The reason I set up a blog was so that I could reflect upon what I've learned in my Urban Sociology class at least once a week. So you're probably wondering why there's a picture of Godzilla up here. I'd better explain myself.
After my last class I was pondering how to symbolize cities-as in how they represent good or evil. Notice that Godzilla runs rampages of rage through cities-be it Tokyo ,Japan or the Big Apple itself, New York City.
While I'm definately NOT a monster movie expert, I have noticed that most gigantic monsters in movies are seen wrecking havoc upon cities such as how King Kong and the Cloverfield Monster are shown performing a dramatic number upon New York City. Basically these monsters are more prone to attacking a well known, crowded city than a suburb such as Paramus New Jersey. In other words it is highly unlikely that a monster would ever wreck havoc upon a suburb because they are city monsters.
If anything I'd like to symbolize cities as being vulnerable victims. In other words, cities constantly suffer from corruption,crime,overpopulation and terrorism. This backdrop makes it perfect for movies to place a rampaging monster on the loose in an equally enormous, loud and exciting city. That and a city such as Tokyo is much more recognizable and well known than say a generally quieter suburb such as Fair Lawn New Jersey.
I guess cities are better for monsters too. With all those buildings and cars everwhere, there is plenty for the monster to stomp on, and with the crowded population, there are plenty of people to snack upon. In a fictional manner, a monster movie can portray how frightening a city can seem at times. In fact some children who have watched classic Godzilla movies decided that they would never visit Tokyo as they truely believe that the monster rampages the city on a regular basis.
Anyhow, thanks for bearing with this bizarre rant. It wouldn't leave me alone so I had to post it. I promise that next time I'll post something more serious complete with a link to a website related to the topic. This time I was merely testing out the waters of my new blog.
After my last class I was pondering how to symbolize cities-as in how they represent good or evil. Notice that Godzilla runs rampages of rage through cities-be it Tokyo ,Japan or the Big Apple itself, New York City.
While I'm definately NOT a monster movie expert, I have noticed that most gigantic monsters in movies are seen wrecking havoc upon cities such as how King Kong and the Cloverfield Monster are shown performing a dramatic number upon New York City. Basically these monsters are more prone to attacking a well known, crowded city than a suburb such as Paramus New Jersey. In other words it is highly unlikely that a monster would ever wreck havoc upon a suburb because they are city monsters.
If anything I'd like to symbolize cities as being vulnerable victims. In other words, cities constantly suffer from corruption,crime,overpopulation and terrorism. This backdrop makes it perfect for movies to place a rampaging monster on the loose in an equally enormous, loud and exciting city. That and a city such as Tokyo is much more recognizable and well known than say a generally quieter suburb such as Fair Lawn New Jersey.
I guess cities are better for monsters too. With all those buildings and cars everwhere, there is plenty for the monster to stomp on, and with the crowded population, there are plenty of people to snack upon. In a fictional manner, a monster movie can portray how frightening a city can seem at times. In fact some children who have watched classic Godzilla movies decided that they would never visit Tokyo as they truely believe that the monster rampages the city on a regular basis.
Anyhow, thanks for bearing with this bizarre rant. It wouldn't leave me alone so I had to post it. I promise that next time I'll post something more serious complete with a link to a website related to the topic. This time I was merely testing out the waters of my new blog.
I love the picture! and yes Godzilla is most definitely a symbol of the anxiety associated with cities as well as western xenophobia...keep it up
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