Kendrick Is A Poet

     Rap is an abbreviation for rhythm and poetry and a popular music genre. Given that the ''p'' in rap stands for poetry, I would argue that many rappers like Tupac, Ice Cube, J Cole, Nas, Jay-Z, and Kendrick Lamar can be considered poets. An example of a song written by a rapper that can be identified as a poem is ''PRIDE.'' by Kendrick Lamar. 

     One reason why this song can be identified as a poem is that it expresses both an idea and emotions. Poems are used for the creator to share and translate their opinion and feelings on their chosen topic; in my opinion, that is precisely what musical artists do with their songs and listeners. In this song, Kendrick shares his judgment on how pride influences the ego of individuals, including himself. He also expresses his personal wishes on the changes he wants to make to subside his egotistical ways.

    The verses in the song touch on the clouded judgement that people with immense success sometimes adapt through the more they achieve. The story here is about an individual, Kendrick Lamar, recognizing the changes in his characteristics and ego as his fame in the music industry progresses and heightens.

     Another thing that identifies this song as a poem is the poetic devices used. Devices like rhyming, similes, alliteration, and metaphors are all aspects included in the song's lyrics, as well as having the choruses and verses split up into stanzas. Finally, dissecting this song and developing a decent comprehension of the lyrics makes the listener start to evolve their own feelings and opinions on the main idea that Kendrick raps about. This is common to experience during and after reading a poem, because the thoughts and emotions expressed in a poem always give the readers and listeners something to react to and think about.

    Although I strongly recognize Kendrick Lamar's music as poetry, I cannot say I have the same stance on every individual rapper. This is because a significant factor of what makes his songs poetic is his lyricism, and not all rappers meet that same standard. I think that, just like general poetry, rap and music, in general, can be used as sources to promote better ideas and focus on topics in our society. Which is why Kendrick's lyricism and rap music can be considered poetic, and why he can be considered a poet.

Instagram for 13 and under.......

In my opinion, I think that younger kids thirteen and under should not use social media apps at all. Social networking services really impact the mental health of individuals and can, in some sense, be a source that corrupts the mindset and innocence of a thirteen-year-old that uses it. However, technology is constantly evolving in today's time and it's almost pointless trying to shield newer generations from the internet when this is the type of world they are born into. What I can say is that at least with these newer versions of social media apps for younger kids, it is more guaranteed that they are genuinely age-appropriate and less likely that they'll gain depression, insecurities, and bullying out of it. 

    I do not think that there is any merit specifically in these newer apps. The concept of having a safe online space for children evidently sounds better than having an online space used by children and adults, but I feel like children should not have an online space at all. If anything, there should be more effort to prevent one rather than create one. These newer apps are essentially just exposing them to social media and the online world a lot faster than they need to be. 

    I did have social media apps before the age of 13 and looking back now, I do regret it. I wasn't really gaining anything from having them except that it was the ''cool'' thing in my grade and all my friends had their own accounts. 

    I definitely do not think that the regular version of these apps is fine for younger kids, and I wouldn't label it safe either. Generally, apps like Instagram are just social platforms used for people to connect with their friends and like each other's posts, but the way that some people use it is what makes it unsafe. It is very easy to use the app to spread misinformation, inappropriate content, hate speech against particular groups or people, and just general negative things. Regardless of who you follow or what type of stuff you like, these apps are not always kid-friendly, and it even becomes too much for people who are above the age restrictions. Not only that, but anyone who has internet has access to these apps. And there have been more than enough cases where minors end up in bad situations with their ''online friends'' who they thought were their age and who they said to be, but in reality, were grown adults preying on kids. 

    It is really important for social media apps to have age restrictions so that children can not only stay safe but truly enjoy their childhood. The online world includes a bit of maturity and makes you grow up a little faster, so I think that it is essential for kids to hold on to their childhood while they still can and enjoy the stages of their youth.  

Celebrity Slaps

  Our society naturally holds celebrities to a higher standard than others, wheater they are actors, singers, rappers, dancers, comedians, etc. Generally, I understand why we do this and can see what fun comes from creating these idols for ourselves. However, I think we should treat them the same as everyone else. I say this because some celebrities act as though their status makes them more competent than everyone else, and there are also some examples of celebrities using their status to get them out of trouble. I think that this is because the public puts them on a pedal stool that levels them ''higher'' or more ''important'' than everyone else. 

I think the Oscar's situation was a very immature and embarrassing moment. Especially because it happened at one of the most esteemed and anticipated events of the year, in a room full of such honoured and respected actors and actresses. It definitely took the spotlight of the night, which is unfortunate because there were many monumental wins for the other people there. Although Chris Rock is a comedian and part of his job includes making jokes about other celebrities, I cannot say that it was a commendable thing for him to joke about Jada's hair loss on live television. Regardless of whether or not it was funny,  he probably should have checked in with her beforehand to see how she would feel about him making that type of joke. On the other hand, I understand Will Smith wanting to stand up for his wife, but I can't entirely agree with how he went about it. He is a very well-known, highly admired actor in the film industry and what he did definitely shifted people's perception of his character. I can't say him promoting violence live at the Oscars is great for his image. 

If a celebrity I admired did something like this, it would probably cause me to question how they actually are in real life and cause me to have less admiration for them. An example would be finding out how Johnny Depp was suing his ex-wife Amber Heard for reasons that include her committing acts of domestic violence against him. Personally, I wasn't the biggest fan of Amber Heard, and she isn't a celebrity I enormously admired. But nevertheless, hearing that did cause me to view her in a very different light. 

I do think that there is some sort of accountability that celebrities should be held to when they behave poorly. With their fame comes an influential platform, and if they aren't held accountable for their actions, it affects both them and the people who idolize them. Their status automatically labels them as role models and people who should be setting good examples in our societies. Unfortunately, I don't think much of a good example was set that night at the Oscars. 

First post

 Hey guys! This is my first blog post for this year's grade 10 media course and my first blog ever. My name is Tyanna, I'm a grade 10 Marry Ward student, and I am definitely enjoying media arts so far!