What if we created a system that accurately and continuously obtained endless knowledge from experts all over the world, stored it into a user-friedndly database, and made it free of charge and accessible to utilize as a resource and personally fine-tune into perfection? The rapid technological advances of today have made this ideal a plausible reality. The creation of Wikipedia has permanently altered the way we gain knowledge. When comparing articles published on Wiki to those on other credited information sites, the revolution is apparent. In investigating the history of hip-hop culture and music for example, I not only found insight into what I was initially researching, but also a mecca of information with endless demensions and related links. When viewing the discussion link, I came across pages and pages of conversation between people all over the world defending their personal viewpoints and passion for hip hop. Ideas change over time, and the creation of new concepts causes inevitable dissonance. It is now our responsibility to accept and defend this revolution and break the dissonance.

the vicarious good life

For my entire life, I have idolized Audrey Hepburn. Her poise on screen has captured the hearts of millions, and over the years, and she has solidified her role as a Hollywood icon. After a long career of award winning performances in film and onstage, Audrey decided to use her popularity for a good cause. After her last film role, she was appointed as a special ambassador to UNICEF. Her commitment to helping some of the most impoverished children in the world is what sets her apart from many celebrities. The good life for Audrey was not about living the Hollywood high life. Instead, she pursued her passion and created her own notion of the good life. Understanding what your passions are and then living life to fulfill those passions is what the good life is all about.

"i am in the jungle and living in the jungle way"

The fight for equal rights, especially African Americans, has been an inexhaustible battle. Countless numbers of scholars, writers, political activists, and artists have created captivating portrayls of the Black man's suffering. For the most part, these works have been praised for their courage to speak of such injustice. Yet, too many forms of expression are still disregarded. Music in particular, one of the most influential tools we have in expression, has gone misunderstood for too long. However, it could be said that the issues getting the attention of people from all walks of life, are in fact the issues which spark awareness. Be-bop music of the 1920s is much like the hip-hop music of today. The splash which both of these types of music caused, forced be-pop and hip-hop to undergo vast amounts of scrutiny and imitation. In Langston Hughes's story, "Bop," when Simple tries to explain the impact and artform that is be-bop, his friend reacts by stating "your explanation depresses me." Such ignorance is what facilitates the misinterpretations of art. Songs which speak of issues in society, especially African American society are the epitome of innovative. In Zora Neale Hurston story, "How It Feels to Be Colored Me," Zora describes herself as "not tragically colored [and with] no great sorrow dammed up in [her] soul." Her words express opression, and they draw attention. Having the capability to make matters known is what qualifies an analysis of an issue as being innovative.

No Name Woman

In a society like the one in “No Name Woman” it is no wonder why the individual and the community conflict at times. The Chinese culture, especially in 1924, is historically a traditional civilization. On a deeper level, the account of a woman being driven to suicide because of the disapprovement of her community is a good example to why the community and the individual sometimes conflict. However, there are many other factors that must be taken into consideration when analyzing the complexities of a culture and that culture’s traditions. Not to say that an individual should never question the society in which one live. If no one ever took a step back to analyze the community they are a part of, there would be no innovation or new ideals. Asking the questions which shape a society is one of the most important tools in creating thriving community. But nonetheless, beliefs and customs which have been around for centuries need to be taken into consideration when analyzing the importance of an individuals desire to be a part of a community in the first place.