Surf Culture

Surf culture involves the people, language, music, and lifestyle surrounding the sport of surfing. It all began with the Polynesians who brought about the initial culture, and later influenced a whole new generation of surfers in the 1950's and 60's after World War II, shaping the activity for what it is today. As more people surfed and practiced the traditions it became more popular throughout the world. The sport became and is still immensely popular in Hawaii, Australia, and California, where waves are more effective to surf on because of the climate. Serf terminology was most commonly used in these areas because of the multitude of people who surfed there. Slang terms, such as “stoked”, “tubular”, “radical”, and “gnarly” were used to describe the feelings they experienced while riding an exceptional wave. Surf music was a big hit during the flourishing era of surf as well. Popular artists such as Jan and Dean, The Beach Boys, The Surfaris, and The Ventures emerged. The music inspired little dance numbers like The Stomp, The Frug, and The Watusi. Modern music that surfers listen to today is by various artists that range from Jack Johnson and Tom Curren to Foster the People and Matt Costa. Apart from the culture that comes along with the activity, however, many center their lives on the mentality and lifestyle derived primarily from surfing


People who incorporate surf into their daily life value and view the activity more than just a sport. Surfing is really a way of seeking serenity from the bustle of daily life. It is a lifestyle that involves only three things: man, ocean, and surfboard. It is a way of connecting to one’s inner soul, feeling liberated, and belonging to something in this world all at the same time. Surfing made people feel alive after a specific time that heightened the dead. World War 2 finished, but the people’s lives just began, and they continue to this day through the exhilarating activity of surf.   

- "Surfing History." Extreme Horizon. N.p., n.d. Web.

"Surf Culture." Surfline. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.surfline.com/surfing-a-to-

z/surf-culture-explained_916/>.

Mother Courage: Using the Conventions of Epic Theater to Define War

Brecht's play, Mother Courage and All Her Children serves as a prime example of the many works that have been created throughout time to emphasize the significance of war. Using Epic Theater, Brecht clearly emphasizes the issues in war within the setting of the play and the time in which Brecht lived. The entire purpose of Mother Courage's construction was to display the errors in Brecht's society during World War II, which existed during The Thirty Years War as well. One of the issues was using war as a form of business and source for profit, which became an allegory for the main character, Mother Courage. Understandably, the character and her devotion to making money somewhat creates a perception of immorality, but progressively reveals the genuine role of a single mother to support her family. Her nickname "Courage", comes from this idea, since it is an honorable virtue to hold within times of war and survival. On the contrary, however, her children hold virtues that may be honorable, but harmful to the preservation of their lives. Within the following scene a clear foreshadowing of their inevitable doom is shown.

In scene one, Mother Courage predicts the destinies of her children through a fortune reading. Holding a helmet, metonymically which evokes a skull each child draws a lot. Tearing the parchments to these lots Courage notices the common outcomes for all her children, which is death. The allegory represents each child's selection of their fate, and how it will not only tear them away from their mother, but lead to their ultimate demise. Essentially the children's virtues of honesty, kindness, and bravery are honorable, but important to remember that when they are carried out individualistically they will have harmful effects. 

Bravery, honesty, and kindness are significant virtues that are highly valued in society until today, but seem to have the opposite effect of those who possessed them in the past. During times of war, strength in numbers was highly important to sustain a society of people who would otherwise be considered weak and broken. Being alone meant being feeble and poor, therefore portraying any signs of empowering traits still backfired and evidently caused the fatal future of Mother Courage's children. When conveying this idea it is particularly important to apply the conventions of Epic Theater within one's critical thought process in order to focus on the issues of society rather than the tragic death of characters in the story. Looking from within (context) to apply without (reality) is the specific goal of Epic Theater. Therefore, the idea of holding similar virtues collectively, applies to the same idea of working collectively during war for the common goal of gaining defeat.

When constructing a war, it is important to have two parties, which represent a common cause and contain large numbers of people ready to fight one another. Evidently, many people don't fight alone, especially in times of war because of the high probability of being defeated when opposed to large groups of people. Strength exists in numbers for this ultimate reason. No matter how strong one's mentality or attitude may be it can never be superior to that of a higher or more powerful authority, thus proving the value of virtues when held collectively in a society as opposed to being held individually.

Brecht, Bertolt, and H. R. Hays. Mother Courage. Place of Publication Not Identified: n.p., n.d. Print.

Mediation of War in Eye Witness Accounts: Syrian Civil War

The Syrian Civil War has become an incredible outbreak in news media coverage recently. The war's damage and destruction has not only left the country in ruins, but its people in ruins as well. When covering stories such as these, reporters tend to base their written work upon factual evidence, however one can argue that the subjects included within their work mediate towards the emotional appeal of viewers as well. Interpretations of events are bound to vary based on every reporter. A clear representation of this idea is present within the two following news accounts.

Contact reporter, Patrick J Mcdonell describes the aftermath of life in Syria after its endurance of multiple bombings and invasions. Within the following statement Mcdonell represents factual evidence on the effects of war. "A recent swing through government-held areas of Syria by a Times correspondent provided ample evidence of the depopulation of a nation now defined by images of bombed-out buildings, rubble-strewn streets and refugees on the move." By illustrating the outcomes of the tragedies that occurred in Syria, the author successfully provides a clear image of what happened after the war. However, in the case of pathos the next reporter finds several ways to convey the heartbreak and suffering of Syrian children to appeal to the emotional perspective of readers.

Alexandra Zavis, reporter for Los Angeles Times, describes the drastic changes in Syrian children's' lives after the war. Many of the kids went to school and received education before the war began, but now they are required to support their families by selling goods or providing services for money. Many of the significant stages of childhood fade away in the process of growing up too fast, and unfortunately these children may never know the idea of "being a kid" as they rapidly transition to becoming young adults. In the following quote, "Thousands of children, some as young as 7, are being paid as little as $2 a day to harvest potatoes in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley" the author not only describes the deteriorating childhood of these children, but the physical struggle they must endure at such a young age. It ultimately appeals to the sympathy of viewers and their gratitude for the lives they have been given.

Mcdonnell, Patrick J. "For Those Left in Syria, Life among the Ruins Takes on a Ghostly Air." Los Angeles Times. N.p., 18 Oct. 2015. Web. 31 Oct. 2015. <http://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-syria-depopulation-20151018-story.html>.

Zavis, Alexandra. "Syria's Lost Generation: Children Are Main Breadwinners in Many Families." Los Angeles Times. N.p., 2 July 2015. Web. 31 Oct. 2015. <http://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-syria-child-labor-20150702-story.html>.

Engaging with the Iliad: Long Delayed Recognition for World War II Warriors

Citizens have great respect for soldiers and honor their sacrifice for the protection of their country. Warriors regularly gain praise and recognition for their services, but this shocking story may reveal some of the noblest acts that went unnoticed for six decades!

A young man by the name of Sun Yinbai, was an interpreter between Chinese and American forces during World War II. While stationed at an airfield in Ankang, which safely landed multiple U.S. soldiers, Yinbai helped commence the refueling and repair of military airplanes. Although, most aircrafts successfully landed, there were a few that occasionally collided with other airplanes and thus created fatal explosions. As a result, many of the fallen soldiers not only died, but had their bodies vigorously torn apart, which Sun had to collect and piece together to form complete corpse

When recalling the noble acts of Sun Yinbai, one would assume that he would receive some type of commendation. However, many who had served under the Chinese leader, Chiang Kai-shek, went unacknowledged. The controversy of receiving recognition lied on the idea of opposing nationalistic and communistic views. Many communists believed that the nationalists held little to no significance in war. Therefore, the leading communist party did not want to associate the opposing nationalists with heroism. They did not want that glorified image to be connected to those who were not part of the Soviet regime. However, many people like Xue Gang, an amateur historian seeking justice for nationalist soldiers, have helped reform this idea. While speaking to communist officials, Xue Gang mentioned many of the contributions nationalist troops made within the war to aid their perspective in what was really important about China as a whole.

Despite the disputes between different political views within a nation, the noble acts of citizens who served in war should never be ignored. Warriors serve the most honorable roles in society for their courage and service to their country. Leaving their experiences and contribution out of history is equivalent to saying they never existed. People like Sun Yinbai will live forever, thanks to Xue Yang and many social justice warriors for unveiling the truth.

Makinen, Julie. "In China, Long-delayed Recognition for Troops Who Fought in World War II." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2015. Web. 1 Sept. 2015. <http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-china-war-veterans-20150901-story.html>.

Viewing War Through a Specific Lens

Islamic Jihad parade. Mahmud Hams/AFP/Getty Images

War is one of the many traditions within a race that shape its culture and ethics. The activity has been practiced over centuries and helped create nations of both powerful geographic structure and political stance. One of the most controversial wars of the 21^st century centers around the attacks on Gaza, which exemplify the gruesome tragedies of war within a nation.


The image above portrays the many aspects of vulnerability and solemn, which a group of people feel while experiencing traumatic events of war. The woman displays her effort in resolving the issues between Israel and Gaza as she waves peace signs on both her hands.  The soldiers beside her march with the same purpose and signify their preparation to confront future Israeli attacks if necessary. This image is incredibly powerful because of its ability to convey the emotions of civilians, duties of soldiers, and the circumstances of a country as a whole. Standing side by side as one force, they symbolize the strength of their physical and mental capabilities. 

The purpose of this image is to show viewers what people around the world are facing as they undergo the fear of death and destruction in their countries with every given day. Devastation and trauma are the main effects of war on people. After suffering from anxiety and constant paranoia for their near death, all these people really want to feel is a sense of security through mutual understanding and tranquility. There will never be a time where everyone in the world will understand each other and live in harmony, but the means of resolving the issues that come with disagreement are what will lead humanity towards a brighter path for success. Mark Twain states, “War is what happens when language fails”. Let us not live in silence, or communicate with violence. Our words can change the world and we must depend on them to create peace.

Beauchamp, Zach. Los Angeles Times. N.p., 17 July 2014. Web. 1 Oct. 2015. <http://www.vox.com/2014/7/16/5904691/hamas-israel-gaza-11-things>.