Hays Code Photography Grace Lavery

 

Thou Shalt Not

"Thou Shalt Not" photographed by A.L Whitney Schafer poses a satirical take on the Hays Code, a major movement in cinematic history that censored the images shown on screen between 1930-60s. This was a very difficult time for filmmakers because they were forced to keep up with the codes as a way to keep their films public. During this time period motion pictures were more suggestive rather than literal. Shaffer shows how these rules are extreme and breaks some of the most important ones in one single image as a way to challenge these rules. This photograph itself was censored and outraged the public. The photographer was threatened fines for even trying to distribute it. Now a days these images aren't too uncommon to see in film as the Hays Code eventually diminished thankfully. 

I personally find this image striking because the more you look the more you see. The powerful stance of a woman who typically would be seen as delicate or frail during this time holds a gun and is smoking a cigarette over a dead body, it is very powerful.

V-J Day Kiss

This photo was taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt on August 15, 1945 moments after America was notified of Japan's surrender in WWII. The photo features two strangers, a sailor, who spontaneously kissed a nurse out of pure excitement. Since being taken, the photo has become extremely well known and some people have even tried to recreate it.

World War II

 I chose this photo from World War II when The United States defeated Japan. This photo was taken at the highest point of the island Imo Jima to represent victory. The original photo was taken by Louis Lowery but the iconic photo was the second try with a bigger flag. Half of the people in this photo were killed during the Battle of Iwo Jima. This photo shows movement throughout, the wind blowing left to right, and the flag being put up left to right. The man who is furthest left was pushing the flag the whole time and now has finally let go because he cannot reach it anymore. It further shows the movement of the photo that the flag is continuing to move up. The ground shows how gruesome the battlefield is, having the whole ground covered. 

Martin Scorsese on the Importance of Visual Literacy

Animation

For this animation I used my dog Luna as the star of the show.

another Betty Boop banned episode

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9Tb4TMibk0

My Generation

Being born in 1992 associates me with the Y generation. This span of time is known for it's fast growing workforce and advancements in technology. Growing up in a very tech-savy society, my age group is constantly being exposed to the digital world. My upbringing was drastically different from previous generations because of inventions such as the computers, cell phones, and ipods. Above all these inventions I believe the most influential product of my time is the internet. Having complete access to almost any question one can dream, is truly world changing. The people living within this era are becoming more intelligent because there are no restrictions or obstacles when searching for information. Also, having such an accessible social network allows college students to keep in touch better with their parents, and friends. Students even apply to colleges through the internet! It is also a great tool for employees to talk to one another for 24/7 immediate contact. Others believe the creation of the internet may have changed society socially for the worse, making it harder for people to engage in person rather then via facebook, skype, email, or instant messaging.

All of my friends use the internet everyday as a tool to research information, stay updated with current events, along with staying in touch with family and friends. I believe the internet is the biggest influence of my generation because it connects society in ways no other invention or event has done prior to my existence. If there is an important occurrence in the world, people are able to gain access to details almost immediately. Older generations may not be able to appreciate the internet, in fact they may think it has corrupted society, but I think it has opened opportunities for this era.