The student newsletter of INTI College Subang Jaya
2010
Insider N
T
I
newsletter
I s s u e
inside this issue >> >> >> >>
the education of barbie movie review, princess and the frog creative tweets and facebook status metro : the new hetero?
15
EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief Qisti Parr B. Zahairi Managing Editors Hafizah Jamal WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Alya Amirah, Jerusha Sanjeevi, Nadia Wong, Naomi Ong, Rachel Phuah, See Qwang Szaen DESIGN Creative Director Inoue Taki Layout Artist Alex Lai, Hiwatari Rika, Max, Kristy Voon OPERATIONS Operations Directors Jared Wong EMAIL editorial.icsj@gmail.com
2
EDITOR’S NOTE
Editor’s Note:
Ancient Egyptians shaved off their eyebrows to mourn the death of their cats.
The “O” when used as a prefix in Irish surnames means “descendant of.”
The average person uses the bathroom 6 times per day. Women’s hearts beat faster than men’s.
I recall an incident in high school when a girl approached my friend and I during class. She wanted to form a rock band and was looking for people who were interested. I shook my head no, but the friend beside me said he could play the cello- to which she quickly responded, “You can just tip it to the side and you’ve got a bass!” She was annoying and too perky for Monday morning. She’d also watched The School of Rock and stole Jack Black’s line. We both stifled a giggle. But perhaps that is the way it always is with us, the mass media and pop culture. We just don’t know its influence on us, in our thought processes, our actions, resurfacing subliminally when we’re trying desperately to look cool. So here’s to Facebook, Youtube, MTV, Disney, Barbie, Britney, Oprah and Captain Jack Sparrow. Thanks for cultivating us.
The shortest war on record, between Britain and Zanzibar in 1896, lasted just 38 minutes.
INTIInsiderNewsletter
Managing Editor Hafizah Jamal
3
Movie Review
BY NADIA WONG Does Avatar live up to all the hype?
Avatar is a sci-fi movie that was written and directed by James Cameron. This movie is set in the year 2154 on Pandora, a moon in the Alpha Centauri. Humans have created a stronghold on Pandora to mine precious mineral, Unobtanium, found in abundance there. However, Pandora is a jungle that is full of dangerous creatures. Pandora is also inhibited by the Na’vi, 10-feet tall, blue-skinned sapient humanoids that live as one with nature and worship Eywa, a goddess. In order to communicate with the Na’vi, human-Na’vi hybrids named Avatars were created. Humans were able to control the hybrids by mind-linking with them. However, each hybrid is designed specifically for one person. The movie follows the life of Jake Sully on Pandora. He replaces his twin brother, a scientist who was murdered in the Avatar program. On his first mission outside the stronghold, he was attacked, thus separated from the group.
Neytiri, a female Na’vi, rescued Jake and soon teaches him the ways of the Na’vi. The conflict arose when the humans at the stronghold wanted to destroy the Na’vi living place, Hometree, because it is filled with the precious minerals. Jake at first agreed to try and get the Na’vi to move, but as he spends more and more time with the Na’vi, he changes sides. Soon, the conflict transformed into an all out war in which Jake and the other Avatars sided with the Na’vi. In the end, the Na’vi won and all of the humans except for a selected few were expelled from Pandora. The Na’vi also preformed a ritual to permanently transfer Jake from his human form into his Avatar. My rating for this movie is 3.5/5. I don’t think that it really lived up to all its hype. The only good thing about this movie is its effects. The effects I would give 5/5 and a standing ovation. In other aspects, well… not that much. If you want to watch it for its scenery, then Avatar is the movie for you. The sceneries are breathtaking and very lifelike.
Movies to watch out for
Clash of the Titans Director: Louis Leterrier Genre: Action Starring: Sam Worthington, Pete Postlewaite, Mads Mikkelsen, Gemma Arteton Are you interested in Greek mythology? Or any movie that has to do with Ancient Greece? Movies about battles between Gods and men? Then, Clash of the Titans would be a movie to look forward too. This movie is about Perseus, a God that was raised as a man. He is helpless when Hades, the God of the underworld kills his family. He leads a group of other heroes to defeat Hades who is planning to seize power from Zeus.
The plot of the movie is mediocre at its best. There isn’t anything interesting to talk about. If you were to ask anyone who has watched it what was interesting, they will probably answer that it was the scenery and effects. In fact, James Cameron was supposed to film the movie right after Titanic but decided to hold off production for almost seven years because he did not feel that they had the proper technology in 1999. The movie is basically about human suppression, of what they think of “lesser” beings than themselves. They do not think of the consequences, only of how they can reap the maximum profits from their venture. And then surprise, surprise, this causes a rebellion in which the “lesser” beings won. This movie is only interesting when watched the first time. Anymore than that, bring a pillow and some earplugs. And for those who are prone to motion sickness, please do not watch this movie in 3D unless you have an urge to throw up. Because of its life-likeness, you might get a headache and have to run to the nearest bathroom.
Alice in Wonderland Director: Tim Burton Genre: Sci-fi Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Mia Wasikowska “I’m late! I’m late! For a very important date!” Who can forget the White Rabbit’s famous line from the Disney movie, Alice in Wonderland? Well, the rabbit is back along with other memorable characters from that animated movie such as Alice, the Mad Hatter, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the caterpillar as well as the Cheshire Cat. The plot follows Alice, who is now 19 and has forgotten all about her visit to Wonderland many years earlier. She again meets a rabbit who is wearing a waistcoat and has a pocket watch. She runs after the rabbit and eventually tumbles down a hole to Wonderland. There, she helps the White Queen end the reign of the Red Queen.
ISSUE 15 2010
4
BY ALYA AMIRAH AZMAN
Alya looks into the realm of few-
liners that have gained momentum over the internet.
E, .” M ut ESO o ith t AW W “ jus it’s
“Ne ang ver g “As I o to ry. S said and tay bed I neve before plo awa , r rep rev t yo ke e at mys eng ur “My fri e l f e.” .” end and sta status said “ suicida nding l on a cl iff ”. So Poked I Him.” I fee “On this l my spec e m over otio ial day, “Do on m and I m ns are r ma not unn ust s y mi yn f b o n a e y d l en th . You wha ing lea ot le low, ere f t’s have feel foll d, for ad. D for I o b r a e o o I spen tter abo me to m lways the w. Ju may not re s st g not teac t most o ut myse ake me o h o lf f now me righ my life t . You’ve ple mewh over rying t fro I kno ase ere m w t ?” Hap , py V it was m wrong a o alen nd eant t i n G p to b e’s d ame sla e. a t s y . o I lov V n i d y l eo e yo p id u.” “I d , I sim your d you h five hig .” Credits: www.failbooking.com e fac www.twitlol.com INTIInsiderNewsletter
No matter what kind of advertorialautomobiles, food, gadgets or movies, it always comes with a tagline. A tagline is simply a catchphrase which at some point you know will be stuck in your head for a long time to come. For example, the oh-so-common KFC tagline that we know by heart, “It’s finger lickin’ good!”
I
n the present day, a large fraction of society has become a fan of lampoons, or what we generally know as parodies. For instance, consider the original motivational tagline, “Persistence: Challenges are what make life interesting, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful”. Something so inspiring can be altered and turned into an amusement, “Persistence: It’s over, man. Let her go.” So, here are some junk foods for thought:
CAN YOU CATCH IT? Emo kids –
Can’t see
anything.
5
BY RACHEL PHUAH
Risks – If you
don’t try anything new, you’ll miss out on life’s great disappointments. Indifference – It takes
Courage – Do 43 muscles to frown one crazy thing and 17 to smile, but it today. Then, run doesn’t take any to just sit there with the dumb like hell! look on your face. – Sometimes Loan – In order to Dreams when you reach for
Feminism – get one, you must them, you just end up Because not everyone can be first prove that you falling back down and breaking both your don’t need it. beautiful. knees. Johnny Depp Individuality – If Imagination – you stand alone – Maybe it’s The best things against the flow, him, maybe it’s all happen in eventually you’ll Maybelline. your head. get washed away. Sexism – Happiness – It’s at –Perambulation Walk a mile in my Only ugly girls the end of the road, shoes. Then turn complain about but then again, look around and bring me at how long it is. it. back my shoes. ISSUE 15 2010
6
The Education of
BARBIE BY JERUSHA SANANJEEVI
Jerusha looks closer at the trends behind the many careers of Barbie, the American doll that became a worldwide household name.
It’s an all too familiar sight. The signature pink box tilts at an odd angle over stacked shelves only to fall into the painstaking, chubby grasp of a tiptoed child. For less than a second, time stops and you can almost see the cursive Barbie letters glowing in the child’s eyes. It does not surprise us, as the glories of miniature fashion, the endless trendy little accessories, and the always new and exciting careers have plunged the flag of Barbie-dom deep into the hearts of fans all around the world.
Her massive popularity, however, inevitably creates some concerns, and even puts some at odds with the entire concept of the doll itself. Claims have arisen that the Barbie character supports sexism given her impossibly thin physique, and shallow, ditzy attitude. But is there a depth to the blond bombshell that we have not seen? Unfortunately, the Barbie critics have a point or two against those who might say so.
INTIInsiderNewsletter
“Math Class Is Tough” Barbie’s most infamous quote originated from the 1992 Teen Talk Barbie line, which featured talking dolls. The recordings included the iconic math phrase that went on to stir a tempest of controversy, especially among feminists. After more than three decades of debate over Barbie’s portrayal of women, the math issue spilled the bowl over. There was great concern over how Barbie might affect young girls’ perception towards math.
The insult to Barbie’s intelligence was also seen as an insult to women’s intelligence. Mattel, Barbie’s producing company, responded to the furor by pulling the math phrase out of the Teen Talk recordings. The damage, however, seemed to have been done. Did Barbie Get Smarter? While Barbie has gone through what seems to be an ocean of adversity in the
Change, though kicked into gear, was nevertheless not an overnight event. Different social attitudes were set in motion, but the domestic roles assigned to women did not instantly disappear. The nursing career, a role held by women almost exclusively for a long time, and still quite dominantly up to that point, reflects how Barbie again responded to social situations. Things started taking a turn for the
area of her P.R., an interesting question that surfaces is whether she got any smarter while she was at it. In her 1959 debut career, she was a fashion model. Her immediate succession of careers included, rather unsurprisingly, a fashion designer and a nurse.
brighter, however, when in 1963 Barbie was featured as both an Executive Barbie and a College Graduate Barbie. Barbie donned the chic, professional suit of a businesswoman and the gown and mortarboard of a college graduate, all with unfailing sense of style.
Barbie’s careers cannot be interpreted accurately, though, without an understanding of the historical and cultural background that influenced it. 1960’s America was the setting for many social changes, of which one of the most dominant was the sexual revolution. The liberal character of the 60’s provided fertile ground for the growing influence of feminism.
The Barbie as a college graduate is of especial note, as it demonstrates once more her responsiveness to social trends. The early 1960s marked an increase in the influence of college students, some of whom began holding protests in their university campuses. Student activists grew in number and significance, first holding protests mainly in support of black civil rights, and later in the decade, in opposition to the Vietnam War. And in the midst of that, holding her diploma, Barbie was there.
Barbie’s first career as a fashion model demonstrates the resulting shifts occurring in the direction of women’s liberation. Her womanly curves were distinctly emphasized in the striped swimsuit she was dressed in; not only a fashion statement, but also, arguably, a social statement. 1. The Business of Barbie, Izabel Barros, February 1999
By 1973, Barbie had become a surgeon. Barbie, of course, cannot live on all work and no play. In 1984, during the indoor workout craze, she became an aerobics instructor. Getting into the fitness mode
ala Jane Fonda proved to be a popular move. Barbie sales steadily increased, reaching a rate of 172,800 dolls sold per day by the end of 1993.1
7
Don’t Throw The Barbie Out With The Bathwater Barbie’s career aspirations continued to climb with the passing years. In 1990, she became a UNICEF Ambassador, and in 1993, two years after the Persian Gulf
War, she joined the army. Despite Barbie’s successes, there are also many lapses in judgment that do need to be accounted for. The Teen Talk line happened in the 1990s, despite the fact that in earlier years there were a good number of Barbie releases that portrayed women in a relatively positive manner. The 90’s made for an interesting period, a period that produced pop culture phenomena such as the film Clueless, starring Alicia Silverstone. The slang of Clueless does seem to resemble the language of the Teen Talk voice boxes. Did the 1990s sport the popularity of certain terms and phrases that today would be commonly denounced as “superficial” or stereotypically, “blond”? If so, it is understandable how Barbie would follow suit in terms of language trends as well. Regardless, the math phrase specifically has great difficulty finding a valid excuse. Another Barbie controversy during the 90s was the “Oreo Barbie”, which, aiming
ISSUE 15 2010
8
to match the cookie’s colors, was released in Black and White dolls. Using the term “Oreo” on a Black Barbie, however, was not a highly intelligent move as it is also a racial slur meaning a Black person who is “white on the inside”. Barbie certainly has had a great many ditzy moments and even a number of serious slip-ups, but before we throw our dolls out, we could consider a thing or two. Barbie, as shown, reflects social trends: trends that are bigger than her and that could be positive or negative. However, she does demonstrate, through her larger-than-life resume, a sense of versatility and mobility that has a certain tone of freedom to it. The plastic doll, with no pun intended, turns out to have a rather remarkable plasticity in terms of her repertoire. Today, Barbie represents a woman who has the freedom of choice to engage herself in whatever career she will, and in high heels at that. Who knew.
Barbie: the All-American Girl With Not So American Roots Barbie, whose full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, was created by Ruth Handler in 1959. The Barbie doll made history when it was first released, as it became one of the first children’s dolls in America to have the figure of an adult woman. Handler based her on a fashion doll created from a character in a popular German comic strip, Bild Lilli. She was inspired after she noticed the bold, curvaceous doll during a trip to Europe and realized that it embodied an idea similar to one she had been contemplating. Barbie was then designed in like fashion and named after Handler’s daughter, Barbara. First presented in a striped swimsuit at a toy fair in New York City, Barbie proceeded to make her plastic footprint an unerasable mark in all America and the world. Barbie and Ken: An On-Off Relationship Ken, Barbie’s most famous accessory, and her longtime steady, has played the role of dutiful boyfriend from his introduction in 1961 until 2004 when they officially broke up. Mattel’s vice president of marketing for Barbie, Russell Arons, referred to their break up as a result of the stress of Hollywood relationships and a lack of desire on Ken’s part to get married. It was also suggested that he finally got tired of being Mr. Barbie, and having his own “talent” shadowed under his famous girlfriend. After all, what is a couple to do after over 40 years of dating except marry, or break up? The latter it was, although it was announced that the pair had decided to remain friends. Enter Surfer Dude. Blaine, an Australian surfer doll was linked to Barbie right after the break up, and soon ignited gossip that a jealous Ken thereafter began efforts to win his ex back. In 2006, Barbie and Ken were rumored to be seeing each other again, but tried to keep things out of the media’s scrutiny. It was only on Valentine’s Day, 2009, that they were confirmed to have officially gotten back together.
INTIInsiderNewsletter
[
]
The Princess and The Frog – not your typical Disney princess movie
BY NAOMI ONG
The movie Princess and The Frog was a major hit among the movie fans when it first release but let’s see what our editor has to say bout it. “The Evening Star is shinin’ bright, So make a wish and hold on tight, There’s magic in the air tonight, And anything can happen…“
T
he release of “The Princess and the Frog” spelled a return for Disney to the good old days of hand-drawn 2D animation. And after a decade or so of 3D cartoons, many people are saying that it’s just about time. But while for most, a return to the ‘good old days’ of classics such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid” was all very good, some inevitably found themselves dreading the return of the “Princess”. Disney Princess movies have been the staple of Disney 2D cartoons since the advent of “Snow White”. And like so many other hugely popular things, Disney Princess movies have had their fair share of controversies. Detractors have hit out on the passivity of earlier Princesses like Snow White, Brier Rose and Cinderella; characters (and role models for little girls) who would typically wish on the Evening Star/Shooting Star, sighing while waiting dreamily for their Prince Charming to carry them off into their ‘Happily Ever After, The End’. Even the coming of more active Princesses such as Pocahontas, Ariel and Mulan has done little to erase the image Disney has wrought of itself in the minds of most people (more often women who grew up with Snow White and Cinderella), that of a brainwasher who teaches their little precious daughters that the best thing that can happen to a girl is to wait for her Prince Charming to carry her into the sunset to live ‘Happily Ever After, The End’.
“… that little old star can only take you half the way, you’ve gotta get to the end with your own hard work…”
9
The “The Princess and the Frog” trailers had only heightened that anticipatory dread, and it was with a heavy heart (coupled with a stern notice from my editor) that I, a 20 yearsold young woman who had sworn-off Princess movies, finally watched the movie. Yet, coming out from the last warbling notes of “Down In New Orleans”, I was absolutely stunned. And then, absolutely enraged. How could that group of deluded advertisers and promoters in the employment of Disney be allowed to mislead the innocent masses, myself included? Because make no mistake, that was what they did, with all their talk of how “…this is a tale that can only happen when you wish upon an Evening Star…” in the movie trailers. Rubbish. Without a doubt, “The Princess and the Frog” was not your typical Disney Princess movie. Much of trademark Disney themes were deconstructed and/or molded to suit modern times. Gone are the days of wishing around or general mooning about. In fact, what I absolutely loved about the movie was the line the main character’s (Tiana) father gave to his little girl at the start of the movie: “… that little old star can only take you half the way, you’ve gotta get to the end with your own hard work…” That’s right, gals; the Evening Star can only help you to dream, you’ve got to make that dream happen with your own effort. Talk about a message for young impressionable girls. Even the main villain was given much needed depth. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter, two-dimensional (pun intended) villains. Evil, greedy and sneaky, Doctor Facilier may be. Misunderstood, perhaps. Believable? Definitely. The Shadowman, as he is known, seemed genuinely frustrated and bitter with his lot in life, likely due to being a black in Roaring Twenties’ New Orleans. Tis’ what probably sparked his original deal with his “Friends on the Other Side”, that just dug a little deeper each time… Oh, and did I mention the music? To Maestro Randy Newman, I must declare: “Je t’adore, Je t’aime…” Considering that New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, the widespread usage of jazz in this Broadway-style musical is not so much genius but deeply fitting and appropriate. This, however, doesn’t detract from Maestro Newman’s genius. Anyone who has heard such tunes as “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” (Toy Story) and “If I Didn’t Have You” (Monsters, Inc.), would have agreed that Randy Newman was just the man to helm the musical department in jazz-filled “The Princess and the Frog”. But tunes such as “Down in New Orleans”, “Almost There”, and “Ma Belle Evangeline” just breaks the mold for music in Disney 2D animation. In fact, a person can just watch the movie with his or her eyes closed (though why he or her should, I could never imagine); the music is that good. That being said, I think I’ll steal a few lines from the movie; “Rich people, poor people, they all got dreams. And dreams do come true in New Orleans.” Whoever you are, wherever you are, however old you may be; grab the nearest person to you and watch “The Princess and the Frog.” Dreams do come true in New Orleans
ISSUE 15 2010
METRO
10
Opinions on metrosexual from the whole campus
THE NEW HETERO?
Metrosexual: A man who has strong concern for appearance and lifestyle. Acceptable or not, I looked for the answers from guys around campus. “Cool. There is nothing wrong in paying more attention to your appearance. It is good to look presentable to attract people’s attention and to give a good impression to others.” Daniel Goh, NU
“Paying attention towards your appearance is acceptable but I don’t think guys should go overboard about it. It is important for health, hygiene and social purposes.” Joel Chua, AUP
ALYA AMIRAH AZMAN
“It is normal. Guys also need to take care of their image. For some, it is even a part of their lifestyle. I think it is ok since it doesn’t give any negative affect towards society.” Khou Yew Teik, BATUH
Note: The editorial board does not intend to infuriate any party through this opinionated article but merely publishes the feedbacks from students.
“It is common these days for guys to give more emphasize on their appearance. Of course, guys want to look smart in others’ gaze. They also don’t want to spoil their image. However, I do think that guys should not go overboard about it.” Ness, BMAUH
INTIInsiderNewsletter
“Now it is a trend. If girls can pay attention towards their appearance, why not guys? I think [that the] outer appearance is very important to give a good impression at first sight. Even though it is a bit girly, it is acceptable since more people are doing it. Besides, there are also beauty care products for guys on the market these days.” Jason Hong, DMC
“It is common for people to be conscious about their appearance to attract attention from opposite sex. Average guys usually tend to give more attention towards their appearance. I think there is no right or wrong and it is still acceptable.” Eddie, BFIUH
11
WELCOMING THE YEAR OF THE TIGER
BY SEE QWANG SZAEN
Qwang Szaen reports back on February’s events.
O
n February 5th 2010, the Chinese Cultural Society (CCS) held a morning and night session for celebrating the forthcoming of the Year of the Tiger, with the Majesty of Golden Roar. In the morning, there were small scale performances. There was a street dance by one of the students, a “Living Statue” performance by Alan Extreme, two of our students doing a combo of the guzheng and beatbox, a talk by BWL, a sponsor of the event regarding stress that we students face and how to relieve stress, and an orange-eating competition. The night session was the most happening. There were many interesting events that took place that night. For instance, there was a Lion Dance by the Khuan Loke Association. They were really amazing and the lions were very cute and synchronized as they played with each other. There was also a Traditional Chinese Dragon performance by the Soka Gakkai Association. Using blue UV lights, the performance was coordinated and the dragon was very cool! Besides that, there was a Mask Changing performance by renowned Pinky Loo. With a smile on her face, she showed her talent that amazed the public. She was very outgoing as she did not stay rigid- even applying body movements to emphasize on her
performance. I was also entertained by a street dance performance by Katoon Network. The dancers were really funny as they put humor into their dance, but their moves were really cool as well! Other than that, there were two Alan Extreme performances, one session entitled “Romance”, and the other session “Ring Linking” and “Fire Eating”, a “24 Season Drums” performance, a dance performance by the children of “Happy Children Home” orphanage, a singing performance, a leaf orchestra performance, and a special performance by the CCS. All in all, it was a night full of colour, lights and traditions. Everyone who attended the event went home happy and excited that the Year of the Tiger arrived with this event! It was indeed a great success for the CCS. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
ISSUE 15 2010
Happening: Campus Events
VALENTINE WEEK SEE QWANG SZAEN
Valentine’s Day is generally a day when a person in a relationship or a person who is in love shows their affection to the other person with the help of roses and chocolates. This, of course, is the modern perception of Valentine’s Day. This year, fate dealt a cruel blow by putting Valentine’s Day on the first day of Chinese New Year, which is mainly for family. For that, there was the Valentine’s Week at INTI. From 10th February till 12th February, the Editorial Board and the English Language Society held a booth each and sold food. The Editorial Board was selling cookies and cupcakes, whilst the English Language Society was selling chocolate fondue, brownies, sweets and pre-order roses. Both had a favorable turnout from their sales.
INTIMA WEEK
Come see and join clubs and societies of the Subang Jaya Campus during Intima week on:
19TH-20TH MAY 2010
INTIInsiderNewsletter
ISSUE 15 2010