provided little to no analysis emphasized both. It seems that with depth of thought comes some degree of realization that many things in our society are trivial and somewhat disgusting. I saw pictures of makeup, sports teams, video games, and tv shows, yet almost no trace of the actual person behind them. When a person meets someone they ask them what bands they like, what their favorite movies are, what books they like to read, which sports team is their favorite. That is what we grow up with, questions about stuff not who we are, just what we like and want.
3.) Style/music taste greatly determines ones portrayal of themselves. People who listen to hip-hop or rap often tried to portray themselves as tough and fly probably because the lyrics to a majority of hip-hop songs are about being a big bad fly guy. People who listen to very mainstream music tended to be more "Typically American" probably because that way of life is more mainstream and popular, so the music follows suit. People who listen to more thoughtful and bohemian music seemed to offer a more human existential opinion on the AWOL. What one listens to is reflective of their way of life and outlook on the world.