Metatext

Metatext

Over this past semester I have written about the various perspectives of literacy. I first wrote about my own experience in literacy as I figured out who I was as a writer and a person through my musical career.  Then I took an item I wear almost every week and broke it down into all of its components and explained the meaning behind it and showed why it is important to the culture. I never would have thought that the United States Men’s National Team kit had so much symbolism behind its inception. As I gained competency in media literacy, I choose to write about the identity of the “hero” as developed by the media after the 9/11 tragedies occurred. From that essay, I went on to research the politics and philosophies that lay behind popular films and video games. Overall, I think that my two papers about the concept of “heroes” were the most interesting and had the most to talk about. I am sure there is plenty more that I could go into with various philosophies and politics, but I think that what I have written about is able to get the message across. After this class, I plan to keep posting on my blog, providing my own personal account on various social, political, and pop-culture motifs so my voice in the open for people to hear. I think the most important thing that I have learned from this class is that I have something to say and although I am used to being in the dark, I want my ideas to be heard.

“I may not believe in what you say, but I will die for your right to do so”

            ~Voltaire

The Transcending Power of Music

            I have considered myself to be a modern day renaissance man, except for the glaring fact that my artistic abilities aren't up to par. There are an enormous number of stories which can illustrate who I have become as a person. My abilities have developed over all the years in my life, every experience affecting the next. The books I've read changed my view of the world; my soccer career has shown me all the clichés about being a team player, leader, etcetera; and my musical aspirations have enabled me to go to places I never thought I would. To me, music is the best medium for the expression of ideas and music can be found everywhere. Music has grown to be one of the biggest influences of who I am as a person, and who I am as a writer. I have been involved with music groups since third grade and I have had countless experiences through these groups. I've learned about language, history, math, music, and culture. Both band and choir have presented me with opportunities that have made me a better person and a better writer. The language of music, whether it is written for a solo voice, a symphonic orchestra, or a choir, can be shared by everyone around the world. Music can break cultural, language, ethnic, racial, and gender barriers which might prevent certain people from ever meeting and learning about each other. It has taught me to incorporate these ideas into my writing to make it more universal, rather than directed to a narrow audience. I now want to share my views with the world and let people everywhere know what and how I think as a member of society. This paper has allowed me to plot my journey as a musician as relate it to my views and how it affects how I write and think. Music is omnipresent and one simply needs to lend an open ear to experience the universal human language.