First I have to say that I’m a bit disappointed that we cannot blog about issues that are a bit more general in terms of location and visibility. Nationally and internationally, there are so many news-worthy topics that are worth blogging about. ISIS, the Scottish vote for independence from Great Britain, the impact that the mid-term elections will have on the Obama precedency, the border crisis, etc. These are all topics that are current and debate worthy. I feel that focusing on local New York issues limits our opportunities to create an interesting blog that doesn’t just appeal to New Yorkers.
Anyhow, my two blog proposals are as follows:
1. Troubled youth in the Bronx
More than any other borough in the city, The Bronx suffers from a large amount of kids who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Whether its poverty, a poor public school system or perhaps single-parent homes, my blog will seek to find out the reason. A couple of semesters ago, I wrote a paper profiling a troubled 13-year-old boy and his family from the notoriously dangerous Highbridge area of The Bronx. I will try to blog about kids in similar situations. I will also seek to interview Bronx law enforcement, social workers and other experts.
2. New Yorkers and their take on indie movies
I feel that the most active film blogs mostly focus on mainstream cinema. I think that this blog would be a good opportunity to write about the way New Yorkers react to more thought-provoking independent cinema. As an assistant manager at the Angelika Film Center, one of the premier art-house theatres in the city, I get a first-row view on people’s perceptions of all the latest indie films. Located in the heart of Soho, the Angelika Film Center is the perfect place to seek out reviews from New Yorkers and blog about their take on independent films.
4 responses so far ↓
Crystal Civil // Sep 15th 2014 at 10:02 pm
I love the indie idea, only because I don’t know much about indie movies.
I have been to a small movie theater near Union Square that plays indie movies, and it’s pretty cool. There may be more of those in the city, and I’d personally like to know more about them. Do they make good business? Why did the owners choose to open an indie theater?
Jona Jaupi // Sep 16th 2014 at 2:58 pm
Juan, let me start by saying that I love Anjelika, I go there all the time, and now I’m expecting you to get me free tickets, haha just kidding!
On a serious note though, I like the first blog idea better. I think it’s more of a pressing issue, and to be honest I don’t really care about other peoples opinions on movies, although I know many people do. In my opinion, profiling real people and their problems/struggles can be very powerful because you are bringing awareness to bigger issues like the justice system, the prevalence of drug trades, and socioeconomics.
VHaller // Sep 17th 2014 at 9:50 am
Well, we can talk about your comments about limiting the topics for these blogs. I could be open if you have an idea that really interests you, that would allow you to do journalism, and that would not be purely opinion. As for the other two ideas, I agree with Jona that your first topic idea is a more serious subject matter. Have you thought about protecting the privacy of the people you interview? For young people under the age of 18, parental permission is required. This is something we can talk about more.
Diana Kozak // Sep 17th 2014 at 12:41 pm
Love the film idea! Agree that there is not enough coverage of indie films as well as great student films. Would love to see this blog happen.