essay about journal entries

Nicholas Murillo

Cebe Loomis

Section B

Journal Entry #4

Coming from a family of immigrants I was able to connect with Rodrigo

Valenzuela. I really enjoyed his work ​Diamond Box​,​ ​because it documented the horrors

and sacrifices the men encountered on their long journey to the land of opportunity. It

gave a voice to these men that they don't really have in this country. The use of black and

white footage was simply beautiful​ showcasing silvery faces. The footage is divorced

from the audio, chilling, and you can’t tell which story belongs to whom. The

interviewees sit, fidget, wait, as words disjointedly hover over images, subtitled onscreen.

It had me almost out of my seat anxious to know more of the struggle that I know very

well. It reminded me of the stories of my mother’s journey across the border because of

the lack of opportunities in Mexico. I respect Rodrigo’s work because he takes a political

stance unlike the past two artists. He is aware of the backlash he will face but does so

otherwise. He does so well at communicating the lack of transition between these people

to the American life.

After viewing ​Marias TV​, I enjoyed how the women were acting as if they were

in a telenovela. A favorite of mine. All the women were dressed as maids, addressing

real stories of theirs as the men did in ​Diamond Box​. Their conversations about men and

the families were meant to show the audience what the media portrays them caring about.

As to address another underrepresented group and their struggle in society.

Valenzuela talks about his work in lecture as being personal by incorporating personal

interviews and real stories from real people. His subjects tell the truth that most do not

want to hear.

As mentioned in lecture, Valenzuela stated that a protest should be somewhat

disruptive to achieve its goals. He also mentioned that the parades show in class had no

significant meaning because the protesters were merely marching without a purpose and

obeying the rules. As he asked, “Why are you marching?” To only learn that they were

doing it just to march, without a letter of intent for a high authority. Throughout the

course of human civilization, there have been multiple uprising against corrupt

governments or ideas. A spark that drove for change. These protests were aggressive and

had specific targets. As Valenzuela wishes to do with his artwork. He aims to ignite the

emotions of his viewer so we can think about these issues firsthand and how we can make

a difference. Seen through his videos of ​Diamond Box​, and ​Maria’s TV​.

Besides the previously mentioned videos, I genuinely enjoyed ​El Sisifo. ​Another

documentary of the cleanliness of Rice Stadium that goes completely unacknowledged by

the hordes of spectators as they take their seats. The workers behind the scenes are again

a minority group-blacks. Their hard work will never be acknowledged by the white man,

who is watching a black dominated game of football. For they respect the football players

more, but in reality the workers should be respected even more. I notice that too many

underrepresented workers are taken advantage of because of their field of work. But they

work harder than most, and they do the worst. Valenzuela’s work has definitely ignited

some fire in me. If I had an opportunity to ask Valenzuela a question I would ask how he

deals with the harsh comments, and criticism aimed at his political work.