Pleasent Dreams

In a recent conversation with some fellow college students, the topic of sleep entered our intellectual conversation.How many of you have heard people say they can not go to sleep without music playing, or without the television on? I have had several conversations with people, especially young adults, who say that the sound of the television and music allows them to fall asleep, and this was one of them. Many of them say that it is nearly impossible for them to have a good night sleep without these distractions! I was truly perplexed at the sentiments expressed by my colleagues, because I for one need complete silence to fall asleep.Whatever happened to the days when people went to bed, and allowed their minds to actually rest? Well, maybe sleeping with music on is not so bad, depending on what type of music it is. But the television!? I do not see any good in that.Who knows what kind of government funded mind-control propaganda is playing while we are asleep!? Just kidding. Not really. But really, it is a proven fact that our sub-conscious mind is able to take in information even if the person is asleep. I don't know how I feel about this issue yet, but it is leaving me a little uneasy. I mean in a society where entertainment is spoon fed to us daily,I find it interesting that people allow their most sacred and beneficial time of the day to be filled with more entertainment. Is it a form of dependancy? Or maybe I'm just an old soul, caught up in a world too advanced for me to get a good nights sleep in.

YES WE CAN, OR CAN WE?

According to Will.I.Am, hip-hop artist and producer extraordinaire, the people of the United States can make a difference in the upcoming elections. In a video promo in support of Democratic nominee Barack Obama, a range of familiar artists, repeat excerpts of a speech made by Obama. The music video is produced by Will.I.Am, and offers insight into the political views of the star as well as his celebrity friends. However, besides being a celebrity filled tribute in support of Barack Obama, the video poses a belief upon the viewers. The belief is simple: Yes We Can. The slogan in itself is ambiguous. However, when watching the video the meaning becomes clear. It is a statement that speaks to the power of change and the belief that we ordinary citizens can alter the state of the country into a positive place.
This advertisement works because it speaks to a younger generation that is very heavily influenced by pop culture. Will.I.Am was smart to include athletes, singers, and actors into this video because it will influence the way certain people vote. However, this also speaks volumes about the American culture. The fact that a promotional video, featuring various celebrities, is made to incite change within the country is sad. George Bush’s record as President should be enough. I can’t think of another country where this would happen. According to youtube.com, the video already has close to 10,000,000 views! When it is all said and done, this video has influenced someone, whether it is in a positive or a negative way. After all, this is the United States, where culture has taken a backseat to pop-culture.