emmamayjohnson-blog

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

Society's Perception of "Acceptable"

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

Argument Analysis

My argument is based around the negative effect that the Victoria's secret fashion show can have on the female viewers, and for it I have choose to view it as an invitational argument. The article talks about how the show focuses on highlighting specific body types - many of which are very unobtainable. Idolizing these nearly utopia like bodies are causing females to believe that there is a specific look that they need to have to be happy. The effect goes both ways; males see the show and the body type that is pushed by the company and think that there is a standard for which they should chase after. I see this as an invitational argument because there is a clear disdain for the topic that the author is talking about, however she talks about the negative and positive effects that this show has on its viewers. She also explains the models hardships and accomplishments as well. Thus showing two sides of the story.

https://www.elitedaily.com/women/victorias-dirty-little-secret

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

REFLECTION

Reflection Emma May Johnson Comp, ***Narrative Assignment - Disney***

1. What did you learn by completing that assignment? In doing this assignment I had to really work on my describing words and phrases. I had a teacher in highschool that really pushed “painting a picture” with your writing, and it was always something I struggled with. I used to either not describe enough, or I would over describe things and it made what I was saying sloppy. But after hearing other people’s writings in class and hearing their feedback that they got, I started to pick up on things that I could be doing in mine. This was my way of getting tips and ideas for descriptions that I could use in my narration.

2. Are you a more confident writer? This class had a lot of chances for me to work with different types of writers and it gave me new ideas and made the class enjoyable for me. I have had to take English twice now, but I feel so great about the assignments that I turn in and confident in this class this go around.

3. Can you identify the rhetorical purpose of the assignment and the audience it is meant for? The purpose of this assignment was to describe/narrate an event or place important to you - and I am confident that I was able to clearly show that in my writing and that the audience would be able to tell that without knowing the assignment. This writing could be meant for anyone who is trying to get to know me. Disney is a huge aspect of my life and I think that anyone who reads this will feel my passion for it.

4. What genre is the assignment? What are the constraints? What is the formula for the genre? Structure? The genre of this assignment was a narrative. Some constraints I had were making sure that I was able to get my point across, “paint a picture in the audience's mind”, and sounds well put together without sounding like a mush mouth. The formula was a mix of description and describing words, with a strong piece of media to pull it all together. The structure was 5 paragraphs.

5. Can you work/collaborate with other people? Did you discuss and share you work in class? Did you read your work in class? Did you participate on the discussion board? I think collaboration is one of my strong skills. I shared my work with my boyfriend and my parents because they know me so well and how important Disney is to me. I also had my mom help me describe the experience since it is one that I always have shared with her.  I read my paper to the class and those sitting around me all said they really enjoyed it. I participated on the discussion board.

6. How will these skills transfer to your future writing? Description and moderation are huge in anything you are writing and I think that me strengthening these things will help me in future writing assignments.

7. When you get writing assignments in the future, what are the first things you will do?

In the future, I will be setting up my assignments by starting small with my drafts, and making sure that I get my thoughts down clear and organize them cleanly.

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

BUYING LOCAL

Buying Local Comp. 1 Emma May Johnson

For the most part, people do not see grocery shopping as an economy. But when it really boils down to it, food produce is it’s own specific market and source of a long list of professions. While this is a very lucrative industry, it is not thought of that way when people run out of bananas or potatoes. When this shortage does happen in household kitchens, the vast majority of people’s first stop is usually a Walmart or the nearest super center - not their local food produce vendors. 

Because of competitive pricing set by food super centers, often locally grown and distributed produce does come at a higher cost - for example, a bundle of carrots may cost you more at a farmers market than at a store. This unfortunate and negative outcome is caused by farmers attempting to turn a profit on the goods that both them and super centers supply. What can be taken away from this statement as well, is that in buying local, people will be supporting the small business farms from their areas. Farmers are a crucial part of literally every city, so keeping them supported and afloat is vital.

 In addition to the economic value in buying local, the environment also can benefit greatly from the increase in buying local. When food is purchased locally, there is no excess packaging that could potentially be harmful to the environment if it is not properly disposed of. And with the current state of many landfills overflowing and pollution being a huge issue in our world today, the chance or minimization could harbor a greatly positive effect. Another aspect that increases the level of pollution is the emissions given off from supply trucks to the air when shipments are being handled. Due to the limited shelf life of most produce, shipments are weekly if not daily - thus a large amount of very big trucks on a lot of trips back and forth.

Overall, the positive points of buying locally can be summed up to economical and environmental benefits. Patrons can support local businesses and help improve their environments  by incorporating local food stops into their grocery lists. And hopefully with the spread of buying locally, the costs associated with this choice also in turn go down as well. 

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

Steps to Creating a Great “Brief but Spectacular Take”

1. Short intro summary - Introduce yourself and explain where you started 2.CLAP 

3. Dive into the story and explain the events, emotions, challenges

4. Provide examples of personal stories

5. Subtle upbeat music in the background

6. Keep  in light and humorous

7. Put it together as your own interview of yourself

8. Have a clear resolution/break through 

9. Be creative with your filming and editing of clips

10. show your crew and have your own personal flare in it

11. Relax and have fun with your facial expressions

12. End with a “My name is ___ and this is my BBST on ____” ****Have a unique way of proclaiming your BBST for the closing for a powerful ending***

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

Take a Position

Emma May Johnson

Comp. 1 Take a Position

Why the Death Penalty SHOULD Continue

Our society has been built on the consent of the governed. A clear understanding between the public and it’s government that in exchange for the surrender of a portion of their freedom, they will receive protection from the government. With this contract, there is also an additional pledge that the public is to follow these laws, and if the laws are broken, accept the punishment that fits the crime. This arrangement has been forged in our nation, and has been followed for the entirety of our government. It’s legitimacy has been proven time and time again, so why is it, that now the theory of punishment fitting the crime is being questioned? Why is it now that the validity of the death penalty is being brought to debate?

Justice, by definition, is just behavior or treatment. This belief is what our nation was built on, and when our founding fathers were creating the laws that we abide by today, they also had to compile the punishments associated with said laws. It is not so far fetched to believe that without the chance to avoid punishment, there would be no incentive to NOT break the law. Based on human nature, the threat of death is the most prominent and effective threat that can be made against our race.

Deterrence and retribution may be the two greatest accomplishments that continuing the death penalty may achieve. “Studies of the death penalty have reached various conclusions about its effectiveness in deterring crime.Indeed, other recent investigations, using a variety of samples and statistical methods, consistently demonstrate a strong link between executions and reduced murder rates... In short, capital punishment does, in fact, save lives." (Muhlhausen, David). When taking the safety of the public into account, it is hard to fathom why anyone would question a route of strengthening the security of cities where crime has been prominent.

To help further explain the importance of keeping the death penalty, I researched the testimonials of victims whose offenders are now on death row, as well as the families of the victims. So many of them were filled with sadness, pain, rage and vengefulness. For this community of survivors, the death penalty offers a justice and sense of closure that fills a void in them that the offender personally dug into them. “Since that moment I feel like there's a bit of closure for me. I'm never going to have to see him again.” (Davis, Adrianne Haslet). This statement was from a woman who survived the Boston Bomber attack; her and her husband were runners and both were permanently disabled by the attacker. While they may still be alive, neither will ever walk again. Their live will never be the same because of one man. But after all the trauma they have faced, they feel a sense of healing through the sentencing and execution of their offender. After so much has been taken from these victims and victims like them, knowing that the assailants are on death row, provides a sense of therapy that no form of medicine could ever provide.

The sentencing of the criminals who commit the type of crimes that measure up to earning a spot on death row may not bring back those victimized or right the wrong doings that have been done to them, but it may begin the healing stages. There is an added sense of assurance that the victims and families gain when knowing that there is no possible way for those who have hurt them to cause anyone harm again. Because of this common reaction, the death sentence should be seen as a recovery method

Throughout the history of modern executions, there has been a constant push back against the practice of the death penalty in regards to the inhumanity of the process. Those who have this opinion typically argue that it would be better to make these criminals live out their days in a small cell confined to a prison until they die. Counter arguments have been made by some of the most respected psychiatrists in their field; “You say we shouldn't murder these people, but they've murdered. We don't play God, but they play God. How do you use that argument for these people when this is what they've done?” (Schechter, David). The majority of people who are opposing the death penalty often are those who have not had a direct connection to someone affected by the crimes of an inmate on death row. These interest groups are customarily composed of human rights activists with no personal ties to those being tried, they are simply there to protest the humanity of the penalty.

When the argument regarding the brutality of these executions is brought into question, many people’s minds jump to a public hanging, electric chair, or firing squad as a means of carrying out the sentence. These methods however have been eradicated from our justice system for more than 4 decades. The only accepted and practice form of legal execution in the United States is execution by lethal injection. This process is actually considered one of the most humane ways to die is what may physicians will say. Due to the cocktail of drugs used, a sedative, Midazolam and hydromorphone, inmate's heart rates are slowed, their nerves system is ultimately paralyzed, preventing them from feeling any pain,and then their heart eventually stops. All this happens AFTER they are gradually put into a comatose state - meaning in simple terms, they drift into unconsciousness and their heart is stopped. Leading those in favor of this penalty into the argument that this is an exceedingly generous death for the terrorists and murderers that make up death row.

Physicians may testify to the mercifulness associated with lethal injection, but due to the vows accompanied with all those who practice medicine regarding “Do no Harm”, a licensed physician is never the one pushing the plunger of the syringes needed for a lethal injection. Because of this, “state executioners” are appointed in the states that still currently carry out the death penalty to avoid strain on medical professionals. Nevertheless, still lessening the level of brutality of the execution itself.

Throughout my argument, I have provided the most common items that are up for debate when discussing the continuance of the death penalty. I have present the pros of this punishment, which I strongly agree with, as well as the counter arguments and their basis. After comparing this fact list, it is my position that the death penalty is a key aspect of our justice system, offering a method of recovery to those affected, and deterrence for those who would consider the same actions. Because of these attributes, it is my strong belief that the death penalty should continue to be practiced in our country.

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

Minimum Wage

5. Rex Huppke’s essay takes a position on BOTH sides of the argument.Unlike other, typical, papers, Huppke never formally officially chooses a side of the argument in his beginning analysis. Rather, through out the course of the paper jumps back and forth between the two presented positions,  before he in his conclusion, states that, in his opinion, minimum wage should be raised. However he believes that its raising should mimic inflation. 

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

MLA Citation (In Class)

Lundsford, A., Brody, M., Ede, L., Moss, B. j., Phttps://uwstout.courses.wisconsin.edu/d2l/le/3803994/discussions/threads/22090879/Viewapper, C. C., & Walters, K. (2017). Everyone’s an Author (Second ed.). New York, New York, U.S.: W.W. Norton & Company.

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

Maybe College

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/31/education/edlife/voices-from-rural-america-on-why-or-why-not-go-to-college.html

1. Pappano’s profile piece accompanies a report on the situation of higher education prospects for rural youth. The students she profiles are from Minnesota, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, and it’s very likely that she interviewed more than just the six students showcased here. How well do the students and their comments complement the report article? Are there points mentioned in the article that aren’t touched on in the profiles? Are there comments in the profiles that aren’t discussed in the article? Give specific examples of whatever you find.

Reading the profiles helped put the article in a different perspective for me and helped me to see things the way the examples do. I can relate to many of these students, as I know many can, but I too questioned, and continue to occasionally question, whether or not college is really for me and if I need it. I can relate to some of them additionally because my family owns it’s own chain of business and I went back and forth for months in high school debating on if i necessarily needed a degree or if I wanted to continue the businesses.

Besides from this point something I found interesting was Amber’s concerns regarding her faith and beliefs. While I am not apart of this thinking process I know that literally every school offers meetings or a specific interest group for nearly every faith there is. Because of this, I did not understand her reasoning of not attending college due to her faith. It may be because I am not affiliated with this sort of thing, but I remember very clearly on program packets the listings of religious organizations offered. I think that especially rural small town people would have this hesitation when considering college.

2. Pappano points out that students from rural communities face challenges that others do not; among these is a student’s relationship to their home town or community. As one of Pappano’s sources points out in the report article, deciding to pursue a college degree means facing that “you will probably not be able to come back.” In your opinion, which of the young people profiled are likely to return to or remain in their home communities? Which ones are likely to leave and not come back? Why do you think so? Point to specific passages from the profile to support your conclusions.

To me, based off of his comments in his interview about wanting to become a rural doctor, Richard Livingston would be the most likely to return home. While Amanda Wahlstedt I think would be the very last person to ever return after she referred to other kids as having crazy ideals and beliefs. I think this hard core split in opinions is common in small town kids; either they love it and are content with just staying put, or they cannot wait to get out of their fast enough, and never look back. This was a common mindset collection in the towns surrounding mine when I was growing up, my hometown of La Crosse was just big enough not to cause too much of the religious or farm aspect of this argument, but I think every town has a little of a “can’t wait to leave, just want to stay” vibe from its younger population.

3. You may or may not have personal experience growing up in a small town or rural area, but you do have some experience in being a college student (even if it’s still only a few weeks’ worth). Imagine yourself in the role of a more experienced student mentor. What help would you give to a new student from a rural background who is just starting out at your school? What do you think is important to know in order to succeed? Choose one of the profiled students or imagine someone that you might meet, and write a letter of advice and suggestions. (If your addressee is not one of the profiled students, be sure to give some information about your subject in your paper.)

Dear New Student, I am sure that while you are preparing for move i you have all kinds of jitters - these are absolutely ok! College is meant to be an experience and a challenge, but never more than you can handle. Think of this as a chance to really find yourself and learn more about you than you knew there ever was. While moving away is nerve wracking, coming to this new area and being submerged within the varieties that Stout has to offer, could show you a career path that fits you that you never knew existed. Other than the scholastic benefits that tout has to offer, there are many opportunities to grow as a person, in social groups, or in any of the many interest groups on campus. The first couple days may be a bumpy transition, but what follows is completely up to you! Something I would suggest as a starting point for this transition is making your dorm room your new “home”. Especially if you have anxiety about the move, making your dorm a truly YOU space gives you a positive start as well as a small sanctuary for when you begin to feel stressed.

Once you have your room setup, meeting with an adviser or program director can be helpful for you to lay out a specific plan in regards to your classes and will give you a sense of reassurance.

Overall, the biggest piece of advice that I can offer you is to remember that this experience is meant to be exciting, but it is also meant to be trying as well. Finding that balance when pushing yourself is key and if you can find a system that works for you, then college should be considered your next great adventure! Sincerely, Emma May Johnson

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

Mutt Love Rescue

I am really close to crying at how many dogs there are that need forever homes...I am at the pet store here in Menominee several times a week and volunteer to help take care of the dogs there while the wait to be adopted. I think that any site that is dedicated to helping find dogs homes and love are very important and I fully support them.   When evaluating how this site hits the different topics we are discussing today, my responses to each topic are below; Pathos - Looking at this form an emotional stand point, it is hard to find anyone who’s heart strings are not pulled looking at the different pictures of these dogs who all are looking for homes. I can’t even go to a shelter without bursting into tears while leaving after playing with these dogs who are just waiting to be taken home. It is hard not to look at the dogs on this site and NOT picture yourself holding, cuddling, or playing with them.

Ethos - In our American culture, owning a dog has really become a social norm. I myself have had 6 dogs so far over the course of my life and I am a firm believer that they are a key aspect of my family and that they are apart of it. When we lost our first 3 to old age, we all mourned the loss of them and it did take its toll on us. These losses had such a great affect on us because of our belief that the dogs were apart of our family. Through this site, there are many people who share the same feelings that are looking for the additions to their families. 

Logos - When reasoning with the idea of adopting a dog, people tend to think of it as an addition to their lives rather than JUST a responsibility. It is, in many ways, the same as debating on buying a new car or other large investment, as well as the same thought process for many when considering having a child. For many people, considering having a dog is like training wheels for having a baby. Couples may see it as a test of commitment, or as a “big step” in their relationship. I think what this site could improve on would be the way that they display the dogs; better pictures, videos of the dog playing or smiling. This is a cause very very very important to me and I think that making the dogs more appealing and providing more information would help thousands of dogs find homes faster. 

http://www.muttloverescue.org/

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

Job Letter Mock Up/Response Mock Up

3021 Melby Street Eau Claire, WI, 54703

Emma May Johnson

Steve Renfree, Director

The Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts

205 Main Street E.

Menomonie, WI, 54751

Dear Mr. Renfree, I am writing you today inquiring about the position of services assistant. After reading the requirements and characteristics in your ad that you are looking for, I feel as though that I would be an excellent candidate for this position. I have a strong background in management and leadership and would be able to bring the knowledge and skills that I have acquired to this job. Throughout my work history, communication and organizational dexterity were a constant requirement, and were always a strong suit of mine.

My professional background includes three years of management at a location of a chain of roller skating rinks that I run, as well as a long history as a state DECA representative and coordinator. I am accustomed to hard work, long hours and dedication to my job. The reason I am looking to become apart of the MTCA team, is that I am a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin Stout and have the time available to hopefully add this job to my schedule. I live in Menomonee during the week, and my other job is strictly weekends, so can guarantee my time is available for the part time position that has been posted. This would be a tremendous opportunity for me to learn more about business operations and I look forward to hopefully hearing back from you. I have included my personal contact information if there is any questions that you may have for me. I can be reached by phone at (608) 799-7370 or by email at emmamayjohnson@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for your time, I look forward to the chance of working with you. Sincerely, Emma May  Johnson Emma May Johnson

From: Emma May Johnson <emmamayjohnson@gmail.com>

To: Steve Renfree <Steve Renfree@MTCA.com>

Subject: Thank You

____________________________________________________________________

Dear Mr. Renfree, Thank you so much for meeting with me today. I am excited for the upcoming steps moving forward on what we discussed. I hope that I was able to fully answer all the questions that you had for me in our meeting and please let me know if there are any other follow up questions that you may have. After hearing more in depth as to what the job entails, I feel confident in saying that this position was the right one for me to apply for. I am looking forward to our next meeting, and thank you for your time today, Emma May Johnson.

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

“IT” Movie Review - My opinion on the review

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/it

This particular movie review incorporates several aspects as to how it is judging this film.  Has a great variety of reviews on the one page, and compares the different opinions. Also incorporates opinions on which age group this movies is appropriate for.

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

Flash Mob Collaboration Group Reflection With Abi and Jessie

When we began this project, I was not the biggest fan of flash mobs or the idea of having to write my own. Before, when I would think of the term “flash mob” all I really thought about was dancers at malls performing to tacky well known songs of today or from the 80’s. However, after we as a class researched different wedding proposal and instrumental and vocal flash mobs, my opinion changed. I saw in the videos the impact that purposeful flash mobs had on their intended audience and I genuinely enjoyed watching them. When the time came for us to make our own plan as a team, I thought of what would be the most applicable to the vast majority of students here - money, well the lack of. Abi and Jessie were on board right away and the project flew by and was fun to plan out with their input and ideas. We made, in my opinion, a flash mob plan that if we were to hand it to a willing group to create it, that they would have no problem bringing it to life with our blueprints.

After researching, I understand that a flash mob is a preplanned, spontaneously executed performance by a large group in a public place. Typically incorporating tiered dancing and a variety of musical pieces or well known samples, and possessing a purpose or question.. Three flash mobs that incorporate these things are listed below;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBaHPND2QJg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uiAg-cHJvI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGGQSex1Q_s

What features all of these examples have in common is that their overall purpose is to bring joy to their audiences. They all incorporated an element of surprise as well as a starting attention grabber, and they all used music to make their performance a success.

We created our flash mob by taking our theme idea, and building off of it. We thought of what songs could relate to this topic, and be well known by the audience so to entice them to watch and enjoy the performance. We then had to think about the location, and where on campus would we have the optimum number of viewers as well as the most space, we came to the conclusion of the commons. After we had this broad structure, filling in the remaining details was a breeze with our vision in mind. What I would do differently if we were to revise this project, is maybe the song choices we had, and maybe try and incorporate some more music from previous decades to provide a well rounded song list to appeal to more members of the audience. Overall my experience working with Abi and Jessie was exactly what I hope for in group projects. We all had our share of the work, which everyone exceeded expectations on. They both were so hardworking and fun to collaborate with, that it made this assignment fun and easy to complete to the best of our ability. Both Abi and Jessie made the project a enjoyable experience and made me feel comfortable about relying on them as teammates, and they both were great listeners.

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

Film Review - By Me - Draft #1

Differing from other thrillers, there is a large level of humor and friendship incorporated into this first half of the story. This causes a strong connection to be made between the characters and the audience, which gives off a sense of urgency and care towards the characters in the situations they face. While this movie thrives on the fears of it’s audience, it more so is attempting to connect with and draw in it’s viewers. Playing on their own anxieties and phobias to further exemplify their experience. Overall, in my opinion, this film is a fantastic representation of the original book, the actors portray the meaning behind the story, and the graphics/effects take IT to a whole new level. Unlike the others in this genre collection, there is a elegant realness associated with this portrayal; there is no over the top blood and gore, no eccentric violence or other typical horror movie nonsense that is able to only scare audiences rather than relate to them. This movie is able to connect with a vast majority of it’s viewers - pulling at the heartstrings of their inner terrors, personalizing and bringing to life what we fear is lurking in the dark.

In every genre, there are what are considered “Classics” or “Trademark” films. These are typically movies that nearly every movie lover has seen, and often these have been remade with today’s technological possibilities. Under this thought process, the hit 1990 thriller classic “IT” fits the bill. This year, horror director Andres Muschietti released his updated, modern take on the Stephen King masterpiece. For all thriller fans alike, this updated version has proven to be worth the wait and meets all expectations.

Following the original story line, the 2017 version of “IT” has split the story line into two separate movies, giving the audience a longer, more in depth view of each half of the story. What this story has that makes it such an adrenaline rush for viewers, is that it strives on your childhood fears. A specific fear of clowns has sometimes been discussed in terms of a specific phobia. The term coulrophobia has been given to this specific fear and is what has shaped this tale of children standing up to what goes bump in the night.

Unlike many other films related to this genre, “IT” does not incorporate too many traditional “jump scares”, rather, it pushes the audiences past their comfort zone and makes them face their fears head on. The buildup of suspense is felt throughout the entirety of the movie and is pushed further and further as the film goes on.

The basic summary of this movie is that the clown, Pennywise, is a presence that has been preying off of the children of Derry for centuries. He is able to shapeshift and manipulate the perspectives of children and their greatest fears and go unnoticed by the adults of the town. Using the children’s fear as a lifesource to feed off of, Pennywise terrorizes the kids before taking them completely, to ensure that their fear is at a maximum. Other than being a clown himself, the things that make Pennywise so scary is how realistic the fears he portrays are; The disappearance of children, abuses, illnesses, loneliness. While clowns are a common universal fear, Pennywise takes it a step further to relate to more and more people by representing these different fears, this is seen through the many ways he shows himselves to the children in the movie. He is able to project each child’s greatest fear, shapeshift into different forms to lure the kids, and has the strength to overpower and consume his victims.  

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

FLASH MOB PLANNING

The Purpose/Theme:

No Money...Broke College Students...Together The purpose of our flash mob will be to lift spirits and make watchers happy. During this point of the semester, student’s funds typically are running a little low. The theme is something that applies to nearly every student here and the locations of our performances will be what helps emphasize our purpose - the Common.

2. Type: 

Choreographed Dance. The flash mob starts off with 5 people dancing, then 5 more join in the flash mob once the song changes.

3.  Research: 

When researching different flash mobs on the internet, the most successful ones that we found similar to our ideas were the ones in areas with a lot of space and that had catchy, well known music. These two aspects helped engage the viewers and energized them into helping be a part of the performance by clapping along. This helped us pick our location, the commons. We believe that this will allow us to have the most room, and generate the biggest reaction from viewers. Also this space will allow us to perform without disrupting people’s routines and will be the easiest and safest location for our dancers.

4. Organize:

 There will be a group chat on Facebook Messenger where students plan the flash mob. The students will plan times to rehearse in the group chat and give ideas of what to add. Students who show interest in participating will be added to the group chat and then also students who work in the commons will be apart of it.

5. Providing Instructions: 

The group of students who are involved in the group chat will plan it over a few weeks so that they have enough time to rehearse. When they meet together, two people will be working on the choreography of the flash mob and give specific instructions and moves to each person. These two people are on the Dance team so they have experience. For example, a select 10 people will throw fake money around at a specific time.

6. Props/Costumes: 

The students in the flash mob do not need costumes because they are playing the role of college students, which they already are. As for props, they will use fake money to throw around to show that students are not the best at allocating their funds properly. The dancers will also refer to the food they are buying that they are reluctant to pay for. The food will already be provided as it is taking place in the commons. Fake money can be purchased at a dollar store.

7. Knowing the limitations of your location:

 The commons would be a good spot upstairs in the dining area. There is enough space for a dance of about twenty people. It is easy to move tables and chairs around in case there isn’t enough room.

8. Videography: 

We will need a few videographers to capture the flash mob. The recorders will be students who are in photography and videography classes and clubs. There will be a GoPro placed at the entrance of the commons - to capture students walking into the commons. There will be 3 other GoPros hidden in the dining area of the commons. For videographers - there will be one recording near the Broadway Grill, one near the Deli and fruit area, one near the cash register, and 3 in the dining area. They will all be focused on different sections of students. At the end, after the flash mob is done and recorded, a student from the videography classes will edit all of the footage together.

9. Let go: 

We will have to trust the dancers will do great. If we are prepared, we can be excited and watch all of the work we put in come to life.

10. Finish as if nothing even happened:

 Once the beat ends in the last song, the dancers will freeze for a moment, then quickly snap back to their regular routines and seem to be just like the others passing by, thus ending that particular mob and preparing for the next.

Dance Flash Mob Instructions

Choose a song/song mash up

Songs: (a mash up of these songs will be made with little snips of each. Each snip is only a few lines and then mixes into the next.)

“Price Tag” Jessie J

It's not about the money money money. We don't need your money money money We just wanna make the world dance. Forget about the price tag. Ain't about the uh cha-ching cha-ching. Ain't about the yeah b-bling b-bling. Wanna make the world dance. Forget about the price tag

Five people come in from sitting on couches

“Billz” Lunch Money Lewis

I got Bills I gotta pay. So I'm gonn' work, work, work every day. I got mouths I gotta feed. So I'm gonn' make sure everybody eats. I got Bills

Five more people come in from the couches

“Bills, Bills, Bills” Destiny’s Child

“Can you pay my bills

Can you pay my telephone bills

Can you pay my automo-bills

If you did then maybe we could chill

I don't think you do

So, you and me are through”

A group of five walks in the front doors and joins in.

“It's the Hard-Knock Life” ANNIE The musical

“This is how we do” Katy Perry

“This one goes out to ladies, at breakfast, in last night's dress

Uh-huh, I see you

Yo, this goes out to all you kids that still have their cars at the club valet and it's Tuesday

Yo, shout out to all you kids, buying bottle service, with your rent money

Respect!!”

2. Find Someone to Choreograph

For our flash mob we will be working with the members of the Stout Dance Team to help with the choreography of the performance. Their dance background mixed with the various experienced other dancers in our group will help us create a modern, fun, and unique routine.

3. Choose a Spot For Your Dance

Location:

In regards to our theme, the locations of our flash mob will take places in the areas of Stout where students are required to pay (the commons) and will be dancing along to songs that speak true to those whose bank accounts make them cringe, who are eating ramen and yet are still going out every “Thirsty Thursday”.

4. Gather a Group of Dancers

We will be reaching out to the stout student community through the UW Stout Class of 2020 page and invite them to our flash mob page. This will be a great chance for students to intermingle and many teachers offer extra credit opportunities for students getting involved with on campus projects like these.

5. Teach them...

When it comes to actually teaching the dancers the plan and the routine, we will be working in the gym on the ff times between sports practices several nights a week in small groups. As this is on a volunteer basis, we are hoping that people will be excited to work with us an that some teachers will also be on board as to provide an additional incentive.

6. Choose a mob leader Cues:

Our  group of dancers will consist of both regular students and stout food services staff members. The first group of dancers will be both checking out with trays and walking through the commons. The main instigator will be the sales clerk who prompts the music and stands on the counter. When the first group of mob-ers hear the music begin they will slam their trays and begin dancing along the same beat that the clerk is clapping along to on the counter. Then, as the songs fade into one another, more and more of the small groups of dancers come from the audience and join in.

Actions:

Dancers will be dancing to what the songs are talking about, motioning at the items that they are paying for, showing that they are reluctant to have to pay for them. As well as throwing fake money around, as with the fact that college students aren't the savviest with allocating funds properly.

7. Pretend As If Nothing Has Happened

At the final beat of the last song, the dancers will hit their last psoe hard, freeze, and then quickly resume whatever they were doing prior to the dance. (i.e. Rejoining the food lines, continuing to make their salads, checking out with their food...)

[emmamayjohnson-blog]

Flash Mob Research

When thinking about how much planning goes into creating a successful and clean flash mob performance, I would not even know where to begin after seeing the performances below. The challenges I think that planners would face in making a presentation as large as this would be as followed; Choreography, picking the location, timing at the actual location, and knowing that location well enough for clean transitions. When the dancers are also employees at the establishment that they are preforming in, getting clearance for the performance during work hours must also be hard to reason with.

Another main aspect of a successful flash mob that I believe would be hard to accomplish would be successfully being able to have the dancers transition clearly into the mob from crowded places. For example, the airport mob had to have its dancers make their way through all the rushing people to get apart in the dancing and still remain on beat. With this thought also comes the thought of the possibility of inconveniencing people with a larger performance depending on the area they are in. Disrupting the public could have negative reactions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROPesXv2z1U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQLCZOG202k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFtzqqgE3kA