Jahin Fayyaz (Fez) - What/Why/How: A Career with Music

For my project I want to talk about my career choice of pursuing music and how I came to choose that path. As children we’re all asked what we want to be when we grow up, and we all have various answers. Throughout life, that choice can either continue to grow into something someone loves or it may change constantly until an individual is content. For me from a socioeconomic perspective, I was taught from all sorts of influences that job security should be held as one of the highest factors an individual should consider when looking at a career path; and with the current economic instability one might choose a job with monetary stability for a path of fulfillment. For me it was pursing the medical field and eventually becoming a doctor. What more could I lose? I loved the thought of making a difference by helping individuals, to become an MD is an incredible feat in and of itself, and the pay represented a stable amount of monetary security. In the Asian community becoming a doctor, an engineer, or anything of that “caliber” of a job is deemed to bring prestige and a sense of honor to the family (at least from what I know). Most of my childhood friends have in fact become or on the way to attain their M.D. degree. That is why I essentially came to Emory; to pursue medicine. I was surrounded by this mindset so much that my mind said I wanted to pursue it yet I did not get a sense of fulfillment. From my experience at Emory and coming to Atlanta, I was exposed to the music culture here (specifically electronic music), and I loved it. For me the different components that the electronic music culture brought to me was more fulfilling than anything else I had come across. From creating music within my home or anywhere I go, to performing at venues and festivals and striking chords with complete strangers, to meeting individual members of this community and finding it humbling.

From my experience with other musicians, music in general has become a great form of identity and self-expression; whether it’s the producer perspective or the listener’s perspective. This project can tie in with Arendt’s delineation of natality vs. plurality (everyone is different but equal) and can also fall in with the subject of private vs. public. I just haven’t decided which one yet. As for how I’m going to implement and portray my story, I plan on doing interviews with multiple musicians and individuals who listen and get involved with the community. As for input, that’s all I have so far. 

Jahin Fayyaz (Fez) - History Channel's The Men Who Built America

The Men Who Built America also known as the innovators is History Channel series which focuses on Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, Henry Ford, and how they came to be the tycoons they are remembered to be. Moreover the show/documentary focuses on the influential impacts on modern day society through their industrial innovations and business empires. The overall theme, as represented by the title, focuses on how these individuals revolutionized their respective markets to gain and improve not only the american economy (at the time), but also expressed how they came to monopolize their markets.

 I will explain how the commercial uses various "digital story telling" techniques as most of the episodes are contrived in a similar fashion. Apart from the History channel logo, the commercial starts out with the American flag (in my opinion to establish patriotism as well as the birth of innovation within America). It then proceeds to present a series of short video clips and pictures (of actors portraying these tycoons) in a manner that follows the narrations telling the story of their journey of how they came to be what they are known for today. These narrations were also comprised by various interviews from industrial CEO's. in the modern world giving their input as to how they saw these tycoons and how they achieved their accomplishments. These interviews were presented in a chronological and fitting manner focusing on a similar theme that all these individuals had to build their businesses: "Thinking outside the box" or "seeing the bigger picture" or in essence characteristics of great leaders. Meanwhile in the background there is this uplifting, patriotic, and inspirational composition playing in the background to add another angle of dramatic effect.

Check it out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR7oHh-fXUw

What/Why/How - Rachel Bressler

For my project, I want to tell the story of when I was a Princess in the Washington Mardi Gras Ball.  From New Orleans, Louisiana, Mardi Gras, high society, and history have always had significant roles in the culture of the city.  In addition, my father grew up in and has lived in New Orleans for his entire life, and it was always so vital to him for me to know the importance of history as well as for me to get any and all of the experiences that the city had to offer.  That said, some things just weren’t possible due to the fact that we are Jewish.  He joined the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians in the early 90s, hoping that one day I would be given the honor to participate in this historical celebration.  When I finally came of age this past year, my parents were so ecstatic that I had been chosen that they agreed to let me miss almost an entire week of classes for the event.  I was selected by Congressman Cedric Richmond of Louisiana’s 2^nd Congressional District for good academic standing, demonstration of community service, and track record of leadership through participation in sports, work experience/internships, and/or other extracurricular activities.  Interestingly enough, the Congressman was a graduate of the same New Orleans high school that my father and I had also both attended. 

On Tuesday, January 20^th, I flew from Atlanta to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  My first day as a princess started very early on Wednesday with a trip to the Governor’s Mansion.  I have always assumed that to be in politics, charisma and extroversion were necessary.  Contrary to my belief, Louisiana’s Governor, Bobby Jindal, was one of the quietest and most awkward people I have ever met.  When I told my father about it, he laughed and told me that in all the years they have known each other, the Governor was one of the shyest men he had met.  Later, I left the mansion and flew to Washington DC.  Thursday’s itinerary included a tour of the Capitol, a meeting with the congressional representative, a luncheon hosted by the King, and a Royal Tea with Dr. Laura Cassidy (wife of Senator Bill Cassidy).  That night was the “Louisiana Alive” party, where I met Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Attorney General Buddy Caldwell.  On Friday, I went to Arlington Cemetery, a few of the memorials, and a Royal Court Luncheon at the Sulgrave Club (the most exclusive private ladies club in Washington DC).  Later that night, I, as a princess, was presented at the Krewe Dinner/Dance.  Then came Saturday, and I was presented, with my father, at the Washington Mardi Gras Ball.  I had not seen my father smile so much in a while.  I flew back to Atlanta on Sunday, sleep deprived and probably five pounds heavier.  Regardless, it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had and I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to participate in the Washington Mardi Gras.  In my project, I plan to go into more detail about some of these events, and focus in on the importance. 

This is an important story for me to tell for a few reasons.  Though it may sound silly and superficial to some, we as Louisianians are well aware of how big of an honor it is to be a part of such an incredible tradition.  As I mentioned before, my father has been a part of this culture and celebration for his entire life, as well as a long-time member of this Krewe.  When I was chosen to be a Princess for this ball, I could easily tell how proud he was – something that has always been really important to me.  Throughout the week, I met so many people, from the other princesses to many important and influential people from my state.  My father knew so many of these people at the ball, and whenever someone came up to talk to him, he couldn't wait to introduce me as his daughter, the princess. 

I plan to tie my story into what we've been discussing in class by bringing up Arendt’s concepts of natality (how we distinguish ourselves) and plurality (we are the same because we are different).  Arendt makes the point we are all different, with our individual qualities that make us ourselves, but at the same time we come together to face one another as equals because of the fact that we are all different. 

David Weinblatt- Identity of an Avid Sports Fan: Who/What/How

I will continue from my “Intro to Me” project and write about my identity as an avid sports fan. I will make connections based on several of Arendt’s famous quotes to analyze what her viewpoint would be on watching sports.

“Not man but men inhabit this planet. Plurality is the law of the earth.”

            -Connection to sports: This would show that Arendt would approve of the mentality of team sports. She seems to somewhat confirm the popular notion that there is “no ‘I’ in ‘team.’” Players often humbly preach after a big win on a big stage that they could not have accomplished what they did without their teammates; this develops a strong message of the importance of “plurality” of people. Arendt may view a team as not being about a single, individual “I,” but rather a multiplication of perspectives where various different “I’s” come together to form a more powerful team. She says power is about people coming to action between speech and lens. Successful sports teams are a gathering of people (teammates) and they participate in their perspective sports in efforts to win, defeating the other team.

“Action alone is the exclusive prerogative of man; neither a beast nor a god is capable of it, and only action is entirely dependent upon the constant presence of others.”

            -Connection to sports: Arendt claims there is not fate or luck when one performs an action. People are responsible for their own actions, and each person’s actions can only be credited to them as well as the “constant presence of others,” not a divine intervention. The constant presence of others directly correlates to teammates in sports. Athletes perform to the best of their ability in efforts to win at all costs; it comes down to their “actions” or play making abilities as well as the assistance of their teammates in the end. There is no external, greater force that impacts the outcome of a game. The only real factor lies within those who are playing.

“Who somebody is or was we can know only by knowing the story of which he is himself the hero - his biography, in other words; everything else we know of him, including the work he may have produced and left behind, tells us only what he is or was.”

            -Connection to Sports: We only know our favorite athletes based on what they do on the field or court. We don’t really know who they are as people; we just see their actions at game time. We identify with and admire these athletes almost entirely based on their raw talent and what cities they play for, but we often do not know them for the individual characteristics they hold. Although, some players are seen taking part in charitable causes off the field or court, they are still generally liked or disliked solely based on their abilities and team that they happen to play for. Some exceptionally famous athletes even have specific narratives that go along with their perspective careers; these players are often viewed as our heroes and/or villains. LeBron James is a paradigm of this, as his story of leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers (his hometown team) to go play for the Miami Heat in 2010 made him arguably the most hated figure in sports. When he returned in 2014, he was once again beloved by the majority of fans around the league. Without any knowledge of LeBron’s morals, personal interactions with others around him, or any true information about his character, his status of being hated or loved changed exponentially based on the city he chose to play for at a given time.

            These connections between Hannah Arendt and my identity as an avid sports fan are quite interesting. While her statements have far more meaning and purpose in the real world, they can in fact be applied to sports. I think the sports fan identity is an important one because it goes beyond the billion dollar industries and beyond the game itself. Watching sports is quite possibly the most popular form of entertainment in the world and it has the potential to bring forth a sense of camaraderie amongst two strangers who are merely wearing the same logo on their shirts. Perhaps in modern times Arendt would be a sports fan too!

Adam Harrison-Trent W/W/H

   For my DSP, I wanted to look at my involvement in rowing. Rowing itself is a sport that, obviously involves rowers, a boat, and the goal to move across the finish line as fast as possible and beat your competitors in other boats. This is a grossly simplified version of what happens, as it is a challenge that involves both sheer strength as well as finesse, technique, and rhythm in order to effectively and efficiently get the boat moving quickly, as well as being able to sustain the intense physical work that is required. Prior to coming to Emory, I had never “done” sports before, and particularly had never even heard of rowing before. One of the first things I learned, though, was that it isn't called “rowing”, that was a pedestrian term; in college we call it Crew. Especially since I had never been very athletically minded, I struggled a lot in my first year, both physically, trying to become more physically fit and learn the sport, as well as mentally, as I had to adapt to the new challenges the sport presented, as well as adapt to my team mates and learn to work with them towards our common goal. In the year and a half since I started, though, I've grown to love both the sport and my team. Looking back, it would have been very easy in the beginning to have quit and spared myself the rigorous workouts and gained a substantial amount of my free time back. I've come to realize that not only is it my desire to improve and to get faster that keeps me coming back, if it were solely physical then there are far easier sports to produce results; but it is also how rowing has completely changed my outlook not only on myself, but life as a whole. Prior to rowing, not only was I vastly out of shape, but was fairly unhappy with myself. I wasn’t doing anything that really made me happy, as clichéd as it sounds. In rowing, I found the bridge between the physical and mental challenge, and through this connection, I found something that was fulfilling and, I believe, worth the struggle. In much the same way rowing can bridge the physical-mental gap, I think it also is possible that it bridges the realm of the Social and Private. For Arendt, the distinction between the two is based primarily on the nature of what is done there, where the necessary work is done in the private, while the social contains that which is free and relating to society. I contend that rowing has elements that involve both realm. The private is where training occurs. It is usually contained, somewhat like a household, and it is a necessary element of the sport that can, in its level of intensity, be considered violent. Conversely, there are also competitions, scrimmages, conferences, and parties, all of which are far more pleasurable and are more public spectacles which constitute the social realm as it relates to rowing. It is my contention that because rowing is able to bridge both realms that I personally find it so fulfilling, as opposed to any other activity that only encompasses one realm or the other. 

Digital Storytelling Project Outline: What/Who/How - Jon Kim

Digital Storytelling Project: Outline

The Effect of Philosophical Thought on the Corporate Mindset

What

For my project, I will make a qualitative analysis on the effect that Philosophical Thought has on the Corporate Mindset. Throughout my time at the business school, I have come to notice several deficiencies that hinder professional growth in students. The business program’s curriculum creates a strong emphasis on quantitative analytical skills and the ability to think methodically. However, students do not receive enough learning in abstract thinking and problem-solving. I believe the existential concepts and rigorous critique of the content covered in philosophy courses would be beneficial in developing a sense of morals and ethics, something that is essential in compelling leaders. This story will follow 2-3 students in their everyday lives, hearing about the thoughts, struggles, aspirations, and challenges they encounter as they pursue career goals and ambitions. I will incorporate their personal experiences with similar experiences of leaders already deemed successful to offer a structured comparison to historical results.

Who

The main focus of my project will revolve around fellow colleagues, influential leaders throughout history who have been successful or unsuccessful, and myself. I will be using my own thoughts, but also the thoughts of 2-3 other students to broaden the scope of the story and get the opinions of a diverse set of people. I will focus on what it means to be a critical thinker and the motives behind their actions. These will be substantiated with external research of successful influential leaders to provide concrete examples of how our personal opinions can be amplified to create an impact on society.

How

The main method for this project will be through interviews. I find this provides the closest, most genuine medium for people to express their thoughts. There will be a set of questions that will be used to interview each student to maintain consistency; however, not all answers to each question will be used. There will be either clips or photos for the visual aspect while each person’s experiences provide a narrative in the background. When incorporating historical figures, anecdotes will be used as well as a description of their background. One consideration will be incorporating music which I am not entirely sure if I will add, but that is something that I will have to decide as I start working on the project.

The FBI and the Klan - Rachel Bressler

American Experience – The FBI and the Klan

“The FBI and the Klan” told a story about Agent Dargan Frierson and his infiltration into the Ku Klux Klan in North Carolina.  Members of the Klan, steadfast in their efforts to fight communism, saw themselves as patriotic.  On the other hand, they believed that the FBI was an enemy, a defender of communism.  So they decided it was their responsibility to keep America safe from dangers of communism.  That’s where Agent Frierson came in.  In North Carolina, he somehow infiltrated the Klan and was then able to develop several informants within their circles.  Of his various sources, one interesting catch was George Dorset.  Dorset was the Klan’s biggest fundraiser in North Carolina and was one of the most powerful members of Grand Dragon Bob Jones’ inner circle.  Even though Dorset thought that the Klan, and was they stood for, was righteous, he worked for Frierson due to a friendship that had developed. 

            The story was told using two digital medias.  Parts of the video were black and white photographs, while a voiceover played in the background.  The other parts were an interview (in color) with Michael Frierson, whose father was Dargan Frierson.  The way that they used pictures to tell the story was interesting because most of the photographs were of larger scenes and panned over them, not really focusing on anything in particular.  However, they showed close up and still pictures of the most important people to this story: Agent Dargan Frierson and George Dorset.  It was also interesting to see the contrast between the black and white representing the past and the color signifying it was in the present.