#Social satire

[uwmspeccoll]

A Cruikshank Feathursday

As part of a recent gift from Frederick Vogel III, we received a copy of George Cruikshank's Table-Book, edited by English humorist Gilbert Abbott à Beckett (1811-1856), illustrated by English caricaturist and book illustrator George Cruikshank (1792-1878), and published in London by the British satirical magazine Punch in 1845. Among the scores of ridiculous illustrations is a steel engraving titled “Annual Emigration of Birds” illustrating a short article entitled “Social Zoology -- Ornithology” in which à Beckett equates various segments of English society to species of birds, including Vultures (”always pouncing upon others”), Hawks (”whose prey is the pigeon”), Boobies (”walks with difficulty, and in fact can’t get on”), and Spoonbills (”a sort of adjutant to the Wild Goose . . . going frequently on Wild Goose errands”).

View another post with illustrations by George Cruikshank.

View more Feathursday posts.

[gregor-samsung]

Nu astepta prea mult de la sfârsitul lumii [Do not expect too much from the end of the world] (Radu Jude, 2023)

[hezigler]

America Drinks & Goes Home

I had this album on an 8-track cassette.

[blueheartbookclub]

Unveiling Social Constructs: A Review of "Pygmalion" by Bernard Shaw

Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion" is a thought-provoking play that transcends time, weaving together themes of class, identity, and societal expectations with wit, humor, and insight. First performed in 1913, the play follows the transformative journey of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, who becomes the subject of a bet between the phonetics professor Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering. As Higgins attempts to mold Eliza into a refined lady through speech lessons, "Pygmalion" explores the intricacies of language, social mobility, and the power dynamics inherent in class distinctions.

At its core, "Pygmalion" challenges the notion of fixed social hierarchies and underscores the arbitrary nature of class distinctions. Shaw deftly exposes the absurdity of equating social status with inherent worth, presenting characters whose true value lies not in their birthright but in their character and individual agency. Through Eliza's transformation from a humble flower girl to a confident, independent woman, Shaw highlights the fluidity of identity and the potential for self-determination, regardless of one's social origins.

Moreover, "Pygmalion" is a testament to Shaw's mastery of dialogue and character development. The play is replete with sharp, witty exchanges that not only entertain but also serve to illuminate the complexities of human nature and interpersonal relationships. From Higgins's acerbic wit to Eliza's spirited defiance, Shaw creates characters that are as memorable as they are multidimensional, inviting audiences to empathize with their struggles and triumphs.

One of the most compelling aspects of "Pygmalion" is its exploration of the power dynamics inherent in language and communication. Shaw exposes how linguistic norms and accents serve as markers of social status, relegating those who speak differently to the margins of society. Through Higgins's efforts to "improve" Eliza's speech, the play raises important questions about agency, autonomy, and the ethics of linguistic imperialism, prompting audiences to reflect on the ways in which language shapes our perceptions of ourselves and others.

Furthermore, "Pygmalion" is a richly layered work that rewards careful analysis and interpretation. Shaw infuses the play with symbolism and allegory, drawing parallels between Eliza's transformation and the myth of Pygmalion, the sculptor who fell in love with his own creation. By framing Eliza's journey as a modern-day retelling of this myth, Shaw invites audiences to consider the ways in which art, identity, and desire intersect in shaping human experience.

In conclusion, "Pygmalion" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences for its incisive social commentary, vibrant characters, and sparkling wit. Shaw's exploration of class, identity, and language remains as relevant today as it was over a century ago, inviting audiences to question societal norms and challenge the status quo. With its enduring relevance and timeless appeal, "Pygmalion" stands as a testament to Shaw's genius as a playwright and his unwavering commitment to social justice and human dignity.

Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion" is available in Amazon in paperback 12.99$ and hardcover 19.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 188

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[blueheartbooks]

"Love's Triumph and Social Satire: A Spirited Journey Through 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen"

Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" stands as a timeless masterpiece, an exploration of love, social class, and the complexities of human relationships in early 19th-century England. As I delved into the pages of this classic novel, I found myself enchanted by Austen's wit, keen observations, and the enduring relevance of her narrative.

At its core, "Pride and Prejudice" is a love story, but Austen elevates it beyond mere romantic entanglements. The novel unfolds in the world of the landed gentry, where societal expectations and class distinctions shape the characters' lives. Elizabeth Bennet, the spirited and intelligent protagonist, becomes a beacon of Austen's social commentary. The title itself hints at the central themes, highlighting the barriers erected by pride and prejudice that hinder genuine connections between people.

Austen's narrative prowess is evident in her sharp and satirical depiction of the characters. The Bennet family, with its blend of endearing eccentricities and societal foibles, provides a canvas for Austen to explore the absurdities of her contemporary society. Mrs. Bennet's single-minded pursuit of advantageous marriages for her daughters and Mr. Collins's obsequiousness are rendered with a comedic touch, yet they reveal deeper truths about the societal pressures faced by women in that era.

The heart of the novel, however, lies in the dynamic between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their relationship evolves amidst misunderstandings, societal expectations, and the prideful assumptions each holds about the other. Austen skillfully weaves a narrative that transcends mere romantic conventions, delving into the intricacies of personal growth, self-awareness, and the transformative power of love.

What sets "Pride and Prejudice" apart is Austen's ability to infuse her characters with authenticity and nuance. Elizabeth, with her sharp wit and strong convictions, emerges as a compelling and relatable heroine. Mr. Darcy, though initially perceived as aloof and arrogant, undergoes a profound transformation, challenging the reader's own prejudices and preconceptions.

Austen's narrative unfolds with a rhythmic cadence, her prose a dance of intellect and emotion. The novel's pacing is deliberate, allowing the reader to savor the unfolding drama and appreciate the intricate web of relationships. The dialogue, filled with social commentary and clever repartees, remains a testament to Austen's literary finesse.

While "Pride and Prejudice" is undeniably a product of its time, the novel's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of universal themes. Austen's critique of societal norms, her championing of independent thought, and her celebration of genuine love resonate across generations. The novel remains a relevant and engaging commentary on the human condition.

In conclusion, "Pride and Prejudice" is a triumph of literature, seamlessly blending romance, social satire, and astute observations on human nature. Jane Austen's legacy endures, and her ability to craft a narrative that transcends its temporal setting cements "Pride and Prejudice" as a timeless classic. As I closed the final chapter, I couldn't help but marvel at Austen's enduring relevance and the indelible mark she has left on the landscape of literary brilliance.

Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is available in Amazon in paperback 16.99$ and hardcover 24.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 453

Language: English

Rating: 10/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[batri-jopa]

Polski rower / Polish Bike

Translation under cut:

"Mam cię na widelcu!" - literally: "I got you on the fork!" means the same as "I got you on the hook"

"Wszystko i tak o kant dupy rozbić" - "everything sucks balls anyway" (literally "can be broken at the edge of your ass")

"Pedały" - literally: "pedals", colloquially: "fags" (I don't know where this association come from but I suspect the word "pederasta" was the origin). Anybody's having fun? - this frustrated rare wheel would gladly underestimate it with an offensive word

Narysowane w 2012 roku. Czemu to wciąż tak pieruńsko aktualne?😑 Najchętniej nazwałabym to "stary rower" i narysowała nowy🤔

[hotcomicstv]

The Book of Mr. Natural explained 

[schlock-luster-video]

On March 22, 1996, Welcome to the Dollhouse debuted in New York City.

[howifeltabouthim]

And in general, the whole wellness craze was a load of crap. According to the wellness ideology . . . people—but mostly women—had the potential to be so much healthier and happier (and thinner) if only they shunned processed sugars and most of Western medicine and got back to all-natural basics, which, not coincidently, cost a lot of money. If you mastered wellness, you could be efficient and centered and smoking hot, for you! All you had to do was drink fancy juice, take a lot of yoga classes, and put a five-hundred dollar jade egg up your vagina, and then you could start having the orgasms your body was meant to have! You'd never disappoint your partner by turning down sex ever again, because you'd be so empowered and energetic that you'd want it all the time!

Laura Hankin, from Happy & You Know It

[breakingbobcat]

extremely accurate depiction of humankind

Public reaction to the film was underwhelming because it wasn't funny the whole way through. How apropos.

[gregor-samsung]

Nu astepta prea mult de la sfârsitul lumii [Do not expect too much from the end of the world] (Radu Jude, 2023)

[hezigler]

The Conception Corporation ‎- A Pause In The Disaster (Comedy) (1970) (F...

It's not necessary to be high on cannabis to fully enjoy this kind of humor, but it's highly recommended.

[ronaldparlato]

Amanda Blevins' short-circuited epiphany was not all that remarkable. She was a woman of fierce independence and individuality, who had fallen prey to progressive blandishment. It took only a look at the gross mess of a Philadelphia slum to wake her up. 'Get rid of 'em all', she said.

[blueheartbookclub]

"Love's Triumph and Social Satire: A Spirited Journey Through 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen"

Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" stands as a timeless masterpiece, an exploration of love, social class, and the complexities of human relationships in early 19th-century England. As I delved into the pages of this classic novel, I found myself enchanted by Austen's wit, keen observations, and the enduring relevance of her narrative.

At its core, "Pride and Prejudice" is a love story, but Austen elevates it beyond mere romantic entanglements. The novel unfolds in the world of the landed gentry, where societal expectations and class distinctions shape the characters' lives. Elizabeth Bennet, the spirited and intelligent protagonist, becomes a beacon of Austen's social commentary. The title itself hints at the central themes, highlighting the barriers erected by pride and prejudice that hinder genuine connections between people.

Austen's narrative prowess is evident in her sharp and satirical depiction of the characters. The Bennet family, with its blend of endearing eccentricities and societal foibles, provides a canvas for Austen to explore the absurdities of her contemporary society. Mrs. Bennet's single-minded pursuit of advantageous marriages for her daughters and Mr. Collins's obsequiousness are rendered with a comedic touch, yet they reveal deeper truths about the societal pressures faced by women in that era.

The heart of the novel, however, lies in the dynamic between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their relationship evolves amidst misunderstandings, societal expectations, and the prideful assumptions each holds about the other. Austen skillfully weaves a narrative that transcends mere romantic conventions, delving into the intricacies of personal growth, self-awareness, and the transformative power of love.

What sets "Pride and Prejudice" apart is Austen's ability to infuse her characters with authenticity and nuance. Elizabeth, with her sharp wit and strong convictions, emerges as a compelling and relatable heroine. Mr. Darcy, though initially perceived as aloof and arrogant, undergoes a profound transformation, challenging the reader's own prejudices and preconceptions.

Austen's narrative unfolds with a rhythmic cadence, her prose a dance of intellect and emotion. The novel's pacing is deliberate, allowing the reader to savor the unfolding drama and appreciate the intricate web of relationships. The dialogue, filled with social commentary and clever repartees, remains a testament to Austen's literary finesse.

While "Pride and Prejudice" is undeniably a product of its time, the novel's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of universal themes. Austen's critique of societal norms, her championing of independent thought, and her celebration of genuine love resonate across generations. The novel remains a relevant and engaging commentary on the human condition.

In conclusion, "Pride and Prejudice" is a triumph of literature, seamlessly blending romance, social satire, and astute observations on human nature. Jane Austen's legacy endures, and her ability to craft a narrative that transcends its temporal setting cements "Pride and Prejudice" as a timeless classic. As I closed the final chapter, I couldn't help but marvel at Austen's enduring relevance and the indelible mark she has left on the landscape of literary brilliance.

Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is available in Amazon in paperback 16.99$ and hardcover 24.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 453

Language: English

Rating: 10/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[lifewithaview]

Julie Kavner and Dan Castellaneta (voices) in The Simpsons (1989) Itchy & Scratchy & Marge

S2E9

When Maggie attacks her father,Psycho-style with a mallet,Marge blames the violent TV cartoon series 'Itchy and Scratchy' and gets it banned. Children,released from the spell of constant television viewing,learn to play outdoors again. However when Marge refuses to condemn Michelangelo's David as obscene she is branded a hypocrite and the cartoon is restored.

*For the episode, which handles a large issue, the writers tried not to have a point of view and looked at both sides, despite what the writers personally felt.

[wordtowords]

Why A.I. Won't Prevail in the Future

prevail - verb - prove more powerful than opposing forces; be victorious (Google). 

Lately, it seems to me that "artificial intelligence" is a topic of interest for many who depend much on technology. Personally, I know that a few of my former colleagues in education are quite distressed as their students are starting to purchase various programs that can literally compose essays for them. As a former English teacher, the question that initially registers in my mind is the following: What is the point of teaching writing when students can rely on their computers to do the work for them? Or just What is the point of education at all? Maybe when Trump proposed to eliminate the Department of Education, he was just responding to the latter question. Scary, I know. 

This particular blog's case in point isn't terribly obvious. Since A.I. is all about human invention (meaning humans feed knowledge to these robots), it is terribly imperfect. From my own experience, I am finding that the A.I. I use (Siri) is terribly stupid. She is far from error free. Just when the students are thinking they can get away with gross indolence, they can't because their teachers can tell that they are using A.I. due to its ignorance of the basics. The supposed "brains" who are feeding information to artificial intelligence know nothing about English grammar because they are most likely too young, products of the contemporary educational system that frowns on the direct instruction of the A, B, C's of the written word. These modern-day geniuses, who only paid attention in science classes when they attended secondary school, aren't experts in language. Does it make sense for imperfection to perpetuate imperfection? (Does anything make sense today?) No, no, no! 

On the flip side, I am hopeful, extremely hopeful that A.I. may just fail completely to make the billionaire techno mobsters more billions. I believe this could be an accurate prediction as I have been spending time with toddlers lately, yes, little kids, who are incredibly with it, sharper than the millennial tots whom I once spent many hours observing when my own daughter was that age. I totally think that today's inchoate generation won't have to depend on A.I. in the future after all, and they may even reject it in favor of the byproducts of past inventions, like that of the Gutenbergs'. This immature group finds books (yes, physical, hardcover books) to be fascinating and fun because their brilliant parents bestowed with common sense are making a sincere effort to keep them away from technology (iPads, etc.) by taking them to public libraries. No, I'm not kidding. I work with these little ones at a public library, so there. That has got to mean something. Albeit a small test group, I am hoping that it will soon represent a large portion of the majority. 

Parents, if you are introducing your children to the rudimentary, please keep it up before we as humans disintegrate and get swept up by machines that can hardly employ brooms correctly. And demand that your kids be taught English grammar when they get to school even if the current batch of teachers must return to classrooms themselves to learn it. Your infant Einsteins deserve to have their cerebral matter stimulated from this moment on. Together in this push, we will prevail. 

#word-to-words, #slice-of-life,  #blog, #blogging, #editorial, #reading, #vocabulary, #ReadersMagnet, #spilled thoughts, #personal-essay, #writing community, #writing, #truth, #society, #good advice, #critique #gwynenglishnielsen