What Counts as "Culture"

Blog article for the January 26, 2012 class: Birmingham Cultural Studies

This question is one of the most crucial questions the Birmingham Cultural Studies impose among themselves as they were building the foundations of the school.

The Birmingham theories had five main features which tries to define and point out what Culture is and generally explain what Birmingham is all about as a school of thought:

1. Interdisciplinary: This school looks at culture in different point of views from Post Modernism, Post Structuralism, Critical Theory and Feminist theory, which makes it interdisciplinary. 

2. Culture has a wide definition: Culture cannot be defined as easy as one-two-three! It consists of complicated sub-subjects such as identity, values, behavior, and the like. If cannot have a single simple definition because it is a complicated ensemble of learned experiences, further developing and increasing both in quantity and in quality.

3. Rejects High VS Low Culture Distinctions: The theorists of the Birmingham school did not believe that there is actually a distinction between the High and Low Culture. They treat all the cultural expressions as the same height or depth. 

4. Culture is not stagnant wisdom, it is experienced and practiced: Culture cannot just be seen in artifacts and records from the past. Culture is experienced and practiced. It changes almost everyday, as people move, live and survive.

5. Gramsci and Althusser Inspired: Although these two theorists have opposing theories, they still serve as the most looked up to for the Burmingham school. Gramsci talked about cultural hegemony in a sense that it may be defined as an "organizing principle" internalized by the population While Althusser discussed relative autonomy and suggests that culture is detemined by economic forces.

Birmingham Cultural Studies affected the Humanities in ways more than one. First of all, it challenges the Western thought of values and philosophies. Because of this challenge, they then started to incorporate new philosophies and fields such as women's rights, minority rights and popular culture.

Birmingham culture definitely widened the world's take on culture.

♥ Reese Corpuz

I Like! Life Is But A Popularity Contest

Blog reaction for January 16, 2012:
Random political thoughts when we talked about Popular Culture and Politics

I admit, I am not really that much updated of the "latest buzz" in the Philippine political setting. Yes, you guys guessed it! I am indeed talking about the Supreme Court Chief Justice, C.J. Corona Impeachment Trial.

However, before you blame and criticize me on my lack of responsibility as a Political Science major, a registered voter and law-abiding citizen and a responsible individual (if you must say so), I would first like to say that generally, I do know what it's about, how it should go, who are the people involved and all those basic know-how. What I am not aware of are the specific details of the teeny tiny dialogues, arguments, and actual proceedings.

If you ask me, no matter how long this trial will be or how many more enemies or alliances they get along the way, in the end, it will simply be based on none other than popularity.

Popularity - the quality or state of being popular/favored (Definition by Meriram Webster Dictionary online)

These days, it is easy to become popular and we all know why. Technology and its media: the internet and everything in cyberworld as well as both the traditional and the modern computers and gadgets, transmit culture and politics and everything in between, whether we are aware of it or not. Because of this, popularity easily became the basis for competitions and contests.

Facebook's infamous "Like" button

Example 1: Nudo Swimwear bikini give away contest

In order to join this this contest, you must first Like their page, then invite all your friends to Like this page as well, then when the page finally hits 5,000 fans, with no other basis whatsoever, they pick a winner randomly! Popularity is a major consideration.

Example 2:  Make It Makati Photo Competition

This are posters for Makati's famous Make it Happen, Make It Makati photo contest. In this contest, qualifying photos need to garner as much Likes as possible in order to win the grand prize! This so-called photo contest does not consider the quality, the styling nor the composition of any of the photos. It is solely based on "Popularity", once more.

Example 3: THE C.J. CORONA IMPEACHMENT TRIAL

Source: http://www.chanrobles.com/legal11impeachmentrules.htm

The Senate of the Philippines

From what I understood in Chan Robles' respectable blog, I realize that the trial basically lies all in the hands of our trusted, our beloved, Senate. Almost everything, from the presiding of the Senate President, to everyone else's enforcement of obedience to their orders, mandates, writs and judgments. They are also in charge of punishing and has authority to punish over orders, mandates, writs or judgments. They also make all lawful orders, rules and regulations which they think are essential or conducive to the ends of justice.

Finally, the Senate is entirely responsible for the final decision.

Is Chief Justice Corona popular enough to make a majority of the Senate Like him?
Is he popular enough to get through this impeachment or not?

That is the big question.



♥ Reese Corpuz

Now That's What I Call Interdependence!

Or as they say in French, interdependance. ;)

Blog article for January 19 and 23, 2012: Group Work

I always think that democracy is a very important value in this country. Which is why I agree with Sir Contreras' way of making us select our group mates for this very important reporting. However, when the some people didn't seem to like what they got (from our bunutan experience), there was a sudden mix up of the papers and most numbered papers were thrown to our group for some reason so we ended up being separated into two groups. Even so, I still was able to be with the most awesome group mates I can ever ask for.

For this group activity, each group will be assigned a specific topic and is expected to come up with a creative output/report to be presented in class. Each group is given one whole session for reporting and should be able to, within that limited amount of time, present their topics cohesively but still full of information.

Karen Torres, Mariel Quiroz and Cyril Ebarvia were with me.
We were assigned with the French Cultural Studies.

I was so excited to do our presentation! Perhaps I got a little too excited as I came up with this: (A copy-paste of my message for them in Facebook)

Hi mates! I have a general idea na for our video based on what I've read for our topic . Suggestion lang 'to. Pwede naman contrahin haha.

1. The reading can be divided into 6 parts
2. We'll be having 1 part each then yung last 2, bahala na tayo. Haha. I can take another one.
3. Each of us will discuss the theories and record it in video. Depende sa gusto niyong style. Pero we all have one theme.

OUR THEME: GEEK 

Costume: GEEK-Y LOOK HAHA. Pwede yung parang school girl/school boy uniform = white polo, black skirt/pants, high socks and the highligh is geek glasses!
Presentation: Do it in your own style!

Example 1: I will be reading a book about French culture studies aloud kunyari pero syempre yung babasahin is key points lang. So the recorded parts will be a person summarizing a book aloud.

Example 2: I write key words in a whole bond paper, naka focus yung video, then magfo-focus sa person then the person will explain what that key word means.

Example 3: Singing :))))))

Example 4: Writing/Making a chart in the blackboard? Or the white board? 

Example 5: Discussing the theory in front of other geeks/friends

Example 6: In a medyo dark room, nababaliw na pero reading some key points aloud :))))))

KAYO BAHALA SA STYLE NIYO! The crazier, the better! Walang normal normal lang, bawal ang normal lang kay sir ! Hahaha.

4. Edit the video, kakabit-kabitin lang haha.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE BRING COSTUME TOMORROW!!! WE NEED AS MUCH PROPS AS POSSIBLE. IF YOU CAN BRING THICK BOOKS AND THE LIKE, PLEASE DO. GEEKY IN A NICE WAY NGA PALA, LIKE BLAZERS AND VESTS AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

MORE IMPORTANT: IF YOU HAVE OTHER SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE MESSAGE ASAP!!!! ITS FINE BASTA MAY ALTERNATIVE SUGGESTION KAYO :)

Thankfully enough, my group mates were up for the challenge as well! Karen has a nice camera, which had a video recording feature, which we used to record everything. She also, by the way, has a Macbook which has a very nice video editing application so she was the one who edited the videos and actually produced the final output. Mariel and Cyril were able to make artistic suggestions as we shot the videos. And finally, I can say that I worked as the general director as I recorded the scenes and directed the actors/actresses.

Aside from the actual video we made, we also produced hand outs for the summarized version of our reports to make it easier for the class to understand our topic. We wanted the video and the hand outs to be synced - as they watch the video, they check the hand outs at the same time to keep track of the terms and most important words.

Our group definitely had positive interdependence from planning to execution, even up to the reporting itself! I was so proud when sir Contreras said, "I'm impressed!" after the video and that we didn't need to present the Powerpoint we prepared as well, anymore. I felt like all our efforts were rewarded and I felt more inspired to do better next time!

The actual video will be posted soon! Stay tuned ;)

♥ Reese Corpuz

O.E.S.O in Real Life

Blog article for January 12, 2012 session:
Pair activity about your Self and your Other

In one of our classes, we discussed how your self and your other can be put into a hierarchical context. It was really interesting for me to realize only now that in our everyday lives, there are actually forms of domination and marginalization, even up to the simplest relationships.

In pairs, we discussed how we ourselves are Objectified, Exploited, Subordinated and Oppressed by our others and vice versa as well. Me and my partner, Mariel, really discussed the topics one by one and actually found out things about ourselves which we were not aware of before. It was a surprise!

OBJECTIFICATION

How I was objectified: My Parents over Me

What better example in this category can we provide? Yep, I thought so. There's nothing else. Without our consent, (Well technically because as babies we are still physically incapable of personal opinions and the like) our parents automatically implied on us that we have to respect and obey them simply because they are our parents. 

How I objectified: Me as the Owner over my Cat, Harry Potter

Like me when I was a baby, my cat, Harry Potter, does not have the physical capability to communicate with me and argue which is right and wrong. I automatically objectified him as mine, as my pet. His feeding time, the quantity of the food he eats, where he sleeps, where he poops and many other else are all for me to decide while he, as the subject of his own life was suddenly objectified.

EXPLOITATION

How I was exploited: A Free-loader group mate

In exploitation, a subject is used to advance others' interests. This personal experience can be quite a common experience to us colleagues. Free-loaders are very common simply because ultra-leaders slash control freaks such as me exist. I do not regret not having him/her handle responsibilities which I know he/she cannot handle whenever the projects turn out well but I am often haunted with the thought of having someone pass by so easily, without even feeling guilty or sorry. It's really sad, actually.

How I exploited: Me picking a flower

For several instances already, I have put a flower, living its own life, not doing anything to harm me, in danger. For me, picking a flower is an act of exploitation.

SUBORDINATION

How I was subordinated: The church priest over my confessions
The church priest, having Catholic authority and nothing else, hear all my sins, all my confession. I am placed below this other, no questions asked, because he is an authority of the church.

How I subordinated: Me as the Company Manager of our dance company over our members

As they join the company, they start from below. I , as the Company Manager commands the members as to what time trainings and rehearsals were, what costumes to wear, what production-related tasks to finish within the day, which designs to make and so on and so forth. Without questions asked, they were subordinated by myself because of my authority granted by our organization.

OPPRESSION

How I was oppressed: My Parents over Me (Again)

As a kid, my parents used physical force to discipline me whenever I did wrong and bad things. I understand that this is a simple form of oppression however I also am not complaining. This is because I learned the hard way and this made me learn very intensely as well. For me, a little pain, would really hurt.

How I oppressed: (Honestly, I don't think I have ever oppressed or persecuted anyone. I'm such an angel!)

As we finish this activity, I definitely became more aware with my relationship with the others around me. Thus, this lesson will definitely make me more observant and careful.

♥ Reese Corpuz

Oh hello, Self! ♥

Blog article for January 9, 2012 Classroom Discussion: The Self

As one of our requirements for our elective class, CULPOLI (Culture and Politics), we are expected to write a blog and keep track of our personal thoughts and realizations after our classes. After my thorough explanation of the blog's title Sense and Sensibility, I now welcome you more formally to my blog and therefore also, my personal thoughts and views about Culture and Politics.

Keep Calm and read my blog lol

So you may ask, who am I? In one of our sessions in class, we talked about our self and out other. In this post, I am here to talk about my SELF.

My whole name is Therese Christianne V. Corpuz. I was born and raised in Makati City as the only-daughter of a family of 5, in between my brother who is now 26 and my little brother, 16. As a daughter, I can say that I am very respectful. I see respect as one of the most significant things any man can offer others. I get very busy with chores althroughout the week; I look over our cat most often, clean every now and then, wash the dishes, cook our meals, do the laundry and sometimes even iron the clothes. With that, I can say that I am definitely a hard-worker at home. That is just how my parents raised me. Even if there is help around, we still had to do chores. I am thankful of this because somehow it made me independent and strong.

Ever since my younger years, I have been very interested in performing arts already. I joined competitions and pageants and I always looked forward to the talent showcase part. In school, I am a very enthusiastic student-artist. I am very energetic, I talk a lot, I laugh a lot. Even to a point that some people might think of me as boisterous and all over the place. That's just how expressive I think I am. I join different organizations because simply studying everyday academic lessons is just too boring for me. Aside from being part of the Pilot section and an incumbent classroom officer, I was also part of the school choir, the school theater and dance club, the school paper and even the student council. I was also an active girl scout and troop leader. I was also very active in our church. I loved serving as the lector or commentator for our mass celebrations. I garnered heaps of awards and medals when I was in Grade School and made my parents proud so many times. Grade School was definitely my field of success.

In highscool, my vision definitely widened and deepened. Having the opportunity to become a scholar in the Philippine High School for the Arts, I was exposed to authentic Philippine culture and arts - got to read authentic books, meet national artists, watch shows, exhibits and programs showcasing Philippine culture and the arts. Popular art didn't seem to have as strong as an impact on me anymore because I got obsessed with the traditional. Because I was a Folk Dance Major, traditional dance became an integral part of my life. After everything I've learned and I've been through in High School, I definitely became more passionate, more focused to my future, more determined. I became more confident and straight to the point. Finally, I also became more creative and artistic.

Currently, I am still who I am from who I was twenty years ago. However, of course, there had been some significant improvements and developments are still in progress.

The most important aspect in my self now which I can proudly brag about is that I am more liberal and opinionated - in terms of my personal or political beliefs and everything in between.

Upon generally knowing who my self is, the only question now is can you say that we have the same selves or my complete other?

Keep visiting to know thy author more and further understand how close Culture is to her heart, and how she grows fonder of Politics and Political Science :)


♥ Reese Corpuz

My Personal Politics

Blog article for January 9, 2012 classroom session: Personal Political Views

Because of a certain class discussion about our personal political stands, I was inspired to further analyze my own views and opinions regarding several political issues and concerns and to find out where I stand in the debate of the republicans and the democrats (Even if these two opposing political parties are not particularly observed in the Philippines).

I found this quiz generating site and in it I found a short "Personal Politics" quiz. Its questions were "politically significant", as the author labelled it, and the choices provide possible answers of different people with different political stands. If you want to know your place, visit this! For now, I'd love to share to you parts of the quiz (not all the questions, some important ones only) as well as my result and analysis.


On my views about my country (Philippines) and the world:


Disagree 1. I'd always support my country, whether it was right or wrong.
Agree 2. Our race has many superior qualities, compared with other races.
Disagree 3. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Strongly Agree 4. There is a worrying fusion of information and entertainment.


On how I perceive the economy:

Strongly Agree 1. It's a sad reflection on our society that something as basic as drinking water is now a bottled, branded consumer product.
Agree 2. Land shouldn't be a commodity to be bought or sold.
Strongly Agree 3. It is regrettable that many personal fortunes are made by people who simply manipulate money and contribute nothing to their society.
Strongly Agree 4. Governments should penalize businesses that mislead the public.


On my personal social views: 

Agree 1. All authority should be questioned.
Agree 2. Good parents sometimes have to spank their children
Strongly Agree 3. It's natural for children to keep some secrets from their parents.
Strongly Agree 4. There are no savage and civilized peoples; there are only different cultures.
Disagree 5. What's good for the most successful corporations is always, ultimately good for all of us.


On the society:

Strongly Agree 1. Although the electronic age makes official surveillance easier, only wrongdoers need to be worried.
Strongly Agree 2. The death penalty should be an option for the most serious crimes.
Strongly Disagree 3. Abstract art that doesn't represent anything shouldn't be considered art at all.
Strongly Disagree 4. Mothers may have careers, but their first duty is to be homemakers.


On religion:

Strongly Disagree 1. You cannot be moral without being religious.
Disagree 2. It is important that my child's school instills religious values.


On sex:

Strongly Agree 1. A same sex couple in a stable, loving relationship, should not be excluded from the possibility of child adoption.
Strongly Agree 2. What goes on  in a private bedroom between adults is no business of the state.
Strongly Disagree 3. These days openness about sex has gone too far.

THE RESULT:

This quiz will definitely make me more conscious now on how I react on issues. From now on, every time I react, I will assess whether this quiz is more truthful than not. It is nice to come from a defined starting point. This way, I will personally understand where I will be coming from.

So how about you? Where will your red dot land in this color-coded graph?

♥ Reese Corpuz

More About Sense and Sensibility

This post is to introduce and describe my blog for our subject CULPOLI (Culture and Politics)
and how I got the title Sense and Sensibility.

Nothing can be more interesting than the discussion of the thoughts, personalities, actions and lifestyles of politicians and more broadly, politics.

Yeah, yeah. Politics can be monotonous - discussing familiar theories every now and then, analyzing the same forms of government since Elementary Social Studies, talking about the same people who interact with the same people doing the same things over and over again. Sure! Politics can be boring - with all those thick heavy books discussing and further emphasizing how boring law is and how it is nowhere near fun, reading about commentaries which basically say the same thing, hearing depressing news on the television everyday and every night. Indeed! Politics can be a matter for the old - after all, the aged and mature citizens are the ones directly concerned and directly subjected to the law, the elections, the tax deduction.

As silly as contradicting myself and my first statement in this blog (that nothing can be more interesting than discussing politics), I believe that even though the most common negative sentiments about politics, - it being monotonous, boring and for the old, are true, I also believe that there is another side to it that I saw and experienced which made me become interested to politics and everything in between.

Upon establishing my interest in politics, I now channel everyone's attention to my personal attachment to Filipino culture (and arts). My friends would often refer to me as taga-bundok because they realize how obsessed I am with all things Filipino - Philippine folk dances (above all), Indigenous tribes from both North and South, Filipino food, customs and traditions and Filipino festivals. I am not a hypocrite therefore I admit that I also admire and patronize foreign culture however it is still a fact that I do have a deep inclination to Filipino culture.

In both fields, politics and culture (arts), sense and sensibility is definitely one of the "requirements" in order to understand, appreciate and even practice it. However, in our case, most actors tend to put them aside and focus on competition, self glorification and deception instead.

Sense and Sensibility targets to discuss latest and most popular happenings and events, people and even places if needed be and at the same time remind everyone to put some sense and sensibility in everything that is going on.

This blog will definitely contain my personal thoughts on the political events and issues, most often in the Philippine setting. (Naturally because I am a Filipina.) However, it may also include foreign political issues every now and then because closing oneself to the world is one of the biggest crimes one can commit. That being said, I therefore now emphasize my freedom to say what we have to say, stand firmly and remain loyal to the sides we take and the decisions we make. If in any case I bump into a critical issue and offend certain readers, I apologize in advance but assure you that I will not take back what I said (write) no matter what. Comments (negative and positive ones) will be greatly appreciated (or debunked) as well because I also believe that communication is learning. This blog will also contain sources which would help me further understand and evaluate certain issues. Among all online sources, my top three picks are: bulatlat.com / philippineupdate.com / philippinestoday.net so you will definitely be seeing more from them here. Finally, this blog will contain images, videos or music clips and even dances, (some of which I own and some I will grab from other sources) which would further express my ideas and further input some sense and sensibility in your politically interested minds.

Here's to sense! Here's to sensibility! Here's to me and my thoughts about culture and politics and everything in between!

♥ Reese Corpuz