Canadian Art and Entertainment

This weeks Blog discussion has two parts:

Part A: The 1920's say the coming of age of Canadian artists with the Group of Seven gaining international recognition for their images of the rugged Canadian landscapes. Since this time Canadian artists, musicians, writers and performers of all types have continued to gain international recognition for their work. Today Canadians such as The Tragically Hip, Mike Myers, Leonard Cohen and Jim Carrey are household names throughout the world for their work in the arts and entertainment industries.

Who is your favorite Canadian artist (this includes musicians, actors etc) and how do you think their work gives Canadians a sense of national pride?

Part B: The twenties in Canada saw an upswing in the economy that meant Canadians were searching for was to spend their "extra" money and fill their leisure time. As a result the 1920's gave birth to a number of "fads" that became wildly popular only to pretty much disappear in a few short years. Take a look at the following video to get a better sense of 20's entertainment.
The Flappers
The Jazz Age

What types of popular activities today do you think may turn out to be just "fads. Personally, while they called the 1920's the Roaring Twenties, I think they may end up calling the 2000's the iPod 2000's.

Do not forget to finish your post with your initials and the period of your socials class or else I cannot give your credit for your response.

Propaganda as a Tool

Propaganda posters like the one above are common tools used in time of war by all countries to persuade people to act or think a certain way. Propaganda posters were used not only to justify involvement in the war but also to procure men and resources to sustain military campaign. Along with recruitment posters commonly urged wartime saving and openly called for funds through War Bonds.

Visit the link below, view several of the posters and comment on the following. What are the emotions and ideals the poster's try to evoke in the audience? Do you think the manipulation of information for this purpose is justified during war? What is the difference, if any, between propaganda and advertising? Can you think of any examples of current propaganda?
http://www.firstworldwar.com/posters/canada.htm

I am Canadian!

Read (text below) view or listen (http://canada4life.ca/videos.php?video=1) to the Joe Canadian Molson rant (text below), and some other spoofs. How do you define being Canadian? Add your own comment to this post with your thoughts on what it means to be Canadian. Remember to include your initials and the period of your socials class.


MOLSON RANT

Hey,
I'm not a lumberjack, or a Fur trader.
I don't live in an igloo,
or eat blubber
or own a dogsled.
And I don't know Jimmy, Sally or Suzy from Canada,
although I'm certain they're really, really nice.

I have a prime minister... not a president,
I speak English and French, not American
and I pronounce it About, not A-boot.

I can proudly sew my country's flag on my backpack,
I believe in peacekeeping, not policing,
diversity not assimilation,
and that the beaver is a truly proud and noble animal.

A toque is a hat,
a chesterfield is a couch,
and it is pronounced Zed,
not Zee... ZED!!
Canada is the 2nd largest land mass,
the 1st nation of hockey,
and the best part of North America.

My name is Joe...
And I am Canadian!