It is often said that magic exists only in the realm of fiction and illusion. However, when we look closely at our own lives, we may realize that magic is not so far-fetched after all. In fact, we all have the power to create magic in our own lives and in the lives of others. Magic, in this sense, refers to the extraordinary and seemingly impossible things that happen when we believe in ourselves and the world around us. It is the ability to transform ordinary moments into something extraordinary, to find beauty and wonder in the mundane. It is the power to create positive change and make a difference, no matter how small.
Music4ever Fantastic debut! It’s so rare to find an album you can play the whole way through, and this is definitely one of them. Dope beats set against ethereal vocals sends me into an abyss of bliss. Keeping this on replay.
I don t want to go to a movie and see some middle-aged, pear-shaped mom whose boobs need an anti-gravity booster to keep from sagging to her navel dressed in sensible shoes. know me now CASHFORGOLD x Ennja written by Jacqueline Torgerson and Artyom Ostrovskikh produced by Ennja vocal production by Sidewalks And Skeletons.
It is the power to create positive change and make a difference, no matter how small. We all have dreams and aspirations, and sometimes it may feel like achieving them is an impossible feat. However, when we tap into our own magic, we discover that we have the power to turn our dreams into reality.
Manic Monday: I Want to see Gamora’s Boob Window and Thor Shirtless. Who’s with Me?
Over on Tor.com’s blog, Alex Brown’s post “ Guardians of the Galaxy, We Need to Talk ,” pointed out various issues she had with the summer blockbuster film. I consider myself a feminist and frequently agree with articles that point out the (still) rampant sexism of Hollywood movies (as well as T.V. shows, advertising, and pretty much anything spat out at us from the L.A. screen industry). But as I pondered her post (and the copious comments to it), I found myself disagreeing with much of what she said. My post will focus on just one of the issues raised and that is of the outfits superheroes wear.
This is what Alex Brown said:“Listen up, superhero creators. There are 3 big no’s in creating costumes for female characters: no boob plates, no high heels, and no boob or belly windows. There’s no reason for Gamora or Nebula to wear something as impractical as 3 inch wedge heels. And no, Drax and Star-Lord being shirtless doesn’t count as a male objectification. They’re propped up as an admirable, desireable male physique, whereas Nebula and Gamora’s skin-tight, revealing outfits sexualize them. If Star-Lord doesn’t need heels or a costume that defies gravity, then neither do Gamora or Nebula.” (Alex Brown on Tor.com’s blog, 8/13/14)
In case you have not seen Guardians and/or wish to see Zoe Saldana in a “boob window” outfit, here it is:
Alex’s has some points. Breast plates and “boob windows” are ubiquitous in comics and movies featuring female superheros. I’ve seen numerous articles written by women bashing male movie makers for putting female superheros in high heels and skimpy outfits. Women argue that female heroes should wear cloths that are comfortable. Clothes that make sense for all the action and fighting that the character does in the movie.
A good point. But this point seems to assume that male superheroes are wearing outfits that are “comfortable” and sensible and that do not accentuate their sexuality. Let’s review male superhero gear. Do they, in fact, wear sensible clothes appropriate for all their running, punching, jumping and superhero work? And do they wear clothes that “sexualize” them?
Let’s start with Superman. Check out Christopher Reeves rocking’ the 80’s version of The Man of Steel.
Does this outfit say ‘I’m ready for fist-fights and flying’? First of all, as we all know, the cape is impractical.
We all know how dangerous they can be. So why do flying super heroes wear them? Because they look friction’ cool, that’s why.
And then there are Superman’s tight knickers and knee-length plastic bootie things. He doesn’t exactly look like he’s ready to thrown down with the bad guys. But the outfit does do one thing: Show off Reeve’s junk (which I’m kind of thinking is the point).
And because the old Reeves costume wasn’t testosterone pumped enough, they had to create an even more manly edition for the new millennium.
Does this outfit not accentuate his manly features just as much as Gamora’s outfit highlights her womanly features? Not a lot left to the imagination here.
Okay, what about Iron Man? Surely a suit made to enable to man to fly, fire weapons and generally kick booty would be robust and machine-like, right? Something like this maybe:
| Prototype Iron Man Suit Commissioned by U.S. Military |
Even when forged in metal, male heroes are molded into the shape of an Adonis. Their chests are large, their abs smooth and taut, and their manly bits … Well even Iron Man’s junk is accentuated.
Last but certainly not least, let’s take a look at Thor. Okay, you can stop looking at him now.How did Thor strutting with his shirt off, displaying his rock-hard abs and teasing us with his low-slung jeans revealing his muscular groin further the plot? Could it be that it was there just to give female movie-goers a bit of eye candy?
Yes, of course it was. And while I saw this movie in the theatre I was wishing for a remote control so I could rewind that bit and play it over and over. (Thanks to the above gif, now I can watch it over and over 😉
| Both Chris Hemsworth and Anthony Hopkins are clad in demigod worth costumes in Thor, The Dark World |
And we want our superheroes to be sexy, whether male or female. I want to see Zoe’s beautiful body and Thor’s manly one. That’s part of the attraction. Their virility and sexiness separate them from us and we like it that way. I don’t want to go to a movie and see some middle-aged, pear-shaped mom whose boobs need an anti-gravity booster to keep from sagging to her navel dressed in sensible shoes. If I want to see that I’ll look in the mirror!
It’d be like going to see an super hero action flick and watching Amy Farrah Fowler trotting across the screen in her cardigan doing judo kicks.
Black Magic is born from a rigid barrel selection and is not made every year - only when we feel a special presence. 2021 is one of these years.
It is through believing in ourselves and taking action that we can make the seemingly impossible possible. Furthermore, we can also create magic in the lives of others. A kind word, a helping hand, or a simple act of compassion can make a world of difference to someone in need. By spreading love and positivity, we have the ability to touch the lives of others in a meaningful way. Sometimes, all it takes is a small act of magic to brighten someone's day and remind them that they are not alone. Magic also exists in the natural world around us. The beauty of a sunset, the sound of raindrops on a window, or the feeling of sand between our toes - these are all magical moments that remind us of the wonder and awe in the world. When we take the time to appreciate these small miracles, we bring a sense of magic into our own lives. In conclusion, we all have the power to create magic in our own lives and in the lives of others. By believing in ourselves, taking action, and spreading love and positivity, we can turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. So let us remember that we have the power to make magic happen - all we need to do is believe..
Reviews for "Magic Across Cultures: Exploring Different Magical Traditions and Beliefs"
1. - Samantha - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "We've Got Magic to Do". The plot was poorly developed and the characters lacked depth. It felt like the filmmakers tried to cram too many magical elements into the story without letting any of them fully develop. The pacing was also off, with the action sequences feeling rushed and the emotional moments lacking impact. Overall, this film did not live up to my expectations and I would not recommend it.
2. - Michael - 2 stars - "We've Got Magic to Do" had a great concept, but the execution fell flat. The special effects were impressive, but that's about the only positive thing I can say about this film. The dialogue was cheesy and the acting felt forced. The characters were cardboard cutouts, lacking any real depth or development. The story was also predictable, with no real surprises or twists. I had high hopes for this movie, but unfortunately, it was a letdown.
3. - Emily - 2.5 stars - I wanted to like "We've Got Magic to Do", but it just didn't capture my interest. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult to connect with the story or the characters. The pacing was also uneven, with moments of intense action followed by long stretches of boredom. The film had potential, but it ultimately failed to deliver a captivating experience. I would recommend skipping this one.