My History Speech

Aspen Haught

History 

       Through out this whole semester of my junior year, I have learned and developed 

my attitude and thoughts towards U.S History. From the very beginning of the first quarter I was pleasantly surprised when, as a class, we all watched Steve McQueens Oscar winning film, 12 Years a Slave. As we began to watch the film we had to keep in mind and remember two simple words. Sympathy and empathy. Even taking English since the start of my education career, I never understood how sympathy and empathy could be used in such powerful terms. As the true story of a slave during the harsh 1800’s burned into my innocent mind, those two powerful words surprised me on how the british film maker, could turn the words empathy and sympathy into a beautiful art piece. Even though the film surprised me the most through out the whole semester, this wasn't the only time I was surprised during my time spent in the desk three rows back. 

       As we began to get further and further away from films, our next task in American history, at first, seemed to ring bells of joy in my ears. That expectation was soon shot down when having only little time to write a well written and descriptive essay on Native American Music, lets just say I was unpleasantly surprised. From listening to various flutes and trying to understand the meaning behind modern day and past Native American songs, I couldn't help but feel very reluctant when researching my topic.  

        One of the topics we spent a little time on as a class and mainly by ourselves was the Emerging Industrial Supremacy. When learning about new industrial developments, one of the sections that stuck in my mind was on how women back in the day, didn’t have shopping. Learning this not only fascinated me, but made me appreciate and think about how lucky I am to not have to make my own clothes, or worse my mother having to make my own clothes. If I had to rename this tiny section that is called the “Emerging Industrial Supremacy” I would change the name to The Evolution of Women’s Shopping. Picking this name, in my opinion, draws the attention of the students and clears up what the topic is actually on. 

        Ten years from now if I had to remember and discuss one of the topics we have learned over this semester, I would defiantly remember and gladly talk about the store Zara. Learning about how and why the well known European store isn't so well known in the United States, really stuck in my mind because it showed me how Americans are living an unhealthy and food dominating life. Learning this topic also made me remember the huge debate over the owner of Abercrombie and Fitch and how he said “A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong.” This controversial topic will probably still be a problem in the future and will be conversation in many different groups. 

          Another big controversial topics that happened in the past and still rarely occurring in the present is racial discrimination. Even though racial discrimination has made a huge step in the right direction and has changed from the 1950’s that doesn't mean it still doesn't happen today. From the beginning of the well known topic of slavery, the color of a humans skin has always been a tricky and silent subject to tackle. I have enjoyed and learned a lot of interesting facts in my time spent in the history room,  and I cant wait to learn more next semester.

Thinking about success

Hard work

Skill

Opportunity

Luck



      In my opinion, I think hard work is defiantly number one. Without working hard you wouldn't get anywhere in life. Its like math, if you don't work hard and practice everyday then you wont be successful and get the results you want back. Hard work will pay off. If you sit around hoping to win the lottery or hoping someone will just come up to you and offer you a job, then you will be waiting all of your miserable life. Theres a reason why if you work hard, for example at gym, you will gain muscle and become more fit. I chose skill for number two because skill goes along the lines of hard work. Even if you absolutely are horrible at painting, with enough hard work and practice you will be skillful. Yes, some people are born with some abilities and gifts but they also have to work hard to get to the top with their skill. I chose opportunity next because an opportunity is in the middle of luck and hard work. To get an opportunity in life shouldn't be taken for granite since its rare for a lot of people.  Opportunity usually comes to those who have worked really hard and are good at their job. Rare occasions only happen to very lucky people. I chose luck last because in my opinion luck is based off of nothing. You don't have to work for anything and if everyone in the world waited for a lucky moment then we wouldn't have a dependable community.

                                                              Man working hard 

What I learned today

A example of a dress Kate Middleton wore

      Today I learned about a store, that I never had heard about, called Zara.  Zara is located in a small town in NorthWestern Spain called Arteixo and it all started off by them developing a high centralized design, manufacturing, and forming a distribution system. Almost two decades ago Zara first introduced the idea of fast fashion, which resulted in a huge success all over Europe. To this day, Zara is very known and popular across Europe. For example, Kate Middleton and her sister, Pippa, have actually been photographed wearing their "adorable" clothing line. But when Zara finally moved into the United States, it was no longer popular. A big reason for its downfall in the US is because they don't participate in the "Vanity Sizing". A majority of woman in America cant wear form fitting clothes like European and Chinese woman can. The obesity rates are lower in Europe and is actually almost non existent in Asia. To gain more sales and popularity, Zara would have to redesign their whole clothing line since 30 to 40 percent of the U.S is considered obese.

Dear Mom, 

      I’m guessing by the shipping address you already know, but I finally arrived to New York City! Oh Mom, I wish you could see how beautiful the city is in person and how diverge the culture is. After going through customs and trying to decide where I wanted to go, I didn't let the chance to roam the city by myself and get familiar to my surroundings. As I got closer to street where different languages were being spoken, I immediately heard a woman speaking spanish into her phone, which helped me a lot since I noticed I wandered too far and got lost. I politely talked to her explaining that I was new and terribly lost. You would never guess what happened after Angela helped me with different street names and her favorite restaurants, she actually invited me into her neighborhood. Everyone around me was speaking spanish and I felt like I was back home again!

        After meeting Angela’s friends and learning how to fit into a normal New York City routine, they all invited me to go shopping at a brand new store with them on saturday. I quickly agreed and road in the back seat of Angela’s husbands car, which was a new experience since back in Spain we walk everywhere. After what felt like forever, we finally pulled up to the store and I couldn't believe it. The store looked like a humongous mansion! Angela explained to me that the store had to be that size because American merchandise was growing and more consumers were buying and demanding for more. After walking around the store and getting lost a few times, a worker told me that the store was called a department store and it was even new to America! I noticed that there was not a lot of men shopping and it was mainly all woman. Even Angela’s husband didn't even want to come into the department store. After looking at everything I decided not to buy anything since I still need to find a job, but boy was that exciting!

       Im very fortunate for having Angela, since without her I would be sleeping on the streets with no job. I haven't mentioned it yet but she actually found me a job as a waiter for a sandwich shop down the road from where she lives. She also has been teaching me English everyday  and plans on meeting you whenever you decide to come over. But I will tell you, the first week is a culture shock and I wouldn't pal on going in with high expectations. Making the wrong turn or going a extra block can lead you into a segregated and racist community. Thankfully I have never experienced this but Angela and her husband have. I hope you are very healthy and decide to come.

       Love,

 Your daughter 

New York City 

Leon Joseph Littlebird performs at Crestone Music Festival

Native American Music

Aspen Haught

History Essay 

Native American Music

    The differences between modern and old Native American music has surprisingly, 

has not had a great change. Modern day Native American music still keeps its 

traditional and cultural based traits as like back in the day, when Indians and cowboys 

were spread across the whole United States. As like always, Native American music is 

still used today for ceremonial purposes, recreation, expression, and healing. The 

different instruments that Native American use, has influenced todays different styles of 

music and modern day motion pictures.

      Modern day Native American music can be found everywhere. For example, the 

distinct music can be found in motion pictures, television shows, and Academy Award 

winning movies. Today, Indians still live amongst us and are doing the same traditions 

and playing the same music techniques as like Indians years ago did so. Following in 

the footsteps of their ancestors, modern day Native Americans use music mainly in 

different types of ceremonies. In Native American ceremonies you can see different 

dances from different genders, home made instruments being played, and wild 

harmonies floating within the air and around a bon fire. The men and women of tribes 

sing separate songs and have their own dances from one another. The men typically 

dance around in a circle, while the women dance in place. During these ceremonies 

three different instruments are used to form the traditional music we all have heard at 

least once. Percussion instruments, wind instruments, and of course vocals all come 

together to make one ceremonial sound. 

        Every region of the United States, where the Native Americans have settled, have 

produced a great variety of forms and different sounds of music. Eskimo tribes music is 

the most simple of all the Native American music styles. Hopi, Pueblo, and Zuni tribes, 

which is located in the south west part of the country, produce much more complex 

sounding music. Even today, Native American music has impacted and influenced 

Modern Folk music the most. Both old and new Native American musics has showed 

and said the most important element of their music is the voice. Even though a majority 

of Native American music is only instruments, the voice is the most important especially 

in ceremonies. Also the unusual, irregular rhythms, and off key style is used with 

modern day music and life styles. 

     Even though some elements and little things have changed within Native American 

culture, modern day Native American music still keeps its traditional and cultural based 

traits as like back in the day, when Indians and cowboys were spread across the whole 

United States. Dancers still prance around the ceremonial fire in quick steps to keep 

up with the drums and different tribes also play instruments when having a mock-battle. 

The changes between the different times has not effected the traditional and memorable 

Native American traits.

Indian. org on Native American music

I used this source to find the fine line between modern and the "western times" within the Native American music culture. This source gave me more information on the Western Times than modern day music we listen to today. 

Texas State Historical Association on Native American music 

Texas State gave me information more towards instruments and techniques the Native American used both today and back in the day. This source also gave me very well detailed names of the instruments. 

Encyclopedia Of The Great Plains

The Great Plains source gave me information on modern day use of Native American music and how it is used in modern times. This source also gave me information the different tribes and their music aspects. 

Contemporary Native American Music on modern day Native American Music

This source gave me information on the contemporary and modern music of the Native Americans. 

Infoplease on Native American Music and techniques 

Info please gave me well detailed instruments and their techniques on how they used and made them. Not only did this source give me a lot of information but was very helpful.

History of the American Indians on history (Book)

This book source didn't give me too much information on my subject, but it did help me when writing about the Native American techniques. 

 Indian Playing a Drum

                                                  Indian Ceremony Involving Dancing

Modern Day Native Americans Preforming

Indian Drums

Indian Family with Flute

12 Years a Slave and Glory Film Essay

Aspen Haught

History Essay

Glory and 12 Years a Slave

        In both of the films 12 Years a Slave and Glory, I developed great analytical skills 

throughout both of the films and explored real events, circumstances, and attitudes just 

by watching the movies in a critical way. Not only were both of the films awarded in 

many different aspects but also, a majority of people and critics raved about how well 

thought out and historically accurate the films were. Even though at times, both of the 

films took the truth and either twisted it or changed it, the two historical based movies 

did a fine job at getting their point across and adding some factual information too.

        The film, 12 Years a Slave, was not only one of the most talked about and recent 

film that deals with American history but the film also pulled the viewer into the movie, 

and shines a light on reality back in the 1800’s. Some may argue, such as a website 

called Slate, that 12 Years a Slave lost some of its audience because the film was too 

painful and brutal to watch, but answer me this, how historical accurate would it be if 

both of the films didn't have a harsh reality of how the slave owners treated the slaves? 

12 Years a Slave not only changed the viewers attitude on how our country was dealing 

with circumstances back in the day, but it makes you empathize for the main characters 

you begin to follow and like from the beginning. Unlike 12 Years a Slave, Glory shows 

the viewer of how a real white commander with the name of Robert Shaw interacted 

with his black soldiers. Even though from research the film Glory has more made up 

situations than the 12 Years a Slave, they both were inspired by a true story and a book.

           Even though both of the films were based off a true story, historical accuracy was 

a big part of the two films. From a website, called The Atlantic, they argued that in 

12 Years a Slave Mistress Epps wanting Platt to drown Patsy was a big misread line 

and mistake on the writers fault. But The New York Times wrote that the movie was on 

point with the historical accuracy and said it was the “Hallmark of the real”. Both of 

these opinions have been a on going process for years on historical accuracy such as 

like Glory. Glory is a film historians study and really try to find the truth but, as like The 

Atlantic wrote, “We don’t know the truth because we didn't experience it. We didn't 

witness American Slavery.” Yet this is true, I as a viewer, after watching both these films 

not only developed a new attitude towards out history and the movies interpretation but I   

also learned new facts that no teacher ever taught me. 

          In both of the films 12 Years a Slave and Glory, I developed great analytical skills 

throughout both of the films and explored real events, circumstances, and attitudes just 

by watching the movies in a critical way. From watching both of these films I now know, 

thanks to the actors and writers, how our history was interpreted. Not only did I feel as if 

I was actually there, but I also felt the emotions both of the characters in 12 Years a 

Slave and Glory felt. As a visual learner, both of the movies grabbed my attention and 

gave me new knowledge and a opinion, rather than listening to someone say it to me or 

I myself, read it. 

Sources

Rotten Tomatoes of 12 Years a Slave

The guardian review of 12 Years a Slave 

Rotten Tomatoes review of Glory

Rogerebert review of Glory

Reel Views review of Glory 

Forbes cost of 12 Years a Slave

Box Office Mojo 12 Years a Slave box office

Box Office Mojo cost and box office for Glory 

IMDB awards Glory received

IMDB awards for 12 Years a Slave received

The Atlantic historical accuracy of 12 Years a Slave

The New York Times historical accuracy of 12 Years a Slave 

Slate review of 12 Years a slave

Civil War Memory historical accuracy of Glory 

Ashrook historical accuracy of Glory