Native Americans in Media: Blackstone

Hey folks,

In the spirit of the holiday, I have decided to dedicate the next few blog posts to Native Americans in various forms of media. In my research I hope to find some amazing stuff and I hope you all will enjoy. My family has deep roots within native culture (my great-grandparents were full-blooded Choctaw) and so, this subject is very close to home for me. The injustices suffered by over 500 Native American tribes has left a permanent scar on the face of this country and with the continued struggle in places such as North Dakota and the major outcry against the Dakota Access Pipeline, these wounds can still be felt today.

Education is key in understanding and empathizing with other cultures. While we have differences in our beliefs, I think the one thing we can agree upon is that this nation is more divided than ever when it comes to race relations. So, I am taking the initiative to present unique and interesting facts about various tribes, their cultures, and their portrayal in various media. If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them.

The review for today: Blackstone, an award-winning Canadian television series that aired from 2011 to 2015. The series revolved around Leona Stoney, the newly-appointed Chief of the fictional First Nation Reserve, Blackstone. After spending time away from the reservation and returning to discover corruption, mismanagement of funds, among other major issues plaguing the Alberta reserve, Leona decides to right the wrongs committed by the previous chief. The series serves as a reflection of real issues that indigenous people face in the 21st century such as poverty, depression, addiction, and the effects of broken political systems.

The Positive Side: The show is centered around a strong female lead who, despite the numerous tragedies taking place in her life, she manages to hold firm to her culture and values. As well, her sister, Gail Stoney is a darker, more complex character that serves to illustrate the pain of addiction and loss.The show also does a great job at displaying how reserves are governed and the political aspects of living on a reservation. Lastly, the show seamlessly blends traditional Native American culture into the modern day without appearing forced or unrealistic.

The Negative side: The show is dark. The first episode introduces a lot of heavy subjects right at the very start and if you are more on the sensitive side, this will be challenging to get through (I know it was for myself). Another issue is that while the show stands to represent indigenous people and their culture, I noticed a number of characteristics may be seen as stereotypical such as overt racism, corruption, greed, among others. An example of this is in the episode, "White Bread Red Class" where Leona hires a white teacher to instruct three grades and the students (seemingly underachieving) disrespected the teacher because of this fact. I will say however, that this issue is examined further later in the episodes and series.

If you are looking for something to watch around this Thanksgiving season, please consider Blackstone. I will say what I have said before, representation is very important. If people don't see it, then it doesn't exist. We need more inclusiveness in our program and I believe this show provides that - for now. Here's to more positive portrayals of minorities in media!

Donald J. Trump: Hero or Villian?

Well folks,

America has finally spoken. Our 45th President of the United States will be Donald J. Trump and whether or not you agree with his politics, this is the reality. After months of rallying, attack ads, and criminal investigations, you know - politics! The American voters have chosen the billionaire businessman turned major political pundit as the new Commander-in-Chief. It is safe to say that President-elect Trump has much to do before being sworn into office in January and with Americans seeming more divided as ever on the election results, we will see if his promise of being a President for "All Americans" stands the test of his term limit.

I will admit, I am not a fan but that is, like everything else on this blog, my humbled opinion. Yet, I will say that by far, this has been the election to watch. Tump's personality and rhetoric carried him through the grueling trials of gaining the Republican nomination against some of the party's top contenders. One could argue that this was a "renaissance era" for the GOP. With candidates ranging from numerous professional, racial, and political backgrounds, the 2016 Presidential race ignited a new spark within the Republican party.

However, now the party must come to grips with the damage that has occurred not only to the many Americans who have been offended by newly-minted President's comments but those within the Republican party who do not support him. Trump's comments about women, minorities, veterans, and the mentally and physically disabled have been soundly criticized by both sides of the aisle. Another potential setback is the President-elect's upcoming court hearings over Trump University, The Trump Foundation, and a rape lawsuit. So, we shall see if the conservative businessman known for his intellect and ability to negotiate can overcome these major obstacles before taking the Oval Office in less than 2 months. All eyes on you, Mr. Trump.

Further Reading

President-elect Trump's 100 Day Plan: http://www.npr.org/2016/11/09/501451368/here-is-what-donald-trump-wants-to-do-in-his-first-100-days

Court Hearings: http://people.com/politics/donald-trump-legal-battles-stop-president/

Meet Fearma Art and Her 8-Bit Business!

“It’s really simple and easy to make,” are the words you’ll hear if you stop by Nichole Rosati’s (Fearma Art) table at your local comic-con. An avid lover of all things fun and nerdy, Rosati has adapted her passion into her profession with her 8-bit artwork. The senior Accounting major from Greensboro understands the value of a quality product and produces a wide array of merchandise ranging from television characters, comic book heroes, and the occasional sushi, Rosati has built her business around the child-like wonder that us millennials have inside for television, movies, and culture that surrounds us and I’d say she’s doing a bang up job.

Discussing how she got started with her business, Nichole said that it began as a simple hobby, merely making and presenting her work to her friends and family as gifts. Eventually, she gained attention from friends and her fellow students which prompted her to start taking commissions. After gaining a loyal audience, she went from selling one or two from her little container to showcasing her work at local conventions to high success. With the help of pearler beads and a hot iron (which you should never try to touch, trust me I’ve tried), Rosati has become a self-made businesswoman.   

Through her hard work and dedication to creating a quality product, she now understand how to function as a professional business owner dealing with deadlines, supply and demand, and of course, proper customer service. “I sell at conventions and I have the merchandise available online through Etsy,” she said as we discussed her work. “Typically, depending on the commission, it could take me one day to two weeks. It all depends on how many beads I have, whether I need to get special colors, and the timeframe in which I’m given.”

Here are some of my rapid fire questions for Fearma, here we go! 

What's are some of your favorite movies? 
"The Nightmare Before Christmas, the Star Wars franchise (cause, of course), and anything Studio Ghibli related."

What's are some of your favorite television shows?  
"Steven Universe and Rick and Morty"

Favorite video game(s)  
"The Legend of Zelda series, Undertale, Kingdom Hearts"

Favorite anime? 
"Wolf's Rain"

If you could meet any fictional character, who would you meet? 
"Steven Universe, Rey, BB-8, or Kylo Ren from the Star Wars franchise."

What is the best way for people to get in contact with you about commissions? 
 "Through email, DeviantArt, or my Facebook page."  

Regarding her plans for the future of her business, Nichole plans to incorporate a wider variety by expanding her reach into the Disney properties. “I’ve had so many people, especially little children interested in Disney stuff so I think that will be my next goal.” We certainly hope that she won’t go crazy! Somehow, she has managed to balance schoolwork, an active campus life, and friends on top of having a booming business and we couldn’t be more proud. Shoot for the stars, Nichole! 

Want to buy some of her 8-bit art? Check out her site here! 

Also, tell what you think? Should I do more interviews such as this and who would you like to see? Thanks again for all the support! 

Passing The Torch: Good For Minority Representation or not?

Credit: Marvel Comics

 Since his introduction into the Marvel Universe in March of 1963, Tony Stark has remained a centerpiece at many comic book fan's growing and ever-changing table. Through comics, television, and now a very lucrative and critically-acclaimed move franchise, it looks like Mr. Stark won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Or at least that was assumed by a number of fans surprised by the news of a new character taking on the mantel of Iron Man - or should I say woman? Earlier this summer, fans were treated to the news that 15- year-old, Riri Williams, an African American girl would take on the role under the name Ironheart.

So lets break this down, a young, charismatic woman of color with a genius level intellect who wants to save the world. Nothing wrong with that, right? Well, my answer is yes and no because yes, it is amazing that we are becoming more inclusive in our media and representing people of color in mainstream comics however; this positive transition is being clouded by what I like to call Torch Syndrome (sorry, I love naming things). This is when a character of a different gender, racial background, or sexual preference assumes the role (passing the torch) of a well-established, typically white superhero or heroine (typically in the main continuity) and will remain in that role until the original character's eventual return (when you give the torch back).

Throughout the history of comics, minority characters were subjected to crude depictions or none at all but with the inclusion of characters such as Marvel's Storm and Black Panther (two of the first major non-white superheroes), writers and artists began to write more introspective, detailed pieces such as the works of Spawn (Todd McFarlane), Blade (Marv Wolfman, Gene Colan), and Saga (Brian K. Vaughan). The landscape of comics has become broader and more accepting of non-traditional lead characters, so I ask, why can't minority characters be wonderful and iconic in their own right?

Now, I don't hate every new or recent character to take up the mantle of another hero. I love Kamala Khan (Miss Marvel), Miles Morales (Spider-Man), and the Jessica Cruz/Simon Baz Green Lanterns (Justice League) and believe them to be solid characters with great stories. The problem is that in an effort to be be more diverse and create characters of all different backgrounds, where comics have been falling short is thinking of how it looks when they won't let their characters stand on their own two feet. This is almost as if to say (and pardon me if this is too inflammatory) that a minority character can never be as legendary as their white contemporaries.That the legacy they create will never be as influential or inspiring as their predecessor.

In her defense, Riri seems like an amazing character and I am very certain that with Brian Michael-Bendis at the helm of the project that she will become a character with depth and wide-spread appeal. What I'd love more than anything though is for writers to be confident in their characters and want to give them their own compelling stories rather than have them serve as stand ins for the originals. Oh, and use the wonderful characters they already have but that is an argument for another day.

Do you agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments section what your thoughts on this topic are. I'd love yo hear them and thank you for your support!


If you are interested, take a look at this video on diversity in comics as seen through the eyes of everyday fans. Also, play the game at 4:25 and see how well you do.

ALL WORDS, TEXTS, AND IMAGES BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE COMPANIES

Burgers and Books: How Fast Food May Help Increase Literacy rates

Alright, it's story time folks and today's story is sponsored by Burger King, Home of the Whopper! Oh, if only that were true but seriously, I do have a story to share with you and I hope it gives you some insight about myself and the way we as Americans handle educating our children to read. September is World Literacy Month and in honor of that,  Burger King has partnered with The World Literacy Foundation to bring a mind-blowing experience to its customers.

As customers pulled up to the drive-thru menu, they were met with a sign reading only gibberish. Many were confused and clearly upset when they could not effectively communicate their order and after a few moments, the Burger King employee would ask them to pull forward so the problem could be straightened out. After the big reveal, customers were treated to a free meal but as well, a major lesson. Reading should never be taken for granted.

This initiative reminded me of my struggle with reading and comprehension as a child and the path that I took to become a better reader, writer, and overall learner. Can anyone guess what that path was? You guessed it - comics! Half the battle is finding something that you enjoy and taking it from their so, since I loved watching superheroes so much, I figured I would love to read about them as well. I was right. Not only did reading comics help me become a better reader but it made me read faster, grasp concepts quicker (seriously, have you read a DC comic before? It gets a little crazy...), and majorly improved my range of vocabulary. By the time I hit high school, I was reading at a college level. Yeah, comics aren't all bad.

For me, reading became less of a chore and more like a first love. Every Friday after school, my mother would take me to Borders (by the way, does anyone remember them?) to purchase the comic books that I wanted to read the the weekend. I couldn't wait to get a good comic every will because it allowed me to be entertained...but reading. It opened so many doors for me, made me more imaginative, and made me want to learn more. Combining my passion with a necessity as important as being literate in the 21st century was one of the best things I could have ever done for myself. 

- W

Steven Universe: The New Standard for LGBTQ Representation?

Since its debut in Fall of 2013, Steven Universe has garnered numerous fans across the globe. Set in the ever-dreamy Beach City, the 11-minute sci-fi/fantasy series follows the exploits of the titular character and his alien friends, The Crystal Gems. Created by Rebecca Sugar (known for her work on fellow Cartoon Network series, Adventure Time), the show incorporates whacky characters, breathtaking animation, and strong character development that culminate into a multi-award winning series. If you asked me today what are the of the most important television shows out there today, Steven Universe would top the list because of its unique and sensitive approach to gender and sexuality.

 While our culture has become more accepting and tolerant of the LGBTQ community, it has taken a media even longer to keep up with the changing times. For years, gay and lesbian characters were relegated to tropes which is defined in the Meriam-Webster Dictionary as "a common and overused theme or device." In simpler terms, queer characters have typically been used to shock audiences, create scandal, or simply as comic relief. How many people can say they haven't seen a "sassy gay best friend" or two in a  number of supposedly "progressive" programming? Not me. With the creation of more inclusive programming, characters ranging from gay, lesbian, to trans-gendered have increased in visibility and their stories have become compelling, well-written pieces that have created a new dialogue for audiences. These characters are defined by their personal stories and emotions rather than gender or sexuality serving as the main plot point.

 Now, hear me out. I understand there are many that don't support queer representation in media and find it is too heavy a subject for children and families however; Sugar put it best herself when she said, "“You can’t wait until kids have grown up to let them know that queer people exist (Pink News)." Well said ma'am, well said. The general rule of thumb for most children's shows is stick to what will not be upsetting or offensive to children or families but...how are people expressing their individuality in a non-harmful manner offensive? Not only does the series aim to represent LGBT characters in a positive light but it does so without defining or adhering to the hetero-normative rules of labeling and dressing according to society's rigid definition of gender. Sugar, who is a bisexual woman herself, has created a world where people get to be just that - people. The limitless possibilities of a gem's physical appearance remains solely on the character's personality and how they wish to present themselves. Sugar seamlessly blends the childlike wonder of the show with said themes to make an ever-changing, all inclusive show. Now that's pretty freakin' trill.

- W

Link :https://www.tumblr.com/search/universe%20gi

 For more information on the topic, please check out these links:

Infoplease, Timeline: Gays in Pop Culture <http://www.infoplease.com/entertainment/gays-in-pop-culture-timeline.html>.
LA Times,  'Steven Universe's' Rebecca Sugar shares why LGBTQ representation is personal <http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-hc-comic-con-updates-steven-universe-s-rebecca-sugar-talks-1469218639-htmlstory.html>.
Pink News, Steven Universe creator explains why she’s putting LGBT characters in kids’ TV <http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2016/06/09/steven-universe-creator-explains-why-shes-putting-lgbt-characters-in-kids-tv/>.

All images and texts belong their respective companies

Welcome to Trill Monkey

Hello everyone,

I would like to welcome you to my blog, TRILL MONKEY, a site dedicated to reviewing and analyzing our society, culture, and politics through the lens of movies, television, comics, and other media.So much of our lives are made up of the messages we send and receive and with this blog I hope to give you insight on today's trending topics and how they influence our media. I promise to keep it cool and exciting for you readers and please feel free to help me create the dialogue.

Just as our society has grown, so has the American media. It is my personal belief that we are responsible for our media and that we as the consumers of said mediums need to be more aware of the effects and perceptions created by these messages. Television, movies,  and comics are not new however; they have expanded their range to become more inclusive and sensitive to other cultures and lifestyles. If we are to be responsible consumers of media, we must be able to analyze its relevance and make corrections when needed in order to have a more integrative and  interesting presentation of our society.

Some things to know about me is that I am a senior Communications major attending a small private college in North Carolina. I have loved comics since I first started to read and they have opened so many doors for me as an writer, student, and person. I have always found myself to be part of the counter culture however; I would like to remind you that we are the ones that shape our media. I feel empowered knowing that I can affect change with my butt firmly planted in this computer chair and I hope to inspire others to find something they are passionate about and affect positive change with it.

Thank you and stay trill,

-Will