Anything Goes

Censorship, in America, is one of the most universal struggles between art as an expression, and the government’s right to edit what they think has crossed the line into explicit material. Artists all over the world debate that art is ones outlet to publically express their thoughts and opinions, to evoke emotion, to create and inspire feelings. In a sense, it becomes a freeing act that makes ones mark on the world.

            But as the old proverb states, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” How can one person, or group of persons, control and edit what they deem inappropriate or provocative, when so many others may find that piece powerful and inspiring? As J.M. Coetzee claims, “Hostility between [artists and governmental authority] was exacerbated by the tendency of artists from the late eighteenth century onward to assume it as their social role, and sometimes indeed as their vocation and destiny, to test the limits of thought and feeling, of representation, of the law, and of opposition itself, in ways that those in power were bound to find uncomfortable and even offensive. (Coetzee 9)

It is because art is so personal, so meaningful to the artist, that someone limiting their work, or saying it is not appropriate for society, can be limiting, taking away that feeling of freedom which is such an essential aspect to creativity.

            However, I do believe it is important to limit what is explicit and distasteful, no matter how much it may depict a certain artist’s aesthetic. If we become a society that allows anything to provoke emotion, we will lose what little bit of innocence and modesty we have left. We are living in a society, as Cole Porter musically points out, where anything goes. As he wrote way back in the early 30’s, “If bare limbs you like, If Mae West you like or me undressed you like, why, nobody will oppose!”

When we as a society, for years, have allowed more and more obscenity leak into our culture, we become desensitized. I cannot remember the last time I saw a PG-13 movie without a sex scene. And while some may argue it is just a form of art, of expressing one’s self, I choose to be edgy and bold myself, and say we are shying away from the basis of art, and entering into a showy contest to see who can shock and offend the most.

Works Cited:

·         Coetzee, J.M. Giving Offence; Essays on Censorship. Chicago: Chicago Press, 1996

·         Porter, Cole. "Anything Goes Lyrics." SoundTrack Lyrics Source #1. Any Movie, Musical, TV, Cartoon! Summer 1934. Web. 25 Oct. 2010. <http://www.stlyrics.com/songs/c/coleporter5950/anythinggoes235308.html>.

My Thoughts on APU's Chapel Requirements

at Azusa Pacific University requires all its students, freshman to senior, to attend three chapels a week, allowing 10 absences over the semester. Before doing any research on this topic, I had originally appreciated this rule. Although it seemed a bit strenuous at times, I loved that I attended a school where going to church was a requirement. And although I had found myself wanting to sleep in more than once, I had decided I overall enjoyed the requirement.

            However, after doing more in depth research on the issue, looking at other private school’s requirements, talking to APU students about their views, and exploring the Board of Education’s reasons behind the rule, I have found that I am starting to think differently about it. I believe that Church is sacred; because it is time you get to spend with God, and the community of believers he has provided us with. Forcing people to go three times a week makes a monotonous pattern out of church.  A mindset that no Christian should have.

            I love Azusa Pacific University, and I agree with the idea of some type of chapel requirement. But, in my opinion, I am beginning to think our chapel program needs to rethink its rules. I believe one that provides more leniency to students, perhaps requiring only twice a week or giving more options in a week to attend, would overall, lead to a more positive outcome.

            I do not resent the fact that we are required to go to chapel, and when I am there and have had time to make coffee beforehand, I enjoy it a lot. It is my biggest desire in life to grow close to God, and follow his will for my life every day, not taking one minute for granted . But I do believe changes should be made.

Has Gaga gone Gaga?

Art. As Dictonary.com states, is “the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.” (Webster). Although the textbook definition is rather simple, Art is an exceedingly difficult matter to define. A few general truths about Art- It should evoke an emotion, and it should be attractive to the eye. Art is an expression, it is personal, and what one person finds extraordinary someone else finds hideous. But how far is too far? When does art cross over from provocative, expressive, powerful, to vulgar, crude, and over the top? How can we detect the very grey line that breaks art from porn.

Over my next few blogs, I’ll explore different artists, what’s acceptable about their work, what isn’t, and why.  This week’s topic…Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga, the most powerful pop icon since Madonna. Strutting her fire-charged bustier, her vulgar dance moves, and practically non-existing body suits, she has grown to become one of the most innovative and powerful artists in society.

            MTV’s Mawuse Ziegbe did a poll about teenagers’ opinions of Lady Gaga, her music videos, and if her art has crossed into the realm of indecency. One student, Chad Tolentino, stated, ‘"I don't know what to really say because that's really over-the-top for me, first she's dressed in a nun's outfit, then she's on a bed with some dude on top of her. Well, I guess it's kinda normal for her.”’ (Mawuse Paragraph 3) Technically, she evokes emotion, and forms to the definition of art, using costumes, dances, and sets to create something pleasing to the eye. But can this be considered art? In my opinion, I think not. I believe human beings are easy to spark some type of emotion from, and that there should be more to art than putting crude content into our already corrupted society.

·         Ziegbe, Mawuse. "Does Lady Gaga's 'Alejandro' Video Go Too Far? - Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV." New Music Videos, Reality TV Shows, Celebrity News, Top Stories | MTV. 09 June 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010.

·         "Art | Define Art at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com | Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/art>.