Analyzing The Hunger Games

     I started this book thinking the idea was absurd: a government choosing to eliminate rebellion by forcing its citizens to give up their children as participants in the ultimate reality show of death to the last survivor.  I soon found myself hoping for a certain outcome that would certainly bring about the death of many children but save the brave little heroine. Complete with an impossible love interest, twists in the arena to keep you guessing, and both sympathy and hatred for the other characters, the book keeps you on the edge of your seat. In some ways the story reminded me of The Lottery, because people were picked for death.  For example in The Lottery, the wife was picked to get stoned and in The Hunger Games, Katniss took the place of her sister who was picked to participate in the Games.      
     I found it interesting that even in this life and death situation, the kids refused to do anything that would displease the capitol and make them look rebellious or unwilling to play, or worse emotional and disturbed by death. They did not bond with each other, help each other, or ever want to be indebted by anyone's kindness.  Even after I closed this book, I found myself relooking at the statements about society, our gruesome need for reality TV, how much a community will let others suffer as long as they are safe, and the strength of the human spirit when backed up against the wall. I enjoyed Katniss' emotionally detached character, Peeta's vulnerable goodness, and Rue's small but fighting spirit.

I chose this painting titled Pollice Verso by Jean-Leon Gerome, because it represented how Katniss and the other 11 tributes fought until death.  Also, the audience in the arena represent the Capitol watching and being entertained. 

Are you not Entertained?

Jersey Shore Episode  I watched Jersey Shore (season 2) the 26th episode when Sammi gets in a fight with her boyfriend about texting this guy Arvin to meet up with her at a club.  Mike the Situation blows it way out of control calling Sam a "sneaky bitch" and making a scene.  Lots of yelling and "he said she said" statements are repeated as the night goes on and more alcohol is consumed.  It is live people in real situations, but the behavior is fake and out of the ordinary.  The way they talk and act is not normal and you don't see that everyday.  The only attributes that are valued in the Jersey Shore are being tan, muscular, and sexual, because that is what the public wants to see.  If people didn't want to watch it, they wouldn't.  The show has brought about more social competiton where teens and adults compete to get the most attention.  The lack of intelligence in the show is astronomical...you never see the cast talking about educational ideas like politics or the news.  Most of the time they are creating their own language.  They work at the simplest jobs like an ice cream shop and a clothing store and yet they still don't take anything seriously.  Sex appeal is extremely displayed every night they go out.  Sammi, Jwow, Snooki, and Deena wear little to no clothing with high heels and a mask full of makeup.  They poof their hair and shorten their skirts so more skin is shown.  The guys take forever to get ready just to come back, get their girls in their pajamas, and have sex.  It is a reoccuring trend with all of them.  I enjoy watching the show sometimes, because some of the dumb stuff they say makes me laugh, but if I question what I am getting out of watching the show, there is nothing.  What makes the show alluring is the wide fan base it has and all the popularity and attention it draws.  There is always a fight, always drama, always something eventful that keeps the attention of the audience.  My role as a viewer is to analyze what I'm watching and not be influenced by what I'm seeing, but more by what I believe.