King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table

This is Ambrosius, he is my rat -- He was named after King Arthur's grandfather! And now on to my essay...
"King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table" by Roger Lancelyn Green is a compellation of tales from the life of King Arthur. It includes what are believed to be “real” accounts and fictional accounts of his life. Because the thesis theme for this year is “Historical” kings and queens, it is hard to relate this week’s reading to our thesis themes. Although it is difficult to relate to our actual thesis projects, the novel has some interesting themes including, chivalry, brotherhood, magic, and adventure.

In this adventure we call thesis, nothing is irrelevant. Ideas can be taken from all parts of life to help us grow and develop as people and as artists. One of the important themes mentioned above is brotherhood. My peers will be an excellent resource in working through my thesis. They will not only be able to provide me with useful feedback on my artwork, but different takes on my story etc. Thinking about thesis as a competition to get into a show, or impress the department chair will get me no where. Simply rejecting ideas is not an option. Not only should I be open to the ideas of my peers, but I should also be willing to help them in return.

Charles Darwin

The Sword in the Stone

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Henry Bergh

ASPCA History

New York City, April 1866: The driver of a cart laden with coal is whipping his horse. Passersby on the New York City street stop to gawk not so much at the weak, emaciated equine, but at the tall man, elegant in top hat and spats, who is explaining to the driver that it is now against the law to beat one's animal. Thus, America first encounters "The Great Meddler."

OH BEHAVE!

Judith Halberstam wrote QUITE the analysis of Drag Kings in Media. As Halberstam explains, parody of masculinity is subtly hinted at in movies, and comedy acts today. Unlike Drag Queens, for whom the popular culture today is to loudly express their femininity to the world through Drag Balls and flamboyant outfits, the culture of the Drag King today finds itself nestled in popular comedy. The desirable traits for a male in today’s society could be similar to the desired traits of a King. The same way political cartoonists parody the politicians of today; drag kings tend to parody the crises that face the modern man. In relating Kings and Queens in general to this essay on drag kings, one can look into the social status of men and how they wish to be perceived. Even though we are living in a much more equal society than the one of 50 years ago, women are still considered inferior by many. Men get better paying jobs, and are considered to be stronger, and ‘even headed’ by many. Men also have their fair share of obstacles. They are expected to be (for lack of better word) masculine. If men do not fit the culture’s mold for success, they are often tossed aside. It is disappointing that the professional world still believes in some of these stereotypes, but it is something both men and woman have to work through. So called, “King Comedy/Humor” is large topic of Halberstam’s essay. She picks out the examples of king humor that can be found in pop-culture today, and proves that it is just as relevant as the humor in Drag queen performance.

Walt Disney

Walt Disney could Certainly be called the King of American Animation.

He also created a vast kingdom that lived on even after his death.

His royal subjects worked long hours to complete his projects

Charles Darwin

The King of Evolution

The British naturalist, Charles Darwin, could be called the "King of Evolution". His theories on Evolution laid the foundation for modern teachings of Evolution. The basis of his theories was the thought that humans and animals share a common ancestry. The Victorian society he lived in did not take these theories well. Upon the HMS Beagle, Darwin embarked on a 5 year journey. When he returned from this journey, he had brought back specimens of all kinds (bones, fossils, animals etc). After observing life on his journey, he cave up with the theory of Natural Selection. This was a major break through.

What do you think of when you think of Darwin?

Perhaps finches? Other animals?

He published the Origin of Spieces

What do Kings and Queens mean to Me?

What do Kings and Queens mean to me? I'm not actually sure. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Kings and Queens, is similar to what comes to my mind when I think of just about anything. Dogs. I am a self-proclaimed Dog Nerd, and although I may not be able to do my thesis on "Dogs" they are no doubt running around in my mind.

Afghan Hound

This old breed is often referred to as the "King" of dogs.

King Charles Spaniel

This is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These small spaniels were made popular by their appearances in paintings of King Charles the 2nd, and now they bear his name. The King Charles Spaniel (English Toy Spaniel) looks similar to the Cavalier, but has a more pushed in face. Both Spaniels were favored by British royalty for many generations.

Airedale Terrier

This is an Airedale Terrier. They are the largest breed in the Terrier Group and are often referred to as the "King" of the Terriers.

King Shepherd

This is a King Shepherd. They look rather like a German Shepherd, but much larger and with thicker fur.

Queensland Heeler

This is a Queensland Heeler, otherwise known as an Australian Cattle Dog.

Thoughts on 'Paris is Burning'

The film “Paris is Burning is an interesting look into the world of Drag queen culture. As in any culture, the queens in the sense of the drag queens, have a strict hierarchy. The mothers, the newcomers, the dreamers, etc all have their place.
The film begins by describing “balls”. These pageants, are used to help the queens feel better about their social or economic status. Almost like a Cinderella story, but just like any fairy tail, there are always evil stepsisters, and witches to spoil a good time. With competition, comes jealousy, and reputation.

Just like kings and queens of the past, drag queens don’t usually come from the most humble of backgrounds. The style of the ‘now’ entails that they buy designer brands and labels to show their status in society.

           

Opinions and fashions of the day change though the generations; they do the same in the world of the drag queen. Constructing one’s own costume and creative clothing with boas and loud, hand-sewn outfits were popular in the 70’s. Later, designer brands and labels became the popular attraction.

            Power is very important in any monarchy. The struggle for power, the greed that comes along with it, are all factors in how a monarch deals with their position. King Louis the XIIII, and Napoleon wanted (and received) an insane amount of power, and dreamed of even more. Similarly, but perhaps not as realistic, so do the drag queens. A queen interviewed in the film said, “I wanna’ be a big star all over the world.” Although they may not be the monarch to a country, their ambitions are of similar

On another note --

            A large part of the beginning of the film was used to explain the queen’s need for acceptance both in the gay and straight worlds. This is not only a problem for the queens but also for most people in the world today. The queens used the ‘Balls’ to have a time where they felt accepted and ‘normal’. Acceptance and groupings of common interests, heritage, etc, is ground deeply into human nature and has been around far longer than any monarch can be traced. From the beginning of human culture, people have been breaking into ‘family groups’ and other such sections. Even the political parties of today are far more diverse than they were 100 years ago. People long to find their niche in society, and sometimes that means creating a new group.