humanity
Humanity or geek-manity? Humanity topics include pieces on the real-life lives of geek advocates and influencors.
Why is Anime so Popular?
Why is Anime so Popular in Japan? The analysis of Anime’s popularity within Japan almost seems to be a disingenuous question, when you consider that Japan itself is the country where the hand drawn and computer animated style originates. A style rich in often lucid escapism, breaking the boundaries of modern and conventional storytelling with fantastical and often philosophical elements, a better question addressed would be - what makes Anime so popular worldwide? The detailed, vivid drawings and cartoons have attracted a western audience for decades with the vibrant color palette, the rich storylines, and the humor and wit that so often accompanies animated features but in a more overarching way. This can be seen in the popular show Cowboy Bebop that aired in the late nineties, with the more somber hues of grays, blacks and blues being used as a backdrop to further accentuate other colors, such as reds and yellows, symbolizing joy or pain. Cowboy Bebop also appeals because of the exaggerated expressions of the characters in times where they find themselves hurt or, indeed, the punchline of some joke which paints the character’s face with the signature tracks of sweat or tears, enlarging their eyes and focus on the screen. The show is indicative of Anime’s wide-spread appeal not just because of its trademarks in the style, but also for its cult status and success, reaching western audiences when it was dubbed in English and given subtitles, like many of the great Studio Ghibli films. The sheer expanse of Anime’s reach throughout the world is surely proof of the passion and fervor that went into cultivating its origins in Japan, and why it is still so much enjoyed today.
By India Childs6 years ago in Geeks
The Most Original Hardest Working Film Studio
Is it easy being original? That is the question all artists are presented with. The answer does not preclude you from pursuing a career in art, but your feeling about that answer does. If you feel it is hard to be original but you don't care and you can push on and be an artist anyway, then the life of art maybe for you. If you feel it is easy being original and impossible to fake who you are and you must pursue art, then you too may be destined for art. But what then about the current state of art, where trends and the popular techniques and topics are rewarded over originality? What become of those of us who still want to make our original art? Will we fade into nothing.
By Mike Fallek6 years ago in Geeks
First Midnight Premiere at 18
If going to the movies was a religion, I already follow it because I love movies. I always know what I want to see and I'm never disappointed, for the most part, I can go see the worst movie possible but if I like the food and being with the audience while I enjoy the atmosphere of the theater, then that's more than enough for me. Sure, I may not remember the movie but I'll remember the experience. This experience, on the other hand, was something special to me for the best reasons.
By Don Anderson II6 years ago in Geeks
Sailor Moon
I could think of many. Real life people who have made history or fought for certain rights, organizations and beliefs. People who have been in my life, and been there to wipe away a tear from my face or taught me a valuable lesson useful in life. Musicians, actors, models, teachers, service folk, so many begin to flow through my head. Let’s not forget about books. Many women have been written about from others eyes and thoughts of who they feel is the best woman. At the same time, many books inspire someone to create those people in real life as movies, shows, plays, toys, games, etcetera. I even think of women who created those characters based on themselves personality wise, but with different looks. How they believe the real-world thinks they should be by appearance. They are truly great just as themselves and people should always value the personalities over the image. I choose Sailor Moon! Also known as Usagi Tsukino, or Serena in some American variations, Princess Serenity, Neo Queen Serenity, Super Sailor Moon, and Eternal Sailor Moon.
By Cassandra Buittner6 years ago in Geeks
On Being a Gamesmaster
I work as a Gamesmaster in an escape room. It's a lot of fun and sometimes a bit frustrating. Sometimes I wonder how some people actually make it to adulthood! What is fascinating is human behaviour. People know they are being watched, of course, but they forget.
By Liz Strevens6 years ago in Geeks
Queen & Slim
This is not a black Bonnie and Clyde story, it’s a powerful authentic portrayal of real life reactions of survival for two strong black characters to escape a reverse of “police brutality” meaning the idea is clear the white cop was going to kill a black man on the verge to than shooting a black woman he’s on a date with, while the cop completely disregards this woman simply because she’s black in assumes she’s a threat. When all she’s saying is I am a lawyer, what’s your badge number. All leading from cold acts of disregarding their basic human rights leading to further colder acts in a cold environment involved with the police who’s shown they lack to take accountability for their actions, from that moment throughout. A story sort of seen before but never in a black context. A black man killing a cop in self defense, always keep that in mind for those with biases. That’s no spoiler by the way, and most of my article’s contains no spoilers along with this piece I don’t like to ruin experiences. Nonetheless a strong, timeless, impactful film, and piece of cinema for the ages while being a love letter to black people. Showcasing black woman as queens regardless of background in a society that sees them as less regardless. Starring Jodie Turner Smith and Daniel Kaluuya.
By lurenoor006 years ago in Geeks
Stories Can Save Us
“Stories are for joining the past to the future. Stories are for those late hours in the night when you can't remember how you got from where you were to where you are. Stories are for eternity, when memory is erased, when there is nothing to remember except the story [...] But this too is true: stories can save us [...] In a story, which is a kind of dreaming, the dead sometimes smile and sit up and return to the world." – Tim O’Brien, The Things They Carried
By pj bradley6 years ago in Geeks
My Thoughts About the Word "Fanboy"
Greetings, Vocal readers. This week is very special to because my birthday is in a few days and I'm eager to enjoy my birthday week with friends and everyone on social media. Yes, I'm a Scorpio and love celebrating my birthday. With that being said, we’re all fans of something: a TV show, movie, or even a video game franchise. I’ve been hearing the word “fanboy” for the last several years and as I’ve gotten older, it’s a term that I personally dislike. Before I go any further, let me say a few things to everyone. I have no personal issue with what you choose to like and who you support. As long as it makes you happy and not hurting me, by all means, knock yourself out. I understand that you have your reasons of using the word fanboy, but for me, I prefer using the word “enthusiast,” rather than “fanboy” for a couple of reasons: I don’t live vicariously through famous people and they’re just regular people just like us. They don’t owe me anything, nor should I be entitled to have or receive anything from them. I love and support the stuff my favorite actors, actresses, voice actors, and so on that they’re in and that’s about it. If they do something unbecoming I don’t agree with, I’m going to call it out. I refuse to make any excuses for them, like most people do.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 6 years ago in Geeks
