This is a film that me and my small group made whilst filming in and around the Media Suite in Hyde Clarendon. We were assigned to create a film with diegectic and non-diegectic sounds with two different types of scenes: fast-paced and slow-paced scenes with background music corresponding to the different scenes.
Me and my group were initially unsure as to who would be doing what in which scene, but after a brief discussion, we decided on what we were doing and prepared our equipment, ready to begin.
Firstly, I started by carrying a camera as I walked up the Media Suite stairs, and another member of my group walked through the Media suite doors. Since I was carrying a camera, the scene gave a third person perspective.
Another member of my group then recorded the conversation that we had on what we were going to do. I then filmed me once again carrying the camera as I slowly walked out of the Media Suite doors.
We also filmed me in a first person perspective running into the Media Suite with a forlorn expression on my face being pursued by a hooded figure, played by another member of my group. We then turned all of the lights off in the production space to add ambience into it.
The walls with other students' work on them provided the ideal backdrop and gave our scene an eerie dark maze feel to it. We then used the lights from our phones to light up the areas that we wanted to be seen.
The first observation that I conducted of the Afghanistan documentary was
of a close-up of a soldier preparing for war. This creates a sense of feeling of
depression as if you are actually meeting this person first-hand. The second
time that I encountered this was when I saw a first person depiction of a war
in Afghanistan with narration voice-over. This was a combination of perspective
and sound, and I felt compelled to watch onwards because this is a prime
example of the effects.
I also heard some diegetic sound of bullets firing. This was
applied to make the viewer feel morbid and depressed and sorry for the soldiers
in combat. The narration of the voice over gives a blunt in-sight as to what
the soldiers are feeling and experiencing.
I noticed some jump-cut editing that linked one scene to
another. This is done to make the documentary feel more fast-paced and to speed
up the power and emotion of the film. The interview was most of the time
foreshadowing what we were about to see in archive footage.
Even thought the soldier had already told us what was about
to happen, we were still taken aback to graphic nature of the voice-over and
the combination of diegetic and non-diegetic sound created a truly distressing
piece of film.
The close-ups of the soldiers faces created negative emotions
because we became concerned for their safety, due to having seen a soldier in
third person, and were hoping that none of them were going to be hurt or
killed.
The sights of the conditions of the army base, with an
expressive description, gives an in sight as to how different and privileged
our lives really are here in Britain. The voice-overs are very good at telling
us how to feel when watching a specific scene and can generate a whole range of
various emotions.
The uncensored swearing, mixed with the melancholy sound oftraditional military music,
created a plethora of sympathy and empathy for the soldiers, as we could see
why the soldiers were so aggravated and that they were so determined to win. The medical troop yelling at the other
soldiers in first person perspective makes me feel sympathy towards the
soldiers in battle, because they are battling, despite fearing that they could
be next.
The FOW footage of the soldier’s mother mourning his son’s
death with the other soldiers in his group, with the narrative voice-over,
makes you feel sympathy towards the mother, because she has out-lived her
child.
This scene I feel most of all emphasises the effectiveness of
the perspective, sound, editing and cinematography techniques that I have
learned today.
I conducted this observation using a three-column tally chart. These columns are divided into: physical, speech and learning disabilities. I did this by travelling around the college, observing people in various parts of the college to see whether they had a specific disability or not. I asked Debbie, the college's receptionist, how many people that were in the college with physical disabilities. She said that only a very small 3% statistic of all of the students of the college had physical disabilities.
In the ALZ zone, I saw five students using blue screen, indicating that they have a visual disability or some form of visual stress.
This is a questionnaire interview film that I conducted in the filming room. I chose this room because of the quiet and calm atmosphere and that there would be minimal to no interruptions and so that the audio of my questionnaire film would be easy to hear as well as easier than simply stopping and starting the interview everything an interruption takes place, as it would have been very exhausting and time-consuming.
I then asked my interviewee a series of questions relating to scoliosis and some of the various historical and statistical facts that I have obtained from my months of in-depth research into the condition. The facts that I have obtained proved to be very interesting to my interviewee, as the interviewee appeared to be quite surprised to see that I have came up with such detailed and complex and well thought out questions.
Due to the knowledgeability of my questionnaires, the interviewee was quite
1) Are you aware of the damage that can be caused if a scoliosis operation goes awry? 2) Do you know about a method for the treatment of scoliosis? 3) Do you know how many girls have scoliosis as compared to boys? 4) Do you know what idiopathic scoliosis is? 5) Are you aware of some of the most old and uncoventional methods of curing scolisis? 6) Do you know how journeys are made to doctors' practices every year for scoliosis diagnosis and treatment? 7) Are you aware of the basis of the first ever back brace?
1) Do you know how many operations people with scoliosis need? "No, I've heard of the disease, but I've never really researched in it" - Lee Johnson. 2) Do you many medical requirements, excluding surgery, that people with scoliosis need? "I have not really researched into scoliosis" - Lee Johnson. 3) Are you aware of the facts and figures around scoliosis? "It's something that I would to learn more about because I've never understood what it's like for a person with scoliosis to experience day-to-day life" - Lee Johnson. 4) How, if at all, have you heard of scoliosis? "I have heard about it on the news, but never truly understood what it is really" - Lee Johnson.
1) Have you met people with scoliosis who are or have been stigmatised? "I wouldn't treat you any differently, in that respect. I think you are sound" - Ashley Wilcock.
2) Are you aware of the surgical risks during a scoliosis operation? "No, I am not. Personally, I do not know, but I imagine that it is not easy" - Ashley Wilcock. 3) Do you know how long recovery from a scoliosis operation can take? "No, I do not know how long it takes" - Ashley Wilcock. 4) Are you aware of the academic consequences of recovering from a scoliosis operation "No, I don't" - Ashley Wilcock.
1) Do you know how many have scoliosis in the UK alone? ''I only know two people who have scoliosis: you and a dance student'' - Cheryl Boutty. 2) Do you know about the many types of scoliosis? ''The only that I know are either mild or severe. I would have to look up scoliosis to get a better view'' - Cheryl Boutty.
3) Are you aware of the risk factors based around scoliosis? ''Yes, I am. And the reason why I am aware is because of my job role as an Additional Support Officer. I am also supporting a student who has scoliosis and I am aware of the risk factors in regards to this student'' - Cheryl Boutty. 4) Are you aware of the various needs attached to the condition? ''Yes, I am aware. There's quite of physical needs that are attached to the condition. I believe that many students who recieve support with this condition benefit and manage to live, when the support's put into place, normal and happy lives, but only when the proper support's put into place" - Cheryl Boutty
2) Do you the conditions of scoliosis? ''I think it affects the spine, but some are more severe than others" - Jordan Smith. 3) Are you aware of the treatments avaliable for scoliosis? "No, I am not aware of the treatments" - Jordan Smith. 4) Do you know about the limitations of scoliosis? "No, I am not aware of the limitations" - Jordan Smith.
The origin of the spinal back brace can be traced back to the 5th century BC, wherein Hippocrates devoted his time towards creating long-term treatments for spinal difficulties. He eventually devised a treatment for spinal abnormalities where he called the "Hippocratic" method. This method essentially consisted of painful pressure being applied to the spine for a long period of time, in the hope that it would reduce the damage of spinal deformities.
In 2nd century AD, Galen of Pergamum, a student at a school that taught the Hippocratic method, added more pressure to the spine and combined it with the science of traction. Unfortunately, this improvised method had little benefits and, as time advanced, became non-existant.
In 1540, the first actual back brace was developed by Ambrose Pare, a French army surgeon who is generally revered as the harbinger of modern surgery, discovered that spinal deformities were caused by the spine being out by place. He created a padded iron corset and multiple holes were made into the corset as the patient grew and aged. The iron corset is hailed as causing the creation of the modern-day spinal back brace.
In 1861, the first practice that reflected the same tactics as modern scoliosis surgery was created by Lewis Albert Sayre. Sayre was a staff physician at the Bellevue Hospital in New York and is considered to be one of the creators of orthopaedic surgery in the US. During this period in time, treatment for idiopathic scoliosis were still in the primitive stages, and whether research into the deformity should continue was deemed very controversial.
Sayre believed that the cure for idiopathic scoliosis was through gymnastics. As proof of his theory, he conducted an experiment wherein he observed a group of girls with idiopathic scoliosis perform a series of gymnastics and found that they "...ascertained infrequent spinal development". In 1874, Sayre published a report into traction combined with a plaster cast and that it could solve spinal deformity.
Perhaps the most important development into the study and treatment of scoliosis is when Wilhelm Conrad Rontengen's discovery of the radiation that he called "x-ray" radiation in the early 1900's. Using x-rays, physicians were able to study the skeleton without having to dissect the body. X-rays originally had to be exposed to the skeleton for a very long time. This resulted in poor skeletal photos and therefore it was hard to analyse scoliosis. Also, people back then did not know of the risks attached to over-exposure to radiation.
In 1930, x-ray picture quality had improved greatly and researchers used a measurement system known as "Rontengengrams" to scoliosis-related illnesses.
''Scoliosis affects five to seven million people in the US alone'' - AQA Website
''Inmore than80% of cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown, this is known as idiopathic scoliosis'' - AQA Website
''4 out of 5 people with scoliosis have spinal curves of less than 20 degrees'' - AQA Website
''More than half of a million visits are made to doctors' offices each year for the evaluation and treatment of scoliosis'' - AQA Website
''Generally, the vast majority of scoliosis cases remain mild, don't progress and require little treatment'' - AQA Website
''If the spinal curvature is less than 10 degress, it is most likely simply a postural change'' - AQA Website
''In a group made up of young girls who have scoliosis, who have curvatures of 25 degrees or larger, never progressed in their scoliosis'' - AQA Website
''Surgery is often used in the few and quite rare occasions where the spinal curvature is 45 degrees or more and is still progressing. It may also be used if the curvature is at risk of affecting the heart, lungs or other vital organs'' - AQA Website
''Researchers are looking into the cause of idiopathic scoliosis. They are studying genetics, growth and changes in the spine, muscles and nerves'' - NIH Website
''Walking, running, football and gymnastics are all possible ways to keep the spine strong'' - NIH Website
''One of the most common visible symptom associated with idiopathic scoliosis is shoulder height asymmetry, wherein one shoulder appears higher than the other'' - SRS Website
''A prominence in the back or lump is the second most common sign of scoliosis in general'' - SRS Website
''Idiopathic scoliosis rarely causes pain and, in most cases, is minor. However, once it has been discovered, it is highly reccommended it is closely inspected by a medical professional in the event it is does require treatment'' - Spine-Health Website
''The most common kind of back brace is the "Boston brace" or, as it is most commonly referred to as the "underarm" brace. The brace is fitted to the child's body using custom moulded plastic. The Milkaukee brace is similar to the aforementioned "Boston brace", but it has a neck ring with vertical bars to hold it in place" - Spine-Health Website
"Scoliosis is more common in girls than boys, and girls with scoliosis are more likely to require treatment" - Kids Health
"Treatment can reduce scoliosis-induced spinal curvatures by 50%" - Spine-Health Website
"Not all forms of scoliosis result in surgery. Surgery on scoliosis depends on the location and length of the curvature" - Spine-Health Website
"Albeit the cause of idiopathic scoliosis is as of yet unknown, there are two key medical aspects that we know about it: a scoliosis curvature that is small or is of no risk of getting worse may not need treatment. However, a young person with a large scoliosis curvature may require treatment." - Spine-Health Website "Even without an x-ray, there are still many ways to spot scoliosis. For example, one shoulder being higher than the other, one shoulder blade sticks out more, the waist appearing uneven, and the body tilting from one side to the other" - Spine-Health Website "Aside from the obvious, there are other methods for easing back pain: maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding long periods of bed rest, wearing low-heeled shoes, sleeping on a medium firmness mattress and always warm up before doing any kind of exercise, even gardening" - ACA Website
"The treatment of scoliosis is divided in three key groups: observation: if the scoliosis is not seriously severe, your doctor or GP might suggest frequent check-ups, bracing: if your doctor or GP may recommend that you wear a back brace. This will not correct the scoliosis, but it will stop it from getting any worse. Finally, surgery: if the scoliosis is getting worse, even with the back brace, your doctor or GP will advise surgery. The most common operation is spinal fusion, it is also a long and complex operation with a low but serious risk of damage to the spinal cord" - Bupa UK Website
"In the 1960's, the best and most effective way to diagnose idiopathic scoliosis was to view the spinal curvature from the "posterior" (from behind the back)" - SpineUniverse Website
"Scoliosis is a medical term taken from the Greek word for curvature" - SpineUniverse Website
"There are three types of scoliosis that affect children: infantile scoliosis, which occurs before the age of 3. It is more frequent in boys and if left untreated, it can lead to severe spinal deformity, juvenile scoliosis, which occurs more frequently in girls between the ages of 3 and 10. It has a high risk of progressing and requires surgery, and Adolescent scoliosis AKA Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis or AIS: which occurs between the age of 10 and the age when the skeleton matures. AIS frequently occurs during adolescent growth spurts. It has an incredibly high risk of progressing, and often requires surgery" - SpineUniverse Website
"Approximately 2% to 3% of Americans at the age of 16 have scoliosis. Less than 0.1% have spinal curvatures of 40 degrees or more" - Osteoarthritis Health Center Website
"There are four main types of scoliosis: congenital scoliosis, which is caused by a bone abnormality at birth, neuromuscular scoliosis: the result of abnormal muscles or nerves. Frequently seen in people with spina bifida or cerebal palsy and can result in paralysis, degenerative scoliosis: possibly the result of traumatic bone collapse, a previous back operation or osteoporosis, and idiopathic scoliosis: a theory is that this type of scoliosis is inherited." - Osteoarthritis Health Center Website
''Another term for scoliosis is called congenital kyphosis" - Kids Health
"There are also other different kinds of back braces aimed at treating scoliosis: the Wilmington brace, the Providence brace, and the Charleston brace." - Kids Health
Howard Hart, born in Rochester, New York, on August 4th, 1968, is a professional golfer who plays at the PGA tours. Despite suffering with scoliosis, he became quite skilled with golf and acquired more and more prowess as he was growing up. His first claim to fame was when he won the 1996 Bell Canadian Open. His second victory came in the 2000 Honda Classic Open. Aside from playing tennis, he also owns a golf club, The Lake Shore Club, and likes to play there himself against the members.
James Blake was in Yonkers, New York, USA, on December 28th 1979. He is a professional tennis player and is notorious for his flat hand tennis manoeuver. Suffering with mild scoliosis, he had to wear a back brace during his high school years. In 2007, he published an autobiography: 'Breaking Back: How I Lost Everything and Won Back My Life'. In 2008, he was awarded the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year Award.
Kurt Cobain was in Aberdeen, Washington, USA in 1967. He attended Aberdeen High School, and co-formed a rock grunge band called Nirvana in his home town of Aberdeen when he was 20 years old. He also injured agonising and severe back pain due to his scoliosis.
Usain St. Leo Bolt was born in 1986 in Sherwood Content, Jamaica. He is Jamaica's most successful Olympic runner and is currently regarded as the world's fastest person. He is the first person to hold both the 100 metre and 200 metre since time measurements were made compulsory in 1977. He is currently the reigning world champion of three Olympic events. He broke the Olympic world record for the 4x100 relay.
I created a documentary about the Robin Thicke single ‘Blurred
Lines’ and the mixed views and controversy that it gained regarding it’s sexist
and misogynistic lyrics about women. The mixed reactions that I observed from some
of my fellow students were just as interesting as the mainstream controversy.
For example, one student said that the music video was
very appealing and was suitable for broadcast.
However, the student thinks that when women see the music
video, perhaps they might not approve of it and acknowledges that while he
likes it, others will not like it nor desire to watch the video or other music
videos that portray women in that manner.
Another student said that it is people’s choice whether
to or to not watch the music video and that if people do not want to listen to
it, then they shouldn’t if they don’t like it and complimented the music video’s
happy and vibrant tone.
On the other hand, the student said that they can
understand the music video is so controversial because of the way that it
portrays men as being superior to women and that the women must be subservient
towards the men.
However, another student’s opinions were much less
approving or tolerable towards the single’s impression of women. They said that
Robin Thicke treats women like second-class citizens and does not value or
respect them in any kind of way.
The student also said that from this video, women can
ascertain a view that they have no other goals and ambitions in life apart from
serving the men’s fantasies and could be used to promote or condone rape or
other forms or sexual predatory and even called Blurred Lines an outright
horrible video.
One of my tutors was even more opposed to the video and
it’s content, even saying that the models in the video are treated as animals
and sex objects. The tutor feels that the video portrays a very negative ideal
for women to attempt to live up to because it tells women that they must serve
men and do whatever they ask women to do.
The tutor also thinks that the music video demonstrates a
powerful image against men as well because it states that men want to be
popular and successful in life, they have to be able to wear and afford nice
and smart clothes and have lots of women around them and desire to be with them
all of the time.
Overall, I feel that Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines is very
controversial and divides opinion in virtually every matter concerning the
music video and it’s lyrics and what they contain and suggest. From what I saw
on this documentary, it seems that even young people who have not really
experienced life fully, yet have a founded opinion on topics such as sexism, content, misogyny, sexual consent and debates about taste.
I also feel that people hold very strong views, whether
they be for or against something and very determined on those views.
What gender what like 'Blurred Lines'?
I think that the both genders may like this music video. Males might like it because the music video itself is male-dominated. Females might like it because of the fashion that the models are wearing.
What geological demographic type might like the song?
The geo-demagraphic type that might like 'Blurred Lines' might be people from the EU or the Americas. However people in countries such as Japan might like the song due to their cultural connections to the West. However, in poorest and LEDCs such as Africa could not see it and therefore can't hold an opinion.
What, if any, faith groups might like the song?
I think that 'Blurred Lines' may be fairly controversial or condemned within most religions. However, certain religious people might like the song due to lyrics making various refrences towards female equality. However, it is also widespread with controversy across mainstream faiths and religions.
Can people of various levels of disposable income afford to watch the video and listen to the song?
I think that any person of disposable income can afford to watch the video and listen to the song. Therefore, any person can hold an opinion on the music video and what they feel is acceptable and unacceptable.
Would people with varying ambitions like the music video and lyrics?
I think that people with any ambitions would like the music video and the lyrics. Their ambitions can be high or low as this does not affect why they would like the music video or not. It also dictates what your life ambitions should be.
What would people of various ethnic origins think of this music video and it's lyrics?
I think that people of certain ethnic origins would take offence towards the video and the lyrics because they might not agree with what the lyrics represent. However, people of other ethnic origins might like the video and the lyrics because of the rhythm and the actual music. They may also like the music video because Pharrell Williams is actively in the video, who is also of ethnic origin.
What would people of certain interests think of the music video and the lyrics?
I think that people who have an interest in music and are constantly chasing the hottest new music and genre might like this because it has a rhythm and a vibe. However, people who have a very keen interest in protesting and advocating for more feminism and female rights might be repulsed and disgusted at the music video for dismissing one of their key interests.
What would people of certain fashion think of the music video and it's lyrics?
I think that people of very controversial fashion would like the music video as it promotes their type of fashion. I think that the type of more modest clothing might find the video obscene and controversial. This is true as some young girls who have watched the video and/or heard the lyrics might dress provocatively to act like one of the models in 'Blurred Lines'.
What would who live in certain locations think about 'Blurred Lines'?
I think that the certain locations where people live, e.g.: towns, suburbs, cities, etc, would affect how they view 'Blurred Lines'. A person who lives in a village might view the video as misogynistic and immoral due to their rural lifestyle. However, a person in a city might see 'Blurred Lines' as acceptable for viewing because of their non-agricultural lifestyle.
The following is a list of similar documentaries that are based on my idea and therefore could be competitors against my documentary.
This documentary is called Single Entity. It focuses on people with mental disabilities and tries to promote better tolerance of the condition by observing their daily lives.
This documentary is called Us and Our Education. It focuses on promote a better understanding of people with physical disabilities via explaining about them and their implications in schools.
The documentary is called Children of Glass. It attempts to rise awareness and promote equality about physical disabilities by interviewing children and exploring their conditions.
I have decided to compare Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' to a song made in 1985 called 'Addicted to Love' by Robert Palmer.
The most obivous comparison between the two is that they are both very misogynistic towards women and views them as inferior to men and second-class citizens and spread this message that women are only on Earth to arouse and filfull the desires and fantasies of men. Another similarity is that the women in the videos all dress the same and are either heavily made up or put in seductive attire.
Also the lyrics in the both of the songs seem to promote treating women like objects and viewing them extremely sexually without their consent. Another topic that is similar in the two songs are the environment-less backgrounds, hinting that there is only the singer/s and the models within the nearby vicinity. Symbolically meaning that the models are alone and cannot call for help if things start to get out of hand.
Another similarity is that the models in both of the videos never actually say anything, hinting that they are opressed or "under the thumb" of men.
Another topic that is similar between the two music videos is that the models are subordinate to the singer/s and must do what they say, no questions asked. This statement could be debated in 'Addicted to Love', where it is shown that the models hold at least some degree of importance (they are playing the instruments). However, they are still classed as subordinate as they do not have roles equal to the singer (a man).
A difference between the two is that whilst the models in Robert Palmer's music video wear heavy makeup, red lips and short skirt attire, the models in Robin Thicke's music video wear far more controversial clothes that are disturbingly more revealing.
Another difference is the 'Addicted to Love' music video could be viewed as even more misogynistic and sexist than 'Blurred Lines' because all of the models are dressed and look exactly the same. This could mean that all women in the world should conform and aspire to what men want and that doing this is the only way to get ahead and be successful in life.
Also another difference between the 'Addicted to Love' and 'Blurred Lines' music videos is that 'Blurred Lines' contains obviously refrences to sex.
Another difference is that, in Blurred Lines, the women are unfairly outnumbered by the men and therefore the men are in control of how the situation ends, which is distastefully extremely sexist. The difference is in Addicted to Love, where the women outnumber the man, which, whilst not sexist towards women, is quite misogynistic towards men.
This article from BBC News demonstrates how popular yet controversial Robin Thicke's song 'Blurred Lines' has become. This article emphasises how controversial the song is because 20 universities banned the song because they said that it promotes rape due to the suggestive lyrics. The overall reaction is mixed because it is so popular that it is named the most downloaded UK song ever and has sold numerous copies worldwide.
This article from The Guardian demonstrates just how much controversy and dislike Robin Thicke has attracted ever since he created 'Blurred Lines'. Organisations and campaigns that are against misogyniny and violence against women are so frustrated that they deemed Robin Thicke the most sexist man of the year. Not only does this emphasise the shock and degradation with which women view the video, but also how it has affected Robin Thicke's social image.
This article from The Guardian shows the seriousness with which some people are taking 'Blurred Lines'. The suggestive song has been deemed too sexual for daytime TV. It is also highlighted that 'Blurred Lines' has ascertained a total of 97 complaints across the UK. This controversy is also shown when the ASA bans the song from being shown before the watershed. The song has much popular, but also much, much controversy. ASA also protested that the song promotes eating disorders because the models are so thin.
Although, on the other hand, it could be debated and turned into a positive reaction. It could mean that 'Blurred Lines' is now so popular that the Beats Electronics brand is featuring the song in one of it's adverts and is basing the actors/models in the ad on the song to advert it's new wireless speaker system.
This article from The Guardian states that the UCLU has banned 'Blurred Lines' in universities across London. The organisation calls the song a 'rape song', saying that the women in the music video are very excipit and very obivously sexual. The organisation also says that certain lyrics in the song, such as "I know you want it", could be interpreted to promote rape or non-consensual sex. The organisation Project Unbreakable states that some of lyrics in the song were used by sexual attackers to rape victims.
This article from the Fox News website demonstrates the extent of Robin Thicke's mixed popularity since what is considered to be his most controversial song yet 'Blurred Lines'. The song is depicted as Robin Thicke exploiting women for his own musical gratification. In the article, Robin Thicke is going to perform at a concert at Boston university, but this notion was debated when 'Blurred Lines' was made public. The Humanists of Boston University say that the university has had a long history of promoting female equality and would be seen as ironic to have Robin Thicke singing 'Blurred Lines', a song that demotes women as being second-class citizens or, worse still, animals.
This YouTube clip is from Roosevelt's speech on April 23, 1910. It explains how Roosevelt views of the American people: '...that they are fit to govern themselves, to rule themselves, to control themselves'. It also demonstrates Roosevelt's pride in his home country and that he dreams of an America that is fully controlled and functioned by it's own people and that it should also work for the people so that they can greatly enrich themselves. He also openly states that his polictical opponents do not believe in that type of freely-run America and should not be elected into Presidential office. He also believes that whoever would take his place as the next President would carry on his message of freedom and making sure that America is ready for the challenges ahead.
This clip is taken from a speech in which Moreno addressed the people of Ecuador and encouraged them to rethink the way that they treat and view disabled people and also not to think of having a disability as a punishment from God. I chose this YouTube clip because out of all of them, I think that this one most emphasises Moreno's eagerness and undying motivation to get disabled equal rights and to be treated like human beings.
This is a trailer for the upcoming Stephen Hawking documentary-movie, Hawking. This clip shows the many various obstacles and challenges, including muscular dystrophy, and is still able to communicate and live a day-to-day life. It also shows Hawking's past and the life that he led prior to his disability and the hard work that led to his extremely high intelligence. The trailer also shows that Hawking has learn to put work and family separate and also explains his dream to venture into outer space and become an astronaut.
This YouTube clip shows how Ralph Braun has overcome his disability and has revolutionised the way that disabled people live their day-to-day and encourages other disabled people to do the same and to ignore prejudice and discrimination and live life to the full. He also inspires people to treat people with disabilities with dignity, equality and respect.
I have asked my mum and dad a series of questions about scoliosis. These are the questions and answers from each parent as follows:
1) How did you feel when I was diagnosed with scoliosis?
''I think...I think...Well, we already knew that you had scoliosis. But with everything that you'd already gone through at St. Mary's, it was just one more thing for you to cope with and as a parent, you don't want to actually hear that your child is diagnosed with scoliosis.'' - My dad, David Hoad.
''Erm...I've got to say that I didn't really know what scoliosis was at the time so I wasn't really all that concerned about it, and also because you had more serious problems at the time.''
- My mum, Hazel Hoad.
2) How did you feel when I had my first spine operation?
''I was very scared because it was a big operation. I knew that they had to take away one of your ribs. I remember being so nervous that I questioned Mr. Williamson's ability to carry out the operation.'' - My dad.
''Very scared and very nervous. It took a very long time to do the operation. Relieved when it was over and done with. I also hoped that the outcome would make you feel better and had a better recovery.'' - My mum.
3) How did you feel when you were told that I had to wear a plaster cast?
''Relief at first, because they thought that they could manage your scoliosis with a plaster cast. But then when you were too small to tolerate it, I was really sad because I knew that you would have to a spine operation'' - My dad.
''Devastated. It was my worst nightmare because I'd seen other children with them and they always looked very uncomfortable. It was very difficult performing day-to-day activities.'' - My mum.
4) How did you feel when I came back from an operation?
''Absolute relief because after the major operations because they were so big and long, it was scary. Because there was always a risk that permanent damage could have been done, such as paralysis. On the smaller operations because they were over and done with for another 6 months and you could get back into your normal routines.'' - My dad.
''Relieved and I wanted to make sure that you were okay and braced myself for the grumpiness that came due to the morphine and anasectic. I was also pleases when I had you home and safe again'' - My mum.
Stephen Hawking is a former professor at the Mathematics University of Cambridge. Hawking's first autobiography 'A Brief History in Time' gained international acclaim and even to this day is still considered a bestseller. Hawking contracted motor neurone disease in 1963, but did not allow this to detour him. He studied at Cambridge and went on to be brilliant researcher and professor at Gonville and Calus university. Wherein he won 12 honorary degrees. He was awarded a CBE in 1982 and was made a companion of Honour in 1989. Along with his many accolades, Hawking is a Fellow of the Royal Society and a member of the US National Academy of Sciences. He is also now director of research at the Centre of Theoretical Cosmology. Stephen Hawking makes it his dream to go into space someday. He has written many books and essays including General Relativity: An Einstein Centenary Survey and The Large Structure of Space and Time.
http://www.hawking.org.uk
Ralph Braun
Ralph Braun was born in 1940 and was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 7. His parents were told by the doctors that their son would never live a normal life and would require around-the-clock care. Upon hearing this, Ralph was determined to prove them wrong. He was also equally poised and determined to make life easier for disabled people with his and similar disabilities. His first step towards this goal was to develop the world's first battery-powered scooter. This initial design eventually evolved into the world's first wheelchair lift, complete with with hand controls and installable inside vehicles. This ultimately led Ralph to create his own wheelchair company, Braun Ability, which manufactures and then distributes wheelchairs all across the globe. Even in his latter years, Ralph, still driven by his never ending ambition to give disabled people equal chances, mobility and prospects, created the Mobility Act of 2013.
http://www.braunability.com/ralph-braun/
Lenin Moreno
Lenin Moreno was the President of Ecuador from 2007 to 2013. On May17th 2004 in New York, Moreno went to the local store to buy beard. On his way back home, he was assaulted by a robber who shot him in the snipe, leaving him paralysed and unable to walk. During his recuperation Moreno witnessed the shocking discrimination and prejudice that people with his disability encounter in everyday life. He was also appalled at the treatment of people with disabilities in his home country of Ecuador, most of whom were only surviving on very little benefits and food hand outs, and the constant stigma in Ecuador that having a disability was seen as a divine punishment by God. This was a devastating shock to Moreno as he had come from an extremely wealthy family and had never before seen how badly disabled people were ostracised.
Refusing to let his disability get him down, Moreno tried seeing the lighter side of life to mask his pain and, after two agonising years, finally got himself into a wheelchair. Moreno became a motivational speaker and encouraged people to change the way that they view disability. He also wrote five books on laughter therapy.
In 2007, he was elected President of Ecuador and set up Ecuador's first ever survey on disabled people. He sent surveyors into rural and remote parts of the country and found that most Ecuadorians with disabilities were living off $96 a year. In 2010, he took to the television in an effort to try to ease the fears of his people when Vice President Correa had been captured by coup plotters.
In the same year, he also won the Noble Peace Prize for assisting disabled people in Ecuador.
Theodore Roosevelt, Jr was the 26th and youngest President of United States. He was also a soldier, historian and explorer. He also suffered from asthma and had difficulty breathing at times. He was elected the President of the United States at 42 years old. He was liked by many of the American people for his energetic and "cowboy" persona, but at the same time he was also very courageous and fearless. He was very caring about the people and always tried to do good by his people and serve them with dignity and respect.
During the Spanish-American war which was fought over control of the border between the US and the Gulf of Mexico, Roosevelt saw active service as lieutenant colonel of the Rough Riders Regiment. He even led the US attack against the Spanish forces in San Juan.
Whilst in office, Roosevelt saw his Presidential position as a means of helping to solve the country's economic difficulties and bridging between the rich and the poor. To help achieve this, Roosevelt fixed the need for a quick mode of transport between the Atlantic and the Pacific by installing the Panama Canal. This also prevented enemy nations from establishing military bases in the Caribbean and helped the US to intervene in Latin America.
Despite his typically hard-hitting and militaristic thinking, Roosevelt acted diplomatically during the Russo-Japanese war and even Goodwill aid all across the affected countries. For this selfless and noble act, he was awarded the Noble Prize.
He was also a big environmentalist and initiated various policies to protect the trees and to improve agricultural standards in the West. Perhaps one of the most iconic acts was when he went hunting in the woods and refused to shoot a baby bear. This act inspired the creation of the teddy bear toy that is very well known and popular even to this very day.
Donald Sutherland is a famous Canadian actor with a media career that has lasted for over 40 years. In his early years, he was very sick. He had rheumatic fever, hepatitis and polio. As a distraction, Sutherland developed a love for media and script reading and has become a very successful actor and has appeared in more than 130 films. In 2000, Sutherland was nominated for a place on the Walk of Fame. He was known as Canada's youngest radio producer at 14. In 1967 he starred in The Dirty Dozen, in 1970 Sutherland starred as Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce in MASH the movie and as tank commander Sgt. Oddball in Kelly's Heroes. His most recent works are TheHunger Games and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
In 1958 Sutherland went to England to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He then left in 1960. He was also very ill with Meningitis in 1979 and very nearly died and he claims to have actually reached the afterlife for a brief time. He also appeared in Invasion of the Body Snatchers in 1978 and it's remake in 1994. He was also nominated for three Best Picture Oscar for his work in three films: MASH in 1970, Ordinary People in 1980 and JFK in 1991.
He thanks his various diseases, disabilities and health complications for his success throughout the years and once said that without it, he would not be where he is today.
The first reported case of scoliosis dates back as far as 3500 BC, when most people believed that having scoliosis was a punishment by God for committing acts of evil. In 1750, the world's first spinal hospital was opened in Switzerland. It treated children who suffered from scoliosis and other various spinal afflictions. The world's first ever back brace, the Jurymast brace, was also developed here.
In the mid 19th century, Jules Guerin developed a back brace made from plaster of Paris. The procedure proved to be very successful and very popular among patients with scoliosis but many of his colleagues disliked his method of repairing scoliosis and had him exiled to Belgium.
It was not until the 1900s that scientists actually begun ways of trying to heal scoliosis rather than simply weaken the effects.
In 1880, Lewis Sayre developed a new kind plaster of Paris cast: one that could be used and applied whilst standing up. They were carefully applied whilst the patient stood up via a type of suspension device. The idea was that by walking around whilst in the plaster cast, the rotation of such an activity would place the deformed section of the spine back into place.
1895 allowed for the first ever scoliosis x-ray to be developed. This has helped to better understand what a deformed spine affected by scoliosis actually looked like from inside of the body. This helped paved the way for technology relating to helping people with scoliosis, such as better defined x-rays, faster healing processes and less painful operation percussions.
In 1911, the world's first attempt at spinal fusion was made. It was based around the theory that if you used steel rods preoperative traction jackets, wire and hooks to fuse the spine back into shape, the effects of scoliosis could be minimilised. It was first attempted on a patient with terbukulosis. The patient was then sealed inside of a cast for 6 months in order to ensure the healing process. The operation was scrapped when it was shown that such a procedure had no healing or quality of life benefits, if anything it actually increased the damage and limitations caused by scoliosis.
