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Post by dongocdiep on Feb 27, 2016 18:04:23 GMT
1. What do you think about "the symbolism of the barbed wire" mentioned by Francis Kohn in the article?
The barbed wire plays a crucial role in conveying the message of the photo due to its profound symbolism. Needless to say, this intimidating barrier was erected in order to fix the boundary between two nations and preclude refugees from entering Hungary for the time being. However, the barbed-wire fence is the very first obstacle that refugees need to overcome. More importantly, the barbed wire is the metaphorical image of impediments waiting for them on their way to another land where they no longer suffer from war and poverty. From my own viewpoint, the purpose of the photographer when he took this picture is not to exhort viewers to condemn Hungarian government or many other European authorities as inhumane by building such fences to refuse to accept miserable refugees. Hungary or the UK's government have to take responsibility for ensuring the stability and security of their countries so it is quite comprehensible that they are obliged to restrain the migration wave. We need to bear in mind that the human race have had a lot of difficulties to cope with. The barbed wire fence just illustrates the harsh reality our international friends are encountering. Therefore, it is imperative that governments work out feasible measures so that there will be no barbed wire fence on the way to peace and happiness of their citizens.
2. "I think it's a very classical photo, and at the same time it's timeless. It portrays a situation, but the way it's done in classic in the greatest sense of the world." Why did Francis Kohn say the picture is "timeless"?
From my perspective, a "timeless" work of art is marvellous with regards to not only appearance but also the message it conveys. Despite its simplicity in colour and technique, the value of this picture is not plain at all. Without words and effects, the picture successfully displayed a vivid picture of one of the most horrendous migration crisis in modern world's history. I strongly believe that many years later, this photo still left a profound impression on viewers. They will be obsessed with the hopeful glint in the man's eyes when he handled his baby under the barbed wire fence to a pair of hands. He held a hope that his child would have a brighter future in a peaceful country. The deep affection of a father for his child really moved viewers to tears and this sacred sentiment was immortal. I think a timeless masterpiece is the work of art for the human's sake and this photo was a clear proof. It showed the hope and the burning desire to live of refugees who dared to leave their homeland and overcome obstacles with a view to having a better life in a distant country.
3. What form of art is your life most influenced by? Why?
To be honest, I do not excel at any kind of art and I also think I am not professional enough to perceive the meaning or give comment on pictures or sculptures of renowned artists as I find many of them incomprehensible. What makes me feel most familiar with as well as has a significant impact on my daily life is movie. When we read a story, we let our imagination take wings but a film visualises a story. Hence, it somehow affects our mind more directly and strongly. I sometimes find situations and characters in movies familiar as if it happened to my own life. Therefore, I sympathize with the thoughts, actions and fate of characters. Movies are indisputably ideal means of entertainment which enable viewers to laugh and cry with characters. However, movies are not made to merely make people let out their feelings and forget but convey a message or teach a salutary lesson. For example, Marvel's films not only impress people with thrilling effects but also show the aspiration that the good will beat the bad while "You're the apple of my eye" or "Left ear" reminds us of an effervescent youth with friendship of a lifetime and first love. That's the way movies add colours, vibrancy and meaningfulness to my life.
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Post by thaochi on Feb 28, 2016 3:40:49 GMT
Dear Phương Anh, I absolutely agree with your ideas for the first and second question. About the third one, I would say music is also considered as a form of art which is usually called "performance art". It is great to discover more aspects of music from your point of view. And also I truly appreciate your swift response. Thanks for your participation! 1. What do you think about “the symbolism of the barbed wire” mentioned by Francis Kohn in the article? I'm for the idea that "the symbolism of the barbed wire" is about the ordeal that human race has to conquer. It's just some wires but it's also the line between live or death for those people who are trying to get on the other side of the border. I know that when they illegally come to other countries, they can cause many serious problems like increasing crime rate, putting more burdens on medication, accommation, occupation, and so on. On the other hand, I would like to talk about the inhumanity here. People's lives are at stake. If there is no sanitarily reason, people will not leave their familiar houses and acquainted neighbors to move to a completely strange country. They are hopeless. They are looking for help and those barbed wire represents nothing but our refusal to give them a way out. I do not want to blame anyone. I think that each one of us shares partly the responsibility to help them overcome this tough time, to help them stop pushing their life throung those barbed wire. 2. “I think it’s a very classical photo, and at the same time it’s timeless. It portrays a situation, but the way it’s done is classic in the greatest sense of the word.” Why did Francis Kohn said the picture is "timeless"? As far as I understand, "timeless" here means last forever. And if what I think is true, Francis Kohn said that because this picture sure will be abiding. It doesn't matter if you see it now or you see it 20 years later. Time will not change the value of this photo. It can make people gulp now, it can make people gulp later. As Francis said, the photo is classical in black and white. It's simple but not plain because it's got a story to tell. This picture will forever be the reminder of the time our race was in crisis. When we talk about humanity and when we whole-heartedly use art to tell life as it is, I believe time can be outlasted. 3. What form of art is your daily life most influenced by? Why? I wonder if music is considered as a form of art. I am influenced a lot by music and I cannnot go a day without listening to some. Music is like a lover to me. I meet it at the right time and in the right place, music can make my life like a paradise on Earth. Although sometimes, the sorrow melody turns the world surrounding me into blue. The power of music is as strong as any other kinds of art. The border of languages does not influence music and the geographic distance does not affect music. I have a really small circle of friends so I owe music a big favor for releasing my feelings and helping me back to my feet whenever I get knockwed down. (I am in love with film photography too but it does not influnce me much. Most of the time, I come to it to look for peace and put my mind at ease.)
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Post by thaochi on Feb 28, 2016 4:09:41 GMT
Dear Phương, While I hardly have anything to add on to your point for the first question, I expected to see a more detailed answer for the second one. The flow of emotion was disrupted as the last sentence could have become the beginning for an in-depth analysis of the picture. I believe that with you being such a great writer, if you invest more time on perfecting your answer then it would be astonishing. For the third one, I really adore your point of view about the bland movies. Thanks for your participation! 1. The symbolism of the barbed wire here is the obstruction between the man and trespassing the area. This obstruction refers to the difficulties and hardships that the refugees have to suffer when they want to move to other countries. Not only did they have to survive through the catastrophic crisis and chaos in their countries but also the international rejection from many European citizens. Although many governments like German governments had supported them by opening the border and catered food and accommodation, there are a lot of social concerns involving these refugees. And even refugees are fighting with each other to survive day by day. 2. The picture is "timeless" because images are the best and simplest way to reflect a historic event. This crisis happening in Europe now is one of the events that couldn't be forgotten and neither words or articles could be enough to describe it all. However, the picture could. We see here a man with the greatest desire to let his son be alive. 3. Movies have unquestionably built my characteristics today. When we watch movies, we do not merely sit there and take it as a way to entertain; but we do enjoy it by putting ourselves in the character's shoes, analyzing the scenes and the plot, and more importantly, we do have lessons and learn from that lesson. What I am trying to say here is that, films help us to be more humane, to have emotions and teach us the way of treating people. And none of the movies was meaningless. Even the blandest should teach you how to stay away from boring, shallow and superficial things. That's my conception and I live on watching movies.
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Post by thaochi on Feb 28, 2016 8:50:03 GMT
Dear Lan, I genuinely adore the way you carefully evaluate all the details in the picture to come up with the final conclusion in the first answer. Though in the second answer, the first two ideas might need to be analyzed more. You might have focused too much on figuring out the picture's aspects contributing to its overall value, not to its "timeless" aspect in particular. If you develop some more details, like how the theme of the picture will forever be remembered or how its depth would last for such a long time, it would be great. After all, this is only my personal opinion, otherwise, I absolutely appreciate your effort to come up with such amazing answers. Thanks for your participation! 1. We can see that in the picture there are only three main objects: the man, his baby and the barbed wire. Despite that simplicity, I found the picture intensely expressive and extraordinary because of the fact that the barbed fence is just a lifeless object, however, it held the lives of the living. The barbed covered all over the man and his baby, just like a indestructible barrier which prevented them from saving themselves. Therefore, it is not an exaggeration to say that the wire symbolizes the fine line between life and death, freedom and captivity, happiness and misery. When I first looked at the picture, I could not really tell if I was feeling relieved or not. The baby, an innocent victim of war, at least was rescued, which might be also his father’s only wish. However, because of war and that life-and-death boundary, it was likely that the baby would be separated from his father forever. For the above reasons, the barbed fence is of an importance part contributing to the success of the picture and makes it one of the haunting pictures ever. 2. To me personally, “timeless” is a term used to refer to something that has great and long-lasting impacts on people all over the world or on a typical issue. In the case of Warren’s picture, its value is definitely worth the term. Firstly, the theme of the picture is the Syria War – the most controversial political issue among global public and press at present. War has always been one of people’s hugest terrors. Unfortunately, it is inevitable despite our restless efforts to stop it. Secondly, the picture has a striking depth which attracts people’s eyes right after the first time they see it. Its color contrast and artistic vaporosity are all significant factors which contribute to the eye-catching depth of the picture. Last but not least, Warren’s masterpiece captured perfectly a timeless moment of people trying to escape from a lethal real nightmare. Because that moment is timeless and exceptional, it consequently makes the picture timeless and exceptional too. 3. I won’t hesitate to say it’s music. It colors and inspires my life. I do not know since when music has been an irreplaceable partner of mine, just like it has a mysterious absorption to me. People often consider it as a non-border language, but to me it is even more than that: a buddy who can make my day and encourage me when I am down, and a teacher teaching me about the ordinary things in life. Without music, I cannot be my true self.
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Post by thaochi on Feb 28, 2016 10:02:25 GMT
Dear Linh, I would say that I definitely agree with your answers for the first and second question and it is also nice to know the importance of music in your life. You have done a great job! Thanks for your participation! 1. What do you think about “the symbolism of the barbed wire” mentioned by Francis Kohn in the article?
From my perspective, the mentioned barbed wires symbolize the oppression of the man in the photo as well as the refugees flowing into Europe. On the one hand, they have to leave their homelands which are on fire now due to devastating crisis. On the other hand, they have to cope with not only barbed wires perfectly functioning as a tool of separation on the borders of some European countries which prevents immigrants from entering but also multinational rejection toward refugees in Europe. They are just ordinary people and they deserve the same ordinary life as other people all over the world. It is not their faults to rush into Europe as the last hope. Everyone should share the responsibility to help them overcome this hardship.
2. “I think it’s a very classical photo, and at the same time it’s timeless. It portrays a situation, but the way it’s done is classic in the greatest sense of the word.” Why did Francis Kohn said the picture is "timeless"?
In my opinion, “timeless” is a term which refers to something which is not restricted to a particular time or date. Indeed, this picture is worth this term for both values of art and content. It is just a classical black and white photo which is lighted with “basically moonlight”. However, in this case, “simple is the best” because this photo has a story to tell. It reflects tragic Syrian civil war as well as the immigrant crisis in Europe. Personally, I believe that this photo can make people’s heart-rate pick up not only at present but also in the future.
3. What form of art is your daily life most influenced by? Why?
It can be said that music plays a vital role in my everyday life. In my opinion, music has the potential to change a mood, to shift an atmosphere, and to encourage a different behavior. For instance, I often throw on an upbeat playlist when working out and listen to instrumental or classical music when I want to concentrate on studying. Besides, when I am in bad mood, I usually listen to soft and sweet melody to help myself feel at ease. Music irrefutably is an irreplaceable part of my life.
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Post by Cẩm Hà on Feb 28, 2016 14:02:07 GMT
1. What do you think about “the symbolism of the barbed wire” mentioned by Francis Kohn in the article. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Individually, I strongly agree with the emphasis on the symbolism of the barbed wire stated by Francis Kohn. Literarily, the barbed wire is the fences that have been built up by European governments in an attempt to stop the flows of refugees from migrating illegally into Europe. However, with the precious help of the though-provoking picture taken by Warren, one photographer that in my way of thinking is extremely sensitive to the European migrant crisis, which helps him jump at the opportunity to capture this moving scene, we can see that there is much more to the meaning hidden inside the barbed wire. The barbed wire itself figuratively is the obstacles lying ahead of refugees, thwarting them from human rights that they obviously deserve. These barbed wires are poverty, natural disasters brought about by the rash process of industrialization, and the most disgusting production of mankind, stirred up just to satisfy the bottomless greediness of some people. The thing that makes the symbolism of barbed wire move viewer to tears is the baby passed by his/her father. It enters viewers’ mind that there are numerous children all over the world do not have the rights that they should have. This child is such a prime example. The child should not have experienced this case. He/she should have been sleeping tightly in a warm blanket after having finished all the homework at that time, and ready to go to school the next morning. I strongly believe this meaningful picture will change the leaders’ mind about the problem of European crisis which is related to the human rights in general and children’s rights in particular. <273 words> 2. “I think it’s a very classical photo, and at the same time it’s timeless. It portrays a situation, but the way it’s done is classic in the greatest sense of the word.” Why did Francis Kohn said the picture is “timeless” ? ----------------------------------------------------------------- Francis Kohn has hidden a meaningful thought behind his statement, which can be comprehended fully through the word “timeless”. According to Cambridge Dictionary, something that is timeless does not change as the years go past. Therefore, when mentioning ‘timeless’, Francis means that the value of Warren’s picture remains forever. From now on, the haunting’ scene of a father passing a child under barbed wire will always serve as a reminder of the hurtful consequences brought about by war, poverty, and many other terrible disasters, which raises a question of what we do, or will do in the forseeable future to decrease the putrefaction of this situation, so that there will be no more children passed through the dangerous barbed wire, no more people forced to abandon their countries in search of promised land. One more thing that gives the Warran’s picture timeless value is the parenthood amid the man and the passing child. Ignoring the danger with which he himself was facing, the man put the safety of the child on top priority by passing him/her through the barbed wire before taking care of himself. The picture provides viewers with a wonderful illustration of how brave a man can be just to protect his little child. Materials cannot escaped from being destroyed, the only thing remains for good despite whatever exterior impacts is human love. For both reasons mentioned above, I wholly agree with Francis’ statement on the timeless value of Warren’s winning picture. <244 words> 3. What form of art is your daily life most influenced by? Why? --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I bet that besides me, music is the form of art by which many people are influenced. There are two reasons that put me under the effect of music. The first one, also the most obvious one is that music can be a great friend sharing my feelings, always by my side whenever I am in need of it. Once I am down in the dumbs, I usually resort to inspiring songs like Hero by Mariah Carey or Waiting for Love by Avicii to push me up to the top again. That is the emotional impact exerted by music. Moreover, music can work as a extremely useful method to connect different culture together. Under the impact of some sorts of music like RnB, Soul or Gospel, I can understand better about a culture that are thousands of kilometers away from my country, the painful but heroic history of black people, those who always desire for freedom. Therefore, I can see the big similarity between the black’s history and the Vietnammese’s one and feel closer to colored friends regardless of the long distances amid us. That is what I call the connective influence of music. Thanks to music, my life is like a wonderful meal with a wide ranges of smell, taste and colour! <213 words>
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Post by Minh Chau on Feb 28, 2016 14:34:00 GMT
1. What do you think about “the symbolism of the barbed wire” mentioned by Francis Kohn in the article? Barbed wire is originally made to protect its owners from whatever deemed dangerous to them. However, "the symbolism of barbed wire" in this particular photograph somewhat represents nhumanity. As inferred from the article, the wire fence was built to keep the immigrants from getting into Hungary, and while it is true that people cannot just migrate to other countries illegally, it is heartwrenching to see so many people going through so much pain just to survive day by day. What is inhumane here is the fact that the police officers insisted on not letting the people get pass the border despite knowing how desperate the immigrants, who just had to leave everything behind, including their own home, to search for a salvation, were. In my opinion, it was a very good job of Mr.Richardson to include the barbed wire in his photo, for how it has made hundreds of viewers rethink our humanity.
2. “I think it’s a very classical photo, and at the same time it’s timeless. It portrays a situation, but the way it’s done is classic in the greatest sense of the word.” Why did Francis Kohn said the picture is "timeless"?
I personally do not think that the photograph is a good one, and do not see how it is "timeless", yet the reason behind Kohn's saying that the picture being timeless is that maybe he saw something in that one, something that might have triggered a feeling inside of him, or maybe it is just the fact that we humans have always been, and probablu will be, so cruel to our own kind. The picture did a great job of portraying the pain as well as oppression that the immigrants had to go through, which can be seen through the "symbolism of the barbed wire" or the face of the father. Combined with its background story, the photo will sure be making a lot of people "gulp" as they see it for a very long time.
3. What form of art is your daily life most influenced by? Why?
Without any doubt, music has had a great influence on my life. Music has been one of my good friends since before I even know how to read. It has done a exceptionally good job at keeping me companied. Whenever I feel alone, I can just put on my headphones and then all of a sudden, I am in my own world, where I can just be myself or do anything I like, no matter how imposible they are in the real world. Also, by listening to western music, I have learned a great deal of English vocabulary, which has helped me a lot in my studies. Dear Viet, I really agree with your opinion on the first question. However if you try to think deeper, I am sure you will find more than one meaning behind the image of the barbed wire; for instance the wire also represent what is on the mind of Hungary's authorities, and not only does it prevent the imigants from Hungary but it also keeps them away from a brighter future where there will be no war zone and crisis, where their children can go to school; and so on. Your answer on the sencond question was really interesting, I am really glad to find someone who has the same thought as me. For the last question, I get and appreciate your point here. Thank you for your participation.
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Post by quynhnga on Feb 28, 2016 14:37:21 GMT
1. The symbolism of the barbed wire is conveys a significant message. It is for a world without barriers and it can also be the symbol of life and dead. Immigrants seek a better place for their children just to avoid the hazard of the lingering war that lasts for good. People of the other places are being treated unequally, some might see them as bad people and refuse to welcome them. Barbed wire is also the difficulty of a dreamed world where everyone, every nation is united and nothing can stop them from their right to live, right to eat, right to pursue happiness. They are gulping for a better life, so they deserve to live as anyone in the world. 2. To my view, it is described as "timeless" because, first of all, it was captured in black and white so it would be easy for any means of demonstrations to show it without difficulties in representing the colours, unlike complex colours used nowadays. Furthermore, it is called "timeless" because Francis Kohn might have thought that the circumstances would be everlasting eternally, not just in that epoch but also in the further future. Moreover, it is timeless since it has a story behind, not merely a picture itself. 3. I consider music and painting are two main forms of my favourite art forms. Apparently, it is undeniable that these two types of art have profound impacts on anyone of us. It brings us varied feelings when it matches our emotions. For instance, when I am sentimental and find an appropriate song that its words exactly match my circumstance, I would consecutively replay the song and listen to it the entire day or even for a longer period of time like a week or month. It is the same when it comes to drawing. Some paintings can capture our attention for a truly long time. For example, when meeting a thought-provoking picture, I can instantaneously burst into tears since the scene recollects my memories and situations occurred in my childhood. One can be more positive and optimistic after listening to his favourite song whilst one can be the reverse. I have myself experienced that music and painting influence my daily life so much that I cannot envisage my life in the absence of them. Dear Thanh It is great to know that you have read the article and used the info which to answer the questions. Though our thoughts bare little ressemblance regarding the first question, I am quite interested in the way you interfret the symbolism of the barbed wire which I must admit that it is much more optimistic than mine. I also find your second answer quite different than I had expected. Rather than the black and white color, I thought that what the emotionally intense feeling and the beauty of the moment are mostly what made the picture timeless. However, I share the same opinion with you about the story it delivered . For the third one, I really enjoy reading your answer as I can see that you are very engaged to arts. Thanks for your participation
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Post by quynhnga on Feb 28, 2016 14:49:41 GMT
1. What do you think about “the symbolism of the barbed wire” mentioned by Francis Kohn in the article? Personally, I assert that the symbolism of the barbed wire in the photograph is immensely evocative. The wire, in fact, signals the border of the two countries; it is also the warning for those who dare to cross it. On the other hand, its actual significance is the border between felicity and misery, between two entirely contrasting worlds. In the refugees’ mind, Europe is the wonderland where they could live the novel life without suffering from hunger, poverty and war. Crossing that border means they are nearer to their dreams. As a result, regardless of how painful and bitter the things they have undergone are and how dangerous it might be when they are caught by European soldiers, those miserable immigrants are still struggling every single second for a better future. Additionally, the barbed wire somehow signifies the indifference of people towards others' grief. Some European residents may just consider the illegal immigrants as a threat to their countries, but they don't even think about how to soothe the pain of those people, and how to tackle the issue without being so inhumane. To finalize, the symbolism of the barbed wire manifests the border between sorrow and happiness, the inequality that still exists and the indifference of human being toward their species. 2. “I think it’s a very classical photo, and at the same time it’s timeless. It portrays a situation, but the way it’s done is classic in the greatest sense of the word.” Why did Francis Kohn say the picture is "timeless"? It is rational to regard the picture as a timeless portrait courtesy of the following justifications. Initially, the photo contains a serious and influential message of the inequality that fails to be eliminated among people all over the world. Whereas some nations are suffering from deprivation and armed conflicts, some others have more privileges. This picture also illustrates the indifference and inhumanity of people toward those who are less fortunate. Last but not least, the image is significantly touching due to the action of the father, who is striving to send his son through the barbed wire without physically hurting him. This photograph, again, indicates the immortality of parental love, which never ceases to tranquilize and console us, even in the most desperate moments of our lives. 3. What form of art is your daily life most influenced by? Why? My answer is definitely music, which I regard as a real magic. Music has the enigmatic ability to enlighten and soothe my soul. Whenever I am happy, I listen to music. Whenever I am sad, music is also the best friend. Immersing into music, I can imagine things that I have never seen and touched, visit wherever I want to, live the life that I often dream of. Life should not exist without music. Music is exceptionally enchanting, uplifting, alluring, and sometimes, words are no longer needed when I listen to it. Dear Quynh, I find it incredibly delightful to read your answers and must acclaim you for your engagement in thinking and finding the meaning of the picture. Both of your first answers bare so many ressemblances to mine that I could hardly add a thing to it. Regarding your third answer, I thought it was quite nice to know that you are also very interested in music and how it makes you feel which means that you care lots about this knid of art. However, I would love to know more detail about the types of music you ussually listen to. Overall, I absolutely love your answers, well done! Thanks for your participation
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Post by quynhnga on Feb 28, 2016 15:53:09 GMT
1. What do you think about “the symbolism of the barbed wire” mentioned by Francis Kohn in the article? The barbed wire in the picture, in my point of view, is the boundary between death and life, desperation of a life with no way out and hope for a better future, and more. In practice, its existence impeded the access to a different life of those refugees, a life with hopefully less war, death and misery, while shown in the picture, it stands for a firm statement: even in the blackest moment of life, parents’ love always shines brightly. The fence is there, but when put together with the hope for life, it has long gone. That is the symbolism of the barbed wire: a useless fence to keep people from looking forwards in to the future. 2. “I think it’s a very classical photo, and at the same time it’s timeless. It portrays a situation, but the way it’s done is classic in the greatest sense of the word.” Why did Francis Kohn said the picture is "timeless"? The picture is timeless as the situation it portrays is always exists. Wars will always break out in some parts of the world, therfore there will always be those refugees that have to face the boundary of life and death. Similarily, the love from parents towards their children will always be there in their heart, regardless of their race or anything else. If in another war and the same thing happen to another family, I strongly belive that the same scene will happen. That is why the picture will forever maintain its value. 3. What form of art is your daily life most influenced by? Why? I am influenced my music the most, I suppose. When I immerge myself in music, I can try different lives of other people, I can feel the sentiment that I have never experienced in my life. I listen to many kind of music, and one of my favourite composers is Taylor Swift, especially her country songs. I think I can feel the frustration of the girl when she and her boyfriend does not talk to each other anymore or the sorrow crept into my mind when “Back to December” is played,… The rhymth and the lyric guide me through different moment of life, not only in Taylor’s music but also in other composer’s and that’s why I welcome its influence on me. Dear Thu, I find your answer incredibly fancinating as it shows that you have pondered on the questions and interfreted the info from the artcicle and from the photo in a very interesting way. I could hardly add any idea to your first and second answer because they are simply nice already. your third answer is also written with care and depth which I must acclaim you for your effort to acttually come up with such strong answer! overall, bloody well done! thank you for participating
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Post by Minh Chau on Feb 28, 2016 16:45:55 GMT
1. What do you think about “the symbolism of the barbed wire” mentioned by Francis Kohn in the article? From my perspective, “the symbolism of the barbed wire” here is the impediment to human’ freedom. More specifically, in this picture, the barbed wire is the obstruction which the refugees have to overcome if they want to more to other regions. However, commonly, razor wire is designed to prevent criminal acts, like a burglary and obviously fleeing children and adults are not criminals. The refugees are people who are threatened with the catastrophic crisis and chaos in their countries. All they want is a safer life in the other side of the border but not every countries support that. While a few European leaders support an open-door refugee policy, others are in favor of controlling EU’s external borders. They are deporting more people and paying third countries to keep asylum seekers on their soil. And even when the fleeing people are able to cross the border, they still have difficulties in finding a place to live and a job to earn money. 2. “I think it’s a very classical photo, and at the same time it’s timeless. It portrays a situation, but the way it’s done is classic in the greatest sense of the word.” Why did Francis Kohn said the picture is "timeless"? Francis Kohn said the picture is “timeless” because its meaning will last forever. Despite its simplicity, it portrays the incident of the European migrant crisis. We can all see that the man in the picture with an desperated attemp to let his child alive. This man is a small example of the whole picture: The asylum seekers are dying day by day because of the catastrophic crisis and chaos in their countries. Like Francis Kohn also said “We thought it had almost everything in there to give a strong visual of what’s happening with the refugees,” 3. What form of art is your daily life most influenced by? Why? Definitely music! With each song, there is a story behind the lyrics. It can be every moments in the daily life, like happiness or sadness. My favorite kind of music is Chinese music. Despite the fact that the lyrics are simple or flowery, the story underneath is significant. Take “The letter of a poor singer” for example, Chu Tam, the singer also the composer, has written a true story about his difficulties in finding a true love. With a no –technique singing voice and simple lyrics, he has won the hearts and minds of every listeners hearing the song. In short, music is my source of life. . Not a day goes by that I don’t listen to music. Dear An, It seems that you had some background understanding on the imigrant crisis in Europe and I must say I could not agree more with you. Even the problems that imigants have to face when they legally entered one country had been nicely pointed out. Regrading the second question, I find your concept of "timeless" quite clashing with mine. Not much could I infer from your answer on this question. I personally think that it would be nicer if you had more support and clarification for your idea of why the picture in the article is an ever lasting picture. Your determination on the last question is fantastic. I myself also love to look deep into the meaning underneath songs' lyrics, and sometimes even let my emotion get influenced by the rhythms and words, too. Thank you for your participation.
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Post by quynhnga on Feb 28, 2016 16:48:08 GMT
1. What do you think about “the symbolism of the barbed wire” mentioned by Francis Kohn in the article? The barbed wire, from my perspective, are symbols of the death and life boundary and the human's choice. Some European governments choose the fences to stop illegal immigrants and keep the countries stable againts social problems. Refugees, in the other hand, just follow their need of being escaped from their country's crisis, seeking safe places and pursueing happiness for children. The barbed wire is the obstruction they must get over for existing. I suppose the man in the picture has strongly struggled before choosing to pass his child to the other side of the wire. May be he would never gather with the child again, but at that time, he gave his child a chance to live in a better region. 2. “I think it’s a very classical photo, and at the same time it’s timeless. It portrays a situation, but the way it’s done is classic in the greatest sense of the word.” Why did Francis Kohn said the picture is "timeless"? I think "timeless" is a term which refers to somthing that its values are not limited to a particular period but will last for ever. This picture presents the human desire of living. Also, however dark the situation they are in, human still care for someone they are in love. I beleive it deserves the timeless spirit value and the photo will be timeless courtesy of the value it conveys. 3. What form of art is your daily life most influenced by? Why? I am most influenced by music. Music has become a part in my life that a day seems missing without one song. It is a friend beside us. When deeping into music, I find all emotions: happiness, sorrow, hope, and so on. The melody and lyrics tell stories in a non-verbal way. Sometime we do not need to understand the lyrics but flow the soul with notes. The boundary seems to blur in music. Dear Hà, I am glad that you have read and make effort to answer our questions. I find certain similarities in your answer with mine about the symbolism of the barbed wire and the meaning of the timeless picture which is why I am interested in your answer and your way of thinking, however, I would prefer you dig deeper and think harder to give a more specific and profound answer to question 1 and 2. I would also love to hear more about the kind of music you find most inspiring or how that helps you in your life. Overall, I enjoy reading your answer yet expected that you give a more profound ones. Thank you for your participation!
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jen
New Member
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Post by jen on Feb 29, 2016 4:28:24 GMT
1. What do you think about “ the symbolism of the barbed wire” mentioned by Francis Kohn” in the article?
I suppose that “the barbed wire” symbolizes the boundary between life and death that Syrian people needed to get through to avoid the war. It also resembles their aspiration for peace and freedom. From my point of view, eventhough those people tried to pass to the other side of the border illegally, no one could deny that they have their own rights to live happily in a peaceful country, especially when considering what they had to experience. 2.“I think it’s a very classical photo, and at the same time it’s timeless. It portrays a situation, but the way it’s done is classic in the greatest sense of the word.” Why did Francis Kohn said the picture is "timeless"?
In my individual thoughts, “timeless” is the word which can express the value of the image the most approriately. It implies that despite the flow of time, the pain that those people suffered is still there, and so is the beauty of the story told through the picture. It will stay the same now and forever. Hundreds of years later, our posterity will have the honor of contemplating this masterpiece and will understand what their anscesters had to do so that they can have an unbroken sleep every night.
3.What form of art is your daily life most influenced by? Why?
I personally believe that music has always had an enormous effect on our daily life. It is everywhere, from a radio of an old man to the palace of a royal family. Furthemore, music even have the power of controling our emotions. We smile, sing and dance a long a funny song with optimistic fortune. We are deep in thought when coming across a melancholy melody. A composer can change his whole life and evenly, the whole world with just one single song, which can be exemplified by “Imagine” by John Lennon. In a nutshell, without music, we are just empty shells.
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Post by thuyanhdan on Feb 29, 2016 15:43:08 GMT
Dear Diep, I can not agree with you more about the 'symbolism of the barbed wire' and the timelessness of the picture. I really appreciate that you included some pieces of information about the crisis, which means you must have looked into the issue carefully and fully understood what the photographer wants to convey through the photo. Besides, I was enormously impressed by your explanation of the timelessness of "Hope for new life"- name of the photo. For the third question, I think that you are quite good at giving comments on pictures, for example the above photograph. However, I agree that for most of us many pieces of art are really impenetrable and movies seem to exert strong influence on us. Thank you for your participation!!!! 1. What do you think about "the symbolism of the barbed wire" mentioned by Francis Kohn in the article?
The barbed wire plays a crucial role in conveying the message of the photo due to its profound symbolism. Needless to say, this intimidating barrier was erected in order to fix the boundary between two nations and preclude refugees from entering Hungary for the time being. However, the barbed-wire fence is the very first obstacle that refugees need to overcome. More importantly, the barbed wire is the metaphorical image of impediments waiting for them on their way to another land where they no longer suffer from war and poverty. From my own viewpoint, the purpose of the photographer when he took this picture is not to exhort viewers to condemn Hungarian government or many other European authorities as inhumane by building such fences to refuse to accept miserable refugees. Hungary or the UK's government have to take responsibility for ensuring the stability and security of their countries so it is quite comprehensible that they are obliged to restrain the migration wave. We need to bear in mind that the human race have had a lot of difficulties to cope with. The barbed wire fence just illustrates the harsh reality our international friends are encountering. Therefore, it is imperative that governments work out feasible measures so that there will be no barbed wire fence on the way to peace and happiness of their citizens.
2. "I think it's a very classical photo, and at the same time it's timeless. It portrays a situation, but the way it's done in classic in the greatest sense of the world." Why did Francis Kohn say the picture is "timeless"?
From my perspective, a "timeless" work of art is marvellous with regards to not only appearance but also the message it conveys. Despite its simplicity in colour and technique, the value of this picture is not plain at all. Without words and effects, the picture successfully displayed a vivid picture of one of the most horrendous migration crisis in modern world's history. I strongly believe that many years later, this photo still left a profound impression on viewers. They will be obsessed with the hopeful glint in the man's eyes when he handled his baby under the barbed wire fence to a pair of hands. He held a hope that his child would have a brighter future in a peaceful country. The deep affection of a father for his child really moved viewers to tears and this sacred sentiment was immortal. I think a timeless masterpiece is the work of art for the human's sake and this photo was a clear proof. It showed the hope and the burning desire to live of refugees who dared to leave their homeland and overcome obstacles with a view to having a better life in a distant country.
3. What form of art is your life most influenced by? Why?
To be honest, I do not excel at any kind of art and I also think I am not professional enough to perceive the meaning or give comment on pictures or sculptures of renowned artists as I find many of them incomprehensible. What makes me feel most familiar with as well as has a significant impact on my daily life is movie. When we read a story, we let our imagination take wings but a film visualises a story. Hence, it somehow affects our mind more directly and strongly. I sometimes find situations and characters in movies familiar as if it happened to my own life. Therefore, I sympathize with the thoughts, actions and fate of characters. Movies are indisputably ideal means of entertainment which enable viewers to laugh and cry with characters. However, movies are not made to merely make people let out their feelings and forget but convey a message or teach a salutary lesson. For example, Marvel's films not only impress people with thrilling effects but also show the aspiration that the good will beat the bad while "You're the apple of my eye" or "Left ear" reminds us of an effervescent youth with friendship of a lifetime and first love. That's the way movies add colours, vibrancy and meaningfulness to my life.
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Post by thuyanhdan on Feb 29, 2016 16:16:57 GMT
Dear Giang, For the first question, I agree with you when you said about the boundary between life and death when mentioning 'the symbolism of the barbed wire'. However, from my perspective, I do not think the wire represents the hope of the immigrants. In contrast, every aspiration for new life is killed by this wire as the old father was stopped behind it. In the second question I find that you have understood the timelessness of the photo but I would prefer more explanations Last but not least, I agree with you about the influence of music on our emotions. Since i believe music is magical, music has many other impacts on our daily life that you may not have noticed. Thank you for your participation, Jen. 1. What do you think about “ the symbolism of the barbed wire” mentioned by Francis Kohn” in the article? I suppose that “the barbed wire” symbolizes the boundary between life and death that Syrian people needed to get through to avoid the war. It also resembles their aspiration for peace and freedom. From my point of view, eventhough those people tried to pass to the other side of the border illegally, no one could deny that they have their own rights to live happily in a peaceful country, especially when considering what they had to experience. 2.“I think it’s a very classical photo, and at the same time it’s timeless. It portrays a situation, but the way it’s done is classic in the greatest sense of the word.” Why did Francis Kohn said the picture is "timeless"? In my individual thoughts, “timeless” is the word which can express the value of the image the most approriately. It implies that despite the flow of time, the pain that those people suffered is still there, and so is the beauty of the story told through the picture. It will stay the same now and forever. Hundreds of years later, our posterity will have the honor of contemplating this masterpiece and will understand what their anscesters had to do so that they can have an unbroken sleep every night. 3.What form of art is your daily life most influenced by? Why? I personally believe that music has always had an enormous effect on our daily life. It is everywhere, from a radio of an old man to the palace of a royal family. Furthemore, music even have the power of controling our emotions. We smile, sing and dance a long a funny song with optimistic fortune. We are deep in thought when coming across a melancholy melody. A composer can change his whole life and evenly, the whole world with just one single song, which can be exemplified by “Imagine” by John Lennon. In a nutshell, without music, we are just empty shells.
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