23)#102-5. "I Have a Dream..We're Gonna Work It Out, Out, Out"

Because English courses are related to sociology topics at SU, we had the chance to discuss many important issues like gender and race. Last class in particular was quite important for me because we were assigned to read a Martin Luther King text. Ever since we started discussing the theme of identity, Martin Luther King started to stand out for me day by day. I think I began to understand what he had to overcome at those times a bit better than I used to. I wish we had more time to talk about him..

Since King is famous for his 'I Have a Dream' speech, I'd like to share a song that was dedicated to him and this particular speech. It is rap song produced by Common and Will.i.am for the film Freedom Writers whose main star is Hilary Swank (Freedom Writers is a film that deals with heavy issues such as; gang violence, racism, poverty, love etc. Overall, in my opinion, the film is average. The issues could have been explored with more depth but what makes it important for me is the message. That is why if you get a chance, please watch the film. The world is not the same for everybody.. Keep that in mind before watching Freedom Writers). Anyways, the song also features Martin Luther King's voice. Some of you might have heard it already, but I still want to share it since there is great meaning, in my opinion, behind those words.

[Chorus - Will.i.am and Martin Luther King]

(I am happy...I Have a Dream) I got a Dream

(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out out out

(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out out out

(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out

(I Have a Dream) I got a Dream

(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out out out

(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out out out

(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out

(I Have a Dream) I got a Dream

(That One Day) That one day

(That One Day) I'ma look deep within myself

(I Have a Dream) I gotta find a way...

My Dream Is To Be Free My Dream Is To Be

My Dream Is To Be My Dream Is To Be Free

[Verse 1] In search of brighter days, I ride through the maze of the madness,

Struggle is my address, where pain and crack lives,

Gunshots comin' from sounds of Blackness,

Given this game with no time to practice,

Born on the Black list, told I'm below average,

A life with no cabbage,

That's no money if you from where I'm from,

Funny, I just want some of your sun Dark clouds seem to follow me,

Alcohol that my pops swallowed bottled me,

No apology, I walk with a boulder on my shoulder,

It's a Cold War - I'm a colder soldier,

Hold the same fight that made Martin Luther the King,

I ain't usin' it for the right thing,

In between Lean and the fiens, hustle and the schemes, I put together pieces of a Dream

I still have one

[Chorus]

[Verse 2] The world's seen me lookin' in the mirror,

Images of me, gettin' much clearer,

Dear Self, I wrote a letter just to better my soul,

If I don't express it then forever

I'll hold, inside I'm from a side where we out of control,

Rap music in the 'hood played a fatherly role,

My story's like yours, yo it gotta be told,

Tryna make it from a gangsta to a godlier role,

Read scrolls and stow slaves,

And Jewish people in cold cage,

Hate has no color or age, flip the page,

Now my rage became freedom,

Writin' dreams in the dark, they far but I can see 'em,

I believe in Heaven more than Hell,

Blessings more than jail, In the ghetto let love prevail,

With a story to tell, my eyes see the glory and well,

The world waitin' for me to yell "I Have a Dream"

[Chorus]

Image: 'martin-luther-king-smile' by Nelson Piedra (Nopiedra) under CC Attribuition Non-Commercial No Derivative Works 2.0 Generic

6. “Boys Don’t Cry,” but I Probably Will

Yesterday, in class, we started to research our film “Boys Don’t Cry,” and what I found astounded me. Apparently, there really was a Brandon Teena! Brandon was born into a female body; however, he had a male identity, and his death was tragic. I’m not going to say how because it might ruin the movie for the other assigned groups, but I’m positive that I’m going to break into tears about mid-way of the movie now that I know the true story.

After class, I did some more research, and found some other interesting information. Hilary Swank who played Brandon in the movie lived as a guy for just over a month. She even wrapped her chest with bandages and put socks down her pants!! Was she convincing? Her neighbors thought that her male version was a cousin of hers! This is why I like Hilary Swank. She approaches every role professionally and does an exceptional job at portraying her characters. In my opinion, she really has talent unlike other Hollywood wannabes. Also, did you know that this movie ranked #24 on Premiere’s “The 25 Most Dangerous Movies Ever Made”??

Anyways, it looks like I’m going to be crying on the couch as I watch this one..

Credits: 1) If you want to find out more about why “Boys Don’t Cry” was voted #24 or learn what the other movies are, go to: http://www.premiere.com/List/The-25-Most-Dangerous-Movies-Ever-Made
2) For other basic information on the movie, go to: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0171804/