john²

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Grade 11 Media Arts - Question 1

"In unit 2, we've begun to explore the concept of "hybridity". The meaning of "hybridity" has changed a lot within the last decade. It is a term which originated from the field of biology referring to the breeding of two similar species. In media arts, hybridity or hybridization is the degree to which a technique or process is a product of two or more techniques or processes. Hybridity is a predominate theme in our "postmodern era" (remember seminar #1?) in which we experience an intermingling of influences, styles, and techniques in all the media we create and consume. For example, OutKast is not just a hip hop group, since it is a vibrant mix of R&B, rock, spoken word, electronica, funk, jazz, blues, poetry, and etc. Such hybrid mashups are not only seen in the music world, but in all dimensions of our contemporary lives. Just look in your backpacks. How many of you have cell phone-MP3-blender-foot massager-digital cameras? ;) For this journal entry, discuss how you experience hybridity in your daily lives."

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Hybridity has become the new fad in today's media and not without a good explanation. Essentially hybrids are better than having each seperate composite by itself and can even do more if designed to. For instance Cell phones, these days cell phones are not just cell phones. They can be Memory devices, MP3 Players, Web Browsers, and personal organizers to say the least. I experience hybridity on a daily basis on the terms of dancing. Dancing for has turned not just into a hobby for me, but a lifestyle. I know it sounds really corny but I dance to my feelings of the day (I hope that makes sense). How may dancing to my feelings be hybrid you may ask?

Well firstly, we must look at the different forms of dance that are out there. There are Pop and Lock, Krump, Contemporary and other forms of dancing which in general express different types emotions and in my opinion, being able to dance (or try to dance that is) different styles is considered hybrid, so in a sense, i experience hybridity through myself.

posted by john² @ 7:38 PM