First test

Today was the first test for my class. Ten multiple choice, and then eight essay questions - nothing but fun.

I think that I did ok on the test. The part that will save me is the partial credit thing - if it wasn't for that, I'd be really worried. Well, ok, not really worried, but maybe a little concerned. I think it'll be ok in the end though - and that's all that matters.

One of the things I have to do for this class is write a paper, applying the "frontier myth" to a movie not covered in class or the textbook.

Oh yeah, this is probably a good time to describe the class. "Anthropology of Media" is both a Journalism and Anthropology class. It looks at the "frontier myth":
There is some barrier that must be crossed into a savage or dangerous place - a new world of hope and promise - that must be "tamed" in order to realize the goal of progress.

What it comes down to is that there are recurring themes in the news and entertainment medias, and that this is one of them. The best example is the cowboy - he goes out and takes care of the Indians (aka savages) and either tames or conquers them so that society can spread and thrive. Damn, I should have used that in my test answer!

Anyway, a good example of this sort of thinking is how JFK managed to inspire the US during the Cold War - he used the "war" and arms race with the Russians as a "frontier" to inspire the people of the US to help "conquer" the savages - in this case, the Russians. Even today, politicians and those in Hollywood use the myth to further their own needs and goals and all of that.

But back to the paper I have to write. I need to apply this myth/theory to a movie, but I can't decide which one to use just yet. There are many choices out there, and many of them seem to be good candidates - but at the same time, I want to choose a movie that's just a little bit unusual, or not seen by many people, or.... well, something that requires a little thought. Any suggestions?